Sarova Hotels & Resorts in partnership with Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries & Irrigation and Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and the Tsavo Heritage Foundation (THF) will this year host the annual conservation awareness campaign for Tsavo, dubbed The Tsavo Run 2019 on 7^th December.

The purpose of the event is to create awareness on the conservation work taking place within the Tsavo Ecosystem & Dispersal Areas –TEDA which is a landmass that covers 12 Counties including Nairobi, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Garissa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, and Mombasa to support livelihoods of approximately 20 million people. 

The initiative is set to drive the conservation agenda of the highly endangered Tsavo Ecosystem & Dispersal Areas (TEDA) landscape, while supporting the iconic Tsavo National Parks, Africa’s largest protected wilderness and Kenya largest Wilderness by far covering over 70% of the total protected areas nationally.

According to Tsavo Heritage Foundation (THF) Founder and Chief Executive Chairman Jacob Kipongoso, the ecological biodiversity, cultural and historical heritage of these counties are under threat from adverse effects of unsustainable land use, environ-mental degradation, inappropriate management of natural resources and the effects of climate change.

“These threats have manifested themselves in form of recurrent droughts which has affected the supply of water to the cities in Tsavo ecosystem including Mombasa and Nairobi.” he echoes

Mr. Kipongoso says the loss of forest cover, reduced river flow and the effects of climate change have led to systematic desertification of two Parks, with devastating economic effects to the communities living within Tsavo ecosystem.

Sarova Hotels & Resorts Managing Director Jimi Kariuki reiterated that sports tourism is a growing segment of the tourism industry both at national and county levels. He added that there is great potential in the sub-sector that can largely contribute to the national economy if it is promoted well.

He called upon the public to participate in large numbers as the run will take place in a very scenic route and is the only course where one can run with a herds of elephants in sight.

The Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks which, together, comprise Africa’s largest wilderness reserve and holds one third of Kenya’s total elephant population.

The registration is ongoing at tsavorun.org 

Participation is as follows;

TsavoUltra84 - The ultra-marathon in Tsavo, this is an endurance race for individuals looking to conquer 84km in the sweltering heat that is Tsavo. Participants will have to show proof of fitness and will have a maximum of ten hours to clear the race circuit and loop.

Tsavo Ekiden –       21km 4 pax per team

                                 14km 6 pax per team

                                 6km 14 pax per team

Tsavo Rides –         Tsavo Rides 40

                                 Tsavo Rides 30

                                 Tsavo Rides 20

                                 Tsavo Tides 10

Kenyan songstress Serro releases a Swahili ballad “Aheri” a tale about a relationship riddled with broken promises.

Speaking on the song’s inspiration, Serro says, “A lot of relationships change after two people have been together for a while".

Adding "It‘s easy for partners to start focusing on things like children and forget about each other, but there’s always hope if they choose to work on rejuvenating the romance they once had.”

Watch Aheri on YouTube - http://bit.ly/2OWmm4V 

Serro delivers a heartfelt performance in the song that’s laid on a melancholic acoustic track with keys played by Mutoriah.

The single-shot music video directed by Johnson Kyalo features fluid choreography by Art In Motion dancers and a performance by a dapper dressed Mutoriah.

The release of “Aheri” comes off the back of a successful musical year that has seen Serro release three music videos and clock her first 100,000 views on a single with "Kasyoki Wa Mitumba".

Serro is set to debut her album 'KUWE' in 2020, a collaborative project with Mutoriah.

A golfer playing on improved 14.2 handicap won this year's annual Kenya Ports Authority [KPA] golf tournament played at Nyali golf and country club in Mombasa county.

Fernando Marques posted 42 points on count back to beat over 100 golfers during the one day tournament.

He was crowned the overall winner during the tournament after scoring 20 points on the first nine holes and 22 points on the second nine holes from 15 handicap.

Niran Hirani won the men category award after positing 42 points playing on handicap 19.6 improved from 20.

The men's runners up trophy was won by Herpreet Sagoo after posting 40 points playing on 14,2 handicap

Pattrick O’dwyer won the third slot on the men’s category with Gladys Mutisya winning in the lady's category with the runners up position going to Lena Breitner.

KPA staff award went to Kisumu depot manager Yobesh Oyaro playing handicap 12 on 38 count back where he won nearest to the pin award on 5ft 10’’.

The guest winner award went to Sammy  Onyango with 35 points.

KPA board chairman Gen. (Rtd) Joseph Kibwana presided over the awarding ceremony.

Tanzanian artist Lava Lava has come out to share a gun drama that he encountered while in Mombasa recently.

Speaking to Citizen radio presenter Willy Tuva, the 'Niue' hitmaker recounted how a man followed him to his hotel room accusing him of seducing his wife.

Lava Lava was in Mombasa for a video shoot for the song 'Warembo' which he has been featured by Susumila.

"I was In Mombasa shooting our video with Susumila when a guy approached me at the hotel claiming that i was chatting with his wife and destroying his marraige" Said Lava Lava

It took the effort of Susumila's manager Gates Mgenge to save the situation.

