In response to the escalating housing crisis in the Coast region, the national government has announced a dedicated initiative to enhance affordable housing options and construct additional units across the region.

The government is set to construct 100,000 housing units in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Lamu and Tana River counties under the Affordable Housing Program (AHP).

Mombasa will have 50,000 units expected to be constructed with Phase 1 of the Sh6.5 billion Buxton housing project consisting of 512 units already done and delivered to their owners.

Phase two is currently underway and will consist of 1,512 units.

Coast regional director Affordable Housing Program and Markets John Karanja, said  once all the project sites are activated, it will create 200,000 jobs for both skilled and unskilled Kenyans.

“We expect the benefit to be enormous on the value chain of housing development once these sites are activated in these counties. We expect to have about 30,000 jobs both skilled and unskilled created,” said Karanja.

Karanja was addressing the media at the county commissioner’s office in Uhuru na Kazi building after holding a meeting with the Mombasa County assistant county commissioner and other stakeholders in the housing sector.

He said the government was working closely with the Jua kali sector in the projects to ensure that both skilled and unskilled Kenyans gain employment in the housing project.

“To ensure that they benefit, the government has ring-fenced more than 80 products to be supplied by Jua kali artisans in all localities that the houses are being constructed.” He said.

He added , “Mombasa for instance, we will have all doors and windows to be fabricated and all supplies are to be procured within the county.”

Karanja said ring-fencing the products used in AHP means that contractors will not go out of the country to source for products to be used and this will translate to the empowerment of locals and the local economy.

“To ensure that happens, we are registering all Juakali artisans in one umbrella so that contractors are able to source their products and even labor from government offices charged with MSMEs,” he said.

Other project sites within the county include Mzizima (2,000 units) VOK (2,850 units) and Changamwe to have 20,000 units once completed.

Kilifi county he said has four sites expected to generate 20,000 units once done with Lamu having  a site in Mokowe that will have 1,000 units.

In Kwale, four sites have been identified including the Mabokoni smart city which sits on 30 acres, the White house Diani site that will have 300 units, the survey camp in Kwale with 1,600 units and the Kwale housing scheme.

“In Tana River, the government has identified 4 sites in Mapenzi, Vetinary Camp and Garsen while in Taita Taveta County, phase two of the Voi Pool house is expected to be activated by February,” he said.

Mombasa assistant County commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi called on residents and leadership to support the AHP committee in the implementation of AHP programs.

He said  if all plans go on seamlessly, then about 50,000 people in the juakali sector will be employed here in Mombasa.

“My call to Mombasa people and the leadership is that we work closely with the committee and the national government to complete these projects,” he said.

Suleiman Mwatsanga, patron of the Likoni Juakali Association lauded the move by the government to incorporate the sector in the housing program.

He said for years, juakali artisans have been looked down upon for lacking papers with big construction tenders going to established companies.

Mwatsanga said that the opportunity given to them by the government will ensure that his members get jobs and this will have a great economic impact to their families.

“For many years, Juakali people were looked down for lacking papers, but we thank the government for recognizing us and giving us a chance,” he said.

 The government has also introduced the site appraisal program where if a worker is on site without certification, then officers from the relevant government department will come on site to certify their skills and give them certificates.

This will ensure that their skills are certified and they can use their certificates to apply for jobs in other places.

Samsung has unveiled five new Galaxy A Series smartphones that join the already popular line-up among consumers.

The new additions, the Galaxy A25 5G, Galaxy A15 5G, Galaxy A15, Galaxy A05s, and Galaxy A05, are set to give both new customers and loyal A series fans more options with their great features at excellent prices.

