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Ommy Dallah

Ommy Dallah

Mombasa county government has been lauded for it's efforts in boosting road safety.

According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Director General George Njao, Mombasa is the only county in the country that has managed to flatten the curve when it comes to road crashes fatalities.

Speaking during the launch of the Mombasa status summary report on road safety, Njao called on other counties to emulate Mombasa on road safety.

"In other counties the cases are on the rise, I have been receiving several questions as to how Mombasa has managed to flatten the curve. Mombasa especially the Inspectorate department are doing a very good and commendable job when it comes to road safety and I think it is high time that other counties starting emulating what Mombasa is doing" said Njao.

Adding "If you take a look our (NTSA) road safety plan you will see that there are some things that we have copied from Mombasa. Mombasa has been the pioneer of several initiatives including the pedestrians walk and the only other county that has at least managed to copy that is Kisumu".

The report which is from a research conducted by the Johns Hopkins international injury research unit through the Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative between December 2022 and October 2023 reveals that the total number of deaths from road crashes has remained stable since 2021 at sixty nine (69).

According to the report the most vulnerable road users are motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists who accounted for 88% of reported road traffic facilities in 2022.

The report which mainly captures observations of three risk factors, Speed, helmet use and seat belt and Child restraint use recommends for enhanced enforcement of speed limits across the city, correct helmet use , seat belt use and regular enforcement operations from the police and other law enforcement agencies.

The report also recommended to NTSA to advocate for enforcement of disposable helmet liner, a standard developed by the Kenya Bureau of standards for motorcyclists.

"As NTSA we are ready to work with all agencies and other stakeholders towards enforcing road safety and behavioral change especially from motorists and other road users" said Njao.

Speaking at the same time, Mombasa county Transport and Infrastructure executive Daniel Manyala revealed that the county government is still in the process of introducing other safety measures.

"This report is going to help us as the county government towards making the right policies and taking the right measures when it comes to road safety" said Manyala.

Adding " currently we are working on introducing three bills at the county assembly, road safety lies in the centre of all these bills. The bills are the transport and infrastructure bill, Non-motorised transport policy and the road safety policy. I believe that in the next two months they will all be in place"

 

 

Thursday, 18 January 2024 10:01

Denmak FC Set To Unveil New Jerseys

Kwale based lower tier side Denmark FC is set to unveil it's new home and away kits.

The unveiling of the new jerseys is set to take place on Saturday at the Denmark grounds in Maganyakulo, Kwale county.

"The club after a successful year last year, we are happy to inform you that we were promoted to FKF regional league. The league will have more financial demands for the club and we as management are coming up with ways and means to raise funds to cater for seasons expenses that includes not nd limited to trainings, traveling FKF regulatory payments, medical costs among others." reads an invite from the club.

Adding "In view of this, the Denmak football club will be unveiling its official home and away jerseys on Saturday 20th January 2024 at Denmak grounds Maganyakulo. The club will be selling the kits to the members of the public as a way of raising funds and brand penetration."

The home kit will retail for kshs 1500 while the away kit for 1800.

The club will face Gor Mahia FC in the round of 32 of the 2024 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) MozzartBet Cup, after the draw was conducted on Wednesday.

 

Wednesday, 17 January 2024 20:57

Flydubai Launches Direct Flights To Mombasa

Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, inaugurated its operations to Mombasa in Kenya on 17 January.

With the start of the four-times weekly service to Mombasa, flydubai grows its network in Africa to 12 destinations in 11 countries.

The inaugural flight FZ 1289 from Dubai International (DXB) was welcomed with a celebratory water cannon salute upon landing at Moi International Airport (MBA).

Among those present at the airport to welcome the flight included Mombasa governor Abdulswamad  Nassir, Cabinet secretary for Roads and Transport Kipchumba Murkomen  Tourism and Wildlife cabinet secretary Dr Alfred Mutua , as well as representatives from Kenya Airport, welcomed the passengers and Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Subcontinent and Africa) at flydubai, who were on the first flight.

With the start of flights to Mombasa, flydubai becomes the first national carrier to operate direct flights from Dubai to the coastal city in southeast Kenya. 

