Musician Akothee has yet gain turn into a topic of discussion, this is however due to her new look.

She took to social media to post her new photos yesterday as she was marking her birthday throwing netizens into a frenzy.

She also took a swipe at those who have been criticisng her looks 

"For those who ever commented that I am ugly , repent now , before I take your man home ?????? if this is what beauty is for you ???" she posted 

The party was also attended by her parents.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta today commended the progress being made by the government and its partners to ensure that Kenyans have access to affordable Healthcare services.

She said the reduction and in some cases total removal of fees in public health facilities, the ongoing infrastructural expansion, the government-sponsored National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), the free maternity cover and other interventions are all aimed at protecting Kenyans especially women, children and vulnerable communities.

The First Lady spoke at a Nairobi hotel when she presided over the launch of the Lancet Global Health Commission  on High Quality Health Systems Report in the Sustainable Development Goals Era. First Lady Margaret Kenyatta is a member of the commission.

She expressed concern over the disparities in the quality of healthcare services offered between public and private facilities and across regions saying the huge differences present a major challenge facing the country’s healthcare system.

The First Lady said there is need to focus attention on quality healthcare that all Kenyans can trust irrespective of the provider and their regions.

“We must begin to pay closer attention to quality care, and build resilient health systems that Kenyan’s can trust and have confidence, irrespective of the facility they visit,” she said.

She said poor health systems pose an impediment to the growing demands and expectations by Kenyans on their health needs.

According to the Lancet report, 52,000 deaths occurred in Kenya in 2016 due to poor quality health systems. Out of these deaths, 32,000 were attributed to lack of access to healthcare while the rest were occasioned by poor quality care.

The First Lady said recommendations by the the Lancet report are bound to accelerate the gains made by Kenya in achieving health related SDG 2030 targets because they emphasize on quality health services as  a “big win” strategy.

“We as a country have taken some steps towards enshrining the principle of patient-centred service in our healthcare systems through the Kenya Quality Models for Health guidelines developed in 2012, alongside the Joint Health Inspection Report both developed by the Ministry of Health,” the First Lady said.

Besides enhanced governance and re-organization of health services, the Lancet report calls for a people-centred modernized curricula for pre-service and in-service training of healthcare providers, system-wide actions and a system that listens and cares more.

The report also calls for a system that is more concerned with excellence and is responsive to the needs of the people it serves.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said quality healthcare is a right for every citizen and should not be perceived as a preserve of the rich and privileged Kenyans.

She said the recommendations by the Lancet report however require strategic investment from all health partners.

The First lady said the Lancet proposals resonate well with initiatives under her Beyond Zero Strategic Framework which lay emphasis on wellness and a people-centred approach in healthcare provision.

She congratulated the Lancet global Health Commission team of experts including those from the Harvard Medical School, the World Health Organization, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the Ministry of Health represented at the two-day conference by Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki.

Others who spoke at the high level event included the chair of the Lancet Global Health Commission of High Quality Health System Prof. Margaret Kruk, WHO representative in Kenya Dr Rudi Eggers, the Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Governors Mrs Jacqueline Mogeni and the Ag. Director General of Health Dr John Wekesa.

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho was among the vocal critics of President Kenyatta and his Jubilee administration, that was however before the now found unity between President Kenyatta and ODM Leader and Joho's boss Raila Odinga, the now famous handshake.

According to Joho, he used to look for every opportunity to tell the President and his government off, at times he used to sneak out of his house early morning go into hiding so as to avoid his close allies and handlers and attend the President's function to tell him off.

Things got worse that at one time the Governor was put under house arrest and prevented from attending a Presidential function in his own County, Mombasa.

Speaking during the official launch of the Embrace Women Building Bridge Movement, Joho narrated how he mastered the art.

The government of Mauritius has lifted a ban on several Kenyan farm produce as the two countries signed agreements to enhance trade between them.

The ban on avocadoes, baby carrots, baby beans and broccoli was lifted during bilateral talks between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his host Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.

The move by Mauritius comes less than six months after the Chinese government opened its doors to the Kenya's fresh produce. 

President Kenyatta said the lifting of the ban by Mauritius will help improve Kenya's export to the Indian Ocean Island country and is a major boost for horticultural farmers in the country especially women who are the majority in the sector. 