The Recommended Retail Prices for the Galaxy A series models launched in Kenya are,

• The Galaxy A25 5G will cost Ksh50,000 for the 8GB memory and 256 GB storage variant, and the 6 GB memory and 128 GB storage will cost Ksh43,000
• The Galaxy A15 5G 6 GB memory and 128 GB storage will cost Ksh33,000, and the 4 GB memory and 128 GB storage will cost Ksh30,000
• The Galaxy A15 LTE 6 GB memory and 128 GB storage will cost Ksh29,000, and the 4 GB memory and 128 GB storage will cost Ksh27,000
• The Galaxy A05s 6 GB memory and 128 GB storage will cost Ksh26,000, the 4 GB memory and 128 GB storage will cost Ksh24,000 and the 4 GB memory and 64 GB storage will cost Ksh21,000
• The Galaxy A05 4 GB storage and 128 GB memory will cost Ksh19,000 and the 4 GB memory and 64 GB storage will cost Ksh17,000

The Galaxy A25 5G promises an immersive mobile experience with its stunning 6.5" FHD+ Super AMOLED display that provides vibrant colours and sharp contrast.

The 120Hz display also ensures a faster, smoother experience when gaming, scrolling, watching videos and reading articles.

The phone boasts a versatile 50MP OIS camera that shoots clear, bright photos without shaking them.

You can certainly capture life's moments in breathtaking detail with this phone's sophisticated quad camera, including a high-resolution main camera, ultra-wide lens, macro lens, and depth sensor, bringing delightful experiences to everyday entertainment.

In the Galaxy A15 5G, customers will have a fast, reliable, and stylish smartphone that can help them keep all the memorable moments. Every picture and video captured with the Galaxy A15 5G's advanced 50MP triple camera, and all other important files will be safely stored courtesy of the ample 6GB memory and 128GB expandable storage, giving you smooth performance and sufficient space for your digital life.

The Galaxy A15 LTE features a 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 90hz display, providing a large screen with brighter and more vivid colours for everyday mobile needs, delivering an affordable, balanced performance and an all-round awesome viewing.

The stylish Galaxy A05s will put all the power in your palm as it gives a clear and vibrant canvas for all content.

Customers will be able to express their creativity and make beautiful memories with the Galaxy A05s' triple-camera system. Besides having access to all the favourite apps and media at hand, users can stay connected throughout the day with the Galaxy A05s' long-lasting battery and enjoy the convenience of 25W fast charging.

For great value from a smartphone, see it all and see it clear with the Galaxy A05. Users will enjoy their favourite games, series, movies, Tik Tok videos and Facebook reels and any other content from the 6.7-inch HD+ display. The phone’s dual camera delivers double the fun as it captures the world at different angles.

The new Galaxy A series smartphones is available across all Samsung brand stores and authorized dealers from 1^st January 2024.

The Galaxy A25 5G, A15 5G and A15 come with Samsung Care+, which offers 12-month protection against accidental screen damage. Customers are urged to register for Samsung Care+ within 30 days of purchase and get cover for 12 months.

Changamwe Mp Omar Mwinyi is mourning the death of his wife,  Rukia Khatib.

According to a source the late fell ill suddenly on Monday night and was rushed to Pandya hospital where she died.

"It was just sudden. May her soul rest in peace" said the source.

Funeral arrangements are currently underway at the family home in Port Reitz, Changamwe.

Several leaders have come out to condole with the family.

"Mama Rukiya was a strong and kind-hearted woman with whom we interacted closely during campaigns. Her strength, kindness, and warm hospitality will be remembered fondly. To my brother Omar Mwinyi, I know you have lost your strongest pillar, a confidant and friend. May Allah give you strength during these trying moments.  Inna lillahi Waina illayhi raajiun." posted EALA Mp Suleiman Shahbal.

 Safaricom has officially kicked off the Coastal regional finals of the Chapa Dimba football tournament with a series of community outreach initiatives aimed at transforming the lives of the locals in the region.

These initiatives will culminate in the football extravaganza scheduled for the upcoming weekend, on Saturday, 13th, and Sunday, 14th January 2024, at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa County.

The initiatives involve free Medical Camps, Stakeholders' Engagement, Players' and Coaches Clinics, and Digital & Financial Literacy training.

