Ommy Dallah
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta Joins Leading African Philanthropists At A Youth Empowerment Forum
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta today joined several leading African philanthropists who have partnered under the African Philanthropy Forum to provide strategic giving with the aim of fostering shared prosperity on the continent.
During the forum, also attended by Youth Affairs CS Prof Margaret Kobia, representatives of philanthropic institutions expressed optimism that increased investments in new technologies will expand and provide new platforms for African youth to improve their livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, CS Kobia said the Kenya is committed to creating better opportunities for its youth through the ongoing reforms in the education sector.
She said the government is currently revamping and equipping Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions (TVET’s) with the aim of equipping the youth with competencies needed for the job market.
Prof Kobia challenged philanthropists to come out and partner with the government in offering technical and vocational skills training in the Big 4 Agenda focus areas of housing, food security, manufacturing and universal healthcare.
“Philanthropists and civil societies should cut their niche and decide which area of the Big4 they will support,” Prof Kobia said in the forum that included Ms Nyokabi Kenyatta of Kenyatta Trust.
Ms Kenyatta said her outfit, which has footprints in all the 47 counties in Kenya, helps the needy by creating a conducive and enabling environment that facilitates learning for young people from vulnerable backgrounds.
She said Kenyatta Trust counts on beneficiaries of their philanthropy to offer voluntary community service as a way of giving back to society.
“We play our part by bringing the youth to acquire skills and by providing access to quality education, through mentorship and community service.
"We are trying to create a solution that is more comprehensive than just paying fees to the school by ensuring that we are also involved in the lives of these children,” Ms Kenyatta.
Ford Foundation Regional Director for East Africa Maurice Makoloo said there is need for philanthropic institutions to establish partnerships and create synergies for them to have sustainable impact on their beneficiaries.
“I want to encourage us as Kenyans to learn to really trust a little bit more. Civil society should trust that government means well. And that government can actually trust that civil society is a critical partner in these things and that private sector can trust philanthropy is part of delivery," Mr Makoloo said.
On his part, chief executive officer of the Chandaria Group Darshan Chandaria said corporates should consider taking philanthropy as a core business.
Mr Chandaria said philanthropy helps organizations to remain relevant in the modern economic environment.
Dr. Beth Waweru who is the Associate Director of Education and Leadership Development at the Equity Group Foundation said since inception, her organization has sponsored a total of 16,168 needy students through its partnership with the MasterCard Foundation and other partners.
She said the success of the Equity Group Foundation is largely as a result of involving communities in selecting beneficiaries of their scholarship programme.
In his closing remarks, the founder and chairman of the African Philanthropy Forum (APF) Gbenga Oyebode called for more partnerships in philanthropic activities saying as Africa’s population continues to grow, there’s need for all stakeholders to be more innovative in utilising technology to create opportunities for the youth.
He said philanthropy is not about giving finance but recognizing the need to do justice for the common people.
“For us who are here today, we must recognize the need to create opportunities for thousands that get to school and thousands others who may never get to school.
"We must recognize their contributions too, for our communities and our nations wellbeing,” Mr Oyebode said.
Fena Gitu To Host 'Unleashed' Album Release Concert
One of Kenya’s baddest femcees and AFRIMMA 2019 nominee Fena known for smash hits including “Kaende”, “Steam”, “Sema Ngwe”, “Trouble” and “Doing Her Thing” will release her sophomore album UNLEASHED on 23rd Nov 2019 at the Junction Mall (Silo parking rooftop) from 6 PM at an event dubbed #FenaUnleashed.
Fena’s anticipated new album coincides with her celebration of a decade in the music and entertainment industry this year, and her celebratory #FenaAt10 project and a series of events.
UNLEASHED album pre-order: https://bit.ly/2Of57LT
At the album launch concert #FenaUnleashed, Fena will be backed by the Dynamiques Band.
The concert will feature performances by a medley of guest artists among them Kagwe Mungai, Mayonde, Charisma, Elani plus many more!
The event will be hosted by Kwambox with Jo Kisila on the decks.
As of what to expect, Fena says, “The album launch concert will be nothing short of high energy entertainment, with lots of love and celebration of 10 years in the industry with the Fenatics community and the public at large. Can’t wait to see you all.”
KPA Workers Defend Manduku
A section of Kenya Ports Authority [KPA] employees have come out in to defend their embattled Managing director Daniel Manduku who is accused of being involved in a multibillion shilling fraud at the parastatal.
