Renowned Kenyan fashion stylist Brian Babu has teamed up with Regalia Apparel, a local fashion powerhouse founded by David Gachie and Joseph Mureithi, to release an exclusive capsule collection named ‘Uwili’.

This highly anticipated collection is now available for purchase, offering fashion lovers a unique blend of artistic design and high-quality craftsmanship.

The ‘Uwili’ collection was launched at an intimate hangout on Saturday, September 21st 2024 at Embe Creatives in Lavington. 

The event brought together a host of Kenyan fashion and media industry personalities, celebrities and industry stakeholders alongside friends and fans of Babu and the brand, to celebrate the launch of their fashion project.

The ‘Uwili’ collection takes its inspiration from the natural balance of day and night, reflecting the contrast between light and darkness caused by the earth’s rotation.

Each garment in the collection is partially bleached, with the lighter sections symbolizing the reflection of sunlight during the day, and the darker parts representing the night’s fading glow.

The collection not only embodies this duality in its aesthetic but also emphasizes the balance that humans seek in their emotional, physical, and mental well-being.

Brian Babu and Regalia Apparel have seamlessly fused their unique expertise to deliver a collection that is versatile and unisex, making it accessible for everyone from age 16 and up.

“We intentionally created these pieces to be worn by anyone,” says Babu.

Adding “This collection is for individuals who want to look great, effortlessly transitioning from day to night.”

Brian Babu is known for his unparalleled eye for original and authentic fashion.

Over the years, he has collaborated with some of Africa’s top artists, including Sauti Sol, Diamond Platnumz, and Mr. Eazi, consistently showcasing his mastery in creating trend-setting custom looks.

Regalia Apparel, co-founded by designers David Gachie and Joseph Mureithi, is a brand that prides itself on authenticity, designing and dyeing garments from scratch. Their meticulous stitching and garment dyeing process ensure that each piece is crafted with care and precision.

This partnership began organically, with Babu reaching out to Regalia for a custom garment for an event. After realizing their mutual dedication to high-quality design, the idea of a full collection emerged. The result is ‘Uwili’, a collaborative effort that merges fabric decoration and cutting-edge design to create standout fashion.

The new collection includes a range of stylish, unisex pieces that offer something for everyone. Priced affordably, the ‘Uwili’ collection ensures that high fashion is accessible without compromising on quality or craftsmanship.

“We’re excited to share this collection with the world,” says Regalia co-founder David Gachie. “It’s a true reflection of the balance we sought to create in both style and function, ensuring it works for every occasion.”

Brian Babu and Regalia Apparel are no strangers to fashion collaborations. Together, they’ve worked on various projects, including custom garments for Bensoul’s performance at Blankets and Wine (August 2024) and styling for the Sol Fest dancers in 2023.

Their shared dedication to fashion innovation continues to push the envelope, showcasing the magic that can be created when brands come together.

With this collaboration, both parties aim to highlight the power of symbiotic relationships in the fashion industry. “We want to show that when brands come together and share ideas, the results can be nothing short of magical,” adds Babu.

President William Ruto has called for bold reforms at the United Nations Security Council to tackle the rapidly evolving global challenges. 

The President said the current multilateralism system has proven inadequate in addressing crises such as climate change, inequality and debt, and continues to falter in providing any, let alone timely, solutions.

He pointed out that, without immediate action, humanity will face an unprecedented global crisis.

“Today, we have no choice but to reject outdated systems and re-imagine a framework of international cooperation that works for all 8 billion people,” he said.

President Ruto was speaking on Sunday during the Summit of the Future plenary at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York, United States.

The President said there was a need to redesign the international financial system, strengthening partnerships for common security, bridging the digital divide and investing in human capacity. 

He noted that it was unfortunate that only 17% of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets are on track largely due to unmet financial commitments. 

"Developing countries, particularly in Africa and the Global South, are facing severe funding shortages, and the gap is widening,” he said.

The President explained it was time the historical injustice of Africa’s lack of permanent representation on the UN Security Council be addressed as a matter of justice in the ongoing UN reforms.

The President informed the General Assembly of the advancements made by the Kenya-led Multinational Support Mission in Haiti, saying that despite limited resources, the contingent has achieved tangible progress.

"What looked like mission impossible is now a present and real possibility for peace in Haiti,” he said. 

President Ruto said Kenya is keen on increasing its forest cover to 30% in 2030 by planting 15 billion trees, an effort largely led by the youth. 

"Two weeks ago, I launched ClimateWorX, a programme that will employ 200,000 young Kenyans in sustainable public works, focused on ecological restoration and infrastructure,” he said. 

Earlier, during the Summit of the Future's interactive dialogue session, President Ruto said there was a need to address structural and monetary issues that cripple multilateral financial institutions and disproportionately affect developing countries. 

hese, he said, will include limited fiscal capacity, rising debt, unfair credit ratings and uneven interest rates that threaten the realisation of SDGs.