Speaking during a press conference, Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Subcontinent and Africa) at flydubai, said: “flydubai’s inaugural flight to Mombasa reflects our commitment to further strengthening our network in Africa and to providing our passengers with more options for convenient travel to one of East Africa’s most attractive destinations."

Adding "The start of operations will serve the growing Kenyan community in the UAE, support trade between our two countries and provide passengers from the UAE and from across the growing flydubai network with access to a gateway to explore the tourism offering in Kenya.”

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen welcomed the move saying it is monumental for Kenya's aviation industry.

"The launch of this route is monumental for Kenya’s aviation sector and the people of the Coast region since it will increase tourist arrivals to Mombasa from across flyDubai networks leading to the growth of the hospitality and tourism sector, creation of jobs directly and indirectly, and the revitalisation of the economies of the City of Mombasa and the region at large." said Murkomen.

Adding "As a Ministry, we will continue to capitalise on the visa-free policy initiated by H.E. the President, to encourage more partnerships with key players in the aviation sector and engage in mutually beneficial discussions that will result in increased tourist arrivals, job creation and overall growth of the country’s economy."

On his part, Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir said his ky for the adoption of the open skies policy by the government is finally baring fruits.

"This inception comes after years of my vigorous campaign to realize the implementation of an Open Skies policy permitting more direct flights into Mombasa with the support of various stakeholders in tourism in the Coast region." said Nassir.

Adding "It is our belief that this ease of travel with result in a boom in tourist numbers that shall grow our micro-economy in Mombasa."

flydubai has built a network of 123 destinations in 54 countries served by a young fleet of 84 Boeing 737 aircraft. flydubai has added Cairo, Krabi, Milan, Pattaya and Poznań to its network in 2023 and will start its daily services to Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia on 10 February 2024.

flydubai’s network in Africa includes Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Mogadishu, Mombasa and Zanzibar.

Flights to Moi International Airport (MBA) will operate four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB). Emirates will codeshare on this route, offering passengers more options for connections through Dubai’s international aviation hub.  

Return Business Class fares from DXB to MBA start from AED 4,200 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 1,600. Return Business Class fares from MBA to DXB start from USD 1,500 and Economy Class Lite fares start from USD 500. 

 

The government has appealed for more partnerships in order to empower female inmates in the country's correctional facilities.

According to State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome M-Beacco, there is need for more partnerships especially from the private sector in training and empowering female inmates with different skills.

Speaking in Mombasa during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Chandaria Shimo La Tewa Women prison workshop, PS Salome said already there are different programmes and initiatives from the government in conjuction with stakeholders aimed at empowering the inmates.

"I'm happy to report we are also collaborating with mama Rachel Ruto through her Carakana project which involves crotchet which is a whole new ground which we are taking this year to train our inmates and it has been very succesful in Langata Women prison where we also have another Chandaria foundation project. Our female inmates have gained alot of skills and money, in Langata some of them have earn upwards of kshs 48,000 in a very short while and therefore we see this as a way of increasing the scope of vocational programmes taht we are giving this Women, because Women are very important in the stability of the society" said PS Salome.

Adding " We need more people and volunteers to come out and partner with us in these initiatives which are aimed at equipping our inmates with the necessary skills that they will use even after leaving the facilities."

The workshop at Shimo La Tewa  will encompass a bakery, tailoring and an ICT hub section. It will also hold the 'Karakana Project', an initiative by H. E the First Lady, Rachael Ruto where the female inmates will be trained on cross crocheting.

The workshop is a partnership between the State Department, Chandaria Foundation and Safal Building Solutions Ltd. At the Shimo la Tewa Borstal Institution, the PS handed over Ksh. 350, 000 worth of paint donated by Kansai Plascon East Africa.

PS Salome noted "We are hoping this workshop will go along way in training our inmates in the skills of bakery as well as tailoring and IT hub which is a new frontier we are exploring."

"We are hoping that we will be opening this workshop by mid or end next month (February). It is an initiative of Chandaria foundation and we are encouraging more foundations come out and do the same."

