The Government has urged the international community, donor groups and development partners to commit higher purchases of relief food for refugees to local farmers.

Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi has challenged the international community to increase relief food off take from Kenyan farmers saying the need for integration is important in supporting host communities.

He regretted that Kenyan farmers have been neglected while supporting the refugees and are struggling to sell their produce.

“One of the biggest debates we have had in Kenya for quite sometime is that when supporting the refugees, the Kenyan farmer has been neglected. We sometimes always grapple about the price of maize, wheat and what it takes,” said Mudavadi, during a forum to mark World Refugee Day, held in a Nairobi hotel.

According to Mudavadi, one of the pleas Government has always made is that within the package of providing relief food for either refugees or the needy groups, the international community should also embrace and commit higher purchases from the local farmers to feed these communities.

“It is sometimes tragic when we see that the farmer in Kenya is struggling to sell his/her maize but we are steadily importing all the grain to feed these refugee camps from elsewhere so the support goes to another farmer but it does not come to the host farmer,” regretted Mudavadi.

He added: “…So within the framework of your reorganization, I pitch for the Kenyan farmer so that when you are supplying that relief support please think of how you can increase the off take from the Kenyan farmer.”

Currently, Kenya is the 13th largest refugee hosting nation in the world and fifth in Africa.

According to Mudavadi, some 612, 413 registered refugees and asylum seekers are hosted in Kenya, out of which, 84 per cent are resident in the camps while the balance is in urban areas.

Somali, South Sudan and the DRC are the top three sources of Kenya’s refugee population with 56 per cent, 30 per cent and 7 per cent respectively.

There are also 94,417 refugees mainly in our major towns of Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Eldoret among others.

He said Kenya is managing refugees through encampment policy where refugees reside in two camps namely Kakuma and Dadaab.

The PCS however stated that the care and maintenance approach has not supported effective leverage of the social-economic potential of the refugees.

He said it has not purposed to tap into the refugees’ enormous potential to support the growth of host regions and the management of adverse environmental impact of the refugees’ presence.

“The administration is fully aware of the need to give full focus and attention to sustainable refugee management. Soon, the regulations to operationalize the Refugee Act 2021 will be tabled in Parliament for necessary approval and enactment,” Mudavadi said.

He affirmed that the Government is keen to create an enabling environment that supports socio-economic inclusion of refugees and the collective efforts to build the resilience of host communities.

Last year, he said the Government re-gazetted the Ifo2 and Kambios Camps and registration of members of the Somali Community has commenced.

Similarly, he said Kenya has reopened its border Somalia and established three border points to serve not only as entry points, business, trade and tourism interests but also genuine asylum seekers.

“It is important to recognise the global shift in refugee management. Host countries are increasingly turning into settlements for refugees. This approach has two aims: to reduce reliance on humanitarian help from host governments and other humanitarian agencies, and to make refugees self-reliant and important players in the growth of host countries’ economy,” he stated.  

Mudavadi said Kenya cannot be an exception to this trend, even as he reiterated the Government’s to transform refugee camps into integrated settlements.

“By promoting the socio-economic inclusion of refugees, we are collectively preparing them for the eventual voluntary repatriation to their home countries,” he affirmed.

To anchor this shift, the government developed a Marshal Plan “Shirika Plan” last year to provide relevant policy and implementation roadmap.  

According to Mudavadi, the Plan will ensure that host communities in Turkana and Garissa benefit from additional development support.

It will also promote peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities and save host centres from turning into ghost towns when refugees eventually leave.

He cited Kalobeyei Integrated Socio-economic Development Plan in Turkana and the Garissa Integrated Socio-economic Development Plan as examples of social-economic inclusion of refugees.

He urged the international community and private sector to increase financial and technical support to promote the socio-economic inclusion of refugees.

“The policy commitments the Government is making will only yield desired results with your enhanced support. Building the necessary self-reliance and resilience for refugees and host communities obliges us to dedicate more financial and material investments that the government, alone, cannot meet,” he stated.

As a conducive environment for refugees is created in Kenya country, he said other viable solutions should also be explored.

He emphasized on ensuring peace and stability in refugees’ countries of origin as integral to a realistic quest for refugees’ settlement.

Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir officially launched the program on Saturday morning at the Coast General Hospital (CGTRH) where he assured Mombasa residents that the program will be initiated via free  medical camps throughout all the 30 wards.

