Dear Pastor Dr. Dorcas Rigathi, Mindful Kenya, a beacon of hope in the realm of mental health, reaches out with a heartfelt request, inspired by your life’s work and relentless passion for uplifting the vulnerable.

Our healthcare workers and police force stand on the frontline every day, braving emotional and physical storms to protect our beloved nation. But in their valiant efforts, they too bear the scars of mental trauma.

They see pain and suffering daily, confront life-altering decisions, and carry the weight of our nation's safety on their shoulders.

Their mental well-being, often neglected, is at significant risk. Enter Mindful Kenya’s vision: affordable, accessible, and regular mental health screenings.

With a cost of less than 100 shillings monthly, we've devised a system that detects early mental health challenges, ensuring treatment is timely, less painful, and affordable.

But to truly make a difference, we need the support of insurance companies a formidable challenge without the backing of a powerful voice.

Your support not only amplifies the urgency of this initiative but also galvanizes institutions like MAKL (Medical Administrators Kenya Limited) and NHIF to play their part in this transformative journey.

This is where we seek your intervention, Pastor Dorcas. With your influence and unwavering dedication to the well-being of Kenyans, you can be that powerful voice.

By advocating for our cause, we can ensure that our frontline heroes receive the mental health support they so desperately need.

The benefits of such screenings are manifold:

1. Early Detection: Timely identification can prevent a minor issue from snowballing into a debilitating condition.

2. Improved Overall Health: Mental well-being is intricately tied to physical health. Addressing one can positively influence the other.

3. Enhanced Productivity: A contented and mentally healthy individual can function better, bringing more efficiency to the workplace.

4. Reduced Stigma: Regular screenings normalize discussions around mental health, thus gradually diminishing the associated stigma. Imagine a Kenya where our protectors are mentally resilient, where they serve without the shadow of untreated trauma looming over them.

You, Pastor Dorcas, with your legacy of empowerment and care, can help make this dream a reality. In the words of Psalm 82:3, “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” Our heroes, though strong in their service, need defense against the unseen battles of the mind.

Join us in this noble endeavor. Let’s ensure a brighter, healthier future for our unsung heroes.

With utmost respect and hope, Mindful Kenya

International Kenyan music group, MATATA, celebrate another achievement as their track “Not Today” has been added in the official soundtrack playlist of the anticipated EA SPORTS FC 24 video game, formerly known as FIFA, set to drop on 29th September 2023.

Other international artists on the soundtrack include Major Lazer, Major League DJz featuring Brenda Fassie and Stormzy, among many other international artists. 

They shared their excitement ahead of the announcement, “Dreams do come true and ours has become a reality. This achievement surpasses any plans we had for our music. We are still in disbelief!” 

MATATA’s selected track, “Not Today” is a reggae-dancehall tune off their successful debut album ‘Super Morio’. The song features Liam Bailey - Reggae artist from the UK. Earning this coveted and prestigious spot in the soundtrack playlist of the EA SPORTS FC 24 video game means a lot for MATATA. 

Being featured on the EA SPORTS platform is indeed a significant achievement, and it highlights the music group’s growing influence beyond the continent. Their unique and captivating artistry, that resonates with fans globally, lead to this exciting collaboration set to further amplify their reach. 

“Not Today” encapsulates the essence of the group’s vibrant and unique musical style, making it a perfect fit for the high-energy atmosphere of the video game. This achievement is a testament to MATATA’s dedication to creating music that transcends borders and resonates with audiences globally. 

The inclusion of the track as one of EA SPORTS FC 24 soundtrack playlist underscores the video game's commitment to showcasing diverse musical talents from around the world.

MATATA is the fastest-rising Kenyan music group on the international scene. They released their anticipated debut album SUPER MORIO in 2022, following a successful career trajectory filled with hit releases and back to back tours between Kenya, Norway and Europe.

With SUPER MORIO they curated a hero-anchored body of work that echoes their Kenyan heritage, ingenuity and zeal while highlighting their victories and struggles in the pursuit of their dreams.

Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi has embarked on an aggressive membership drive for the UDA party in Mombasa ahead of the party primaries.

Miraj who is also vying for the party Chairmanship position in Mombasa has already started registering new members mainly targeting Women and the youth within the county.

The senator has been holding a series of meetings with several groups of Women and youth to galvanize her support.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/3411-miraj-joins-race-for-mombasa-uda-chairperson-post

According to Miraj Mombasa should no longer be perceived as a strong of a particular party.