Carakana is a Mama Doing Good project under the Women Economic Empowerment pillar in the Office Of The First Lady. The program seeks to facilitate the transfer and preservation of indigenous skills, in the production of quality handmade items, for sustainable livelihoods and the well-being of vulnerable groups. 

Since 2016, the project has trained over 1,500 women and 537 women have produced quality artefacts that have earned them Ksh 5.15 million.

Raha Fest, a dynamic festival that celebrates the diversity and richness of African music, art, and culture, is thrilled to announce its inaugural event at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 30th and 31st, 2024.

The biggest festival in Africa, Raha Fest aims to unite people from diverse backgrounds, fostering connections and shared passions through a harmonious blend of music, arts, and cultural activities. Raha Fest will offer attendees an unforgettable experience set against the iconic backdrop of Uhuru Gardens.

The festival's lineup will feature a unique blend of local talents and renowned African artists - Samidoh, Nadia Mukami, Hart the band, Nviiri the Storyteller, Femi One, Otile Brown, and Congolese sensation JB Mpiana. More International acts will be unveiled later. 

"We are thrilled to bring Raha Fest to Uhuru Gardens and offer a platform that celebrates the vibrancy and creativity of African music, art, and fashion," said the organizers of Raha Fest. "We believe that this festival will not only be a celebration of our cultural heritage but also a testament to the richness of African celebration that contributes to the global festival experience."

Raha Fest is proud to announce Zuri Health as the official Healthy Partner for the festival, bringing a focus on wellness to this year's celebration.

Additionally, Radio Africa is our esteemed Radio and Print Partner, helping us spread the word and excitement about the festival to a wider audience.

Tickets for Raha Fest are available at Ticket Sasa and Ticket Yetu, allowing you to secure your spot at this unforgettable celebration of African music, art, and culture.

 

By Faith Waithaka, Cloud and Service Provider Segment Sales Lead: Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric

The prefabricated modular datacentre is not a new concept by any means, offering a fast and scalable alternative to brick-and-mortar.

However, it is only the last five years that its adoption has enjoyed some major growth, with companies regarding it as a bona fide route to deploying datacentres.

In Africa, prefabricated modular datacentres are enjoying some exciting growth; the continent’s increasing demand for data storage, processing and connectivity is driving innovation in the sector.

These modular structures offer a dynamic response to the need for rapid deployment, standardisation and sustainability.

Unpacking the benefits

Prefabricated datacentres, as the name suggest, consist of pre-built modules that house various components critical to datacentre functionality. The modules fall into categories such as power, cooling, and IT.

Due to its modular nature, organisations can then choose a combination of these modules to create a tailored solution that best meets their specific requirements.

One of the major advantages of prefabricated data centres is the efficiency and predictability it brings to the construction process.

Unlike traditional datacentres, where one must contend with the variability of numerous contractors and handling material and availability, prefabricated datacentres are produced in a controlled factory environment.

This controlled setting ensures higher quality and consistency in construction, enabling precise timelines and outcomes.

When one considers the varied materials and standards across different regions in Africa, prefabricated solutions offer a viable path to standardisation and predictability. Organisations operating across the continent can expect the same level of quality and materials, whether in South Africa, the DRC, Nigeria, Ghana, or Kenya.

This consistency simplifies project management and allows engineers to work on a standard basis, facilitating smooth expansions and upgrades.

 Sustainable expansion

Africa’s adoption of prefabricated modular datacentres is also rooted in lessons learnt from our global peers. In countries such as Germany, some brick-and-mortar hyperscale datacentres are reaching its end of life which creates a conundrum of sort, how do you shutdown these facilities in sustainable manner?

In fact, according to various research papers, datacentres are become obsolete fast due to the technologies incredibly fast paced advancements.  With a lifespan of around 15 years, these massive facilities become technology graveyards reminiscent of an eerie Sci-fi movie.

Prefabricated data centres offer a more flexible solution, allowing these facilities to be quickly disassembled and relocated to other regions which will have use for some of the modules, thereby preserving infrastructure integrity and extending its lifespan.

At Schneider Electric, our prefabricated datacentres are built sustainably; we fabricate 90% of the parts to mitigate waste, optimise efficiency, and reduce the footprint of the datacentre. Furthermore, we drive sustainable practices throughout our supply chain to ensure that products are produced and transported in a responsible manner.

