Ommy Dallah
Sarova Panafric Scoops Top Award in the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2022
Sarova Hotels and Resort’s city property, Sarova Panafric Hotel scooped a top award at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, in a global exercise that required both existing and potential customers to vote for their favorite luxury hotel and resort.
The luxury Nairobi-based hotel scooped the award for the continental winner in the Luxury Banqueting/Event Hotel category further stamping its authority as a dream destination for visitors locally and across the globe.
Despite being a luxurious hotel, Sarova Panafric has remained among the top choice for both organizations and individuals, locally and internationally who host both regional and global events, as well as life-changing and memorable social events such as weddings.
“We do not take this win for granted. For us, these are not just normal wins, but a vote of trust, confidence, and faith that our customers within Kenya and outside Kenya have in us. Many players sell products and services, but for us, at Sarova Panafric we offer trust and memories. We offer a home and a place that someone will always long to be,” said Managing Director Sarova Hotels and Resorts, Jimi Kariuki.
“We would like to thank our customers and all those who gave this confidence vote. We are because of them and we shall always strive to give them the best. We cannot thank them enough,” he added.
Sarova Panafric Hotel is an idyllic city getaway in the hub of Nairobi that recently re-emerged and newly expanded, with enhanced suites and rooms following the completion of a phase of comprehensive renovations that began in October 2018. The hotel now has some of the most iconic looks and luxurious suites for visitors with the preservation of tradition and culture.
“The Sarova Panafric Hotel has been a story of uniting people, celebrating culture and warm hospitality. Today, we are bringing forth our history as we revolutionize your experiences with bold contemporary design, one-of-a-kind restaurants and bars, sustainable sourcing, and homage to tradition,” he added.
23Drey Features Leexon In New Banger 'Dey Play'
Nigerian singer 23Drey is back with yet another banger.
The song titled 'Dey Play' features Leexon.
has been produced by SB THAPRODUCER and is expected to be the first of many more hot singles and projects from the artist.
Listen to the song https://onerpm.link/23Drey-deyplay
Gabiro Mtu Necessary Mourns Late Grandfather in New Song “Mudho”
Living to see a hundred years is nothing more than a blessing and Kisumu-based musician Gabiro Mtu Necessary’s grandpa lived 105 years old.
On the 2nd of January, 2023 Gabiro sent out a tweet to inform his fans and followers of the passing on of Mzee Edward Washington Ogonda.
Gabiro and his cousin Pulalah Master, a media personality who adds up as a musician and Dj have teamed up to release a tribute song to the fallen family hero. The dancehall-oriented jam brings out the two’s lyrical wit and flows as they blend Luo dialect, English, and Swahili in their lyrics.
The song dubbed “Mudho” which is a Luo word that translates to darkness allows them to let out their feelings of sadness as they mourn the demise of their old man.
Mtu Necessary just had his debut album Saint John considered for a Grammy at the 65th Grammy awards making him the first Kisumu-based musician to be in the coveted awards for yet a second time in a row. He dedicated the said album to his late father John who succumbed to cancer in 2019.
Mudho was written by Gabiro and Pulalah and produced by Blakangel at Jodifa studios in Kisumu.
Watch Mudho on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kk8JlVTH2hY
Selection Of New MCK Board Kicks Off
Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Mr Eliud Owalo has today unveiled the team that will select the new Media Council of Kenya Board.
The 13-member panel comprises representatives from media associations, the private sector, Government and academia. CS Owalo urged the panel to strive at being impartial, objective and fair as possible as they select the fourth Board of the Media Council of Kenya under the new Constitution.
The Board which will oversee the strategic direction of the Media Council of Kenya over the next three years.
“I urge this panel to embrace objectivity and select a board that will work for the good of the industry”, said Mr Owalo.
“We wish to see a harmonious relationship between the players in the media industry which will create a favourable working relationship that serve the interest of the media”, he said.
The Principal Secretary, State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunication Prof Edward Kisiangáni reiterated the government's commitment to accord media conducive working environment in line with the Constitution of Kenya.
