Former Mombasa activist James Osoo is dead.

Osoo who previously worked for Muhuri died few days ago in Dubai where he had relocated close to 8 years ago.

In a statement Muhuri described the late Osoo as one of the pioneers of the organisation.

"He played a pivotal role in MUHURI's early days, alongside our current Rapid Response Officer, Francis Auma." reads the statement.

Adding "James was a true gentleman, a passionate artist, and a valued member of our MUHURI family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched and the art he helped create.MUHURI stands with James' family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Arccording to Muhuri ,communication with Transguard Group, James's employer, is ongoing, and they hope to bring his remains home by Saturday, December 16th.

Before joining MUHURI, James was a pillar of the arts community, as the organizing secretary and chairman of Kizingo Arts Troupe, he nurtured and guided countless talents, including Citizen TV's renowned Lulu Hassan. His dedication to mentoring left an indelible mark on the Kenyan arts scene.

Seeking new horizons, James later moved to Dubai, where he diligently worked until his untimely passing on December 6th, 2023.

"His mother and siblings firmly believe there was no foul play involved, they await the medical report to confirm the exact cause." adds the statement from Muhuri.

On his part, Muhuri's rapid response officer Francis Auma who worked closely with Osoo noted "I am very much dishearted by the passing of my best friend James Osoo. I cannot forget to admit what a wonderful man he was. My deepest sympathy is with family and his friends."

Discover the magic of Beneath the Baobabs Festival an annual celebration held from 30th December 1st January above the source of Takaungu Creek in Kilifi’s baobab forest.

Set on 50 acres of pristine Baobab Forest, upstream from the Takaungu Creek and 5kms from the Indian Ocean, Beneath The Baobabs Festival is the perfect tropical setting for a party and holiday experience, giving the best of all worlds, offering an immersive experience of contemporary and traditional Kenyan culture. 

For over 9 Years Kilifi has been growing into a mecca for East African artists, fans and audiophiles to celebrate the New and Past Year together.

As ever, the 2023/24 Beneath The Baobabs Festival line-up brings together respected names of the Kenyan Electronic & Alternative Music Scene, some of the freshest acts changing the game in East Africa and globally, as well as a number of International Acts excited to engage with the vibrant crowd of Kilifi. 

International Headliners include SA House Legend, CULOE DE SONG, award winning Amapiano Vocalist, BOOHLE, Live Melodic Tech Wizard FABIAN KROOSS (Still Vor Talent), the seminal Afro Tech DJ & Vocalist THANDI DRAAI, a very special back to back DJ set from UK producers MARIBOU STATE & UNITED FREEDOM COLLECTIVE and a bass driven Valley Stage headline set from UK badgyal MINA.

At the heart of Beneath The Baobabs Festival is African Electronic Music, shaking the Funktion One sound systems to their core; for the 10th year they make no exceptions with a vanguard of Kenyan stars driving the event. 

On the Opening Night THE MAIN STAGE will host Kenyan Amapiano legends KANEDA, MGM and DJ IV who will be representing a huge following of Kenyan dancers sure to break down the log drums like never before. Each act has been central in building the Amapiano sound in the country and each has their own distinct way of presenting it.

Opening the stage will be the Kilifi’s very own multi-disciplinary artist KÜRÏBÃ, followed by one of Kenya’s most exciting live acts, DIPA KONNECTION who fuse roots culture with Genge & Hip Hop to present a powerful opening show.

The stage will be closed on the first night by the festival's former head of social media, XPRSO member, and producer, BBYY. On The Island with her unique underground bounce and edits.

The Main Stage on the 31st will witness heavyweight Afro House & Afro Tech sounds from the next generation of DJs shaping the Kenyan scene. Including a midnight NYE drop by LEMI & SIMILA Live, internationally acclaimed Vocalist and DJ, TINA ARDOR, ‘The King of The Coast’ SHANGATATU, ‘Mass House’ Head Honcho BIG NYAGZ and Ethiopian Afro-Tech queen DRØMMER. 

