First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has called for sustained efforts to end fistula, saying any woman suffering from the condition should be treated promptly and reintegrated into the society.

Pledging her continued support to the global campaign to end fistula, the First Lady emphasized the need to step up measures aimed at ensuring new cases of fistula are prevented.

“On my part, I remain committed to supporting the aspirations of the global campaign to end Fistula. I will continue to lend my voice and support for increased investment to restore the dignity of women and girls,” the First Lady said.

She added: “Collectively, we can create awareness, lobby for and put in place supportive measures to strengthen the capacity of our health systems to offer more treatment and surgical repairs as well as training of more doctors.”

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta spoke on Tuesday at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi where she visited patients who benefitted from free fistula surgeries as part of activities to commemorate the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.

“This morning, I was deeply touched by the opportunity to meet women who have recently undergone surgical repairs. I met women who have come all the way from Kitui, Baringo, Laikipia, Nakuru, Marsabit, Homa Bay and Nairobi,” the First Lady said. 

The surgeries were performed during the ongoing fistula camp organized by KNH that started on 17 May running upto May 28.

The First Lady said the theme of this year’s International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, which is “Women’s rights are human rights! End Fistula now”, is a reminder that many injustices still face women and girls today.

She said the theme compels governments and people everywhere to listen and reflect on the injustices that women around the world have continued to face. 

“We are reminded that women are prime targets of forms of stigma and abuse and that we will never fully gain our dignity until our collective rights are respected and protected,” the First Lady said.

At the same time, the First Lady decried rising cases of teenage pregnancies and gender violence, saying the two vices are eroding gains made towards ending obstetric fistula

While applauding the National Hospital Insurance Fund for including obstetric fistula in its health packages, the First Lady noted that there is still a backlog of nearly 1000 cases of women living with fistula awaiting surgery every year.

“This situation has been made worse by the current COVID-19 pandemic which has not only strained our health systems but has also affected access to and utilization of health services including maternity care,” the First Lady said.

She commended UNFPA, AMREF, Fistula Foundation and the Flying Doctors among other organizations for partnering with her Beyond Zero initiative towards ending obstetric fistula.

“You have supported capacity building of health workers, community mobilization, provision of hospital equipment, funding of fistula repair and rehabilitation of fistula survivors,” the First Lady noted.

The First Lady also acknowledged brave women like fistula ambassador Jane Muthoni who spoke against the burden she experienced suffering from fistula for 13 years before she was treated.

Other speakers included Health Principal Secretary Susan Mochache,  KNH Chairman George Ooko and UNFPA Country Representative Dr Ademola Olajide among others who commended First Lady Margaret Kenyatta for her leading role in the promotion of maternal and child health through the Beyond Zero initiative.

Fast rising gospel artiste Lydia Maina dropped her latest single titled Usukani. Usukani is about letting God take charge in all we do and is derived from Proverbs 3:5-6.

Watch Usukani: https://youtu.be/bVu4fnezE6g

"The song was inspired by the times we are in. We are facing very difficult times as a Nation due to the corona virus global pandemic. People have lost their loved ones, jobs and livelihood with no one to turn to. It is time we let God take control (Usukani) and save our Land." Lydia says about the song.

Watch Imani: https://youtu.be/cVa16Je-6kA

Lydia released Imani last year,which was well received.

Her plan for the next year is to continue releasing more powerful and anointed songs and also feature various local and international gospel acts. 

The first ever Made in Kenya Experience will be going down at the Two Rivers on the 3rd July 2021. 

Made In Kenya Experience is an all Kenyan concert is aimed at celebrating the Kenyan music, people, food, art and culture. 

The inaugural event will feature some of Kenya's finest - Nyashinski, Otile Brown, Femi-One,Mejja, Kahush Live on Stage, Trio Mio, Movaz, with Dj Bash and Dj Alveen on set. The event will be hosted by the energetic duo of Mwalimu Rachel and Dittoz Worldwide.

