Paula Kahumbu, a renowned conservationist and the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year for 2021 winner, has shed light on some of Kenya's most remarkable conservation heroes who are working to protect and restore the country's diverse but threatened, ecosystems.

As CNN's Call to Earth Guest Editor, Kahumbu has chosen three stories to highlight Kenya’s current drought is affecting wildlife and how the country’s conservancy movement can be a solution to these kinds of climate catastrophes, efforts to eradicate elephant and rhino poaching, a focus on Kenya’s marine life, and a look at sustainable wildlife tourism.

“The programme has allowed us to highlight Kenya’s efforts to tackle the current environmental crisis. The achievement so far puts Kenya as a global leader in wildlife and environmental conservation”, said Kahumbu.  

The stories highlighted ran individually on air, but also collectively as a half-hour special Call to Earth: Voice of the Wild which can be watched in full here. The links to individual stories:

• Paula Kahumbu: Voice of the wild
• How an underwater film inspired a marine protected area off Kenya’s coast
• Why the world needs African wildlife filmmakers

As climate events such as drought grow more extreme in Kenya, conservancies will become increasingly important for the survival of wildlife. Conservancies make up 13% of Kenya’s land area and are managed and protected by the people or communities who own the land.

A conservancy, defined by Dickson Kaelo, CEO of Kenya Wildlife Conservancies, “tackles the underlying factors that are driving biodiversity loss.”

Kenya is currently in the midst of its worst drought in 40 years.

Kaelo explains the impacts of drought on both people and wildlife, “When you have perennial, long-term, severe droughts happening like this one, people have limited choices and they end up selling the land to survive, it has a big impact on tourism and a big impact on wildlife.”

“If wildlife are not able to move over large distances, they affect the environment in a way that negatively impacts them. If the territories of lions are much smaller and have little prey, the lions fight and prides kill each other as a result. The conservancy actually expands the area available for wildlife. In the [Maasai] Mara now it has doubled by the creation of the 22 conservancies,” Kaelo adds.

The success of the conservancies movement not only helps wildlife but also the local community, according to Kaelo.

Kahumbu visits the fishing community in the village of Kuruwitu, which has become a model for community-led marine conservation as the locals manage and regulate their own marine sanctuaries.

Environmental Program Manager of Oceans Alive, Ledama Masidza, highlights the importance of community-led conservation efforts within marine life.

“Through appreciating and recognizing the authority of the elders, this led to a massive comeback in the fish by almost 400% fish biomass increase, a huge recovery in the seagrass by 17% recovery, and 30% recovery in the coral reefs, bringing back that colour.”

Jawahi Bertrolli, a filmmaker using art to increase awareness in his community, later tells Kahumbu how his film inspired change.

In response to community screenings of the film, local beach management units agreed to begin setting up a new marine protected area.

Kahumbu admires all types of conservation efforts and is hopeful for Kenya’s future.

“What really gives me hope is when I see so many people getting on with conservation in their own way. There's a lot of, not just ownership, but pride in conservation now in Kenya.”

The stories further emphasise the importance of education surrounding wildlife and marine conservation and how community-led conservation is making a difference in Kenya, both on land and underwater.

Kahumbu believes that education is key to conservation efforts and will inspire people to take action.

She encourages young people to get involved by giving them a platform to learn about wildlife and marine conservation.

The result, Kahumbu hopes, will be that young people “will be the voice for the animals that can't speak for themselves, the voice for nature, the voice for rivers, the voice for mountains.”

Kahumbu has devoted her career to protecting elephants from environmental changes and poachers. 

During her career, Kahumbu has worked as CEO of WildlifeDirect, and mounted a national campaign in 2014, ‘Hands Off Our Elephants’, which has since seen elephant poaching decrease by 80%

Big-talking Tanzanian boxer Karim Mandonga has vowed to severely punish Kenya's Daniel Wanyonyi on Saturday at KICC'S Ball Room.