The camps kicked off today in Mvita constituency's CGTRH, Kadarbouy Dispensary, Mvita clinic, Railways Mazagazaga and Tudor sub county hospital respectively. 

The governor is set to continue with the second phase of the project tomorrow in Likoni constituency.

"I promised to bring all the families in Mombasa County under the cover of NHIF so we could bring an end to financial crises that are caused by illness affecting our loved ones. This NHIF super cover will enable you and your dependents to access medical care free of charge in your public health facilities." said Nassir.

Adding "These camps will cover basic illnesses to complicated diseases and for those not treatable in the camps, they will be attended to in our hospitals all for free. Our plan will benefit up to 100,000 individuals spread equally across the county.

Nassir called on the residents to to turn out in numbers for the camps.

Chewani ward member of County Assembly Hamisi Iddi died in a grisly road accident in Kanagoni area on the Garsen-Malindi highway on Saturday morning.

Until his untimely death, the legislator was the minority leader in the county Assembly of Tana-River.

According to police reports, the MCA died on the spot.

"The Party and the People of Chewani ward have lost a focused and dedicated leader who put the interests of his people first." reads a statement from UDA party.

Adding " During this moment of grief, we pray for the soul of the departed, his family, and the people of Chewani ward.

Idd was a first-term county elected MCA under a UDA party ticket.

Before his election, he served as a bodyguard for the governor of Tana River.

The fourth edition of the Pwani Innovation Week has been slated for October 2 to 6 at the Swahilipot Hub in Mombasa.

The organisers of the tech fair, Swahilipot Hub Foundation and Mombasa County Government alongside other partners announced that this year’s edition will happen at various destinations around the region with the heart of events being at the Swahilipot Hub Foundation.

Speaking during the media launch of the event, Swahilipot Hub founder Mahmoud Noor said that the tech fair aims to help create a widespread culture of innovation and stimulate the innovation ecosystem in the region.

This year’s edition has been themed ‘Sailing beyond borders; Empowering youth in the digital economy for a sustainable future’.

“This year’s edition will see the exchange of ideas on business enterprise solutions, interactive forum discussions on the Pwani’s economy, talks on education & skills development, exhibitions among other activities all aimed at ensuring youth in the Pwani region of East Africa are constantly connected to opportunities for economic growth,” said Noor. 

Noor said that Swahilipot Hub Foundation and Mombasa County Government are dedicated to supporting the youth in overcoming challenges and thriving in the Ecosystem.

He said that through strategic partnerships with communities, government entities, public/private sectors, development partners and the academia, they can leverage the strengths and diversity of individuals from all backgrounds to empower young people and enhance their quality of life.

He added that with a strong commitment to inclusivity, cooperation, self-reliance, and respect for diversity, it allows young individuals to take charge of their journey, while making long-term investments, forging partnerships, and fostering a vibrant culture of youth engagement in all aspects of development.

“The societies of the present and future depend on an empowered youth to imagine these into being. Youth must also be provided with the right ecosystem for this imagination to thrive and rise to contend with factors like climate change, high levels of unemployment, poverty, and conflicts that threaten this future,” Noor said.

The objectives of the innovation week he said includes showcasing the East Africa's Pwani region innovation potential, enhancing driving economic growth, fostering collaboration, and addressing regional challenges.

Other objectives he said include encouraging local participation through empowerment, including the creation of a vibrant innovation ecosystem and the retention of local talent in the region, and to also attract investment through its unique industries and rich biodiversity and promote the East Africa's coastal region visibility.

The Swahilipot Hub Foundation head of communications Suhayl Hamid said that one of the foreseen outcome of the tech week is the establishment of partnerships between startups, investors, academia and government agencies.

This he said will result in increased job creation, investment opportunities, and overall economic development.

“We foresee empowerment and ownership among the local participants, ultimately contributing to the long-term growth and sustainability of Innovations, startups of the Pwani Region of East Africa,” said Hamid.

He added that they hope to champion and achieve policy recommendations to further develop the economy of the East African coastal region and also hope to launch of partner initiatives to enhance the development of innovative ideas and capabilities.

“Through the realization of these objectives, the Pwani Innovation Week, facilitates economic prosperity, social empowerment, and positions the Pwani region of East Africa as a hub for innovation and progress on both regional and international platforms which contributes to the long-term development and sustainability,” Hamid said.

