The tourism sector at Coast has received a major economic boost after the first chartered flight from the republic of Bulgaria flew in 160 Bulgaria tourists for a 10-day holiday.

The aircraft, operated by European Air, landed at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa on Sunday Morning from the Bulgaria capital, Sofia, signaling tourism sector resilience.

Kenya tourism Board marketing director Fred Okeyo noted that the flight arrival signaled hope for Kenyan tourism, which has suffered heavily due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The New charter from Bulgaria has shown confidence with Kenya at a time that this sector is recovering, for us we want to assure our tourists that we are ready for attracting many guests,” said Okeyo.

Bulgaria is the latest European Market following a significant growing interest in Kenyans tourism products.

The second charter flight will get in on February 26, 2022 in the new rotational charter programe.

"We trust that they are going to be very good ambassadors in their country, and we are happy as a destination that we will continue to get more tourists from Bulgaria,” he added.

Polmans tours and Safaris managing director Mohamed Hersi said Kenya is now looking to tap onto the Bulgarian market that has proven to be a potential market source that has remained untapped.

The tourists will enjoy safari at various National parks and beaches. He said Kenya is still in negotiations with other source markets like Rushia, Turkey among other European countries.

"We are asking the government to really support the chartered flights that are landing in Mombasa, owing to infrastructure investment the government has put into refurbishing the airport,” said Hersi.

Hersi expressed fears that the sector may experience a slow down owing to political heat in the country ahead of the upcoming elections.

"We urge our politicians to conduct themselves so as we don't suffer as a sector, the sector has been on an upward trajectory in the year 2021 until April this year, we are looking forward to another rebound in the second quarter of the year,” said Hersi.

Ian Popov, one of the tourists, expressed his excitement for his first visit in Kenya, where he anticipates visiting the Tsavo National Park as well as sampling what the Kenyan coastal beaches have to offer.

Bulgaria head of delegation representative in Kenya Georpi Pase said that  the arrival of the new airline was a historical event  that served as testimony to  excellent bilateral relations that exist between Kenya and Bulgaria.

“We are excited to be in Kenya for the first time, Kenya is a great country that every tourist wants to visit, and we are ready for a game drive at Tsavo National park, it has been my dream to visit Kenya,” said Popov.

Over 120 youths from Mombasa county have benefited from a two day business training courtesy of Haki Africa.

The training conducted in partnership with Kenya Methodist University aims to equip the youths drawn from all the six sub counties with entrepreneurial skills and capacity to manage their businesses.

The training will also provide a platform for them to identify different eligible microfinance institutions to offer financial and mentorship support.

The youth are required to come up with business plans that will be funded by HAKI Africa under the support of ACT!/ Danida under the Resilience, Peace and Stability -RPS project, which envisions decrease in violent extremism, political conflict and natural resource based conflicts.

"We have been doing a lot of youth engagements and one of the major challenges the youth continuously highlighted as a cause for them to get into different vices, being susceptible to radicalization and easily misused during electioneering period to cause mayhem is unemployment. " said Haki Africa program officer, Mesaidi Omar.

Adding "Many youth in Mombasa county do not have the experience that is required for white collar jobs.  As Haki Africa we saw the gap and therefore decided to capacity build the youth to be self reliant through business. The  training will equip the youth with skills to start, manage, seek financial support and sustain their businesses."

On matters election, Mesaidi noted "The youth should use their voting rights to select leaders who they can hold them accountable. The youth need to avoid being used by the politicians."

Multi-talented Nigerian artiste Skales is back with another banger Nobody to Somebody out now on all digital platforms. 

Skales’ latest, the dexterously named “Nobody 2 Somebody,” sees the singer give a concise retelling of his life story while offering motivation for anyone hoping to make the same jump in life conditions.

Opening with an intonation reminiscent of swinging 80s gospel,  “Nobody 2 Somebody” moves through a series of situations that sees Skales urge his audience to keep at their work a bit to make a success of their life as he simultaneously prepares for the release of his next project. 

Across a career that has now stretched into its 12th active year, Skales has risen from talented wunderkind to become a veritable afropop icon with a catalogue swelling with a variety of songs that are steeped in the international rise of the genre, but Skales is not a one-trick pony.

Deep into Nigeria’s COVId-19-enforced lockdown, he channeled the spirit of the times on his  Healing Process EP, a meditative body of work that found him in a contemplative mood, recounting the price and process that took him to the peak of his profession. 

Much of the singer’s output in 2021 was a return to the pop hit-making form that has seen him ascend to the top of the genre.

Songs like “Kayefi,” found him musing over the concept of finding romantic companionship while “This Your Body,” a Davido-featuring banger was a thesis on the delights of a partner’s body.

However, the release of “I Dey Miss You,” a runway ballad with Imanse hinted at the beginning of a new attempt at capturing the joys of his life on wax. 

Link:https://skales.ffm.to/nobodytosomebody 

Pulalah Master has enlisted Kisumu based rapper Antony M for what is his first ever musical release as he looks forward to becoming a mainstay in the Kenyan Dancehall scene.

