President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged the global community to start viewing and engaging young people as an asset with current value and not as a future promise.

The President said if properly nurtured and provided with the right opportunities, the youth have unlimited potential to become change makers.

He said his decision to appoint young people into top Government positions is a deliberate intervention meant to provide the youth with an opportunity to be mentored and be prepared for more senior positions.

"And this is why in Kenya, I have deliberately appointed young people to the senior rank of “Chief Administrative Secretary”, second only to Cabinet Secretary position. 

"The aim is to provide them with the opportunity to be properly mentored and prepared for even more senior positions," the President said.

The Head of State spoke Tuesday evening at State House, Nairobi during a virtual high level meeting of the United Nations Generation Unlimited.

President Kenyatta spoke on the role of the youth as change makers at the conference that was addressed by several world leaders among them President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President of the World Bank David Malpass and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.

The President told the meeting, also attended by ICT, Innovation and Youth Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru, that social institutions, the environment especially the education system and lack of self drive were among the major setbacks impeding the youth from reaching their potential as change makers.

He said the African education system was structured to support agrarian production systems and not the innovations needed in the 21st century.

To address the environmental barriers inhibiting Kenyan youth from succeeding the digital space, the President said his administration was rolling out a Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) and a Digi School initiative.

"Through the Digi School programme, we have provided over one million tablets to children in primary schools," he said.

On the subject of self-motivation among the youth, the Head of State advised young people to cultivate the right mindset.

"We take the position that the youth must, on their part, have the right mindset; they must appreciate the essence of self-discipline, hard work and integrity.  They must believe in creating wealth and not desiring to be rich using short cut methods," the President advised.

President Kenyatta who is also the UN global champion for young people encouraged the youth to shed their fears and engage in positive activities within their communities.

"Do what you are afraid of, so long as it is positive. If your social institutions and environment limit you, engage them positively," he said

UN Secretary General Antonio Guteress called on countries to utilise digital connectivity to create opportunities for the youth.

The UN boss decried the widening global digital divide during the current Covid-19 pandemic terming it, "a crisis within a crisis".

Mr Guteress challenged young people to step up and lead the struggle for equality in access to global resources including internet connectivity.

On his part, Rwandan President Paul Kagame who is the Co-Chair of the Generation Unlimited Leaders called for the coming together of all stakeholders to generate new ideas for investing in the youth.

Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown called on the G7 and G20 group of countries to commit USD 10 billion for the expansion of digital technologies while Mr David Malpass said the World Bank was working with stakeholders to address the varied digital needs of individual countries.

On August 25, 2020, the world’s fastest growing smartphone brand realme launched two more brands into the Kenyan market, bringing the total number of its trademark into the Kenyan space to three.

The giant phone maker which recently celebrated its second anniversary in the industry, launched realme C11 and realme 6 in addition to realme C3 that had been launched earlier. The two new phones are already taking over the market by storm in line the brand’s Dare to Leap strategy given their features and affordability.

The brand seeks to create products with leapfrog performance and trendsetting design, in order to build a smart life for young people with Internet of things and is looking to launching more exciting products in the market.

In light of this for those looking for an entry-level phone, no need for looking any further for the entry level King realme C11 is here to sort them out.

With its slogan Bigger Battery, and Endless Fun, the smartphone delivers just that and goes for only 9,999 shillings. Its official sale day went live on Jumia as well as offline last week on 28^th August and received great reception just like the C3 which is registering great sales too. Customers can get it from trusted dealers nationwide.

For those who love playing games and do not have to worry about the phone slowing down, hanging or restarting because the phone comes with a 5000mAh Massive Battery and a Helio G35 Gaming Processor giving your phone an optimum performance as you use it.

It can further provide more than a month of standby time which is an industry first.

The phone also comes in colors of grey and mint green.

Equipped with a 6.5-inch mini drop full screen realme C11 brings a larger field of view, provides excellent movie, audio and video experience, allowing you to enjoy wider field of view brought by large screen and less visual disturbance, while giving you an experience of near-full screen. It also has a 13MP AI dual camera, and comes with a 3 Card Slot.

On the other hand, this 2^nd September will mark the official sale day for the flagship realme 6.

The high-performance classy smartphone is a dream phone for anyone who wants to upgrade their lifestyle and is into latest trends and style as it comes equipped with 64MP Pro Camera and Pro Display.

It is currently considered as the most powerful 64MP quad camera. Those who love taking selfies are also covered for the phone comes with a 16MP in display selfie camera and is costs below 30,000 shillings.

The phone comes with 30W flash charge and is available in two colors; white and blue.

realme 6 also features a 6.5-inch 90Hz Ultra Smooth Display with 90Hz refresh rate and 120Hz sampling rate. Capable of producing 90 frames per second, the 90Hz display has a 50% higher refresh rate when compared to a conventional 60Hz display, resulting in a seamless and smooth visual experience with every swipe of the screen.