Speaking about the event, the Organiser AIZNIAZ said, "We are thrilled to be bringing to Kenyans a one of a kind event featuring some amazing artistes from the 254, despite the pandemic and lock down that made us cancel our event last month we are grateful that it gave us more time to think through and plan an event that will be the talk of town." 

The event will start at 11am to 9pm,tickets are available for sale at mtickets.com or dial *229*30# at 1500 per person. 

This is a first of the Annual MIK experience by AIZNIAZ and is proudly sponsored by Qinda, Mtickets, Two Rivers and Hava. 

Covid-19 protocols will be observed at all times. No Mask No Entry. 

Fletna Kenya is delighted to announce the signing of model, celebrated actor, fitness model and male grooming enthusiast , Khula Budi, as its new Beauty Brand Ambassador.

The former Mr. World Kenya will be featured in a new integrated campaign for the men's line ,Tea Tree products which will run across TV, print and online channels as well as online -store – rolling out from June 2021. Khula's product will also be among products featured on the website. 

“Khula Budi is a strong, passionate advocate for Male grooming he is the perfect ambassador to talk about skin care routines and how our products play in helping men to feel their best. Fletna admires him for his principles, his talents and his ability to juggle a demanding acting career with being a great dad,” said Carolyne – Fletna Global CEO & Co-Founder.

Fletna’s male product heritage lies in creating beauty devices that, at the touch of a button, remove the barriers to achieving beautiful hair and skin. Fletna wants every man to glow inside and out with the confidence that comes with feeling beautiful and Budi is the ideal man to help communicate this.

Speaking about the partnership, Khula said "It's amazing to partner with a skin care line that for the very first time thinks about men, I have been getting secret conversations and dms on how I take care of my skin, My partnership with fletna couldn't have come at a better time than this, I intend to share the secrets and my daily routines. So Kenyan men don't have to shy away from taking care of their skin anymore, Wash that face, Moisturise, Tone it,Cleanse it and feel better."

"We are always happy to work with entrepreneurs like ourselves to help both brands grow. We are also super-excited to be expanding Fletna's offering for men." Said, Aleksander Krensic, Co-founder, Fletna Global. 

Khula Budi, is a top fitness model, celebrated actor, content creator, young father, fitness wars founder and black forest beard oil founder.

He was also the Mr World Kenya 2018, where he emerged second in Africa, narrowly losing to South Africa’s Fezile Mkhize the 2019 Mr World Africa.

About Fletna

Fletna Kenya is an e-commerce website that sells Nature-rich products. From the infamous Korean 10-step skin care routine to some of the world’s finest moisturizers and masks. We believe in the diverse beauty of individuals all around the world, and we help our customers leverage learning so that intelligence is at the foundation of their natural -- and equally expressive -- skin care journey. We're out to creatively disrupt skin care. For your skin's sake. 

Mombasa businessman-cum-politician Suleiman Shahbal has promised to tackle the scourge of youth unemployement head on if given the mandate to govern the county.

Shahbal regretted that most youths from Mombasa have been forced to engage themselves in criminal activities and drug abuse due to unemployement.

Speaking at Siloam Church Bamburi while celebarting their 16th anniversary, Shahbal noted the responsbility of ensuring that there are enough jobs for the youths lies with the leaders.

"I know very well that the major challenge facing us right now is the issue of unemployment. Most parents have unemployed youths in their homes and it's their wish that they get jobs." said Shahbal.

Adding "The first responsibility of a leader is to ensure that there are enough jobs for the youths. Issuing handouts is not a solution. it is very sad that our youths have now been forced to turn to crime and drug abuse."

Meanwhile, Shahbal has promised to sponspor Mombasa based football club Congo Boys FC which features in the National Division One League.

Speaking on Sunday after meeting Congo Boys FC players before their match with Gor Mahia FC, Shahbal awarded them Sh100, 000.