The week-long event will entail a number of activities including innovation challenge and hackathons, training bootcamps and workshops, keynote speeches and panel discussions, women in Tech, Ubunifu zone (Exhibition) and cultural identity and digital spaces.

King Kaka is thrilled to announce the release of his highly anticipated music video titled "Nairobi," featuring the sensational Halisi the Band.

This visually stunning masterpiece captures the essence and energy of the vibrant city, paying homage to its unique culture and people.

"Nairobi" is an anthem that showcases the rich diversity and creativity found within Kenya's capital.

King Kaka's exceptional artistry, combined with the soulful melodies and electrifying performances of Halisi the Band, promises to take listeners on an extraordinary journey through the heart and soul of Nairobi.

The video, which was shot and directed by JijoDrumBeats, captured various iconic spots throughout the city.

With stunning cinematography and meticulous attention to detail, viewers will experience the bustling streets, the thriving arts scene, and the resilient nature of the people who call Nairobi home.

The collaboration between King Kaka and Halisi the Band brings together two great talents in the Kenyan music industry.

King Kaka, known for his lyrical prowess and thought-provoking storytelling, has garnered widespread acclaim for his contributions to African hip-hop.

Meanwhile, Halisi the Band has captivated audiences with their soulful sounds and passionate performances. 

"Nairobi" not only showcases the immense talent of King Kaka and Halisi the Band but also serves as a tribute to the city's thriving music scene.

The video exemplifies the beauty of unity and collaboration, as it brings together various artists and performers from different genres, symbolising the diverse and inclusive nature of Nairobi.

"Nairobi" music video is now available on all major streaming platforms and can be viewed on King Kaka's official YouTube channel

Good news to Genge and Bongo Fleva artists and music lovers as the Recording Academy has added three new categories for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards set for next February 

In addition, the existing categories of producer of the year, non-classical and songwriter of the year, non-classical will be moved to the general field. The general field has long consisted of four categories which have also been reffered as the Big four, they are. album, record, song of the year and best new artist. 

“The Recording Academy is proud to announce these latest category changes to our awards process,” Harvey Marson.

Adding "“These changes reflect our commitment to actively listen and respond to the feedback from our music community, accurately represent a diverse range of relevant musical genres, and stay aligned with the ever-evolving musical landscape."

According to reports, these category additions and amendments were passed at the Recording Academy’s most recent semiannual board of trustees meeting held last month.

The three new categories include:

Best African Music Performance
A track and singles category that recognizes recordings that utilize unique local expressions from across the African continent. Highlighting regional melodic, harmonic and rhythmic musical traditions, the category includes but is not limited to the Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, Afro Pop, Afrobeats, Alte, Amapiano, Bongo Flava, Genge, Kizomba, Chimurenga, High Life, Fuji, Kwassa, Ndombolo, Mapouka, Ghanaian Drill, Afro-House, South African Hip-Hop, and Ethio Jazz genres.

Best Pop Dance Recording
Recognizes tracks and singles that feature up-tempo, danceable music that follows a pop arrangement. Eligible Pop Dance recordings also feature strong rhythmic beats and significant electronic-based instruments with an emphasis on the vocal performance, melody and hooks. Dance remixes are eligible in the Best Remixed Recording Category only and may not be entered in Best Pop Dance Recording.

Best Alternative Jazz Album
This category recognizes artistic excellence in Alternative Jazz albums by individuals, duos and groups/ensembles, with or without vocals. Alternative Jazz may be defined as a genre-blending, envelope-pushing hybrid that mixes jazz (improvisation, interaction, harmony, rhythm, arrangements, composition, and style) with other genres, including R&B, Hip-Hop, Classical, Contemporary Improvisation, Experimental, Pop, Rap, Electronic/Dance music, and/or Spoken Word. It may also include the contemporary production techniques/instrumentation associated with other genres.

Emirates and Kenya Airways (KQ) have announced an interline partnership that will allow customers of both airlines access to new destinations on the two airlines’ networks within a single itinerary.

The agreement will provide customers with increased travel options as well as seamless baggage check-in to their final destination.

Emirates customers will now be able to fly to 28 destinations on the Kenya Airways network using Nairobi as the gateway to destinations such as Nampula, Bangui, Bujumbara, Kigali, Dzaoudzi, Lubumbashi, Kinshasa, Kilimanjaro, Juba, Zanzibar, among many other regional points across Africa.

Additionally, as part of a bilateral interline arrangement, Emirates passengers travelling via Dubai can also book a single ticket itinerary from or to Mombasa, one of the most popular leisure destinations in Kenya.