“The panel should ensure that the procedures agreed are inline with the constitution. We want the media industry to flourish, and therefore you are tasked with the responsibility of getting us the right people to do the job”, noted Prof Kisiang’ani.
The new MCK Board will comprise a Chairperson and eight members who will include a member nominated by the Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary.
Members of the selection panel and their respective institutions are: Oscar Obonyo – Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), Mr Emmanuel Juma – Media Owners Association (MOA), Mr Macharia Gaitho – Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), Ms Marlene Achieng Abongó – Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Mr William Oloo Janak – Kenya Correspondence Association (KCA), Ms Sylvia Mwichuli – Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK), Mr Daniel Waitere – National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), Mr Julius Melli- Association of Professional Societies in East Africa (APSEA), Mr Benjamin Langwen – Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK), Ms Juliana Yiapan – Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Ms Josephine Kinuthia – Kenya News Agency (KNA), Dr Kinya Mwithia -School of Journalism Private Universities and Dr Jane Thuo – School of Journalism Public Universities
Over 600 Tourists Arrive In Mombasa Aboard Mv World Odyssey Cruise Ship
The Kenya tourism sector got a major boost after a cruise vessel carrying 895 tourists docked at the port of Mombasa.
The vessel christened MV World Odyssey arrived from Mumbai India and will stay at the Kenyan coast for six days as the tourists embark on a safari for the period they will be in the country before leaving for Jordan.
The vessel arrived at the Berth No 1 at around 9:30 am on Thursday and was received by tourism Principal secretary John Ololtua and Kenya tourism board (KTB) executive director John Chirchir.
The number include 620 passengers and 175 crew onboard, with majority of them being students. During their stay the students will have an opportunity to interact with Kenyatta university as part of an exchange program.
“We are doing a lot to market Kenya as a destination, we are using the digital technology to market our products out there, we are expanding on digital space to do so, we are also working with the ministry to improve the road network to facilitate easy movement of tourists,” said Ololtua.
The government is also embarking on creating new tourism markets by launching more direct flights to the coastal destination. This was evident when the government launched the Dubai-Mombasa direct flights to boost tourism.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) manager in charge of corporate affairs Edward Kamau said Kenya is banking on infrastructural development at the port to receive more cruise vessels.
“We expect to have another cruise ship in February this year, with all this efforts we want to ensure that as the port that many tourists will continue to use our infrastructure that we have put in place, we anticipate that many vessels will dock at the port,” said Kamau.
The vessel is among six ships known as Semester at Sea operates the World’s floating campus where students take their studies aboard a ship.
The students will be learning about Kenya’s history as part of their semester studies.MV World Odyssey built in a way such that it resembles a normal college together with all the needed infrastructure and amenities
Some of the tourists expressed their joy for visiting the country for the first time. speaking to journalists they said they are expecting to visit the Maasai Mara national park.
"We are happy that we get an opportunity to visit Kenya, we are from California and visiting national parks is what we want to experience," said Natalia, one of students from the US
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Mps Welcome The Release Of sh 4 Billion By Government To End CDF Stalemate
The government on Wednesday released sh 4 Billion, allocation to the National government constituency development fund( NG-CDF), ending a two days stalemate between the treasury and members of parliament.
The news was broken by National assembly NG-CDF committee chair Musa Sirma who confirmed that about sh 4 Billion had been reflected into their respective accounts.
The move comes as a relief to constituents who largely depend on the kitty to pay school fees for needy children.The legislators who are holding a retreat at the Pride In resort expressed their joy when the news was delivered by speaker of national assembly Moses Wetangua.
“They have given us two billion shillings on Tuesday and another two billion shillings on Wednesday and they have promised that next week they will release another 2 Billion on Tuesday that translates that every constituency getting 34 Million shillings to start off on the bursary allocation,” said Sirma.
The members of parliament, who stayed away from the ongoing retreat for two consecutive days protesting remittance of the kitty funds, yesterday resumed sittings after their demand was honored.
