The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Kenya Simon Mordue conducted a two-day visit of Mombasa during which he handed over Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) to Kenya Ports Authority to support its fight against COVID-19.

The Ambassador was hosted by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of East Africa Community (EAC) Kevit Desai, Kenya Ports Authority General Manager Operations & Harbour Master Captain William Ruto, and TMEA Kenya Country Director, Ahmed Farah.

The PPE’s delivery will meet the needs of 2,730 Kenya Ports Authority staff, Port Police, Kenya Revenue Authority staff, Port health staff and sustain them for 60 days.

The 2730 staff were prioritised as they are the first responders and most vulnerable dealing with port health, first aiders and handling of cargo as it arrives.

The PPE’s include Reusable masks, Hand sanitisers, Hand washing points, Disinfectant spray, Infrared Thermometer, Reusable Safety Boots, Full protective PPE for front line health workers, N95 face masks and face shields.

This as agreed by KPA in consultation with KRA and port health and advice from medical agencies at regional and international levels.

The European Union is the largest donor to Kenya’s component of TMEA’s Safe Trade Emergency Facility (STEF) programme with a contribution of KES 600 million (EUR 5 million).

Its under this programme that the PPE delivery has been made as part EU’s wider support for mitigation against the spread of COVID-19 and promotion of continous safe trade in Kenya.

The delivery to Port of Mombasa is critical as the port is the main entry point into East Africa through the Northern Corridor.

Soon after Kenya experienced its first COVID-19 cases in March 2020, Kenya Ports Authority, which has about 7000 employees was identified as the epi-centre of infections in Mombasa prompting a series of tough measures including scanning of people entering the port and also ships docking.

Making his remarks at the event, EU Ambassador to Kenya Simon Mordue said: “The port of Mombasa is the most important gateway to East Africa. To make this port a safe place to work is yet another important step to ensure the flow of goods to support the economy and livelihoods of all people involved. The EU is happy to contribute to this.”

Ministry of Health Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Rashid Aman appreciated the EU’s continued support to Kenya’s fight against COVID-19. There were 31,015 COVID-19 confirmed cases as of 19 th August.

He said “If this pandemic teaches us anything, it is that we do not have a choice between preserving life and reviving our economy. It is apparent that we must acknowledge the linkages, intricacies and synergies between the economy and the public".

Adding "The PPEs delivered today demonstrate that indeed considerate measures to protect our frontline workers at the ports and borders will also ensure that trade continues, and our economy bounces back.”

On his part, Kenya’s Permanent Secretary to the East Africa Community Dr. Kevit Desai commended KPA for measures put in place to ensure Mombasa Port is safe for trade.

He thanked the EU for promoting safety at other Kenya border crossing points including Namanga, Isebania, Malaba, Busia and Moyale.

“We are indeed pleased about this partnership which we have strengthened with TMEA and the EU in the recent past. We have benefited a lot from this partnership in trade facilitation programming through which we are enabling uninterrupted flow of essential commodities during the COVID-19 period" said Desai.

Adding "The government is committed to continue enhancing efficiency of the corridor starting from this point of entry, so that the land linked countries continue to maximise the potential of international trade. We will continue being responsive to the needs of all stakeholders through policy reforms and uptake of innovative solutions in the operations of all our frontline regulatory staff at the points of entry,” 

On his part KPA Ag. Managing Director Rashid Salim through General Manager Operations & Harbour Master Captain William Ruto said, “The management of KPA acknowledges the support accorded today as timely and crucial in ensuring the Port of Mombasa continues to offer world class services and operations that largely contribute to the regional economy.”

Mr. Salim said that the Port of Mombasa has established 147 hand washing points, mass testing of staff and port users, online cargo documentation processes, fumigation of port premises, distribution of PPEs to staff, release of staff aged above 58 years and those with pre-existing medical conditions to work from home.

“So far, no crew of any ship calling at the Port has tested positive. This demystifies the misconception that COVID-19 at the Port is being transmitted by cargo ships,” he added.