Similarly, Kenya Airways passengers travelling from Nairobi and Mombasa will now be able to access the Emirates’ network and seamlessly connect through Dubai to 23 destinations across West and South Asia, the Far East, the Indian Ocean and Middle East such as Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok, Ahmedabad, Beirut, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Seoul among others.

Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates said, “We are pleased to ink our first partnership with Kenya’s flag carrier. Kenya is a strategic gateway in our Africa network, and this new interline agreement will enhance connectivity for Emirates’ customers and provide them more travel choices across the continent.”

Adding” We look forward to deepening our relationship with Kenya Airways, offering greater network opportunities and improving connections for both of our customers.”

Speaking on the agreement Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Kenya Airways said, “This partnership will provide the ideal gateway for our customers as we seek to increase our connectivity between Africa and the Middle East through Emirates’ hub in Dubai.”

Adding” Partnerships like these are key in aviation as they take advantage of mutual scale and efficiencies to provide customers with more seamless travel options”

Tickets are available to purchase on emirates.com, online travel agents (OTAs) as well as through major travel agencies.

Emirates began operations to Kenya with the launch of flights between Nairobi and Dubai in 1995, and since then it has steadily grown the route to 14 weekly flights, having flown over 5 million passengers through the years.

Emirates is also the only airline serving Kenya with private, enclosed First Class cabins, offering premium customers a superior experience across every touchpoint of their journey.

Kenya Airways recently launched direct flights between Mombasa and Dubai offering customers 4 weekly flights.

The flight from Moi International Airport, Mombasa marked the second hub, other than its Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, that the carrier connects passengers directly to the UAE.

KQ currently operates ten weekly flights to Dubai from Nairobi using a mix of B737-800 and the Dreamliner B787-800.

By Gloria Adhiambo

Music has a unique ability to transcend barriers, evoke emotions, and bring people together.

When an iconic group like Boyz II Men graces a stage, their timeless harmonies have the power to captivate audiences and create a magical experience.

The renowned American R&B group performed in Kenya, enchanting fans with their exceptional vocal talent and leaving an indelible mark on the local music scene. This event not only showcased the enduring legacy of Boyz II Men but also highlighted Kenya's growing significance as a global entertainment destination.

Boyz II Men's performance in Kenya can be seen as a testament to the growing cultural exchange between nations. The fact that an internationally acclaimed group chose to perform in Nairobi speaks volumes about the country's burgeoning reputation as a vibrant hub for arts and culture.

Such events serve as a catalyst for promoting tourism, fostering international relations, and creating a platform for local artists to collaborate with global talents.

Boyz II Men's success lies in their ability to deliver flawless harmonies that resonate with audiences across generations. From their soulful ballads to their upbeat R&B hits, their music has stood the test of time, maintaining its relevance and emotional impact.

The group's Kenya show was a masterclass in vocal prowess, showcasing the enduring power of their voices and leaving fans spellbound.

The chemistry and stage presence of Boyz II Men further enhanced the experience, creating a connection that transcended language barriers and cultural differences.

One of the positive outcomes of Boyz II Men's show in Kenya was the exposure it provided to local artists. Opening for a globally recognized group like Boyz II Men can be a life-changing opportunity for aspiring Kenyan musicians, allowing them to gain visibility and access to a wider audience.

Such collaborations enable a cultural exchange, nurturing a sense of pride and recognition for local talent while promoting diversity in the music industry.

Beyond the immediate entertainment value, Boyz II Men's performance in Kenya holds the potential to inspire and motivate the country's youth.

Witnessing a world-class act like Boyz II Men live on stage can ignite dreams and aspirations in young hearts, showing them that with passion, dedication, and talent, they too can achieve greatness on an international scale.

The event was a source of inspiration for aspiring artists, reinforcing the belief that dreams can become reality with hard work and perseverance.

Boyz II Men's show in Kenya was an unforgettable experience that not only delighted fans but also symbolized the power of music to bring people together and bridge cultural divides.

The event underscored Kenya's growing prominence as a global entertainment destination and served as a catalyst for empowering local talent.

Beyond the enchanting melodies and soaring harmonies, the show was a testament to the universal language of music and its ability to inspire, uplift, and connect people from all walks of life.

bBoyz II Men's visit will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in Kenya's musical landscape, inspiring future generations to pursue their artistic passions and strive for greatness.