"The fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain next year might be our last chance to make significant reforms to meet the SDGs,” he said.

GulfCap Real Estate hosted a high-profile investor brunch at Ajmal Restaurant, BBS Mall, Nairobi, unveiling their newest lifestyle development, 289 InCitys uites. 

The event attracted local business leaders, potential investors, and notable dignitaries, including Hon. Yusuf Hassan, the Member of Parliament for Kamukunji, HE. Jabril IbrahimAbdulle, the Somalia Ambassador to Kenya and Mohammed Aden, CEO of Eastleigh business community.

The guests emphasized the transformative impact the development will have in the community and setting the standard of real estate developments in Kenya.

GulfCap Real Estate, known for its award winning developments across Kenya, showcased 289 InCity Suites as the epitome of modern living, offering a range of studio apartments and duplexes in 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom configurations.

The project reflects GulfCap’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled living experience that promotes the values of peaceful lifestyles, continuous growth and building generational wealth.

Hon. Yusuf Hassan endorsed the 289 InCity Suites project as a golden opportunity for investors, encouraging them to partner with GulfCap Real Estate (GCRE) to take advantage of this unique venture

“This is not just another development; it represents a golden opportunity to invest in a project that promises significant returns and positively impacts the community,” Hassan remarked.

Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, Somali ambassador to Kenya congratulated GCRE on the launch of 289 InCity and lauded the developer for its innovation, leadership and commitment in creating transformative real estate investments.

GulfCap Real Estate, through Honorable Suleiman Shahbal, Chairman of the group, and Ahmed Bajaber, Director- who were present in the meeting- emphasized its vision to create landmark projects that foster community growth.

Chris Ochieng, CEO remarked “289 InCity suites will be a city within our city which will partner with and promote the thriving businesses and urban tourism opportunities, forever changing the face of the area”

Hawa Shaffi, key representative of GulfCap, detailed the value proposition of 289 InCity Suites, emphasizing the strategic location within a thriving business hub and proximity to major transport networks.

Investors can expect competitive rental yields and capital appreciation,backed by GulfCap’s experience in managing large-scale developments.

With prices starting from as low as KES 2.49 million, 289 InCity Suites offers a rare opportunity for investors to secure a property in a fast-growing region, complemented by high-end amenities such as a clubhouse, sports courts, and 24-hour security.

GulfCap Real Estate’s track record of success, including their award-winning Buxton Point project, reinforces investor confidence in 289 InCity Suites.

The event concluded with a networking lunch, where potential investors explored further opportunities with GulfCap’s property advisors.

With an emphasis on community, connectivity, and style, 289 InCity Suites is set to redefine urban living within 10 minutes of Nairobi CBD.

More than 800 pupils from Kitere Primary School are set to benefit from classroom renovations, new desks and piping of clean water within the school, courtesy of the ‘Shine Kenya Shinda Mamilii Kama Bingwa campaign’ grand prize victory.

The renovations and piping will be funded by the extra KES 1 million awarded to Kepher Okoth, the grand prize winner in the campaign.

Mr. Okoth, a 24-year-old motorcycle repair man, was awarded KES 5 million last week, along with an extra KES 1 million meant to support a community project of his choice through the Shine Kenya Shinda Mamilii Kama Bingwa promotion.

To help realize his dream, Safaricom Foundation has contributed an additional KES 1.3 million, bringing the total to KES 2.3 million, to complete the water supply project and install handwashing points for the pupils.

“We designed this campaign in such a way that whoever wins a million shillings and above, received an additional cash from Safaricom Foundation to support community projects of their choice. Kepher Okoth, who was our grand prize winner of KES 5M, received an extra KES 1M and he has chosen to renovate his former primary school.  In addition to the KES 1 million, the Safaricom Foundation has also contributed KES 1.3 million to fully complete the project." said Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Chief officer, Consumer Business, Safaricom.

Adding "30 more customers from across Kenya, also won KES 1 each, and received an additional KES 250,000 each to support community projects of their choices. This way, the benefits of this promotion extend beyond individual winners to positively impact wider communities,” 

Additionally, the pupils of Kitere Primary school also received school bags crafted from recycled Safaricom billboard materials. This is part of Safaricom’s sustainability program geared towards environmental conservation through recycling.

Meanwhile, Kepher Okoth, the grand prize winner, could not hide his joy as he received a heroic welcome home.

“I want to extend my gratitude to Safaricom, not only for awarding me as the grand prize winner, but also for providing KES 1 million to support my community. I have chosen to support my former primary school by renovating and furnishing a few classrooms and addressing their longstanding water supply challenges. The school has long relied on collected rainwater and students bringing water from home. I believe that starting today, students will no longer need to carry jerrycans of water each morning and afternoon as we once did, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the school,” Okoth said.