The Financial Digital Literacy training is a collaborative effort between Safaricom and Britam Insurance Company designed for Boda Boda riders, vendors, small business operators, shopkeepers, and others who are Safaricom customers in the region to impart knowledge that fosters a culture of saving and enhances preparedness for credit and investment opportunities.

The football clinic for the players' and coaches will feature valuable lessons in skill development, social values, teamwork, and leadership.

Coaches will gain insights into effective training methods, tactical approaches, and ways to motivate and communicate with players. 

 Additionally, there will be training on the use of Safaricom's newly introduced GPS Sports Vests, which are AI-powered to improve players' performance and open up scouting opportunities.

They are used to capture data about players, including total distance, speed, power plays, power scores, among others.

This allows players to understand their strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and more.

"After a three-week break during the festivities, we are delighted to resume our football tournament, with the Coast region hosting the first event of 2024. This tournament serves not only to nurture talents but also to transform the lives of the entire community. " said Peter Ndegwa, CEO Safaricom PLC.

Adding "Throughout the week, we have a series of activities planned where we will be engaging our customers in the entire Coast region, offering them free medical camps, as well as digital and financial literacy programmes to empower our boda boda riders, small vendors, and small business operators,".

The engagement initiatives will then build up to the Safaricom Chapa Dimba regional final matches, to be played at Mbaraki Stadium, with eight teams lining up for the competition.

Safaricom Chapa Dimba aims to provide a structured platform for scouts and coaches to tap into new talent and build feeder systems for the Kenyan football leagues across the country while also training a total of 250 coaches.

The football tournament targets young people aged between 16 and 20 years old.

A somber mood has engulfed the Mombasa media fraternity following the sudden demise of one of their colleague, Fatma Rajab.

Family members confirmed that Fatma had breathed her last on Saturday morning, after she was rushed to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital Intensive care Unit on Thursday.

Colleagues, family and friends gathered at the hospital on Saturday afternoon to escort the body of late Fatma Rajab to her family residence at Kashani in Kiembeni.

The body will stay at the residence, where it will be prayed for till Sunday around 11am, from where it will be taken for final prayers at Mkomani before burial at the same place at 1pm.

On Sunday, the funeral prayers will be after dhuhr (1pm) at Masjid Fat'h in Mkomani.

Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir and the Chief Executive Officer CGTRH Dr. Khandawalla waived off the hospital bill for the family.

Earlier on Friday, Fatma’s family had appealed for help to raise Sh1.8 million to assist her go for a heart surgery.

The 26-year-old journalist was diagnosed with Degenerative Boprosthetic Mitral Valve with Severe mitral Stenosis Mild Mitral Regurgitation condition back in 2014.

This forced her family to take her to India to undergo a surgery to rectify the problem.

She underwent a valve replacement operation that helped her for the last nine years.

Fatma had a prosthetic valve fixed in her heart, but the valve had degenerated over time and could no longer function and therefore required to be replaced immediately.

Unfortunately she passed away before the procedure could be carried on.

Colleagues and friends have paid tribute to the late Fatma describing her as a young and dedicated journalist who the media was yet to realize her full potential.

Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) coast chapter in a press release condoled with the family and the media fraternity in Mombasa.

"The Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) coast chapter has learnt with a lot of sadness the passing on of a Mombasa based journalist Fatma Rajab,”

"Her charisma and diligence in executing her duties will sure be missed by many in Mombasa,” read a statement by KCA coast chapter chairman Omar Abdalla.

Abdalla also thanked the media in Mombasa for coming together to highlight her plight as she appealed for assistance to raise funds for her much needed heart surgery.

"We extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends and the entire media fraternity in Mombasa and the region at large.Surely to Allah we belong, and to Allah we shall return. May Allah grant her Janatul Firdaus,” Abdalla said.

.

A Mombasa based journalist is appealing for help to raise Sh1.8 million to assist her go for a heart surgery.