Lastly, where possible, our local partners are responsible for building the prefabricated datacentres, thus reducing transport costs whilst investing in the local marketplace.

 

Researchers have published results that show that a new drug has very good potential to prevent malaria during pregnancy for women living with HIV.

Malaria during pregnancy can cause serious maternal and newborn health issues, especially in women living with HIV.

The World Health Organization recommends daily doses of the antibiotic co-trimoxazole to prevent malaria in pregnant women living with HIV residing in areas with high malaria transmission.

However, its efficacy in sub–Saharan Africa is threatened because malaria parasites are becoming increasingly resistant to the drug.

The study christened, IMPROVE-2 by researchers from Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in partnership with colleagues from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, and the Malawi University of Science and Technology have just published in The Lancet, suggests that the addition of the antimalarial drug dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine to daily co-trimoxazole substantially reduces the risk of malaria in pregnancy.

 “We celebrate these findings that propose additional arsenal against a disease that risks about 70 percent of our population, malaria in pregnancy can cause a host of serious health complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term delivery and growth restriction of newborn babies, and co-infection with HIV increases doubles these risks,” said Prof. Elijah Songok, KEMRI Ag. Director General & CEO.

Feiko ter Kuile, Professor of Tropical Epidemiology at LSTM, and the study lead, said: “These are promising findings, and potentially welcome news in the future of prevention malaria among pregnant women living with HIV in areas where prevalence of the disease is high. Our trial showed that the addition of dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine to the currently recommended preventative treatment strategy for pregnant women living with HIV reduced malaria by 68%.”

 Dr. Hellen Barsosio, a Clinical Research Scientist from the KEMRI’s Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), and lead author on the new paper published in The Lancet, said: “These findings are very encouraging. Not only did we find that adding dihydroartemisinin–to co-trimoxazole was safe and prevented two out of every three malaria infections during pregnancy, it was also very well tolerated by pregnant women, which is very important when a drug is given for prevention. The study could lead to a muchneeded policy change that could make a real difference in improving maternal and newborn health in Africa”.

Dr. Simon Kariuki, Head of Malaria Program from the KEMRI-CGHR said: “We hope that these findings, along with a similar trial being conducted in Gabon and Mozambique, will inform the malaria prevention guidelines from the World Health Organization and national health policies.”

Controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie will be charged with murder among other offences.

According to a statement from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). there is sufficient evidence to charge Mackenzie with ninety four others with charges of murder, manslaughter, assault causing bodily harm, engaging in organized criminal activity.

Other charges are radicalization, facilitating the commission of a terrorist act, subjecting a child to torture, cruelty to child and infringing a Child's right to education.

"Pursuant to the prosecution guided investigations, the Director of Criminal Investigations forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions inquiry files for perusal and advise." reads the statement

Adding "Upon thorough analysis of the evidence, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute ninety five (95) suspects with the charges".

In December last year (2023) Mackenzie was jailed for 12 months for the offence of operating a film studio and producing films without a valid license.

Malindi Senior Resident Magistrate Olga Onalo also slapped him with another six-month jail term for showing the films to members of the public, through Times TV, without having an operating license.  

 

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd is set to revolutionise the consumer electronics industry with its unwavering commitment to AI-driven technology.

 Recognising AI as the cornerstone of innovation, Samsung is reshaping the future of its products, embedding AI capabilities across a diverse spectrum of devices.

"At Samsung, AI isn't just a feature; it's the catalyst for transformative experiences. We are reimagining consumer electronics, infusing AI into our products to create personalised, intuitive, and seamlessly connected experiences," said Mr. Sam Odhiambo, Head of Consumer Electronics at Samsung Electronics East Africa.   

Samsung's AI-centric approach aims to transcend traditional device boundaries, enriching users’ lives through smarter, more inclusive experiences.

With a robust portfolio encompassing over 500 million smart devices annually, Samsung is uniquely positioned to democratise AI, integrating it into everyday life.