"Lucky enough Susumila's manager Gates knew the wife and he had to confirm if indeed what was said was true but we found out that it was an impostor'

Speaking to Ommy Dallah, Gates confirmed the incident.

"The truth is some guy had impersonated Lava Lava and was communicating to the wife through facebook and phone. This guy(Impostor) is up to date with Lava Lava's movements so he had even told the lady that he was at the hotel where we were doing the shooting and that's why the guy managed to come to the hotel. By the way i first asked Lava Lava if he knew the lady and he denied knowing her and also stated that he does not run any facebook page " said Gates 

Adding " I had to talk to the guy since i known him and explained to him that it was not Lava Lava communicating to his wife but an impostor and that's when he cooled down and left. So many people have fall into the hands of this impostor, he is known and has also conned several people using Lava Lava's name through the facebook page".

Tanzania and Suriname last evening pledged their support for Kenya's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council during the election scheduled for June next year.

The assurances were delivered to President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi by Tanzania's Foreign Affairs Minister Palamagamba Kabudi and the President of Suriname Desire Delano Bouterse.

Mr Kabudi who paid President Kenyatta a courtesy visit as a special envoy of President John Pombe Magufuli, said Tanzania has full confidence in the ability of Kenya to represent the African continent in the security council.

“We have confidence in Kenya, that you will champion the African voice and will strongly advocate the continent’s position in the UN body,” Mr Kabudi said.

The special envoy, who was accompanied by Tanzania’s ambassador to Kenya Dr Batilda Salha Buriani, acknowledged Kenya’s leading role in the push for a united and progressive Africa.

On the maritime border dispute with Somalia, the special envoy said Tanzania supports Kenya's stand on the need to pursue the option of an out of court settlement.

In a separate meeting, President Bouterse, who is in the country on a private visit, assured President Kenyatta of his country's support for Kenya's UNSC bid.

The Suriname leader, who was accompanied by First Lady Ingrid Waldring Bouterse, thanked President Kenyatta for his visionary leadership saying Kenya is an emerging regional economic giant.

Besides Suriname's support for Kenya's UNSC bid, the two leaders discussed opportunities for deepening bilateral ties between the two countries through trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

Presidents Kenyatta and Bouterse identified environmental conservation, blue economy and the Big 4 Agenda priority sectors of health, manufacturing, food security and housing as areas of mutual interest between Kenya and the South American nation.

"Mr President, I am glad our two ministers (for foreign affairs) have initiated conversations that I believe will go along way in strengthening our relations in these sectors,” the Suriname President told his host.

President Kenyatta welcomed the Suriname leader to the country and urged him to fully explore Kenya's hospitality saying the visit was a vote of confidence for Kenya as a top tourist destination in the world.

He thanked President Bouterse for Suriname's endorsement of Kenya's UNSC bid saying, "our position and belief is that this seat is not for Kenya but for all of us who share the same vision. That we may present a united voice and make a difference."

The two leaders also discussed the importance of the upcoming African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) conference to be held in Nairobi early next month saying the meeting will help deepen relations between the Caribbean and the African continent.

President Kenyatta last evening also received and held discussions with Hon Awut Deng Acuil, a special envoy of President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, at State House, Nairobi.

Hon Acuil, who is also his country's Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, briefed the President on the challenges being faced by his country in the ongoing implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.

The President reassured the special envoy of Kenya's commitment to continue supporting efforts towards the full implementation of the peace pact.

He urged the South Sudanese leaders to speed up the implementation of the agreement saying the 18 months of ceasefire experienced since the agreement came into being was a sign of a bright future for the country.

Foreign Affairs CS Monica Juma and Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua attended the meetings.

One of Kenya's largest hotel chains the Sarova Group of hotels has won big in the Haute Grandeur Global hotels after three of it's hotels won in four categories each.

Sarova Whitesands Beach resort and spa Mombasa won the Best Family Resort, Best Resort Spa, Beast Beach Resort and Best Resort hotel categories with the Sarova Mara Game camp winning the Best game lodge, Best safari lodge and the Best lodge categories.

The Sarova stanley hotel won Best city hotel, Best historical hotel, Best conference venue hotel and the best luxury hotel categories.

Other hotels from Africa who also won the awards includes Soul Rainbows end in South Africa, So Mauritus from Mauritius Radisson Blu hotel Zambia, Radisson Blu hotel and convention centre Kigali, Rwanda and the Salt of Palmar hotel Mauritus.

The Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards was established as an independent and unbiased initiative to honour the very highest achievements from across the global hotel industry in 2014, recognising exceptional contributions by outstanding hotels with Marinique De Wet as CEO at the helm. 

This prestigious Awards system is exclusive to the Haute Grandeur brand, and considered without equal because of its method. Unbiased results are guaranteed by placing emphasis on quality feedback from guests, rather than quantity of votes by a panel of judges or general public

The world’s first Financial Prosperity Barometer investigated the concept of prosperity across multiple markets and global regions. The report focused on the relationship between financial services and prosperity in high-growth markets and discovered myriad views on what defines prosperity and financial inclusion.