‘Ride’ is a banging love ballad filled with mixed emotions with the song tackling the insecurities that often arise in a relationship.

With the recent rise in Gender Based Violence, Ride aims at cautioning couples against engaging in physical and verbal fights.

The track reminds everyone to always talk things out and just enjoy the great things that come with falling in love. Enjoy the hugs, the touch, the kisses and yes, the ‘ride’.

Pulalah Master has for months had plans of making his own music but didn’t think it would happen this soon. In fact, the making of Ride was not even planned.

“I have for some time now wanted to have my own music. I am a big Dancehall fan and I have been hugely inspired by the genre. I never planned to record ‘Ride’ the day I did. I took my friend Antony M to his studio to pick a record he was working on back there." says Pulalah.

Adding "On the way, I listened to ‘Different Level Riddim’ by producer Markus from Jamaica and I instantly liked the vibe in it. I got the instrumental and once we got to the studio, I asked Antony’s producer if he could record me. I wrote my verses and asked Anto to join in and the rest as they say is history” 

Ride is the first of many records Pulalah intends to put out this year. He has so far recorded 4 tracks and will most definitely drop an EP/Album and a Riddim this year.

Pulalah aims to claim his rightful place in the Kenyan Dancehall chain.

He is influenced by acts like Vybz Kartel, Tommy Lee, Aidonia, Teejay, Govana, Jahmiel, Squash, Chronic Law and new kids on the block like Skeng, Jahshii, Silk Boss, Nation Boss & Yaksta.

Locally, Pulalah Master looks up to Wyre & Blakangel.

Stream “Ride” below:

https://ffm.to/pulalahmasterride

Deputy President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have led in mourning the death of popular football fan Isaac Juma,56, was allegedly hacked to death last night by unknown people at his family home in Rukaya village, Mumias.

According to Juma's wife, Farida Juma, he was involved in land feud.

Kenyans took to social media to mourn his death.

In his condolence message, Deputy President William Ruto described Juma as friendly, ever jovial and passionate about football.

"We are heartbroken by the loss of the ever-present AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars longstanding fan Isaac Juma. He was a friendly, ever jovial and passionate soccer supporter. Our thoughts are with the family and soccer fraternity during this painful time. Rest In Peace, Juma." said Ruto.

On his part ODM leader Raila Odinga called for speedy investigation into his death and those responsible for the death brought to book.

"Isaac Juma Onyango, a passionate supporter of the ODM Party who impressed many with his captivating display of support was senselessly murdered on Tuesday night at his home in Mumias. Those behind his killing must be brought to book. My condolences go to his family and friends."

The County government of Mombasa is set to undertake the Likoni Estates redevelopment project to construct 3,200 housing units at an estimated cost of Sh8 billion.

The county has partnered with Goldland Rinco Company Limited that has been awarded the project to develop the housing units under a public-private partnership agreement.

It will consist of 1,600 three bedroom units, 1,000 two bedroom units and 600 one bedroom units once completed.

The project will be undertaken in two estates owned by the county, that is Likoni Flats and Likoni Customs which now are both home to 348 families.

On Wednesday morning, the county government began a three-day public participation forum to collect views from the tenants and other Likoni residents living near the area.

Briefing the media at the Mwahima Stadium in Likoni, Dr. June Mwajuma, lands and housing chief officer said that so far the project was going on well with talks currently underway with the tenants on how to move them out.

She said that once completed, first priority will be given to the tenants and people residing in Likoni before consideration is given to other Mombasa residents outside Likoni.

“We expect to break ground in July and complete the project in two years’ time, first priority will be given to the 348 tenants and Likoni residents once the project is complete,” said Mwajuma.

She said that the low cost housing project was in line with the country’s big four agenda on housing as outlined by president Uhuru Kenyatta adding that they had already agreed on a relocation plan with the tenants.

“We have had several meetings with the tenants concerning their relocation as we undertake the project, we have proposed to give them sh150,000, we are still in talks and hope that we shall soon reach an agreement,” she said.

She added that the cost of each housing unit will be determined by a survey on the current market value adding that the residents will enjoy a sh200,000 discount on the housing unit they purchase.

The tenants however refused the sh150,000 relocation fee saying that it was too little. They called on the county and the developer to raise the amount to at least sh250,000.

“The amount is too little if you compare with the time we will be out until the project is complete, some of us had established business here meaning that as we move out, we have to find how we are going to reestablish our businesses,” said Steven Otieno, a resident of Likoni Flats.

Otieno called for transparency in the entire process of allocating houses once the project is complete sighting that some of them feared getting shortchanged by the developer once the project is completed.

His sentiments were echoed by Rehema Chao who said that they needed ample time to move out because they had children who were in school expecting to sit for their national examinations soon.

“We are not opposed to the project, but you have to consider our school-going children, if you move us out now, how will they be able to prepare for their national exams?” she posed.

