Sarova Stanley hosted the historic annual Cake Mixing ceremony that was characterized by pomp and color with chefs showing their skills and experience in making the ceremony an unforgettable experience. The annual event now marks the appearance of a festive season on the horizon.

The event is part of the history that dates back to the 17th century when cake mixing was done to mark the arrival of the harvest season in a procedure that has remained constant through the years. This tradition used to be an intimate family affair to symbolize unity and hard work and is now no longer a preserve of Christian households.

Led by Pastry Chef Sanjit Gupta and his young and energetic team, they made sure that the exciting event that traditional liquors will be mixed with sultanas, raisins, cashews, almonds, plums, peaches, and nuts awaiting Christmas baking, was not just a site to experience but a lesson for many who with an interest in making the cake.

The chefs also added dates, figs, dried cherries, pistachios, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, dried ginger, candied fruits, prunes, walnuts, sugar, eggs, and all-purpose flour. After the crafted combination, the mixture was then soaked in rum, brandy, wine, or a combination of fruit juices and alcohol, all of which give the cake its signature taste and aroma. Why alcohol? You may ask. Since alcohol is a preservative, it was believed that preserving the cake mix for a year could attract good luck and harmony.

“This is a lovely ceremony where one does not just make preparations for the upcoming festival, but also get together the way we have done to welcome the festive spirit that is so synonymous with Christmas,” said Sarova Group Pastry Chef Sanjit Gupta

Kenya Ports Authority is prepared to showcase it's prowess in the coming Mombasa Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) show expected to begin on Wednesday at the Mkomani grounds.

KPA Show Committee Assistant Chairman Peter Odera they intend to make things different this year compared to what they have been showcasing in previous shows including coming up with a beach and the ocean for the show.

“We have tried to be technical but also bring simplicity because we understand that we have school-going children and people who would want to see the visual part of it,” said Odera.

Adding " This year's theme is about innovation something which has become very key so we thought of bringing to the show what we have not had before. And for this case, we decided to do a physical show and tell people what we do at our place of work"

To demonstrate their prowess, the authority has come up with a pool at their stand that will be used to practically demonstrate how they undertake water welding and  salvaging of an item that goes on the water.

The authority has also planted mangrove trees  at their stand that will be used in showcasing how oil spills affect the environment.

Other activities will include diving,  welding and repair ships.

Odera charged "We are ready to showcase what we have and I would like to encourage people to take time and visit us at the KPA stand."

President William Ruto is expected to officially open the show on Thursday.

Mombasa based actress and singer Bwire Ndubi has revealed that she is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Taking to social media, Ndubi who plays the role of Dida in the local program 'Sultana' that airs on Citizen TV,  opened up that she has been battling breast cancer for some time.

In the post, Ndubi thanked all those who have stood with her led by her partner actor Dan Sonko.

"As we mark the end of the breast Cancer awareness month, I’d love to appreciate your love and support through my journey. Those in the know walked with me from the very beginning," she stated.

Adding " We’re almost at the end of the lap and I count myself blessed to have people like you in my life. A big thank you to God, he is the star of my show. Ukweli usemwe (truth be told). A big thank you to my parents, my in-laws, my cousins, my co-workers, my bosses, my Doctor and nurses, my children, and last but definitely not least my best friend, my love and caregiver Dan Sonko. Without you all, this journey wouldn’t be as smooth. I am here today because of the love, support, and shield you’ve surrounded me with from the very start."

The former member of Juukua the band further urged Women to get screened for breast cancer.

"Please keep going for screenings even when the month of October ends. Breast cancer knows no age, color, size, or gender. Know your body and treat it right. To all my warriors out there, keep fighting. Your life is yours to live. Don’t let cancer outlive you. Don’t let it ever stop you. Don’t let it eat at your brain."

Members of the powerful Senate business committee (SBC) are in Mombasa for a two day induction on legislation business and oversight tools.

The apex committee  is tasked to among other functions to establish Committees, draft Standing orders, prioritize or postpone any business of the House and any other business that may arise.

The induction which expected to end on Tuesday was officially opened by the Deputy Speaker Senator Kathuri Murungi.

In his speech Senator Murungi challenged the senators to ensure that they step up and ensure they help find solution to the different challenges currently facing the country which includes adverse effects of climate change, unemployment, national debts and harsh economic times., through their legislative role.

"As the Legislature, it is our duty to step up to the plate and join in efforts to not only find lasting and sustainable solutions to these challenges but also give hope to our people." said Murungi.

Adding ""As you are aware, a loaded in-tray awaits us as Parliament given the high expectations Kenyans have in the wake of the August elections that proved to be a watershed moment for our Country."

the committee is led by Senate speaker Amason Kingi, other members of the committee include Senate Majority leader Senator Aaaron Cheruiyot and Minority leader Senator Stewart Madzayo.

