Ommy Dallah
Sarova Hotels & Resorts Innovates Conferencing Needs As Global Economy Gradually Picks
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, the hospitality industry has experienced some of the biggest downturns in history.
One of the highly affected sectors includes meetings and events, which saw its uptake plummet as companies moved almost everything to the digital realm.
However, as various governments across the globe eased restrictions and offered safety guidelines in response to the pandemic, the hospitality industry is gradually resuming its operations and diversifying its portfolios.
This has been further supported by vaccination efforts that are currently underway, a move that has seen corporate meeting planners prime themselves well for the return of in-person meetings.
Hotels have been innovating in an overdrive, finding solutions to intractable problems like pandemics, and discovering new opportunities to be more efficient at a greater scale of business. A good example is Sarova Hotels and Resorts.
Sarova Hotels and Resorts has been delivering true hospitality in meetings and events for decades and has meeting spaces available at all the 7 properties in the country.
The hotel has enhanced its conferencing facilities to provide appropriate and creative meeting and event solutions, without compromising on the experience or the flexibility that meeting planners require.
Prioritizing guest safety and well-being, the hotel has been assisting event planners with arranging convenings that observe the stipulated health and safety guidelines as well as ensuring frequent on-site temperature checks during conference meetings.
Moreover, Sarova is offering flexibility on rates, space, and contract terms in response to clients’ current needs. It has endeavored to work with clients in addressing health and environmental concerns, with measures such as creating physically distanced meeting sets, as well as sharing environmental impact practices.
Among Sarova’s innovations include the Makutano Conferencing Centre at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa located in Mombasa– a conferencing solution that goes over and above what's expected.
With an expansive space for social distancing, the Makutano Conferencing Centre combines modern and artistic architecture with the warmth of the coastal colors and finishes. The facility is a representation of how Sarova continues to innovate and find creative ways of using indoor and outdoor spaces to keep COVID-19 at bay. It carries large aisle ways with dedicated lanes to help manage traffic and prevent crowding.
“There’s a natural inclination for people to want to meet and interact in person," said General Manager Sarova Whitesands, Francis Msengeti. "One of the most important considerations for conferencing venues is to cultivate trust and create systems that will put guests at ease, that is why this Makutano conferencing facility exists."
The state-of-the-art facility, apart from implementing the safety protocols for COVID-19 as outlined by the Ministry of Health, offers a taste of hybrid conferencing in Kenya with premium audiovisuals including two HD video walls, surround audio wireless presentation a VIP holding room, and a secretariat.
It also provides a relaxed ambiance that seats up to 300 persons and with separate boardrooms, giving both local and international visitors a new feel of class, safety, and a sense of belonging.
As more people receive COVID-19 jabs and the pent-up demand for travel picks up, it is more important than ever that businesses, the government, and other stakeholders recognize the role meetings and events will play in our ability to make a full economic recovery.
“By following the Ministry of Health’s guidelines and implementing safety measures, we, at Sarova are hosting professional meetings and events at our hotels across the country and are confident that these important gatherings can happen safely once again,” concluded Mr. Msengeti.
The hotel has conferencing facilities at Sarova Panafric, Sarova Stanley, Sarova Woodlands, and also hosts meetings at its lodges including Sarova Lionhill Game Lodge, Sarova Mara Game Camp and Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Uhuru Applauds Conservation Agencies For Successful Anti-Poaching Efforts
President Uhuru Kenyatta has applauded Kenya's wildlife conservation agencies led by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for successful anti-poaching efforts.
At the same time the Head of State challenged the agencies to continue finding new innovative approaches for the sustainable management of Kenya's rich wildlife heritage.
“The reduction in losses in terms of elephants, rhinos and other endangered species is because of the great work that KWS, its officers and men are doing to ensure that the (wildlife) heritage is protected,” the President said.
The Head of State spoke Monday evening at State House, Nairobi when he received the 2021 National Wildlife Census Report. The country's first ever wildlife census report was presented to the Head of State by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala.
At the brief ceremony also attended by the Head of Public Service Dr Joseph Kinyua, the President said wildlife is an important national heritage which needs to be protected and conserved for posterity and for the benefit of all Kenyans.
“(Wildlife) is our heritage, this is our children's legacy and it is important for us to be able to know what we have in order to be better informed on policy and also on actions needed as we move forward. And it being a national heritage, it is something we should carry with pride,” President Kenyatta said.
He said, with the comprehensive census findings, the Government was better equipped to plan its wildlife conservation interventions, and tasked the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to transform recommendations in the report into policies and programmes.