26-year-old Fatma Rajab is currently admitted at the ICU unit at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital where she expects to undergo the much needed surgery to help her get back to normal.

Fatma, a journalist at Mo radio was diagnosed with Degenerative Boprosthetic Mitral Valve with Severe mitral Stenosis Mild Mitral Regurgitation condition back in 2014.

Mitral valve stenosis occurs when the mitral valve in the heart narrows, restricting blood flow into the main pumping chamber.

This forced her family to take her to India to undergo a surgery to rectify the problem.

She underwent a valve replacement operation that helped her for the last nine years.

Fatma’s father Rajabu Ali said they (family) managed to afford the cost of the operation back then after getting support from family members, friends and well-wishers and also selling his inheritance house from his late father.

"I had to sell my late father’s house and also got support from family, friends and well-wishers to pay for the operation then.” said Ali.

Adding "Unfortunately the condition has re-occurred and we need Sh1.8 million which my family cannot afford for now,”

Fatma had a prosthetic valve fixed in her heart, but the valve has degenerated over time and can no longer function and therefore requires to be replaced immediately.

“If I had the money I could have taken back to India where she had the first operation to get the problem fixed, but unfortunately we cannot afford that”

“I am appealing to all Kenyans of good will to help me treat my daughter so that she can regain her health and go back to doing her work,” Ali appealed.

Her mother Mwanthumu Abdalla said Fatma recently developed complications after she started experiencing abdominal pain forcing them to rush her to the nearest hospital in Bamburi this week.

Things got worse and they had to rush to CGTRH where after close observations and x-ray reports, it was discovered that the prosthetic valve fixed in her heart had failed.

"We were working to raise funds for her heart conditions yet other complications have come up. Getting the Sh1.8 million is difficult for us.”

"I humbly appeal to our leaders and Kenyans at large to come to our rescue. My heart is heavy and in pain when I see my daughter in this condition, I will appreciate any support I get,” she said.

Doctors at the hospital have said Fatma is in stable condition but requires having the surgery done immediately.

Doctor Hassan Ali, the resident medical officer at the medical ICU unit said after conducting observations of Fatma when she was brought in this week, they discovered symptoms of heart failure immediately started her on anti-failure drugs.

"One of the drugs she was using had a side effect causing her abdominal pain and bleeding. We have put her on medication to counter that as she is still on anti-failure drugs too,” said Dr. Ali.

The doctor said Fatma is now in stable condition compared to how she came in, but the surgery has to be done immediately.

"She is conscious, alert and her breathing is okay. The challenge remaining is that we have to get the valve replaced immediately, this can be done within our center and we are preparing for that,” he said.

The cost of the operation at the hospital can be less than a million, but the same operation is costing Sh1.8 million at Karen Hospital where Fatma had her scan that revealed the return of the heart failure symptoms.

“We have a good cardiothoracic team here to handle such cases. The patient is fully in ICU, she has to be fully stabilized and once we do that she will be ready to go for the operation,” Dr. Ali said.

On Friday, fellow journalists thronged the Coast general hospital to donate blood to help in the surgery of the colleague.

As the world welcomes 2024, the spotlight shines on Ayo Dee, an emerging Kenyan talent poised to make waves internationally. 

Hailed by many as the next Burna Boy, Ayo Dee is set to captivate audiences worldwide, supported by his home country of Kenya. Ayo Dee burst onto the music scene with his debut EP, "Ready the EP," in 2022, featuring hits like "Mary Jane" and "Turuturu," captivating Kenyan audiences and establishing his unique sound.

Kicking off the new year with a bang, Ayo Dee has dropped the lead single, "Wanjiru Wants My Baby," from his highly anticipated second EP, "Connect the Dots," - the song was officially released on January 1st, 2024.

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/pLQjwUdiSVs 

This track, a masterful fusion of reggae vibes and Afro Fusion, delves into the theme of making conscious life choices, challenging societal conditioning that can hinder personal growth and prosperity. Accompanied by a vibrant music video, "Wanjiru Wants My Baby" showcases Kenya's top music talents, uniting as a community dedicated to conscious artistry and growth.

