Ommy Dallah
Sarova Hotels And Resorts Re-Opens The Stanley Hotel
Sarova Hotels and Resorts has re-opened its Nairobi City Hotel, Sarova Stanley, to the public after a temporary closure last year following the COVID-19 outbreak that hit the globe.
The re-opening mirrors optimism in the industry, that despite the challenges facing the hotel industry, players are resilient.
In recent times hotels across the country have been focusing on creating an environment ready for guests as travel begins to resume normalcy.
The city hotel’s popular restaurant Thorn Tree, located in the heart of the capital, has however been operational during the period in line with the stipulated guidelines from the authorities, offering a diverse menu of food and beverages to customers.
Sarova Stanley was the very first luxury hotel that was launched in Nairobi City in 1902, more than a decade before World War 1.
It is the hallmark of heritage that has, for more than a century, played a key role in the growth of Nairobi as a city as well as in the conservation of tourism in Kenya.
Featuring a pool terrace and 3 restaurants, Sarova Stanley offers an eclectic mix of dining and entertainment options.
The Pool Deck Restaurant is located on the fifth floor and serves al fresco buffet-style meals. The Thorn Tree Café is an open-air, bistro style café while the Thai Chi offers authentic Thai cuisine.
The Exchange Bar on the first floor is an elegantly decadent, plush lounge bar and home to the Nairobi Stock Exchange since incorporation, for a period of over fifty years.
Over the years Sarova Hotels and Resorts has grown to become an exemplary hospitality group known both locally and globally for its commitment to preserving Kenya’s heritage and top-notch standards of service as evidenced by its diverse properties across the country.
Why Chameleone Is Contemplating Retiring From Music
Ugandan legendary singer Jose Chameleone real name Joseph Mayanja is planning to retire from music after more than 20 years in the industry.
Chameleone who broke into the limelight in the 1990’s and has had a successful career revealed that he is planning to retire in the next 8 years, when he hits the age 50.
In an interview with Uganda's Galaxy FM, the 42-year-old singer said he’s no longer young and energitic.
“Right now am 42 years and it’s true am no longer energetic as I was before. I can nolonger go around stages jumping. I have been around the music industry since I was 13 years. I’m going to step down for the younger artistes.” Chameleone said.
On matters music beef, Chameleone said he has been in the industry long enough and seen it all.
"You canot find me in musical fights anymore because I am contended, I have almost seen everything" he said.
The ‘Valu valu‘ Hit maker is not only popular in Uganda but East Africa with multiple hits and awards under his belt. He has groomed several artists including his brothers Weasal, the Ak-47, Radio, King Saha among others.
In starting to prepare for life after music,the singer has in the last year’s slowed down his pedal in the music arena and even trying his hand in politics .He recently ran for the Kampala city Lord Mayor post but lost.
Kenya Will Host WRC Safari Rally For Five Consecutive Years
Kenya will host the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally every year until 2026, President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced.
The President said the Government secured the hosting rights of the elite motorsport event from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the WRC after years of intense lobbying and preparations.
"It gives me great pleasure, therefore, to announce, that we have agreed, with the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the World Rally Championship (WRC), to continue hosting the Safari Rally in Kenya, every year until 2026," the President announced.
At the same time, the President announced immediate Government plans to commence preparations for next year's WRC Safari Rally.
"In this regard, my administration will immediately start preparations for the next Safari Rally event, and I commit the required financial investment towards another successful championship in Kenya," he said.
President Kenyatta spoke on Sunday at the Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute (KWSTI) in Naivasha, Nakuru County when he presided over the presentation of prizes to winners of the 2021 WRC Safari Rally.
The grueling three-day event was won by French driver Sebastien Ogier followed by his Toyota teammate Takamoto Kasutsa of Japan while Hyundai's Ott Tanak of Estonia finished third.
Onkar Rai navigated by Drew Sturrock was the highest ranked Kenyan driver in position seven followed by Karan Patel and Carl 'Flash' Tundo in eighth and ninth positions respectively.
With the successful hosting of the 2021 WRC Safari Rally, the President said Kenya had demonstrated to the world that it was prepared to host global events despite the logistical challenges posed by Covid-19.
President Kenyatta reminded Kenyans that he had fulfilled his 2013 promise to bring back the WRC Safari Rally after years of absence.
“I am proud to say that after a 19 year-long pause, the Safari Rally is back home! Our efforts have paid off. We have staged a remarkable 2021 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally that has challenged both man and machine, and which will be remembered for many years to come,” he said.