The stage will be opened by the mystical ODD OKODDO, formed of Kenyan vocalist Olith Ratego and German producer Sven Kacirek, allowing the mind and body to settle into a serious music journey.

THE TWISTED FIG STAGE has grown increasingly popular to the local family and will be headlined by Rise Resident and Ethiopian champion GHEDI, who will be hosting a very special Opening Night Party with partners in crime HIRIBAE, TRENT and Kilifi rising star SOULFUD.

The stage will be warmed up by global DJs JOEY MANZI, ANDY LEMAY and TIM GARCIA, all who are deeply connected in the European industry and keen to build meaningful relationships with the Kenya scene.

The sound will be strictly funky, with global sounds earlier, followed by GHEDI’s curation of Jacking House and Disco, honoring the roots of electronic music and the spirit of protest through freedom of expression. The stage will be closed out by Kenyan underground legend KNVL and the sunrise will be welcomed by Swedish DE GALLI with her spiritual down tempo sounds to sooth the soul.

On the 31st THE TWISTED FIG STAGE will be curated by long time family member of Beneath The Baobabs, MAX MALESI, and headlined by Still Vor Talent’s FABIAN KROOSS who has been making waves in the international festival scene this year. 

The curation on this stage harks back to the roots of the festival and Burning Man culture with founder of Hooligan Ally and Beneath The Baobabs Director, FEDE leading the charge alongside Kilifi family member XAN WOODS, Africa Burn camp leader ROBIN CHARLES and Kenyan electronic wizz STEFANO CASSINI. 

Kenya Nights and DSTKT founder Riz Ibrahim will present his Techno monika MIDNIGHT SEX MACHINE, with fast rising SHI and Sawa Sawa Lounge resident AAHIL delivering the new guard of Kilifi techno to a seminal Boabab Deck.  

The underground sounds of East Africa will of course be deeply represented on THE VALLEY STAGE, powered by one of the best sound systems in the county. On the opening night SANTURI ELECTRONIC MUSIC ACADAMY will take over the stage with a wide selection of music presented and managed by their alumni and curated by JUSTIN DOUCET. 

The stage will swing through a variety of genres from the smooth conscious Hip Hop of the amazing MAU FROM NOWHERE & LUKORITO, to hot Nairobi Bass sounds form the likes of NOW IS GOOD, BURUGU, KENYAN SHILLING, WANT3CH & BAD MON. Santuri mainstay BUDALAGI will pick up the pace in time for a powerful Singeli performance by Tanzanian JAY MITTA, whilst berlin based Sloppe founder and Wax Museum producer DANIEL CHERNEY will help bridge the gap between the high tempo Singeli and 3 seminal Live Ambient acts including the soon to be stratospheric NJOKABI KARIUKI, NG’AT MALER & AIR CONDITIONER, making The Valley Stage a magical place to be early morning on 31st December!

THE VALLEY STAGE on 31st December will be opened by the formidable VALLERIE MUTHONI with her high intensity live Hip Hop and Drill set. Kilifi based SHELLQUEEN will bring up the BPM and get people moving with Kudero, Gqom and Afro Bass sounds.

Whilst MINA from the UK will see in the New Year with some heavy booty shaking that she has become known for from her amazing Book Book night in London.

The highly anticipated return of powerhouse COCO EM will be sure to test the speakers to the max, followed by Ugandan ANTI-MASS founder AUTHENTICALLY PLASTIC who will be sure to push the Baobab dancers as far ad they have ever been before with their genre bending, high pace sets.

THE FRELANDA STAGE, set between a marooned yacht and a huge Neem Tree, will play host to some underground techno on the opening night with sets by local DJs DAUDI DUBS and CLARKIE and welcoming Ugandan underground techno mainstays ANITRAXX and THII.  They will be followed by Open Lab Radio guru TINTIN and closed off with a beautiful morning set by Nairobi curator AFU.

On New Year’s Eve THE FRELANDA STAGE will be represented by Kilifi & Mombasa County’s own talents, with Swahili Hip Hop king KAA LA MOTO setting the tone with his mad freestyle and Swahili commentary. The master of Mwanzele, MR BADO will return with full entourage celebrating Mijikenda culture for a serious trance dance before the NYE drop.