The row was amicably solved when speaker of the national assembly Moses Wetangula convened a one hour closed door meeting with the legislators and after walking out of the meeting room, they announced to end the deadlock.
“We want to thank the president and the speaker of the national assembly for having taken our cry as a serious agenda because without it this meeting would not have taken place, we are also human we do understand at the time this government took over they inherited a lot of debts,” said Sirma.
Earlier in the morning chairs of different committees had convened a separate meeting at Serena hotel what is seen as the one that brokered the deal.
According to Sirma,all constituencies will now receive sh 34 Million. Many legislators promised to get back to their committees to compensate for time lost.
“What we have done so far is that there is a big improvement from the default, so we are ready to go on,” he added, saying the stalemate that had paralyzed the sittings for two consecutive days is now a thing of the past.
Sirma also ruled out any division between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio members of parliament saying they were united for a common purpose.
“There is no division because all political factions want money, so who has another agenda, we have unity of purpose on this matter and even the women reps their NGAAF they were given their money yesterday,” said Sirma.
“I don’t know where they got the money, for us what we wanted is money we don’t know where they got it from,” said Sirma.
Kiharu Mp Ndindi Nyoro said they are ready to proceed with the meeting until Saturday because many of the important discussions were disrupted when Mps walked out of the retreat.
His Kipipiri counterpart Wanjiku Muhia confirmed that money had already reflected in the accounts and they were ready to carry on the development affairs that have stalled due to the impasse.
“We are happy this matter has been resolved,we are now ready to get to retreat because all what we wanted has been resolved,” confirmed Muhia during a media interview.Her sentiments were echoed by Emuhaya Mp Amboko Milemba who expressed his joy stating learners who depend on bursaries can now go to school.
Members of Parliament yesterday embarked on signature collection with a motive to impeach Treasury C's Njuguna Ndungu.
The Over 200 MPS irrespective of their political affiliation said failure to release NG-CDF money amounted to inability to perform as a cabinet secretary.
Funyula Member of Parliament Raphael Wanjala denied that there was division even as it was evident that Kenya Kwanza Mps played calm on the matter of (NG-CDF) delay.
The Mps questioned why the Treasury was quick to release the hustler fund and failed to release NGCDF money which the Mps have passed the budget.
"It has nothing to do with the party. We are all members of Parliament and we are speaking in one unity, It’s a national parliamentary issue that involves all of us,” said Poul Katana, Kaloleni MP.
Kibarek Reuben Mogotio Mp said Mps will continue to push for the full release of the remaining money for bursaries to ensure learners don’t suffer due to lack of school fees.
Seme Mp Dr James Nyikal said failure to release NG-CDF fund kitty means all constituency development.
Embakasi Mp Babu Owino said it's their inherent right to get education was being breached by the treasury for failure to release the kitty.
"We want to impeach the treasury cabinet secretary if he cannot do their job. We have so far collected 300 signatures to impeach the C's when we resume sitting if he fails to honor the release of monies as promised,” said Owino.
Owino also dispelled rumours that there is political division saying all MPS are united to ensure NG-CDF money gets to accounts as soon as possible.
"This is not apolitical party affair,we are all united by the York of poverty,our common interest is the interest of the people,” said Owino.
Moris Kakai, Kiminini Mp said as MPS they will not divide themselves in the matter of agitating for the Money’s .He said very little is happening in the constituencies following the delay.
AVA and BasiGo Partner to Assemble Kenya’s First Electric Buses
BasiGo and AVA have announced a partnership that will see the latter assemble modern Electric buses for BasiGo in Kenya.
In January 2023, AVA successfully completed the final assembly of fifteen 25-seater electric buses, shipped in partially assembled by BasiGo, set to start operations with Nairobi Matatu operators in the coming months.
Speaking about the partnership, Jit Bhattacharya, CEO BasiGo said “BasiGo is committed to delivering electric buses that are 100% assembled in Kenya. We are elated to be partnering with AVA, the country’s leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles who have had expertise for many years in assembly in the country.”
Adding “We are confident that this partnership will put Kenya on the map as a leader in the manufacturing of modern electric vehicles.
