Korea Marine Transport Container (KMTC) Shipping Line has deployed its first ever vessel to the African continent choosing the Port of Mombasa as the first port of Call.

MV KMTC Hochmihn made a maiden call Thursday with 1000 TEUs for the local and transit market, affirming the strategic position of the port as shipping and maritime hub and a preferred port of call for shipping lines.

The call also signals the growth of the region and the country as the traffic in cargo volumes increases.

KMTC General Manager Mr. Mayur Udyawar noted that the shipping line chose Kenya as the gateway through Africa as it looks to expand its operations and business in the continent.

“We opted for the Port of Mombasa because of its productivity and efficiency since we started operations in 2021,” said Mr. Mayur.

While the Shipping Line entered the market two years ago, it has been collaborating with other shipping lines to move cargo for its customers to the region, with MV KMTC Hochimihn becoming the first vessel under the line to ply the Southeast Asia- East Africa route.

“We are happy with the growth and with the deployment of this vessel, we are positive we will handle more cargo” he added.

According to Kenya Ports Authority this is a welcome development and an affirmation of the consistent initiatives to improve capacity and efficiency at the port.

"KMTC has been venturing too much in Asia, it is the first time now they are venturing in Africa and they have given us confidence that they will be a regular caller" said KPA MD Captain William Ruto.

Adding " For us as KPA what we promise is efficiency and improve whatever service that we will be offering them. This is a new business to us and we appreciate. For any new ship to make a call at a port they must have done their due diligence and satisfied."

On his part KPA board Chairman Benjamin Tayari maintained that the Mombasa port has continue to attract new business due to its best service and performance.

"Our port is one of the best in terms of efficiency and I would like to assure our partners and customers that we will not let them down in terms of service delivery" said Tayari

The ship's next destination is the port of Daresalaam.

With the acquisition of new and modern equipment coupled with expanded capacity through berth no 22 that was opened for business recently, the Port of Mombasa has witnessed an increase in shipping lines operation at the port, with the introduction of new vessels and service lines to operate in the East Africa region.

The longest cruise liner for this cruise ship season, Norwegian Dawn is set to make it's maiden call at the Mombasa port with 2,000 tourists aboard.

 The cruise ship that entered service in 2002 and is in operation with Norwegian Cruise Line will dock at the Mombasa port on Sunday, 14th of January 2024.

The ship is currently in Seychelles.

According to the official website, the ship boasts of the largest suites at sea spanning up to 6,693 square feet, these rooms include king- or queen-size beds, separate living and dining areas, luxury baths and private balconies. All Garden Villas come with a certified butler and concierge services.

It has an overall length of 294 metres, and a guest capacity of 2340 and 1,032 crew members

In response to the escalating housing crisis in the Coast region, the national government has announced a dedicated initiative to enhance affordable housing options and construct additional units across the region.

The government is set to construct 100,000 housing units in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Lamu and Tana River counties under the Affordable Housing Program (AHP).

Mombasa will have 50,000 units expected to be constructed with Phase 1 of the Sh6.5 billion Buxton housing project consisting of 512 units already done and delivered to their owners.

Phase two is currently underway and will consist of 1,512 units.

Coast regional director Affordable Housing Program and Markets John Karanja, said  once all the project sites are activated, it will create 200,000 jobs for both skilled and unskilled Kenyans.

“We expect the benefit to be enormous on the value chain of housing development once these sites are activated in these counties. We expect to have about 30,000 jobs both skilled and unskilled created,” said Karanja.

Karanja was addressing the media at the county commissioner’s office in Uhuru na Kazi building after holding a meeting with the Mombasa County assistant county commissioner and other stakeholders in the housing sector.

He said the government was working closely with the Jua kali sector in the projects to ensure that both skilled and unskilled Kenyans gain employment in the housing project.

“To ensure that they benefit, the government has ring-fenced more than 80 products to be supplied by Jua kali artisans in all localities that the houses are being constructed.” He said.

He added , “Mombasa for instance, we will have all doors and windows to be fabricated and all supplies are to be procured within the county.”

Karanja said ring-fencing the products used in AHP means that contractors will not go out of the country to source for products to be used and this will translate to the empowerment of locals and the local economy.

“To ensure that happens, we are registering all Juakali artisans in one umbrella so that contractors are able to source their products and even labor from government offices charged with MSMEs,” he said.

Other project sites within the county include Mzizima (2,000 units) VOK (2,850 units) and Changamwe to have 20,000 units once completed.

Kilifi county he said has four sites expected to generate 20,000 units once done with Lamu having  a site in Mokowe that will have 1,000 units.