For the school management, Okoth’s win is a huge blessing and a relief. “We are deeply grateful to Safaricom and Kepher, one of our former students, for their generous support. We especially appreciate Kepher for choosing to support this school. This generous contribution will be a tremendous blessing, benefiting hundreds of pupils and teachers who have long endured these difficulties,” said John Kennedy Kodongo, Head Teacher, Kitere Primary School.

Other community engagements to be done in Migori county this week as part of this celebration include a medical camp to offer eye care consultations, breast cancer screening, general doctor consultations and child health consultations to residents of Migori.

Patients with Fistula related issues will also get free surgeries courtesy of a free fistula camp. Further, Safaricom will visit hospitals in Migori to distribute mama-packs to new mothers.

Ministers responsible for tourism across the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region have launched the much-anticipated Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP) 2024-2034, marking a transformative step for the region's tourism industry.

The launch ceremony, hosted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, brought together high-level dignitaries, including the IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, ministers of tourism Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Regional Director Antonio Pedro.

Jointly developed with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the STMP lays out a strategic vision for sustainable tourism across the IGAD member states, aiming to position the region as a competitive and cohesive tourism destination on the global stage.

It further underscores the plan’s role in driving socio-economic growth, reducing poverty, and promoting regional integration.

Speaking at the event, IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu underscored the immense tourism potential of the IGAD region, citing its rich cultural heritage, unique archaeological sites, and diverse natural landscapes.

"Despite these remarkable assets, our region's global tourism share remains limited. The STMP 2024-2034 is a comprehensive response to this challenge. It seeks to attract investment, foster regional cooperation, and establish tourism as a cornerstone of economic development," said Dr. Workneh.

In a significant moment during the event, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed, was named IGAD Tourism Champion for a three-year term.

His leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in steering the tourism sector towards sustainability, promoting economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.

The STMP launch aligns closely with IGAD Vision 2050 and other regional socio-economic frameworks, aiming to cement tourism’s place as a key driver in the IGAD development agenda.

As the IGAD region embarks on this journey, the success of the STMP will rely on the active collaboration of member states, the private sector, civil society, and development partners.

UNECA’s Regional Director reaffirmed the importance of partnership and shared responsibility in ensuring the plan’s success.

Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a 67 per cent decline, the sector has demonstrated its resilience. For Africa, we reached 92 per cent of pre-crisis tourist levels by 2023, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. Moreover, Africa’s travel and tourism market is projected to reach revenues of $23.37 billion by 2024, growing at 7.49 per cent." said Pedro.

Adding " The vision laid out in the Masterplan should not be insurmountable to achieve. It however requires intentional actions that will unlock the capabilities of the tourism sector to drive sustainable growth and development. To begin with, infrastructure development is crucial."

Car & General Trading Limited has introduced Piaggio electric three-wheelers at the Kenyan Coastal city of Mombasa.

The Piaggio Ape Electrik vehicles were unveiled during a flag off ceremony at the Treasury Square in Mombasa.  Ape E-City FX Max for the passenger segment was unveiled.

Currently, Mombasa has close to 15,000 passenger three wheeler units on the road that run on ice engines, making it a key transport mode for the region.

Car & General is the appointed sole distributor of Piaggio three wheelers in Kenya since 2002. Car & General pioneered the use of three-wheelers as taxis in East Africa.

On its part, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd (PVPL) is a subsidiary of the Italian Piaggio Group and India’s leading manufacturer of small commercial vehicles as well as pioneers in the three-wheeler electric mobility.

The electric three wheelers were unveiled by David Chesoni, the Managing Director of Car & General and Hon Mohamed Ali Osman, the CECM – Tourism, Trade and Culture of the County Government of Mombasa.

Speaking at the launch, David Chesoni said, “Car & General is committed to its mantra of making our customers smile in every street, in every town with quality products and after-sales services.  This aligns with Piaggio’s philosophy of providing path-breaking last-mile transport solutions, even as we lead Kenya’s three wheeler EV mission. We feel the new range is an entrepreneur’s best bet to reap maximum benefits.”

The vehicles come with low maintenance costs, one year warranty, advanced technology and a long range at 120 kilometers on a full charge.

The electric three wheeler will definitely maximize the earnings of owners ensuring optimum value for customers through better range, grade ability and load-carrying capacity, as well as providing a competitive total cost of ownership. Operating the Piaggio electric three wheeler will save up to KSh 26,000 per month on fuel and service.

On his part Mombasa’s CECM for Tourism, Trade and Culture CECM Mohammed  Osman said, “E-mobility and green energy solutions uptake will cut down emissions thus alleviating challenges of climate change.”

The launch was attended by C&G dealers, corporate customers, financers, local and national government officials, industry associations, among others guests.