“Equally, we need to sit down together to see how we can bring on board the issues that you have raised (in the census report) which are now becoming of great concern,” the President advised, and called for the adoption of the proposal to carry out the wildlife census every three years.
On the issue of human-wildlife conflict, the President assured Kenyans that the Government will continue seeking sustainable solutions to the challenge, and urged sector stakeholders to continue educating host communities on the importance of wildlife conservation.
According to the census report, Kenya has a total of 36,280 savanna elephants, the fourth largest population in the world after Zimbabwe, Botswana and Tanzania respectively.
The ground breaking census, fully funded by the Government of Kenya and conducted by local experts, established that the country is home to 1,739 rhinos among them two northern white rhino species, 897 black rhinos and 840 southern white rhinos.
In his remarks, Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala thanked the President for the Government's facilitation of the historic exercise, and assured the Head of State of his ministry's commitment to the full implementation of the report's recommendations.
CS Balala said the Government had made tremendous progress on the issue of poaching, and was now moving towards resolving the human-wildlife conflict challenge which he said was not getting adequate global attention.
“I am trying to raise this agenda internationally because there is enough funding in anti-poaching but there is no funding for communities. There’s no funding for people's livelihoods. So people have been forgotten in this sector,” CS Balala told the President.
Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Brig (Rtd) John Waweru also spoke at the event attended by Wildlife and Tourism CAS Joseph Boinnet, Wildlife PS Prof Fred Segor and his Tourism counterpart Safina Kwekwe among other senior Government officials.
Wabosha Maxine Unveils 9 - Part Series Podcast, 'A Letter To My Younger Self'
Celebrated and award-winning content creator, Wabosha Maxine, has partnered with the newly launched Shahara platform to release her first ever podcast - A Letter to My Younger Self.
The 9-episode podcast features notable celebrities and award-winning media personalities, who talk to Wabosha about the most impactful moments in their life's journey.
Those who have been featured in season one of A Letter To My Younger Self include: Investigative Journalist John-Allan Namu, Willis Chimano from Sauti Sol, CEO of Vivo Activewear Wandia Gichuru, Olympic Weightlifter Winnie Okoth, and Musician Karun (Formally of Camp Mulla), just to name a few.
“The conversations will be hosted by me and they are relevant for all audiences from the young to the old. In the age of social media, younger generations can get the false impression that they are alone in their struggles – and also that success comes fast and easy,” Wabosha Maxine said.
She added: “This podcast was created to be a space for candid conversations that encourage people to pursue the life they want to live; but to also remind them that success (however it may look to you) takes time. You’re going to go through a lot of changes in your journey and make a lot of mistakes along the way."
The podcast is hosted on the Shahara platform that is both web and mobile based at a fee of Kshs 100 for Wabosha’s episode and you get the other 8 episodes free.
This is the first of a kind partnership for content creators as it offers an economic solution for different kinds of content creators across the media and entertainment space in Kenya and Africa.
On Shahara, content creators can publish their work and have their audiences watch, read or listen to it, and audiences in turn will have the opportunity to support them directly by paying for content. The content creator will then take the lion’s share of whatever they earn, enabling them to live, create and celebrate their work.
The Shahara platform is in its beta testing phase, starting first with video offering.
Maxine added, “A lot of brands suspended or cancelled their marketing campaigns after covid hit, which meant that for many months, the marketing model that generally makes up most of a content creator’s income had disappeared. That’s why I opted for a partnership with Shahara to host A Letter To My Younger Self – it’s also locally made and owned.”
Adding,“ I am appealing to all fans to support the podcast. We as content creators spend a lot of time, effort, and money creating our work. The ad-based monetization models are not always sustainable. A good example would be what happened at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Fans of the podcast can contact the A Letter To My Younger Self Project via email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to provide feedback or to be part of the guests on the podcast for the next season.
To listen to the podcast, visit shaharavideos.com
Video: AliKiba Breaks Into Tears Over Late Father's Potrait
Legendary Bongo Flava musician Ali Kiba has hailed a Kenyan portrait painter who made him cry after surprising the Tanzanian singer with a painting of his late father.
In a moving message of gratitude on his Instagram page, Ali Kiba has described the portrait painted by Ali Hassan as unique.
“He (Ali Hassan) painted my father who is no longer with us in this world. It is something that I did not expect or think about. It is a unique gift,” said Ali Kiba.
The Salute hit-maker went ahead to appreciate all painters across the world who have showered him with different paintings.
