First Lady Margaret Kenyatta today reaffirmed Kenya’s push for the closure of all ivory trade markets across the world.

She said Kenya will continue with its campaign against the reopening of markets for animal trophies especially ivory. The campaign is being supported by 31 other African states grouped under the African Elephant Coalition (AEC).

The First Lady spoke at the ivory burning site inside the Nairobi National Park where she presided over the official launch of the CITES CoP18 Awareness Campaign. 

CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora while CoP18 is the acronym for the Conference of Parties to the CITES.

The CITES CoP18 global conference is scheduled for next month in Geneva, Switzerland.

“Today we are lobbying and petitioning for the closure of all ivory markets, and boldly advocating for the placement of all elephants onto Appendix 1 of CITES,” said the First Lady, herself a renown supporter of conservation work in her capacity as the patron of the “Hands Off Our Elephants” campaign.

“This is the message that we, as a country, as conservationists, stakeholders and as members of the African Elephant Coalition, jointly pledge ahead of the CITES COP 18 meeting,” she added.

The First Lady said every time a proposal is made to partially reopen ivory trade markets, demand for the animal trophies escalates leading to increased poaching.

“We have also learnt that every time there has been a decision by CITES Parties to reopen ivory trade, the decision has resulted in increased elephant poaching and illicit trafficking of ivory,” the First Lady observed.

She said reopening the ivory trade markets will destroy the conservation gains made over the years.

The First Lady said Kenya is host to the most exotic and diverse wildlife species in the world adding that the country maintains a strong resolve to eradicate illegal wildlife trade by  building coalitions and partners to strengthen  joint actions to protect wildlife across the world.

The First Lady said Kenya has not only championed and petitioned the rest of the world for the total closure of all markets in animal trophies, but has previously demonstrated its resolve by publicly destroying huge stockpiles of ivory and rhino horns at the same site where today's function was held.

Kenya has on four occasions since 1989 torched huge stockpiles of ivory and rhino horns, the last such destruction was presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2016 where 105 tonnes of ivory and one ton of rhino horns were destroyed.

The First Lady said previous actions by Kenya have not only captured global attention but inspired other ivory destruction in other countries and contributed to the listing of the African Elephant in the CITES Appendix 1, that calls for total protection of the species.

She said bold actions are needed at national, continental and international levels to protect the global population of elephants which has been on a decline from 1.2 million to below 400,000.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said despite successes achieved in the past few years in reducing poaching and ivory trade, emerging threats and thriving markets continue to erode the gains made in the past.

She said the 22 tonnes of ivory seized globally during the first quarter of this year confirms the existence of transnational trophy trade criminal networks.

“More recently, another large consignment of elephant tusks was impounded in Singapore confirming that the task before us is not over yet,” she said.

The First Lady said Kenya has put in place several mechanisms  to mitigate poaching and illegal trade in ivory including stronger aerial surveillance around conservation areas, built a robust law enforcement and deterrent measures at ports and airports.

“We have also embarked on training of specialist prosecutors, magistrates and judges on wildlife trade,” the First Lady said.

She applauded China and several western countries for supporting Kenya’s call to close all ivory trade markets.

She also commended the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and its partners for their hard-work and commitment as custodians of Kenya's biodiversity.

At the same event, national carrier Kenya Airways announced the roll out of a global conservation awareness campaign by use of specially branded boarding passes.

Kenya Airways board chairman Michael Joseph said the campaign will start tomorrow. The specially branded boarding passes will have email and website addresses where customers using the airline and its partners can get all information to support wildlife protection.

Others who spoke at the function were the chairman of the African Elephant Coalition and Ambassador of Eritrea to Kenya Meles Alem Tekea and Tourism and Wildlife CS Najib Balala.

Former Miss Uganda and Big Brother housemate, Stella Nantumbwe aka Ellah has threaten to sue seven local media houses in Uganda over what she term as defarmation.

The former beauty notified the said media houses through an advert in one of the local newspapers and her social media pages.

According to Ellah, between 2018 and July 2019, several media and bloggers have published that she is involved in a sexual relationship with one of Kampala's popular evangelist 'Prophet'  Elvis Mbonye and he had even gifted her with a luxurious car and she returned the favour by becoming pregnant. 

Ellah has denied the allegations terming them as baseless and unfounded.

“The said baseless and unfounded publications you have made are intended to portray to the public and the whole world a lucid message that our client (Ellah) is immoral and an irresponsible person,” reads a letter form her lawyers.

The respondents who are New Vision group, Red Pepper publications, Galaxy fm, Big Eye, Blizz.com, the insider and the unnamed bloggers were given 7 days to respondent form the day the advert was published which was Thursday last week

“Failure to comply will leave us with no other option but to use the legal machinery to protect and enforce our client’s right to her privacy" states the letter from the lawyers.

Ellah represented Uganda at the Miss world contest in Bali, Indonesia in 2013. She is also an actress and a philanthropist.

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho joined fellow leaders and Kenyans at large in mourning former Bomet Governor Dr Joyce Laboso who died yesterday at the Nairobi hospital.

Laboso who died of cancer had sought treatment in the United Kingdom and India since May 29 before returning home on July 14.

Several leaders led by President Kenyatta his Deputy William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga sent their condolences to the family and people of Bomet.

In his message, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho who is currently of the country called for renewed national focus on the policy and Infrastructure related to the screening, testing and management of various types of cancer.

