Ommy Dallah
President Kenyatta Commissions Mombasa County’s Regional Cancer Centre
President Uhuru Kenyatta today unveiled a state-of-the-art regional cancer centre at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa.
The ultra-modern facility, developed in partnership between the national government and the county government of Mombasa as part of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) pillar of the Big 4 Agenda, boasts of high-tech equipment to offer comprehensive cancer care.
The centre which will cater for cancer patients in the region and beyond becomes the second public facility of its type in Kenya after the one at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital.
Speaking after commissioning the cancer centre, President Kenyatta lauded the partnership between the national government and county governments in the delivery of health services to Kenyans.
Citing the example of the cancer centre, the President emphasized that without cooperation between the two levels of government, no significant development would be realised.
“This hospital is now able to provide services because we sat together with the governor who offered the land for us, as the national government, to put up the infrastructure and install modern equipment.
“We are doing all this to ensure wananchi have unfettered access to quality health services. We are doing these things not only in Mombasa but across the country,” President Kenyatta said.
The Head of state reiterated his appeal to all Kenyans to register for the National Health Insurance Fund to facilitate their access to treatment.
President Kenyatta added that he is advocating for continuity in leadership so that Kenyans will continue enjoying the services his government has initiated including UHC and improved infrastructure among others.
Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said the commissioning of the specialised cancer centre is part of the actualisation of the President’s UHC vision of ensuring Kenyans have access to excellent standards of health at affordable costs.
“We thank you because it is very easy to take things for granted, it is easy to assume that any other leadership would have brought similar developments. But without good leadership there would be no development,” CS Kagwe said.
CS Kagwe pointed out that next month a similar cancer facility will be opened in Nakuru followed by Garissa, Kisumu and Nyeri counties.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho praised the cooperation between the national and the county government, saying he had nurtured the vision of establishing a cancer centre for long but was only able to realise it when President Kenyatta’s leadership started working closely with the opposition.
“Whoever is criticising our cooperation with you (President Kenyatta) does not have the interests of Kenyans at heart. A lot of the developments we have achieved in my second term have been as a result of our working together with the national Government,” Governor Joho said.
The Governor added that for the first time in Mombasa’s history, a large number of patients from private hospitals are seeking treatment at the public hospital.
“Your Excellency, I want to confirm that we are overwhelmed by the referrals that come to us from private hospitals. Your Excellency, I also want to confirm that we are overwhelmed by the kind of support we are getting from professionals, consultants and doctors from the private sector who want to practice here,” the Governor said.
President Kenyatta commended the leadership of the county government for giving priority to the health of the people and for championing medical tourism, saying this will contribute to expanding the county’s revenue base.
Mombasa County Suspends Controversial Traffic Rules
Mombasa County Transport executive Taufiq Balala has suspended the new Traffic rules that were implemented last week on Tuesday.
Balala, who addressed the media on Tuesday morning at the Inspectorate headquarters in Tudor, said the move was reached at after wide consultations with Mombasa governor Hassan Joho.
He said that the new traffic rules that involved a one way circuit route around Mombasa CBD was going to allow faster flow of motor vehicles in four expanded lanes adding that it would also cater for future development of a BRT system as well as create sufficient room for non-motorized cycling lanes.
He defended the new traffic system dubbed ‘Double 2 Double 2’ saying that the declared changes were intended to secure the best traffic system for the interest of Mombasa residents.
The new traffic system however brought in chaos and confusion on the roads with Matatu operators protesting the new directive saying they were taking longer routes to get to their destinations.
Following the uproar from industry players and other stakeholders, Balala bowed to pressure and suspended the directive.
“This traffic plan was meant to serve the different interest of all residents of Mombasa county, however, as long as a sizeable number of the population in the affected areas feel aggrieved, we cannot ignore their plight,”
“I have this morning after consultation with the governor, directed that the Mombasa county government department of transport reconsider the plans currently being implemented and review the same. To this end and in response to the good people of Mombasa, I have ordered the immediate suspension of the traffic management plan effective today midnight,” said Balala.
Following the suspension, normal traffic along the busy Jomo Kenyatta road all the way to Abdel Nassir road is expected to revert back to the two way traffic system beginning Wednesday morning.