The festival is excited welcome ‘The Matsangoni Boy’ REAGAN DANDY to perform his unique hard-hitting Giriama Hip Hop. After the NYE drop, the reigns will be handed over to eco-warrior and Nairobi beat maker BLOCKA BEATS, who will be accompanied by 2nd sets from the diverse Nu-Nairobi waver HIRIBAE and BBYY. ON THE ISLAND for a serious Hip Hop party!

The much loved KO LoKol SESSION will return for a special acoustic afternoon on the 31st to ease minds and bodies outside of the newly Baobab Studios. Sets by songsmiths DON NGATIA, BERO THE HERO, BAKHITA, TUGI MLAMBA & RAZOR MAN have been curated by our amazing partners KENYAN ORIGINALS who are keen to shine a light on Kenyan creatives.

They will be building a new installation and hosting their own bar for a true KO experience, best tasted in front of the KO LoKoL Session! 

All four of the festival's stages are built into the forest setting, supported by top quality Sound, Lighting, Ground Performers, Art Installations and Decor, each playing a crucial role in assisting the audience towards a truly transformative experience. 

The festival hosts some of the hardest hitting healers, therapists and activists in the region under its KISIMA arm, allowing for a mindful celebration whilst celebrating the New Year in a unique way. The tropical setting is amplified by viewing decks 30ms above the forest floor, with a plethora of huge Baobab, Tamarind and Neem trees keeping the grounds shaded and relaxing: the ideal way to combine adventure and travel alongside the very best music you can find.

With over 60 artists added to the immense lineup and much more to come, Beneath The Baobabs Festival 2023/24 is set to be its most monumental edition to date.

Mombasa creatives have something to smile about as they wrap up the year after the county boss Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir issued directives for the establishment of a creative board.

Speaking during a meeting with members of the creative industry at the Swahilipot Hub Foundation, the governor directed the departments of trade and that of sports and youth to spearhead the process of meeting stakeholders and ensure that the board is in place by February 2024.

“We are now in December, I give recommendation that by February next year we should have the board in place. So I urge the two departments to have sit downs with fellow artist and the legal brains to come up with the board,” said Nassir.

The objective of the board Nassir said will be the issue of promoting local artists both locally and internationally.

The process, Nassir said, must be subjected to public participation and ensure that the board has equal representation of all aspects of the creative industry.

“No one has monopoly of ideas, I couldn’t have planned for you what you need. I have to first listen to you understand the problems and know what is needed.” Nassir said.

The governor at the same time urged seasoned artists at the coast to incorporate the young and upcoming artists as they move forward with the formation of the creative board in Mombasa.

“We have to respect the views of the new upcoming artists. You need to involve them, don’t make decisions of their behalf,” he said.

He said he will look into coming up with a way of ring-fencing funds for the board even as he challenged the artists to figure out how to get more funding for the operationalization and running of the creative board affairs.

Nassir also appreciated the tremendous support he received from the artists in Mombasa popularizing his agenda to Mombasa residents that propelled him to clinch the county chief position.

"I must appreciate the art by a number of you people. Some of you worked over time to make me who I am today, you composed campaign songs for me and used your creativity to push for my agenda,” the governor said.

Kenyans in diaspora have expressed confidence that the government will better the investment environment in the country to enable to leverage on the diaspora remittance. 

This follows promise by government to put structures to make it easier for Kenyans abroad to invest back in the country in a fresh bid to woo investments from the diaspora community.

Kenya Diaspora Alliance Chairperson Dr Shem Ochuodho on Thursday made a plea to the government to focus on improving the welfare of Kenyans in abroad to enable them invest heavily back at home. 

"Kenyans in diaspora are ready to invest their money back home. There need to be focus on improving the investment environment to attract them,"said Dr Ochuodho. 

He was speaking at the 10th Annual Kenya Diaspora Homecoming Convention held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi. 

Principal Secretary, State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Roslyn Njogu said the Kenya Kwanza administration has stepped up efforts to make the environment for investment better for Kenyans in diaspora.

