President Uhuru Kenyatta has rallied Kenyans to continue being cautious of Covid-19 saying, despite the relaxation of disease containment measures, the danger of infections spreading still lurks.

“We must, therefore, continue to be careful as we go about our daily callings; and more importantly, I urge all Kenyans to get vaccinated or receive your booster shots, so that we may put the pandemic behind us, once-and-for-all,” the President said.

The Head of State spoke on Sunday at State House, Nairobi when he presided over the 92nd inspection parade of the St John Ambulance Kenya where he announced a Shs 150 million annual Government sponsorship for the organization starting with Shs 100 million this financial year.

The President, who is the Chief Patron of the humanitarian institution, challenged it to include more young people in its activities by engaging learning institutions at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

“By placing a value on volunteerism, we shall be nurturing a higher calling and building a strong sense of civic responsibility amongst the leaders of today and tomorrow,” the President said.

In this regard, the Head of State directed the Ministry of Education to develop innovative initiatives that will foster and recognize student volunteers among them preferential consideration when seeking internship opportunities.

“Indeed, the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) framework provides a perfect opportunity for this endeavour. I further call upon our Government institutions to grant preference to interns and attachés who have certified volunteer experience from certified charitable organizations such as St. John,” he said.

The President commended St John Kenya for contributing to favourable health indicators under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, noting that the organization’s various pre-hospital care related training courses has ensured that the country has a growing population of first aiders.

“Since St John Ambulance was started in Kenya back in 1923, it has led the way in the provision of ambulance and paramedical services in Kenya. Following your lead, many more ambulance service in the public and private sphere have sprung up,” the President said.

He particularly commended St John Kenya for being at the forefront in tackling emergencies, citing the organization’s leading role in the containment of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Looking back to those days of lockdowns and shut downs, we all recall how St John Ambulance was at the vanguard of our anti-Covid actions.

“St John tirelessly sensitized Kenyans about Covid-19, hosted handwashing campaigns and even helped the Ministry of Health in the administration of Covid-19 vaccines. As a thankful nation, this country appreciates you for your quality service,” the President said.

On prevention of road accident, President Kenyatta said the country must rethink its approach to the critical minutes after an accident occurs, by making road users part of the solution.

Consequently, the President directed the Ministry of Transport to develop an appropriate sectorial plan as part of its 2023 to 2027 medium plan to offer first aid training and basic post-accident evacuation protocols as a pre-requisite for all licensed drivers.

“I am also glad to note that the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and St John Kenya, has put in place elaborate plans to implement road safety and first aid safety training for boda boda riders across the country.

“We already have launched an initial pilot scheme covering 200 boda boda riders; which, we believe, shall be a key resource at these rescue centres, offering first aid care as first responders,” he said.

Earlier, President Kenyatta, who chaired a St John Kenya board meeting at State House, Nairobi in his capacity as the Chief Patron of the organization, was knighted to the Order of the St John for his service to humanity.

The admission of President Kenyatta as Knight of the most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem was conducted by the Order’s Chancellor Dr Gillian Willmore at State House, Nairobi.

Appreciating the honour, President Kenyatta thanked Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for honouring him with the coveted award of a Knight under the Order of St John and committed to continue serving humanity with humility.

“Let me once again thank Her Majesty the Queen for the incredible honour; and promise, even as I retire, I commit myself to the service of humanity not just in Kenya but globally,” President Kenyatta said.

Health PS Susan Mochache also spoke at the annual parade that was attended by several senior Government officials led by Head of Public Service Dr Joseph Kinyua.

The African Union Commission, in partnership with the International Committee of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has formally unveiled the calendar of events for the 2022 annual edition of the awards ceremony. 

The unveiling event took place at a world press conference on Thursday May 26, 2022 at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Media personnel and the general public were shown the line-up of preceding events before the main award ceremony starts from November 3 - 6, 2022. 

Speaking on behalf of the African Union, Director for Social Development, Culture and Sports Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Cisse Mariama Mohamed said, "Africa remains resilient and progressive in everything, and this is why our entertainment sector continues to make such huge leaps globally. And at the forefront of this lies our resolve to unite the continent through entertainment."

Adding "AFRIMA is committed to this mission, upholding this tradition of celebrating the scintillating musical culture of Africa by featuring exhilarating Pan-Africa events throughout the year. We are looking forward to celebrating the richness of the African continent alongside AFRIMA in November." 

Importantly, the calendar for the year begins with the entries of submission which starts Monday May 30, 2022 and closes on Friday August 5, 2022.

The submissions can be done on behalf of the talents across the continent and in the diaspora, by their representatives (talent managers, record company personnel, producers, etc.).

Also, the year-in-review for the entries is from August 20, 2021 to Friday August 5, 2022, implying that only entries created during that period will be valid. 

Shortly after the submission of entries is the pre-screening process, which is to be held between the 5 and 8 August, 2022.

During this process, entries will be vetted by a special committee at the International Secretariat of AFRIMA, and categorised in accordance with AFRIMA entry submission guidelines.

The main screening process, which is tagged as the Adjudication process, will follow immediately from August 9 to 16, 2022.