The President, who is the patron of the 2021 WRC Safari Rally, noted that the Kenyan leg of the world series event had confirmed the huge potential held by the country as a global motorsport destination.
“We dreamed and we delivered. We planned and we succeeded. Through all of our collective efforts, it is now certain that ‘the greatest show in motorsport in Africa’ will continue to thrill and inspire long into the future,” the President said.
The Head of State congratulated the 2021 Safari Rally participants and encouraged those that didn't succeed to press on for better results in future events. He wished quick recovery to those injured during the three-day showpiece and invited them to participate in next year's event.
Sports CS Amina Mohamed expressed satisfaction with the running of the 2021 WRC Safari Rally saying, the motorsport event had met international expectations.
“We want to thank you, Your Excellency. Your initiative to return the rally to our country and your support towards the planning and the hosting of the 2021 WRC Safari Rally has enabled this iconic and memorable event to take place,” CS Amina said.
Other speakers at the 2021 WRC Safari Rally closing ceremony included FIA Deputy President Graham Stalker and Kenya Motorsports Federation Chairman Phineas Kimathi. Mr Kimathi doubles up as the CEO of the WRC Safari Rally Kenya.
Earlier, President Kenyatta was joined by several national leaders among them former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui at the Power Stage Finish of the WRC Safari Rally at the competition's Hells Gate Circuit.
At a separate event, President Kenyatta officially opened KWSTI's pavilion at the institute’s grounds in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
Uhuru Unveils Shs10Bn Fisheries Project In Mombasa
President Uhuru Kenyatta today unveiled the Shs 10 billion Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development Project, a Government initiative aimed at uplifting income of fishing communities along the Kenyan coast.
President Kenyatta said the immense opportunity provided by the project must be exploited to generate investments, create jobs, increase tax revenues and sustainably improve local livelihoods.
He emphasized the need to commercialize the country’s enormous marine resources for the benefit of Kenyans by creating well thought strategic national systems to ensure landing of more than 300,000 metric tonnes of fish annually and in turn create at least 60,000 jobs over the next 10 years.
The World Bank supported project seeks to create over 60,000 new jobs in the fishing sector over the next decade and will benefit 19 sub-counties in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu Counties.
Speaking at the projects launch, the President said the project is part of the Government's post Covid-19 recovery efforts adding that the initiative, to be rolled in 5 years, will lead to sustainable utilization of Kenya's marine fisheries resources.
“When successfully completed we expect this project to contribute to sustainable exploitation of Kenya’s marine fisheries. This represents a new dawn in the development of the coastal region; and it is a key pillar in my administration’s job and wealth creation agenda,” the President said.
Alongside livelihoods project, the President outlined several other interventions the Government is implementing to expand opportunities for employment and wealth creation in the emerging blue economy sector.
He listed the creation of a dedicated office to deal with oceans and blue economy, the revival of Liwatoni fish Port and Government's plan to set a fish processing factory in Lamu as some of the ongoing projects in the fisheries sector.
On capacity building in the sector, the President said the Government had designated the Bandari Maritime Academy to be the centre of excellence in training of seafarers and fisherfolk.
“Building the capacity of our fishers to world standards is an essential part of this effort. The enhanced management framework, under the Oceans and Blue Economy Office should ensure that fishing vessels licensed to operate in our waters provide job and training opportunities for our fishers and young people,” the President said.
Coast Governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Salim Mvurya (Kwale), Amason Kingi (Kilifi), Dhadho Godhana (Tana River) and Fahim Twaha (Lamu) hailed the project is a new frontier in improving the livelihoods of fishing communities and spurring growth of related industries in the region.
Mombasa Governor Ali Joho said the lives of people living at the Kenyan Coast were closely intertwined with fishing and called for investments and policy reforms so as to ensure the sector benefits more people.
On his part, Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya who is also the Chairman of Jumuiya ya Pwani-a regional grouping of the six Coastal counties, called for the integrated development and exploitation of the blue economy and other sectors such as agribusiness, infrastructure, tourism, education and training.
Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Co-operatives Peter Munya also spoke at the event which was attended by his Treasury counterpart Ukur Yattani, Chairman of the blue economy initiative Gen. (Rtd) Samson Mwathethe among other senior Government officials and regional leaders.
Sauti Sol Display Colourful Music Video For "Rhumba Japani"
SAMA nominated group, Sauti Sol has released the music video for "Rhumba Japani" - their current lead single, featuring Bensoul, Xenia, Nviiri The Storyteller, Okello Max and NHP.
