The Kenya Ports Authority has announced major changes affecting 16 senior officers.

Among those who have been affected in the new changes is former procurement manager Anthony Nyamancha who has now been moved to Kampala as the new head of Liason Markets his position has been taken by Aza Dzengo.

Mariam Khamis who was the head of security has now been moved to the Inland Container Depot (ICD) Nairobi as the head of ICT, Tony Kibwana taking over from her in an acting capacity. Fredrick Oyugi is the new head of SGR Reconciliation at the ICD in Nairobi. Moses Sirgoi is the new Principal procurement officer (Tenders and CTC) in acting capacity and Ali  Mwinjika  the Principal procurement officer (Purchasing and Contracts).

Engineer Kennedy Nyaga is the new Lamu Port Project Manager taking over from Peter Oremo who is soon going on retirement. Millicent Omollo has been posted as the acting Head of Audit and Risk.

These comes as some officials from the parastatal are being investigated by the Ethics and Anti- corruption commission(EACC) over the Sh40 billion tender of the construction of the Kipevu Oil Terminal. Former Managing Director Catherine Muturi and the current MD Daniel Manduku are some of the top officials who have already been summoned and grilled by EACC concerning the saga.

Boomplay, the largest music streaming and downloading service in Africa, will host its first Music Forum on Tuesday 21st May 2019.

The industry gathering targeting artistes, music producers, promoters and distributors, among other key stakeholders in music business will focus on the topic "Focus on Digital Music Distribution’ and The Future is Streaming.

Ahead of the forum, General Manager Boomplay Kenya, Martha Huro said, “The conversations around the Kenyan music industry are constantly ongoing. This is our first of many forums as Boomplay Kenya and we hope the session provides more insight into how Kenya’s industry can be on par with its counterparts by providing solutions and offering industry know-how to maneuver this ever-changing entertainment landscape. We will have a highly interactive session with key players in the industry.”

On her part Head of Content Acquisition at Boomplay Kenya, Elizabeth Karuru notes  “One reason Kenyan music isn’t getting around the continent as it should is distribution. Here, at Boomplay we want to solve that problem by formulating new relationships with artists and assuring the industry that we will use our networks and branches across Africa to promote Kenyan music across our platforms.”

The forum will have six panel discussions that will tackle a number of topics from Intellectual Property, Publishing and Legal Protection, Production, Digital Distribution, Music Labels to PR and Branding.

The Panels

▪ Intellectual Property, Publishing and Legal Protection: a talk by Davis Katee (an associate at James. T Makori Advocates) tackling IP, Copyright Law and the challenges facing Kenyan artists with regards to IP.

▪ Production: What makes a good producer? : A talk by Eric Musyoka (Decimal Records), on the Business, Creative and Technical Aspects of Music.

▪ Digital Distribution: a talk discussion by Martha Huro (General Manager Boomplay Kenya), about Boomplay, a review of the past years and plans for the year.

▪ PR and Branding: a talk about how to package and brand yourself as an artist by Anyiko Owoko (Founder Anyiko Public Relations)

▪ Labels: a talk about some of the factors labels consider when looking to invest in an artist steered by John Andrews (Universal Media Group).

▪ My experience as a Kenyan artist: an industry discussion on what it takes to grow and nurture your career as an artist in Kenya with panelists - Kenyan songstress Vivian, producer Cedo, legendary artist Nameless and Gospel musician Janet Otieno.

About Boomplay

Boomplay Artistes Forum is the start to a series of industry events by Boomplay set to be held across Kenya and beyond the region. All the forums will have a series of panel discussions integral to the music industry.

Boomplay is currently the biggest and fastest growing music app in Africa with a catalogue of 5 million songs and videos which is still growing day by day.

Users can stream songs and videos online free of charge, subscribe to one of the daily, weekly or monthly plans to save songs and videos to play whilst offline or purchase content to download. The Boomplay app, which won the “Best African App” at the 2017 “AppsAfrica Awards”, has over 46 million users as of April 2019.

The service is currently available on Android, iOS and Web. The music and video streaming & download service is developed and owned by Transsnet Music Limited. Boomplay’s vision is to build the largest and most reliable digital music ecosystem for artistes and content creators in Africa. In the last year, Boomplay has signed deals with Universal Music Group and Warner Music giving its users access to an extensive catalogue of music globally.