This process is undertaken by an International Jury of AFRIMA comprising a 13-man panel of experienced African music experts and practitioners drawn from the five regions of Africa and in the diaspora. 

As the main awards ceremony edges closer, a world media announcement of the nominees will take place on Wednesday August 17, 2022 to publicly unveil the nominees.

On Wednesday August 24, 2022, the AFRIMA Academy as well as music fans and followers around the globe will begin to participate in the public voting process to be conducted on AFRIMA's website, during which the nominees will receive votes that could lead them to emerging winners in the various categories of the awards.

The voting process, which closes 24 hours before the awards ceremony, would be monitored and audited by a reputable international auditing firm,  PricewaterhouseCoopers. 

Finally, the awards ceremony will be held from Thursday November 3 to Saturday November 6, 2022. It will feature a 3-day fiesta of music, glitz, and glamour.

The event commenced with the welcome soiree, followed by the AFRIMA Music Village, the host city tour, African Music Business Summit, and the exclusive nominees' party and concluded with the live awards ceremony broadcast to over 84 countries around the world.

African music lovers can take part in the events on social media, live stream on the AFRIMA website at www.afrima.org and visit the social media platforms (Instagram - Afrima.official/ Twitter - Afrimaofficial), and they can watch the event coverage by tuning in to their local and cable TV providers.

Coalition on Violence against Women( COVAW) organization is empowering women and youths whose businesses were affected by COVID 19 pandemic as a way to curb the rising numbers of GBV cases in the area.

The empowerment program that is taking place in Msambweni, Lungalunga and Kinango constituencies is meant to assist in assisting vulnerable business members in the communities.

Speaking to journalists during an interview COVAW program officer Sandra Chivumbe she said that the initiative comes after Aga Khan foundation, the donor came up with the proposal of assisting vulnerable women in the community whose businesses were struck by COVID-19 pandemic.

"Most of these women and youths lost their jobs and business making the cases of Gender Based violence (GBV) in the community rise due to stress, and as an organisation we are working to make sure the numbers of GBV cases in society are minimal,"Chivumbe said.  

Chivumbe noted that they chose on having the program in the 3 constituencies due to the high numbers of GBV cases recorded from the areas.

She also said that the initiative INUA MAMA, JENGA JAMII has assisted over 40 women and youths where we have issued cooler boxes, parasols among other equipments that will assist the small scale business women.

"In the small scale businesses we are mainly targeting fish mongers, groceries, fruit vendors, small kiosks among others," Chivumbe said.

AbdulMajid Mwinyi a community social service provider also stated that with Covaw and other organizations they have been creating awareness on GBV amongst community and how it can be tackled.

"We also give skills on how one can improve their businesses by acquiring loans from micro finance Enterprise," Mwinyi said.

He noted that cases of GBV currently improved in the area compared to previous years due to the various engagement done by organisations.

"There is an improvement of GBV cases compared to past years and we can say that since most organisations have come up with engagement and sensitization programs these cases are nowadays days being reported to relevant authorities for action," he said.

Sofia Abdalla a fruits vendor and also a beneficiary of the program said that the skills she has received are very important and they will assist her boost business.

"The sensitization program we have gone through are of great importance and when we apply them in our businesses then we will get a boost and enlarge it," she said.

F- Plus creative company is expanding into Kenya with a base in the coastal city of Mombasa, to solidify it's presence in the region.

The company which provides a range of creative services from event planning, modelling agency, photography, advertising, marketing and supply service has been operational since 2016 has been operating in different African countries like Tanzania, Rwanda and Congo.

According to the company director, Fidel Elijah the creative and entertainment industry in Mombasa has been experiencing a growth thus the main push behind their venture.

"I was born and raised in Mombasa, this is my home and seeing the industry growing has given me alot of confidence to invest here and offer jobs to my fellow young people" said Fidel, in an interview with Ommy Dallah.

Elijah revealed that they have worked with several companies, NGOs and institutions in Kenya.

"For us professionalism is everything that is why you will never hear of any complain from a client. We have managed to also host private and yacht parties. Our models are very professional"

One of Kenya's most talented boxers from the port city of Mombasa Said Baguan (pictured) has turned professional in Dubai.

The 25-year-old Baguan will make his pro debut on June 11 against India's Sajan Greece in EMD Promotions Fight Night card.

Another Dubai-based Kenyan pro boxer Isaiah Odhiambo will also feature in the same card.

"I've prepared very well for the six rounds super-lightweight fight, and looking forward to my first bout as a pro boxer," said an excited Baguan from his Dubai base.

"I'm happy finally l've got a promoter in Dubai. I was to turn pro in 2017 when a promoter from the USA (Juan Martin) approached me but the deal didn't go through due lack of clearance from Boxing Association of Kenya. . He tried again to sign me in 2019 but l didn't manage."

A product of African Warriors Boxing Club in Mombasa under coach Julius Okusi, Baguan made his international debut in the 2014 IBA World Youth Championships in Bulgaria. He lost to 2016 Rio Olympics quarter-finalist Karlos Balderas of the US in the bantamweight division. Balderas is doing well now as a pro boxer.

