Kenya’s legendary Safari Rally  today inched closer to rejoining   the prestigious  World Rally Championships (WRC) next year when President Uhuru Kenyatta flagged off the 66th edition at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The WRC candidate event has attracted 49 elite drivers from across Africa who will cover over 796 kilometres in three days.

President Kenyatta said Kenya was proud to host the candidate event saying the journey to re-enter the WRC series began in 2013 when the Jubilee Administration took over leadership.

“Today, the journey we began in 2013 to return the most iconic of motoring events, the Safari Rally, to the International Automobile Federation-World Rally Championship Series, has scaled to greater heights as we proudly host this World Rally Championship Candidate Event,” the President said.

He assured motorsport stakeholders and enthusiasts that the government is fully committed to supporting the rally and expressed optimism that the Safari Rally project in Kenya will become a full series event.

“Like  so many Kenyans, I am confident that not only will this Safari Rally be a full series event, but also the Kenyan Flag will feature on the winning podium in a number of events,” said the President.

The Head of State acknowledged the support from FIA through its President Jean Todt in the ongoing efforts to ensure Kenya returns to the WRC.

“The logistical and technical support that we have received from the International Automobile Federation has not only made this event possible, but also deepened Kenya’s capacity to deliver world class rallying experiences," said the President.

He assured the world motorsport's body of Kenya’s keenness to meet all FIA regulations, standards and requirements so that Kenya  is re-admmitted to the WRC.

The President handed over a government sponsorship cheque of Shs 449 million to the Kenya Motorsports Federation for use in the development of motorsport activities in the country.

The money was drawn from the National Sports Fund which has been supporting national teams  representing the country in international sporting activities including Harambee Stars during their recent AFCON football competitions in Cairo.

President Kenyatta expressed optimism that the Safari Rally he flagged off today will restore the immense love for motorsports among Kenyans as he recalled memorable Safari Rally events of  the 1970s and 80s.

The President said the Safari Rally should inspire many Kenyans to move forward in life with enthusiastic hearts and with a clear sense of whole.

He  said the Safari Rallly and other sports for which Kenya is known for embodies the spirit of possibility, a spirit that conquers and defies all odds.

After flagging off today’s 4 kilometre super stage around Kasarani, President Kenyatta joined spectators to watch the rally starters warming up ahead of a grueling competition

Tanzanian R&B singer Vanessa Mdee has just released the first video off her highly anticipated EP, Expensive.

The song has been produced  by S2Kizzy from Pluto Records.

Watch the video below

In a bid to promote and empower talents in Nyali Constituency, the area Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali (Jicho pevu) has sponspored two upcoming artists to record their songs with King Kaka's studio, Kaka empire.

The two artists from Bombolulu Leonard Nyambu and Lubuo Masere will also go through mentorship.

"In all my public barazas since I was elected, these two artists have always volunteered as entertainers awaiting speeches. Whether invited officially or not" said Ali. 

The two artists will shoot their videos after the mentorship.

Adding "While undergoing the mentorship ,the duo will be able to record their songs at the studio and get the much needed exposure to grow. This is what leadership entails, giving our local talents the much needed environment to grow".

According to the Mp, this is a long term programme not just for the two artists but also other talents in the constituency 

On his part, King Kaka lauded the Mp for the move challenging other leaders to emulate him.

"Big up Moha for lifting the talents, we have alot of talented youths in the streets, we need to help them to fight vices like crime. We need to have leaders like you". said King Kaka 

President Uhuru Kenyatta today eulogized Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Robert William Collymore as a special friend who has left huge footprints in the country.

Speaking during a memorial service for the fallen business titan, President Kenyatta said Kenya has lost part of its “soul” through the death of  the late Collymore who died of Leukemia early Monday. He has since been cremated.

“Bob loved Kenya as his own country. He loved Safaricom as his own company. We have lost part of our soul,” said President Kenyatta when he joined family, friends and the country's top business executives at a memorial service held at the All Saints Cathedral (ACK) in Nairobi.

“Even as we celebrate his life, there is still so much pain in losing somebody we loved so much,” the President eulogised.

The Head of State remembered a three-hour afternoon meeting he recently held with Collymore where they discussed a range of issues covering the President’s legacy, and the intensified fight against corruption and the great dreams, hope and vision that the late executive had for Safaricom, which he had served for nine years by the time of his death.

“We spent a whole afternoon together and discussed various issues,” said the President adding that it was during the meeting that Bob talked of his premonition with destiny saying he had just weeks to live.

The sombre memorial service attended by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair brought together tens of CEOs and Bob’s family led by his widow Mrs Wambui Collymore.

Former Vice Presidents Moody Awori, Kalonzo Musyoka,  and Musalia Mudavadi  attended the memorial service alongside a host of other political leaders.

Deputy President William Ruto said the late Collymore was a courageous leader, in a class of his own, who had become a great inspiration to many Kenyans.

“The way he did his things was a big inspiration to many Kenyans. His legacy should be carried to the future,” said the DP who said he met Bob a month before his demise.

The memorial service was characterized by an outpouring of moving tributes from family members and close confidants.

