Transport CS- Macharia and the late Honorable Michuki were among the winners who were  feted at the  Inaugural  Afrika Mashariki Transport Awards Gala held at the KICC over the weekend.

The Awards, the first in East and Central Africa, sought to award excellence and outstanding personalities in the various sectors- Road, Sea, Rail and Air.

 Speaking at the launch of the conference, Edgar Meshack, Founder Afrika Mashariki Transport Awards said, "It is a great privilege to have everyone join in on this project, Transport is a very integral part of the economy. Today is the beginning of a great journey, as we begin to walk together towards driving excellence and behavior change in the Transport sector."

 Adding "As we celebrate the heroes who ensure we get to our destinations safely, we are also going to have a mental health and road safety campaign dubbed Take 5 - The campaign will see us have conversations with all transport Stakeholders from Boda Boda, Matatu, Aviation, Rail, among others,".

The awards  founded by Edgar Meshack and Warren Lamu  seek to celebrate excellence in the transport industry by recognizing excellence in efficiency, safety, affordability, accessibility and customer service.

Skyward express emerged second runners up at the domestic airline of the year award category.

To book your flight with Skyward express, visit the website https://www.skywardexpress.co.ke/

Below is the full list of winners

Best Technological Innovation in Transport

1. TIMS -NTSA
2. NTSA  Self Service Mobile App
3. Virtual Weighbridge -KENHA

Taxi Provider of the Year Award

1. Bolt
2. Uber
3. Little Cab

Courier Service Provider of the Year

1. G4S
2. Wells Fargo
3. DHL

Haulier Logistics Company of the Year

1. Buzeki Enterprises
2. Siginon Group
3. Metro Logistics

Domestic Airline of the Year

1. Renegade Air
2. Skyward Express
3. Jambojet

Long Distance Bus Service of the Year

1. Mash East Africa
2. Modern Coast Coaches Ltd
3. ENA investment Limited(Transline)

Matatu Sacco of the Year

1. Super Metro Sacco Ltd
2. City Star Shuttle
3. Kenya Bus Service Ltd

Long Distance Shuttle of the Year

1. 2NK Sacco
2. Mololine
3. Naekana Route 134 Sacco

Matatu of the Year

1. Super Metro-KDD 370N
2. Metro Trans -KDA 430A
3. Union near KCK 319G

Matatu Driver of the Year

1. Nicholas Wanjiru-Super Metro
2. George Morris Omondi -Embassava

Matatu Driver of the Year

1. Virginia Njeri NJUGUNA-Kangemi MatatuOwners Association
2. Esther Wawira Njagi -Embakasi
3. Esther Wairimu Thuo -Embakasi

Conductor of the Year Male

1. Peter Kitaranya -Super Metro
2. Kevin OCHIENG Jakoyo -Royal Swift
3. Gerald Kitili - Embassava

Conductor of the year Female

1. Elizabeth Magoma -Nakam Sacco
2. Megan Wanjera Muriithi -Metrotrans
3. Ann Wanjiku Karongo -Kangemi Matatu Owners Association

Radio Drive Show of the Year

1. MAINA and Kingangi - Classic 105
2. Gidi and Ghost - Radio Jambo
3. Morning Kiss -Kiss 100

Motor Club of the Year

1. Mercedes Benz Club Kenya
2. Forester Nation
3. BMW Owners Club

Transport Social Media Page of the Year

1. Sikika Road Safety
2. Ma3 Route
3. NTSA Kenya

Auto Dealer of the Year

1. Toyota Kenya
2. Subaru Kenya
3. General Motors East Africa

Auto Bazaar of the Year

1. Imports by Kairo
2. Motor Hub
3. Kenya Auto Bazaar

Outstanding Boda Boda Rider of the Year -Male

1. Francis Mutinda -Njiru Far East Riders Sacco
2. Geoffrey Omboga - Kilimani Boda Transport Co-operative Society
3. Eric Wambua -Njiru Far East Riders

Outstanding Boda Boda FemaleRider of the Year

1. Beatrice Njeri Ndungu - Ruaka Boda Boda Riders
2. Judy Wanjiru Wangari -Newlife Travellers Sacco
3. Trisha Gitau - Kirigiti Boda Transport Cooperative Society

Transport Infrastructure Of The Year- Voted by the public and adjudicated by the judges

