Sarova Hotels and Resort has re-opened its properties around the country in a phased strategy that has been ongoing from June since hotels were shut down due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country in a bid to tame the spread of the virus.

Sarova Panafric, Sarova Mara Game Camp, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, Sarova Woodlands, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge and Sarova Whitesands kick started operations from June into last month and are currently all operational and open to guests.

Speaking on the phased re-opening, Sarova Hotels and Resorts Managing Director Jimi Kariuki said, "This has been and will continue to be a phased restart as we ensure the health, hygiene and safety measures we are putting in place at all our properties are not compromised and have been fully tested and certified. "

Adding "We have also invested in high end cleaning and sanitizing equipment as well as extensive training of our teams to adapt to the new normal and ensure safety."

Stakeholders in the sector have committed to safe tourism and strict adherence to the recommended guidelines for the safety and wellbeing of our guests and staff is their topmost priority.

The various players have put in place stringent measures to ensure this is upheld.

Early this month  President Uhuru Kenyatta also expressed satisfaction with the measures being taken by stakeholders in the hospitality sector to protect tourists from the coronavirus pandemic and he said Kenya is ready to receive tourists. 

The president also encouraged local and foreign travellers to take advantage of the prevailing low rates to visit the country’s famous tourist sites including the Mara which is a great show of confidence in the sector.

The port of Mombasa has received 30 new terminal tractors [TTs] worth Sh 273.4 million aimed at improving efficiency of cargo handling to boost port operations and business.

Kenya Ports Authority [KPA] acting Managing Director Rashid Salim said the acquisition of the new terminal tractors is an integral part of the authority’s transformative initiative.

He said the newly acquired equipements will be additional to the current fleet of 102 TTs making the complement to a total of 132 terminal tractors at the port of Mombasa.

“The equipments are vital as they serve the ship by receiving containers from the Ship-to-Shore Gantry cranes to the yard and vice versa,” he pointed out.

Rashid added the newly acquired equipments are necessary for enhancing performance of the entire terminal.

He spoke during the commissioning of the tractors at the second container terminal.

The KPA boss said the new equipements will go a long way in enhancing the port capacity to handle cargo. 

In his speech, Rashid acknowledged that the  throughput they can achieve per berth at a particular port will increase with the size of the average container exchange.

He added the average size of ships visiting the port, and the level of port equipment with local ports tend to handle small, often semi-container ships discharging modest volumes of containers at multi-purpose berths

“Since the port of Mombasa envisages a world class port of choice we must continuously upgrade the port cargo handling capacity that includes the acquiring of new equipment,” he pointed out.

The KPA MD added this includes the increase of berths and yard capacity, the depth of the channel and berths, the upgrading of the information and communications technology (ICT) systems, and above all the enhancement of manpower through training.

Tv presenter and celebrated singer Kush Tracey has tested positive for Covid-19 , for the second time.

On  August 17, Kush real name Teresia Wambua announced to the world that she had contracted Covid-19.

“Fam, I have tested positive for Covid-19. We are all susceptible to this virus because it is here with us and it is so real for those who think it’s a joke. But so far so good; I feel fine at the moment and I thank God and am trusting Him to get me through this(sic),” read part of her post.

She added: “Regards to work, I’ll be off air and work for the next few weeks as I isolate and take care of me, but I will be updating my progress and this experience on my YouTube channel.”

Kush has once again come out to reveal that she has tested positive once again.

Taking to instagram Kush posted " Got tested again for COVID-19 and the results have come back still positive. That means another few days in isolation again."

The fastest-growing smartphone brand around the globe, realme, has today launched two more new models into the Kenyan market as part of the brand’s global growth and expansion strategy.

The brand has introduced the realme C11 and realme 6 into the Kenyan market, barely a month after it announced its official venturing into the Kenyan market. The two additional phones come after the successful launch and rollout of realme C3 that has already taken over the Kenyan market by storm.

The launch of the two more brands by the giant phone maker now increases the presence of realme models in Kenya to three as it positions itself to sweep across one of the most competitive markets in Africa which is line with its “Dare to leap” slogan.

Kenya, according to a report by Communications Authority in 2019, had a 91 percent penetration of mobile subscriptions with many consumers now embracing affordable smartphones that give them not only value for their money but everything that an ideal phone offers within reach.

Equipped with a 6.5”, mini-drop full screen, realme C11 brings a larger field of view, provides excellent game, audio and video experience, allowing one to enjoy a wider field of view brought by large screen and less visual disturbance, while giving you an experience of near-full screen.