On Wednesday, the committee members are expected to join their colleagues at the Whitesands hotel for the major induction expected to be opened by Speaker Amason Kingi.

The Senators are expected to resume their plenary sittings on Tuesday next week after breaking for recess last Thursday 

All is set for this year's Mombasa annual Agriculture Society of Kenya (ASK) show set to be held from November 2 to 6, 2022.

The once-popular event was not held for two consecutive years as the country went into a lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year's ASK show calendar officially begun on Sunday with a special thanksgiving service at the Mombasa ACK cathedral church, presided over by the .

Speaking after the service, Mombasa ASK show Chairman Anisa Abdallah revealed that there will be a special agribusiness training.

"We will be having specialists who will be training those interested in agribusiness. I would like to appeal to our youths to come out in large numbers and also attend this training since it will help them in job creation and self employment instead of just sitting and waiting for white collar jobs" said Abdallah.

Adding " We are set and ready to receive all the visitors for this year's show".

President William Ruto is expected to officially open the show on Thursday, 3rd November.

This year's theme is 'Promoting innovation and Technology in Agriculture and Trade'

On his part Mombasa ACK cathedral bishop Alphonse Baya cautioned government officials against taking advantage of the relief food program to benefit themselves.

"As we all know it is a shame that today people are dying of hunger, starvation, lack of water yet with good strategic preparedness this are challenges which are not necessarily for Kenyans because we have everything necessary we are properly gifted to give food for everyone in this country. Hunger is a man made problem, why is it that only some people die out of hunger it means that there is a problem in the system that distributes food to our plates which needs to be addressed. ." said Bishop Baya

Adding " As the government distributes food for relief let us hope that there will be no famine billionaires as it were during the Covid period where we had Covid billionaires."

Former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho seems to be enjoying every bit of his retirement life after serving the people of Mombasa for two terms as the county chief.

From spending some quality time with giraffes at his posh Vipingo home to hanging out with celebrities abroad.

Last month, Joho got netizens talking after he shared a video on his official Instagram page which boasts over 1.2 million followers of himself in shorts and a white vest walking in a well manicures lawn where he then proceeds to stand next to three giraffes admiring them.

In the video the former governor turns to the giraffes and goes, "twendeni... let us go, let us go guys c'mon," as he waves his hand towards the animals while walking away.

On Friday, Joho was spotted hanging out with American singer Jason Derulo in one of his shows at the Cocacola arena in Dubai.

This is not the first time Joho has been spotted in the company of top celebrities.

He has previously been spotted with Paris Hilton, Fat Joe among others.

Parents living with Children suffering from Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus have been urged not to hide them at home.

Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir said there is need for creating awareness and seeking help for the victims.

Speaking on Saturday while flagging off the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus awareness walk, Nassir revealed that there are plans to start a special program for treatment, shunt at the Spina bifida and Hydrocephalus centre in Likoni .

"We are working on starting the special shunt procedure which drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain and I want to make sure that this will be performed permanently here at our facility. We already have donors who have shown interest in supporting us towards achieving this" said Nassir.

Adding" My special appeal is to the parents living with children suffering from this disease to stop hiding them in the houses and instead come out and seek help, members of the public should also stop the myth about this disease, linking it to witch craft".

His sentiments were echoed by the county Woman representative Zamzam Mohammed who called out on well wishers to come out and support the county government and other stakeholders in creating awareness for the disease.

"It is good that we all come out and support children living with this disease, they are all our children and as the Women representative I will do my best to support such initiatives inside and outside parliament."

Spina bifida is part of a group of birth defects called neural tube defects while Hydrocephalus is a build-up of fluid on the brain, also called 'water in the brain'.

Kilifi governor Gedion Mung'aro is the new Chairman of Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP).

Mung'aro takes over form former Taita Taveta governor Granton Samboja.

"The Jumuiya za Pwani Governors at a meeting held at the new offices of the Jumuiya Economic Development Secretariat immediately after the official opening resolved to have Kilifi county assume chairmanship of the Kenya Coast bloc" reads a statement from JKP C.E.O Emmanuel Nzai.

Mung'aro becomes the third chairman of the JKP, the first chairman was former Kwale county governor and current Mining cabinet secretary Salim Mvurya.

"I am committed to the task and believe with our unity, we shall meet the people's expectations and grow our economy as Coastal people." said Mung'aro.

Adding "Coast counties are daughters of the same mother and forging forward we need to collectively put our strength together and find permanent solutions to problems ailing the region so as to restore the region's glory."

Realness Institute in partnership with Netflix, the world’s leading entertainment streaming service, has opened the calls for submissions to its 2023 Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship (DET) programmes which will take place from 30 April to 30 July 2023.

The Lab and Traineeship aim to support screenwriters and mid-career industry professionals from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa who are seeking opportunities to develop their original story ideas in any genre and are looking to enhance their skills as story consultants respectively.