During the bilateral talks, President Kenyatta and PM Jugnauth witnessed the signing of several agreements including the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA); an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA); and an MOU on Cooperation for the Development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zone in Kenya. 

Other agreements were an MOU in the field of Tourism; an MOU in the field of Higher Education and Scientific Research and an MOU in the field of Arts and Culture. 

President Kenyatta said Kenya is bound to benefit immensely from the signed agreements and MOU’s as they would help the country achieve its development goals particularly in manufacturing and job creation. 

“Both countries can benefit from the proximity of each other to foster closer cooperation across many areas. I welcome the conclusion and signing of agreements in six areas during this state visit,” the President said. 

He pointed out that more bilateral engagements between Kenya and Mauritius will enhance existing cordial relations thereby increasing trade and investment opportunities.

The President said, several opportunities exist in trade and investment, financial services, agriculture, transport and communication, and in culture, education, tourism and research. 

He expressed gratitude that the inaugural Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) which was held in August 2018, has helped the two countries to deepen and enhance the scope of  bilateral engagements. 

President Kenyatta pointed out that Kenya and Mauritius are well placed to collaborate in championing the development of the blue economy since both countries are  littoral states with long coastlines. 

The Kenyan Head of State said there is need for the two countries to explore ways of enhancing cooperation in maritime transport by linking Port Louis to the Port of Mombasa as a catalyst for growing business and trade between Kenya and Mauritius. 

“Kenya is making good progress in developing the Port of Lamu as part of the Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport Corridor (LAPSSET) project, I look forward to Mauritius sharing in the dividends that will accrue from the transport infrastructure once it is complete,” President Kenyatta said. 

He invited Mauritian investors  to participate in the Special Economic Zones  which the government has  set up at the Port of Mombasa and within the Export Processing Zones.  

The President said collaboration in this area will be enhanced through sharing of best practices and in the development of an integrated regional value chain in the textile sector. 

President Kenyatta expressed gratitude on the signing of the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) and called on the parties concerned to ensure the necessary mechanisms are put in place to facilitate implementation of the Agreement.

The President called on the Mauritius government to partner with Kenya in combating transnational crimes  which are a threat to peace and  security in the Indian ocean. 

“As chair of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), Mauritius can help steward the regional fight against piracy, money laundering, and drug trafficking, which are threatening peace and security in the Indian Ocean,” said the President.

President Kenyatta said Kenya is committed to the realization of the goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, saying he looks forward to working closely with Mauritius and other African nations to advance the ongoing reforms of the continental body, to make it more responsive to Africa's deepest concerns.

He further requested Mauritius to support Kenya's bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2021 to 2022 at the elections to be held this year.

“Kenya’s desire to be a member of the Council emanates from a strong belief that our solid record of continued contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security stands us in good stead to shoulder this responsibility,” President Kenyatta. 

He said when elected, Kenya will strive to highlight common African Union positions and concerns within the security council, particularly as regards peace and security on the continent. 

Prime Minister Jugnauth thanked President Kenyatta for the historic visit which makes the Kenyan leader the first Kenyan President to visit Mauritius. 

“The presence of President Kenyatta testifies not only the sterling relations that Mauritius and Kenya enjoy, but more importantly constitutes a statement that our two nations are irreversibly locked in a mutually beneficial partnership,” said the Mauritius PM.

He said the six signed agreements are core instruments  for the promotion of greater economic cooperation and protection of investments between the two  countries.

The PM said the signing of the Agreement on Special Economic Zones will lead to the setting up of a conducive  frame work towards developing centres of global competitive production in Kenya.

He said as an economic power house in the East African region, Kenya is one of the main trading partners of Mauritius adding that President Kenyatta’s visit marks the beginning of a new era as the country prepares to start import Kenyan farm produce.

“Following our discussions Excellency, we are looking forward to see Kenyan avocadoes in our stalls,” the Prime Minister said.

President Kenyatta is accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Monica Juma (Foreign Affairs) and Prof. George Magoha ( Education) among other senior government officials.

HomeBoyz radio has suspend its presenter Didge over remarks he made concerning the brutal murder of Ivy Wangechi, a student at Moi University, Eldoret.

