President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced a minimum wage increase of 12 percent with effect from today, 1^st May 2022, to cushion workers against further erosion of their purchasing power.

Noting that for over three years there has been no review of the minimum wages while the cost of living has increased with inflation ranging between 5 to 6 percent annually, the President said the Government has found it necessary to increase the minimum wages.

“In that regard, and in full appreciation of the critical contribution of workers to the economy; following the recommendation of various stakeholders; as a caring Government, we find that there is a compelling case to review the minimum wages so as to cushion our workers against further erosion of their purchasing power while also guaranteeing the competitiveness of our economy,” the President said.

President Kenyatta spoke on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi when he led Kenyan workers in marking this year’s Labour Day.

The Head of State lauded the role and resilience of workers in bolstering the country’s efforts to bounce back and build stronger after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our workers are the backbone of our economy and our way of life. Throughout the Covid-19 disruptions that began in the year 2020, our workers have kept the Kenyan flame burning bright. For that, we will remain forever grateful and indebted to them,” the President said.

While commending the country for remaining focused in the face of adversity such as the Covid-19 and the global rising cost of living, President Kenyatta castigated some political leaders for inciting Kenyans to blame the Government for the global challenges instead of offering solutions.

“Instead of coming out to offer solutions on challenges facing the country, you have made it your responsibility to go out there spewing insults which do not help Kenyans.

“Insults and empty promises will take you nowhere but hard work and the labour of your hands,” President Kenyatta told politicians.

On the global rising cost of living, the President assured Kenyans that the Government has taken sustainable measures to cushion the vulnerable, including the workers and farmers on the cost of inputs.

Citing the cost of fuel as an example, President Kenyatta said the Government has subsidized prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene making them the lowest in the region.

He pointed out that had the Government not protected consumers against the global increase in fuel prices, petrol price would have been approximately Kshs 173 per litre.

“But to cushion our people, the Government has had to pay Kshs 29 per litre as a subsidy. We have similarly subsidized diesel and kerosene.  Currently, our diesel pump price is Kshs 125.5 a litre; the lowest price of diesel in our region and beyond secured by the government subsidy of Kshs 40.2 per litre,” he said.

In this regard, President Kenyatta warned that stern action will be taken against oil marketers who sell the subsidized fuel outside the country.

He also asked the private sector, as key partners of the state in the economic development journey, to make re-adjustments that secure the elusive balance between profitability and sustaining the wellness of their labour force.

The President also pointed out that the various economic stimulus packages rolled out by his administration over the last two years have helped Kenyan families to cope with the challenges arising from shrinking opportunities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Unlike the private sector that declared redundancies that led to retrenchments, the public sector maintained its workforce at pre-Covid levels,” the President said.

He encouraged workers to embrace positive energy to continue powering the country’s development by building, believing and being champions of the Kenyan Dream.

President Kenyatta commended groups like the Jua Kali artisans on Ngong Road, Kamukunji and Kariobangi who came together to form a company worth Kshs 250 million.

He also cited the Government’s Kazi Mtaani initiative that benefited over 500,000 young people as an example of positive energy

“From the Kazi Mtaani initiative, 1,266 youth groups were organically formed.  Of these groups, 1,025 have benefited from commercial loans and our affirmative action funds,” the President said.

The Head of State also appreciated Kenyan workers in the diaspora for remitting approximately Kshs 375 billion every year.

Responding to Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli’s request, President Kenyatta directed Labour CS Simon Chelgui to ensure the person picked by workers to represent them at National Social Security Fund (NSSF) board is gazetted.

He also took the opportunity to congratulate former Togo Prime Minister Gilbert Houngbo for being elected as the first African Director General of the International Labour Organization.

Speaking at the event, CS Chelgui thanked President Kenyatta for his leadership which ensured that workers and employees were protected during COVID-19 pandemic.

“Your Excellency, the programmes that you laid down including the reduction of Pay As You Earn (PAYE), the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) and payment of stipend to those who lost jobs went a long way in protecting the Kenyan people and workers,” CS Chegui said.