The sessions will go on until Friday before a report on the environment and social impact study and public consultation meeting with the tenants and residents is prepared.

Fast rising Nigerian star and Maserati hitmaker Olakira kicks off the year with good news as he bags a massive global endorsement deal with Italian luxury vehicle manufacturer, Maserati.

The news of the endorsement was shared on Maserati social media platform and is in recognition of his smash hit, ‘In My Maserati’, 

The song which became an instant hit in East Africa and globally has garnered over 100million views on YouTube and online streaming platforms worldwide.

In a video shared on the brand’s official Instagram page, the singer could barely hide his shock at the amazing deal that he received as a surprise during a recent foreign trip.

As part of the deal, the superstar will have access to Maserati Luxury Cars in any country he visits.The Hop in my Maserati line has leapt out of the lyrics and hit the road.

This is the first time the Maserati brand is going into collaboration with an African artiste.

Kenyan rapper turn politician Prezzo has announced his resignation from Kalonzo Musyoka's Wiper Party.

Prezzo took to Instagram on Monday, and shared a snippet of an official approved letter addressed to the Secretary General of the Wiper Party seeking his exit from the party.

“I write to inform you of my decision to resign from Wiper Democratic Party of Kenya under section 14 (1) (a) of the political parties act as read with article 38 of the constitution, effective today,” reads the letter.

Adding "“I wish the party and its leadership and members all the best in their future endeavours,”.

He However did not reveal the reason behind his resignation nor the party he will join next.

The rapper is eyeing the Kasarani Mp seat in the coming August elections.

He joined wiper in 2019 when he wanted to contest in the Kibra by-elections on November 2019, following the death of the late Mp Ken Okoth. Wiper decided not to field a candidate because ANC and Ford Kenya supported them in the Embakasi South parliamentary seat.

In his latest post on instagram Prezzo said "Wengi wao wanaenda studio kupiga picha kama wamevaa tai na wamekunja shati kuwafunika macho. Tusiwe vipofu. KASARANI it is wangu!, Na Chama ntawapeleka rieng ila cha msingi...Deadline ni 6th Feb. Chezeni ki nyinyi. Sitawangusha."

Prezzo joins a list of other celebrities who have also come out to make public their decisions to run for political office, they include radio presenter Jalangó, comedian MC Jesse among others.

On Monday, Starehe Mp Charles Njagua joined Deputy president William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/2652-jaguar-officially-joins-ruto-s-uda

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has disowned his Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau after she joined Deputy President William Ruto’s political camp.

In a statement, Kibwana notes that he is shocked by Mwau's decision to join UDA.

Mwau who is eyeing the Makueni Woman Representative seat in the August 9, 2022 General Election, was on Tuesday morning, January 25 received by Ruto at his Karen residence in Nairobi.

“The Hustler nation is growing bigger and bigger. This morning, we welcome Adelina Mwau, the Deputy Governor of Makueni County, to UDA. Karibu Mama,” Ruto said in a tweet.

In his statement governor Kibwana said Mwau's move has put their working together on the edge.

"My attention has been drawn to clandestine dealings between Adelina Mwau (deputy governor Makueni County) and United Democratic Alliance. She had even pledged to take with her a huge delegation of our common political friends to UDA, who declined her overtures." reads the statement.

Adding" I wish to categorically make it clear, Makueni people have expressed their intention to support #AzimioLaUmoja and will not be hoodwinked by people seeking self-aggrandizement."

"While I respect Adelina for the good working relations for the last 9 years, her latest move puts our working together on the edge. The voice of the people of Makueni has always been our guide in decision making. I will not abandon that principle for political expediency. ADELINA will walk alone."

Kenya and the United States of America have agreed to continue engaging the conflicting parties in Ethiopia with the aim of seeing a speedy resolution to the conflict in the Horn of Africa country.

At a meeting at State House, Nairobi on Monday, President Uhuru Kenyatta and the US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Amb David Satterfield emphasized that peace in Ethiopia is crucial for the region’s stability.

Amb Satterfield commended President Kenyatta for his committed efforts towards ending the conflict between the Federal Government and the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

“We believe that your role (in ending the Ethiopian conflict) was and remains extremely important. We appreciate the role Kenya has continued to play in the Horn of Africa region.

“We do look to your help and support in Ethiopia. We do not want the work you have done in that country to go to waste,” the visiting Special Envoy said.

On his part, President Kenyatta observed that Kenya and Ethiopia have been working together progressively especially in telecommunication and infrastructure development, adding that the internal conflict in the Horn of Africa country should not be allowed to continue as it will erode the progress made.

“A strong Ethiopia is important to us. A stable Ethiopia is important to us. That is why we are committed to doing all we can to see the conflict resolved,” the President said.

Besides the Ethiopian conflict, President Kenyatta and Amb Satterfield also discussed the peace and security situation in Sudan and Somalia at the meeting that was also attended by Head of Public Service Dr Joseph Kinyua and Foreign Affairs CS Raychelle Omamo among other senior Government officials.