Cheki Kenya, an online platform for users to buy and sell cars in Kenya has opened it's doors in Mombasa.

Speaking during the official opening of their new offices in Mombasa, Brenna Excell, the MD-Consumer Classifieds at ROAM.Africa, said Mombasa is not only strategic for their operations but it is also a show of commitment to serve the entire country..

"99 per cent of cars coming to Kenya or East Africa come through Mombasa, so this is strategic and we believe it will help in ensuring the sustainability of our business" said Excell.

Adding "This expansion reaffirms our commitment to the growth of Kenyan car industry".

She noted that despite the effects of Covid-19 there is still demand for cars in the country.

"Covid has hit the world hard and Africa harder but we must all accept that it not going anywhere soon. People still need transport. more people have been going online to buy cars so it still makes perfect sense for us to open the new office,” she noted.

On his part Cheki Kenya’s product manager, Dennis Ochieng said, Cheki Kenya is setting base in Mombasa to foster strategic partnerships with car dealers.

,"We have also partnered with insurance providers, car finance, car inspection among others in order to serve our customers better”. he said.

Also present at the Forum, Mr James Kitavi CEO, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) spoke on the government’s new directive to allow exit of units from the port without number plates, but with logbooks and a third identifier sticker, to ease the clearance congestion citing its importance in ensuring faster clearing of cars by importers.

Fresh from her critically acclaimed fourth studio album “CELIA” - named one of the 10 Best Albums of 2020 by Time Magazine, Multiple award-winning Afrobeats star TIWA SAVAGE has made a glorious return with the release of the beautiful track “TALES BY MOONLIGHT” featuring AMAARAE out today.  

Listen to “Tales By Moonlight” HERE 

“TALES BY MOONLIGHT” is the first official single from her forthcoming project “WATER & GARRI” which is set for release on August 20 through Motown Records.

Tiwa describes the upcoming EP as her “most spiritual journey through music so far”.

WATER & GARRI is available for pre-order HERE. 

Produced by Cracker Mallo, "Tales By Moonlight” references a children’s television program with the same title.

The show was set in a village and featured an adult who would read old folk stories and fairytales to a group of young children.

“On this song I remember (that) program I watched as a child and I’m basically saying that I want to experience the fairytales with the happy endings that were in those stories - this is the kind of love that I want to feel.” Tiwa comments. 

“TALES BY MOONLIGHT" sees Tiwa team up with Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter AMAARAE.

Highlighted as Beats 1 Breakout Star of 2020, Amaaarae adds her breathy soprano vocals over this soulful afro sound. 

United States based record Label Legacy Records Entertainment signee and the new king of Afro Pop in Tanzania, Loui has just dropped the visuals to his new single ‘YEYE’ that is believed to be his best work ever since he started music career.

This comes months after dropping his debut EP ‘Lights on me’.

This is a Love song with vibrant and melodious South America sounds mixed with some Afro elements was produced, mixed and mastered by Ramoon Musica from Rabat Morocco and the visuals shot in Tanzania by one of the best directors in the region, Hanscana.

‘YEYE’ is a Swahili word that collectively refers to a ‘Him or her’ but in this case it means ‘Her’. Loui wants this lady to come and dance for him.

‘This is the best song I have ever done in terms of production, Writing and Engineering. I’m optimistic and sure it’s going to do very well in terms of streams. I want to break new barriers and break into markets and I feel this is it.” Said Loui.

Adding “ This is the song that’s going to do that for me. Everyone in the team is excited and I can’t wait for the world to listen to this amazing sound’,

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.

‘YEYE” is going to set him up to the international markets and it’s gonna take him to greater heights’ Said Tony, Legacy records managing director.

Kenyan singer Tanasha Donna has suffered a major setback after her YouTube channel got hacked.

According to the singer, this led to YouTube suspending the channel.

She however assured her fans that the channel will be back soon.

"We are working on getting back my YouTube ASAp. Someone tried to hack it so youtube suspended the channel however it is being resolved as we speak." she posted.

Fast rising Mombasa artist, Elijah Gogo, popularly know as K.O is set to drop his debut Ep titled ' Form Nne'.

The Ep which is set for release on September will include four songs and a bonus one, with several collaborations.

The young talented singer who is currently on his last year (Form Four) at Shimo La Tewa Secondary School was discovered by Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and has been making airwaves due to his music.

Some of his hit songs includes 'Kasuku' and 'Chora' ft Femi One.

In a recent interview, K.O revealed that his dream is to work with Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz, and Otile Brown.

Taita Taveta county assembly is in mourning once again following the death of another member.

Mahoo Ward MCA Ronald Sagurani died on Tuesday evening while undergoing treatment in a Mombasa hospital. 