"We want to make our party strong here in Mombasa. We will achieve this by only having a good number of members" said Miraj.

Miraj took to her social calling on Mombasa residents to come out in large numbers and register with the UDA party.

Miraj will be battling out with Eala Mp and UDA National Vice Chairperson Hassan Omar for the position.

UDA is expected to hold it's primaries in December

Sarova Hotels & Resorts Kenya is known for its wonderful cuisine.

The success since the inception of Thai Chi Restaurant at the Sarova Stanley in 2007 has inspired the hotel chain to deliver similar excellence into a new neighborhood, expanding its restaurant story beyond just hotels.

Thai Chi by Sarova will be the first restaurant within the quiet upscale Lavington area offering Thai Cuisine at 102 Manyani East Road.

Celebrating dining traditions that are as much about togetherness & community as they are about diverse cooking styles and flavors, the restaurant will focus on well-established Thai & Pan-Asian culinary delights, taking its inspiration from the classic dishes of 5 Far East Countries –Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, China & Korea.

The restaurant is brought alive by an abundance of lush vegetation & its design is structured around the existing flora.

Natural ventilation has been prioritized by maximizing open spaces and the organic ingredients used in the kitchen are ethically & sustainably sourced from local farmers & communities.

Tasteful oriental motifs & contemporary designs are incorporated into the design while soft mood lighting casts warm glows in the evening in both the interior & exterior spaces.

With a casual yet elegant service model, quick and efficient service which is a hallmark of Sarova Hotels will be delivered with a smile while the menu offering will be stewarded by a specialty chef from Thailand.

"We have worked hard to create a menu that reflects our passion for quality, creativity and diversity. We are more than just a restaurant; we are a community.” said Jimi Kariuki, MD Sarova Hotels & Resorts Kenya during the restaurant’s launch.

Thai Chi By Sarova officially opened its doors on Tuesday 12th September 2023. It will operate on Tuesdays to Fridays from 11 am to 11 pm and on Saturdays, Sundays & public holidays from 8 am to 11 pm. The restaurant shall remain closed on Mondays.

The Sh6 billion Buxton Point will Saturday be officially handed over to homeowners making its developer the first to deliver an affordable housing project in partnership with the government.

The award-winning project is being developed by GulfCap Real Estate in partnership with the County Government of Mombasa. It will be the first project to be delivered in the country under the Affordable Housing Program (AHP).

“We are proud to be the first private developer in partnership with the government to hand over an affordable housing project of this magnitude in Kenya. This achievement underscores our dedication to making quality housing accessible to all, improving the quality of life for countless individuals and families,” said GulfCap Real Estate CEO Chris Ochieng.

Mr Ochieng said Phase 1 of Buxton Point, comprising 584 units, has been successfully completed and the official handing over of the project to its proud new owners will take place on Saturday, September 16, 2023 “marking the beginning of a new era in affordable housing in Kenya.”

“On the official handing over day, we will have a vibrant array of activities for residents and their families. From children's play areas to basketball tournaments and swimming activities, there will be something for everyone,” added Mr Ochieng.

He said they have appointed a dedicated lifestyle manager who will be assisting homeowners enroll into different lifestyle clubs created to help residents enjoy the lifestyle we have created at Buxton Point.

Some of the clubs include; Basketball club, soccer club, swimming club, indoor sports club, gym, aerobics, yoga, walking warriors club, book club, music club, bible and Quran study clubs among others.

“What sets Buxton Point apart is not just the quality of our homes but the sense of belonging we foster within our community. By offering a diverse range of amenities and lifestyle options, we empower residents to live life to the fullest,” he said.

Furthermore, he said the launch of Phase 2, which will see the construction of an additional 1400 units will hence begin.

“To contribute to the cascading effect of the project and spice up its outlook, Phase 2 will involve the construction of 16 floors that will provide our clients with a fascinating sea view from their apartments and appreciate the beauty of Mombasa,” said Mr Ochieng.

The development of Phase 2 which is currently being sold will involve rooftop terraces and an elevator which will be installed to allow access to the high-tower buildings.

The Mombasa county assembly has today (Tuesday) passed a special motion seeking to have persons with disabilities within the county access free medical care in all public health centres.

The motion by nominated member of county assembly Solomon Ngugi also seeks to have the county government set aside funds to procure special medications and medical items for PWDs in all it's health facilitis.

