Blacksand Pictures, a Screen Australia Enterprise-supported production company renowned for its commitment to authentic storytelling and cultural exchange, is excited to announce its expansion to East Africa with the launch of its presence in Kenya.

Founded and led by CEO Kauthar Abdulalim of Kenyan heritage, Blacksand Pictures has established itself as a trailblazer in fostering cultural connections between Australia and Saudi Arabia.

With a focus on promoting diverse narratives and commercial opportunities, Blacksand Pictures is poised to make a significant impact on the Kenyan and more broadly, the Sub-Saharan film industry.

During her tenure in Australia, Kauthar Abdulalim has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives, including the introduction of Australia's first Inclusion Rider and Muslim-specific Cultural Safety Policy within the screen sector.

Under her leadership, Blacksand Pictures has garnered acclaim for its exceptional storytelling, earning accolades such as the 'Best Short Film' award at the VMC Film Festival for 'The Ninth Tower,' which was also officially selected for the Academy-Award qualifying 69th Melbourne International Film Festival.

The launch in Kenya marks an exciting new chapter for Blacksand Pictures, as it seeks to collaborate with local talents and filmmakers, contribute to the growth of the Kenyan film industry, and showcase the rich culture and heritage of Africa to global audiences.

Speaking about the expansion, CEO Kauthar Abdulalim expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to bring Blacksand Pictures to Kenya and embark on this journey of creative collaboration and cultural exchange.”

Adding “Kenya boasts a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape, with a growing film industry and we are eager to explore opportunities to support and collaborate with local talents, share stories that resonate with audiences worldwide, and contribute to the success of the Kenyan film industry."

In response to the expansion, John Gregory, the Commercial Affairs Officer at Blacksand Pictures, stated, “Alongside the Middle East, the Sub-Saharan African region stands as one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors for screen production, and Blacksand Pictures is well-positioned to make a significant contribution to content creation in this dynamic market.”

 Blacksand Pictures will officially commence operations in late 2024 in East Africa, with plans to establish a head office in Nairobi.

The company aims to engage with local filmmakers, production houses, and industry stakeholders to create meaningful partnerships and produce compelling content that reflects the richness and diversity of Kenyan and East African culture.

Samsung Electronics, a pioneer in cutting-edge display technology, has again secured its position as the number one global signage manufacturer. For an impressive fifteenth consecutive year, market research firm Omdia has recognised Samsung for its unwavering leadership in the dynamic field of digital signage.

Samsung Electronics made a significant impact on the global signage industry in 2023 by capturing 33% of the market share. The company broke its record by selling over 2 million units, highlighting Samsung's dedication to innovation, flexibility, and customer-focused solutions.

“Achieving first place in the global display signage market for 15 consecutive years reflects our commitment to innovation and our ability to adapt to evolving market conditions and the needs of our customers. We will continue to provide the highest value by offering specialised devices, solutions, and services”, said Sam Odhiambo, Head of Department, Consumer Electronics, Samsung Electronics East Africa Ltd.

The global display signage industry is expected to grow 8% annually, with a projected market size of $24.6 billion (KES 3.198 trillion) by 2027, up from $14 billion (KES 1.813 trillion) in 2020.

While Kenya is yet to fully embrace 3D high-quality screens like The Wall All-in-One and The Wall for Virtual Production at Atlantis, The Royal in Dubai and Hilton Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, the potential for growth in the digital advertising sector is immense.

With its vibrant economy and burgeoning tech scene, Kenya stands poised to capitalise on this trend.

Quality screens play a pivotal role in driving revenue through effective digital advertising. In Kenya, businesses that invest in high-quality signage can expect substantial returns. The ability to capture attention, convey brand messages, and engage audiences directly impacts sales and brand visibility.

Continuous research and development has marked Samsung’s journey in developing cutting-edge signage screens. Key milestones include:

• The Wall: The world’s first modular display with micro LED technology, allowing customisation of size, ratio, and shape based on preference and use case.
• Smart Signage: Ultra-slim profiles and uniform bezel design for immersive experiences.
• Outdoor Signage: Tailored for sports, landmarks, and electric vehicle charging stations, designed for clear visibility in any weather.
• Samsung Interactive Display: Optimized for education, empowering educators and students with interactive tools.

Samsung’s recent introduction of the Samsung Visual eXperience Transformation (VXT) platform further demonstrates our dedication to display innovation. Industry experts have hailed Samsung’s transparent Micro LED display as the next generation of commercial display, earning accolades such as “Most Mind-Blowing LED” and “Best Transparent Display” from North American AV news outlet rAVe.