"We are calling on Kenyans to think about what new business opportunities they are bringing into the country. Kenyans abroad should think of technology transfer as new fronts they can bring into Kenya from their host countries.,” said Njogu.

Njogu said they have received concerns from Kenyans abroad decrying the high cost of sending money back to the country.

She promised to engage all stakeholders in the diaspora money transfer sector to ensure that the cost is manageable.

"The concern we have noted from the diaspora is the high cost of sending money back home. We want more Kenyans abroad to keep sending money back home so that we develop our economy,” Njogu added.

Currently, the foreign and diaspora ministry is in the process of setting up and securing systems for Kenyans in diaspora to obtain jobs that suit their qualifications.

Kenya Diaspora Alliance Chairperson Dr Shem Ochuodho exuded confidence that the steps laid down by the government to improve the welfare of Kenyans in the diaspora will improve remittance in the country.

“I am confident that the steps being undertaken by the government to improve the welfare of Kenyans living abroad by the government will bear fruits and see the doubling of remittances,” said Dr Ochuodho.

Ochuodho said that tapping into diaspora remittances can boost the economy of the country at a time when Kenyans are struggling with the high cost of living.

He said the tough economic times in the country can be rescued by leveraging ion diaspora remittances.

He wants the government to place a favourable environment for investment opportunities to woo Kenyans abroad into investing in the country.

“We are seeking to convince the government that it is Kenyans in the diaspora who can rescue our economy during tough times if a better investment environment is in place,” said Ochuodho.

United States Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman lauded the Kenya Diaspora Alliance for organising the conference.

She encouraged Kenyans abroad to invest back in the country.

According to CBK Diaspora Remittances Surveys, inflows to the East African nation, considered to have the largest economy in this region, has increased tenfold over the past decade, reaching an all-time record of $4.027 billion (KSh559.57 billion) in 2022.

The investment conference will for the first time recognise achievements of Kenyans living abroad with rewards.

It will be the launch of the 2023 Diaspora Awards that aims at celebrating and recognising the remarkable contributions and achievements of individuals from diverse Kenyan diaspora communities across the world.

“The Kenya Diasporas Alliance recognizes the awards as a beacon of acknowledgement for individuals who have not only demonstrated excellence, innovation, and impact but have also showcased the positive influence of diaspora communities on a global scale,” said Ochuodho.

This networking and partnership event annually brings together Kenyans living and working abroad to celebrate the year that has passed, network, make projections, and receive updates on upcoming opportunities and activities.

The awards are designed to recognise outstanding achievements in a diverse range of categories. From Arts and Culture to Science and Technology, Entrepreneurship to Philanthropy and many others. The lobby explained that the categories celebrate the incredible talents and passions.

Police in Mombasa have arrested five youths who threatened to attack and rob revellers intending to attend Christian Shusho and Rayvanny concerts.

In a statement on Wednesday, December 6, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) revealed that the five were arrested following an intelligence-led operation conducted by a team of officers based at Central Police Station in Mombasa.

The five suspects identified as Vincent Ochieng, Shadrack Ochieng, Felix Otieno, Salim Ali and Shafi Yusuf had earlier been captured in a video recording while displaying items that they had allegedly stolen from their victims.

"Upon search, a navy blue jacket that had been captured in the video recording, three iphones, a samsung phone, a memojo phone, a bluetooth headphone among other items were recovered from them," reads a statement from DCI.

Adding ""The individuals are suspected to be members of an organised criminal group that has been operating within the Sargoi area and its neighbourhoods," 

https://twitter.com/DCI_Kenya/status/1732296928946200833/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1732302260787359790%7Ctwgr%5E99e9dbf1213c9240c6a5387696ee0361cfe2d193%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.iframe.ly%2Fapi%2Fiframe%3Furl%3Dhttps3A2F2Fx.com2FPoliceKE2Fstatus2F17323022607873597903Fs3D20key%3Dce5765a69808a231f3c0cc82724515f9v%3D1app%3D1

Retail chain Carrefour has opened a new store in Mombasa providing added convenience and accessibility for customers in the coastal region.