Mandonga arrives in Nairobi on Wednesday  night at 8pm and will address the media on Thursday outside the National Archives building from 11am.

The two boxers will battle it out in a 10-round super-middleweight supporting bout of Rayton Okwiri vs Ally Ndaro main 10-round non-title fight.

"I'm told Kenyans are saying Wanyonyi will knock me out because he has fought in  more bouts than me, they're in for a surprise," said Mandonga in a telephone interview from Dar es Salaam.

"These are the opponents I want, I'm not at all bothered by his record it's nothing to me. On Saturday he'll know why I'm Mandonga Mtu Kazi."

Mandonga says bombs will explode on the head of the Kenyan boxer. 

"Yaani Wakenya watashagaa Jumamosi waje kwa wingi waone Mtu Kazi.. Maanake nampiga na ngumi ziitwazo Sugunyo kutoka Ukraine, mabomu yatalipuka kwa Mkenya atalia machozi ya damu."

The Tanzanian boxer is unbeaten in four fights, one draw with two knockouts while Wanyonyi has won 27 fights (22 KOs), lost 14 and drawn two.

Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir has released his 100 days score card since he took over leadership as second governor of the city.

Nassir says among other achievements, his administration has managed to bring sanity in garbage collection that had turned the tourism hub into an eye-saw.

Speaking in a joint interview with various leading media outlets, Nassir said he has improved staff welfare by solving the salary stalemate that had threatened to disrupt service delivery.

"We have ensured a 24 hour economy in our markets by installing CCTVs in our markets and roads, we are in the process to install similar lights in our roads," Nassir said.

He said a finance bill that is currently in the public participation stage will also ease the burden of traders in doing business by reducing licenses. After a research with Kenya national chamber of commerce, Nasir says small traders are most affected when it comes to taxation.

"We want to reduce corruption by ensuring that we provide an opportunity for all traders to pay tax levies without being victimised, we have synchronised everything to ensure a systemic payment of levies," said Nassir.

Last year the governor signed an MOU with Kenya commercial Bank to an agreement t6hat saw county employees receive their salaries by every 25 dates of the Month without delays.

The county has also created a secure and safe working environment for traders in major markets after the county installed CCTV cameras and lighting systems to facilitate business activities.

He also stated that in the first 100 days he has partnered with Japan international cooperation Agency to increase the bed capacity at the intensive care unit in the coast teaching and Referral hospital.

And for the sick, the governor has also partnered with Jomo Kenyatta University and launched a mobile laboratory designed to test various health conditions in Mombasa County.

He has also signed an MOU with ECDE Schools to facilitate provision of free lunch for pupils.

Nassir said his target is to ensure that by the end of his five year term Mombasa improves on revenue generation. The county is now working on investment data to inform on investing.

"According to the Kenya bureau of statistics, tourism contributes to 4 percent of our revenue, but this is very little, we are doing a lot in ensuring that we get more direct flights to Mombasa to boost our tourism numbers," he said.

Kenya Coast tourism sector is banking on the introduction of direct flights from Dubai to Mombasa to grow its tourism numbers in 2023 season.

UAE is the principal market for Kenya in the greater Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market that consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

On Thursday Dec 15, 2022, Kenya celebrated a huge milestone when National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) took to the skies, its maiden non-stop flight from the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa to Dubai.

The inaugural flight was flagged off by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who said direct flights from Mombasa to Dubai was key in facilitating the movement of passengers and goods from the Kenyan coast to the United Arab Emirates.

I find Omar Mohamed on the balcony of his house at the heart of Mombasa Old Town. He is perched on a Swahili stool, sipping Kahawa tungu”, a popular beverage in the coastal region made from concentrated coffee. He is donning a  Swahili kikoi synonymous with locals here when I catch up for our scheduled interview.

Mohamed, 45 is among those who were affected when the government imposed lockdowns to contain coronavirus in Old town more than a year ago.