At the time of delivery, Mombasa Port was running short of supplies of masks for its front line staff. Inadequate or no PPEs for frontline staff, especially for port health and security personnel, is causing delays in port entry and exit procedures.

During his visit the Ambassador visited other projects that are contributing to the fight against COVID19, including the ongoing implementation of the Regional Cargo and Driver Tracking System (RECDTS) which the EU among other donors is funding.

RECDTS has an inventory of driver’s COVID-19 tests and issues EAC regional recognised digital health certificates to registered long distance drivers. This ensures they can cross East African borders without delays thus regulating flow of trade across the region.

Other interventions funded by the EU under the STEF include: the installation of smart gates at the border; re-engineering import and export process and procedures; the development and implementation of relevant protocols to enhance efficient and safe trade; supporting trade policy, standards and sanitary and phytosanitary standards; policy advocacy and improving e-commerce; and the development of safe trade zones to support formal and informal traders at the borders.

This support is complemented by a grant from Ireland of more than KES 10 million focusing on the establishment of a Safe Trade Zone for female cross border traders in Busia. Other members of Team Europa in particular, The Netherlands, Denmark, and Finland support TMEA activities across Eastern Africa region.

TMEA Kenya Country Director, Ahmed Farah said, “What we have learned through this crisis is that it is important to take quick action to protect the people ensuring critical supplies reach where they are needed; that coordinated action at the regional level is possible and that the pandemic could accelerate regional integration".

Adding "It has revealed importance of trade facilitation in times of crisis and especially in that supplies like food and medicine reach consumers. This crisis has magnified the importance of trade in ordinary development.”

They have taken Kenya and East Africa by storm! Made us jam to one banger after another, from Pandana to Daktari and YES Ethic Entertainment are back at it again. New flow, new swag but same group we introduce to you Dondoka.

Under the adeptness of Kenya’s finest Morris Kobia (Motif) and Super talented Hamadi Ali (Amadoh), Dondoka is a guaranteed anthem.

Still representing for Umoja, Nairobi and Kenya at large, Ethic continue to pave way for the younger generation and teach us as a nation that your humble beginnings don’t define you but rather, they challenge you to be who you want to be.

If you set your mind to positivity, embrace your hustle and leave (Dondoka) your insecurities, fears and negative vibes, then you can be who you want to be and more.

Whatever bad mood you are experiencing, whatever unpleasant feeling you are feeling, the negativity surrounding you, the corona menace around us, that uncleared cheque from your hustle, that failed relationship … It’s about time you DONDOKA from anything that is not positive.

It’s new, it’s big and it’s DONDOKA.

View The Video HERE

Following the success of #InMyMaserati By Nigerian star Olakira, BET Award winning artist Davido has been featured on the remix of the monster track out soon.

In My Maserati - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEPmDnVkLzg&feature=youtu.be 

The song was inspired by Olakira's love for the luxury vehicle brand - Maserati. In the song the Wakanda Jollof Crooner is seen pouring his heart out to his queen whom he promises a different kind of love and of course a ride in his Maserati.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNnKROaiLGA. 

#In My Maserati has topped various charts on Apple Music Top 100 songs in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Gambia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Dominican Republic. The song became a sensation and has been featured by top influencers around the world.

AYA Mi - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez27kq1JiXQ 

Olakira who shot into the limelight with his Wakanda Jollof Ep with tracks like Hey Lover, Aya Mi is set to embark on a global tour which would kick off in Kenya after the release of the #InMyMaserati remix with Davido

Early this year Olakira released the visuals to - Aya Mi(My Love), track off his Wakanda Jollof EP under the U&I Music and was well received globally.

It's another sad day for the family of former Changamwe Mp , the late Ramadhan Kajembe as the grim reaper robs the family of another member, Asha Langoni.

Asha Langoni is Kajembe's eldest daughter.

