Ommy Dallah
Swahilipot Fm Poaches Renowned Sports Journalist Makanaki
Newly launched Swahilipot fm has poached veteran sports journalist Japhet Kahindi Makanaki.
Makanaki who has been in the industry for over 15 years is set to make his debut this Saturday.
" I have not yet officially hand over my resignation letter to sauti ya pwani radio but my first show at Swahilipot fm will be this coming Saturday" Makanaki told this blog.
Makanaki will be hosting the 'Kickoff' show every Saturday from 3pm to 7pm, alongside another household name Salim Barissa.
Barissa joins Swahilipot fm from Radio Msenangu.
Among the radio stations that Makanaki has worked for includes Baraka fm, Radio Salaam and Homeboys radio.
International, Makanaki has worked for supersport (6 yrs) and Spain based sports radio, media Pro.
Makanaki who is also a sports commentator is expected to inject his experience into the new radio station which was lunched few months back.
The radio station is run by the Swahilipot Hub.
Over 2,000 Participants Join Mombasa Walk's Dongo Kundu Challenge
Over 2,000 participants took part in the 30 kilometres endurance trek Dongo Kundu challenge on Thursday, organised by the Mombasa walk movement.
According to the organisers, this is the highest number of participants recorded since the movement was launched in 2022.
The challenge kicked off at Sabasaba with participants passing through Changamwe, Mwache bridge, Sunza, Mteza bridge, Kibundani before reaching the final destination Likoni checkpoint where there was a medical camp.
"The idea was to celebrate the Mazingira day not only by planting trees by walking so that people can reduce their carbon production, we try to encourage people to walk to their places of work. We want to encourage a culture of walking" said the Mombasa walk movement founder Idris Abdirahman.
Adding " People have seen the nice view at the dongo kundu and where they can now come and plant trees."
On his part Changamwe Mp Omar Mwinyi who was part of participants called on Mombasa residents to come out and embrace the culture of walking.
"We are advocating for Mps and other leaders to participate in such walks because it is healthy and also it motivates the constituents to also take part." said Omar.
Adding " This is healthy and it is a way of keeping away sicknesses such as obesity, cholesterol and life style diseases."
Go For Regular Medical Checks, Tanzanians Told
Tanzanians have been urged to go for regular medical check ups to avoid late diagnosis of diseases.
Speaking during a medical camp and walk organised by Medinova specialised polyclinic and the Uganda embassy in Tanzania, Medinova customer relations and communications manager Evelyn August emphasized the need for regular check ups noting that most people have ended up being victims of late diagnosis.
" My plea to Tanzanians is please let's prioritize going for regular medical check ups. Do not wait until you are sick for you to visit a medical facility. You need to go for the check ups at least once a year" said August.
Adding " During this medical camp which has also been a way of marking Uganda's 62 years of Independence, we have been able to test several diseases including diabetes, pressure BMI among others."
On her part Comfort Amviko, foreign service officer at the Uganda embassy called for more cooperation between Tanzania and Uganda.
"We came together to celebrate the Independece of Uganda as good neighbours. We started the day with a fitness run which was very successful." said Amviko.
Adding" Let us all be mindful of health and strive to live healthy."
EACC Arrests Two Fake KEBS Officials Extorting Shops in Mombasa
The Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission has arrested two fake Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) officers who, while accompanied by uniformed police officers, were inspecting goods in shops within Bamburi area and thereafter arresting, detaining and extorting shop owners alleging that they were selling expired goods.
The suspects arrested on Tuesday evening had reportedly duped the police officers to believe that they were genuine KEBS Officers on official duty requiring police escort in a crackdown on expired goods in Mombasa shops.
"The Commission mounted an operation at Kadzandani Mwatamba Police Station where the arrested shop owners were being detained and extorted. The fraudsters were demanding amounts ranging from Kes.20,000 to Kes.50,000." reads a statement from EACC
The suspects, ??????? ??????? ????? and ???????? ?. ???????? are designated as Consumer Protection Officers working with an agency they call Multi-Works & Rights Enforcement.
The suspects were detained at Mombasa Central Police Station and will be arraigned before the Mombasa Anti-Corruption Court on Wednesday.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects have engaged in similar illegal activities in other parts of the country.
IGAD Media Awards 2024 Set For October 23
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has announced the upcoming IGAD Media Awards 2024, which will take place in Nairobi, Kenya.
The event, hosted at the Argyle Hotel, will recognise journalists and media professionals who have significantly contributed to peace, security, and development within the IGAD region.