Speaking while presenting his motion in the assembly, Ngugi who represents PWDs in the assembly regretted that in this modern society persons with disabilities are still facing discrimination and lack proper medications arrcording to their needs.

"As PWDs we also require to be recognized and access free medication especially in our public health institutions. The county government should be there for us all" argued Ngugi.

The MCAs also directed the county government to ensure that it carries out sensitization on it's health care workers on how to handle persons with disabilities and that the sensitization activities be also carried out using special and sign language.

The county government was also directed to ensure that all the health care centres have proper infrastructures for PWDs including ramps , toilets and doors.

The Kenya Red Cross society (KRCS) in collaboration with the French government has unveiled a state -of -the art-social innovation center in Mombasa in concerted efforts to support youth in entrepreneurship.

The center located at Mbaraki girl’s primary school will serve as a hub for creativity, problem solving, technology driven learning with a focus on naturing talents in science, technology and mathematics STEM fields.

Speaking during the official launching ceremony in Mombasa on Monday,KRCS secretary general Dr Ahmed Idris,and CMA CGM managing director Jean Baptiste said the center marks a significant milestone in the mission to support youth innovations.

“The center which has been constructed with the support from French embassies in Kenya and Somalia,the Kenya redcross and CMA cgm foundation and seeks to support young people with digital skills and also play as a creative hub,” said Idris.

On his part, French ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet said Young people with digital skills will now have an opportunity to get support on digital skills and social entrepreneurship to address challenges and build resilient communities.

Suquet said the French government will continue to support innovation projects in Kenya due to continued bilateral relationship between the two countries.

"The spirit of the project is to give skills for the young people, because investing in the youth is investing for the whole nation,” said Suquet, adding that the government would continue to invest in Kenyan youth in the near future.

The center will serve as a hub for leading innovation on technology Creativity, problem solving, with a focus on maturing talents in the field of science, Engineering and mathematics STEM fields.

Mombasa county government led by governor Abdulsw2amad Nassir pledged to invest more on young people aso as to keep them out of social vices.

Nassir termed the project as a game changer coming at a time when Mombasa youth had delved on key innovations.

The Kenya red cross society (KRCS) and Mombasa county has warned Kenyans to be on high alert ahead of the anticipated El-nino rains as reported by the Key mateorology department.

The society has further declared it's preparedness to ensure Kenyans are safe in an event of flooding and any other related disasters assc in Kenya.

Speaking in Mombasa on Monday during the official opening of youth innovation center,KRCS SesecretarGeneral Dr.Ahmed Idris said they have embarked on early interventions to mitigate and avert the calamities.

"We are likely to receive above average rainfall,that is likely to receive floods, traditionally the most important thing is to start early interventions to mitigate the situation,"he said.

He said in the national outlook,interms of preparedness there is extensive coordination plans to mitigate the possible disasters in collaboration with the interior ministry.

"Our request to donor community is to avail resources early enough to ensure we embark on early interventions as early as possible so that we can avert any related disasters,"said Dr. Idris.

Mombasa county governor Abdulswamad Nassir confirmed that the county has started unlocking blocked sewer systems and drainages in preparation to heavy rains.

"We have started unlocking all the drainages,there is a multi agency team undertaking the preparedness in an event that we will have floods.

Nassir who was flanked by Kenya red cross society Mombasa chairman Mohamed Noor said more emphasizes is being given to the low lying areas and areas of informal settlements like the slums in Mombasa.

"We can confirm as we speak areas like Utange is being worked on,we want to ensure that all Mombasa residents are safe and those that will be affected will be evacuated to safer grounds,"said Nasir.

The duo spoke at the Mbaraki girls primary school ground after officially opening a youth and women innovation center that will advance and promote technological innovations developed by Kenya redcross society in collaboration with french government.

Also present was French ambassador to Kenya and Somalia Arnaud Suquet who said the french government will continue to support innovation projects in the country.

"The spirit of the project is to give skills for the young people,because investing in the youth is investing for the whole nation,"said suquet.

The center will serve as a hub for leading innovation on technology Creativity,problem solving,with a focus on maturing talents in the field of science, Engineering and mathematics STEM fields.

Nominated senator Miraj Abdilahi and her counterpart Gloria Orwoba have stressed on the need to uplift girl child education through provisions of sanitary towels to ensure they stay in school.

The duo wants the government to increase budgetary allocation to lead the distribution of menstrual sanitary towels to public schools to keep girl children in school at the coast.