The report targeted Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa to gather insights from these high-growth African markets and to establish the limitations of financial inclusion, the value of financial services, and the key characteristics that define prosperity.

Surprisingly, Kenya (88%), Nigeria (94%) and South Africa (70%) had an overwhelmingly positive view on how their household situation would change over the next year. Most considered themselves to be prosperous, even though their income was less than what is seen to be the average.

The research by PayU, the fintech and e-payments division of Prosus, found that Kenyans considered education (44%) and health (45%) as more important indicators of prosperity than being wealthy (38).

They also included a loving family (37%) and a well-paying job (35%) in their top five characteristics of a prosperous person.

In Nigeria, wealth (48%) was at the top of the list with a well-paying job (31%) at the bottom, while in South Africa, the top drivers of prosperity were health (45%), education (44%) and a well-paying job (41%).

When asked what the word ‘prosperity’ meant to them, South Africans opted for savings, not having to worry about money, and being happy in their lives as their top three.

Nigeria opted for being able to afford anything they wanted, being able to help the less fortunate, and being happy with their lives. In Kenya, the top three were savings, good health and being able to afford whatever you want.

The striking insight is that in countries considered poorer by international standards, the values of health and happiness are emphasized over wealth and money.

PayU’s Financial Prosperity Barometer: Perceptions of prosperity in high-growth markets also identified interesting trends around how these countries perceived financial services.

In Nigeria, a significant percentage believe that financial services help people plan for their future prosperity (85%) and that the more people have access to financial services, the more prosperous the country would be (72%).

That said, only 52% agreed that people could not be prosperous if they didn’t have access to financial services.

For the Kenyans, 92% believed that financial services helped people plan for their future prosperity and 77% agreed that the more access to financial services, the better.

South Africans dipped the scale considerably with only 63% believing that access to financial services would make the country more prosperous. But all three countries identified the need for their governments to do more to improve access to financial services – the average of 80% significantly higher than most other countries.

The study identified that Africa showed the highest preference for using mobile money providers for managing their money, a fact borne out by the impressive growth of money mobile services in the sub-Saharan Africa region.

These countries came in at a much lower rate of use for traditional banking (36%) particularly for saving and growing their money and managing their finances. The adoption of mobile money services has transformed access to financial services and perceptions of prosperity in the region.

Corrie Bakker, Head of Strategy & Business Development, PayU Africa, commented on the findings: “The results point to an Africa that’s positive about the impact of financial services on the prosperity of their country and their lives. The emotional benefits of financial services were easier to identify than the practical ones, with many giving security and peace of mind the highest value.

The report also highlights how differently prosperity is defined across the different regions, and yet how similar people’s goals remain when it comes to family, health and wellbeing.

"Prosperity is driven by more than money, it’s defined by access to services, the health of the people who matter, and their access to stable jobs. Technology lies at the heart of building a truly prosperous continent and is already changing the way Africa banks, manages finances and engages with money.” said Bakker

To find out more about the Barometer, visit the website for the full report: https://corporate.payu.com/FinancialProsperityBarometer. 

“Investments in gender equality are critical to realizing demographic dividend, but we need to ensure that women have the tools to overcome the barriers they face,”  First Lady of Rwanda, Jeannette Kagame told participants at a panel at the Global Gender Summit in Kigali on Monday.

The panel, made up of First Ladies Kagame, Margaret Kenyatta, ministers and development experts, observed that too many women and girls still face barriers to basic rights, particularly access to labour market opportunities.

Rwanda’s First Lady recalled the role women played following the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, where a number of families were wiped out, with women in many cases being the ones catering for families.

“What a man can do, a woman can do just as well,” she added.

She described the Summit as an important platform to highlight issues of women equality.

Rwanda has implemented gender several inclusive programs, which has enhanced economic equality in a country where women political participation has grown to 61% percent.

First Lady Kenyatta called for the removal of institutional barriers to accelerate women’s economic empowerment, “It has become urgent for Africa to translate its demographic dividend into viable potential.”

“This is the spirit of Africa’s vision to accelerate its path to sustainable socio-economic development. Our collective commitment to ‘leave no one behind’ is a new chapter in our struggle towards achieving gender equality.”

The panel heard that impediments to gender equality include lack of access to credit, low representation in decision making positions, lack of control over productive land and lack of financial control to make spending decisions on education and health.

Minister of Solidarity, Social Development, Equality and Family Jamila El Moussali of Morocco shared experiences from Morocco where policies have been introduced to increase women's political and economic participation.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, called on stakeholders to come together to leverage each other’s strengths “translate women dreams into reality. History will judge us if we don’t work together to take action now.”

The African Development Bank and the government of Rwanda are hosting the Global Gender Summit from 25 to 27 November in Kigali.

The Summit is being organised by the Multilateral Development Banks’ (MDBs) Working Group on gender for the first time in Africa.

Meanwhile the African Development Bank (AfDB) has committed to explore new avenues of directly supporting efforts aimed at empowering Kenyan women and girls.