President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged Coast leaders to unite and work closely with each other so as to achieve faster development in the region.

The President advised the leaders to have a broader and more long-term view of development saying the focus should be on projects that benefit more people through wealth and employment creation.

The President who spoke at State House, Mombasa when he hosted elected leaders from the region told the leaders to always put the interests of wananchi ahead of all other partisan considerations.

“Let us find solutions to our challenges, there can be nothing which is impossible if we unite,” President Kenyatta told the leaders who included all Governors from the 6 coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Kwale and Tana River.

The President said time had come for leaders to think of how they would like to remembered by current and future generations.

“We must look at our history as a country and as a region, and ask ourselves can our people as Kenyans continue to sustain politics of division, politics of hate, politics of backstabbing and still believe that we are going to be a middle income country by 2030? Is it possible?” President Kenyatta posed.

The Head of State cautioned the leaders against divisive politics saying leadership is a God given opportunity to serve all Kenyans irrespective of their stations in life.

On development, the President outlined the various mega projects being implemented by his administration in the region adding that the government will ensure all ongoing roads, water and other infrastructure developments are completed.

He said the projects such the various roads, the Dongo Kundu SEZ and the Port of Lamu are aimed at opening up the region to more investments.

President Kenyatta reiterated that the handshake between him and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was aimed at uniting all Kenyans so as to take the country's development agenda a notch higher.

“The essence of the handshake is not about who shall be where and who shall have what position but how can we as Kenyans together not live in the past but learn from it," the President told the leaders.

“We need not plan for today but live in it and plan for the future because that is what we can give as a gift to this country,” said the President.

All the leaders who spoke at the consultative meeting among them Governors Ali Hassan Joho (Mombasa),  Salim Mvurya (Kwale), Amason Kingi (Kilifi), Dhadho Godhana (Tana River), Fahim Twaha (Lamu) and Granton Samboja (Taita Taveta) said they supported the President's development agenda as espoused in the Big 4 blueprint.

The Coast political leaders thanked the President for the various development projects implemented by the government saying the transformative interventions are changing the economic fortunes of the region.

“Your Excellency I want to first of all assure you we are walking with you in the journey of transforming this country of ours because after all this country belongs to all of us,” Governor Joho said.

“And for those that God has given the opportunity to be in leadership like ourselves whatever we do we put first considerations of the future generations,” he added.

Tourism CS Najib Balala, Lands CAS Gideon Mung'aro, Devolution CAS Hussein Dado and Lands PS Nicholas Muraguri also attended the State House, Mombasa meeting.

East Africa – Nigerian-born artist Tiwa Savage – widely regarded as the Queen of Afrobeats – has released her new single, “49-99,” via Motown Records. Download / stream “49-99” HERE   https://TiwaSavage.lnk.to/4999

Since signing her deal international deal with Universal Music Group the explosive track will be her first release with Motown Records who serves as her US label.

Ethiopia Habtemariam, President of Motown Records and EVP of Capitol Music Group, said, “We are beyond excited to work with Tiwa Savage, one of Africa’s most talented and prolific singer-songwriters of this generation. She has been at the forefront of creating music from the continent that connects people from around the globe”

Savage recently recorded “Keys to the Kingdom,” a song that she co-wrote for the soundtrack The Lion King: The Gift after being hand-picked to do so by Beyoncé. 2018 was a remarkable year all-around for her.

She was named Best African Act at the MTV European Music Awards, making history as the first female to win the award. She was handpicked by Coldplay’s Chris Martin to perform alongside Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran and JAY Z live at the Global Citizen Festival to an 70,000 strong audience and millions across the globe.

Savage’s fearlessness in combining a unique fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, soul and pop paid off, earning her an abundance of award nominations including four Channel O Music Video Awards nominations, five World Music Award nominations, two Headies nominations, MTV Africa Music, BET & MOBO Award nominations and many more.

While utterly infectious, “49-99” makes a powerful statement about poverty.

Tiwa Savage explains, “‘49-99’ is a term coined from the hard life many Nigerians go through. A transit bus serves as a case study. It ought to have only 49 seated passengers, however due to poor economic conditions, we often have nearly twice that number of passengers standing (99).”

The U.S. edition of Vogue hailed her as one of the Most Inspirational Women, in December 2018, British Vogue singled her out as one of 10 women that are changing the face of music globally.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Savage first sang back-up vocals for the late George Michael, and later graduated from the esteemed Berklee College of Music. After moving to Los Angeles, she racked up studio sessions with Frank Ocean, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Fantasia, and more.

Motivated by the lack of female superstars in her home country, she moved back to Nigeria and began focusing on her own music.

Savage earned critical acclaim with her debut album, Once Upon a Time. Her sophomore album, R.E.D., and the EP Sugarcane – which included The Spellz-produced club hit “Ma lo” featuring Wizkid – followed in 2017.