The directive had received a lot of uproar from the matatu operators, the political class and even Human right organisations who had planned to stage a demo on teusday led by the Mombasa First Action Movement.
On Monday evening while meeting Matatu Operators in Bombolulu, Mombasa gubernatorial aspirant and businessman Suleiman Shahbal called for the immediate suspension of the new traffic rules saying that it was not going to work.
“Public transport stakeholder are up in arms while dissenting voices continue to raise, we cannot ignore our people. I am urging the county government of Mombasa to immediately stop this new rule and rethink it,” said Shahbal.
Mvita Member of Parliament Abdulswamad Nassir had earlier on Sunday while attending the issuance of bursary cheques for Likoni NG-CDF called on the county government to reconsider the directive and call for a stakeholders meeting.
“Leadership is not about scolding others on the media and political platforms, it is about sitting down and discussing and addressing issues to come with solutions,” said Nassir.
He added that, “A person who tells the king that he is naked doesn’t hate him but loves him, I call upon the people surrounding the governor to advise him well.”
The suspension of the new traffic system follows a looming strike that was planned for Wednesday by the Mombasa First Action Movement
I have No Political Project, Says Uhuru As He Blasts Politicians Criticising Govt Projects
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday blasted politicians criticizing state projects while saying development cannot be done by standing ontop of cars.
In the statement that seemed to me directed to his deputy, William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza political Faction, Kenyatta asked politicians to stop deceiving electorates during their rallies.
The Head of State said he has been ignoring his critics to focus on the development projects that he was elected on to implement.
In an apparent attack at Ruto, Uhuru accused some officials of neglecting their mandate to focus on politics.Ruto and his allies have been accusing the President of being a dishonest man.
"A country that keeps on politicking will not achieve development, I am just watching them, because I am working, I have no time to answer them, “Kenyatta added in reference to scathing attacks from the Kenya Kwanza' brigade.
At the same time he responded to claims by Kenya Kwanza Alliance leaders led by deputy president William Ruto that he is fronting his Handshake partner Raila Odinga for the top seat.
The President who spoke in Mombasa admitted that indeed he has one vote but said he has also a right to decide on who he will back.
"They go everywhere telling me that i have only one vote, yes I have one vote, but even if it is one vote, I have a right to choose who i will vote for because I am also a Kenyan," Uhuru said sending indicators that he may support ODM leader Raila Odinga.
In an earlier address at the launch of the Annual Universal Healthcare Conference in Mombasa, Uhuru slammed politicians for continuously faulting his administration over performance.
Kenyatta who was flanked by health cabinet secretary Mutahi Kagwe said Kenya has made strides in the deliverance of key government promises, including quality health care services to its citizens.
"We are working. Work is not done in political rallies. It is done in offices," said Uhuru during the official opening of the Health Workforce Conference at Sarova Whitesands Mombasa.
He added: "Sina project ya mtu mimi… I am looking at them and I am not talking..what's the need of talking back at them when you are working?" he posed.
At the same time, Uhuru stated the time for politics is officially here and told those who have been politicking since 2017 to brace for his entry.
He used an analogy of a marathon yet again to say that those who have been running should now ready themselves for those who have been working.
"The political season is here and you will hear from us. There's time for work and time for politics. We all have the freedom to politic," he said in Mombasa.
On her part Likoni Mp Mishi Mboko said the coast is locked in Azimio,and will vote for Raila Odinga in the oncoming elections.
"Those that have eyes can see for themselves, as women, we are the big beneficiaries of the UHC program, that’s why we support your government, “said Mboko.
Mboko said the Uhuru government has done a lot of development especially on infrastructure at the coast, saying the region will continue to support president Uhuru government.
Mvita Member of Parliament Abdulswamand Nassir said since the handshake between the president and ODM leader Raila Odinga the coast is reaping from development.
"They come here pretending to know more about port issues, but they are just pretenders,” said Nassir in reference to Deputy president William Ruto Kenya Kwanza' rally in Mombasa.