Moses Nderitu, Chief Revenue Officer of BasiGo added “With AVA’s decades of experience and certified production processes, we will be delivering high-quality electric buses to PSV operators in the region.
Together, BasiGo and AVA are making Kenya a leader in the manufacturing of state-of-the-art electric vehicles, a segment that is destined to grow rapidly in the years to come.”
BasiGo and AVA aim to manufacture over 1,000 electric buses in the next 3 years, creating over 300 new manufacturing jobs and an additional 300 jobs in the ecosystem of charging, maintenance, and financing required to support electric buses in operation.
AVA Managing Director Matt Lloyd said the partnership will also help in creation of jobs and development of the industry.
“This represents a big step forward for the country and AVA itself, we are very much looking forward to the next step. This process involves around 120 people and of course it will help in terms of job creation” said Llyod.
Adding “In terms of the build itself it is very similar to what we already do.”
Since launching in March 2022, BasiGo’s electric buses have driven over 141,000 kilometers and carried over 185,000 passengers as part of fleet operations with 2 Nairobi bus operators East Shuttle and Citi Hoppa.
Mps Storm Out Of Mombasa Retreat Over Delayed CDF Money
Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalitions today (Monday) unanimously stormed out of the Parliamentary Committee members retreat in Mombasa over the delayed disbursement of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) and the national government affirmative action fund NGAAF kitties which are yet to be released by the national treasury.
The irate members in protest walked out saying it was unreasonable to hold a five days retreat at a five star luxurious hotel, pay millions for accommodation at the expense of orphans and needy leaders who depended on NGCDF to go to school.
The members claimed the treasury was yet to release sh10 billion that was to be disbursed in bits thus affecting key functions that depend on both kitties.
While addressing the press shortly after storming out, national assembly NGCDF chairman Musa Sirma stated that the retreat would not proceed unless the National Treasury disbursed funds for the NG-CDF.
Sirma declared that for Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u to address the convention, the money needed to have reflected in the constituencies' CDF accounts.
"For us to remain here spending taxpayers' money when Kenyans are suffering is totally unethical. We will cease every engagement until the funds are released," said Sirma.
He explained that the funds were crucial given that schools reopened on Monday, January.
"How can you tell us we are sleeping in tourist hotels and orphans are not going to school ,if we are not given CDF then the meeting should be disbanded, "said Kathiani Mp Robert Mbui.
Mbui added. "We do not have any other business to discuss ,the schools have opened and orphans and needy students need to go to schools, we can't sit here while issues are messed up outside,".
Nairobi women rep Esther Passaris charged the meeting with her demand for NGAAF money saying women have equally suffered from the delays of the kitty.
"County women rep are also looking for the same NGAAF money, we should start with issues which are contentious CDF being one of them," said Passaris.
Rarieda Mp Otiende Omolo said it was unbearable for legislators to ensure 100 percent back to school without the CDF kitty which is used to issue bursaries to the needy.
"This subject was slated for Saturday, it's too far, my suggestion is that we need to have proper speakers who can give direction about it," said Otiende Amollo.
"Treasury must tell us when are they releasing the money, any other agenda without talking about CDF money is null and void," Amollo added.
Before the meeting was disrupted National assembly acting clerk Sarah Kioko told the committees to work within their budgets before the new budgets. She said departmental committees should reduce their activities to the limited budgets.
"We have constrained budget, and the number of committees has increased by 10 committees, from the 2022-23,and therefore we have asked the committees to tighten their belt until the new budgets," said Kioko.
She said the national assembly is facing so many litigation, and thus the house committees should avoid unnecessary litigations by exhausting all levels of their observation.
"The house has been taken to court on areas of passing bills ,some reports have also been taken to litigations so we urge committees to avoid unnecessary litigations by writing full reports especially in areas where there is likelihood of litigation," said Kioko.
The members converging in Mombasa are challenged to ensure legislation, oversight and representation of the electorates are done without favourism.