ODM leader Raila Odinga has warned President William Ruto against interfering with other arms of government and that by attacking Judiciary he has crossed the line.

Speaking during a press conference at Maakazi hotel in Mombasa, Mr Odinga displeasure at President Ruto’s continued attacks on the Judiciary after his Nyandarua County sentiments where he intimated that his administration would no longer follow court orders as he accused the Judiciary of taking bribes in order to sabotage the government.

Mr Odinga challenged President Ruto to learn that his best insurance is to obey the law and there is no other way about it and we will not allow him to invent any other way other than the law.

Mr Odinga accused the President of trying to capture the judiciary by intimidating judges and magistrates not to hear cases against his policies, dismiss such cases or always rule in his favour. 

“It was my hope that after the tumult and pain experienced in 2023 and from which Kenyans are still deeply suffering, the Kenya Kwanza administration would begin this New Year with much more reflection and humility that would plant hopes that vital lessons have been learnt and 2024 would be better. We were wrong,” said Mr Odinga who is also ODM party leader.

Odinga was flanked by Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Mombasa women representative Zamzam Mohamed, county senator Mohammed Faki and Mombasa county speaker Aharub Khatri.

Mr Odinga accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of corruption and that Mr Ruto should be the first to respect courts since his entire political career has been saved by the Judiciary. 

“When he was charged with fraud and stealing of Kenya Pipeline land, it was the Judiciary that saved him. When he was sued to stop his presidential bid with President Uhuru Kenyatta on account of commission of crimes against humanity, it was the judiciary that saved him. And in 2022, the Judiciary sanctified his power grab after he rigged elections. It is ridiculous to now hear the biggest political beneficiary of judicial decisions in Kenya's history now accuse the institution of sabotaging him,” said Mr Odinga.

He added, “President Ruto wants to establish an absolute dictatorship. Kenyans know we have been here before when judges heard cases in the dead of the night, way past official working hours and sent opponents of the state to jail and those not obeying executive rule got transferred, sacked or even got poisoned.”

Mr Odinga claimed that the threats that Kenya Kwanza regime continues must be seen in their correct context as a scapegoating and diversionary tactic from the pressing social and economic pressures that the regime has subjected the people to. The Azimio la Umoja leader said President Ruto cannot convince Kenyans that the Judiciary is more corrupt than the Executive branch of government, which he leads and that he should respect the independent body. 

“Mr Ruto’s latest strange rage to the Judiciary is too critical to the well-being of our country and our democracy, making it extremely important that we call Mr Ruto out and tell him that he has crossed the line. Kenyans will recall that when the Supreme Court made its contemptuous ruling against Azimio la Umoja’s presidential election in 2022, we said we strongly disagreed, but accepted it in the interest of furthering the rule of law, democracy, stability and healing of our nation and him should follow our steps,” said Mr Odinga. 

He added, “It remains our position to date that disobeying court rulings is a sure path to chaos and the collapse of a nation. If there was ever any doubt about the malevolent intent of the Kenya Kwanza regime in regard to the Constitution of Kenya, the attack by Mr Ruto on the Judiciary removes all the doubt.”

Mombasa County government is planning to install smart (automated) gates at the Kongowea market in a bid to fight corruption.

According to Mombasa Governor, Abdulswamad Nassir the county government has been losing some money daily from gate collection due to corruption.

Speaking to the media at his office on Wednesday, Nassir revealed that the county will soon advertise for the tender of installing the automated gates.

"I did my own investigation and realised that the number of cars that pass through our cess points and those getting in the market do not tally and this also prompted the decision. We will know how many cars will be getting into the market, there will be cameras apart from the smart gates." said Nassir.