The workers claim the allegations of corruption at the port of Mombasa are purely malice and there is a hidden agenda behind the reports which have been in the media.
Port Workers Welfare and Performance Group [PWWPG] chairman Waweru Kamau said they are 'perturbed' by the media reports in the past one week on the port scandal.
In a signed statement the PWWPG chairman were quick to state that they dont hold brief for Manduku or any other official mentioned in the scandal.
The statement which was also signed by the secretary Ali Khamisi and organizing secretary Peter Ouma stated that the scandal is purely 'witch hunt' driven by 'cartels' and 'cowboy contractors' who are out to eject Manduku from his position before his three year contract elapses.
"We are against the way the graft cases are being handled which seem to be personal vendetta against individuals at the port at the moment," he pointed out.
The KPA workers chairman accused various tenders losers at the port of ganging up with brokers to fight back and ensure Manduku is sacked.
Kamau argued that some powerfulk individuals are not happy Manduku cancelled some contracts and made some internal reshuffle of port employees at the port.
‘’We are surprised that some names of managers mentioned on the social media have nothing to do with the tender procurement system," he pointed out.
The PWWPG chairman said in his three page statement they are being used as sacrificial lambs to eject Manduku to settle some political scores following his good performance as he has been able to turn the port around.
Kamau lauded Manduku for what he termed as good efforts to fight corruption at the port..
"Let the government be honest when fighting graft and should stop used," he pointed out.
Meanwhile Kenya Ports Authority management has defended itself against reports over corruption at the port and maintained that the procurement of tenders under scrutiny is above board.
A brief statement signed by Manduku said the move comes in the wake of adverse media reports implicating top officials in irregular expenditures on infrastructural projects.
He said the projects including the Makongeni Goodshed Yard, manufacture of concrete barriers and Kisumu Port revitalization all followed the procurement laws.
"For instance it’s been reported in the media that the Makongeni Goodshed yard is on a plot it never owned, but it is important to note that KPA legally acquired the parcel of land from the Kenya Railways Corporation," he pointed out.
The KPA boss said the facility was gazetted as a port in line with the laid down practice and policy after KPA acquired the requisite board approvals from both the Kenya Railways Corporation and Kenya Ports Authority.
Manduku said on the manufacture of concrete barriers the media reported that preparation of Bill of Quantities were done without requisition forms from the user department, the true position is that the procurement procedures were adhered to and were initiated by relevant consumer departments.
He said subsequently, all the companies that won the tenders for the projects were qualified and picked through an open tender system.
"Kisumu investigations are ongoing by the DCI team accompanied by the engineers from
Public Works," he pointed out.
Planning To Visit Daresalaam?,This Is Why You Should Book Your Stay At Jaromax Palace Hotel
The Wasafi festival 2019 edition finally came to an end last weekend in Daresalaam after being held in several regions across Tanzania, the festival was also held in Kenya last year, Nairobi and Mombasa.
The grand finale held at the Posta grounds last weekend was graced by top Nigerian artists Wizkid and Tiwa Savage, Meddy from Rwanda was also present, any way first things first, the aim of this post is to share with you my experience at the Jaromax Palace Hotel which was this time round my official host during my three days stay in Daresalaam.
Jaromax hotel is a new, modern and very affordable hotel located at one of Daresalaam's popular neighbourhood Tip Top - Manzese. This means that the hotel is just 1.8 km from the main bus terminus in the city that is the Ubungo bus terminus very convenient for you who would prefer to travel by bus. It is also just 9.5 km form the main airport, Julius Nyerere International airport.
For you who loves listening to good music and partying, worry not since the hotel has something for you, a modern and state of the art club (lounge) at the last floor, 6th floor with different themes every day.
When it comes to rooms, the hotel has a total of 45 rooms divided into 4 categories which includes standard double rooms, Deluxe double rooms , Executive rooms and standard twin rooms.
Each room has free Wi-Fi,Television set, air conditioner and a landline phone.
The hotel which targets both local and international travelers (visitors) offers a wide range of delicious meal served by the hotel's professional, faithful and trustworthy staff.
Incase you are planning to visit Daresalaam either for leisure or business i recommend that you consider this hotel and book your stay to enjoy the good and unique services. For bookings contact +255789416741 / +255676395562
Digify Africa Celebrates First Graduates From The Digital Marketing Boot Camp Series
Digify Africa in partnership with Facebook celebrated the first Cohort graduates from the award-winning digital marketing bootcamp, Digify Pro in Nairobi, Kenya.