Essence and honoree Erykah Badu chose Savage to perform at their annual Black Women in Music event during Grammy week.

Savage released a string of mega hits, including “Mr Lova Lova” ft Duncan Mighty, “Diet” and “Tiwa’s Vibe.”

Each claimed the No. 1 spot on charts across Africa, affirming her position as one of Afrobeats leading artists.

Throughout her career, Savage has been active in her philanthropic endeavors, supporting youth engagement organizations which  particularly highlight issues affecting young girls in Africa. Through her work with the MTV series “Shuga,” Savage aims to share further knowledge of HIV/ AIDS prevention and awareness within the continent.

One of Africa’s most followed women on social media, she was the first African female to serve as an ambassador for Pepsi. She has also represented Nike and other leading global brands.

Of “49-99”, Savage goes on to say, “The song encourages the young to put down the sense of inheritance and work for what they desire in life, for a better tomorrow”.

Adding “ We can’t sit on our old glories and expect things to change for the better. ‘49-99’ also addresses some political leaders who, instead of focusing on the growth of a nation, are there just for the money and having affairs with underage girls – while the citizenry is hustling hard to make a daily living.”

Ezegozie Eze, General Manager of Universal Music Group Nigeria added, “As an authentic Nigerian artist, we are thrilled to see Tiwa soar in this way. Her global partnership with Universal Music Group is another win for her hugely successful career and for African artists as a whole”.

Savage tells her unique story in this video, filmed at Universal Music Group earlier this year.

Kenya was honoured at this year's edition of the Nigerian International Film and TV Summit which went down last evening in Lagos, Nigeria.

Kenya was accorded the country of honour status.

The Nigerian International film and TV Summit is an international business summit focusing on various aspects of the TV content business with Nigeria.

According to the Kenya Film Classification Board C.E.O Ezekiel Mutua who was present at the event, Kenya will continue partnering with the Nigeria film industry to improve the local industry.\

"KFCB is honoured to have facilitated the strengthening of these ties and will support robust and sustained engagements for co-productions between Kenya and Nigeria" said Mutua.

Adding " We also hope to use the opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Kenya and Nigeria and explore possibilities for more co-productions".

The distinct honour accorded to Kenya has only been extended to one more country in the past - Côte d’Ivoire.

Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has cancelled her performance in South Africa over the recent attacks by South Africans on other Africans residing in their country.

Through her twitter handle, Tiwa condemned the attacks terming them as 'sick'.

"I refuse to watch the barbaric butchering of my people in SA. This is SICK. For this reason I will NOT be performing at the upcoming DSTV delicious Festival in Johannesburg on the 21st of September. My prayers are with all the victims and families affected by this,” she tweeted.

Another entertainer from Nigeria who has refused to take part in a show in South Africa is comedian Basketmouth.

He took to instagram to announce that he will not be travelling to South Africa for the show.

Former Taita Taveta County leaders led by the immediate former Governor John Mruttu have called for dialogue between Governor Granton Samboja and the county assembly to end the stand off curently facing the county.

In a statement, the  former leaders including former county senator Dan Mwazo, Joyce Lay (Woman representative), Thomas Mwadeghu (Wundanyi) and former assistant minister Callistus Mwatela said they are behind the clergy from the county who have also been calling for dialogue.

"As stakeholders on issues affecting Taita Taveta county, we support the constitutional right of the clergy and any other part or individuals in airing their opinions in a matter that affects them directly or indirectly" reads the statement.

Adding " Ours is not to judge which side is right and which one is wrong but rather to insist that in Kenya there is freedom of expression in accordance with the constitution.

The leaders further condemned the attack on the clergy by some leaders.

"We wish to remind each one of us that during our darkest moments as a country, Kenya benefited immensely from the opinions of the clergy" they said.

The stand off  between governor Samboja and the county assembly has been brought about by the disgareement in the budget proposals for the  2019/2020 financial year. Governor Samboja is against the move by the MCAs to allocate themselves more than Sh800 million for ward development through the county assembly. This saw the  county boss initiate a process of dissolving the county.

Last month the clergy issued a statement reiterating the need and importance of dialogue as a way of resolving the stand off.

Pride Inn Paradise hotel has joined a list of  four other hotels at the Kenyan Coast that have received five star ratings. The hotel is also the first from Mombasa to have received the rating.

The other four from the Coast region are Medina Palms in Watamu, Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa, Leopard Beach Hotel and the Swahili Beach Hotel.

Located in Shanzu area of Mombasa County Pride Inn Paradise hotel  boasts of being the only hotel in the region with a conference facility that accommodates up to 2,500 delegates. The hotel which is also celebrated for being the first in Kenya to appoint a Woman as its General Manager has a total of 240 rooms, Ann Peggy is the hotel's General Manager 

The hotel today held a short celebration to mark the new milestone with the main guest being the Mombasa County Tourism Executive Fawz Rashid.

Rashid lauded the management of the hotel for the new step.