He also pointed out that Kenyan workers have been at the forefront in supporting the implementation of the Government’s Big 4 Agenda.

On his part, Mr. Atwoli commended the President and his Government for supporting the Kenyan worker especially by creating a conducive environment for the manufacturing sector to thrive despite challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Federation of Kenya Employers Executive Director Jacqueline Mugo expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders in the labour movement for working together as partners to promote the interests of the Kenyan workers.

Bongo flava superstar Rajab Abdul Kahali, popularly known by his stage name Harmonize, has downplayed allegations that he assaulted controversial Kenyan comedian Eric Omondi at Kileleshwa police station.

The 'Jeshi' Hit Maker has also denied of any bad blood between him and the Kenyan comedian.

Omondi had accused Harmonize of assaulting him, causing injury at his lower lip.

Addressing media outside Kileleshwa police station Omondi, who showed journalists his bleeding lip stated that he had sought for the musician to refund the money paid to him for performances at various Nairobi night clubs, which he allegedly did not honour.

But while responding to the allegations after leaving the police station on Sunday afternoon, the Tanzanian musician expressed his disappointment why Omondi made such unfounded allegations against him.

The musician who was being sought by four different clubs, including Cocoricos and Captain Lounge, also denied having pocketed Money by false pretense.

He apologised to his Kenyan fans for the unfortunate incident that he said was done with an intention to taint his image.

“Wewe unaweza kupiga mtu kwenye kituo cha polisi? Kama Polisi wanakuangalia?" does it look sane for one to do so? Harmonize asked reporters.

Harmonize also took time to express confidence that the matter will be resolved.

He left the station in the company of former Nairobi governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko in the same car and is likely to stage a powerful performance in Mombasa.

"We are leaving to Mombasa,"said Harmonize without shedding much details about his planned Mombasa visit but according to Club Volume owner, Mike Sonko, Harmonize will stage a performance at the club today (Sunday) evening.

"Harmonize will perform in Mombasa in conjunction with other musicians, the matter that he was being sought for has been resolved and now is a free man," said  Sonko.

Sonko termed the Nairobi incident as just a miscommunication and some conmanship from some individuals who were out to make money through Harmonize's name.

"I think there was miscommunication in the whole thing, some people wanted to ride on the influence of Harmonize to make money, si munajua mambo ya kanairo, but that is a matter that is already been solved," added Sonko.

The musician also hinted that he will take part in the Kenyan presidential campaigns but promised to disclose his candidate at the right time.The musician hinted part he will be in the campaign trail for some months.

"My love for Kenya can't be measured, Kenya is my home and for your information I will be taking part in the presidential campaigns in Kenya, I can't say who I I'll campaign for but I will revel when the time comes," said Harmonize.

Harmonize was for the better part of Sunday detained at the Kileleshwa police station, for questioning over complaints from the club appearances that were reported that he snubbed.

Police said they were investigating claims of obtaining money by false pretense. Several of his fans thronged the station when news of his arrest came out

Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz has said he currently does not consider anyone as a competition in his home country (Tanzania), when it comes to music.

Speaking during an interview with UK's podcast 90s Babyshow hosted by Fred Santana, Temi Alchemy & VP, Diamond revealed this is the main reason why he refused to participate in the Tanzania music awards (2022).

"I will tell you this,  I have no competition and the whole continent knows this. That is why I told the organisers of the Tanzania music awards not to nominate me because I'm now at a point where I should be empowering musicians from Tanzania and competing with them." said Diamond.

Adding "If you go to all platforms, like You tube, just last month I had 53 million views the one following me had 17 million and he is an artist that I introduced, under my label, so why should I compete with my fellow Tanzanian artists, it does not make sense."