Elizabeth Marami is celebrated as the first female marine pilot in the country.

Born and raised in the coastal city of Mombasa, Marami, scored an A plain in her KCSE exams and was awarded a scholarship to the University of Nairobi to study law, this was however not her dream and that is why she drifted off to Egypt to study navigation in Alexandria.

Her job as a marine pilot entails assisting vessels with coming into territorial waters.

Liz is also a fashion blogger and runs the blog http://amorke.com/. In 2015 she was listed among the top 40 under 40 Women by the Business Daily Africa.

Her journey has not been a walk in the park, she has had to go through hardships including being discriminated, having her applications turned down due to her gender among other issues.

In a series of tweets dubbed #Diaryofakenyanseafearer, Elizabeth shares with fans how her journey has been before getting where she is currently and the struggles that a Kenyan Seafarer goes through.

Below is a link to the thread.

https://twitter.com/lizmarami/status/1128274160176771072?s=04&fbclid=IwAR21ca61-vzSmmIRgFq4is_g2rABovX1-TaOqFNhql6REr-6Qeml8JTrMrY

Kenyan gospel artist and Citizen Television Presenter Kambua has turned down her nomination to groove awards. 

She had been nominated for Media Personality of the Year alongside, NTV’s DJ Mo, DJ Ruff, DJ Soxxy, Joyce Gituro, Timeless Noel, Syombua Osiany and Antony Ndiema.

According to Kambua, she feels there is need to channel her energy elsewhere, she however did not state where she prefers channeling her energy to.

She however thanked the groove awards team and fans fro considering her. 

"Good morning! I would like to say “thank you” to #GrooveAwards for nominating me, and especially all of you who have been cheering me on. I don’t take any of it for granted. However, I will not be asking for your votes this year, I honestly feel the need to channel my energy elsewhere. Congratulations and Godspeed to all the nominees! Have a fab day, and thank you for coming to my #TEDTalk . Love always,  K . . #2019 #restandrestoration #blessed #loved #lifted #IamKenyan" she posted 

This move might however not go down well with some of her fans who were ready to vote for her and ensure she carries the award.

Pine Creek Records presents Mankind's new song - F.A.M.E

Mankind is an Alternative Music Duo based in Nairobi, Kenya, known for their experimental sound.

A Brief Story Of F A M E

"F A M E" is the second single off of mankind's upcoming debut' studio album. As a follow up to the lead single "take & go" released in October of 2018, "F A M E" is ambition in a bottle, it's an attempt at expressing aspiration in a way most people would find relatable. Contrary to the title, it isn't wholly about fame and the pursuit for acclaim as described by the duo, "FAME “is merely a place holder for anything that we as a collective people as well as individually, aspire to accomplish within our brief tenure as humans.

Here are a few fun facts about the song:

1. The title is an acronym the duo has completely refused to divulge 
2. The song was produced by the uber talented Sofresh and Enos Olik was there, for the video though.
3. F A M E is exactly 3 minutes and 33 seconds and apparently, it's intentional for best results listen to the song at very beginning of the day.
4. It’s been reported from inconclusive studies that it's possible to hear the song under water rich and famous people can't relate to this song. 
5. The song is a great soundtrack for any hitchhiker trekking through the galaxy finally, mankind and the team at pine creek are beyond grateful for all your support so far and maybe with your continued faith and assistance, someday they'll get the chance to shout out their mothers at the Grammys.

Over the weekend I decided to visit Moshi, for the first time. It is among the popular tourist cities in Tanzania.

Moshi is located  in the northern part of the country (Tanzania) also known as the gateway to Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. It's near the Kenyan border in Taveta, Holili.

So, I applied for my temporary permit (my passport has expired, i haven't renewed it yet) to Tanzania a day before my journey (Friday, May 10) thanks to the new digital process through e-citizen that has now made it easy to apply for the permit and other services from the government. 

The temporary permit costs kshs 350.

I left Mombasa at exactly 7am (Saturday) by bus since i had opted to travel by bus so i can at least also have a first hand experience of the journey from Mombasa by road and of course see the wild animals at the Tsavo national park in Taita Taveta County on my way to Taveta.

We arrived at the border at exactly 12 pm and it's here where my journey almost came to an end. I had no clue that i was also supposed to have a copy of my invoice (from my permit application), an extra passport size photo ,a copy of my national identification card and also a photocopy of my permit.