Rashid charged "''The opening of  this hotel three years ago brought in 100 jobs to the local Mombasa  community . We remain upbeat that with the latest star rankings , there will be more opportunities  for qualified personnel to get employed,'' 

Rashid further noted that the county government will continue to support local investors and more so the local tourism industry.

On his part the hotel's Managing Director, Hasnain Nooran thanked the national and county governments for their support.

"We opened this facility in 2015. The journey of being named a five-star has taken us four years. We wish to salute the entire national and county governments for enabling business thrive by ensuring that there are support infrastructures in place like security ,road networks and telecommunication to mention a few" said Nooran

Kenya’s bid for one of the non-permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council got a boost today after several new envoys assured President Uhuru Kenyatta of their countries’ support.

The pledges to support Kenya’s candidature for the UNSC seat during the election scheduled for June next year were made at State House, Nairobi, when President Kenyatta received credentials from 11 new envoys.

Among the new envoys is the United Kingdom High Commissioner Ms Jane Marriot who replaces Nic Hailey whose tour of duty in Kenya has ended.

Also reporting for duty was the new European Union Delegation Ambassador to Kenya, Simon Mordue, who replaces Antonio Stefan Dejak.

Other envoys who presented their credentials to President Kenyatta included Dimitrios Zavoritis (Greece),  Winpeg Moyo (Zimbabwe), Saqtain Syedah (Pakistan) and Martin Klepetko (Czech Republic).

The President also received credentials from Ambassador Oded Joseph of Israel and Jean Bosco Barege of Burundi as well as three non-permanent envoys including Toba Sebade (Togo), Sulayman Aliu (Gambia) and Hermann Immongault (Gabon).

The envoy from Greece said his country will support Kenya’s bid for the UNSC seat as he called for Kenya’s reciprocal support for Greece’s bid for one of the non-permanent UNSC seats in 2024.

“I could not finish, Your Excellency, without expressing appreciation for the support Kenya has offered to Greece on my country’s candidature for a Non-Permanent seat to the United Nations Security Council, in the context of reciprocal endorsement by Greece of Kenya’s preceding candidature in the same organ,” said Amb Zavoritis.

Ambassador Winpeg Moyo from Zimbabwe said her nation supports Kenya’s bid for the non-permanent seat and hopes Kenya will win.

“Please accept my congratulations and that of my Government, on Kenya’s endorsement by the African Union on your bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, Zimbabwe fully supports your candidature and is confident that you will be victorious in New York,” said the Zimbabwean envoy.

The envoys from the EU, UK, Israel, Pakistan, Togo, Burundi, Czech Republic Gabon and Gambia said Kenya is a strategic partner for their countries and that they will continue to support Kenya’s security interests.

The new UK High Commissioner said she will work to deliver a stronger and mutually beneficial security and defence partnership with Kenya especially in combating violent extremism and terrorism.

“I would also like to pay our respects to the continued commitment and sacrifice of your security and defence forces and society leaders who fight against extremism and terrorism,” said High Commissioner Marriot.

Ms Marriot said Kenya and the UK today “stand as two vibrant and modern countries, crucial to the success of our respective regions and with important roles in the commonwealth and in supporting the rules-based International system”.

She said the UK is committed in supporting Kenya’s Big Four agenda, adding that the Africa Investment Summit 2020 that will be held in London provides further impetus to support Africa’s development agenda and create dynamic business environment.

On his part, the EU envoy said European countries regard Kenya as having the economic and political weight to make a decisive contribution to stability in the region.

He said Kenya’s commitment to regional stability is proven by its contribution to AMISOM and the hosting of more than 475,000 refugees.

“The present and future leadership of the EU are very conscious of the fact that a stable and prosperous Kenya that preserves its democratic and liberal values — as it has been seeking to do under your stewardship — is not just in every Kenyan’s interest, but very much in the interest of the EU and its citizens,” Amb Mordue said.

President Kenyatta welcomed the new envoys to Nairobi and urged them to work closely with his administration for the mutual benefit of Kenya and the countries they represent.

He assured the new envoys of his full support as they embark on their tour of duty in the country saying he looks forward to working with each one of the new diplomats in deepening bilateral ties between Kenya and their respective countries.

The Nyali Sun Africa Beach Hotel and Spa has finally reopened its fitness centre and modern Salon.

The fitness centre which had been under renovation for sometime and fitted with modern equipements and the classic salon were oficially reopened last evening by the patron of the inua mama mashinani jenga taifa Mombasa chapter Stella Kemboi who lauded the hotel for reopening the facilities.

Kemboi also called on Kenyans to embrace domestic tourism

Meanwhile the porpular Noons night club famous for its soul only music which is also located at the hotel is set to be reopened next month.

According to the hotel's General Manager Sanjeev Kumar they are currently on final touches on renovation works of the night club.

"We will reopen it next month, we are just finalising the renovation" said Kumar