Asked about the artists that fans should watch out for, Diamond who is currently promoting his new FOA Ep, mentioned Zuchu and Nandy, Rayvanny, Mbosso, LavaLava and AliKiba.

https://twitter.com/dallah_ommy/status/1520704557994627073?s=20&t=BnTNz14omaU_QS9CVUig6w

Hollywood movie star Lupita Nyong'o has been named as the AfrIcities Goodwill ambassador.

Africities is the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa’s flagship pan-African event that is held every three years in one of the five regions of Africa.

The 9th edition of the Africities Summit is scheduled to take place on May 17 to 21, 2022 in Kisumu, Kenya.

"For the first time, the Africities Summit will have a Goodwill Ambassador: Ms. Lupita Nyong'o, Oscar-winning Kenyan actress, star of the film "Black Panther" and its sequel “Wakanda Forever”. reads a tweet from the Afrocities official twitter account.

Placed under the high patronage of Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta, the theme chosen for the summit is: “The role of intermediary cities in Africa in the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and of the African Union’s Agenda 2063”.

One of the goals of this edition is to mobilise the African and Afro-descendant diaspora to begin the journey towards African renaissance with their fellow citizens who have remained on the continent, as well as with all people of goodwill interested in the development, integration, and unity of Africa.

This flagship event of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa organised in partnership with the Government of Kenya, the Council of Governors of Kenya, and the County of Kisumu will for the very first time be held in an intermediary city.

More than 10,000 delegates are expected to attend the event.

Participants are expected to discuss the 2030 and 2063 Agendas which call for urgent reflection on resilient and sustainable urbanization in Africa.

The theme  for the event is “The role of intermediary cities in Africa in the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and of the African Union´s Agenda 2063”.

Soulful Kenyan singer and songwriter Bensoul has just released a special tribute song in honour of the late third President of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki.

The song titled 'Kibaki Atabaki' has been produced, mixed and mastered by Hendrick Sam.

In the song, Bensoul praises Kibaki for transforming the country in different sectors.

Bensoul also features Kibaki's famous witty quotes and speeches in the song.

The late Kibaki who died a week ago will be laid to rest today (Saturday) at his home in Othaya, Nyeri county.

Apple Music is celebrating the beauty and diversity of the African continent this Africa Month with their Africa Is… campaign.

Africa is many things to many groups of people and by honouring its musical complexities, Apple Music pays homage to its melting pot of innovation, creativity and sounds.

Africa Is will feature music from West Africa, Francophone Africa, East Africa, Lusophone Africa, and Southern Africa, with 18 exclusive guest playlists that are all inspired by what it means to be African.

The curators for the guest playlists on Apple Music include West Africa's Rema (Nigeria), Moliy (Ghana) Basketmouth (Nigeria) Kelvyn Boy (Ghana), Prince Gyasi (Ghana) and Andrea Iyamah (Nigeria).

 Representing East Africa is Chimano (Kenya) and Hussein Suleiman (Uganda), for Lusophone Africa it's Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde) and Eliana Murargy (Mozambique), for Francophone Africa we have Ferre Gola (DRC), Serge Ibaka (DRC) and Chrystel (Ivory Coast), and lastly representing South Africa are Bongeziwe Mabandla, Uncle Waffles, Slikour, Nduduzo Makhathini and Wanda Lephoto.

In addition to this, Apple Music will have a dedicated Africa Is… section featuring flagship Editorial and Genre playlists, special Artist Essentials and Behind The Boards playlists, as well as Exclusive Home Sessions and the hottest music videos from the most popular artists.

Here is what the guest curators had to say about the inspiration behind their playlists:

"To me, Africa - like our music - is diverse, rich, colourful, and beautiful. We know how to have fun. We know how to brighten up a room while preserving the soulful essence of our sound." - Rema (Nigerian singer and rapper)

“Africa is the future. Sounds from the continent have always been a force to be raved about, but recent years have proven that won’t be slowing down anytime soon as this new generation continues pushing boundaries." - Moliy (Ghanian singer-songwriter)