I only had one copy of the permit, the original one that i downloaded from e-citizen and my original ID card. The officer at the Kenyan immigration office informed me that it was mandatory that i have the documents.

"I'm very sorry that this might be the end of your journey Mr Omar" the officer told me.

However, i must thank the officer since he called one of the guys from the bus company and told him to assist me in getting copies of the documents which i successful did from one of the bureaus outside the offices, in the Tanzania side and quickly came back to present them to him for him to stamp my permit which he did and proceeded to the Tanzanian immigration offices where it was also stamped and i rushed to the bus to continue with my journey.

The bus was still waiting for me all this time, it took me about an hour to be cleared and was the only passenger waiting to be cleared before the bus leaves.

We finally arrived in Moshi at around 2:30 pm. I took a taxi from the bus station to my hotel, Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel which is just some 4km away frrom town centre. Upon arrival at the hotel i was received by one guy who we quickly bonded and became friends as if we knew each other yet we were total strangers. Moses Alen the door man at the hotel was very good to me, i liked his hospitality, friendly and joyful nature.

By the way the hotel was my official host, special thanks to the General Manager Micheal Solaiman.

This hotel is actually one of the first truly 4-stars boutique hotels in Moshi which provide great ambience and facilities, it is located 4km from the Town of Moshi, 45 km away from Kilimanjaro national park, 40km away from the Kilimanjaro International airport.

The hotel is ideal for visitors visiting Moshi town for adventure seeking or for business travel. 

Started in October 2016, the hotel has a total of 44 rooms with standard rooms, twin rooms, grand rooms and also grand suites. It also has two bars, one at the ground floor just beside the pool and the other at the roof top which is also popular with guests who want to have a view of the popular Mount Kilimanjaro. One can easily see two peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro , Uhuru and Mawenzi. 

A fully equipped fitness centre (gym) is also available at the hotel, located at the 4th floor,roof top.

The hotel also has a meeting room, a fully equipped conference facility is currently under construction, upon its completion (before end of this year), the conference facility will be able to accommodate 60 to 80 people.

In terms of food, the hotel offers different delicacies including local delicacies, one unique thing about the hotel is it sources its coffee locally from local farmers. Moshi is one of Tanzania's major coffee producing hubs and is also known for its coffee farms and auctions.

A view of the Mount Kilimanjaro from Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel Moshi, at the left is Uhuru peak and Mawenzi peak at the right.

Places to visit in Moshi.

Here are some places that you should consider visiting while in Moshi.

Materuni Waterfalls & coffee tour

This very impressive Waterfall is one of the tallest in the area, spewing crystal clear glacier water 70m into its basin. The beautiful path leading to Materuni Waterfall is located 2500m above sea level

It traverses thru valleys and hills covered by tropical rainforest, past coffee, banana and avocado “shambas”, the Kiswahili word for farms. On a clear day great views of Kibo and Moshi town can be seen. The hike to the base of the Waterfall can be demanding and hiking boots are recommended. As this trip is so close to Moshi town it is ideal for those people with limited time but who would still like to see some of the nature and beauty that this region of Tanzania has to offer.

Materuni is one of the few villages of wonder in Northern Tanzania sitting at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The village is blessed with full of all the beauty worth much visiting for holiday, week-end outing or vacation. While in the village, scenic view of Moshi Town and Mount Kilimanjaro is astonishing. This green village with fresh air from green vegetations welcomes visitors to explore the beauty of the land and cultural heritage of the Chagga people.

A cultural experience such as banana beer brewed or coffee roasted the traditional way can be added to your hike.

Chemka hot springs day trip

Kikuletwa Hot Springs or Chemka hot springs are an unexpected paradise hidden in the desert scrub outside the town of Boma.

Situated about 35 kilometres from Moshi, in the heart of the Sanya Plains, lie the Rundugai Springs. They are an extraordinary phenomenon, rushing up from underground in the middle of parched and dusty landscape. Locally called Chemka, meaning boiling, this refers to the way in which the water appears to boil as it emerges from underground. In fact, the water is not hot rather it is a pleasant temperature! This is a good place to visit for a picnic and a swim too. And the views of Kilimanjaro on a clear day are also fabulous. Unfortunately, the water is full of fluoride which means the local people can’t use it for drinking.  The crystal-clear, turquoise waters surrounded by palm trees and winding roots offer a picturesque spot for a relaxing afternoon swim.