“I have had the chance of travelling to various places where most of my fans gift me with portraits- mostly of myself. May God bless you all,” said Ali Kiba.
His message comes a day after a video that has been doing rounds on social networks captured an emotional Ali Kiba breaking down when Ali Hassan presented him with a portrait of his late father.
Before the painting was unboxed, Ali Kiba was in high spirits singing a snippet of the Songisongi remix that he recently released with French songstress Maud Elka.
Ecstatic Ali Kiba could be heard telling people around him to keep quiet as the portrait was being unpacked.
“Shut up. Shut the F up. Let’s see what we are opening,” he said while helping to unwrap the gift.
When the portrait was fully unpacked, Ali Kiba let out a soft wail upon realizing that it was his late father’s painting.
Kiba, who appeared to be engulfed in deep sorrow, slowly walked away from the portrait sheltering his head under the box that wrapped the painting.
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He let out faint sobs as people around were heard comforting him.
Shortly after calming down, Ali Kiba was seen hugging the painter before receiving the painting. He thanked Ali Hassan for the surprise.
“I did not expect this. I thought it was my portrait only to learn it is my father’s,” awed Ali Kiba was heard saying.
Ali Kiba's father Mzee Saleh passed away on January 17, 2019, at the Muhimbili Hospital in Dar es Salaam after a short illness.
Governor Kingi Continues With Calls For The Formation Of A Coast Political Party.
Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has continued his call for the formation of a Coast political party as a tool of ensuring the Coastal people have a seat at the national table during the 2022 general elections.
The Governor was speaking in Kinango during the burial of the mother to Kwale Governor Salim Mvuryas mama Sada Mgalla Nyawa who passed away yesterday while receiving treatment.
Kingi said that there was need for the coastal people to be united and avoid being ‘used’.
"Let us arrange our house to ensure that everything is in order so that we speak in one voice as we gear towards the 2022 general elections," said Kingi.
Kingi has for a while been on the forefront of championing for a coastal political outfit, a course that saw him fall out with his ODM party leader Raila Odinga who last week approved his ouster as the partys chairman in Kilifi.
The Governor added that the region has been following political waves, but the time was now ripe for the region to be part of those forming the waves.
"We have been following waves for far too long, let us be part of those forming the waves in 2022. This can be achieved through unity which will give us bargaining power at the national cake," said Kingi.
Kingi further called for dialogue between all politicians drawn from the coast in order to forge the way forward for the vote rich region.
The region has about 1.7 million registered voters according to the 2017 IEBC register with Mombasa and Kilifi accounting for 580,223 and 508,068 voters respectively.
Kwale has 281,041 registered voters, Taita Taveta 155,776, Tana River 118,327 and lamu closing in at 69,776 registered voters.
"My advice to fellow coast politicians is that lets us stop advising each other on funeral podiums, we need to seat down as a region and dialogue the way forward for our people," advised Kingi.
Other politicians present during the burial included Deputy President William Ruto, Mps Khatib Mwashetani (Lungalunga), Benjamin Tayari (Kinango) and Aisha Jumwa (Malindi).
President Kenyatta Attends Inauguration Of Zambia's New President Hakainde Hichilema In Lusaka
President Uhuru Kenyatta was among the ten (10) African Heads of State and Government at the inauguration of Zambia's new President Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka.
Mr Hichilema, 59, was sworn-in as the 7th President of the Southern Africa nation alongside his Vice President Mrs Mutale Nalumango at a ceremony held at the National Heroes Stadium by Zambia's acting Chief Justice Michael Musonda.
In his inauguration speech, President Hichilema said his administration will give equal opportunity to all Zambians, and pledged to ensure all citizens enjoy their freedoms as guaranteed by the constitution.
"I am a simple village boy you have made the 7th President. This victory is for all Zambians, especially the youth who came out in great numbers to vote. We showed the whole world the resilience of our democracy” President Hichilema said.
The new Zambian leader said his government will in the first five years focus on restoring macroeconomic stability, debt sustainability and ensure no Zambian goes to bed hungry.
"We will focus on inclusion and not exclusion; unity and not division; and gathering and not scattering of our people," President Hichilema promised.
He pointed out that the peaceful election and transfer of power had demonstrated Zambia's strong democratic credentials to the world.
“We have shown the whole world the resilience of democracy, the people have decided it was time for change and we can say change is here,” he said.
Leaders who spoke at the colorful event commended Zambians for the peaceful elections saying the smooth transfer of power had demonstrated Africa's ability to manage its affairs.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo who is also the African Union (AU) Chairperson, and President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi who is the current Chairman of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) spoke on behalf of visiting Heads of State and Government and commended Zambians for the peaceful elections.