Centred around the theme “Narratives of Hope: Inspiring Peaceful, Secure, and Inclusive Futures,” this year’s awards recognise media coverage that promotes peace, security, and regional cooperation.
The awards highlight stories that foster unity, resilience, and hope across IGAD Member States. Entries for the awards have already been received, and the panel of jurors has selected 18 winners across various categories for their exceptional storytelling.
The event will feature a one-and-a-half-day workshop characterised by engaging panel
discussions across four key sessions:
● Spotlight on the peace and security situation in the Horn of Africa
● Challenges faced by women and children in conflict zones
● The Sudan Crisis: Collective Experiences and Insights
● Inspiring change through transformative and powerful messaging
These sessions will bring together experts, journalists, policymakers, and development stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in peace and security across the IGAD region, offering insights and strategies for impactful storytelling.
Speaking about the upcoming event, IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, emphasised the importance of the media in building peace and security within the region. He remarked that the media is a powerful tool that bridges divides, unites communities, and fosters understanding and collaboration.
"The IGAD Media Awards aim to acknowledge and support media professionals who use their platforms to champion hope and peace in the region." said Gebeyehu.
Organised with the support of the Government of Kenya, USAID Kenya, and the East Africa Mission, the 2024 IGAD Media Awards will convene policymakers, development partners, media professionals, civil society representatives, and stakeholders to celebrate journalistic excellence and acknowledge the challenges and achievements within the region.
The workshop will take place from the 22nd to the 23rd of October, and the Awards Ceremony will be held on the 23rd of October from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Argyle Hotel in Nairobi.
During the ceremony, the 18 winners, representing categories such as Print, Radio, TV, Photography, Digital, National Languages, Influencer, Gender-Responsive Media, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, will be recognised.
Winners will receive cash prizes, certificates, and trophies in appreciation of their impactful storytelling and dedication to promoting peacebuilding and regional development. IGAD remains committed to supporting the media’s role in advancing peace, security, and regional cooperation.
MTV Shuga Makes Epic Comeback To Kenya After Over A Decade
The MTV Staying Alive Foundation has announced the return of the iconic MTV Shuga to Kenya, with a brand-new season titled MTV Shuga Mashariki.
This exciting development marks the show’s comeback after more than 10 years, with auditions having kicked off this October in search of Kenya’s freshest talent.
At the heart of MTV Shuga’s return is its unwavering focus on storytelling to change the lives of Kenyan youth.
From script to screen, this season’s entire production is informed by local youth-centered research and designed to tackle restrictive, harmful gender norms that affect the outcomes of young people's lives in Kenya.
Additionally, MTV Shuga Mashariki will be a 100% Kenyan production, ensuring that every aspect of the show reflects the authentic experiences and voices of Kenyan youth.
In its return, the production of MTV Shuga Mashariki will draw from extensive evidence that has shown that authentic youth-centered storytelling can help shift restrictive norms, at scale.
In a bid to broaden its reach to aspiring actors across the country and nurture local talent, the show will hold both physical and virtual open auditions this month.
MTV Shuga has built a strong legacy of showcasing new talent and this season will uphold that tradition, introducing dynamic new faces and a fresh generation of Kenyan actors to its ever-expanding audience.
Both in person and online cast submissions, will be reviewed by the casting team after which shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.
Open Auditions in Nairobi:
Actors based in Nairobi are invited to attend open auditions from October 11th - 13th, 2024 from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. at the University of Nairobi (main campus). Registration closes October 10th, 2024.
Online Submissions:
MTV Shuga Mashariki will also include online submissions as an option to those unable to make it to the physical auditions. Aspiring actors should submit the following materials by October 13th, 2024:
-
A professional headshot
-
A brief introductory video and 30-second monologue performance
How to Audition:
Sign up for physical or virtual auditions using this link: https://shorturl.at/ABWHT
Eligibility:
Open to Kenyan citizens aged 18 -30 years only.
Be Strategic, Disciplined In Partnerships With China, African Countries Urged
On August this year, the Chinese and Tanzanian armies concluded "Peace Unity-2024" joint exercise held in at the Tanzanian military's Comprehensive Training Center in the Bagamoyo district of Mapinga.
During the exercise, that opened on July 29, troops from the People's Liberation Army of China and the Tanzania People's Defence Forces focused on joint counter-terrorism capability and carried out reconnaissance, rescue, besieging and elimination drills.