With a 6.5-inch big display and a superb screen-to-body ratio, the realme 6 brings you a supreme visual experience. All those who will purchase the realme 6 will get a free realme band that retails at 2,999 shillings.

As it takes root in Kenya, realme has gained 45 million global smartphone users across 61 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 1^st among the smartphone brands, making realme the fastest-growing smartphone brand in the world.

Operations at the Mtongwe ferry crossing channel have officially resumed.

According to Kenya ferry services(KFS), they will now be offering the ferry  service daily from Monday to Saturday from morning and closing at 8am due to the curfew imposed by the national government to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The move was welcomed by residents who also challenged the management of Kenya ferry services to ensure that operations at the channel will not be halted again in the future.

" We have been suffering for a long time because of the lack of ferry services and this move is highly welcomed" said Micheal Ogambo, Chairman Mtongwe ferry users association.

According to Ogambo, Mtongwe has experience an increasing cases of insecurity after KFS halted it's operations at the channel.

Ogambo charged " This channel is like the backbone of our economy in Mtongwe so when Kenya ferry services halted operations we suffered alot. Some landlords even started complaining that tenants are moving out of their houses and going to other places".

KFS halted operations at the channel September last year (2019) to repair the jetty at the channel.

In an earlier interview KFS Managing Director Bakari Gowa was quoted saying "“The last time those pontoons were repaired was in 2013. We wanted to replace them with ramps, but because of some financial challenges and concerns for safety of our users, we have opted for the repairs,” 

The pontoon at the Island side was once washed away by the Indian Ocean waves sparking safety concerns among users.

Citizen TV news anchor Victoria Rubadiri has won the 2020 BBC World News Komla Dumor Award

She becomes the second Kenyan to win the trophy after her colleague Waihiga Mwaura, who won the award in 2018.

She is also the sixth winner of the award, following in the footsteps of Solomon Serwanjja, Waihiga Mwaura, Amina Yuguda, Didi Akinyelure and Nancy Kacungira

The award was created in 2015 to honour Komla Dumor, a presenter for BBC World News, who died suddenly aged 41 in 2014.

"Komla to me is an epitome of excellence and an encouragement to many journalists including young journalists. His ability to give the facts comprehensively, and yet still be attuned to his audience, was something I admired and a skill I seek to emulate" said Rubadiri.

Adding " I hope my work will be an inspiration to many young and upcoming journalists."

A statement from BBC notes she impressed judges with her eloquence and passion for telling African stories on both traditional media platforms and social media.

"We're delighted to have Victoria on board to bring her insights and passion to the BBC," said Jamie Angus, Director of BBC World Service Group.

"Komla had the incredible ability to give stories from the continent global resonance, and also deliver it with familiarity and understanding. We're looking forward to seeing Victoria embody that by bringing her perspectives to life," he added.

Rubadiri will begin her three-month placement at the BBC by attending a training course with the BBC Academy before joining BBC News teams across TV, radio and online  which will provide her with the opportunity to gain skills and experience across BBC News platforms.

Embattled Malindi Mp Aisha Jumwa has been freed on Sh 2 million cash bail with an alternative of Sh5 million bond. 

This is after she appeared before Mombasa chief magistrate Edna Nyaloti  to face charges of misappropriating sh 19 Million from the Malindi constituency developement fund kitty.

Nyaloti also reviewed bond terms of six accused persons charged on Friday.

The six  are Wachu Omar Abdalla (Malindi CDF Account Manager), Kennedy Otieno Onyango Bernard Riba Kai, Sophia Saidi Charo and Margaret Faith Kalume who are members of the Malindi Tender Evaluation Committee as well as Robert Katana Wanje a Director of Multserve Contractors Limited.

They were charged with 13 offenses including forgery, fraud in procurement and money laundering. their bond from Sh5 million to Sh2 million as well as the cash bail from Sh2 million to Sh500,000.

The matter will be mentioned on September 31.

Jumwa surrendered herself to the port police in Mombasa on Sunday   following a directive from Mombasa the court after the Prosecution told the court that they could not trace her.

German rap artist Mattan has teamed up with Ghanaian singer AJ Musique to write a letter to his unborn child – in the form of the song “Forever” (Grund genug).

The song is full of valuable advice, wishes and promises for the child’s future. Every verse speaks of the great expectations and love for the child and her mum.

Mattan, who has gained fame and name as an artist and executive producer through numerous collaborations with artists from Africa, was joyfully anticipated by his parents. That’s why they chose a name from the Bible – “Mattan”, which means “God’s gift”.

When you listen to “Forever” (Grund genug) you can feel how much Mattan is looking forward to meeting his firstborn child.

One could go so far as to say that this is the most beautiful letter and token of love ever written.The grooving Afro Beat by MaxBeat proves to be a real earworm with the chorus performed by AJ Musique.