In Kwale, four sites have been identified including the Mabokoni smart city which sits on 30 acres, the White house Diani site that will have 300 units, the survey camp in Kwale with 1,600 units and the Kwale housing scheme.

“In Tana River, the government has identified 4 sites in Mapenzi, Vetinary Camp and Garsen while in Taita Taveta County, phase two of the Voi Pool house is expected to be activated by February,” he said.

Mombasa assistant County commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi called on residents and leadership to support the AHP committee in the implementation of AHP programs.

He said  if all plans go on seamlessly, then about 50,000 people in the juakali sector will be employed here in Mombasa.

“My call to Mombasa people and the leadership is that we work closely with the committee and the national government to complete these projects,” he said.

Suleiman Mwatsanga, patron of the Likoni Juakali Association lauded the move by the government to incorporate the sector in the housing program.

He said for years, juakali artisans have been looked down upon for lacking papers with big construction tenders going to established companies.

Mwatsanga said that the opportunity given to them by the government will ensure that his members get jobs and this will have a great economic impact to their families.

“For many years, Juakali people were looked down for lacking papers, but we thank the government for recognizing us and giving us a chance,” he said.

 The government has also introduced the site appraisal program where if a worker is on site without certification, then officers from the relevant government department will come on site to certify their skills and give them certificates.

This will ensure that their skills are certified and they can use their certificates to apply for jobs in other places.

Samsung has unveiled five new Galaxy A Series smartphones that join the already popular line-up among consumers.

The new additions, the Galaxy A25 5G, Galaxy A15 5G, Galaxy A15, Galaxy A05s, and Galaxy A05, are set to give both new customers and loyal A series fans more options with their great features at excellent prices.

The Recommended Retail Prices for the Galaxy A series models launched in Kenya are,

• The Galaxy A25 5G will cost Ksh50,000 for the 8GB memory and 256 GB storage variant, and the 6 GB memory and 128 GB storage will cost Ksh43,000
• The Galaxy A15 5G 6 GB memory and 128 GB storage will cost Ksh33,000, and the 4 GB memory and 128 GB storage will cost Ksh30,000
• The Galaxy A15 LTE 6 GB memory and 128 GB storage will cost Ksh29,000, and the 4 GB memory and 128 GB storage will cost Ksh27,000
• The Galaxy A05s 6 GB memory and 128 GB storage will cost Ksh26,000, the 4 GB memory and 128 GB storage will cost Ksh24,000 and the 4 GB memory and 64 GB storage will cost Ksh21,000
• The Galaxy A05 4 GB storage and 128 GB memory will cost Ksh19,000 and the 4 GB memory and 64 GB storage will cost Ksh17,000

The Galaxy A25 5G promises an immersive mobile experience with its stunning 6.5" FHD+ Super AMOLED display that provides vibrant colours and sharp contrast.

The 120Hz display also ensures a faster, smoother experience when gaming, scrolling, watching videos and reading articles.

The phone boasts a versatile 50MP OIS camera that shoots clear, bright photos without shaking them.

You can certainly capture life's moments in breathtaking detail with this phone's sophisticated quad camera, including a high-resolution main camera, ultra-wide lens, macro lens, and depth sensor, bringing delightful experiences to everyday entertainment.

In the Galaxy A15 5G, customers will have a fast, reliable, and stylish smartphone that can help them keep all the memorable moments. Every picture and video captured with the Galaxy A15 5G's advanced 50MP triple camera, and all other important files will be safely stored courtesy of the ample 6GB memory and 128GB expandable storage, giving you smooth performance and sufficient space for your digital life.

The Galaxy A15 LTE features a 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 90hz display, providing a large screen with brighter and more vivid colours for everyday mobile needs, delivering an affordable, balanced performance and an all-round awesome viewing.

The stylish Galaxy A05s will put all the power in your palm as it gives a clear and vibrant canvas for all content.

Customers will be able to express their creativity and make beautiful memories with the Galaxy A05s' triple-camera system. Besides having access to all the favourite apps and media at hand, users can stay connected throughout the day with the Galaxy A05s' long-lasting battery and enjoy the convenience of 25W fast charging.

For great value from a smartphone, see it all and see it clear with the Galaxy A05. Users will enjoy their favourite games, series, movies, Tik Tok videos and Facebook reels and any other content from the 6.7-inch HD+ display. The phone’s dual camera delivers double the fun as it captures the world at different angles.

The new Galaxy A series smartphones is available across all Samsung brand stores and authorized dealers from 1^st January 2024.

The Galaxy A25 5G, A15 5G and A15 come with Samsung Care+, which offers 12-month protection against accidental screen damage. Customers are urged to register for Samsung Care+ within 30 days of purchase and get cover for 12 months.