In a statement Homeboyz radio confirmed the immediate suspension of Didge who hosts the Mtaani show. The station also apologised on behalf of the presenter.

Didge had said in his how that Ivy was killed because she was unfaithful to the alleged killer identified as Naftali Njahi who is also said to be her lover.

“She died because she wasn’t loyal. That’s the truth.” said Didge.

It is still not yet clear why Ivy was killed though alot has been said concerning the murder.

Kenya's legendary artist Nameless is back with Megarider Remix. In the song Nameless teams up with rapper Khaligraph Jones.

The song has been produced by Cedo.

Watch the video below.

Clouds Media on Tuesday announced the inaugural season of East Africa’s Got Talent TV show to be shot in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

The show, which is part of “Got Talent” franchise started in 2014 by Simon Cowell will see acts ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous battle it out for a chance to be crowned the most talented East African.

“We are excited to bring this show to East Africa and give performers of any kind a chance to showcase their talent and tell the East African story through song, comedy, traditional music instruments and magic" said Joseph Kusaga, CEO, Clouds Media International.

"We would like to thank Safaricom and all our other partners for coming on board and playing a part in discovering the next generation of talent from East Africa,”  he added.

Auditions for the show will kick off in Kenya in May, with pre-auditions in Nairobi on 11th and 12th May 2019 at KICC and 19th of May in Nyali School, Mombasa, then move on to Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

The show, due to start airing in August this year, will have 10 episodes, with the semifinals and grand finalé shot live on location in Kenya.

Qualified participants from Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda will travel to Kenya for the Live shows. The winner will walk away with USD 50,000 (KES 5,000,000) as voted by the audience.

“Got Talent” is the world’s most successful reality TV format ever and has since spawned spin offs in over 60 countries. The “Got Talent” format has had more than 900 million global viewers since it began airing in 2006 and has aired in 194 markets worldwide.

It is open to performers of any kind, including singers, dancers, instrumentalists, magicians, comedians and novelty acts. Ugandan comedian Anne Kansiime has been announced as the host. Judges will be announced at a later date.

In a new short film, that harnesses ground breaking AI technology, David Beckham launches the world’s first voice petition to end malaria for the campaign Malaria Must Die, So Millions Can Live. Instead of collecting signatures.

The campaign asks people around the world to use the power of their voice to demand action by visiting malariamustdie.com and recording the message ‘Malaria Must Die’.

In the short film, produced by Ridley Scott Associates, David appears to speak nine languages as he invites people to add their voices to help end one of the world’s oldest and deadliest diseases.

But the voices are not all his own. Instead, using emerging AI video synthesis technology, we hear David speaking the voices of men and women from around the world, including malaria survivors and doctors fighting the disease.

Through David, we hear nine global languages spoken and the voices of eight others, including Dr Elvis Eze, Marie Murorunkwere, Hussein Omar and Jean Bosco Niyonzima, who have survived malaria and are using their stories to help raise awareness about malaria’s devastating effects.

Dr.Elvis Eze whose voice features in the film speaking Yoruba, a language spoken in Nigeria said: “My life changed when I worked at a hospital in Lagos, Nigeria and I saw the intolerable toll of malaria. It doesn’t have to be this way. I now work for the NHS in the UK and have seen how this is a global challenge.  Through the Voice Petition, we each have a chance to inspire change wherever we are”.

Each language and voice represent a part of the world affected by malaria, past or present; from the UK, which was historically affected by malaria, to China, a country on the brink of elimination, to Nigeria, where the malaria toll is the heaviest with close to 300 lives lost every day, mainly young children. 

“The fight to end malaria is everyone’s fight, and operating in Southern Africa where we have some of the heaviest burden of malaria, we see first-hand the wrenching effects this disease has on our people and our communities. It is why campaigns like #MalariaMustDie are so vital. We need commitment from our global leaders, and we’ll need to use our universal voices if we are going to create an impact and be heard. It’s time to say Goodbye Malaria.” Said Sherwin Charles, co-founder and CEO of Goodbye Malaria.

The ‘Malaria Must Die’ campaign is designed to amplify the voices of those affected by malaria and gives everyone the opportunity to speak out. Each voice collected via the petition will contribute to a unique piece of audio art known as a sound sculpture, grabbing the attention of leaders in a unique and memorable way. It will be delivered to world leaders ahead of critical funding decisions for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in six months’ time.