British High Commissioner Nic Hailey spoke on behalf of the diplomatic community while politician Peter Kenneth represented his close circle of friends.

His close confidants talked of Bob's last days and narrated how the deceased had made meticulous plans ahead of his death including his choice of cremation.

Safaricom Chairman Nicholas Ng’ang’a, Kenya Commercial Bank CEO Joshua Oigara and Michael Joseph (currently the interim Safaricom CEO)  described Collymore as an exceptional leader and a man of great abilities who believed in fairness, diversity and inclusion even as he drove a purposeful and people-centred enterprise.

Other business leaders saluted the fallen hero as a humble, honest, transformative leader who used extraordinary leadership skills to grow Safaricom to become one of the largest telecommunications firms  in Africa.

They said Collymore made all people around him, irrespective of class and status, feel special around him, a trait that made him build trust and confidence among business partners.

The late Collymore came to Kenya in 2010 to succeed Mr Michael Joseph as the Safaricom CEO. During his tenure, Collymore rapidly grew the fortunes of Safaricom and in nine years of his stewardship, the company doubled its clientele from 15 million users in 2010  to over 32 million in 2019.

The telco’s annual returns, dividends, taxes and other obligations more than doubled during the same period.

It is also during Mr Collymore's tenure that Safaricom strengthened its partnership with government leading to the joint implementation of mega projects in security, elections management and several other sectors of the economy.

Before his call of duty in Kenya, the late Collymore, who died aged 61, worked in several telecommunication companies in the UK, Japan and South Africa.

The king of lovers rock, Jah Cure arrived in the country yesterday evening ahead of the umoja splash music festival slated for this Saturday.

The Grammy-nominated artist will be the main act at the event. This will be his first time to perform in Kenya, it is also part of his world wide tour “The Royal Soldier Tour”.

Jah Cure is one of reggae music’s biggest artists at the moment and he will take part in a number of activities in Nairobi ahead of his second performance in Kenya as he goes on a global 10-city tour.

He is best known for topping the music charts with global hits such as "Call on me", "Never Find", and "What Am I Longing For", as well as global reggae number one singles, most notably “Unconditional Love.”

Jah Cure has multiple critically acclaimed hits and has collaborated with many internationally renowned artists – Mavado, Rick Ross, Phyllisia and Jazmine Sullivan, crossing into hip-hop, Latin, Pop and R&B genres.

“You don’t even know how happy I am to be back in Africa, back in Kenya. There’s never a better time. There’s never a better place. I think here in Kenya I have a connection" said Jah Cure

"The first time I was here was not official so I felt I had to come back and make it official,” said Jah Cure at a press conference at Westwood Hotel,”he added.

The artist said he would take part in some activities, tour parts of the city and meet fans ahead of his performance on Saturday night.

“It’s in our hands to keep Africa clean. We are the original kings and part of that is keeping things clean. Kenya is not a normal African country. Kenya is the number one state. Kenyans will get what they deserve. I’m here to explore, not to exploit,” he added.

The festival organisers announced a flash sale for the tickets.

“Tusker Lager is happy to support this festival. Its aims are in line with our ambitions as a brand, which is to bring people together and to celebrate life every day" said Christine Mwaura, Marketing Manager, Tusker.

Adding "Supporting a concert like this is one of the ways we can do this and we look forward to this celebration,”

Local acts Jah Watchman from Dohty Family, Nutty Bwoy, Musikal Sherriff, Teargas and others are also set to perform alongside DJ’s Moh, and Zionites and Nutty Konshens at this edition of the Umoja Splash Festival held in conjunction with Tusker, Nairobi City County Government and a range of sponsors.

Tanzania's singing sensation Mbosso has decided to show some love to one of his die hard fan from Mombasa, Jamal Ismail a.k.a 'Anacheza anaona raha'.

Jamal had been admitted at the Coast General Hospital for two months following some health complications which saw his only remaining leg amputated. He has now lost his both legs.

Mbosso helped in clearing the hospital bill which according to some sources had hit sh 150,000.

Speaking to Ommy Dallah, Mombasa based actress and presneter Mama Madikodiko who has been the link between Mbosso and Jamal revealed that the artist played a big role in ensuring that Jamal gets treated and discharged. He was discharged yesterday.

"Mbosso has been very helpful, he has always been in constant communication with Jamal through me throughout the period that he had beenn admitted. We pray that God rewards him for this " said Madikodiko.

Adding "He has also promised to get him a wheelchair and offer any assistance that we will require from him".

Mombasa business man Abubakar Joho is also said to have played part in clearing the bill.

Jamal became popular after a video of him singing to Mbosso's song 'Nipepe' went viral attracting Mbosso's attention.

They later met in Mombasa during the Wasafi festival late last year where Mbosso was among the artists performing at the event. During his performance, Mbosso called Jamal on stage to appreciate him.

Successful Kenyan rapper, entrepreneur and philanthropist King Kaka is taking his Sanitary Bank Campaign to new heights.

He has officially launched the King Kaka Menstrual Walk 2019 as a new phase of his Bank On Me Sanitary campaign.

