Coast ODM leaders have welcomed the appointment of Dr. Ida Odinga as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), praising President William Ruto for recognizing her dedication to public service.

Speaking to the press on Saturday, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir described the appointment as a national milestone.

“The appointment of Ida Odinga is not just for herself but for all of us as a country because of what she has done since her days as a teacher. Kenya has got the right person for the position. She will put Kenya on the world radarher work speaks for itself." said Nassir.

Adding "President William Ruto has done a wise thing, and this is proof of his goodwill towards the ODM party and the broader political formation. If we recall during Raila Odinga’s funeral, the President promised he would not abandon the Odinga family. This continues that legacy, and he has truly done that."

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, speaking on behalf of the ODM Coast Women League, added“We congratulate Dr. Ida Odinga for her appointment as ambassador and permanent representative at UNEP. This is a recognition of a woman whose life has been marked by dedication in public and civil service. She has consistently stood firm against violations and championed women empowerment."

Adding "We also convey our appreciation to President William Ruto for appointing and recognizing Mama Ida. As women at the Coast, we take pride in her achievement; it is a motivation for all of us. Mama Ida stood with her late husband Raila Odinga for half of her life fighting for the rights of Kenyans. She has all it takes, and we wish her the very best.”

On her part Hanifa Mwajirani, Majority Leader of the Kwale County Assembly, echoed the sentiment.

“We really appreciate President Ruto for appointing Mama Ida. As ODM women, we are grateful for this recognition, and Mama Ida deserves the appointment. The President has stood by the spirit of a broad-based government through this appointment, and we call for more appointments from ODM in future.”

Jomvu MP Badi Twalib has come out strongly to defend Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, dismissing ongoing criticism against him as malicious and politically motivated.

Twalib said the attacks were aimed at tarnishing Junet’s name despite his long-standing loyalty and service within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

“Those going around attacking Junet are just mischievous people who want to distort the truth,” Twalib said.

“Raila Odinga trusted Junet immensely and that is why he was always by his side in meetings, rallies and critical political engagements.”

The Jomvu legislator noted that Junet’s appointment as Leader of Minority in the National Assembly was a clear demonstration of the confidence Raila Odinga had in him.

He added that such trust was earned through consistency, discipline and commitment to the party’s ideals.

“You don’t get entrusted with such responsibility by accident. Raila knew who Junet was and what he stood for,” Twalib said.

Twalib argued that the political narrative around Junet would be very different had the 2022 presidential election gone the other way.

"If Raila Odinga had won the election, the same Junet would today be celebrated as a hero who delivered victory,” he said, urging Junet to ignore the criticism. “Junet should not be bothered by the noise. History will judge fairly.”

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has underscored the government’s commitment to combating alcohol, drug and substance abuse at the Coast through youth empowerment and digital inclusion initiatives.

Omolo said the fight against drug abuse requires a whole-of-society approach, with deliberate efforts to keep young people engaged, productive and away from idleness.

“The fight against alcohol, drug and substance abuse, especially in the Coast region, is a collective responsibility, and as government we are intentionally creating opportunities that keep our youth busy, skilled and economically empowered,” Omolo said, citing digital skills development as a key intervention.

In a statement, Omollo highlighted the Jitume Digital Hub at the Coast National Polytechnic as a practical demonstration of this commitment, noting that about 800 students and community members have already benefited from the programme.

“Through Jitume and Ajira Digital, young people are being equipped with relevant skills that open pathways to decent work and self-reliance in the digital economy,” he said.

Omollo added that as the programme expands, the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration will play a critical role in safeguarding the digital space.

“We have a responsibility to ensure cybersecurity and protect learners and online workers, so that innovation and digital jobs thrive in a safe and trusted environment,” he said.

Saphire Hotel has officially launched a state-of-the-art gym and spa, marking a major milestone in its commitment to wellness-focused hospitality in Mombasa.

The new facilities are designed to meet high international standards, offering guests and residents a modern space that promotes fitness, balance, and overall wellbeing.

Saphire Hotel Managing Director Inaara Jiwan said the launch represents a significant transformation for both the hotel and the city.

