CO-BE, a Nairobi based fashion brand, has re branded to reflect the brands evolution from a pure leisure look to a life wear look under the new name BOGUK.

Bevern Oguk, founder at Boguk, said, “CO-BE is rebranding due to major changes in the Company aesthetics, systems and products, we are changing from a pure leisure brand to a more life wear brand with more functional pieces"

Adding "We are also looking at reducing delivery time and accessibility through our revamped e-shop.”

Oguk is a young entrepreneur from Kibra who started the fashion brand with an aim of bridging the gap between luxury and mainstream fashion with authentic and unconventional designs that include –clothes, shoes and accessories for the whole family.

"The new look Boguk is aimed at exciting the average Kenyan while at the same time inspiring them to be more conscious about their daily fashion," Oguk said.

Boguk uses culture, creativity and Craftsmanship to inspire people by creating African inspired products with an international touch while paying special attention to producing quality with a unique aesthetic.

The rebranding includes improving our products quality, alongside our current ready to wear, made to measure products, we are also going to offer corporate tailoring and private alterations to our product ranges.

Boguk has worked with brands such a Coke Studio Africa, Samsung, Blankets and Wine.

Some of the personalities, Boguk has dressed include award winning American superstar Jason Derulo, Yemi Alade (Nigeria), Runtown (Nigeria), Sauti Sol, Adelle Onyango, Muthoni Drummer Queen, Shaffie Weru, Octopizzo, Kagwe Mungai, Wanuri, Barack Jacuzzi, Larry Madowo, Anto Neosoul, Nameless, Nazizi, Mwalimu Rachel, Maqbul, Larry Asego.

ABOUT 

Bevern Oguk,  a child of Kibra, discovered his talents and passion was expressing himself through art and design. He found his role model in his neighborhood of Kibra, where art is created beauty by the roadside.

Inspired by their captivating pieces, he began to draw and paint in primary school. In high school he pursued his passion further and his artistic gifts began to be recognised.

While still in high school he was offered opportunities to be involved in exhibitions, art galleries such as Paa ya Paa arts center in Muthaiga.

In 2011, he founded the Kenyan athleisure, fashion brand CO-BE Nairobi aimed at bridging the gap between luxury and mainstream fashion, through authentic and unconventional designs of clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and Kids.

The health needs of young people must be at the core of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programmes for the interventions to be successful, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has said.

The First Lady said the inclusion of the health needs of adolescents in policy formulation would ensure they are not left behind in accessing healthcare services.

She noted that the continued lumping together of adolescents and youth with women and children by global and national health strategies makes many assumptions that fail to address the health needs of this critical segment of the world population.

“Not surprisingly, this has resulted in numerous urgent calls to address adolescents healthcare because while they have been perceived as healthy, they face considerable risks of adverse chronic health issues,” she said.

The First Lady spoke on Monday evening in Geneva, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the 72nd World Health Assembly at an event dubbed ‘Adolescent health – the Missing population in Universal Health Coverage (UHC)’. The event focused on putting the needs of adolescents at the centre of efforts to achieve UHC.

She said the inclusion of young people in the global health agenda would help in harnessing the demographic dividend and maximize the contribution of this important segment of human capital to global growth.

The First Lady expressed concern that available statistics showed higher rates of violence and injuries, addiction, depression and mental health issues among adolescents and the youth in general, an indication that their health needs required more attention.

“We are told that one out of six of the world’s population are adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years. Therefore, recognizing adolescents as key partners in the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets is critical,” the First Lady said.

She said one of the major concerns, especially on the African continent, is the new surge of illnesses facing young people as a result of non-communicable diseases and HIV.

“We must not accept to reverse the gains we have made in health. We must encourage young people to access health services.  Our young people’s priority is not ill-health or disease, it is jobs, relationships and their future,” the First Lady said.

She proposed the use of technology, social networks and peer-to-peer connections as a way of encouraging young people to prioritise their uptake of health services.