The Entry Level King retailing at kshs 9,999 shillings will feature a Bigger Battery, 5000mAh Massive Battery, and a Nightscape Dual Camera. Its affordability makes it ideal for the majority of consumers in Kenya. 

The official first sale day for realme C11 will be on August 28^th both online and offline.

While the realme 6,  known to have the most powerful 64Mp quad-camera in its category, will retail at Kshs 29,999. The Pro Camera Pro Display phone features, 90hz Smooth Display, Helio G90 T, and 30W Flash Charge. The user will have the freedom of fully charging the battery within 60mins and 70% in 30mins.  The official first sale day for realme 6 will be on September 2^nd both online and offline and every customer will get a free realme band worth Kshs 2,999.

realme has entered the top five rankings in 9 global markets. In Southeast Asia, the fourth largest mobile phone market in the world, realme has also become the fourth mobile phone brand with a market share of 12 percent and a year-on-year growth rate of 102 percent.

It is working to achieve its goal of 100 million units in global smartphone sales in two to three years.

So far, realme has gained 40 million global smartphone users across 59 markets.

Its uptake in the global market has been a success and according to the statistics of global smartphone shipments in Q1 2020 from Counterpoint realme ranks top 7 in the world, positioning it among the mainstream smartphone brands globally.

In 2019, realme's global smartphone shipments reached 25 million with a year-over-year rate growth rate of 808%, which ranks the 1st among the smartphone brands, making realme the fastest-growing smartphone brand in the world

In a bid to garner support for his 2022 presidential ambition, Deputy President William Ruto is expected to host a series of meetings this weekend in Mombasa.

According to a source privy to planning of the meetings, Ruto will be meeting a section of religious leaders , Islamic and Christian. He will also be meeting a group of Women and youth from the county.

"He was first schedule to meet the religious leaders last week, it was suppose to be a one day meeting but was pushed to this weekend to allow some more time for planning" said the source.

Adding " He will be around for the whole weekend and the meetings are expected to kick off on Friday. Leaders allied to him from the Coast region are also expected to attend the meetings."

On Friday, Ruto is expected to officially open a public library in Kongowea which was constructed by the Nyali Mp Mohammed Ali through the constituency development fund (CDF). He is expected to meet the religious leaders on Saturday morning.

The DP has been receiving support from former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar and Nyali Mp Mohammed Ali who have both on several occasions attack those criticising them for associating with Ruto arguing no one has the right to choose for them friends..

Ruto has been reaching out to leaders and communities from areas that have been ODM strongholds including the Coast region. 

His official residence in Karen (Nairobi) has been a beehive of activity, hosting different delegations.

Nyanza is also one of the regions that his been the centre of focus for Ruto, just recently his ally Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi hosted hundreds of youths and elders from Nyanza at his Uasin Gishu home.

Former Likoni Member of Parliament Masoud Mwahima is dead.

According to reports the former legislator died early Tuesday morning after being sick for sometime.

Mwahima who lost his seat to the current Mp Mishi Mboko also once served as the Mombasa mayor during the defunct Mombasa city council era.

Mwahima was one of the loyal ODM supporters and legislators from Mombasa who ditched the party and joined Jubilee party during the 2017 elections.

His death comes just days after the death of another veteran Mombasa politician, Ramadhan Kajembe who was the former Mp fro Changamwe constituency. 

Several leaders have so far come out to send their condolences to the family.

"On behalf of Jomvu Constitutency, I wish to express our condolences and prayers to the great people of Likoni for the loss of their Former MP #MzeeMasoudMwahima.May Allah Grant them Patience and comfort to his immediate family at this trying times and May Jannatul Firdaus be his final Abode" posted Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib

Nigerian-born singer/songwriter Tiwa Savage shares her new single “Temptation,” featuring multi-Grammy Award-winning pop phenomenon Sam Smith.

Released via Motown Records, “Temptation” is the latest single from Savage’s highly anticipated fourth studio album Celia, due out this Friday.

The track is written by Tiwa Savage, Sam Smith, and Fireboy DML. It was recorded in Lagos, Nigeria and is produced by London.

Listen to “Temptation” by Tiwa Savage feat. Sam Smith HERE

Hailed as the “Queen of Afrobeats,” Savage is the most popular female artist in Africa, and arguably the most popular artist in Nigeria.

Last month, the globally celebrated fashion icon offered the first glimpse at her forthcoming album with “Dangerous Love”, a laid-back and enchanting track built on her signature blend of R&B and Afrobeats.

Marking her directorial debut, the song’s video finds Savage co-directing alongside Ibra Ake (Childish Gambino, Beyoncé) for a stunning visual shot in Lagos, Nigeria.