The store located at the Promenade Mall in Nyali spans over 1,500 square metres, and aims to cater to the diverse needs of shoppers, offering an extensive array of product categories, from groceries to everyday essentials.

Commenting on the opening, Christophe Orcet, Regional Director East Africa, Majid Al Futtaim, which owns the exclusive rights to operate Carrefour in Kenya, stated: “The launch of our Promenade Mall store underlines our dedication to delivering quality, variety, and convenience to our customers. Additionally, at Majid Al Futtaim, we are and will remain committed to supporting the communities we serve. With that, we are thrilled to welcome 50 new colleagues to the store.”

This marks the retailer’s third establishment in the coastal region, following the Centre Point Mall in Diani and City Mall Nyali stores.

He added: “This expansion aligns with our broader plans for growth within the country, emphasising our commitment to investing in the local economy.”

The store will remain open to customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The official opening was presided over by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.

Nassir called on Investors to consider investing in the county saying the county is open for investors.

"The opening of this facility signals the rapid growth of Mombasa as a business hub due to the conducive environment we provide as a county government." said Nassir.

Adding " I promised the people of Mombasa that we would restore our city to glory and national prominence. Invest in Mombasa; we are open for business."

Mombasa youth across the county have been urged to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and skills.

According to Kenyatta Kenyatta International Convention Centre board Director Mboto Hassan this will help reduce the rate of unemployment among the youth among other issues.

Speaking in Mombasa during a cake baking festival hostel by renowned Mombasa baker Minat Ahmed. Mboto emphasized the need for the youth to change their mindset towards entrepreneurship.

"We all have different potentials and skills as young people. We need to work on our skills and dreams, let no one try to kill your dream or tell you that you cannot achieve your dream" said Mboto.

Adding " There are alot of opportunities out there, let us take advantage of them."

Mboto cautioned the youths against being discouraged by the challenges that can with entrepreneurship calling on them to practice patience during the journey.

Mboto charged "Entrepreneurship is not a straight journey, there are alot of challenges, you will meet alot of hurdles along the way but I urge don't consider giving up as an option. Just take a look at Minat, she is a young lady from here Mombasa but has achieved alot when it comes to baking"

On her part Minat, shared her journey with the participants emphasizing on the need to be courageous and not giving up.

"Let me share a story with you. I did not get here easily, it is not easy to be successful. You need to be focused, hardworking and disciplined." said Minat.

Adding " If you really want to be an entrepreneur and you leave this place without any single number or connection then you are not on the right path. You need to connect with people  and get the right contacts whenever you go. this is how I have been successful, I always make sure that I ask for a chance to introduce myself in every function that I attend, I introduce myself with what I do and that is how people also get to know me. Do not be in your comfort zone, be passionate about what you do. I have travelled all the way to Tanzania just to get the right connection, my mother did not want me to go there but I had to go just for my dream."

The cake festival dubbed “Minat Cake Festival”  provided a unique opportunity for attendees to connect and network with fellow baking enthusiasts, industry professionals, and like-minded individuals.

 40 students who had undergone a baking course at Minat school of baking also graduated during the event.

The attendees got the opportunity to sample  over 50 types of cakes.

By Carol Koech, Country President Schneider Electric, East Africa

 A recent report published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) states that the Kenyan economy is facing multiple near-term financial challenges, including limited fiscal and external buffers, an elevated cost of living, exchange rate pressures, and tight financial conditions.

To address these challenges, the country is taking proactive steps to capitalise on its abundance of renewable energy resources. At the first Africa Climate Summit, recently held in Nairobi, Kenya outlined its ambition to achieve 100 percent renewable power by 2030 and to fuel the green industries of the future by 2040.

Why renewable energy makes economic sense

One of the most compelling reasons to meet the renewable energy goals mentioned above is cost savings. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are becoming increasingly cost-competitive, making the switch to a greener energy posture more viable and leading to long-term savings on energy costs.