According to reports, Langoni died at the Pandya Hospital where she had been admitted at the Intensive care unit (ICU).

Her death comes just two weeks after the death of her father Kajembe and few weeks after the death of first and second wife.

Langoni was not able to attend to her father's burial due to her admission in hospital where she was on oxygen support.

She will be laid to rest on Thursday morning next to her parents graves in Kwa Shee Mikindani.

Last week, the Kajembe family led by Soud Kajembe, the remaining eldest son held a press conference protested against Health CS Mutahi Kagwe's claims that  Kajembe's son refused to self isolate days after testing positive for the virus and that he was the source of the virus in the family. They demanded an apology from the CS and Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

Kenya has a lot of gifted singers and Zeshari is one of them. Not yet widely known though, Zeshari is set to take over the airwaves in the remaining part of 2020 and most of 2021. 

The Sauti Academy alumnus has a sweet voice, and when coupled with her groovy melodies she produces music you'll want to listen to all year long. She presents to us an ultimate party song HEWA. 

Check out "HEWA" video here: https://youtu.be/Bgtqj9p23tk 

"Hewa is a swahili word for air.

This song is a reminder for all of us to just take a minute, step back and just BREATHE. It's crazy how many times we take it for granted in our hustles and bustles of our day to day life. When was the last time you just stood outside and breathed in and out just because you can? Well, today Zeshari reminds you this, the next time life brings its twists and turns as you remember to..Punga Hewa" - Zeshari

The video was shot in Nairobi, Kenya by Zord Files. The audio producer is Ihaji.

About Zeshari:

Zeshari is an immensely gifted Afro pop/reggae artiste with a powerful voice, a knack for songwriting and a bold onstage charisma that makes all her performances both riveting and captivating. Furthermore, she plays the guitar, drum or whatever weird or broken instruments she finds in an attic or even a gutter!

Her first release ‘Mapenzi Ya Nusu’ is a taste of what to expect in her EP that is set to be released later in the year.  As an alumnus of Sauti Academy, Zeshari enjoys singing to the top of the stratosphere. This has led her to a career as a backup singer for seasoned musicians such as Muthoni Drummer Queen and Simply Susan.

Zeshari draws her inspiration from African artistes such as Muthoni Drummer Queen, Valerie Kimani, and Sauti Sol as well as international artistes such as Etana, Shekhinah, Gregory Porter, Torri Kelly and mostly Danileigh and Lizzo which creates a beautiful blend of sound.

She has graced the stage at a number of events and festivals, from small intimate events such as Ink Overflow, Strings and Coffee and Percussion Discussion and Lovers and Friends to larger events such as Nairobi Fashion Market and The Fairmont Norfolk Hotel. 

She is no stranger to the big stages with huge audiences such as Sondeka Festival and Kijiji Festival.  She also organized her own successful valentine’s event The Red Black and Love Affair.

Her dream is to be the most successful solo female African pop reggae artiste in Kenya and the whole of Africa.

She is looking forward to the day that Zeshari will be a household name and that her music will be on the lips of everybody and be an inspiration to many more in Africa.

Transcending from an African household name to a global superstar, chart topping Nigerian musician and creative Adekunle Gold marks this chapter of his ascension with the release of his new album Afro Pop Vol. 1.

Foreshadowed by internationally acclaimed singles “AG Baby” and the sensational “Something Different”, Adekunle’s third studio album and first with Universal/EMI emerges as a fresh approach to the crooner’s sound, more embracing of wider influences while underpinned by the traditional West African sounds that positioned him as a unique force in music.

Going from the rock-laced “Exclusive” and the dancehall-leaning “Pretty Girl” to firmly embracing the afro-pop label with sweet “Here For Ya”, he seeks a diverse evolution here.

More progressive pop sounds are adopted, a noticeable departure from the high-life sounds of his 2017 Billboard-charting debut Gold.