While adolescent health is important, the First Lady said it must go beyond focusing on disease or ill-health to include investments that enhance self-esteem, determination and resilience, especially among young women.

“In my experience, interacting with adolescents through the Pupils Reward Scheme (PURES), a mentorship program for children, I have learnt of the importance of listening,” the First Lady said. 

In Kenya, the First Lady said, deliberate efforts have been made to prioritize activities that celebrate young people’s contribution to new ideas in technology that have seen groundbreaking discoveries using the internet, mobile telephony and other technologies for sustainable development. 

“These are talents we must tap to remove barriers that hinder adolescent access to health services,” the First Lady said, adding that Kenya is making progress in advancing youth-led initiatives like Maisha Youth for the promotion of health for young people.

She informed the meeting that adolescents and young people form a key part of her work in Beyond Zero by building better synergies and integrating their voices in advocacy and education dialogue.

“My Beyond Zero Initiative has committed to promoting peer-to-peer learning programmes to develop a cohort of role models and trailblazers,” First Lady Margaret Kenyatta told the meeting.

Speakers at the event that was attended by Sports Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed agreed that in order to deliver on every adolescent’s right to health and achieve sustainable growth and development priorities, adolescent-focused actions must be at the centre of the UHC agenda. 

They highlighted the need for a multi-sectoral approach to meeting the health needs of adolescents through UHC interventions. 

Ms Helga Fogstad, the Executive Director of Partnership for Maternal Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH), discussed the centrality of multi-sectoral partnerships and meaningful youth engagement while UNICEF Chief of Health Stefan Swartling Peterson covered a topic on opportunities to advance adolescent health. 

Ms Joy Phumaphi, the Co-Chair of UN Secretary General’s Independent Accountability Panel for Every Woman, Every Child, Every Adolescent initiative spoke on the importance of strong accountability to make UHC work for adolescents.

Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa has joined the International Congress and Convention Association(ICCA) to grow its conferencing business.

ICCA is the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry.

The five-star hotel which is known for both international and domestic tourism, is now planning to grow its conferencing business by two folds in 2019, in order to diversify its offerings.

According to Bobby Kamani, the Managing Director, Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa, tapping into the global network of ICCA that is known for organizing international meetings for its members will help increase conferencing business for the facility:

“We have been organizing major conferences that emanate locally but this membership will enable us bring in international conferences to our facility" said Kamani

Adding "This will help market Diani Reef as not only a tourism attraction place but also a conferencing destination. This is part of our diversification plan that will help our business remain sustainable and competitive.”

Mr. Kamani said the business had invested over Ksh.100 million to build an ultra-modern and state of the art conference facility at Diani Reef in order to meet the international conferencing standards:

“Our conference facility is an ultra-modern and state of the art, we can host up to 1000 people at the same time with different break out sessions at the same time"

“Three years ago, Kenya hosted major conferences including TICAD and UNCTAD.Because of the strategic and geographical location of our country this gives an edge to hosting more international conferences" he added

ICCA represents the world's top destinations and most experienced and leading suppliers specialised in handling, transporting and accommodating international meetings and events, and comprises over 1,100 member companies and organisations in almost 100 countries worldwide.

Since its establishment in 1963, ICCA specialises in the international association meetings sector, offering unrivalled data, communication channels, and business development opportunities. 

“International meeting planners like Diani Reef can now rely on the ICCA network to find solutions for all their event objectives" said Esmare Steinhofel, Regional Director Africa, International Congress and Convention Association

ICCA's Head office is based in the Netherlands.

ICCA's Regional Offices are based in Malaysia, South Africa, U.A.E., U.S.A. and Uruguay. ICCA’s area of expertise is in the international association meetings market, but it also assists ICCA members to share knowledge on the other segments.

The association market covers a wide range of meeting types and categories: medical meetings (the largest segment); scientific; other academic; trade organisations; professional bodies; social groupings.

There was drama at the Serani Arab Boys Grounds last evening after a Nominated Member of County Assembly from Mombasa was blocked from attending the Governor's iftar hosted by Governor Hassan Joho.