President Uhuru To Commission Phase One Of Buxton Housing Project In June
President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to commission the first phase of the Sh6 billion Buxton Housing Project in June this year.
This is according the Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga who toured the project on Monday afternoon.
The PS was accompanied by the project owner businessman Suleiman Shahbal and the project Buxton Housing Project CEO Ahmed Badhawi.
Addressing the media after the tour, Hinga said that the president himself was going to hand over the keys to the first 582 units with priority given to the initial buxton residents.
“People are used to seeing the president commission starting projects, but this time he will personally be here when the first phase is done to commission the houses,” said Hinga.
Hinga expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing works at Buxton saying that it was in line with the president’s big four agenda on affordable housing.
He hailed the quality of works being done in the houses saying that the project had set standards for local developers to come and benchmark.
“Going by the works I have seen here today, the benchmark has been set and we cannot go backwards. Affordable housing is not synonymous to poor quality, affordable housing is high quality but at a pocket friendly price,” said Hinga.
The PS took issues with those going to court to stop some of the housing projects in the country saying that they were propagating their own selfish interests at the expense of the common citizens who are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries of the projects.
He called on the people to be weary of the people and not allow themselves to be dragged into their selfish agendas.
“There are those who have been running to court to try and stop this kind of progress, for sure it does not make any sense. You people don’t represent us, you don’t represent the majority, you are only representing your own selfish interest,” said Hinga.
Hinga said that the ongoing works at the Buxton housing project was going to bring back the dignity to poor Kenyans as they will be able to become homeowners.
He further revealed that the government was going to partner with NSSF and the National Housing Corporation to offer a tenant purchase scheme at a rate of 3 percent to Kenyans working and living in the informal
“We have even reduced the mortgage interest rate a single long term digit of 9 percent to enable more Kenyans access mortgage plans." he said.
Adding "We are also in talks with NSSF and the housing corporation to purchase some units to be able to offer Kenyans a tenant purchase scheme."
Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal who was given the project expressed confidence that the first phase would be ready before june this year for the president to commission.
He further stated that phase two would be completed on time by June next year.
“Our objective from the very beginning was to deliver to the people Mombasa at least 2,000 apartments of high quality with all the social amenities, giving the people and indication of what a new Mombasa should look like,” said Shahbal.
Uhuru To Grace Global Medics Conference In Mombasa, Roll Out UHC Programme
President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to grace a global conference on harmonization of curriculum and training of health professionals post Covid-19 starting Monday Morning.
The three days meeting whose theme is ‘Repositioning today’s health workforce for the future’ has attracted at least 24 foreign nations and will take place at Sarova Whitesand Hotel in Mombasa.
According to Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council Daniel Yumbya has confirmed that president Uhuru Kenyatta will be the key guest of the event.
Discussions will be centered on how the health sector globally can leverage on medical technology in line with emerging global trends.
“We have realized that telemedicine is not included in the core curriculum where health professionals are trained, therefore we are going to look at challenges affecting the sector post covid, in terms of addressing the challenges that we got,” said Yumba.
While addressing a media briefing, Yumbya said the conference will strengthen the capability and technical support for health professionals to implement Universal Health Coverage (UHC), anchored on the pillars of provision of quality healthcare, ensuring access and
affordability of health care services.
He termed the conference as a major milestone towards health care reforms aimed at
strengthening technical and soft skill competencies. He further said it will enhance global competitiveness and future job readiness of health professionals.
“Speakers drawn from republic North Korea, China local universities, researchers are set to address the conference, this is a conference that will give us a way forward inters of heath training in future,” added Yumbya.
Key speakers will attend the conference in-person at Sarova White Sands hotel in Mombasa County while other participants will attend virtually in line with the COVID-19 health protocols.
Local, regional and international corporations, medical institutions, trainers and providers will have an opportunity to showcase their work at exhibition stands during the conference.
According to Dr.Kgosi Letlape, President of the Association of the Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA) said the world out to reposition itself on emerging global trends by embracing technology.
“We need to ensure that access to health care should be guaranteed and people should be accountable for the actions that they take, and the important thing is that how we will collaborate with each other to help the public get good healthcare,” said Letlape.