“The world is opening up to the beauty of African music. Hence, it is important that we as Africans continue to propagate our art in every way possible, because no one else can see us the way we would ourselves. Listen to this playlist I made of my favourite African songs.” - Basketmouth (comedian, filmmaker and singer)

“AFRICA IS MUSIC, AFRICA IS AUTHENTIC. This playlist proves how authentic our sound is and how dominant our sound has become over the years." - Kelvyn Boy (Ghanaian Afrobeat singer)

"God has blessed Africa with beautiful kids and I love her because she raised her kids well. Each kid has contributed to the creative world. Art, music and fashion are so original in everything they do. Love them. Africa is original.” - Prince Gyasi (international renowned visual artist)

“Africa is inspiring" - Andrea Iyamah (Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer)

"Africa Is... royalty. I call this the African Royals playlist. I have selected some of the top artists and songs from different generations and origin in Africa. Our musical journey starts in Angola then heads South to the beautiful Zimbabwe, and then up north to Mali the birthplace of music legends and creators of some of the most beautiful music in the world." - Bongeziwe Mabandla (South African musician) 

“Africa to me is its music’s, stories and cultures. Africa is all the things that have survived the catastrophes imposed by the west. Africa is the spirit that refused the erasure and became immortal. Africa is the essence of being and all things (Ntu)." - Nduduzo Makhathini (South African jazz musician)

 "Africa is the spirit in which the world we live is guided on.” - Wanda Lephoto (South African designer)

"Africa is authenticity. Our sweetest songs are those that come from the saddest thoughts and sung in a melancholic voice.” - Ferre Gola (Congolese recording artist) 

"Africa is… diverse. One thing I love and respect the most about Africa it’s its diversity and versatility. This is what I tried to show with this playlist. Even though I’m a huge fan of Congolese music I find sounds and vibes I love in every country of Africa.” - Serge Ibaka (Congolese NBA player and artist) 

“African music is where it all starts for me. These are just some of the songs I grew up hearing on the way to school, around the house, the memorable bass I heard at parties. And then some of the music I love today.” - Chrystel (Ivorian singer and songwriter) 

“Africa is black. Black is room to create, to inspire, to elevate, to stamp. Africa is foundation" - Chimano (Kenyan musician)

"This playlist is reflective of the rich and varying sounds of Africa. From old gems to future sounds, I wanted to present a glimpse into how I experience music from the continent. Please find below the very many artists that influence and inspire me on a daily basis as I make my way through the rest of the world.” - Hussein Suleiman (Ugandan founder of streetwear brand Daily Paper)

“Africa is part of my ancestry, from my musical influences of Cabo Verde and being brought up in Europe (France and Switzerland) my taste for music is diverse, from the Rhythms beats and Melodies from Africa, I hope everyone treasures this playlist as much as I do from Africa to the World on this special month!'' - Soraia Ramos (Cape Verdean singer) 

“Africa is our heartbeat. Past, present, future… music has and always will be part of my life.” - Eliana Murargy (Mozambican fashion designer)

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday led the nation in paying glowing tribute to Kenya’s third Head of State, the late former President Mwai Kibaki.

President Kenyatta eulogized President Kibaki as one of Kenya’s greatest statesmen, a visionary and a leading architect of the modern Kenya.

“We honour and salute him today for his toil in the run-up to our nation’s independence and, most notably, as amongst the leading architect of the modern Kenya state.

“As one of the last standing heroes of our independence struggle, he had a special calling to execute the last chapters of the vision of our founding fathers. And he did this with surgical precision and a total disregard for what the naysayers thought of him,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State spoke at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi during the state funeral service where Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo assisted by Archbishop Martin Kivuva conducted the requiem mass in celebration of the life of President Kibaki.

President Kenyatta said the late President Kibaki finished the last mile of the country’s founding vision and went on to lay the foundation upon which future generations shall build. 

In this regard, the Head of State pointed out that although President Kibaki has rested, his service to the country will not rest until the last mile of his bold vision for Kenya is completed.

President Kenyatta also described former President Kibaki as a modest man who did not believe in loud shouting but found virtue and joy in doing the ordinary things that fulfilled his purpose.