“This launch marks a new chapter not only for Saphire Hotel, but also for Mombasa a chapter centred on wellness, balance, and community. As guests walk through our wellness centre, our hope is to inspire motivation, confidence, and a true sense of belonging,” she said.

On his part the Hotel General Manager John Yegon said the opening of the gym responds to long-standing demand from guests and the hotel’s identity.

"Saphire Hotel has always been synonymous with fitness, and there has been consistent pressure to reopen the gym. This initiative is also about encouraging healthy living and giving our guests facilities that support both physical and mental wellbeing,” he said.

The gym is equipped with modern fitness equipment, including air bikes and stair climbers, offering advanced cardio options for fitness enthusiasts.

The spa provides professional wellness treatments tailored to both leisure and business travellers.

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Captain William Ruto have reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing efficiency at the Port of Mombasa.

The two made the remarks during a high-level stakeholder engagement forum held at the port, bringing together key players across the maritime and logistics sector.

Mr. Wattanga said the collaboration between KRA and KPA is central to improving service delivery and strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional trade hub.

“Our focus is on streamlining processes, reducing cargo dwell time, and ensuring faster customs clearance without compromising compliance,” he noted, adding that efficiency at the port directly impacts the cost of doing business.

Captain Ruto emphasized that the Port of Mombasa remains a critical gateway for the region and that sustained reforms are necessary to meet growing demand.

“We are working closely with KRA and other stakeholders to strengthen port operations and improve cargo evacuation, especially for long-stay containers,” he said.

“These measures are aimed at delivering a seamless experience for our customers.”

The forum brought together shipping lines, clearing and forwarding agents under the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA), transporters, and other maritime industry players.

Both agencies recently rolled out joint interventions designed to expedite cargo clearance and reinforce the Northern Corridor’s competitiveness as the region’s primary trade artery, with stakeholders encouraged to support the reforms for collective growth

The Governments of Kenya and Rwanda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to officially operationalize the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Kigali Liaison Office, in a move aimed at strengthening regional trade and logistics cooperation.

The MoU was signed in Kigali by Principal Secretary for the State Department for Transport, Mr. Mohamed Daghar, and Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, CPA Canoth Manishimwe.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, CPA Manishimwe underscored the critical role played by KPA in facilitating regional trade, particularly for Rwandan businesses that rely on the Port of Mombasa as a key gateway.

“The signing of this MoU is a positive step towards enhancing bilateral relations between Rwanda and Kenya, while ensuring that our business community enjoys efficient and reliable port services,” he said.

Mr. Daghar noted that the operationalization of the Kigali liaison office reflects the two governments’ shared commitment to deepening regional integration and strengthening East Africa’s logistics corridors.

“This MoU embodies our joint resolve to expand Kenya’s and Rwanda’s strategic role in the region’s maritime and inland logistics network, with the Port of Mombasa remaining a critical pillar,” he stated.

Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Captain William Ruto said the Authority is continuing to streamline port operations and improve service delivery to support growing regional cargo volumes.

“Rwanda remains one of our key transit markets, and the steady growth in cargo through the Port of Mombasa demonstrates the confidence our regional partners have in KPA’s efficiency and capacity,” he said.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga has officially registered as a candidate for the Kwale County Woman Representative seat in the 2027 General Election through the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, marking her entry into elective politics at the county level.

Speaking after her registration, Chidzuga said she was ready to serve the people of Kwale by executing the mandate of the office with integrity, fairness, and inclusivity.

“I am prepared to take up this responsibility and serve the people of Kwale with justice and equality, ensuring that every voice is heard,” she said.

The former Tv News Anchor noted that her decision to vie for the seat under the UDA party is driven by a desire to strengthen development and social empowerment initiatives across the county.

“I am ready to represent the people of Kwale as Woman Representative in 2027, Insha’Allah,” she stated.

She has been at the forefront of community development and grassroots mobilization, particularly in women empowerment, access to SHA services, education, and social cohesion.

According to Chidzuga, these focus areas will remain central to her agenda as she seeks the Kwale Woman Representative seat on a UDA ticket.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has issued a public warning over a surge in recruitment scams targeting unsuspecting job seekers, cautioning the public against fraudsters falsely claiming to offer employment opportunities at the Authority.