"Rhumba Japani" is a celebratory, trap inspired single with jazzy live instrumentation.
With rhumba meaning dance, the group and enlisted features embody the jovial experience through the visuals of the music video. Sauti Sol takes fans on a pop art experience with the jovial and celebratory music video, with visuals lending from the sonic experience of the single.
The music video is available on YouTube. Click here
The music video’s release comes off the back of the group celebrating the one-year anniversary since the release of their fifth studio album 'Midnight Train'. Overall, the leading Kenyan quartet has had a lot to celebrate in the New Year.
Besides the release of their "Rhumba Japani" music video the group are the ambassadors of the newly launched Infinix Note Pro10, faces and partners of the Pace Sol wireless pods and the stars of the newly launched television show, Sol Family. This as they still call the shots as founders of Sol Generation.
About Rhumba Japani:
“There's a Congolose band called Rhumba Japan. We used to go watch them play at a pub in Nairobi after our practice to avoid rush hour bus fare, [that way it was affordable to go home later]. The jam is an ode to them and the significance of those times in our journey.” explains Sauti Sol.
Changamwe Youth To Benefit From A State Of The Art Resource Centre
The construction of a youth centre in Changamwe is on it's final stage.
The centre funded by Changamwe NGCDF at sh 3.6 million will also comprise of a recording studio.
"We are investing in young people through creative arts which we believe can promote a positive impact in our society. Inspection work conducted by my office at the Changamwe Youth Resource Center, Chaani Ward whose work is almost complete." reads a post from the area Mp Omar Mwinyi.
Adding "The Center will not only allow artists to record their music, but will present opportunities to our youths in the vast digital world creating an avenue for socializing and brainstorming."
Speaking to Ommy Dallah, the Changamwe NGCDF projects co-ordinator Samuel Omondi revealed that the construction is 90% complete.
"This project will play a big role in empowering our youth who as you know have been having some challenges like unemployement. The first phase is 90% complete" said Omondi.
The second phase will also include an ICT hub.
Uber Eats Freshens Grocery Deliveries With New Partnership
Uber Eats has partnered with popular greengrocery chain Zucchini in Nairobi, to have their grocery offerings delivered via the app.
Uber Eats launched its grocery delivery service last year in response to the COVID-19 lockdown, enabling Kenyans to get essential products, like groceries, delivered to their households, and to keep couriers earning.
“Whether it’s getting a ride or getting groceries and food delivered, we want Uber to be the operating system for your everyday life. As we celebrate our third anniversary in Nairobi, we are excited to welcome Zucchini to the Uber Eats platform. We have seen a positive response to our essentials offerings via the app, and this partnership will allow us to scale this offering to ensure consumers have more selection at the tap of a button,” says Nadeem Anjarwalla, General Manager for Uber Eats in Kenya.
"In today's retail market, convenience is everything for the consumer and there is nothing more convenient than getting your shopping delivered to your doorstep. At Zucchini, we are actively trying to increase our online footprint to be able to reach a broader customer base. This partnership with UberEats will definitely take us towards that objective,” said Rajiv Jandu, Head of Procurement, Zucchini GreenGrocers.
How to order?
- Open the Uber Eats app and tap convenience, select from the options given. Finalize your order and review your basket.
- We have made it easy for you to request no-contact delivery, meaning your delivery person will leave your order at the door. Simply select the delivery option "Leave at the door" at checkout.
- Add instructions if you want to tell the delivery person where to drop off your order (e.g. "Drop my order in the lobby").
- When everything looks right, just tap place order–and that’s it.
- Follow your order in the app. First, you’ll see the grocery or convenience store accept and start prepping. Then, when the order’s almost ready, a delivery person will go to the store to pick it up. Next, they’ll drive to you. You’ll be able to see their name and photo and track progress on the map.
- Expect deliveries within the hour by a delivery person using the Uber Eats application and relying on all health and safety guidelines shared by the Government. Delivery times might vary due to demand, please check the app for delivery times.
- You also have the option to tip your delivery person who is working hard to get your items to you.
- Avoid contact when retrieving your order.
Nikita Kering Releases Her First Ep 'A Side Of Me'
Award winning songstress Nikita Kering’ releases her first EP, ‘A SIDE OF ME’. This EP follows her recent massive single release ‘EX’, which created a buzz amongst her fans and music lovers.
The 7 track EP produced by SoFresh and arranged by Nikita herself, is a masterpiece, a compilation of what you’ve seen/heard and what you haven’t.