David Beckham is a founding member of Malaria No More UK Leadership Council and a committed champion in the fight against malaria with over a decade of support for Malaria No More UK. In his long-term role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador he has seen the impact of malaria on people’s lives in countries such as Sierra Leone. 

David said: “I have been working with Malaria No More UK for over 10 years and to be a part of this campaign and to help share some of the real stories behind malaria is really important to me. Dr Elvis Eze who was with us on set has suffered with malaria many times and as a doctor, he has seen how dangerous this disease can be. For me, it was so important to learn how he is using his experiences to raise awareness of malaria with young people in the UK and abroad. It’s unacceptable that malaria still kills a child every two minutes so please add your voice to the petition.”

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, The President of the Republic of Ghana, attended the Malaria Summit in London last year and says: “Our ultimate objective is for Ghana to become malaria free, but there is no standing still in the fight against malaria, an old enemy. I welcome the next phase of this campaign, and the innovative approach to inspire support. In Ghana, innovation underpins our strategy, which includes being one of the three countries piloting the new malaria vaccine this year.”

Dr Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho, Board Chairperson, RBM Partnership to End Malaria and Former Assistant Director General, World Health Organisation said: “2019 is a critical year for malaria. If we are going to win our fight against this devastating disease and save millions of lives, we must act now. This is a global fight. If we are going to be the generation that ends malaria we need to work together. World leaders are meeting this year to make important decisions around the Global Fund that will determine our ability to defeat malaria. I hope that people from every corner of the globe will lend their voice to this petition; together we will be impossible to ignore.”

The Voice Petition is the call to action for the next phase of the Malaria Must Die campaign, launched by Malaria No More UK in February 2018 in the run up to the London Malaria Summit, that was held during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in April 2018. The Malaria Summit featured commitments worth over $4.1bn to fight malaria and was followed by a historic CHOGM commitment to halve malaria across the Commonwealth by 2023.

Marie Murorunkwere, whose voice features in the film, speaking Kinyarwanda, a language spoken in Rwanda said: “I have seen and lived with malaria my whole life. I suffered so many times as a young girl growing up in Rwanda. The disease took the life of my precious younger brother when he was just two years old. Then I lost friends to the disease when I lived in a refugee camp in Goma in the Congo. You learn to live with the loss but the memories of those I loved stay with me forever.”     

History shows that ending malaria is achievable with the right resources and action. 150 years ago, all countries except in Antarctica had endemic malaria within their borders. Since then half of these have now successfully eliminated malaria, most recently Paraguay and Uzbekistan who were certified malaria free in 2018. Since 2000 a combination of powerful new tools, increased investment and strengthened international political commitment including from the UK, has cut malaria deaths globally by more than 60%, saving almost 7 million lives, mainly young children.

However, progress is not inevitable. History has also proven that malaria will return with a vengeance if not sufficiently controlled.  The decisions made now by political leaders – backed by strong public support - will determine this trajectory.

The film has been produced by a world class pro bono team convened by Malaria No More UK and Ridley Scott Associates Amsterdam with Director Juriaan Booij. Leading partners include digital ad agency R/GA, London based technology company Synthesia and Dentsu Aegis Network.

After being silent for sometime, Tanzanian rapper Darassa has finally made a comeback, with a bang.

The artist who rose to fame through his song 'Muziki' has now released three brand new videos.

The videos includes Leo featuring Jux, Tumepoteza featuring Maua Sama and Relax.

In a bid to raise funds to feed the poor Kenyans facing hunger in some parts of the country, singer Akothee has organised charity concert that will see all the proceeds go to the feeding program.

The show which is slated for this weekend at the Uhuru gardens will saw performance from over 10 Kenyan artists.

The artists include Akothee, Victoria Kimani, Khaligraph Jones, Arrow Boy, Tony Nyadundo, Benm Githae, Bahatai, Nameless among others.

Obina, Mwende Mwacharia, Jalang'o, Dr Ofweneke, Alex Mwakideu, Eric Omonid , Owango and Dr King'ori will be the Mcees.

This comes just months after Akothee led a delegation of ewell wishers to Turkana to feed those facing starvation in the area.