The students who were on an 8 week training were equipped with skills needed in the digital space i.e Digital Marketing Analytics and Measurement, Content Marketing, Email Marketing and Digital Strategy Development among others.
Speaking at the graduation, Digify CEO and Founder, Gavin Deale said. " We are happy to be in Kenya and proud to have worked with this Cohort at this stage. We are looking at various partnerships with government and other Non Governmental organisations."
Since it’s launch in 2015, Digify Pro has kick started over 250 careers in the digital spaces in South Africa and Nigeria.
The programme offers trainees the opportunities to learn about digital marketing, from paid advertising, analytics to strategy , User Experience, Mobile Marketing/Gamification, Social Media Marketing, Marketing with Facebook Pages, Instagram & Whatsapp, Community Management, Brand Online and Reputation Management.
“As a youth-driven network, our purpose is to support young people learning, working and leading Africa’s digital economy. In the past seven years, Digify Africa has trained over 90 young people in digital skills,” says Digify Africa’s COO Qhakaza Mthembu.
The next Cohort will be kicking of next year for new students and those interested should apply online. Information will be shared on Digify Africa Social Media pages.
Enoque Teams Up With Serro In 'Bado Nakupenda'
Kenyan Afro-centric singer Enoque Wambua teams up with the Afro Queen SERRO to release a new music video “Bado Nakupenda”.
The soothing mellow tune captures the story of two lovers facing struggles in their relationship and through poetic lyrics, assure each other of their willingness to go through the struggles together in love.
"Bado Nakupenda" - https://song.link/ke/i/1487361291
Speaking on the release, Enoque says, “When I sent the first verse of this song to my producer – Modest, he mentioned it could use a different flavor and that’s how Serro came to mind. She really did bring her magic, giving the song so much color and vibe!”
On her part Serro adds, “It was an amazing experience collaborating on this song, throughout the process, the energy was really amazing.”
The audio which rides on a catchy guitar melody was produced by Modest Chabari and co-produced by Mutoriah while the simplistic yet colorful and scenic video was shot of Gatehi Mwaniki (NMK Films).
Chris Martin To Headline The 'Chris Martin Big Deal Concert Nairobi'
Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi Achieves The Premium Certificate Award By Safehotels
Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi is pleased to announce the achievement of the Premium Certificate Safehotels award, a new level safety and security initiative for the hotel.
The certification is based on the Global Hotel Security Standard which is recognized by hotel and travel associations, corporate accounts and the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction around the world.
The criteria for the certification achieved by the hotel consists of various standard components relating to Hotel Property Safety and Security Walkthrough, Training and Organization, Security Equipment, Fire Equipment, Fire Training and Crisis Management.
Accor is the first hotel company to achieve Premium Certification for all their brands in Nairobi, Kenya.
“Security for our guests and employees is paramount to us, and we are delighted to announce this achievement,” Says Mehdi Morad; Country General Manager Kenya for Accor and General Manager, Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi.
"One of the pleasures of working with Safehotels is seeing how a hotel develops its safety and security standards each year to achieve higher levels of Certification. Working with the team at Mövenpick Nairobi is a perfect example of this and I wholeheartedly join them in celebrating their Premium Certificate award" said Andy Williams, VP Quality Assurance Safehotels.
Nigeria's Fast Rising Star Joeboy To Perform At The Naifest
Ugandan Airlines Launches Direct Flight From Entebbe To Mombasa
The Ugandan airlines has launched it's direct flight from Entebbe to Mombasa.
Mombasa now becomes Uganda Airline's sixth destination since it resumed it's operations this year.
The first plane a CRJ900 Bombardier, landed at the Moi International Airport Mombasa at 13:05pm with 74 passengers on board yesterday and was received by Uganda Minister of Tourism Professor Ephraim Kamuntu his Transport counterpart Aggrey Bagiile together with Mombasa County Deputy Governor William Kingi and the County Tourism Executive Fawz Rashid.
Others present were Mombasa County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo and Uganda Consul General, Ambassador Katureebe Tayebwa.
The Uganda Airlines will be making three flights to Mombasa every week on Monday, Friday and Sunday. This is expected to boost the tourism industry. Last year alone arrivals from Uganda increased by 20 percent.
"This route will increase more visitors in search of an inclusive holiday destination, conference centres, cultural experiences and business oriented visits especially the ones tied to the Logistics Sector." said Mombasa County Tourism CEC Fawz Rashid.
According to the airline, the one-hour 50-minute trips will target tourists and Ugandan traders who depend on the port of Mombasa to do business since most of the country’s imports pass through the port.