Meet Nyabiya Syekei, a talented 12-year-old singer and actor from Nairobi, Kenya, who is making her official music debut with the track, "Jiamini".

Nyabiya will perform this song at the highly anticipated "Our Generation 2024", an international children’s song competition set to take place in Kazan, Russia, from October 5th, 2024.

Nyabiya Syekei is Kenya’s first and only representative at this year’s edition of the competition, which brings together children from over 10 countries worldwide.

"Jiamini," meaning "Believe in Yourself" in Swahili, encourages children to have faith in their dreams and work hard to achieve them. It’s a fitting anthem for a competition designed to celebrate the voices of the next generation.

Watch "Jiamini" by Nyabiya Syekei on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HX6c0x3vzcg 

The song was written by Yviona Reign, with audio production by Motif Di Don and video directed by Rahim from Elixir Nation.

The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) has urged county governments to work closely with the media to help highlight successes achieved in the health sector, in the county levels.

AMWIK Executive Director Queenter Mbori said over the years poor communication has created a vacuum for speculation and propaganda, hindering county governments’ intended outcomes especially in the health sector.

Mbori was speaking during the opening of the three-day USAID-USAWA Co-creation workshop in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

the meeting has brought together County Government and County media representatives from Isiolo, Kakamega, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Nakuru Counties.

“We encourage you to collaborate with the media to showcase your positive work and use the media to address challenges you face, ensuring citizens can benefit from improved services,” said Mbori.

She said that each county has unique dynamics when it comes to health communication, and as such it is crucial for communicators to understand the current state of affairs and the crucial role media plays in disseminating information on matters of health.

The meeting, she said, aims to train and equip county communication teams to enhance their communication efforts to achieve their goals and effectively communicate their impact in the health sector.

"Communication is not just about delivering a message; it is about doing so in a way that resonates with the audience and enabling feedback from them. We aim to equip communicators with the skills they need to develop targeted, culturally relevant, and impactful messages that will drive behavior change and improve health outcomes,” Mbori said.

She further implored on the media that they have a crucial role to play in debunking issues in the health sector and collaborating with counties.

“The discussions we will have during this workshop will be instrumental in shaping how we deliver critical health messages to our communities and help strengthen fiscal accountability and promote health governance,” she said.

Nakuru County chief officer for ICT, E-Government and Public Communication Catherine Changwony in her remarks stated that health communication is a vital tool in ensuring that the right messages reach citizens in a timely, effective manner, especially as county governments address issues critical to public health.

The workshop she said is more than just a meeting saying that it is an opportunity to exchange knowledge, to identify the gaps in current systems, and to work collaboratively towards solutions that are impactful and sustainable.

“Let us use this platform to build stronger ties, innovate solutions, and chart a course toward healthier, more informed communities,” said Changwony.

The united society against fraud, waste and abuse (USAWA) program is being implemented by Transparency International Kenya in partnership with AMWIK , Global compact network Kenya and the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya.

The County Government of Mombasa has announced an ambitious plan to carry out free cancer screening for residents across the county.

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the screening will help residents be able to detect cancer at an early stage so that they can commence treatment immediately before it is too late.

The county boss was speaking during the memorial vigil for the late Winnie Bwire alias Dida in the famous Swahili telenovela series ‘Sultana’ who passed away while undergoing cancer treatment in Turkey.

The event hosted at the Little Theatre Club brought together renowned thespians and artists across the country that all came to pay tribute to the late Dida.

"As we are all aware the cancer awareness month is coming up, I am glad to announce to you that the County Government of Mombasa will soon announce a series of free cancer tests to all,’ said Nassir.

The governor urged residents to take advantage of the free screening and testing as a precaution measure to help curb the disease he said has claimed many loved ones.

“Sometimes it is important to be cautious and know your status before so that we can all now be able to curb this menace that has hit a number of people at an alarming rate. Cancer is not something we can joke around with,” Nassir said.

He described the late Dida as a person who loved and was dedicated to her craft and touched the lives of many along her path.

Dida succumbed to cancer last week after battling the decease for close to five years.

"The crowds that are here is a manifestation of who Winnie was. All these people would not be here if the person we are honoring today was not a person who had an impact in many people’s lives,” he said.

The governor also promised to set up a youth studio at the Little Theatre Club to honor the memory of the departed thespian.

Nassir said that while he was Mvita Member of Parliament, he and his team had hatched a plan to set up the studio to nature talents. But, the idea never materialized.

"I am pleading with management of Little Theatre Club to bring back theatre to where it was before. I hereby also want to task the youth mentor Mr. Mahmood Noor and my CECM for youth and sport Ken Ambani to reach out to Little Theatre Club to see how we can turn a conversation around and make a lasting impression that will honor Winnie,” Nassir said.