The MCA Milka Areba was blocked by a female officer from the County Inspectorate Unit who was manning the entrance to the ladies  side at the venue.

Drama started after Milka produced her invitation card to the officer at the gate after arrival, after going through the card the officer informed the MCA that she will not be allowed in since her card did not resemble the cards issued out to other guests, saying it was fake.

Milka's efforts to explain and introduce herself to the officer were futile causing commotion at the gate, attempts by other Members of the county assembly to defend her were also futile, it took the intervention of Likoni Member of Parliament Mishi Mboko to have the MCA allowed into the venue. Mishi ordered everyone at the gate be allowed to get in.

Milka was overheard complaining "Why do you have to embarass me this much yet i have showed you my invitation card and even introduced myself".

A team from the Senator's office had also been blocked but later allowed after Mishi's order.

The event was attended by several leaders including Senate Minority leader and Siaya Senator James Orengo, Suna East Mp Junet Mohammed, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, kwale Senator Juma Boy and elected Mps from Mombasa County, Omar Mwinyi (Changamwe), Ali Mbogo (Kisauni), Abdulswamad Nasir (Mvita), Senator Mohammed Faki and County Women Mp Asha Hussein.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib an ally of Deputy President William Ruto was the only leader absent. In a recent interview with a local radio station , Badi admitted to supporting Ruto's 2022 Presidential bid.

"My relationship with the DP is very good, we are very close. We work together in many ways" said Badi.

Badi is currently in Bomet county on parliamentary duties as a member of the budgetary and appropriations committee.

Kagwe Mungai is no stranger to the music scene and has become one of the most respected artists in Africa.

Having being signed to Taurus musik,he has created a niche for himself as a musical icon,brand ambassador for ciroc and a leader for the youth.

He just launched his debut album-Spectrum on Saturday evening at the Alchemist club in Westlands which saw the likes of Mayonde,Naiboi,Trina Mungai, Mr. seed, Owuor Arunga and Kristoff support him through the collaborations they've done together.

Kagwe's mother also made a special appearance to congratulate him for a job well done.

The album has a total of 15 songs, and one bonus track.

Kagwe also gave a special thank you to Aramanda(a top Nigerian designer) for dressing him up for the event as he had three outfits for his performance which was backed up by a live band.

The hard copies of the album were being sold for 500kshs but people can also purchase it from all digital platforms including Songa,Boomplay and Skiza Tunes.

It was a huge success and alot of people came out to support Kagwe on his big day.Celebrities in attendance were Sheila Kwamboka,Naomi Wamboe,Roy Karuhize,Gin Ideal,Angela Muiruri,Adelle Onyango and Yvonne Darcq.

East Africa’s Got Talent Show by Safaricom has today kicked off its pre-auditions, at Nyali School, Mombasa County.

The gates were opened to the public as from 6.00am which saw hundreds of participants turn up from diverse cultures, social background and age set showcasing their talents with the hope of being selected and proceed to the next stage to be held in Nairobi.

Artists Timmy Tdat and Ohms Law Montana from Mombasa alongside renowned dancer Tyron Naomi were present to offer advice and guidance to the participants.

The Nairobi auditions will be held next month at the KICC on June 1^st and 2^nd 2019.

“We believe East Africa has a lot of talent and look forward to showing the world what amazing skills we have got. We encourage all those who believe they are talented from Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda to pre-register online. We are searching for the best talent in music, dance, comedy, magic and acrobatics across all ages,” said Joseph Kusaga, Chief Executive Officer at Clouds Media International.

Produced by Clouds Media International, the show will host auditions in 3 other countries; Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

In Uganda the pre-auditions will take place in Kampala on 19^th May at Pearl of Africa Hotel while in Rwanda they will be held in Kigali on 25^th May at Intare Arena. Finally, in Tanzania they will be in Dar es Salaam on 25^th and 26^th May at Julius Nyerere Centre.

