First Lady Margaret Kenyatta wants teenage mothers re-integrated  into schools to give them a chance to complete their education.

She said early pregnancies should not mean a dead end to the education of girls or condemn the young mothers to misery and poverty associated with illiteracy.

The Kenyan First Lady spoke at the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCJF) in Kingston on Monday where  she was the guest of honour.

She spoke to a group of teenage mothers who have successfully been reintegrated back to school through a special programme for adolescent mothers.

The First Lady is accompanying President Uhuru Kenyatta who is on a three-day state visit of the Caribbean nation.

“I have fervently supported projects - such as this one, that encourage girls to stay in school to benefit from uninterrupted education despite their circumstances. I truly believe in the promise of hope that education gives to empower our girls,” First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said.

She said keeping girls in school directly lowers the rate of maternal mortality and protects young women from challenges such as HIV infections.

Using the case of Kenya, the First Lady said girls are hindered in their pursuit of education by very many barriers among them the distance between their homes and learning institutions and financial limitations that constrain many families causing young girls to stay at home to cater for their siblings.

Harmful practices such as early marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are the other impediments to girl child education cited by the Kenyan First Lady.

“We work hard to find practical solutions similar to this program to ensure the young teenagers do not drop out of school. We encourage communities to reintegrate young mothers and send them back to school,” the First Lady said adding that Kenya needs to take lessons from the Jamaican learning model for adolescent mothers.

The First Lady who was hosted at the centre by Lady Allen Patrick, the spouse of the Governor General of Jamaica and accompanied by Sports Minister Olivia Grange said there are millions of vulnerable girls across the world who need help towards achieving their dreams in education but hardly get the opportunity and support they deserve to make them achieve their dreams.

“We all want the girl child to have a better future, yet we cannot forget that there are still girls who deserve these opportunities but never get a chance,” First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said.

She applauded her hosts for the innovative program and congratulated current students for their unyielding resilience and for recognizing the importance of education in unlocking their future.

Besides providing education for young mothers, the centre offers intensive counselling on health, family and life education, childcare training and provision of support and referral services for both men and women.

Since the inception of the facility 40 years ago, over 46,000 teenage mothers have successfully gone through the program, some rising to become significant members of the Jamaican society.

“I encourage all you girls here to make the most of this opportunity to nurture your talent and reach for the stars,” First Lady Margaret Kenyatta told the young mothers

She encouraged the teenage mothers to strive for excellence in their academic work and in developing their characters as they pursue dreams to become successful women.

Pwani fm gospel presenter and reporter Ruth Masita has scooped the best presenter of the year East Africa award at the just concluded Injili awards.

The awards were held today in Mombasa.

Ruth managed to win the award after beating 7 other presenters in th category.

She was competing against DK of Lulu Fm, Francis Mandi from Baraka Fm, Captain Lui( Raia Tv,) Mc Fortune( Hope Fm), Kay B ( Kisii Fm), Mc Raph (Kyeni Fm),  Erick Mongare (Sheki Fm) and Selly Kadot (Citizen Radio).

In other catergories, Tanzania's Jembe gospel show won the Reggae gospel Tv show of the year award, Francis Mandi won the Best presenter of the year award, Sharon Nami scooped the new artist of the year ward, Dj Lonez won the Dj of the year award, Flaming Felix scooped the best gospel group of the year award with the best gospel praise and worship artist of the year award going to R. George.

President Uhuru Kenyatta today announced a raft of measures the government is taking to combat cancer including a plan to increase budgetary allocation.

The President made the announcement at the memorial service of the late Bomet Governor Dr Joyce Cherono Laboso held at Bomet Green Stadium in Bomet town. The late leader succumbed to cancer.

The President who was joined at the solemn event by Deputy President Dr William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the budgetary increase is meant to scale up both preventative and curative cancer management services across the country.

Noting that the rising cancer cases in the country are getting out of hand, the Head of State said the government will increase the number of chemotherapy and radiology centres across the country to make the services more accessible.

“We will add three more radiology centres across the country. We will have one in Garissa, another one in Mombasa and the third one in Nakuru,” President Kenyatta announced.

“We will also have 10 more chemotherapy centres in Mombasa, Kisumu, Kakamega, Garissa, Nyeri, Nakuru, Meru and Machakos among other counties,” he continued.

The President disclosed that the Moi Teaching and Referal Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret will be upgraded to become a centre of excellence for cancer treatment and training for upcoming medical professionals in oncology so that they can help in the fight against the disease.

“The ultra-modern Kenyatta University Hospital will be opened next month. This also will have a facility for treating cancer. We will add two more centres of excellence for the treatment of cancer – one in Kisii and another one in Nyeri which will be ready by next year,” the President said.

To enhance the human resource capacity to deal with the scourge, the President revealed that the government is currently training 20 cancer doctors, 28 clinical officers and 31 radiologists.