Meanwhile President Kenyatta is also expected to officially launch the Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) programme at the the Port Reitz sub county hospital.
UHC is one of the “Big Four” strategic pillars declared by President Uhuru Kenyatta which will see major policy and administrative reforms in the medical sector, to ensure everyone has access to quality and affordable medical coverage by 2022.
Zuchu Gifts Her Manager A Brand New BMW For Her Birthday (Video)
Sensational Tanzania singer Zuhura Soud aka Zuchu has gifted her manager Dorice Mziray a brand new BMW in celebration of her birthday.
The Talent manager turned a new age on Saturday, and the “Nyumba ndogo ” hitmaker decided to spoil her with the new whip.
Dorice was surprised with the new car during a private birthday party held at Zuchu's residence in Daresalaam, on Saturday night.
The party was also attended by WCB boss Diamond Platnumz and Mbosso.
"We have been through alot together and as a friend I promised you that we will always be together no matter the circumstance" said Zuchu in her speech.
Adding " Please accept this small gift from me as a friend and sister".
Nassir Leads Mombasa ODM Brigade For Azimio La Umoja Rally
Mvita legislature Abdulswamad Nassir on Saturday led the Mombasa ODM brigade for a Azimio la Umoja meeting at the Mvita Primary School grounds.
The rally was in a bid to affirm that Mombasa was still an ODM zone as it ran concurrently with the Kenya Kwanza meeting that was led by deputy president William Ruto held at the Tononoka grounds.
The rally was attended by Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, Badi Twalib (Jomvu), Mombasa senator Mohammed Faki, Mombasa MCA's together with several ODM MP and MCA aspirants across the county.
The MP drummed up support for Odinga's presidential bid as he urged Mombasa residents to turn out in large numbers and register as voters and ODM party members.
"I know we have intruders in Tononoka today, but we are here to affirm that Mombasa is an ODM zone fully behind Baba Raila Amollo Odinga," said Nassir.
Nassir also hit out at the DP for saying that Odinga was a state project being enforced to Kenyans.
He warned Ruto to keep Odinga's name out of his mouth saying that the freedom and democracy Kenyans enjoy today was as a result of Odinga's efforts.
"I want him (Ruto) to clearly understand that Odinga is the people's project, Baba was even detained as he fought the freedom and Democracy that he Ruto is enjoying today," said Nassir.
The legislature further warned Mombasa residents to be weary of the DP's fake promises saying that he had no meaningful agenda for the country.
His sentiments were echoed by Jomvu MP Badi Twalib who said that Mombasa people were not going to fall into their opponents tricks.
"You can fool some people for some time, but you can't fool all the people all the time," said Twalib
Twalib further urged the youth to register as voters to be able to vote in Odinga the nex president of Kenya in the August general elections.
Likoni MP Mishi Mboko on her part said that Odinga was the right man to take over from president Uhuru Kenyatta saying that Odinga had demonstrated ability to unite Kenyans.
"Baba (Odinga) has proven beyond doubt that he will not only revive the economy but also unite Kenyans. The country needs a president who will transform the economy and bring Kenyans together, that man is Raila Amollo Odinga," she said.
Mboko hailed Odinga's agenda of giving Sh6,000 monthly cash transfer to vulnerable families in the country adding that the Babacare health scheme was going to provide healthcare services to millions of poor Kenyans.
Sharp Divisions Rock Luo Community As Different Factions Resurface To Endorse Political Aspirants In Mombasa
Sharp divisions have rocked the Luo community in Mombasa over who to endorse for Mombasa county governor seat in the upcoming general elections.
Several factions have continued to resurface, one throwing its weight behind former Nyali Mp Awiti Bollo, another one supporting Abdulswamand Nassir while the other endorsing businessman Suleiman Shahbal.
One group is branding itself Luo professional, another one includes the Luo elders, the Luo focus, Luo veterans and Luo coordination team, both of who are now claiming to politically bargain on behalf of the community in various political seats.
The community members are now urging politicians seeking elective positions to disassociate with what they called masqueraders out to rake in money from senior candidates in the pretext of supporting them in the elections.