Rail Infrastructure of the Year

1. Standard Gauge Railway - Winner
2. Revitalized Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR)(1st Runners Up
3. Revitalized Metre Gauge Railway (MGR)-2nd Runners Up

 Road Transport Infrastructure of the Year

1. Nairobi Expressway   - Winner
2. Nairobi Ring Roads (Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Bypasses) - 1st Runners Up
3. Ngong – Suswa Road - 2nd  Runners Up

 Aviation Transport Infrastructure of the Year

1. JKIA Terminal 1-Winner

 Maritime Transport Infrastructure of the Year

1. New Kipevu Oil Terminal- Winner

 Transport PS of the Year

1. Dr. Eng. Joseph Njoroge- Winner

 Transport infrastructure Waziri of the Year

       1. James Wainaina Macharia, EGH- Winner

 Transport Sector Lifetime Achievement

1. John Njoroge Michuki (Posthumous)-Winner

President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged securities agencies to continue embracing the multi-agency approach in dealing with crime and safeguarding the security of Kenyans.

President Kenyatta noted that the approach has enabled security officers drawn from different agencies to collaborate leading to a significant improvement in the state of security in the country.

“I just want to once again say how great it is when agencies work together, when agencies collaborate. When we move with our multi-agency approach in terms of dealing with security matters, we are capable of producing results,” the President said.

President Kenyatta spoke on Thursday at the multi-agency training camp at Kamanga in Tseikuru where he presided over the passing out parade of 256 Special Forces of the Administration Police (AP).

The AP Special Forces comprised three groups, the Special Recce Team (SRT), the Special Operations Group (SOG) as well as the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT).

The President congratulated the graduands for their commitment, determination and hard work that enabled them to complete the five months rigorous paramilitary training.

“So today we are here to celebrate you, to encourage you. You are now going to join an elite group of men and women who for the last few years have been the tip of the spear in terms of protecting the people of this country,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State expressed optimism that with the graduation of the fresh contingent of AP special forces, the country can only be a much safer place and Kenyans can sleep peacefully knowing there are men and women protecting them against those who would attempt to harm them.

At the same time, the President assured security agencies that the Government will continue to provide all the facilitation required to enable them conduct their duties effectively including the provision of modern equipment, weapons and vehicles.

“I also want to assure you that we will do everything that we can to ensure that we also cater for your welfare and that of your families as you cater for the security of 50 million Kenyans,” the Head of State added.

Noting the graduands included 50 female officers, the President said they will be joining a group of another 50 female officers who have been doing a good job in dealing with crimes of various nature in Nairobi and other cities across the country.

During the occasion, President Kenyatta was treated to a demonstration of the skills the officers have acquired, the climax of which was a shooting competition where Administration Police Constable Noah Andayi from SOG scooped the top prize while his counterpart Margaret Njoroge from SWAT came second.

Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Karanja Kibicho, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai and Deputy Inspector General Administration Police Service Mr. Noor Gabow also spoke at the ceremony attended by several senior Government officials.

The first ever Transport awards in East and Central Africa - Afrika Mashariki Awards launched officially with a three day Expo and Conference on the Transport Industry on Wednesday 13th July at the KICC ahead of the Gala Night on Friday 15th July 2022. 

The awards founded by Edgar Meshack and Warren Lamu seek to celebrate excellence in the transport industry by recognizing excellence in efficiency, safety, affordability, accessibility and customer service. 

The awards, which are the first in the history of Transport in East and Central Africa, will award excellence and outstanding personalities in the various sectors- Road, Sea, Rail and Air. 

Speaking at the launch of the conference, Edgar Meshack, Founder Afrika Mashariki Transport Awards said, "It is a great privilege to have everyone join in on this project, Transport is a very integral part of the economy.

Today is the beginning of a great journey, as we begin to walk together towards driving excellence and behavior change in the Transport sector."

As we celebrate the heroes who ensure we get to our destinations safely, we are also going to have a mental health and road safety campaign dubbed Take 5 - The campaign will see us have conversations with all transport Stakeholders from Boda Boda, Matatu, Aviation, Rail, among others," he added. 

The transport expo will start on Wednesday before culminating in a gala night on Friday this week.

Low budget carrier, Skyward express is among the companies nominated for the awards.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/2924-skyward-express-nominated-for-the-best-domestic-airline-of-the-year-award

“The company that will win this award will attract more passengers as the travelers will have the appetite to use it more than the others. The award has a lot of brand value that will boost their business.” said Eng Njoroge.