Importantly, Kenya's abundance of renewable resources extends beyond its borders, enabling it to scale up its renewable energy production and potentially meet a significant portion of the world's energy demand.

Looking at the industry sector, by generating their own clean on-site energy, Kenyan companies can reduce their dependence on external energy suppliers. This independence will help mitigate the risks associated with supply disruptions, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. Furthermore, due to the decentralised distribution of renewable energy, industries are protected against power outages during grid failures.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources also stimulates innovation and drives job creation in the renewable energy sector. This has a ripple effect on the local economy, creating opportunities for skilled workers and contributing to economic growth.

Collaborating with capable partners extends these opportunities in the region, creating a win-win scenario for businesses and the community alike.

Brand health and collaboration

Kenya, like many other countries across the globe, has introduced regulations and incentives to promote the adoption of renewable energy. Transitioning to renewables allows industries not only to comply with these regulations but also to take advantage of financial incentives, grants, and tax benefits offered by the government.

That’s not all, such sustainable practices also enhance brand reputation, attracting environmentally conscious customers, investors, and partners. This can lead to increased market share and long-term growth.

By collaborating with experienced partners like Schneider Electric, Kenyan businesses can transition to cleaner and smarter energy solutions. By proactively implementing renewable energy, the Kenyan economy is making important strides to stabilise its financial future while contributing to a cleaner, greener world.

By Mervyn Naidoo, Group Chief Executive Officer at ACTOM and Chairman of the Manufacturing Circle

In most African countries, local manufacturers tend to look towards imported equipment when choosing an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), often selecting imports from the Far East due to the lower costs associated with these products.

This is mainly because many African countries lack the capabilities and manufacturing capacity to locally produce equipment across various industry segments, which often makes the procurement of equipment in-country difficult and expensive.

This means that, by default, many African manufacturers companies turn to the West, Europe or most commonly the East – particularly China – to source equipment. However, the benefits of lower upfront costs are generally negated by the lifecycle costs of the imported products.

On the other hand, equipment manufactured by local OEMs has the benefit of being backed up by local competence and intellectual property, providing equipment owners with support and maintenance throughout the product's lifecycle. As is often the case, imported equipment can fast become useless and obsolete due to a lack of spare parts and expertise to maintain it.

Economic stimulus

Additionally, developing a local vertical supply chain that can support equipment from cradle to grave brings wider economic benefits to a country, including an economic stimulus that ultimately leads to the expansion of industry, job creation and increased gross domestic product. Typically, manufacturing multiplies employment – for every job created, many more are created in the vertical supply chain.

As many African countries grapple with high unemployment rates, developing and growing local and regional OEM capabilities would see more people become economically active, which would drive greater demand for resources such as electricity, water, data and service. An economically active population also creates demand for infrastructure growth and services, in turn boosting demand for locally manufactured equipment.

Hence, the reasons for African countries to actively look at using the existing demand for equipment manufacturing to stimulate regional economies and create jobs, as opposed to importing goods and benefiting other economies are compelling.

While the generally lower cost positioning of equipment imported from the East does make it tough for African manufacturers to compete, it is not impossible. African manufacturers need to look aggressively at how to position themselves to be competitive against foreign OEMs, and the key to this will be to leverage the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Incentivise trade

The reduction in tariffs under AfCFTA will automatically contribute to promoting the use of locally manufactured goods on the continent, as it will introduce an element of increased competitiveness and opens borders to facilitate trade between countries. At the same time, governments will have to play their part to incentivise trade between African countries, which will ultimately stimulate regional economies across the continent.

One of the key outcomes that must flow from AfCFTA is that African countries must effectively meet the demands of manufacturers on the continent by effectually exploiting the readily available raw materials needed for equipment manufacturing. Many of the resources required to produce these products are found on the continent and these should be beneficiated locally to add value.

The establishment of local manufacturing plants and factories will in turn stimulate economic growth and ensure sustainability in terms of cradle-to-grave lifecycle support for locally manufactured equipment. This will unlock economic growth in Africa. If done wisely, AfCFTA can help to boost African economies and change the plight of many countries on the continent.