“He knew that he could not fulfill his purpose in the presence of cheering crowds.  He had to do this in the privacy of his space.  And his desire to contribute to the transformation of Kenya, in his quiet and secluded space with no one watching, is what makes him a legend – a man of purpose,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta also noted that President Kibaki was a man blessed with an incredible gift of tolerance and had the ability to take in pressure and pain without showing distress.

On leadership, President Kenyatta said President Kibaki was a celebrated leader who possessed the unique abilities to ‘lead himself’ and overcome challenges.

“This ability to ‘lead himself’ against the noise and buzz of the crowds is what brought Mzee Kibaki this far.  His ability to ‘lean in’ and deal with his darkest moments, not in public but in seclusion, is what distinguishes him as a great leader,” President Kenyatta said.

In low moments, President Kenyatta said the departed leader acknowledged the impending danger but chose to focus on the attendant opportunities.

He cited President Kibaki’s demotion from the position of Vice President to Minister for Health and the post-election violence of 2007 as two examples of low moments that also proved the third President’s qualities as a great leader.

“If the true measure of a man is how he stands in times of challenge and difficulties, from the 2007 dark moment of our nation, the Hon. Mwai Kibaki stood tall and turned misfortune into positive change,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta emphasized that President Kibaki was a visionary who was propelled by a vision to love the country more than self.

“Although identified by the international media as a world leader, he chose not to take the trodden path. Instead, he opted to explore the unchartered path of an independent Kenya and leave a trail.

“A voice that took him to the path of faith. And because of this walk of faith, the Hon. Mwai Kibaki must go down on record as a guardian visionary of our new Republic,” President Kenyatta said.

He pointed out that his “Big Push Investments” especially in infrastructure were inspired and accelerated by Kenya’s development blueprint Vision 2030 authored by President Kibaki.

“And if President Kibaki authored Vision 2030, the next administration must take us to a bolder plan.  They must give us Vision 2063… a blueprint for Kenya at 100 years and beyond,” President Kenyatta said.

On politics, President Kenyatta credited President Kibaki as a gentleman of few words and decisive action who put leadership ahead of politics for the benefit of all Kenyans.

“If he was here with us today, he would have instructed us to choose leadership over politics. He would have told us that leadership is about vision; politics is about positions and that nations are founded on visions,” President Kenyatta said.

He expressed satisfaction that President Kibaki’s enduring legacy will continue to illuminate the country and the African continent, placing him as one of the greatest African statesmen of his generation.

Speaking at the state funeral service, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said President Kibaki will be remembered for the leadership he demonstrated not only in Kenya but also to the African continent.

“But we especially remember him for his leadership in uniting the people of Kenya and for us, as South Africans, we saw him in the mould which we saw our own first President Nelson Mandela who sought to unite our nation and who planted the seeds of the development of South Africa,” President Ramaphosa said.

Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde said the late President Kibaki was a true friend of Ethiopia who elevated the long-standing relations between the two countries by signing a special status agreement that laid the foundation for the economic growth of the region.

“During his tenure, our two countries signed a special status agreement laying the foundation for the Lamu Port, South Sudan, Ethiopia corridor project as well as the Moyale one-stop border post,” she said.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir, whose message was read by his Minister of State in the Presidency, said President Kibaki played a key role in the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement in 2005 that secured the self-determination of the people of South Sudan.

Deputy President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Kibaki’s son, Jimmy, also spoke at the funeral service attended by Kenyans from all walks of life and foreign dignitaries.

Other African leaders present included Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente of Rwanda and Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga (Zimbabwe), Phillip Mpango (Tanzania) and Jessica Alupo (Uganda) as well as former President Joyce Banda of Malawi.

The entry of former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko into the race to succeed Hassan Joho in Mombasa has continued to ruffle feathers in the political scene.

Former Mombasa senator and UDA governor aspirant Hassan Omar becomes the latest politician to react to Sonko's entry in the hotly contested race.