The spring is actually rather big and over 6 meters deep in some places although you can see the bottom through the crystal clear waters no matter where you are. You can also wrap your arms around one of the roots and just let the water flow by as you drift off into a daydream listening to the monkeys and birds in the treas.

You can have as much fun or relaxation as your heart desires and your mind and body needs.

Kilimanjaro National Park

Photo/ courtesy

Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the World, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding savannah elevation around 900 metres – to an imperious 5,895 metres MASL (19,336 feet).

Kilimanjaro is one of the World’s most     accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the World. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, Stella Point or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates. And their memories.

But there is so much more to Kilimanjaro than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic World tour, from the tropics to the Arctic. Even before you cross the national park boundary (at about 2700m), the cultivated foot slopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with other worldly giant lobelias. Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.

Credit www.tanzaniaparks.com

The Kenya Ports Authority's Corporate Social Investment (CSI) project dubbed 'Tunahusika' has won an award in the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) World Ports Sustainability in the category of Ethics and Governance.

General Manager Corporate Services Mr Edward Kamau was presented with the award in Guangzhou, China. He was accompanied by Head of Security Services Ms. Mariam Khamis, Head of Corporate Affairs Mr Bernard Osero and Senior Human Resource Officer (Change Management) Ms. Fiona Mbandi.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has send a message of condolence and comfort to the family, friends and relatives of former clerk of the National Assembly Justin Bundi who succumbed to cancer over the weekend. 

Describing him as a seasoned and committed public servant who had a deep understanding of legislative processes, the President said the late Bundi distinguished himself as forthright and dependable public officer. 

“The late Bundi's commitment and devotion to his work saw him rise through the ranks from a District Officer in the then Provincial Administration to the position of National Assembly Clerk, where he again demonstrated his acumen and deep understanding of legislative processes, all aimed at improving the lives of fellow Kenyans,” said the President.

“His service and interaction with members of parliament, who are representatives of the people, enabled him to understand and appreciate the challenges facing us, as a nation, thereby ensuring that all legal aspects of Bills coming from the National Assembly fulfilled the aspirations of Kenyans,” he added.

The President said the late Bundi has left an indelible mark, not only in Kenya but in the whole region having previously served as the Clerk of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

Bundi's death was  confirmed by the Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi.

“Mr Bundi, a personal friend whom I have known since our days in high school succumbed to cancer last evening while undergoing treatment at Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi,”  said Muturi

Award winning dancer and Choreographer Ian Wainaina of Sura ya Malaika makes a comeback with a debut of his latest single – Mrembo

After 10 years of actively missing in the music scene, Ian is back with a Kizomba inspired beat produced by Paccy Bwoy of BlacJack Recordz and video by Alex of Raw Talent.

Mrembo is about a beautiful girl, and Ian sings his heart out acknowledging the beauty of this fine lady whom he holds in high regard.

Speaking about the song, Ian said “I was  challenged by two of my youngest dancers to go back to the studio after nudging them to always follow their dreams, I took  up challenge and so far I have recorded four songs and am back in the studio cooking more good music for my fans, it’s been a long time coming and am hopeful Mrembo will inspire all the beautiful ladies out there and all my fans. Mrembo is currently out on YouTube and will soon be available on all digital platforms”

 ABOUT

Ian is a singer, songwriter, Dancer and Dance Choreographer from Kenya. Ian is known in the industry for his dance moves and is also known for the hit song “Sura Ya Malaika” a single that brought him to the limelight.

Ian Wainaina has been involved in the entertainment and dance scene in East Africa for more than fifteen years. As an artist, he has a wide range of performance interests and has staged variety shows, performed in concerts and has been a judge and producer for major dance competitions, including Tusker Project Fame and Sakata Mashariki.  

He has also choreographed many renowned artists and events. Ian is keen to share his enthusiasm for music, dance and fitness, and he teaches a wide variety of dance styles including Latin Dance, Modern African Dance, Hip-Hop, and Dance Fitness both privately and in large group settings. 

 Ian is co-founder of Raw Talent Kenya, LTD, a talent consulting company that works with artists to fuse their different arts and talents encompassing music & video production, dance & choreography, theatre, music and dance events. He is also the sole creator of Kudunda, a Dance and Fitness program geared toward a healthy lifestyle, fitness and overall well-being.