Bringing together a wealth of creative talent from Africa in these programmes, Realness Institute offers the Episodic Lab participants the opportunity to pitch their incubated stories to Netflix executives at the end of the programme.

It also offers DET participants a deeper understanding of the story development process, exposure to a more nuanced approach in the support of writers whilst simultaneously holding writers accountable for their creative work. 

To support the participants to focus on their involvement in the programmes, Realness Institute will provide a monthly stipend of ZAR 33,000 (Thirty-Three Thousand South African Rands) for the duration of the Lab and traineeship to help cover their living expenses.

“As filmmakers we understand how difficult it is to find time and space to focus on our creative processes: to unpack stories, mull over and bounce ideas off others, benchmark ourselves against our peers as we hustle to make films, and pitch and search for funding and finance,” says Mehret Mandefro, Director of Development and Partnerships, Realness Institute.

Adding  “In understanding this landscape, we are delighted that Netflix has once again partnered with us, to bring these two symbiotic programmes for African filmmakers in our joint quest to grow African stories and content on the continent.”

While there is no guarantee that any proposal will be developed further by Netflix, it is a unique opportunity to interface at key milestones with Netflix executives and be afforded the opportunity to pitch.

The 2022 Episodic Lab alumnus, Voline Ogutu from Kenya pitched an idea for a romance crime thriller Dilemma that has received a greenlight from Netflix for further development.

Reacting to her story idea being selected for further development, Voline Ogutu, who has now started to turn her attention to next steps which include Writers’ Room planning, says, “I am honored and grateful to be part of this rare opportunity. To those who dream of telling African stories on the global stage, it is truly within your reach. Thank you to the Netflix and Realness team who were part of this process.”

Commenting on Netflix’s partnership with Realness Institute, Allison Triegaardt, Manager for GROW Creative Africa at Netflix says, “We are so thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Realness Institute for the 2023 edition.  It is such a great opportunity to find, grow and nurture African storytellers and their uniquely African stories by giving them the time and resources they need to fully realize their vision and someday share their stories with a global audience.”

The Lab and Traineeship take place online and then for a week in-person in July 2023 at the Coot Club in Stanford, Western Cape.

 Interested participants are encouraged to visit https://www.realness.institute/episodic-lab for Episodic Lab programme application and https://www.realness.institute/det for Development Executive Traineeship programme application and wait to be shortlisted.

Uganda is seeking partnership that will see big number of visitors to Kenya’s coastal towns and the respective beaches on the coast visit it's safaris.

In the agreement which will compliment both beaches and safaris found in Kenya and Uganda respectively, the two countries will market their tourists destinations as a package.

To harness the opportunities, Uganda’s Consulate in Mombasa has organized the first Uganda Kenya Coast Tourism Conference and exhibition set for November 17th this year.

Uganda's Consulate General in Mombasa Amb.Paul Mukumbya said both countries can benefit from tourist arrivals to each country by selling their respective tourism packages to tourists from abroad.

“The partnership will ensure thousands of tourists visiting either Kenya and Uganda move freely between the two countries. The tourists can have breakfast at the beach and lunch in a safari in Uganda,” said Amb Mukumbya.

In the agreement, the two countries will promote beaches and different tourism products on the coast and adventure tourism in Uganda as one package which will not only increase tourist numbers in the two countries but will create more opportunities for tourism stakeholders.

“In the deal, Uganda Airways will operate direct flight from Mombasa to Entebbe three times a week but we shall also engage other transporters such as tour and bus operators to offer special rates for travelers of the two countries,” said the consulate.

Speaking during a joint media briefing in Mombasa with the Kenya Coast Tourism association (KCTA) officials, the Ugandan Consulate said Uganda has completely different tourism products from Kenya and yet there are so many travelers who come to the Coast.

“We shall be having a conference between Uganda and Kenyan Coast tourism stakeholders on 17th November this year where we shall elaborate more on the way forward,” he said.

The conference will bring together over 100 Uganda tourism players and exhibitors to showcase some of their products and brands at the inaugural event in Mombasa slated for Nov 17.

Amb. Mukumbya said the conference under the theme ‘strengthening Networks, synergies and diversity to maximize the tourism potential between Uganda and the Kenya Coast region’ will be a game changer.

According to Mukumbya, tourism arrivals in Uganda in 2021 stood at 512,945.Out of that,326,387 were from Kenya which he said translated to 63 percent of all arrivals in Uganda.

KCTA chairman Victor Shitakha said the partnership facilitated by both governments will be between the private tours operators of Kenya and Uganda so as to work together to market each other's tourism products.

"The move will create networks and synergies and we are not in competition but we compliment where we shall come up with packages marketed together where we shall sell both safari and beaches as one package,” said Mr Shitakha