The beautiful music video by Yukon Kabir completes the picture and creates a feast for eyes and soul. Song and video will leave no heart untouched.

The video is available here: https://youtu.be/1Afj-4lU4Os

The 2020 Summer anthem is here!!! Superstar Roberto teams up with copper belt based dynamic duo Chanda Na Kay, to bring you FYONSE.

Fyonse meaning everything atomically brings everything to the party, thumping beat, catchy melodies and diverse talent.

Fyonse is Roberto’s 4threlease for the year 2020, with previous releases being DON’T CRY, COME CLOSER, AFRICAN WOMAN (rmx) feat Somalia’s Suldaan Seeraar and Zambia’s Dance hall artist General Ozzy, set for release on Friday 28 August 2020.

Fyonse promises to be another smash hit for the multi award winning Zambian superstar.

Here is the Fyonse menu, the starter comes via an enchanting idea to lure your heart’s desire, the main meal of course is about splurging and spoiling your other half, the other Gender in other words, and desert is served with immense talent by the artists ,as they offer everything ,including organs just to prove their love.

Produced by Roberto, Fyonse is guaranteed to get you grooving and catching all kinds of feelings with the effects exhibited in your system.

Nigerian singer/songwriter Tiwa Savage shares her new album Celia via Motown Records.

Listen here.

The highly-anticipated third studio album further solidifies Tiwa’s position as one of the leadin artists in the forefront pushing Afrobeats to a global audience.

The 13-track album rhythmically entices one to dance and explores the many facets of femininity.

It speaks to the strong, modern woman that can be felt in Africa and globally.

Named after a strong woman – Tiwa’s Mother - Celia is a mixed bag of emotions, but is always honest while showcasing Savage’s extraordinary vocal talent and prowess as a writer on all the tracks.

The album features Academy and multi-GRAMMY Award-winning pop phenomenon Sam Smith on her classy sultry track “Temptation” along with her other singles the female empowering “Koroba” and the hypnotizing “Dangerous Love.”

“Dangerous Love” marks Savage’s directorial debut as the song’s video finds Savage co-directing alongside Ibra Ake (Childish Gambino, Beyoncé) for a stunning visual shot in Lagos, Nigeria.

Last week Tiwa made her US TV Debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with “Dangerous Love” in a breathtaking outdoor performance which featured the 11-year-old Nigeran ballet dance sensation Anthony Mmesoma Madu.

Celia demonstrates the incredible musical growth she’s experienced over the years.

Celia also has Tiwa collaborating with the likes of Naira Marley, Stefflon Don, Dice Ailes, Davido, and Hamzaa in addition to Sam Smith.

Producer credits stem from London, Cracker Mallo, P2J, Sak Passe, Pheelz, Blaq Jerzee, Speroach Beats and more.

Award-Winning Radio presenter, Hip Hop DJ, Singer, Podcast Host and Producer Ms. Cosmo features Sho Madjozi, Dee Koala and Nelisiwe Sibiya on new female supreme song Baningi.

Ms. Cosmo presents this powered up single during Women’s Month as a reinforcing anthem of the undeniable skill and talent that female heavyweights in the music industry possess.

Despite the current pandemic, the dominating media personality has had a busy 2020 with a new show every Saturday on 5FM, The Trap House and with launching a Podcast, SHE Social which focuses on showcasing talent whilst having powerful insightful conversations with an array of women that occupy the entertainment space.

Ms. Cosmo took to social media to reveal and also tease her new single Baningi set for release this Friday. 

Recruiting the fearless Sho Madjozi, Dee Koala and Nelisiwe Sibiya - Baningi proclaims female supremacy on a fire beat.

The four powerhouses each respectively show off an effortless flow on beastly raps  delivering rhymes in Xhosa, English, Zulu and Xitshonga; whilst affirming their declaration through vocals on the anthem chorus and closing link.

All packing in clever references and announcing their birth given ability as the best in game!

Produced by Makwa and Ms. Cosmo, Baningi is a power joint wrapped in a dope, hyped up, fire beat for music fans worldwide.

Baningi is available now for download and stream here.

Jamaican reggae artist and a member of the  Grammy-nominated Jamaican reggae band Morgan Heritage Gramps Morgan is among artists set to perform at the Kenya Ni Yetu live concert .

The show is set for this Saturday and will be live on all major Tv and radio stations in Kenya.

An excited Gramps took to social media express how happy he is to be part of the acts.

"Kenya has been a second home to me and @morganheritage … So when I heard about the #KenyaNiYetu live concert on 29 Aug, 8pm, on www.yetulive.com by @yetulive, I knew it would be perfect." he posted.

Sauti Sol, H-art the Band, Sammidoh and Suzzana Owiyo are also expected to perform at the event sponsored by Stanbic Bank and powered by Media Owners Association of Kenya.