“We have not sat down as a community to send someone to bargain for us, this must be understood, when we want to do so we will send our patron to go and negotiate for us,” Joseph Okungu a Nyali resident who comes from the community.
According to Party of National Unity Secretary General Michael Odongo and a member of the community, the Luo community is united and asked the Luo council of elders to speak in one voice and stop those that are tainting the image of the community.
“We have not sent anyone to Suleiman Shahbal,and those that are pretending to be speaking for the community, must know they are alone and they are deceiving the community, if there is any endorsement, we will do it unanimously,” stated Odongo.
The community has for previous years supported Mombasa governor Hassan Joho for county governor post, but as the 2022 general election approaches,it has continued to experience political differences.
http://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2665-nassir-confident-of-mombasa-governor-win
“It has come to our attention that there are three groups purporting to be speaking on behalf of Luo community, we want to state that as a community we have our patron who is Hezron Awiti Bollo,and nationally we have Raila Odinga,so we would like to disassociate ourselves from the three groups one of them calling itself luo professionals,luo veteran,” he said.
Odingo said the only leaders who should talk on behalf of the community is though sitting political leaders and the council elders warning residents not to be used by the individuals who have appointed themselves as spokespersons.
Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir and businessman Suleiman Shahbal who are both eyeing the Mombasa governor have separately met sections of the Luo community residing in the county, in a bid to gain their support.
Blackson Kenya, The Singing Cop Releases New Single 'Donda Moyo'
Kakuma based rising star , Blackson Kenya has released his second single “Donda Moyo”.
Watch “Donda Moyo” HERE : https://youtu.be/ylGmWvp6sL8
“Donda Moyo” is an upbeat single that showcases Blackson Kenya's vocals and songwriting prowess.
The lyrics speak to the universal impulse towards romanticizing the past and reveling in the nostalgia of memories from someone you held in high regards.
In Blackson Kenya's own words: “The Donda La Moyo" idea came from an experience I had with someone and it really messed with my heart hence the reason for putting it into a song."
“Donda Moyo'' was produced by renowned music producer Vicky Pon Dis. “Donda Moyo '' is the second single by Blackson who is famously referred to as The singing policeman.
ABOUT
Kelvin Otieno Ochieng, also known as Blackson, is a police officer based at Kakuma Police Station, located deep inside the Kakuma refugee camp.
Hailing from Homa Bay, Blackson’s journey with music began in church where he was part of the school choir at Mbita High School.
He also participated in the national music and drama festivals and took part in several talent searches held in the Nyanza region.
According to the 23-year-old, he hopes -through his music – that Kenyans will recognize that the police “also have talent, feelings and love everyone” and only aim at directing citizens towards the right side of the law.
Adenkule Gold Releases Highly Anticipated new Album 'Catch Me If You Can'
Nigerian artist Adekunle Gold today is set to release his highly anticipated album, Catch Me If You Can via Platoon, on Friday 4th February 2022, marking his fourth studio project.
Symbolizing the space that Gold sees himself in life, Catch Me If You Can encapsulates the sounds of freedom, clarity, and confidence in the person he’s becoming, and centers on the importance of growth, shedding expectations from others, and throwing oneself into the unknown.
With collaborations including Ty Dolla $ign, Stefflon Don, Lucky Daye, Foushee, Davido, Fatoumata Diawara and more, this album solidifies Gold’s place amongst the greats and furthers the evolution of his sound, his songwriting, and his production. Describing the music, Gold himself says it plays as the sound of a happy man and
puts forth soulful experiences in love, fatherhood, and understanding.
Says Gold of what the album represents for him in his creative journey “I think of my whole discography as an adventure game. It gets really interesting at every level. This new album is Level 4 of the game. It’s crazy, it’s mind blowing and my understanding of life, what really matters, and who I am is slowly unraveling."
Catch Me If You Can is available to stream here. Album artwork can be found here. Press images are here for use.
The leading pioneer of the Afropop genre, Gold remains one of the most prolific, popular, and elegant artists to come out of Africa to date.
Catch Me If You Can reflects the breadth of natural beauty and dignity of the black experience across art and style that represents Gold’s personality itself: stylish, timeless, and groundbreaking.