“Give me one month from now and I will deliver the team some tracksuits and jerseys." said Shahbal

Adding "I believe in sports because it is through these talents that we can prevent our youth from getting into crime”

Shahbal also promised to form a county team as a way of also creating opportunities to the youths.

"Our youth need jobs, if we create these opportunities then they will not have time for drugs and crime,” he said.

Fast rising Tanzanian RnB singer Louis just dropped his debut Extended Playlist (EP) titled “LIGHTS ON ME.”

This EP is an experience and a summary of his musical journey. It also serves as a reflection of his life struggles and past relationships.

‘LIGHTS ON ME’ EP has a total of six songs; Kona, Hennessy, Unanimaliza, Leo, Sawa and Lost.

This amazing body of work Produced by the best producers from the region, ‘S2kizzy’& ‘Trone’ sees Louis deliver a sound scape of overflowing with catchy vibes, amazing rhythms and groovy sounds cape.

Speaking of the EP and the opportunity given by his USA based label ‘Legacy Records’.

Louis says “I feel proud and honored to work with these amazing producers on my debut EP. I have always been a big fan of their work given that they’re responsible for a majority of the Biggest hits to ever come out of East Africa.”

Growing up in Dar Es Salaam Tanzania, Louis discovered a passion for music and joined his High school choir later competing in music festivals.

Eventually he found time to nourish his musical talent and create a sound which is truly unique.

This debut EP ‘LIGHTS ON ME’ is going to set him up and realize his potential as he takes things further, refining and perfecting his craft.

The famous Mama Ngina waterfront park in Mombasa is set to reopen it's doors to the public.

According to a statement from Tourism Principal secretary Safina Kwekwe, the park will be reopened from 1st June 2021.

Some activities will however not be allowed, they, are driving into and through the park, parking of vehicles and motorbikes, meetings and all forms of gatherings, vending and hawking and games of all types.

The only activities that will be allowed are health exercising, walking exercise jogging, running and cycling.

The park will be opened daily but on specific timings , 0600am to 0900am and from 4:30pm to 7:00pm.

"All COVID-19 health protocols should strictly be adhered to by every user. You are requested to comply with guidance and directions given by the waterfront staff " reads part of the statement.

Mombasa County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo, on March 15, ordered the indefinite closure of public beaches and recreational areas, including Mama Ngina Waterfront Park, to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

The iconic seaside public park that was redeveloped at the cost of Shs 460 million was officially opened by President Uhuru Kenyatta on October 2019.

Tanzanian superstar AliKiba and his Kenyan wife Amina Khalef have welcomed their second baby, a baby boy.

Their first child Keyaan was born on February 19, 2019, just a few months after their grand wedding. 

A little bird whispered to Ommy Dallah that Amina gave birth on Sunday, 15 May 2021.

Read more: http://ommydalla.co.ke/gossip/item/2048-exclusive-ali-kiba-s-wife-amina-khalef-pregnant-with-second-child

Via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, Amina shared a photo of a newborn’s hand without a caption.

Celebrated Kenyan musicians Wahu and Nameless, in partnership with Eugene Mbugua from Documentary and Reality TV, have today unveiled the first season of their docu-reality series,This Love, in an event that was held at The Social House Nairobi.

This Love will premiere exclusively on Showmax on Monday 24 May. 

The 13-part series which has been created, and is executive-produced by Eugene Mbugua (Sol Family, Stori Yangu) will highlight Nameless and Wahu’s timeless love, colourful lives, and legendary history, as well as the lessons they have picked up along the way.

Speaking during the event, Nameless and Wahu also shared more about their upcoming joint album, also titled This Love which they revealed inspired the docu-reality series.

“As we strive to do this joint album, we also want to share the story behind the music. We want to give insights on what inspires us, what drives us, our thought process, personalities , our shared and different perspectives and our different temperaments,” the couple said.

Speaking for Showmax, Timothy Okwaro Channel Director, East and Southern Channels, while reiterating MultiChoice’s commitment to local content praised the couple for staying relevant in the music industry for over 20 years.