“When these complete their training, we will take more for training so that all these centres will have young specialists who will be able to help our people manage this disease,” he said.

The Head of State assured the residents of Bomet County that by September this year the government will have set up a chemotherapy centre at Longisa Hospital.

As the Government works to increase access to cancer treatment in the country, the President advised Kenyans to pay special attention to their lifestyles especially the foods they consume.

He noted that cancer is largely a lifestyle disease and advised Kenyans to reduce the intake of processed foods and go back to eating traditional wholesome foods.

“We need to start looking into some of these things and get back to the basics because this disease was not as widespread in the past as it is now. Our life style is not what it was in the past. So we need to look at what is it that we do today that our forefathers never did that is causing this disease to spread," he said.

Deputy President Ruto described the late Bomet Governor as a courageous and brave leader.

“Not many men could compete against Isaac Rutto let alone women. But Joyce’s decision to take on Isaac Rutto on a political duel confirmed to me the phrase that what men can do, women can do better,” the DP Ruto said.

He said exemplary performance by late governor confirmed that women are equal to the leadership task when given the opportunity.

Dr Ruto said going forward, Kenyans should give more women leaders a chance saying, "they have demonstrated, beyond doubt, their capabilities that they can lead".

Former PM Raila Odinga urged Kenyans to shun tribalism and corruption, saying the late Bomet Governnor has left behind an enduring legacy that should be emulated.

Other speakers included Council of Governors Chairman and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Kericho Governor Prof. Paul Chepkwony, National Assembly Majority Leader Adan Duale and his Senate counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen.

Rising Kisumu based-Kenyan act Gabiro Mtu Necessary is ready to woo the ladies with his new single “Bad Girl Loving,” The song produced by DTX Music at Kompakt Records sees light on the first day of August, 2019.

Putting Gabiro’s both bellowing and crooning voice on the radar, “Bad Girl Loving” is an upbeat Dance-soul oriented track that’s nothing but a sweet ode to women.

“This one’s for the love I have for bad girls and ratchet ladies coz there is no better and crazier love than that, I wish I found one of these kinds to marry soon.” Gabiro kicks off the track.

In the track Gabiro pulls through creatively with his lyrical prowess to show off both his sides of being a rapper and singer on a diverse danceable instrumental; it is for sure a club banger to get you up on your feet all night.

His rise has seen him gaining the respect of his rap peers with his lyrical precision at the youthful age of 20. 

Boasting 15 tracks in total since the kick-start of his music career, the self-proclaimed Kisumu President has been trading bars with a spray of special guests like Wyre, Kidis the Jembe, Nigeria’s Ketchup, Shamir and recently he released visuals for International Local alongside is producer friend Videz Hybrid.

His previous release “Chances” was received by mixed reactions making out one of the most talked releases of his career considering many people took it as disrespect even after Gabiro came out clean to explain,

"I just wanted to express myself and be artistic that's just what I found myself doing, just being a dexterous artist, person and human being"he said

Adding "Forget about an artist, I'm a human being at the end of the day. So I'm just expressing myself and being more proficient. It's like just speaking my truths." ~ Gabiro

“Bad Girl Loving” is Gabiro’s seventh single following his previous releases “Story”, “Naitwa Gabiro,” “Ujumbe,” “Chini Ya Maji,” “Nitembezee” and “Chances.”

Back for an astonishing 11th Year with 3 Music stages and a festival over 3 days – featuring dynamic lineups from major stars to local groups in just about every scene imaginable.

Homecoming Events is proud to announce Homecoming Africa taking place on 26, 27 and 28 September 2019.

Taking place yet again at Voortrekker Monument, popular Homecoming Africa is gearing up to provide the ultimate in music, service and comedy during a 3-day festival headlined by Kwesta, A-Reece, Boity, Moozlie, Zakes Bantwini, Da Capo, KENYA’S very own Karun and many more this coming September.

Last year, Homecoming Africa attracted over 8000 people to Pretoria for an international and continental experience with the biggest trans African musical line up seen at the event property to date! It is no surprise that the property is growing and will now take place over a few days.  

Homecoming Africa lovers can once again expect another insanely lined up Homecoming Africa this year with only the best making it More Than Music.

“This festival will bring a significant shift in the way we view events, social responsibilities and music in the continent, it is the start of something very special.” says Katlego Malatji Managing Director for Homecoming Events.

Experience the best in music, comedy and service as this year, Homecoming Africa will launch their community service initiative that is aimed at giving back on the first day of the festival.

The second day will consist of a comedy night where local comedians will get an opportunity to showcase the growing comedic community in Pretoria and the rest of South Africa.

Music lovers can still enjoy a variety of House; Hip Hop; and Kwaito music on the final day of the festival which will take place at Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria, South Africa.