“The award may not have huge monetary value but the impact that will create the company will be more important in terms of their reputation,” he added.

Voting commenced on the 14th June 2022 and continued until midnight 14th July 2022. All the nominees have a code allocated to them for voting purposes and voting can be done online via website https://afrikamasharikitransportawards.com/ and via USSD 23776 . 

ODM Party Leaderand Azimio La Umoja presidential Candidate Raila Odinga has called on Mombasa residents  to embrace six piece voting to ensure that the ODM Party carries the day in the county in the August 9 General Election. 

According to Odinga, it will be unfair for residents to elect him as president and fail to elect ODM leaders arguing that was the only way to make the party strong and make work easy for him once he takes over the government.

“I don’t want to be a general without an army. I need my foot soldiers in the County Assembly, National Assembly, Senate and most importantly, the Governor so as to be able to deliver on my vision for the country." said Odinga.

Odinga was speaking at the Caltex grounds in Likoni where he paraded all ODM candidates from the county led by Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir who is eyeing the Mombasa governor seat.

"As you can see these are my foot soldiers here in Mombasa, we have Mishi, Abdulswamad, Badi Twalib (Jomvu) , Said Abdallah (Nyali) so do not let me down" argued Odinga

On his part, Nassir committed to comb every blade of grass in the entire county to rally the people of Mombasa to meet a minimum turn out of 95% in the election to ensure victory for Azimio.

Odinga was accompanied by other Azimio leaders including his running mate Martha Karua, Mombasa governor Hassan Joho, Kitui governor Charity Ngilu, Suna East Mp Junet Mohammed former Gatanga Mp Peter Kenneth among others.

ODM Nyali Mp aspirant Said  'Saido' Abdalla has embarked on extensive campaigns rallying residents to turn out in large numbers and vote for Azimio La Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga in the August 9 polls.

Abdalla, who is seeking to clinch the Nyali constituency seat, said even the sick people lying in hospital will be facilitated to come out and vote for Odinga. He  expressed confidence that ODM will form the next government.

Abdalla said ODM has a clear manifesto that will deliver development to electorates. He asked his supporters not to gamble with their vote instead vote for a six piece pattern so that they can reap from development.

“Even the sick will vote, we are not going to leave someone behind, if there is a problem we will facilitate even the sick to be given priority to vote in their polling stations, because it is our obligation to ensure that in our strongholds people vote in large numbers,” said Abdalla.

Abdalla made the remarks during a door to door campaign in Mkomani where he expressed confidence that he will clinch the Nyali Mp seat the  in August 9 polls.

Abdalla will battle it out with incumbent Mp Mohamed Ali Alias Jicho Pevu of the United Democratic Alliance.

Abdalla asked residents to come out in large numbers in areas where ODM enjoys strong support so that they can vote Odinga as the fifth president.

“We don’t want a situation where Raila Odinga strongholds will have only 20 percent voters, we ask our people to turn out in large numbers because if they don’t vote, it means we are giving our opponents a chance to win,” said Abdalla.

He further cautioned politicians against making remarks that are likely to divide Kenyans.

He charged "It is our responsibility as aspirants seeking to occupy different seats to make sure that we preach peace. Here in Nyali, we are not going to accept anyone who wants to divide us because we believe we are one"

Orange democratic Movement ODM leaders in Mombasa have staged a spirited campaign for ODM leader Raila Odinga for presidency ahead of his mega rally in Mombasa on Thursday.

The leaders led by governor candidate Abdulswamad Nassir and Jomvu Mpo Badi Twalib asked Jomvu residents to prepare in large numbers to welcome Odinga saying he is the best suited to succeed president Uhuru Kenyatta.

“As a son of Baba Raila Odinga politically, I will be ready to welcome Odinga in Bangladesh, we want to show Odinga that this is the epitome of politics,” said Nassir while addressing a political gathering at Bangladesh on Tuesday.

Nassir said Mombasa is an ODM zone and will deliver victory to Odinga in the August 9 general elections. Nassir is seeking to succeed Governor Hassan Joho in Mombasa. Nassir challenges residents not to gamble with their votes, instead elect an ODM president.