Named after her mother, Celia showcases Savage’s extraordinary vocal talent and the incredible musical growth she’s experienced over the years.

Born in Lagos, she grew up attending church with her parents and soon developed a love for performing, then relocated to London with her family at the age of 11.

At the age of 16, she found herself singing backing vocals for George Michael a turn of events that quickly led to working with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Emma Bunton, and Blu Cantrell.

Despite having already completed a degree in business administration at the University of Kent, Savage was determined to pursue music and landed a scholarship at the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Although she later moved New York City and linked up with various producers and industry professionals, she eventually returned to Nigeria (a move partly motivated by the lack of true female superstars in her home country).

In 2019, she signed an exclusive recording contract with Universal Records, releasing her first global single “49-99” under Motown Records that summer.

By the following spring, Savage had graced the cover of Billboard magazine’s first issue devoted entirely to Africa, alongside Afrobeat superstars Davido and Mr Eazi.

Through the years, Savage’s fearlessness in merging eclectic genres has more than paid off, earning her an abundance of awards and accolades.

To that end, she made history in 2018 by becoming the first female to win the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act.

She’s since garnered four Channel O Music Video Award nominations, five World Music Award nominations, and a multitude of nominations from the MTV Africa Music Awards, BET Awards, MOBO Awards, and many more.

She’s also undertaken a number of philanthropic endeavors, supporting several youth engagement organizations and breast-cancer-screening projects across Nigeria and beyond.

Additionally, Savage is very active in #JusticeForUwa, loudly voicing her disgust at the rape of a young girl in a church in Nigeria, and creating an Instagram account where rape victims can speak out.

Award winning Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones has penned down an open letter to President Uhuru Kenyatta on behalf of the Creative Industry in Kenya requesting him to allow the reopening of the country especially entertainment joints .

Through his instagram page, the 'Tuma Kitu' hitmaker highlighted the challenges that creatives are going through during this time of curfew.

The curfew was put in place by the Kenyan government to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

“@ukenyatta Kindly on behalf of the Creative Industry of Kenya we are Requesting that you allow us to get back to work, allow for the reopening of Clubs and Restaurants, Measures and precautions shall be Taken to ensure Covid 19 doesn't further spread, The youth are suffering from Depression in Silence, Kindly look into this Matter, also Some of our Hits songs are Going To waste, People want to see @femi_one and @mejjagenge perform Utawezana. Rada Chafu sana, #respecttheogs,” reads the post from Khaligraph Jones.

Papa Jones took the plea further by calling on ODM leader Raila Odinga;s son Raila Juniour to talk to his father and convince president Uhuru Kenyatta to open the country.

"@railajuniour Gathee ebu bonga na mzae wako Agwambo Raila Amolo Odinga, Mwambie aongee na Uhuru Kenyatta watufungulie country turudi kazi , rada chafu sana , watu wanaumia" posted Jones.

His statement has elicited some reaction especially from fellow artists who have all supported him.

“KABISA BROTHER @khaligraph_jones @ukenyatta ?” said Masauti.

On his part Sauti Sol’s Savara Mudigi noted “Eeehhh kumbe saa zingine unaweza ongea sense”.

In total support, Talk that talk!! stage tutaweka huko mbiguni kama ile ya T.I huko Jameson live ?. Also people want to see that Femi x OG collabo,” reacted Femi One.

Mombasa based singer Sai has just dropped her new video titled ''Unaboa'.

The sultry singer rose to fame after recording several songs including Mama by Harmonize, Kwaru by Zuchu among others.

The new song 'Unaboa' has been produced by renowned music producer Shirko who is also her manager.

Watch the video here https://youtu.be/QfPRudgr4WM.

The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Kenya Simon Mordue conducted a two-day visit of Mombasa during which he handed over Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) to Kenya Ports Authority to support its fight against COVID-19.

The Ambassador was hosted by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of East Africa Community (EAC) Kevit Desai, Kenya Ports Authority General Manager Operations & Harbour Master Captain William Ruto, and TMEA Kenya Country Director, Ahmed Farah.

The PPE’s delivery will meet the needs of 2,730 Kenya Ports Authority staff, Port Police, Kenya Revenue Authority staff, Port health staff and sustain them for 60 days.

The 2730 staff were prioritised as they are the first responders and most vulnerable dealing with port health, first aiders and handling of cargo as it arrives.

The PPE’s include Reusable masks, Hand sanitisers, Hand washing points, Disinfectant spray, Infrared Thermometer, Reusable Safety Boots, Full protective PPE for front line health workers, N95 face masks and face shields.

This as agreed by KPA in consultation with KRA and port health and advice from medical agencies at regional and international levels.