Nonetheless, his highlife roots and a love for the six strings of the guitar run deep on this project, and his unmistakable vocals are the rich tapestry that expertly weaves the album together.

His most ambitious body of work to date, with notable guests including Tekno, Patoranking and Nailah Blackman speaking to the calibre of this new release.

Adekunle shares: “I’m so glad that I set out to do this project, it’s better than anything that I thought I could ever do here.”

Capturing audiences as he continues to push creative boundaries with his art, Adekunle Gold has continued to see incredible success to date, with his sophomore album About 30, going onto make the consideration list for the 2019 Grammy Awards category for Best World Album as well as being the talk of key tastemakers to date incl. NOTION, BILLBOARD, OKAYAFRICA, NATIVE MAGAZINE and COMPLEX.

Afro Pop Vol. 1 is Adekunle Gold’s true arrival. Not wavered by the pressures to conform, he leans into every fibre of his self-expression making this his most special album to date.

Fresh off their newly released six tracks musical project, Gabiro Mtu Necessary and Asen B have released the second music video for ‘Niteke’

Before this new music video off their freshly released EP "MPITO”, the duo had also delivered another music video ‘Anakuona’ which is now exactly two weeks old.

The gospel tune has been doing great rounds on different platforms across the globe with the EP making exemplary steps since its release on the 23^rd of July, 2020.

In July, Gabiro and Asen B first mentioned they have a new collaborative EP coming.

"We are preparing an album for the second half of this year, but decided to first release an EP because we wanted to reach our fans as soon as possible," they revealed on their live broadcasting on Facebook and Instagram.

They added, "The song is an upbeat love tune and sung in Swahili, just like ‘Anakuona’ and ‘Katika’ both songs on the EP.

The six-track Dancehall release contains every element to get the listeners reminiscing, singing, and replaying it 24/7.

“Mpito” takes the listener on a musical journey with African flavored beats, drifty uplifting rhythms, and infectious energy. The vocals and instrumentation work seamlessly together in every track for a must-listen record.

The story-telling lyricism paired with the feel-good vocals will have listeners relating to certain situations in their lives. The engaging melody and beats with each track give the vocal an intimate, and euphoric feeling. Spreading good vibes automatically.

Video Link – https://youtu.be/D470xUAAjC4

Nollywood star Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has revealed that she tested positive for coronavirus.

The 42-year-old actress disclosed this on Instagram revealing that she has been isolation.

“Hello all, I know most of you have been wondering where I’ve been. Well, I contracted COVID. I have been ill in Isolation and now getting better. More details of this soon,” she wrote.

Just recently the actress revealed that her husband,  pilot, Mathew Ekeinde had flown their two children in a private jet from the U.S. to Nigeria. According to her, they were stranded in the United States because of the Covid-19 outbreak.

She is the third Nigerian celebrity so far to come out and reveal they have tested for the virus

Others are  singers Mr. P of Psquare fame and Azadus.

Mr P tested positive alongside his wife Lola and daughter Aliona.

“For the past three weeks, I have been ill, and most people didn’t even know what was wrong with me. I kept it to myself. It has been three weeks of hell for me and my family. I had Covid-19 for about three weeks, and it happened to me. I was sick, and I tested positive,”  said Mr P in a video shared online.

Adding “After a week, my daughter caught the virus as well. It was sad that when she caught it, the doctor insisted that she has to be self-isolated in her own room. When she was pronounced negative, we knew it wasn’t going to end there. The next day, Lola became positive. It has been hell but we had a bad experience. I am happy to announce that my wife, myself, our daughter and two of our domestic staff, are all negative now."

Masauti has released the first video off his 001 EP featuring Tanasha Donna titled 'Liar'.

The video has been directed by one of Tanzania’s best video directors Hanscana working together with Mombasa based production house, above the rim as the executive producer.

The audio was recorded by Mombasa based music producer Shirko.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/1685-tanasha-working-on-a-video-with-masauti

The Ep has a total of four songs.