President Tshisekedi assured the new Zambian Head of State of AU’s support as he takes over the leadership of his country and congratulated the Zambians for upholding democracy.
President Chakwera said the Zambian polls had demonstrated that democracy in Africa was maturing noting that the country had distinguished herself as a beacon of constitutionalism.
“This is the triumph of the African spirit, the embodiment of the Africa we want and the Africa we know ourselves to be...This Zambian story is a positive story that Africa is no longer an infant, Africa has shown the spirit of unity and maturity,” the Malawi President said.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo who represented the panel of eminent African elders said Zambia had shown that Africa is now mature and that it is possible to have peaceful transition of power from one political party to another.
Other leaders at the ceremony, also attended by Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia were Presidents Hage Geingob (Namibia), Filipe Nyusi (Mozambique) and Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe).
South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana), Samia Suluhu (Tanzania) and King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini also attended.
The Rise Of Entrepreneurs In Africa
Given the high rate of unemployment, the rise of entrepreneurs in Sub Saharan Africa is growing at an exponential rate with different individuals being drawn to the flexibility of being a business owner as well as the sustainable earning opportunities.
To celebrate Entrepreneurship Day [21 August], we are putting the spotlight on Uber drivers who wear many hats and continue to be industrious, focused and resilient.
Meet some of the Uber drivers from across Africa, as they give us a glimpse into their lives and show what inspires them, what they enjoy most about their work, and what the future holds for them.
Jane - Kenya
Jane joined Uber after losing her job and staying at home with nothing to do for five months due to unemployment.
Before driving with Uber, Jane was a volunteer driver and then worked as a driver for a Nairobi family for a few months.
She says driving comes naturally to her. Jane has been an Uber driver for almost four years and has a rating of 4.93 which she believes is a testament to her good service and reliability as a driver.
When asked about what she appreciates most about driving with Uber she says, “Uber’s customer care service is good to me as a driver and our customers. In case of anything, they are always able to sort it out”.
Mavis - Ghana
Mavis joined Uber after working for the now-defunct UT Bank for 13 years. She wanted to start her cooking business and also make enough money to support her family.
Mavis explains, “It wasn’t an easy period but I had to look for another source of income immediately. I started cooking on a contract basis for events and cooking for individuals in their homes. After some time, I realised I couldn’t depend solely on that so the idea of using my vehicle for Uber came up.”
She said most people were excited to ride with women as women were more careful in driving. “The compliments I receive from my customers are encouraging. Users of the app are able to rate the driver after the service. The highest rating is “five stars” and currently I have “4.86”, which is commendable,” she noted.
Palesa Sempe - South Africa
Palesa started her career as an Uber driver four years ago, after being retrenched from her then job and being without work for four years.
Palesa is now back in the driver's seat of her own life as an Uber driver.
Palesa, a single mom to two boys, she is now able to provide for her children and is breaking barriers as a woman in what is traditionally viewed as a man's job.
“Being an Uber driver has helped me survive as I don't bother anyone for financial help. I am able to put food on the table and take care of my kids. I would really encourage anyone looking for financial freedom to consider driving for Uber, as it has helped me maintain my family.”
Carole Kinoti Set To Host The Fashion On The Road Cultural Golf Tournament
The Carole Kinoti Brands are set to hold this year’s Fashion On The Road Golf Tournament that will happen in a spectacular show that will bring together fashion and sport.
The much-anticipated event scheduled for 27th and 28th August at Muthaiga Golf Club is set to bring together stakeholders in the fashion industry, buyers, the business community, and golf enthusiasts to have a candid conversation around the growth of the creative economy.
The tournament is also set to bring together diplomats, government officials among others to have a firsthand feel and celebrate the fashion industry in Kenya.
At least 300 guests are expected at the event as well as 100 exhibitors.
“We have ramped up new efforts in preparation for the FoTR Golf Tournament 2021 and will continue to intensify our quest for solutions around the fashion industry by engaging women, people with disabilities and youth in value addition processes and the creation of Made in Kenya fashion products.’’ said Carole Kinoti – Founder & Ceo Carole Kinoti Brand.
The Chief Guest at the event will be the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Heritage, and Culture Dr Amina Mohammed.
The CS is expected to be accompanied by Value Chain partners such as Strathmore Business School, Ministry of Sports, Culture & Heritage, Kenya Prisons Services, Ministry of Trade and Enterprise Development, Ndarugu Metropolis Project and Brand Ambassadors Connie Aluoch and Mwenesi Musalia.