The Chinese ground units involved in the exercise consist of troops from the 82nd Group Army, an information and communication regiment, and a military hospital. The troops specialize in fields including assault, reconnaissance, intelligence, special operations, information support and logistics.
China conducted another military exercise with Mozambique immediately after the Tanzania one.
In 2016, China and Mozambique signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Co-operation Agreement, aimed at strengthening contacts between the two countries’ army, police and intelligence services. China also agreed to strengthen Mozambique’s defence capacity.
China has been establishing closer cooperation with Africa, a relationship that has come with mixed reactions with some hailing it.
Djibouti is one of the African countries that China has managed to establish a permanent military base. The Chinese government has also managed to initiate several development projects in Djibouti which includes electrical rail, a deep-sea port and a free-trade zone.
According to a Tanzanian activist who requested anonymity, this relationship comes at a cost.
"China has never been a player in counter terrorism exercises ever since, this is informed by their non allignment to the geo-political activities across the globe. This position has placed them out of global political conflicts which mostly broad terror activities. Now for China,Tanzania and Mozambique to conduct joint military activities and establish permanent military bases speaks to economic activities and interest of China in Tanzania." said the source.
Adding "Tanzania has emerged as major producer and exporter of natural gas in the globe with substantial resources in Songo Songo, Mnazi Bay and Kiliwani North all in Tanzania. This resources has led to substantial investment from the Chinese Govt and private corporations. We should also not forget the west countries and companies have also been investing in the same since natural gas was discovered way back in 1952 or there about. The scramble for this resources always put the interested companies and govt in fierce competition which sometimes can be ugly and violent as recently seen in Mozambique where with support from interested quotas extremist organizations took control of gas and oil reserves. It took the combined effort of neighbouring countries, deaths and destruction of property to restore order.
On her part Fatma Mwalimu said China is benefiting from the partnership with Africa through trade opportunities and the rich mineral resources, oil and other natural resources that China needs to fuel its industrial growth and sustain its population.
She called for more caution and strategic approach to the partnership, from African countries.
"Yes, we need these partnerships since it is public knowledge that African countries cannot easily prosper on their own. However, it all requires a balanced and strategic partnership that prioritizes mutual interest, that prioritizes transparency and scores long-term development,” argued Mwalimu.
Rising Cyberattacks Highlight The Need For Enhanced Data Protection And Cybersecurity In All sectors
By Modeen Malick, Principal Systems Engineer at Commvault
Recent cyberattacks on various organisations, including South African government departments, are a stark reminder that cybercriminals increasingly target public and private sector organisations.
This underscores the critical importance of robust data management and cybersecurity.
Unfortunately, many organisations in both sectors face challenges due to underinvestment in security systems and outdated technology. This, combined with the large amounts of valuable and sensitive data that private and public sector organisations hold, makes them attractive targets for cyberattacks.
While both sectors are vulnerable to attacks, public sector organisations are more likely to be targeted as government typically invests less in cybersecurity compared to private sector organisations. The potential consequences can be dire for both public and private sector organisations if they fail to enhance their data management and cybersecurity infrastructure.
The most evident consequence of a data breach is financial loss, due to unplanned downtime and disruption of operations. Beyond financial loss, and arguably even more severe, is the risk of suffering reputational damage as a result of an attack. This can erode customer trust and have a long-term impact on revenue.
The evolving threat landscape
While most organisations embrace regulatory compliance that is designed to protect sensitive data, it is the data environment itself that is becoming increasingly challenging to secure, as it is constantly growing and becoming more complex.
Advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solutions can assist organisations in defending against cyber threats. Today, traditional data management companies are partnering with AI specialists to roll out AI-driven solutions that help organisations leverage data insights that facilitate threat detection, protection and mitigation methods and data recovery.
Due to the evolution of the threat landscape, leading data management companies are diversifying and collaborating with partners such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) companies or Security, Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) partners to provide threat detection and assessment solutions. This can be further bundled with incident management and a layer of data governance and privacy.
To create effective cyber resilience, these data security products must be able to integrate with products in the broader cybersecurity ecosystem. This will not only meet the needs of customers but also help to bring faster, smarter and more connected security insights to all organisations, whether in the public or private sectors.
In today's digital landscape, it is imperative to prioritise robust cybersecurity measures and IT modernisation due to organisations’ IT environments becoming increasingly complex, with potential attacks becoming more sophisticated. As such, business leaders are driving strategic cyber resilience efforts to put their business continuity and data recovery needs at the forefront of their cyber preparedness.