Sill in 2014, Baguan won a bronze medal in the Africa Youth Games in  Botswana losing to DRC's Tshama in the semi-finals of their bantamweight bout.

Baguan's bronze in Botswana enabled him to   qualify for the 2015 Olympic Youth Games in Nanjing, China but didn't participate.

"I was shocked when l was told by our boxing federation it wasn't possible to take part because l was the only boxer from Kenya," recalls Baguan.

"I was so disappointed, I felt some people denied me my right. Even my certificate in Botswana l've not been given up to this day."

Before moving to Dubai in search of greener pastures, Baguan represented Kongowea Boxing Club in the national boxing league matches.

Mombasa county governor aspirant running mate Francis Thoya says he quit his well paying job at the British High commission to wholeheartedly serve the residents of Mombasa.

The former Journalist revealed that he quit his job to team up with his governor candidate Abdulswamand Nassir so as to resolve some of the pending plans he had for the people of Mombasa while he worked as the county secretary.

Thoya said the push and urge by Mombasa people was the driving force for him to descend to his latest assignment.

Thoya was instrumental in governor Joho administration which he says he helped initiate a lot of  development plans.

“I resigned in the office of the British high commission to team up with my brother Abdulswamand because of the larger push  safe our people, and offer them the leadership they need, so one of the reasons that I made the decision is because of the people urging me to do so and come back and lead them,” said Thoya.

Taking stock of the achievements he achieved during his tenure in the governor Joho administration, Thoya said he still has unresolved ambitions to the people of Mombasa that he believes can be solved when he joins the government.

“During the time I was serving as a county secretary we were able to solve the Waitiki land problem, we are still having a similar problem in Kwa Bullo which I think we can resolves I have unresolved issues that I think I am better placed to solve them when I am in the government,”Thoya added.

Thoya who was nicknamed Magufuli during his stint in the county government says, his mission to team up with Nassir is purely to serve the people of Mombasa and better their lives. Part of the pending projects are related to resettling of squarters where most residents are facing squarter problem.

“He has his own strength and I have my own strength and I believe when we join together we will be able to deliver solutions to the people of Mombasa, we are optimistic that with a good relationship with the national government, a lot will be achieved,” said Thoya.

Veteran Kenyan rapper Hurbert Nakitare popularly known by his stage name Nonini, has officially quit the  is Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK).

On Tuesday, Nonini who is currently based in United States (USA) announced he has terminated his membership with the Collective Management Organization(CMO).

Nonini applied to terminate his membership with MCSK in a notice dated February 17, 2021. The termination came into effect on 18th May 2022.

"The human society is the extension of the individual. If we really want a radical change in anything, if we want a better world, better leadership and better structures. We need to change the things that are not working by understanding you have the power individually!." posted Nonini.

Kenyan artistes have always been complaining of  being paid peanuts in the name of royalties by MCSK and other bodies.

MCSK is mandated to provide for a fair formula for sharing of revenue from ring back tunes between artists/copyright holders and telecommunication companies.

Former Nation newspaper correspondent Charles Lwanga has been appointed as the assistant county commissioner for Homa Bay county.

Lwanga who was based in Malindi is set to start his new administration job on Monday next week.

"I applied for the job on December 2020 and was called for the interview on March last year. I thank God that I secured the job" Lwanga told Ommy Dallah.

Apart from Nation, Lwanga has also worked for the People daily newspaper.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/1969-mombasa-radio-presenter-drops-mic-for-swagger-cane

Lwanga worked in Mombasa before being transferred to Malindi where he covered stories from Kilifi, Malindi, Lamu and Tana River.

Tanzanian songstress Nandy has once again refuted claims that she is pregnant.

In an interview with a section of Tanzanian media on Tuesday,  Nandy denied the rumour saying she cannot hide a pregnancy.

"It is the dream of every lady to have a child. I dont think if I can hide a pregnancy considering the nature of my work and interactions, infact I have always wanted to have a child, if that time comes everyone will know" said Nandy.

Nandy also revealed that she was recently in Turkey with her partner rapper Bill Nass shopping for their wedding which he hinted that it will be held soon.

"We are at the initial stages, planning meetings from both families are currently on the final stages, when the date arrives then everyone will know since it will be a church wedding" she said.

In an earlier interview with Ommy Dallah, Nandy revealed that the wedding will be in June this year, 2022.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFyTAIQ7PpE

Nandy is engaged to Bill Nass, who proposed in April last year.

There has been speculation that she is pregnant with his baby. 

Nandy further revealed that she has parted ways with her manager Moko Biashara.

"The management decided that we part ways with him. I'm currently being managed by another manager based in London. He is a man who prefers being behind the scene that is why you have never seen him" Nandy revealed.

The East African Power Couple Bahati Kenya and Diana Bahati (Bahatis) have teamed up in a new beautiful song titled 'Sweet Love'.

This is the third song that Diana is featured after launching her music career and releasing her first solo song 'Hatutaachana' late last year.

"This is my biggest collabo of the year. It is from my heart to the my sweet love, this one is special from our hearts" said Diana.

Watch the video below..