“It’s admirable how they (Nameless and Wahu) have managed to reinvent themselves and stay relevant despite the changing genres of the music industry in Kenya. We are happy to see them open up their lives to us for the first time, and most importantly, to have that happen on our platform,” Okwaro said.

"We actually approached Nameless and Wahu back in 2018 to do a reality show on them. They have a rich history not just in music but as a couple. They are both fascinating people and very personable.  We had just come off from doing the first Kenyan celebrity reality show, and they seemed to us like the next obvious choice." Said Eugene Mbugua. 

Acclaimed Nigerian afro-pop superstar Yemi Alade gifts us with her superb music video for empowering track ‘Dancina’ – available to watch now.

The visual showcases another standout track from Yemi’s successful fifth studio album Empress, which was released last year - buy and stream HERE.

Directed by Paul Gambit (Ozzybee, Teni) the vivacious official video for ‘Dancina’ instantly matches the pulsating beat with its euphoric, synchronized choreography.

Yemi Alade is poised throughout as she leads her army of dancers and takes viewers on a whirlwind of striking, avant-garde fashion pieces juxtaposed with desolated, urban backdrops.

A showstopper video for a groundbreaking track - ‘Dancina’ radiates Yemi’s motivation to bring Africa’s vibrant culture to the forefront of stages worldwide. ‘Dancina’ was used as the lead track to celebrate Spotify expanding into key African territories earlier this year, these countries included Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

On the ‘Dancina’ video, Yemi expresses, “If you know me, you know I like to dance, and there’s no way I wouldn’t have something for the dance community. ‘Dancina’ is one of my favourite songs off the Empress album. I’m glad I was inspired to record #Dancina in Amsterdam and come home to Nigeria to shoot the video

Released earlier this year, Yemi shared her radiant dancehall video for ‘Temptation’ featuring Patoranking - which can also be found on her self-written afro-anthem LP Empress.

Yemi Alade’s long awaited return to the live stage in the UK will be at the brand-new Yam Carnival at Clapham Common, London in August. More new material to be released soon.

With five albums, one EP and many record breaking hits such as ‘Johnny’ , ‘Handle This’ , ‘Na Gode’ and ‘Bum Bum’ under her belt Yemi Alade has accumulated over 450 million streams and views which cemented her as the No.1 afro-pop female artist on the African continent.

She has gained plaudits from Vogue, The FADER, Forbes, BBC, Billboard, Essence and The Telegraph.

Alade features on ‘Don’t Jealous Me’, a track from Beyoncé’s Grammy winning compilation album The Lion King: The Gift and appeared in the Disney ‘BLACK IS KING’ special based on the creation of the album.

Yemi has received accolades including winner of MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) for Best Female, BET Awards nominee for Best International Act Africa and a two-time MOBO Awards nominee for Best International Act.

She not only inspires within her own music, but also helps others develop theirs as a current judge on The Voice Nigeria.

In addition, outside of the music sphere Yemi has joined the likes of Michelle Obama and Bono as an ambassador for the charity One Org.

She and fellow African artists released a song called ‘Stand Together,’ which served as a rallying cry for women’s empowerment, and to end extreme poverty in the hopes to reach new goals for sustainable development in Africa.

Alade has continued her work with Global Citizen and is a part of their latest initiative - Recovery Plan for the World. Alongside other artists such as Billie Eilish, Coldplay, Miley Cyrus and Usher the year long campaign is designed to better the planet across five categories which includes ending COVID-19, the hunger crisis, resuming learning, protecting the planet and advancing equity.

As part of World Malaria Day (25th April), Yemi teamed up with Zero Malaria as the voice of their latest animation ‘My Name Is Muundo’.

The animation demonstrates how we can all play a part in beating malaria and hopes to develop a new universal language to unite the world against it.

Yemi has vowed "to lend her voice" by taking her passion for helping progress African culture and the fight for feminism and is a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).