“We have great guests attending this event. Having so many government dignitaries in attendance allows those who will be present to have a one-on-one experience and a chat with the officials on challenges they face,” added Carole Kinoti – Founder & Ceo.
There shall also be a panel of discussion that will bring together women and experts in the creative and fashion industry to break down and unpack the sector, investment opportunities, and challenges.
This comes at a time the creative industry in Kenya is forming an integral part of the SME sector with great contributions to the economy.
About Fashion On The Road Golf Tournament
FoTR Cultural Golf tournament is a one of its kind event that celebrates African culture with these inseparable factors; Film, Music and Fashion.
The inaugural Fashion on the Road (FoTR) Cultural Golf Tournament was held on Friday November 15, 2019 at Muthaiga Golf Club and was hosted by Chief Guest H.E Amb. Elizabeth Taylor Jay, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to the Republic of Kenya plus a visiting designer from Colombia.
The event was graced by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage AMB. (Dr.) Amina Mohamed. 89 golfers took part and 300 guests and at least 100 exhibitors attended.
This year's event will be in strict adherence to all the COVID-19 safety protocols as set by the Ministry of Health.
Magoha Comes To The Rescue Of Two Needy Mombasa Students
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has ordered all Chiefs in the country to ensure that all students who sat for the 2020 KCPE exams join form one by Thursday.
Speaking in Kibarani,during the national launch of the mop up exercise to ensure the government's directive of 100 percent transition of all primary school children to high school is achieved, Magoha said that preliminary statistics showed that the Coast region was lagging behind at 60% compared to other regions which registered between 80 to 90 percent transition rate.
"This region of the coast is doing very badly at 60% compared to other regions, I have ordered all chiefs and sub-chiefs to go out there and mop up all children that need to be in school by Thursday," said Magoha.
The CS admitted that there were many parents facing financial challenges thus the reason for many students to fail to continue with their education. This he said despite government efforts to provide scholarships and bursaries..
Magoha added that all schools that need to be registered will not be delayed as more schools were needed to realize the 100 percent transition.
"If a school needs to be registered then I see no reason for delaying that, though we must ensure that we maintain standards," said Magoha.
The CS also disclosed that the government had already disbursed term one monies for schools and a further 240 million shillings for rice from Mwea to support schools that offer feeding program.
The government has further set aside 1.8 billion to support the school feeding program.
During his tour, Magoha identified two needy students who had failed to join form 1 whom he immediately placed under government scholarship program.
Moses Wafula Sindani who scored 394 marks was taken to Shimo la Tewa high school as Biosa Hassan Zole who managed 355 marks was placed at Mama Ngina Girls High school.
Their parents could not hide their joy as they received the much needed help they so desired.
"Since the pandemic hit, I lost my job and have had to do menial jobs to survive, I was afraid Moses would not be able to go to school but now I can smile again," said 42 year old Alfayo Sindani.
For Fatma Charo from Bangladesh, a chief Baraza that took place last week opened doors for her daughter to get scholarship.
"I narrated my ordeal during the Baraza and the chief took down my details and assured me help would come, l wash cloths for people and do other menial jobs to irk a living so educating Biosa was going to be a challenge," said Charo.
Mama Ngina Girls Principal Mwanahamisi Omar called on parents whoare unable to cater for their children's fees to not shy away from taking them to school but rather be hopeful that help may come their way.
Tiwa Savage Releases Much Anticipated Ep 'Water & Garri'
Nigerian music export and MTV Europe Music Award’s Best African Artist TIWA SAVAGE has officially released her eagerly anticipated EP “WATER & GARRI” on Motown Records / Universal Music South Africa.
Tiwa describes the 5-track EP as her “most spiritual journey through music so far” and sees her blend her unique ‘Afro’ sound with soulful R&B and brings the two musical worlds together in her heartfelt signature style. “WATER & GARRI” is available on all streaming services.
LISTEN HERE.
Fresh from her critically acclaimed fourth studio album ‘Celia’ - named one of the 10 Best Albums of 2020 by Time Magazine,“WATER & GARRI” sees Tiwa collaborate with musical heavyweights from across the United States and Africa.
The EP opens with “WORK FADA” - a 6:26 minute musical experience featuring rap legend NAS with songwriter and producer RICH KING who also produced the record.
Other features include Grammy Award singing sensation BRANDY,Nigerian singer-songwriter TAY IWAR, Ghanaian-American artist AMARAAE.