The European Union is the largest donor to Kenya’s component of TMEA’s Safe Trade Emergency Facility (STEF) programme with a contribution of KES 600 million (EUR 5 million).

Its under this programme that the PPE delivery has been made as part EU’s wider support for mitigation against the spread of COVID-19 and promotion of continous safe trade in Kenya.

The delivery to Port of Mombasa is critical as the port is the main entry point into East Africa through the Northern Corridor.

Soon after Kenya experienced its first COVID-19 cases in March 2020, Kenya Ports Authority, which has about 7000 employees was identified as the epi-centre of infections in Mombasa prompting a series of tough measures including scanning of people entering the port and also ships docking.

Making his remarks at the event, EU Ambassador to Kenya Simon Mordue said: “The port of Mombasa is the most important gateway to East Africa. To make this port a safe place to work is yet another important step to ensure the flow of goods to support the economy and livelihoods of all people involved. The EU is happy to contribute to this.”

Ministry of Health Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Rashid Aman appreciated the EU’s continued support to Kenya’s fight against COVID-19. There were 31,015 COVID-19 confirmed cases as of 19 th August.

He said “If this pandemic teaches us anything, it is that we do not have a choice between preserving life and reviving our economy. It is apparent that we must acknowledge the linkages, intricacies and synergies between the economy and the public".

Adding "The PPEs delivered today demonstrate that indeed considerate measures to protect our frontline workers at the ports and borders will also ensure that trade continues, and our economy bounces back.”

On his part, Kenya’s Permanent Secretary to the East Africa Community Dr. Kevit Desai commended KPA for measures put in place to ensure Mombasa Port is safe for trade.

He thanked the EU for promoting safety at other Kenya border crossing points including Namanga, Isebania, Malaba, Busia and Moyale.

“We are indeed pleased about this partnership which we have strengthened with TMEA and the EU in the recent past. We have benefited a lot from this partnership in trade facilitation programming through which we are enabling uninterrupted flow of essential commodities during the COVID-19 period" said Desai.

Adding "The government is committed to continue enhancing efficiency of the corridor starting from this point of entry, so that the land linked countries continue to maximise the potential of international trade. We will continue being responsive to the needs of all stakeholders through policy reforms and uptake of innovative solutions in the operations of all our frontline regulatory staff at the points of entry,” 

On his part KPA Ag. Managing Director Rashid Salim through General Manager Operations & Harbour Master Captain William Ruto said, “The management of KPA acknowledges the support accorded today as timely and crucial in ensuring the Port of Mombasa continues to offer world class services and operations that largely contribute to the regional economy.”

Mr. Salim said that the Port of Mombasa has established 147 hand washing points, mass testing of staff and port users, online cargo documentation processes, fumigation of port premises, distribution of PPEs to staff, release of staff aged above 58 years and those with pre-existing medical conditions to work from home.

“So far, no crew of any ship calling at the Port has tested positive. This demystifies the misconception that COVID-19 at the Port is being transmitted by cargo ships,” he added.

At the time of delivery, Mombasa Port was running short of supplies of masks for its front line staff. Inadequate or no PPEs for frontline staff, especially for port health and security personnel, is causing delays in port entry and exit procedures.

During his visit the Ambassador visited other projects that are contributing to the fight against COVID19, including the ongoing implementation of the Regional Cargo and Driver Tracking System (RECDTS) which the EU among other donors is funding.

RECDTS has an inventory of driver’s COVID-19 tests and issues EAC regional recognised digital health certificates to registered long distance drivers. This ensures they can cross East African borders without delays thus regulating flow of trade across the region.

Other interventions funded by the EU under the STEF include: the installation of smart gates at the border; re-engineering import and export process and procedures; the development and implementation of relevant protocols to enhance efficient and safe trade; supporting trade policy, standards and sanitary and phytosanitary standards; policy advocacy and improving e-commerce; and the development of safe trade zones to support formal and informal traders at the borders.

This support is complemented by a grant from Ireland of more than KES 10 million focusing on the establishment of a Safe Trade Zone for female cross border traders in Busia. Other members of Team Europa in particular, The Netherlands, Denmark, and Finland support TMEA activities across Eastern Africa region.

TMEA Kenya Country Director, Ahmed Farah said, “What we have learned through this crisis is that it is important to take quick action to protect the people ensuring critical supplies reach where they are needed; that coordinated action at the regional level is possible and that the pandemic could accelerate regional integration".

Adding "It has revealed importance of trade facilitation in times of crisis and especially in that supplies like food and medicine reach consumers. This crisis has magnified the importance of trade in ordinary development.”