He was also the leader of minority party, Jubilee.

The news was revealed to members by the county speaker Meshach Maganga. 

According to reports, the legislator succumbed to Covid-19.

"Good morning Hon.Members, it is with deep sadness, we announce the passing on of Hon.Ronald Sagurani, Leader of Minority party, Member of County Assembly-Mahoo Ward that occured yesterday Tuesday 17th August, 2021 at around 10.00pm while undergoing medication at Pandya Hospital Mombasa. " reads a message from the speaker.

In his condolence message, President Uhuru Kenyatta described Sagurani as  a progressive grassroots politician and regretted that the cruel hand of death had taken him away at a time when his constituents still needed his transformative leadership.

“As a party we have lost a progressive leader who was dedicated to the service of his community. His commitment to improving the lives of wananchi at the grassroots endeared him to many, propelling him to be elected twice to represent Mahoo Ward,” the President said.

The Head of State said Sagurani leaves behind a colorful legacy of transformative development projects that will continue to positively impact residents of Mahoo Ward and Taveta Constituency in general.

 “We appreciate his commitment to improving the agricultural sector within the County of Taita Taveta, and especially banana farming where he championed for value addition,” the President said.

Sagurani becomes the fourth MCA from the county to die in office.

In December 2019, the assembly also lost nominated MCA Anastanzia Wakesho who had been battling breast cancer for nearly four years. She died while undergoing treatment in Nairobi.

Last year Wundanyi-Mbale ward representative Beatrice Mwabili, who was the only female elected MCA in the 2017 general election succumbed to gallbladder while undergoing treatment in a Nairobi hospital.

In April this year, the assembly lost another member, ODM nominated MCA Joyce Mwangoji.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday, at State House Mombasa, received representatives of the triumphant Kenyan contingent to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where he announced cash rewards of Shs 1 million, 750,000 and 500,000 for Gold, Silver and Bronze medalists respectively.

The Head of State further announced a uniform token of Shs 200,000 for all athletes and officials, including the Paralympics team, currently participating in the delayed Summer Games.

The President thanked the Olympians for their outstanding performances that saw Kenya top the African medal chart, pointing out that the team's success had once again demonstrated Kenya's sporting prowess.

“We are here to celebrate your victory which is Kenya’s victory. And we are here to congratulate you, to say how proud we are of your performances as individuals and as a team,” President Kenyatta said.

He said the Government will continue partnering with all stakeholders in the sports sector to ensure the country retains its talents by creating a conducive environment and giving good incentives for their performance.

The Head of State called on the Ministry of Sports and all partners to layout a system of identifying and developing sports talent from their formative ages so as to expand the country's pool of athletes.

“We want to continue to ensure that we not only do our best to retain our athletes but also we are constantly building up our sportsmen and women from an early age,” the President said.

He thanked the World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who was present, for working closely with the Kenyan Government in hosting global sporting events, and expressed optimism that this would lead to Kenya being the first African country to host the world championship.

“We have been honoured to host the world under 20 athletics championship 2021, and it is my profound hope that this will now lay a foundation for Kenya to be the first African country to host the World Athletics Championship,” the Head of State said.

“We will do everything within our power, working with all stakeholders to ensure Kenya becomes the first nation in Africa to host the World Athletics championship. We are slowly moving in that direction,” he added.

Once again, the President urged the Kenyan athletes to always adhere to set international standards by avoiding indulgences that may destroy their careers and the country's reputation.

“Let us also as we always say, before departing for an event, make sure Team Kenya plays clean and plays fair. If we win by playing clean and playing fair that is not only good for you but is also important for our sports globally," the President said.

In remarks read by her Principal Secretary Joe Okudo, Sports CS Amina Mohammed thanked President Kenyatta for his commitment to the development of Kenya’s athletes saying the move has continued to ensure the country produces best teams for global events.

She pointed out that the sterling performance of Team Kenya at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is as a result of diligence, patriotism and discipline of the athletes and officials that participated in the global sporting event.

“Their hard work over the years, has once again, placed Kenya on the global map, and furthered our reputation as the home of champions,” CS Amina said.

Kenya was the top ranked African country at the delayed Summer Games after garnering a total of 10 medals (4 Gold, 4 Silver and 2 Bronze).

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics Kenyan team was represented by Gold medalists Peris Jepchirchir (marathon) and Emmanuel Korir (800m) as well as Silver medalists Bridget Kosgei (marathon), Hellen Obiri (5000m), Timothy Cheruiyot (1500m) and Ferguson Rotich (800m).

Also present at the State House, Mombasa meeting was Bronze winner Benjamin Kigen (3000m steeplechase).

The Mombasa County Assembly has been split into two with a section of MCAs aligning themselves to Mvita legislature Abdulswamad Nassir and others going to businessman-cum-politician Suleiman Shahbal's camp.