Traditional methods no longer suffice
As a result, traditional IT budgets have shifted. While replication from a data protection perspective used to be considered the most reliable disaster recovery measure, the rapid advancement of technology means it is no longer sufficient to only safeguard against data loss.
Today, recovering from a cyberattack is more complex than simple data recovery. It involves restoring not only the compromised or lost data but also the systems and applications affected by the attack. This process can be time-consuming and challenging due to the vast amounts of data that need to be recovered. An effective data protection strategy must now align with the intricacies of a modern IT landscape, as organisations must implement solutions that go over and above the traditional.
However, despite organisations investing heavily in security tools, bad actors still profit from damaging and exploiting businesses and their critical data, whether it is in the public sector or the private sector.
Organisations need to therefore adopt a more proactive approach to identifying risks and defending their data. Ultimately, they need to be able to effectively identify the risk while bracing for the impact of an inevitable breach, thus minimising the blast radius and impact of the attack.
Reconcile With Your Deputy, Mombasa Activist Urges Ruto
Mombasa youth activist Evans Momanyi has pleaded with president William Ruto to reconcile with his deputy Rigathi Gachagua and save him from the impeachment process currently ongoing.
Momanyi argued that Ruto should provide leadership and pursue reconciliation for the sake of the country noting that the current wrangles are likely to raise political temperatures in the country.
Speaking during the public participation exercise for the impeachment of DP Gachagua in Mombasa, Momanyi called on Ruto to be careful with people sorrounding him and avoid being 'misled'.
"We are talking about the presidency here, and the presidency is both Ruto and his deputy Gachagua so the president has to trade very careful." argued Momanyi.
Adding "If Gachagua has committed any crime, let the relevant authorities including the police and EACC take up the matter and work on it."
"The president needs to be careful, that person that you have in mind to replace Gachagua might the person who will also be used to impeach you."
The public participation is currently ongoing in all constituencies across the country.
Chimano Drops Bold New Dance Anthem 'Fashion'
Celebrated Kenyan singer-songwriter and performer Chimano has dropped a fresh new track titled “Fashion” produced by Ghana’s Afro Elektra and co-produced by Kenyan producer DTX.
Chimano has embarked on an exciting new chapter in his career as a solo artist, and he’s making a bold statement with his latest releases.
“Fashion” is a vibrant dance anthem that is more than just a song; it’s a declaration of self-expression, a love letter to his loyal fanbase, the Chimandems, and a showcase of his newfound confidence and swagger.
Ahead of the release, Chimano shares, “This song is also an ode to Kenya’s fashion industry and its movers and shakers, featuring designs from Kiko Romeo, Sevaria, Muyishime, and Afrostreet. These custom pieces are worn by Chimano, Brian Babu, Wambui Thimba, and Yvonne Afrostreet in the music video.”
Hot on the heels of his much-anticipated debut single, “Do You Remember” - the new single is accompanied with visuals directed by CJ Pixels.
And is an energetic track that blends Chimano’s signature experimental sounds with infectious beats, revealing a playful yet sophisticated side of his artistry, as he continues to evolve in his musical journey. Speaking about his latest release, Chimano shares, “I am thrilled this song is finally being released after two years in the studio. The timing is perfect now, and I'm excited to share it after navigating everything else happening around me to now finally embark on a solo career as an individual artist.”
Watch: “Fashion” & “Do You Remember” on YouTube
Chimano’s solo work promises to delve deeper into themes of self-discovery, blending fun, authenticity, and intricacy in both sound and lyricism. His forthcoming projects will further reflect his love for music and the gift he’s been given, as he plans to release a full body of work that embodies his creative evolution.
“Fashion” written by Bien, further solidifies Chimano's status as a renowned style icon while reflecting on his fashion sense, which he describes as blissful, confident and daring. He sums up, “Fashion has had a profound impact on me because of the joy it brings me. Many times I feel like I’ve only just begun to explore its potential and I’m excited to dive deeper to unlock even more of my creativity through it.”
As Chimano steps into this new phase of his career, fans can look forward to a vibrant mix of personal storytelling, experimental production, and bold self-expression—all delivered with the unmistakable style and artistry that have made him a standout in the music scene.
He sums up, “Fashion represents the beginning of a new era for me. It marks my transition into a new sound and style, while still staying true to my artistic identity. I am excited to continue exploring this direction and to share more of myself with my audience.”