Menstruation often means missing school for many girls in parts of Kenya. It's for this reason that the two legislators wants special budgets to deal with the distribution of free pads to needy girls.

Speaking in Mombasa after the distribution of over 10,000 sanitary towels at the Central girls secondary school, Miraj said she targets to ensure girl child get equal rights to education like their male counterparts.

Miraj has pledged to table a Child parent care and protection Bill 2023 in senate ,that will champion for the rights of girlchild specifically those that are affected by teenage pregnancies.

"We are pushing for laws in the parliament to ensure even those that got pregnant during their early age get a second chance in schools,"said Abdilahi.

On his part Mombasa county deputy commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi regretted that girl child education has continued to lag behind in Mombasa.

"The quality of education in Mombasa as a whole has been very low,therefore to bridge this gap,there is need for concerted efforts to give girlchld that competitive edge,by ensuring girls stay in school,"said Mwiwawi.

The deputy county commissioners promised to create a safe and secure environment to promote education in Mombasa.

"We are going to ensure that urban security is paramount,we are going to dismantle all the criminal gangs to ensure a safe environment for children to go to school,"He added. 

Senator Orwoba said the government has a plan to ensure all school going girls get sanitary towels and go back to school.

"There is that bill in parliament that when it's passed it will ensure all girls in the reproductive age get sanitary towels in schools,"said Orwoba.

Mombasa county director James Mureithi applouded the legislators for the good gesture and now says it complements the efforts done by the government.

"We will work with all leaders to transform education in this great county,said Mureithi adding that the 100 percent transition has continued to ensure more children in schools."

"It's a success ,we are going to work closely and ensure it succeeds 100 percent,"Mureithi said.

Kenyan Counties are set to receive Kshs. 7.387 billion Climate Resilience Investment Grants from the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program.

The disbursement comes after a total of Kshs. 979 million institutional strengthening grants already disbursed to counties last financial year.

The Kshs. 7.387 billion will be shared amongst the 44 counties that met FLLoCA minimum performance conditions with each county receiving a share based on their performance score.

To be eligible for funding counties had to put in place county climate finance institutions such as a County Climate Change Fund, County Climate Change Unit and carry out a Participatory Climate Risk Assessment and Action Planning at the ward level.

Another important condition was for counties to devote 1.5% of their development towards the County Climate Change Fund.

This has seen counties allocate a total of Kshs. 3 billion in the current financial year.

The program is managed by the National Treasury and Planning working closely with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry and the Council of Governors.

It is funded by the national and county governments as well as the World Bank and the Governments of Denmark, Germany, Netherlands and Sweden.

The funding will help counties develop and implement tailored climate resilience strategies to respond to the risks identified by communities in sectors such as agriculture, water and natural resource management.

This will result in a more sustainable and secure future for local communities across Kenya.

While handing over the cheque President William Samoei Ruto said that FLLoCA resonates with his vision.

"The program has moved from pilots to scale, targeting communities across Kenya; and has done so by working through our own public financial management systems and offered a platform for coordinating and crowding in multiple development partners." said Ruto.

Adding "It views communities not just as victims of climate change but as powerful agents in responding to the impacts of climate change."

" It has a focus on community-led climate action echoing my Government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda."

Commenting on the initiative, the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Njuguna Ndung’u, CBS, noted: "We believe that meaningful change begins at the grassroots level, and this is why we are committed to involving communities in the decision-making process."

Adding "By strengthening local engagement, we are not only equipping citizens with the tools and knowledge to combat climate change but also inspiring the next generation of climate leaders”.

The Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry, Soipan Tuya, CBS, said that there was a need to focus on the grassroots to make climate change mitigation a reality.

"We are at a critical stage in our fight against climate change, and it is therefore paramount to take bold, decisive action to safeguard our planet and its inhabitants. " she said

"The CCRI grants are designed to provide the necessary resources and support to communities and innovators as they develop creative, and effective locally-led strategies to combat the impact of climate change and mitigate its consequences thereof."

The Chairperson Council of Governors H.E. Anne Mumbi Waiguru, who is also the Governor of Kirinyaga, noted that by actively involving local communities in the decision-making process, the county governments can develop more effective and context-specific strategies that take into account the unique challenges faced by each county.

"The disbursement of the grants represents a significant milestone in the journey towards a climate-resilient Kenya. By equipping communities and governments with the necessary tools, resources, and knowledge, we can ensure that communities are better prepared for the challenges brought by climate change”.