His voice suddenly quivers, his face falling suddenly when I broach the subject of Covid after an exchange of pleasantries. I can tell he is pained recalling the experience that Covid 19 presented.

He recollects the events leading to the lockdown, visibly sad, that he lost close friends and neighbours to Covid 19 owing to the circulation of false information about the disease and testing. 

He however faults the manner a directive for compulsory covid 19 testing for all residents in the town was imposed by the county government and the subsequent lockdown. 

“There was no data that informed the lockdown, those who imposed the measures acted with impunity, it was a punishment to the locals for rejecting the Covid tests, he claims.

Despite collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health and the County Government of Mombasa to sensitize locals on the importance of the tests which were aimed at containing the Covid spread, the locals remained skeptical.

The result, a cat-and-mouse chase pitting health officials and residents, contributing to increased cases.

“What worsened the situation, is how those concerned handled the matter, they would isolate those found positive without consideration of their economic status, this complicated the situation and contributed to resistance to submit to testing,” he recalls.

Mohamed lost some friends to Covid 19 and says the lack of proper information about Covid 19 gave rise to claims that the disease was none existent, thus promoting apathy. “Residents were misled by the information on social media, he says.

He claims that had the government engaged in proper sensitization it would have helped counter the false claims that were in circulation, saving lives. 

Many old town residents say they were under the illusion that if they took the Covid jab, their brain would be damaged, according to social media claims. Others claimed that the social distancing, especially at the  mosques, was a ploy to eliminate Islam, their religion.

“People were writing all sorts of news and spreading rumours, for us in the Old town we took it seriously. People said if you take a jab you will destroy your nostrils and affect the brain,” said Mohamed.

“I was told that when I get vaccinated I will lose my fertility, there were claims that quarantine would separate families, which is against Muslim culture, and people claimed this would threaten our Muslim faith. As you know Muslims eat together share the same ‘Sinia ya futari; when breaking the fast, and this was discouraged at that time,” Mohamed added.

The Mombasa county public health department says the apathy towards testing and observing protocols was largely driven by fake news.

According to Mombasa county public health department communication director Richard Chacha, suppressing the disease at Old town was a tough task. He said it took the county government months of sensitizing the residents to enable them understand the importance  of protecting themselves..

“What made it difficult to control spread in the old town was first of all a lot of negative stories about testing, some believed that the testing kit would destroy their brains, others felt that it would interfere with their religious beliefs,” said Chacha.

Chacha who was then among the team in the Public health department handling information dissemination said majority of the Muslim faithful mingled owing to their religious practice, especially at the mosques, eating together in groups as they doubted the existence of Covid 19 as informed by unverified sources. 

There was a lot of fake news in the social media, people believed them more than what we told them, this was the biggest challenge,”Chacha adds

According to Chacha, Mombasa is now recording Zero cases of Covid 19, with all protocols having been lifted despite hundreds of thousands of Kenyans flocking the port city for the Christmas and New Year festivities.

“We have no restrictions because we have managed to contain the disease, and counter the disinformation.” Chacha confirmed through a phone interview.

Mohammed says the situation is much better now following increased awareness and sensitization. “Many are lining up to take covid-19 jab because they have seen people die from the disease, the restrictions have been lifted and we will be ready to observe protocols if the disease recurs, because we feel enlightened now,” he concludes.

Radio Ngoma station manager Eliakim Mwachoni started the new year right, with a lip lock with his better half.

The former Baraka fm presenter exchanged vows with his longtime lover Anita Wamboi in a lavish wedding held at the KRA School gardens Mombasa, on new year's eve.

The two lovebirds dated for 3 years before getting married.

"We met in church in Bamburi, we are all born again" he told Ommy Dallah.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/gossip/item/2319-ex-presenter-makes-a-comeback-after-3-year-hiatus

Their wedding cake was designed in form of a pulpit With a Bible on top with 2 microphones and 2 speakers.

Eliakim got saved in  2019 and has since been preaching gospel mainly through radio.