Changamwe Mp Omar Mwinyi is mourning the death of his wife,  Rukia Khatib.

According to a source the late fell ill suddenly on Monday night and was rushed to Pandya hospital where she died.

"It was just sudden. May her soul rest in peace" said the source.

Funeral arrangements are currently underway at the family home in Port Reitz, Changamwe.

Several leaders have come out to condole with the family.

"Mama Rukiya was a strong and kind-hearted woman with whom we interacted closely during campaigns. Her strength, kindness, and warm hospitality will be remembered fondly. To my brother Omar Mwinyi, I know you have lost your strongest pillar, a confidant and friend. May Allah give you strength during these trying moments.  Inna lillahi Waina illayhi raajiun." posted EALA Mp Suleiman Shahbal.

 Safaricom has officially kicked off the Coastal regional finals of the Chapa Dimba football tournament with a series of community outreach initiatives aimed at transforming the lives of the locals in the region.

These initiatives will culminate in the football extravaganza scheduled for the upcoming weekend, on Saturday, 13th, and Sunday, 14th January 2024, at Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa County.

The initiatives involve free Medical Camps, Stakeholders' Engagement, Players' and Coaches Clinics, and Digital & Financial Literacy training.

The Financial Digital Literacy training is a collaborative effort between Safaricom and Britam Insurance Company designed for Boda Boda riders, vendors, small business operators, shopkeepers, and others who are Safaricom customers in the region to impart knowledge that fosters a culture of saving and enhances preparedness for credit and investment opportunities.

The football clinic for the players' and coaches will feature valuable lessons in skill development, social values, teamwork, and leadership.

Coaches will gain insights into effective training methods, tactical approaches, and ways to motivate and communicate with players. 

 Additionally, there will be training on the use of Safaricom's newly introduced GPS Sports Vests, which are AI-powered to improve players' performance and open up scouting opportunities.

They are used to capture data about players, including total distance, speed, power plays, power scores, among others.

This allows players to understand their strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and more.

"After a three-week break during the festivities, we are delighted to resume our football tournament, with the Coast region hosting the first event of 2024. This tournament serves not only to nurture talents but also to transform the lives of the entire community. " said Peter Ndegwa, CEO Safaricom PLC.

Adding "Throughout the week, we have a series of activities planned where we will be engaging our customers in the entire Coast region, offering them free medical camps, as well as digital and financial literacy programmes to empower our boda boda riders, small vendors, and small business operators,".

The engagement initiatives will then build up to the Safaricom Chapa Dimba regional final matches, to be played at Mbaraki Stadium, with eight teams lining up for the competition.

Safaricom Chapa Dimba aims to provide a structured platform for scouts and coaches to tap into new talent and build feeder systems for the Kenyan football leagues across the country while also training a total of 250 coaches.

The football tournament targets young people aged between 16 and 20 years old.

A somber mood has engulfed the Mombasa media fraternity following the sudden demise of one of their colleague, Fatma Rajab.

Family members confirmed that Fatma had breathed her last on Saturday morning, after she was rushed to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital Intensive care Unit on Thursday.

Colleagues, family and friends gathered at the hospital on Saturday afternoon to escort the body of late Fatma Rajab to her family residence at Kashani in Kiembeni.

The body will stay at the residence, where it will be prayed for till Sunday around 11am, from where it will be taken for final prayers at Mkomani before burial at the same place at 1pm.

On Sunday, the funeral prayers will be after dhuhr (1pm) at Masjid Fat'h in Mkomani.

Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir and the Chief Executive Officer CGTRH Dr. Khandawalla waived off the hospital bill for the family.

Earlier on Friday, Fatma’s family had appealed for help to raise Sh1.8 million to assist her go for a heart surgery.

The 26-year-old journalist was diagnosed with Degenerative Boprosthetic Mitral Valve with Severe mitral Stenosis Mild Mitral Regurgitation condition back in 2014.

This forced her family to take her to India to undergo a surgery to rectify the problem.

She underwent a valve replacement operation that helped her for the last nine years.

Fatma had a prosthetic valve fixed in her heart, but the valve had degenerated over time and could no longer function and therefore required to be replaced immediately.

Unfortunately she passed away before the procedure could be carried on.

Colleagues and friends have paid tribute to the late Fatma describing her as a young and dedicated journalist who the media was yet to realize her full potential.

Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) coast chapter in a press release condoled with the family and the media fraternity in Mombasa.

"The Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) coast chapter has learnt with a lot of sadness the passing on of a Mombasa based journalist Fatma Rajab,”

"Her charisma and diligence in executing her duties will sure be missed by many in Mombasa,” read a statement by KCA coast chapter chairman Omar Abdalla.