“I want to ask the people of Bangladesh to come out in large numbers so that they can break a record, we want to see Bangladesh votes making Raila the president and making Nassir the governor for Mombasa,” said Nassir.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib slammed their opponents for their continued blame game on the transfer of port operations to Nairobi and Naivasha inland depots.Badi asked Mombasa residents to have faith with Odinga as he has promised to return port operations when he gets into power.

“Those who are rebuking Odinga should know that Odinga has strong supporters in Mombasa who are determined to install him as the fifth president,” said Twalib.

Badi said Jomvu is ready to welcome Odinga in Jomvu where the Azimio presidential candidate has planned a mega Rally at Bangladesh grounds on Thursday this week.

“For the first time Odinga will step in Bangladesh,and we are ready to show him that we are ready for victory,”said Twalib.Twalib is seeking reelection in Jomvu constituency through an ODM ticket.

A three High court judge bench has directed the independent electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to clear former Nairobi governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko to vie for Mombasa county governor.

High court judges, Olga Sewe, Ann Ong'injo' and Stephen Githinji gave a judgment on a case that governor Sonko had moved to the High Court to contest the IEBC Dispute Resolution Committee’s decision that locked him from contesting for Mombasa County’s top job.

Justice Stephen Githinji ruled on Wednesday, July 13 that the electoral commission acted unfairly by locking out the former Nairobi governor even after the governor has satisfactorily met the requirements

The judge said IEBC was unreasonable for refusing to accept certified copies of Sonko’s academic certificates outside the stipulated timeline, saying that was not a basis to lock him out.

At the same time Githinji said Iebc Chair Wafula Chebukati acted unconstitutionally in giving a press release barring Sonko to be cleared.

This means that the race to succeed governor Joho will not be an easy ride to already cleared candidates like ODM's Abdulswamad Nassir, United democratic alliance( UDA) Hassan Omar and VDP party Awiti Bolo.

The court noted that IEBC was inappropriate not to clear Mike Sonko on the three basis that he suited his degree certificate late, arguing that the Commission should have considered flexibility of the matter.

"This court has set a very good precedent on how matters of impeachment should be handled, justice has prevailed, what we urge is that the orders should be fully complied by the Iebc," said Wilfred Nyamu a lawyer representing Sonko.

Sonko was locked out of the race after both the County Assembly of Nairobi and the Senate impeached him over gross misconduct allegations.

The lawyers hailed the high court for standing for justice and setting a direction on handling impeachment matters. The lawyers now asked the court to compel Iebc to swiftly clear and Gazette Sonko name for the August 9 polls.

"The petitioner has already suffered enough mental torture so in the interest of justice to the petitioner, the Iebc to shifty been compelled to gazette Sonko to vie,"said Wilfred Nyamu.

Speaking outside the court, Kisauni  member of Parliament and Sonko's running mate Ali Mbogo  asked their opponents to brace for a bruising battle in the August 9 polls.

"Justice has prevailed at last and we want to ask our people that we have only one task ahead that is on August 9 to vote,let's get ready to show them dust,"Mbogo said.

Mbogo said Mombasa was suffering from under development because of the people who have no leadership vision saying the Wiper party candidature will deliver victory.

Sonko is set to battle it out with ODM's Abdulswamand Nassir,UDA Hassan Omar among other contestants in the quest to succeed governor Hassan Joho.

However IEBC has requested to lodge an appeal against the judgement. The court heard that the submissions to gazette Sonko will be heard on July 18 next week.

President Uhuru Kenyatta today said the Government will set up a national automotive council to facilitate implementation of the National Automotive Policy that is geared towards boosting the local assembling of motor vehicles.

Speaking when he launched the locally assembled Euro 4 Mitsubishi L200 pickup at State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta reiterated the Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the growth of the country’s automotive industry.

“…I take note of the issue of getting the council established and that is something we shall see if we can do before we leave office to ensure that we create that enabling environment for the necessary institutions that will see this particular industry continue on its growth trajectory and becomes once again predominant part of the Kenyan economy,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State encouraged stakeholders in the industry to continue working with the Government to ensure it achieves its objectives of reviving and stabilizing the automotive sector.

He thanked Mitsubishi, Associated Vehicle Assembly (AVA) and Simba Corporation for being true partners in the country’s efforts in growing the industry.

“I really appreciate the partnership that we have had that has led to a revival of this industry that was once-moribund and for me to give you my assurance and my commitment that we shall continue to work together to reach the targets that we envisioned way back in 2019.