What a way to kick off the new year! King Kaka has just officially released his much-anticipated gospel album dubbed '2nd Life' .

The album commemorates the period when the superstar was hospitalized for months; he was forced to take a break from music production after his health deteriorated following a misdiagnosis. The illness brought him close to God.

'2nd Life' album expresses gratitude to God for King Kaka's full recovery and all the blessings God has bestowed upon the rapper and entrepreneur. The title of the album was motivated by the fact that God has given him a second chance in life. Doctors had at the time of his diagnosis predicted that only had 30 days to live.

Twelve out of the seventeen track album are collaborations with top music personalities within and beyond Kenya. Some of the artists who have been featured on the album include; Alpha Mwana Mtule, Femi One, Jadi, Alyn Sano, Kivumbi, Wanavokali, Watendawili, Kanambo Dede, Iyanii, Anastacia Muema, Solomon Mkubwa, Phyllis Mbuthia, Walter Chilambo, and Zamunda among others. 

Why did King Kaka call the project 2nd Life: "I went through a life changing ordeal and I am now experiencing and appreciating every minute of me being able to do what I love; and that is life , family, music and business. I am literally living my 2nd life."

What Does 2nd Life mean to King Kaka: "I was talking to my wife the other day and I declared this album my most honest album, this being my 6th studio project. It’s the most excited I have been while recording an album. Always grateful to the entire team over the one year we have been working on this. It’s very close to my heart."

There is a lot of diversity in the collaborations; from the generations of artists to styles of music.  One can already tell that the album has been tailored for people of all age groups. The songs too, going by the featured artists, will be applicable in almost all registers including church services.

King Kaka has so far released music videos from the album. The released tracks include; 'Umenibariki' featuring Goodluck Gozbert, 'Asante' featuring Kidum, and 'Manifest' featuring Nviiri The Story Teller. The three songs were produced by Sifa and Wuod Omollo.

President William Ruto has led Kenyans in mourning veteran Tv news anchor Catherine Kasavuli.

The President was among political leaders who took to social media to mourn Kasavuli after news broke of her demise at Kenyatta National Hospital.

In his message on Twitter, the president said he was deeply saddened by the news of the passing on of Kasavuli describing her as an intelligent news anchor.

"Catherine was a cheerful, articulate and intelligent news anchor who took to television with unprecedented flair. Her pleasant smile, clear steady voice, and elegance made her a welcome presence and reassuring bearer of news to Kenyan living rooms for decades." said Ruto.

Adding " Let us therefore celebrate the life of a talented pioneer who famously excelled in her profession, entrancing the nation with her talent and extraordinary poise. I pray that God comforts her family in this time of mourning and that her soul rest in eternal peace."

"I join the rest of the nation in mourning the passing of a television icon Ms. Catherine Kasavuli. She has been a legendary newscaster who always performed with great poise and grace. I extend my profound condolences and heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends." said former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho.

Kasavuli died aged 60 at the Kenyatta National Hospital on Thursday night, after battling with cancer.

Kasavuli had been admitted at the facility since October 26.

In November, colleagues and friends in the media industry mobilised people to donate blood for urgent transfusion after she was admitted at KNH.

The county government of Mombasa has deployed seven patrol boats to boost security and safety along all public beaches in the county.

The move comes a day after two people lost their lives after a boat they were in capsized at the Jomo Kenyatta Public beach commonly known us Pirates on Sunday.

The two were among 12 family members who had travelled from Nairobi and had hired a boat for a short trip into the deep seas before their boat capsized.

"We have deployed seven patrol boats along all our public beaches. We shall have four here at pirates because it is the mostly frequented. Another boat will be along the island with the rest deployed across in Likoni," said Nassir.

Nassir was speaking after visiting the Jomo Kenyatta public beach Monday afternoon where he met revellers and also visited the Kenya Red cross emergency stand stationed at the beach.