Adding " We are soon advertising for the tender. We need to bring sanity, there is no way that some cars pay to drop goods at the market while others do not. I currently do not have the right figures off head but we are losing alot"

The smart gates will only allow a motorist to pass through after they have made their payment.

The governor also called on all stall owners within the market pay their rents accordingly revealing that the county has formed a special enforcement team that will be enforcing the payments starting next month (February).

"It is not fair for you to expect good services from the county yet you don't pay the rates. My intention is not to increase the rent but just to make sure that everyone pays what they are supposed to pay, things will not be the same from next month (February."

"The expenses that we use to run the market is way above what we collect. It is important for every single person to play their part."

Kitui senator Enoch Wambua has accused  President William Ruto of lying to Kenyans that they were going to lower the cost of living.

Wambua said to the detriment of Kenyans, the cost of living has been unbearable for the entire Kenyan population.

He said under the President Ruto administration, the cost of basic commodities like unga, bread, cooking oil and fuel are way beyond the rich of many Kenyans.

“The Kenya Kwanza regime took over the reins of power on a lie that it would be a mwamanchi government”

“As it were, this regime has not only turned its back on the people, it is eating its own children,” said Wambua.

Wambua was speaking in Mombasa Sunday afternoon as he delivered his four-point agenda end of the year media address titled ‘For the Love of my Motherland’.

The senate deputy minority leader said that several negotiation attempts by the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance to truthfully address the cost of living puzzle have been thwarted with impunity by the KK administration.

First was during the aborted bipartisan talks and later at the revived national dialogue committee.

Wambua said that Azimio la Umoja – OKA leaders have clearly demonstrated their determination to lessen the burden of life weighing heavily on the shoulders of ordinary Kenyans.

“All these attempts have fallen on the deaf ears of an administration that does not care at all about the suffering of Kenyans,” said wambua.

The senator accused the international community for failing to help the cause of ordinary Kenyan citizens.

He said that there is a universally accepted principle called the responsibility to protect where under this principle, when governments are either unwilling or unable to protect their own citizens, the international community is expected to exercise a duty of care and move in t save the suffering masses.

“The big brothers who in yesteryears stood in the gap for the ordinary citizens against the excesses of previous governments are today either looking the other way or overdoing each other in singing praises to the Ruto administration,” he said.

Senator Wambua said that in the Kenyan case, as citizens scream for help, the international community especially representatives of the United Kingdom and United States of America governments in Kenya, are busy giving the thumbs up gesture to president ruto and his administration.

The senator also accused the executive of capturing parliament.

Wambua said that if previous administrations were guilty of capturing parliament, the Kenya Kwanza regime will go down in history as the regime that drove in the final nail on the coffin of parliamentary independence.

“Without shame, MPs elected on parties affiliated to Kenya Kwanza and a bunch of self-seeking Azimio-OKA members have found comfort as lapdogs and puppets under the full command of president William Ruto,” said senator Wambua.

Wambua said that drafters of the 2010 constitution made explicit provisions for the separation of powers between the three arms of government that is the executive, legislature and the judiciary.

One arm of government he said therefore cannot and must not be allowed to load it over the other two arms of government.

“One cardinal role of the legislature is to tame the excesses of the executive in defense of the masses,” he said.

He cautioned his colleagues in parliament that they were attracting and inviting curses on themselves by blindly passing legislations that an average Kenyan in an ordinary setting knows that such legislations are aimed at oppressing the poor.

Concerning the road map to 2027, the senator said that Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is the president that Kenya has been waiting for.

Wambua said that political parties forming the Azimio OKA must swing into action in the new year with one accord and make bold steps towards forming the next government to save Kenyans from the inept, clueless and incompetent Kenya kwanza administration.

“We can no longer continue pretending that we do not know who our best bet for the presidential race in 2027 is. We can no longer continue to pretend that all the Azimio-OKA principals stand an equal chance of beating Rut on the ballot,”

‘I refuse to live in a make-believe world. We must confront our reality and deal with it today, not tomorrow,” he said.