President Uhuru Kenyatta this morning at State House, Nairobi received his special gift of four peacocks from his Tanzanian counterpart President John Pombe Magufuli.

The ornamental birds were delivered to the Head of State by Tanzania High Commissioner to Kenya Dr Pindi Hazara Chana who also delivered a goodwill message from President Magufuli. 

The birds were gifted to President Kenyatta by his host during his recent private visit to Tanzania in what President Mugufuli termed as a sign of deep respect and appreciation for the Kenyan leader. 

Speaking while receiving the four birds, the President expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to President Mugufuli saying the birds signify the values of love, unity and brotherhood that exist between the people of the two countries.

“On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Kenya, I receive this special gift. This is in the spirit of brotherhood and friendship of the East African residents,” the President said.

“It’s a great honour not only between us as Presidents but as the people of East Africa. This deep relationship and brotherhood should continue so as to benefit our current and future generations," he added.

The President said Kenya doesn’t just take Tanzania as a neighbour but rather as a sister republic with a shared aspiration of a prosperous region.

"Aided by the unity that exist between our two nations, we will fight with what is negatively affecting our people and any other challenge which might rise until we build a strong and cohesive brotherhood that will enable our people in Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi to be referred to as East Africans,” the President emphasized. 

He assured the Tanzanian delegation led by Dr Chana that Kenya will ensure the four peacocks will be given great care to ensure that the pride grows.

High Commissioner Dr Chana commended President Kenyatta for his astute leadership adding that in her country, the peacocks, which arrived in the country yesterday, signify love, honour and cherished friendship.

Present during the event were Health CS Sicily Kariuki, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and his Senate counterparty Ken Lusaka, Majority Leader in Parliament Aden Duale and Majority Leader in the Senate Kipchumba Murkomen.

Others were the Kenyan High Commissioner to Tanzania Ambassador Dan Kazungu and the Tanzanian Defence Attache to Kenya Col. Fabian Machemba.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured that he will not relent in the war against corruption.

The President emphasized that no effort will be spared in ensuring that the vice that has been choking the country’s economy is completely destroyed.

“We will remain focused in the fight against corruption. We hope that every institution will play its part to make this war successful,” President Kenyatta said.

The President spoke today at State House, Nairobi when he separately bid farewell to outgoing European Union (EU) Delegation Ambassador Stefano Dejak and British High Commissioner Nic Hailey.

The President commended the two envoys for strengthening relations between Kenya and their respective jurisdictions during their tour of duty.

President Kenyatta said Kenya appreciates EU’s partnership which has promoted development adding that he looks forward to more collaboration as the country explores the blue economy as an emerging frontier for wealth and employment creation.

In the meeting with the outgoing British High Commissioner, the President noted that the UK remains one of Kenya’s biggest trade partners.

“We hope to continue with the journey we began on empowering the youth through small and medium enterprises,” the President told the outgoing British High Commissioner.

Ambassador Dejak and High Commissioner Hailey separately praised President Kenyatta for standing firm in the war against corruption.

The outgoing EU envoy encouraged President Kenyatta not to loosen his grip in the fight against graft saying this will restore Kenya’s dignity and entrench its position as a thriving and progressive economy in Africa. 

“The war against corruption in Kenya is restoring investors’ confidence. The EU will remain a strategic partner of Kenya not only on the economic front but in the fight against corruption as well,” Ambassador Dejak said.

On his part, High Commissioner Hailey commended the President for the commitment he has shown in combating the vice where even senior government officials have not been spared.

The outgoing British High Commissioner assured President Kenyatta that trade between the two countries will continue to grow whether or not there is a BREXIT deal.

Earlier at State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta received credentials from incoming Japanese Ambassador to Kenya Ryoichi Horie who pledged to take the bilateral relations between Kenya and Japan to new levels of success.

Ambassador Horie said during his tour of duty in Kenya he will work tirelessly towards enhancing the close ties that have existed between his country and Kenya since 1963.

“I will devote all my energy towards strengthening the existing relationship between Kenya and Japan that is founded on our shared values and goals for the purpose of development,” Ambassador Horie told the President. 

The new Japanese Ambassador to Kenya pointed out that as a testimony of the close ties between the two countries, Kenya hosted the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-VI) Summit in August 2016. This made Kenya the first African country to ever host a TICAD Summit since its inception in 1993.

President Kenyatta welcomed the new envoy and assured of his administration's commitment to working closely with him to boost the existing cooperation and partnership between Kenya and Japan.

“Welcome to Kenya. I look forward to working with you to expand our areas of partnership for the mutual benefit of the people of Kenya and Japan,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta acknowledged Japan as one of Kenya’s key development partners whose cooperation has played a big role in the country’s development.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta today reaffirmed Kenya’s push for the closure of all ivory trade markets across the world.