As Kenya looks to the future of digital advertising, Samsung remains at the forefront, driving excellence and shaping the landscape of visual communication. The journey continues, and Samsung’s commitment to quality screens ensures that it remains the preferred choice for businesses seeking impactful digital signage solutions.

President William Ruto Sunday led the country in giving the late Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla a befitting send-off.

General Ogolla was laid to rest at his Alego home in Siaya County in a colourful ceremony complete with a 19-gun salute.

President Ruto said the country had lost a great military leader who served his country with passion and unwavering commitment.

He described General Ogolla as a consummate military officer, a passionate commander and a patriot of great humility and integrity.

“Many people do not understand the loss that we have incurred as a country. There are very few leaders who can fit in the categorisation and shoes of General Ogolla,” he said.

Speaking during General Ogolla's burial service at Obama K’Ogello Primary School, President Ruto said he was proud to have appointed and worked with the fallen CDF.

“He loved this country and wanted the best for Kenya and would stop at nothing to make sure that Kenya was safe,” he said.

Present were First Lady Rachel Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, governors, Cabinet Secretaries and MPs, among others

The President assured the country of thorough investigation on the cause of the accident that claimed General Ogolla's and the lives of nine other Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers.

“I want to assure the country that KDF and the Kenya Air Force have the requisite integrity and professionalism to make sure that there will be no shroud of doubt on what happened to General Ogolla,” he said.

The President said the days of extrajudicial killings and political assassinations are long gone.

“There shall never be extrajudicial killings or political assassinations. It will never happen again that bodies float in River Yala. Not under my watch,” he said.

President Ruto also said tribalism and ethnicity will no longer drive the politics and governance of the country. He said every Kenyan will have an opportunity to serve the nation on account of merit as opposed to tribalism and political affiliation.

“There is no position reserved for any group or any community or any region. Kenya belongs to all of us,” he said.

This, he said, will give every child in the country hope that they can grow up and become anything they want.

“I want every child, as they grow up in Kenya, to know that merit is going to be the yardstick of how far they can go,” he said.

"That is the Kenya we all want to belong to. That is the Kenya I will work hard to make sure becomes a reality,” he added.

Mr Gachagua commended General Ogolla's leadership capabilities, saying he made an impact in the military during his tenure of service.

Mr Mudavadi said the late CDF was not only an accomplished military leader but also a diplomat.

“He used these skills to serve his country,” he said

Mr Wetang'ula said the late CDF was a fine military leader whose contribution to the nation's security is invaluable.

“He had clarity of mind of what we needed to do to secure our region,” he said.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described General Ogolla as disciplined and a man of honour whose leadership in the military will be missed.

Residents of Mombasa County have hailed Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) for streamlining operations at the Likoni Ferry Crossing channel since the Kenya Ferry Service.

According to the residents, the services improved drastically after the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) took over the management of the channel, from the disbanded Kenya Ferry Serices.

The crossing channel is used by over 300,000 passengers and 6,000 vehicles daily, leading to heavy congestion, particularly during peak hours in the morning and evening.

“We are grateful to the management of KPA, it has brought tremendous improvement. For two years the ferry precincts were synonymous with long lines of traffic stretching to the CBD. Some motorists used to cross late in the night,” said Evans Momanyi, a Mombasa resident.

Adding “Since KPA took over the operations at the Likoni crossing channel by incorporating Kenya Ferry Service staff to KPA there is a lot of changes, ostensibly the personnel feels motivated, there is professionalism, congestion has decreased, and hawkers have disciplined and no longer sell their products along the roads to avert accidents,”

In December last year(2023) Cabinet Secretary for Transport Kipchumba Murkomen  toured and inspected the ferry services in Kwale lauding the Kenya Ferry Service for a job well done.

"Since the Kenya Ports Authority took over the management of ferry services, efficiency has improved. This morning, I had the privilege of using the services as I travelled to Kwale on a working tour," Murkomen said on his X account.

During his tour, Murkomen interacted with the ferry staff including coxswain.

The management of the ferry services was transferred to KPA by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in late 2020.

The biggest urban street dance competition in the world, Red Bull Dance Your Style, has hit the road for a nationwide tour that stopped in Eldoret at Rupa’s Mall over the past weekend (13 April).

The Eldoret edition brought together the city’s dance community and lovers of dance for an unparalleled dance entertainment, networking and the highlight battle sessions with Michael ‘Mickey’ Mwenda emerging the winner and Elvis ‘Ecqo’ Clinton Otieno taking first runner-up position.