The joint induction workshop of different committees seeks to bring to attention to members and help them conduct the constitutional mandate as per the standing orders.
The MPs are also expected to be taken through the corrective measures being undertaken by Parliament in ensuring that the future of the National Government Constituency Development Fund is assured
King Kaka Kicks Off 2nd Edition Of Ligi Soo Football Tournament
King Kaka in conjunction with Kaka Empire, held the second edition of under 17 Ligi soo football tournament this past Friday, January 20 at Nairobi City stadium.
Through the Kaka Empire mentorship program, eight teams battled in various categories during the full day event.
The proceeds from the tournament are used to empower underprivileged youth in nurturing their skills in order to build businesses that can sustain them.
Some of the prominent friends, partners and supporters of the cause who showed up included Hon Exekiel Mutua, Janet Mbugua, Adelle Onyango, Femi One, Jadi, Nana Owiti, Carol Radull, Kanambo Dede, Ndovu Kuu, Kenzo Matata, Kristoff, Scarlet football club, Olamide (SportsbetIo) among others.
"We are here to help young people achieve their dreams, by making this football tournament happen; the main aim is to mentor them on how they earn a living through running a small business. It is upon us to raise a purpose driven generation" said King Kaka
The music star launched the initiative in November 2020 with a drive of establishing mental strength as a foundation for youths from Eastlands.
Kotecha Claims Captain's Prize At Nyali Golf Club
Senior Coast Golfer Sanjay Kotecha fought hard to emerge the overall winner of the Nyali and Country Club Captain’s (Zafir Din) 2022 Prize in a tournament in Mombasa County on Sunday.
Kotecha survived a count back score of 35 differential points to emerge the overall winner of the event staged to bid farewell to the two times outgoing Club captain Zafir Din.
The two days event saw Kotecha win after playing 72 nett on the first day on Saturday and 37 points on the second day.
He had tied on the same score with Men runners up Dipan Shah who played 66 nett on the first day and 31 points on the second day while Hitendra Halia was third with 38 differential points (74-38).
The Ladies who played on Sunday only and traditionally teed off from the Men’s tee saw Coast Youthful Alyssa Jamal card a count back score of 38 points to emerge the Lady winner after tying on the points with Lena Breitner who was the Lady runners up.
The Best Gross winner on Saturday was Allan Mola with 79 gross while Frank Herter on 68 nett was the Saturday net winner and the runners up slot was won by Mwangi Mburu who had a score of 71 nett.
Taariq Jamal carded 41 points to emerge the winner on Sunday and the runner up was Joel Mochanga on 40 points.
Other winners were, Best Senior-John Smith-38diff,best Junior-Brandon Oyaro-27diff,Guest winner-John Ng’anga-38diff,Best Past Captain Amin Dhanji-37diff,Best Coast Captain-James Gitonga-47diff,High Handicappers Men-Rajesh Khagram-24diff,High Handicapper Lady-Winfred Ndunge-42diff,Nearesdt to the Pin-Nicholas Ngari,Longest Drive Men-Zayan Din, Nearest to the Pin Lady-Susan Stokes.
Salim Bajaber Bajaber walked home with a business return Air ticket Mombasa-Dubai-Mombasa, courtesy of Kenya Airways after being declared the hidden hole winner.
The outgoing Club Captain Zafir Din thanked the various sponsors and friends for making the event successful and his Club members, Directors, and Administration staff for giving him support during his two- year term in office.
The event that attracted 21O Golfers from the Home Club, Mombasa golf Club, Leisure, Vipingo,Malindi and others from various Golf Clubs across the Country attracted several sponsors among them Kitui Flour Millers, KenGen, adt insurance, Kenya Airways, Khusi Motors, Kk Security, Dola Millers, Elegant Fitting, Biofreeze, Cars Guru, AIB Allion and Friends of the Captain.
The Club Chairman’s Prize (Akram Sheikh) 2022 Prize Golf tournament will be played the same next Saturday on 28th, January.
Sheikh said all arrangements to host the tourney were ready and called on Golfers to register in large numbers.