She said Kenya will continue with its campaign against the reopening of markets for animal trophies especially ivory. The campaign is being supported by 31 other African states grouped under the African Elephant Coalition (AEC).

The First Lady spoke at the ivory burning site inside the Nairobi National Park where she presided over the official launch of the CITES CoP18 Awareness Campaign. 

CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora while CoP18 is the acronym for the Conference of Parties to the CITES.

The CITES CoP18 global conference is scheduled for next month in Geneva, Switzerland.

“Today we are lobbying and petitioning for the closure of all ivory markets, and boldly advocating for the placement of all elephants onto Appendix 1 of CITES,” said the First Lady, herself a renown supporter of conservation work in her capacity as the patron of the “Hands Off Our Elephants” campaign.

“This is the message that we, as a country, as conservationists, stakeholders and as members of the African Elephant Coalition, jointly pledge ahead of the CITES COP 18 meeting,” she added.

The First Lady said every time a proposal is made to partially reopen ivory trade markets, demand for the animal trophies escalates leading to increased poaching.

“We have also learnt that every time there has been a decision by CITES Parties to reopen ivory trade, the decision has resulted in increased elephant poaching and illicit trafficking of ivory,” the First Lady observed.

She said reopening the ivory trade markets will destroy the conservation gains made over the years.

The First Lady said Kenya is host to the most exotic and diverse wildlife species in the world adding that the country maintains a strong resolve to eradicate illegal wildlife trade by  building coalitions and partners to strengthen  joint actions to protect wildlife across the world.

The First Lady said Kenya has not only championed and petitioned the rest of the world for the total closure of all markets in animal trophies, but has previously demonstrated its resolve by publicly destroying huge stockpiles of ivory and rhino horns at the same site where today's function was held.

Kenya has on four occasions since 1989 torched huge stockpiles of ivory and rhino horns, the last such destruction was presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2016 where 105 tonnes of ivory and one ton of rhino horns were destroyed.

The First Lady said previous actions by Kenya have not only captured global attention but inspired other ivory destruction in other countries and contributed to the listing of the African Elephant in the CITES Appendix 1, that calls for total protection of the species.

She said bold actions are needed at national, continental and international levels to protect the global population of elephants which has been on a decline from 1.2 million to below 400,000.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said despite successes achieved in the past few years in reducing poaching and ivory trade, emerging threats and thriving markets continue to erode the gains made in the past.

She said the 22 tonnes of ivory seized globally during the first quarter of this year confirms the existence of transnational trophy trade criminal networks.

“More recently, another large consignment of elephant tusks was impounded in Singapore confirming that the task before us is not over yet,” she said.

The First Lady said Kenya has put in place several mechanisms  to mitigate poaching and illegal trade in ivory including stronger aerial surveillance around conservation areas, built a robust law enforcement and deterrent measures at ports and airports.

“We have also embarked on training of specialist prosecutors, magistrates and judges on wildlife trade,” the First Lady said.

She applauded China and several western countries for supporting Kenya’s call to close all ivory trade markets.

She also commended the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and its partners for their hard-work and commitment as custodians of Kenya's biodiversity.

At the same event, national carrier Kenya Airways announced the roll out of a global conservation awareness campaign by use of specially branded boarding passes.

Kenya Airways board chairman Michael Joseph said the campaign will start tomorrow. The specially branded boarding passes will have email and website addresses where customers using the airline and its partners can get all information to support wildlife protection.

Others who spoke at the function were the chairman of the African Elephant Coalition and Ambassador of Eritrea to Kenya Meles Alem Tekea and Tourism and Wildlife CS Najib Balala.

Former Miss Uganda and Big Brother housemate, Stella Nantumbwe aka Ellah has threaten to sue seven local media houses in Uganda over what she term as defarmation.

The former beauty notified the said media houses through an advert in one of the local newspapers and her social media pages.

According to Ellah, between 2018 and July 2019, several media and bloggers have published that she is involved in a sexual relationship with one of Kampala's popular evangelist 'Prophet'  Elvis Mbonye and he had even gifted her with a luxurious car and she returned the favour by becoming pregnant. 

Ellah has denied the allegations terming them as baseless and unfounded.

“The said baseless and unfounded publications you have made are intended to portray to the public and the whole world a lucid message that our client (Ellah) is immoral and an irresponsible person,” reads a letter form her lawyers.

The respondents who are New Vision group, Red Pepper publications, Galaxy fm, Big Eye, Blizz.com, the insider and the unnamed bloggers were given 7 days to respondent form the day the advert was published which was Thursday last week

“Failure to comply will leave us with no other option but to use the legal machinery to protect and enforce our client’s right to her privacy" states the letter from the lawyers.

Ellah represented Uganda at the Miss world contest in Bali, Indonesia in 2013. She is also an actress and a philanthropist.