Abdalla also thanked the media in Mombasa for coming together to highlight her plight as she appealed for assistance to raise funds for her much needed heart surgery.

"We extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends and the entire media fraternity in Mombasa and the region at large.Surely to Allah we belong, and to Allah we shall return. May Allah grant her Janatul Firdaus,” Abdalla said.

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A Mombasa based journalist is appealing for help to raise Sh1.8 million to assist her go for a heart surgery.

26-year-old Fatma Rajab is currently admitted at the ICU unit at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital where she expects to undergo the much needed surgery to help her get back to normal.

Fatma, a journalist at Mo radio was diagnosed with Degenerative Boprosthetic Mitral Valve with Severe mitral Stenosis Mild Mitral Regurgitation condition back in 2014.

Mitral valve stenosis occurs when the mitral valve in the heart narrows, restricting blood flow into the main pumping chamber.

This forced her family to take her to India to undergo a surgery to rectify the problem.

She underwent a valve replacement operation that helped her for the last nine years.

Fatma’s father Rajabu Ali said they (family) managed to afford the cost of the operation back then after getting support from family members, friends and well-wishers and also selling his inheritance house from his late father.

"I had to sell my late father’s house and also got support from family, friends and well-wishers to pay for the operation then.” said Ali.

Adding "Unfortunately the condition has re-occurred and we need Sh1.8 million which my family cannot afford for now,”

Fatma had a prosthetic valve fixed in her heart, but the valve has degenerated over time and can no longer function and therefore requires to be replaced immediately.

“If I had the money I could have taken back to India where she had the first operation to get the problem fixed, but unfortunately we cannot afford that”

“I am appealing to all Kenyans of good will to help me treat my daughter so that she can regain her health and go back to doing her work,” Ali appealed.

Her mother Mwanthumu Abdalla said Fatma recently developed complications after she started experiencing abdominal pain forcing them to rush her to the nearest hospital in Bamburi this week.

Things got worse and they had to rush to CGTRH where after close observations and x-ray reports, it was discovered that the prosthetic valve fixed in her heart had failed.

"We were working to raise funds for her heart conditions yet other complications have come up. Getting the Sh1.8 million is difficult for us.”

"I humbly appeal to our leaders and Kenyans at large to come to our rescue. My heart is heavy and in pain when I see my daughter in this condition, I will appreciate any support I get,” she said.

Doctors at the hospital have said Fatma is in stable condition but requires having the surgery done immediately.

Doctor Hassan Ali, the resident medical officer at the medical ICU unit said after conducting observations of Fatma when she was brought in this week, they discovered symptoms of heart failure immediately started her on anti-failure drugs.

"One of the drugs she was using had a side effect causing her abdominal pain and bleeding. We have put her on medication to counter that as she is still on anti-failure drugs too,” said Dr. Ali.

The doctor said Fatma is now in stable condition compared to how she came in, but the surgery has to be done immediately.

"She is conscious, alert and her breathing is okay. The challenge remaining is that we have to get the valve replaced immediately, this can be done within our center and we are preparing for that,” he said.

The cost of the operation at the hospital can be less than a million, but the same operation is costing Sh1.8 million at Karen Hospital where Fatma had her scan that revealed the return of the heart failure symptoms.

“We have a good cardiothoracic team here to handle such cases. The patient is fully in ICU, she has to be fully stabilized and once we do that she will be ready to go for the operation,” Dr. Ali said.

On Friday, fellow journalists thronged the Coast general hospital to donate blood to help in the surgery of the colleague.

As the world welcomes 2024, the spotlight shines on Ayo Dee, an emerging Kenyan talent poised to make waves internationally. 

Hailed by many as the next Burna Boy, Ayo Dee is set to captivate audiences worldwide, supported by his home country of Kenya. Ayo Dee burst onto the music scene with his debut EP, "Ready the EP," in 2022, featuring hits like "Mary Jane" and "Turuturu," captivating Kenyan audiences and establishing his unique sound.

Kicking off the new year with a bang, Ayo Dee has dropped the lead single, "Wanjiru Wants My Baby," from his highly anticipated second EP, "Connect the Dots," - the song was officially released on January 1st, 2024.

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/pLQjwUdiSVs 

This track, a masterful fusion of reggae vibes and Afro Fusion, delves into the theme of making conscious life choices, challenging societal conditioning that can hinder personal growth and prosperity. Accompanied by a vibrant music video, "Wanjiru Wants My Baby" showcases Kenya's top music talents, uniting as a community dedicated to conscious artistry and growth.