Nikita bridges relatable situations and experiences of other people stories by putting herself in their shoes, creatively coming up with a body of work that people could identify with. And in those simple words, ‘A SIDE OF ME’, Nikita Kering’ together with her team made a masterpiece that clearly bloomed her artistic vibe and energy .
“Initially, an EP wasn't part of the plan, but I realised that I needed to create a body of work that people could identify with me. I'm excited for people to see a side of me that they never have; hence the name.” said Nikita
On her very short hiatus, Nikita shared that just like every other person she has had her challenges especially with Covid.
“The challenges were many, however, the greatest was, not being able to work through the night. Honestly, my artistic vibe really peaks at night, so the fact that I couldn't work in the studio through the night really frustrated me. But I guess everything happens for a reason...if not, I wouldn't have made the single 'Ex' that people really seem to like.”
At 19, her musical journey is a milestone of a decade and she is truly grateful for all the losses and missed opportunities, because things are seamlessly unfolding with time. As she rides uniquely on her own wave and style, you should expect more from her as an artist. The show must go on!!
To launch the EP, the hardworking songstress, aslo releases the visuals to a track, ‘Crossing Lines’ off this debut EP. Directed by Hardy Wambiakale, the ballad is one to take you through Nikita’s growth in the industry.
WATCH VIDEO HERE
While listeners anticipated Nikita's EP, ‘A SIDE OF ME’, She has made sure the total tracklist of 7 songs in the EP will be something to remember, considering the effort put in and the sleepless nights in the studio.
‘A SIDE OF ME’ is definitely a vibe to add to your playlist.
A SIDE OF ME TRACKLIST:
- Forget (Intro)
- Where you been
- Ex
- Never Let you go
- Crossing lines
- Better than Ever
- Never Let you Go- Acoustic
Fast Rising Singer K.O Back With 'Masalale'
Fast rising Mombasa singer and songwriter K.O is back with another classic single titled 'Masalale'.
In the new song, the young singer proves his vocal prowess.
The song comes just months after releasing his collabo with rapper Femi One 'Chora'.
Listen to the song below.
Beyond Zero Kicks Off Selection Process For Nurse Awards
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta’s Beyond Zero Initiative on Thursday kicked off the process of selecting nurses who will receive health awards at the Beyond Zero Summit by engaging stakeholders at a consultative meeting.
The meeting held in Naivasha drew participants from all the 47 counties, Office of the First Lady, Beyond Zero, Ministry of Health, Nursing Council of Kenya, National Aids Control Council (NACC) and Council of Governors to discuss the online application, vetting and nomination of the nurses.
The nurses will receive awards in the categories of individual nurse practitioners in level 2 dispensaries and level 3 health centres as well as team awards in nurse led-initiatives in any of the level 2 to level 5 Government-run health facilities from each of the 47 counties.
Beyond Zero Technical Advisor Ms Jane Kiragu said the nurses will be awarded in recognition of their frontline role in the provision of primary healthcare at the Beyond Zero Summit that will be held in September.
Ms Kiragu spoke in Naivasha during the consultative meeting to kick off the call for nurses to register which will happen on July 5.
“Through the Beyond Zero, one of the interventions that has been of concern is how primary healthcare is delivered. The question of access and the question of quality are key.
“There are those who are on the frontline who continue to selflessly offer services at the community level. As you are aware, we will be recognizing and appreciating efforts of nurses at the Beyond Zero Summit,” Ms Kiragu said.
She urged the participants who included NACC Regional HIV Coordinators, officers from county directorates of health and county nursing officers from the 47 counties to be Beyond Zero’s ambassadors at their counties to ensure a vibrant and robust selection process of the nurses to be awarded.
The meeting was facilitated by the Beyond Zero Secretariat under Coordinator Ms Angella Langat, Office of the First Lady’s Director of Administration Ms Eva Maina and Communication Director Ms Vivianne Ngugi as well as a team of experts in quality improvement and Information and Communication Technology.
In her presentation, Ms Langat said the awarding of nurses builds on Beyond Zero's intervention that was rolled out in 2016 in conjunction with the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and the World Bank to scale up its primary healthcare advocacy support through offering scholarships to enrolled community health nurses in arid and semi-arid lands.
“The achievement of Universal Health Coverage depends on amongst other things, a skilled health workforce particularly the nursing workforce to ensure patients have easy access to preventive, diagnostic and curative services,” Ms Langat said.
She emphasized that this year’s summit will focus on primary healthcare as the cornerstone of UHC and the first point of contact for most patients.