He was joined by partners Kimfay, Better4Kenya and SkyWard as he informed the public on the walk and how their participation will help keep 100,000 girls in school by providing them with sanitary towels.

The Menstrual Walk will be a week long journey covering 154 Kilometers from Nairobi to Nakuru. Commencing on August 19^th.

It will be flagged off in Nairobi and will ultimately conclude with a musical concert in Nakuru Town on August 24^th.

Speaking on the walk, King Kaka said:  

“I look forward the public joining me on this walk as we make a difference for the girl child in Kenya"

Adding "I would also encourage the government and the public to share their ideas on the way forward, we need to talk about these menstruation issues and increase awareness on the matter”

On her part Kimfay representative Evelyn Wangechi noted, “There are several ways you can contribute to this cause- we have a collection point at Kimfay offices in Mombasa road, feel free to purchase and drop off towels".

Dennis Njenga, Kaka Empire MD revealed that they have reached about 12,000 girls with the Bank On Me Sanitary Campaign so far and hope to reach 15,000 more within this year.

World Bank Vice President for Africa Hafez Ghanem has assured of the Bretton Woods institution’s support for Kenya’s Big 4 development blueprint.

Mr Ghanem singled out the provision of affordable healthcare as an area that his organization is keen on collaborating with the Government to ensure its success.

“The World Bank is committed to supporting Kenya in advancing the Big 4 Agenda both in technical and financial cooperation,” Mr Ghanem said.

The World Bank VP was speaking today when he paid a courtesy call on President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi.

President Kenyatta praised the collaboration between his administration and the World Bank, saying the partnership has seen implementation of projects that have impacted positively on the lives of Kenyans.

President Kenyatta and Mr Ghanem also discussed the World Bank’s Development Policy Operations (DPO), infrastructure, climate smart agriculture and digital economy.

On infrastructure in the Horn of Africa, President Kenyatta and Mr Ghanem agreed on the need scale up implementation of projects that will help resettle Somali refugees back in their country.

They said the infrastructure projects will also boost security in Somalia.

“I am very keen on those projects because they will not only serve to ensure security but they are also a development tool,” the President noted.

The Head of State urged the World Bank not to loosen its grip on the various development projects earmarked for the Horn of Africa region saying despite recorded challenges in some countries, the need for the interventions still exists.

On the digital economy, the World Bank Vice President commended Kenya for taking the lead in the East African region.

He said the World Bank is working on a programme to develop a digital market in East Africa that will start with Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda but later expand to the other countries in the region.

The meeting was attended by the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and Work Bank Country Director for Kenya Carlos Felipe Jaramillo among others.

The Adelle Onyango Initiative has partnered with Grow with Google, a digital course for anyone who wants to grow their online business acumen.

Adelle Onyango believes that the course, which is free, is important not only for the youth but also for all and sundry, especially in this digital age.

"We're currently having conversations about the skill gap and whether youth in Africa are well equipped with relevant skills needed in present day!" she said

Adding "Together with Grow with Google we've created access to free courses that can help young people get digital skills for free!" 

The initiative's move to partner with Google in this progressive venture is a golden opportunity for the youth.

 "When it comes to digital skills Google are pioneers in this and the Grow with Google platform breaks down these skills in brilliant modules that are easy to understand!"

Adelle continued, "Well the initiative has 4300 youth members but also it's the first opportunity we have that young people outside of Nairobi or even Africa can access." 

The course can be accessed via this link https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalskills?gpid=2486272

The country today woke up to the sad news of the demise of Safaricom Chief executive officer (CEO) Bob Collymore.

According to a statement from the company the C.E.O succumbed to cancer at his home Monday morning.

"He has been undergoing treatment for his condition since then in different hospitals and most recently at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi. In recent weeks, his condition worsened and he succumbed to the cancer at his home in the early hours of Monday," Safaricom chairman Nicholas Ng'ang'a said in a statement.

He leaves behind a wife and four children. On May this year he was appointed as a Board member for the National cancer institute.

Following the death, several local celebrities who have been working closely with him took to social media to mourn him.

"There are CEOs and there are leaders of Men...Bob led a team of brilliant visionaries and thats where his strength lay..for the advice, words of wisdom and for the opportunities , I say asante...rest well Bob..you ran a race, did it on your own terms and made a serious difference!. "Success is nothing if you dont have a successor "- Myles Munroe " posted Maina Kageni

"I feel shaken. Rest Rafiki #RIP Bob" posted Julie Gichuru.

King Kaka posted "Rest Bob. Tutaonana baadae".

On his part Nameless posted "Sad to hear this. Rest in peace Bob.

Pascal Tokodi posted " I'm grateful for the opportunities sir...my hearfelt condolences to the family , God rest his soul"

"Go well, my Brother and my friend. Rest with the angels. You ran a good race and you made a CHANGE!..#RIPBobCollymore" posted Jeff Koinange

Kalekye Mumo posted "Rest in power Bob Collymore. Your leadership and impact will never be forgotten. My prayers and condolences to your family both at home an safaricom.

"Sad news!. Safaricom poleni kuweni na subra. Tuko pamoja" posted Redsan