In a public notice, KPA said the scammers are impersonating senior management, staff, or posing as agents and brokers, with the aim of extorting money from desperate job seekers.

"KPA does not solicit, demand or accept any form of payment at any stage of its recruitment process,” the Authority stated, emphasizing that all hiring is conducted through a transparent, merit-based and structured system.

The Authority reiterated that it is an equal opportunity employer and that any claims of paid job placements linked to KPA are fraudulent.

The Authority further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected recruitment fraud to the nearest police station.

“We advise the public to refrain from sharing personal information or making payments to individuals claiming to facilitate employment at KPA,” the statement added, noting that the Authority will not be held liable for losses arising from such scams.

The Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy, Hon. Ali Hassan Joho, together with the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Mining, Harry Kimtai, led a delegation on an inspection tour of the Maritime Survival Training and Certification Centre at Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA).

The visit forms part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Kenya’s Maritime and Blue Economy sector through the development of world-class training infrastructure and capacity building for seafarers and maritime professionals.

The delegation was received by the Chairman of the BMA Board of Directors, Eng. Lung’anzi Chai Mangale, accompanied by Board Directors Joab Tumbo and Ahmed Elyass, and BMA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Eric Katana, together with members of the Academy’s senior management team.

During the tour, CS Joho and PS Kimtai were taken through the facility’s key training components, including survival-at-sea modules, firefighting simulations, personal safety training, emergency response procedures, and certification processes aligned with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and STCW Convention standards.

The leaders commended BMA for its role in building a skilled maritime workforce and reaffirmed the Government’s support for continued investment in maritime education, safety training, and the growth of the Blue Economy, noting that institutions such as BMA are critical to positioning Kenya as a regional Maritime hub.

The Maritime Survival Training and Certification Centre is a flagship facility designed to enhance safety standards in the maritime sector while ensuring Kenyan seafarers are globally competitive and fully compliant with international requirements.

Ten cadets from Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) are set to commence a six-month sea-time training programme under a strategic partnership between the Academy and global ship management company Danica Crewing Specialists.

The cadets were officially flagged off today during a ceremony held at Bandari Maritime Academy, an event graced by BMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana and Danica Crewing Specialists Chief Executive Officer Henrik Jensen, alongside key stakeholders in maritime education and regulation.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Katana reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to addressing the long-standing challenge of sea-time placement for maritime students pursuing Marine Engineering and Nautical Science.

He noted that the collaboration with Danica is a major milestone in BMA’s efforts to produce competent, globally competitive seafarers by ensuring cadets acquire the mandatory practical sea-time required for certification and career progression.

“This partnership goes beyond training; it is about securing the future of our young maritime professionals. Sea-time remains a critical component of maritime training, and we are grateful to Danica for opening doors for our cadets to gain invaluable onboard experience on internationally trading vessels,” said Dr. Katana.

On his part, Henrik Jensen lauded Bandari Maritime Academy for its dedication to quality maritime education and expressed Danica’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of seafarers.

He emphasized that the cadets will be exposed to real-world ship operations, international safety standards, and professional shipboard culture, which are essential in shaping disciplined and skilled maritime officers.

Representing the Deputy Director, Maritime Education and Training, Chief Engineer Titus Kilonzi, Senior Principal Nautical Science Trainer Major (Rtd) Frankline Toniok encouraged the cadets to uphold professionalism, discipline, and integrity while at sea, reminding them that they are ambassadors of the Academy and the country.

Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) Assistant Director, Maritime Labour Josephine Nthia, underscored the Authority’s support for structured sea-time training programmes, noting that such initiatives are vital in ensuring compliance with international maritime conventions, including the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).

On behalf of the cadets, Engine Cadet Franklin Kagechu and Deck Cadet Marion Madzo expressed their gratitude to Bandari Maritime Academy, Danica Crewing Specialists, and all partners involved for the opportunity.

They pledged to remain committed, hardworking, and disciplined as they embark on this crucial phase of their maritime careers.

The six-month sea-time training will see the cadets deployed on ocean-going vessels, where they will gain hands-on experience in ship operations, safety procedures, and maritime professionalism an essential step toward their certification and future employment in the global maritime industry.