The two political bigwigs have in the last week been meeting the MCAs in a bid to woo their support in their race to succeed Joho.

The seat seems to have remained a two horse race between Shahbal and Nassir both of whom are ready to use all resources, avenues and influence to capture the seat.

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The two will battle it out in the ODM nominations an issue that has split the county assembly into two halves as the party enjoys majority in the assembly with 27 out of 30 elected MCAs and all the 12 nominated ones.

On August 6, Shahbal held a meeting with the 21 MCAs in what he called as a consultative meeting between leaders to discuss matters pertaining to taking stalk of Mombasa’s economy and how to rebuild it.

Suleiman Shahbal posing for a photo with a section of Mombasa MCAs after a 'consultative' meeting

“Our meeting was pegged on how we can work together to better the economy and the lives of our people,” said Shahbal.

Shahbal added that the meeting was not political noting it was important for leaders to share ideas stating since no leader has the monopoly of vision.

“I think that it is important for any leader to seek the opinion of everyone and we have agreed that if I call them they will come and listen, even my opponent is free to call them,” said Shahbal.

"I have had a meeting with Shahbal and I know his vision and plan for our county. I will not change my stand on this " said Old Town MCA Amur Murfad, during the presentation of a sponsorhip cheque to Iqra youth group by the Suleiman Shahbal foundation on Sunday.

Adding " He has a plan and that's why he has managed to sponspor 1.2 million out of his pocket. For the first time we have a leader who consults with grassroots leaders. He wants to bring sh 50 million to the wards"

In the same week, Nassir hosted about 20 MCAs led by deputy speaker Fadhili Makarani and nominated ODM youth Representative Moses Aran alias Civiliser for a consultative meeting in a Mombasa hotel.

Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir meeting a section of Mombasa MCAs

Nassir did not stop there, he also held a closed door meeting with sub-county coordinators on Sunday that the media was barred from covering.

Nassir’s meeting with the coordinators is raising questions on whether the ODM leadership in Mombasa is favouring Nassir over Shahbal.

According to a source, the administrators had been earlier warned against attending the meeting only for them to be given a go ahead on the last minute.

The political sphere in Mombasa continues to take shape as MCAs position themselves to reap big from desperate gubernatorial candidates racing to get their support and endorsement.

Africa middleweight champion Rayton Okwiri knocked out Columbia's Fidel Munoz in the second of a scheduled eight round non-title middleweight fight in Portland Maine in the United States on Saturday night.

The Kenyan 2016 Olympics quarter-finalist was on top of the game and showed no signs of rustiness having last fought in December 14, 2019 in Nairobi when he successfully defended his Africa Boxing Union middleweight title against Augustine Matata from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

With that deserved victory, Okwiri is now unbeaten in seven fights with five KO's and one draw while Munoz drops to 39-26-1.

The Columbian boxer came out charging in the first round, probably hoping to scare Okwiri who stood firm and changed the tide of the fight to his favour.

"He took me for granted thinking I'm a pushover. I began carrying the fight to him with snapping jabs,'' said Okwiri.

The 35-year-old Kenyan southpaw maintained his tempo up to the end of the first round, digging deep with body blows at times and keeping the Columbian busy with lightning jabs and screaming tattoos.

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Okwiri then continued with the same momentum in the second round, pressing the backpedalling Munoz who was now getting hit with alarming frequency by the aggressive Kenyan.

A cracking left cross exploded on the face of Munoz, sending him to the canvas for an eight count. He made two more trips to the canvas, and that's when the referee decided to halt the proceedings to save the Columbian from further unnecessary punishment and possible disaster.

"He was a tough boxer, he caught me with a hard overhand left in the first round, that's when I decided if l let him go more than two rounds he would trouble me,'' said Okwiri.

"We were using eight ounce gloves, most people say southpaws normally don't follow their opponents but I carried the fight to him. the more I pressurised him I realised he was getting confused, breathing heavily and walking into my punches.''

A sergeant with Kenya Prisons Service, Okwiri said he dedicates the victory to the Commissioner-General of Prisons Wycliffe Ogallo CBS and the entire staff.

"The Commissioner and his deputy have been so supportive, I thank them so much for allowing me to fight as a professional while still being their employee. I'm planning to be boxing in Prisons colours in some of my fights.''

A subdued  Munoz, 33,  later said:``He's a fast and strong boxer.'' Okwiri was featuring in a card promoted by Michael Reyes who is also his head trainer.

Okwiri's next stop will probably be in Nairobi next month for a major fight to be promoted by 22Bet and then moves  to Dar es Salaam for another fight at the end of September. He is likely to fight in the US before coming to Nairobi.