Michael Mwenda had this to say after the event, “I’m ecstatic to win the crowd’s votes! This victory marks a significant milestone for me. It's truly beyond what I could have imagined. The level of art here is astounding and it has been a thrill seeing and being part of all the action. Red Bull Dance Your Style has provided the Eldoret dance community with a platform to connect and display our talents.” 

The next stop for Red Bull Dance Your Style is United Mall Kisumu (27 April); and will make its way through various Kenyan cities and two universities qualifiers (KU and USIU) to find the best dancers. The top 2 winners from every qualifier will unite in Nairobi (13 July) at the national finals for the ultimate battle that will determine Kenya’s number one dancer and representative who will battle it out in Mumbai, India for the world finals (9 Nov). 

In Red Bull Dance Your Style, there are no judges because the crowd decides who wins by voting for their favorite dancers. The dancers’ creativity, freestyle, and musical skills are put to the test in front of a live audience. After each battle, spectators hold up blue or red placards to choose a winner. All urban dance styles are welcome except for break dancing– the only rule you can’t break. The DJ plays unpredictable music, and the dancers will have to adapt, dance their style and impress the crowd. In other words, YOU decide the champion, who guarantees a place in the world final.

Red Bull Dance Your Style is a global competition with 51 counties participating. Kenya’s ultimate champ will win an all-expense paid trip to India for the World Finals this November. Calling out all enthusiasts and lovers of dance to show up for your talent or your favourite dancer so check out where the next event is happening and come through with your squad. 

To join the competition, sign up for your preferred qualifier. You must be 18+ https://participate.redbull.com/en/events/red-bull-dance-your-style-kenya/2024

Red Bull Kenya continues to support dance talent in Kenya and upskill local dance communities while exposing them to different levels of dance on a global stage through the international mixed-style dance competition (on its fifth Kenyan edition this year).

KEY EVENT DATE QUALIFIERS:

• Kisumu 27 April

• Kenyatta University 11 May

• Mombasa 25 May

• USIU 15 June

• Nairobi 29 June

• National Finals 13 July.

The port of Lamu is poised to become a hub of transshipment business after the acquisition of three new ship-to-shore gantry cranes.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) acquired the cranes from China at a total cost of USD 31 million (approximately Sh4 billion).

The cranes arrived in Lamu port last Sunday with the vessel carrying the cranes MV Zhen Hua 24, berthing at the port’s second berth.

KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto said that the cranes are expected to boost operations at Kenya’s second commercial port.

“The procurement of these cranes underscores our commitment in managing our premier ports, including the Port of Mombasa and Port of Lamu which serve as vital gateways for regional and international trade, connecting our nation to the global economy”.

“These cutting-edge cranes, equipped with advanced technology and capabilities, will revolutionize our operations and position the Port as a global maritime hub,” said Ruto.

The cranes have a span of 30.5 meters with a lifting height of 60 meters and an outreach of 62 meters with a back reach of 16 meters.

Captain Ruto said that what sets the cranes apart is their advanced technology and capabilities.

“These cranes have been specifically designed to address the unique challenges posed by Lamu's windy conditions, with twin-box booms ensuring stability and operational reliability,” Ruto said.

Furthermore, with a reach of 24 containers across and the ability to handle modern vessels over 18,000 TEUs, these cranes are equipped to compete with the best ports in the world and attract Super Post Panamax vessels”

The port serves as a critical pillar of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor project and is expected to connect Kenya to South Sudan and Ethiopia and is also expected to link northern Kenya to the Middle Belt of Africa which runs from Dakar, Senegal in the west to Lamu in the east.

The LAPSSET Corridor Program encompasses a vast network of infrastructure projects, including highways, railways, and international airports.

Since the operationalization of the port in 2021, Lamu port has to date handled 59 vessels that called to the port making a substantial increase in cargo and container traffic.

In 2023 alone, the Port of Lamu handled 37,576 metric tons of cargo, marking a substantial increase from 6,539 MT in 2022, reflecting a growth of 31,037 MT.

Additionally, container traffic saw a significant rise, with 1,779 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) recorded in 2023 compared to 382 TEUs in 2022, representing an increase of 1,397 TEUs.

“With a total container capacity of 1.2 million TEUs across its three berths of 400 meters each, the Port is poised to become a key driver of economic growth and regional integration,”

"These impressive statistics underscore the vital role that the Port of Lamu plays in facilitating trade and driving economic growth in the region” Ruto said.