“….our determination to ensure that future Government also continue with the same policy because this is not only good for increasing the manufacturing capacity of the country but also good in terms of skills transfer, in terms of creating jobs for our people and in terms of creating new opportunities,” he said.

Noting that the country used to have one of the most vibrant automotive industry in the region, President Kenyatta said the Government will remain steadfast in ensuring policies aimed at bolstering the growth of the industry continue to be implemented.

“We had all these people who were out there making break pads, we had people making windscreens, we had people making suspensions and shock absorbers and all these things. It is my hope that as we continue to increase the number of vehicle assembling plants, we will also have the backward linkages that would also enable some of these other industries that were a critical cog to local assembly revived, restored and brought back into play,” President Kenyatta said.

Industrialization Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) David Osiany said the implementation of the National Automotive Policy will ensure the country regains its position as a regional automotive manufacturing hub.

He said the industry has the capacity to produce 30,000 vehicles per annum but regretted that the assembly plants are currently producing a paltry 6,000 units, accounting for less than 25% of the production capacity.

“The industry has been able to provide 100,000 direct and indirect jobs to Kenyans. The industry also contributes about 30 billion per annum to the government through taxation,” the CAS said.

Japanese Deputy Ambassador to Kenya Yasuhisa Kitagawa said his country is committed to its partnership with Kenya to ensure all  designed projects are fulfilled for the benefit of the citizens of the two countries.

"Mombasa city where the L200 is assembled is an area that Japan has very strong commitment through giant projects such as the expansion of port facilities and development of Special Economic Zones," Mr. Kitagawa said.

Simba Colt Corporation Limited Chairman Adil Popat said AVA has increased its production from 2000 units to 7,500 units  in the last three years

A solution designed by one of the world's brilliant minds, MLBC is a vehicle who's intent is to transform Africa into a global powerhouse.

Mandla Lamba started Verityhurst (Pty) Ltd a private equity firm that has one investor, that is Dr Mandla Lamba of course.

Verityhurst was founder 15 years ago with a sole principle of investing in listed equities, Verityhurst was formed in 2007 by Dr. Mandla Lamba who was later joined in by a Billionaire who is an Eastern Cape, South African Parliamentarian Thembekile Mzantsi who serves as a partner and Chairman of Verityhurst.

Thembekile Mzantsi is a South African Billionaire Politian who owns R5 billion worth shares in Agilitee. 

The duo have run Verityhurst for 15 years and it invested in over 11 companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, 6 companies on the New York Stock Exchange, 9 Companies of  the Nasdaq in the US and 22 companies on Lindon Stock Exchange. Verityhurst has invested over $2.7 billion globally over the past 15 years.

Changamwe Member of Parliament Omar Mwinyi has received an endorsement by over 10,000 employees of the Export processing Zone (EPZ) in his quest for re-election.

EPZ workers led by the tailors and textile workers union Secretary Changamwe branch Richard Musaa are optimistic that the Mp will address their plight once reelected.

"As members of the union, we have unanimously agreed that we will vote for Mwinyi because he has always stood with EPZ workers,we are optimistic that he will continue to support our union,” said Musaa.

Speaking at St. Charles Lwanga secondary school grounds, Mwinyi said his duty before the general elections is to ensure a union to regulate the needs of EPZ workers appropriately is formed.

“Most leaders have disregarded your struggles and that is why we need to have a union that will address your issues and concerns,” he said.

He pledged sh.5 million in the upcoming harambee to ensure nothing hinders the operations towards the Sacco formation.

“I assure you we will have another harambee before the elections which will aim at establishing a Sacco and buying a minibus for sports activities,” Mwinyi said.

 He insisted that the county government of Mombasa has more than enough money to help finance the education of students in Changamwe. He asked the union workers to stay united and invest in other income ventures so as to sustain themselves.

“Our Mombasa County Government is financially able to allocate sh.100 million to Changamwe Constituency that being the case no child in Changamwe will miss an opportunity to be educated,” Mwinyi assured.

"We will plan a Harambee contribution and my OLED will be sh 5 million to support you buy a bus and invest in other ventures,” said Mwinyi who also promised to continue with infrastructure development in the area.

Among the proposals by EPZ workers is that the Mp help them form a SACCO among those mentioned by the secretary.

The two times Mp is seeking a third stamp in the constituency through the ODM Party in the August 9polls