Speaking during an Iftar hosted by UDA Majengo ward aspirant Nabil Selim on Thursday, Omar termed the entrance of Sonko as an insult to the people of Mombas, arguing that the former Nairobi governor is not his own man but a project of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Omar's sentiments come just days after Mvita Mp and ODM aspirant for the governor aspirant Abdulswamad Nassir also accused Kalonzo  of meddling in Mombasa politics by fronting Sonko.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2820-stop-meddling-in-mombasa-politics-nassir-tells-kalonzo-over-sonko-s-entrance-in-governor-race

The former Senator called on Mombasa residents not to elect Sonko stating that he is not the suitable leader for the county.

"What does he (Kalonzo) take us for?. Let him have some respect for us as people of Mombasa. We are not going to impecah his project (Sonko) as it was it was in Nairobi but we will defeat him in the ballot" said Omar

Changamwe Member of Parliament Omar Mwinyi has cautioned electorates against participating in an election without making proper political decisions in the August 9 polls.

Mwinyi said electorates should not vent their anger into the ballot, just because their candidates have lost in the nomination process, saying such decisions may end up putting into office leaders who are not fit for leadership.

 “I know we have a lot of anger, some might be having anger with the current leadership, how nominations went, and they would want to use anger in making decisions especially when voting. I want to urge them to use wisdom, and consult together because what is important is to have good leaders in Mombasa,” said Mwinyi.

At the same time Mwinyi announced that he will consult his constituents about which path they will walk together in quest to elect a suitable Mombasa governor.

“Here in Changamwe we will sit down and consult and see what direction we will take because if we are carried away by a certain political wave we may end up losing five years in bad leadership, “cautioned Mwinyi.

The legislator extended an olive branch to his opponents who lost in the just concluded Orange Democratic Party ODM party primaries.

Mwinyi who was handed a direct ODM ticket to seek re-election in the Changamwe seat said he is ready to partner with his opponents to deliver development to his constituents. Mwinyi was locked into a tough contest against Juma Goshi for the party ticket.

He asked politicians who lost in the just concluded party primaries to put aside their differences and join the winners in steering their respective political positions to another level.

Mwinyi was speaking in Changamwe during a bursary cheques disbursement exercise to needy students in Changamwe joining secondary school, Universities and colleges.

Over 7,000 students benefited from the bursary amounting to over 40 million.

“Let’s put our heads together and work together so that we can have good leaders elected to steer Mombasa leadership.” cautioned Mwinyi.

The Mp pledged to continue elevating the education levels in Changamwe so as the region can realize the fruits of education in future. Among those sponsored are those from poor backgrounds.

Speaking at the function, Changamwe sub county commissioner Tom Konyelo challenged political leaders to ensure 100 percent transition in both private and public by helping the needy with bur series.

“We have had a challenge of 100 percent transition policy, and this gesture of issuance of bursary is a good move to support the school enrolments in Changamwe and ensure the transition is fully achieved,” said Konyelo.

On his part Chondo Isaac, organizing secretary of private schools challenged other leaders to emulate the gesture of giving school bursaries so that poor learners can access education.

“We are glad to see private institutions being among those getting bursaries, we are very happy and as private schools we will stand with those who support our issues,” said Chondo.

Internet sensation, rapper and student Kanambo Dede is back. After leaving her fast growing fan base feening for more, she heeded their call by dropping her second single One Day yesterday.

One day, which is sponsored by King Kaka’s Kaka Empire, showcases the sheer determination of the young star, and the ways in which her life has changed given her new found fame.  

"One day tutamake it but for now we corporate na hali, and give thanks for what we have” Dede simply says about the song  which she wrote herself.

Dede , who we first saw rapping on the streets on a viral freestyle video posted to Instagram that touched most netizens, and is destined for great heights.

Watch the official music video for ‘One Day’ as written and performed by Kanambo Dede , produced by Sifa for Kaka Empire and directed by JijoDrumbeats.