"At this point I also wish to request for renewed national focus on the policy and Infrastructure related to the screening, testing and management of various types of cancer." said Joho

Adding " The condition has been devastating to Kenyans from all walks of life.

On the death of the Governor Joho said "We have not only lost a champion of devolution but most importantly a wonderful human being.

Students with disability from the Sahajanad special school in Mtwapa, Kilifi county got a rare opportunity last weekend to enjoy disney's the Lion King movie screened at the Nayli cinemax.

The over 1,000 students arrived at the venue accompanied by their teachers and managers of the Mombasa Cement, sponsors of the school as early as 10 am to enjoy the movie.

According to Mombasa cement Corporate service head Naran Mepnai, the students also deserve the same treatment like normal students.

The Lion King stampeded to $191.8 million in its North American debut — ahead of Sunday estimates — for a 10-day worldwide total of $543.6 million through Sunday (it opened a week early in China, where it has earned $97.5 million to date).

The photorealistic CG reimagining of the 1994 animated classic was directed by Jon Favreau and features an all-star voice cast led by Donald Glover and Beyoncé.

Sultry singer Jovial has quit just in love music, a record label owned by Otile Brown. Jovial was Otile's first signee.

Her exit comes just weeks after Otile Brown took to social media to share news that he had gifted her a car.

"Mtoto mkali na anaimba ajabu. I bless you with this small moti to help carry you around. They aren't ready for you" posted Otile.

The post has however been deleted.

In an interview with Ommy Dallah, Jovial confirmed that she is no longer working under Otile's label saying she is now working solo.

"Yes it's true am no longer there, the reason is because we had some misunderstandings but i dont want to talk more about than" she said

Adding "I'm currently working solo, David Guoro has just come in to assist me as a manager".

About the said car gift, a mazda demio Jovial said " I have never owned a car or be inside my own car infact i even dont know how to drive and i have never focused on that, i have always wanted to build my brand so let us leave it there".

Otile and Jovial released two songs together 'Zichune' and 'Amor'.

There has been no word from Otiile and his management concerning Jovial's exit.

The government must invest in sports facilities to be in competition with other countries in the world.

Amani National Congress [ANC] party leader Musalia Mudavadi said this will also show commitment of improving the sports discipline in the country giving example of the golf tournament.

‘’We are proud this sports discipline has been given the necessary attention it requires," he pointed out.

Musalia said Harambee Stars which took part in the just concluded CAF tournament were given substantial support by the government.

He spoke during the Pre Barry cup 2019 golf tournament at the Mombasa Golf Club in Mombasa county. The tournament marks the 100th anniversary of the coast open with golfers with below 12 handicap allowed to take part during the two day event.

The ANC party leader told journalists the national soccer team performance was on the best direction.

Bandari FC Head Coach Bernard Mwalala has been named the Fidelity Insurance/ Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the month for May/June 2019.

Mwalala was voted by the SJAK garnering 19 points in a hotly contested competition beating Tusker FC's Robert Matano and immediate former Sony FC who got 18 points each.

Fidelity Insurance congratulated Mwalala for the effort and presented him with a trophy and Ksh 75,000 during a brief ceremony held today at the KPA Mbaraki Sports Club grounds.

After being silent for sometime, Tanzanian song bird Mwasiti also known as Chitty Witty is back with a new song.

She has featured Gnako in the new song titled 'perfomance'.

Check out the video below..

The Kenya Ports Authority has recorded excellent performance at the Kisumu ASK Show taking the best position in six categories.

KPA was ranked the Best Large Trade Stand Commercial and Industry, Best Local Stand in Strategies of International Trade and Exports.

The Authhority was also ranked as Best Non-Agricultural Based Statutory Body/Commission Stand, Best Stand in Youth Activities, Empowerment and Capacity Building, Best Stand in demonstrating application of environmental quality standards and the best stand embracing Information Technology and Communication System.

The show which started on 24th July is expected to end on 28th July.

Meanwhile, KPA has began transporting equipments to the Kisumu Port ahead of the launch next month. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to commission the facility that has been idle for several years.

President kenyatta, ODM leader Raila Odinga, Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia, PS Esther Koimett are among top Government officials who have so far visited the project which will cost the government Sh3 billion.

According to Raila the facility will provide jobs to many jobless youths in Kisumu county.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta this morning led her visiting Botswana counterpart Neo Jane Masisi on a tour of Kazuri Beads Factory and Pottery Centre in Karen, Nairobi County.

The factory is an empowerment project for disadvantaged women that specialises in the production of handmade ceramic jewelery and pottery mostly for the export market. 

Founded as a tiny workshop in 1975, the factory has grown over the decades to become a multimillion investment offering employment to over 340 Kenyans, mostly single mothers from Nairobi's poor neighbourhoods. 

During the visit, the two First Ladies interacted with the employees of the factory, asking questions on the process of making the items that include necklaces, bracelets and earrings. 

First Lady Jane Masisi said she was impressed by the factory's operational efficiency and quality of products, and rallied the management and employees to work harder and expand the factory even further so as to create more employment opportunities for vulnerable women. 

She thanked her host First Lady Margaret Kenyatta for the guided tour and applauded her for being at the forefront in championing for the empowerment of vulnerable women and children through the Beyond Zero initiative. 

The Botswana First Lady is in the country accompanying her spouse President Mokgweetsi Masisi who is on a three-day state visit.