Interested participants are required to send in their applications through pre-auditions walk-ins, online submissions and WhatsApp channel.

To pre-register, participants can go to the regional audition centers nearest to them. For those who are unable to physically attend the pre-auditions due to distance; they can enter on-line by filling out the application form and send a short video clip of their act on https://rapidblue.formstack.com/forms/eagt.

Alternatively, they can upload a one minute performance video accompanied by name, age, and country through WhatsApp number + 254 (0)703 437 903.

Registration is currently open and will close on the dates as follows; Kenya and Uganda on Saturday 18^th May 2019, Rwanda Friday, 24^th May 2019, and Tanzania Saturday, 25^th  May 2019.

East Africa’s Got Talent by Safaricom which is 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 KES 5 million (USD 50,000) as voted by the audience.

Grammy-winning Reggae group Morgan Heritage have launched the “Tomorrow’s Leaders Festival” at Laurette Gardens at the Safaricom Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya on June 8, featuring some of the biggest names in Jamaican music and the hottest artist from across Africa.

The global initiative festival will raise funds and awareness for youth leadership development programs in Africa and Jamaica, with benefactors including Save The Children, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNODC, OXFAM International, Shofco, Joy Divine and others.

The full festival line-up will be announced through Morgan Heritage and Official Festival social media and websites.

The “Tomorrow’s Leaders Festival” will be broadcasted live by festival media partner Trace Global Network, covering more than 160 countries in more than 200 million homes. It will also stream live on YouTube.

“We Morgan Heritage are doing this festival because we've identified the need for a conscious effort to be pushed forward to educate, empower and create opportunities that puts the youth on a path toward success for generations to come. So we're asking the world to help us help the children across Africa and Jamaica where this movement to save a generation has started.”

 The group went on to say “Buju Banton and Sauti Sol has not been announced and despite a few people trying to spread news about the final line-up, we assure you that we will not promote any artist that will not appear at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday June 8th” – Morgan Heritage “As the Governor of Nairobi County we support you and congratulations on your Grammy.

Welcome to Kenya and let’s make a good event”. – Governor Mike Sonko, Nairobi, County The Morgan Heritage Foundation and its partners are committed to presenting world-class talent to generate awareness, inspiration and empowerment among individuals, families and corporations.

Their goal is to help turn humanities dreams of a better tomorrow into a reality. Our children are tomorrow’s leaders and it is our mission to support them in order to secure the future of the world. If we lead, the youth will follow.

Morgan Heritage won their first Grammy in 2016 for “Best Reggae Album” for “Strictly Roots” as producer and artist.

The band landed their second Grammy nomination for critically acclaimed album “Avrakedabra” in the “Best Reggae Album” category in 2017.

 Huffington Post said “It’s the reggae album that’s about to make history.” Morgan Heritage will release a new album June 21 entitled “LOYALTY” this summer and their world tour starts this summer.

After weeks of speculation on the official launch of the newly formed Mijikenda station under Mediamax Network Limited, Msenangu Fm is now set to be launched next week.

According to a source at the station, preparations are in top gear with the station expected to be launched on Monday, 20th.

The station has started running some of its promos.

Among the presenters poached by the station formerly Pili Pili fm are Pyukapyu Wa Pyukupu(PPO), Sister Shaniez (AntiVirus), Fatuma Mwangala (TotoBomba,) Bahati Ngazi (Mtoto Rangi YaPesa)Teddy Mwanamgambo (BaloziWaChipkizi), Gasper Tumaini (Kabatha Kalume) Josephine Medza (GomaRaKanani) and  Ian Mtoti Mgalla.

Earleir, there was confussion over the  name of the station with most people being duped that it was Asena fm, this was however a propaganda started by the management of the new station as part of their entry strategy.

The station which will be based at the Texas Towers Nyali Mombasa is expected to bring stiff competition to Radio Kaya which is also a Mijikenda station and based in Kwale.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/component/k2/item/930-pili-pili-fm-reinvesting-presenters-declared-redundant