“Central to Samsung's strategy is fostering an open ecosystem, facilitating collaborations with partners to enrich AI experiences. The SmartThings platform, already hosting millions of devices, exemplifies Samsung's commitment to collaborative innovation,” said Mr. Sam Odhiambo.

The company's decade-long investment in AI technology is evident in its popular products and evolving services.

Samsung is not only enhancing user experiences but also focusing on responsible innovation. Sustainability, accessibility, and reduced environmental impact are integral to Samsung's AI initiatives.

Samsung's AI-led innovations span across diverse categories, such as visual display, digital appliances, mobile experiences, and automotive technology.

 From AI-powered visual displays offering unprecedented clarity to smart home appliances seamlessly integrated with AI for enhanced functionality, Samsung's products exemplify the potential of AI in reshaping everyday experiences.

“Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN900D boasts a built-in AI Processor, NQ8 AI Gen 3, equipped with an 8 times greater AI neural network and two times faster NPU than its predecessor. Thanks to the NQ8 AI Gen3 processor, Samsung Neo QLED 8K automatically upscales low-resolution content to provide users with up to 8K quality viewing experience and sharpens fast-moving images via AI Motion Enhancer Pro.” noted Mr. Sam Odhiambo.

Adding “ The Samsung Neo QLED 8K also features Active Voice Amplifier Pro, which analyses voice and background noise by AI to optimise your TV listening experience so you can enjoy various content as if you are in the front row of a stadium or movie theatre. Samsung Neo QLED 8K also features Tizen OS Home, which offers the latest apps, services, personalised content, and service recommendations to upscale your entertainment experience,”

 

 

Luxury cruise liner Norwegian Dawn called the Port of Mombasa early Sunday morning, carrying 2300 passengers and 1100 crew aboard.

This is the first cruise vessel of the year to dock in Mombasa at the Sh350 million cruise terminal at KPA.

Sailing to Mombasa from Seychelles, Norwegian Dawn, with an LOA of 294 meters brought the over 2000 passengers from 54 nationalities to the Kenyan coast for excursions, to explore the pristine white sandy beaches and national parks. 

Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Captain William Ruto who piloted the vessel to berth number one, appreciated the call reiterating KPA’s support for cruise tourism in the country through investment in infrastructure to position the Port of Mombasa as a cruise tourism hub.

"KPA has put infrastructure to support cruise tourism. This is just the beginning, we expect more vessels to call to port" said Ruto.

The MD assured cruise lines that the port of Mombasa is safe a he welcomed more vessels to Mombasa.

The maiden call to Mombasa comes a few days after another cargo vessel docked at the port on maiden voyage.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/3588-longest-cruise-liner-norwegian-dawn-set-to-dock-in-mombasa-with-2000-tourists?fbclid=IwAR2NkMuoPQ7QPgdSA5jbpq3rpjE_jJf9H4mo4UG6oIAz8xkj-CpkAayExm4 

Last year December, the port once again received MV Bollete, a cruise liner with over 900 passengers, with captain Ruto confirming that the Port of Mombasa will receive another cruise ship next month.

KPA chairman Benjamin Tayari welcomed the call noting the visit is an affirmation of Kenya as a tourism hub in Africa.

 
 
The captain of the vessel Asen Gyurov appreciated the warm reception they received on their maiden call to Mombasa as they hoped to include Kenya in their circuit.
 
"I am grateful for the warm we have received, I hope we shall have Mombasa as our turn around port in future," said Gyurov.
 
Representing the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) acting CEO John Chirchir, KTB director of marketing and support services Betty Ichan said that they Kenya is targeting to receive 5.5 million tourists annually by the year 2027.
 
"We are excited about the number of cruise ships scheduled to dock here in the first quarter of 2024."
 
"This will significantly impact our target of 5.5 million tourists by 2027," said Ichan
 
Mombasa county executive for Trade and Tourism Mohammed Osman said that the county will work closely with players in the tourism industry as they look forward to implementing the county's blue print on tourism growth and development.
 
"As a county, ours is to build a conducive environment for tourism to grow," said Osman.
 
Adding "We shall continue working with KPA and all stakeholders in the tourism industry to make sure that Mombasa is the premier tourism destination" said Osman.