He said that each boat will have a Kenya Coast Guard officer, a life guard officers as well as youths with diving experience recruited by the county for the festive season.

"Yes accidents do happen but we have everything under control. I want to assure Mombasa residents and all visitors around of their safety and security," he said.

The governor confirmed that he has spoken to families of the deceased and those recuperating in hospital.

He however did not disclose much about their discussions as families prepare to lay their loved ones to rest.

He urged the media to allow them mourn in private.

"Let us not focus on the negativity, but rather focus on the efforts made by the county to beef up safety  and security," Nassir said.

Earlier on Monday, the Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya banned swimming along the beaches of the Indian Ocean past 5 pm following the death of two family members on Sunday.

Mvurya was speaking after touring Diani beach in Kwale county.

He was accompanied by Kenya Maritime Officials led by the chairman Hamisi Mwaguya alongside government officials together with members of the Kenya Redcross Society led by Mombasa chairman Mahmoud Noor.

"We don’t expect to see anyone at the beach past 5:30 pm, and we have made this decision after wide consultations with different stakeholders," Mvurya said.

The CS also said they have directed that all boats operating in the ocean be inspected to ensure safety. 

"We want all the boats to have safety gear such as floaters because we have realised that some have vests that even look like reflector jackets," he said.

Nassir however said that Mombasa county will consult the CS over the ban saying that some functions were devolved.

"Waziri has good reasons for the ban. But we shall have consultations with him to see how we can improve on the safety. I am alive to the fact that the move will affect some businesses, " he said.

Reigning Mombasa Open International Tong IL-Moo do Mombasa Martial Arts champions Jasiri defended and retained the title at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa.

The team won the championship in a successive 10 time after beating it's close rival Phillippines to second position. 

Kenya exhibited that it remains a powerhouse in this category of Martial Arts in Africa and the World.

Though the event ended after 4 days, the government had not committed itself financially to support the event despite assurance.

At the top of the table Kenya won a total of 185 medals ,46 gold, 54 silver,85 bronze respectively.

Phillippines at a distant second bagged 11 gold,5 silver,18 bronze amassing a tally of 34 medals. 

Korea ranked among the world top teams were successful to occupy position 3.They won 6 gold , 2silver and 5 bronze.

Zambia trailed at position 4 with 5gold,5silver and 11bronze.

On their debut, India carried the day at position 6 with 4gold,3silver and 1 bronze.

The USA did not disappoint they stood at position 6 with 2 gold,3 silver and 4 bronze.Position 7 went to Brazil scooping 2 gold and 2 bronze.

 Paraguay and Japan took position 8 and 9 respectively with each winning 1 gold.

However, Paraguay in their basket won 5 silver and 2 bronze. 

Denmark ended at position 10,with 1silver.Dominican Republic  were unlucky to end the championship without any medal at position 11.

In the free style division Kenyan Gordon Wanje beat Karan Pandit from India to win the gold medal.While Brazil Chung IL Ladica Dos Santos won a bronze together with Lucson Miti from Zambia. 

In Freestyle men division 1,Zambian Michael Zulu won gold.Silver went to George Omollo of Kenya and Sanghun Kim of Korea together with Omar Lora of USA won bronze each.

Freestyle women was won by Erica Seguira of India,the silver went to Lona Abiero of Kenya and bronze to Jung Jin Joo of USA.

in the team Category, Team Kenya composed of Lona Abiero and Lizzanne Adhiambo won gold.Their competitor that included Jane Kiarie,Triza Kinyanjui and Eunice Wambugha won a silver medal doubling the Kenyan win.

Zambia team of Nathalie Chitalu,and Simyeon Djimadoum won bronze.

In Novice division 3,it was all a Kenyan affair.Jung Soo Ouda  won gold. The silver and bronze went to Victor Kahindi, Stephen Okeyo and Dickson Liverson respectively. 

The next year event is scheduled to take place at the same venue and more countries are expected to turn to the event that boosts the country sports and tourism.