Returning as master of ceremonies, Redi Tlhabi together with Sub Saharan Africa’s finest industry specialists, start-ups and innovators came together on 22 October for Uber’s second annual Tech for Safety summit to unpack and critically discuss how technology may be leveraged to create innovative safety solutions. 

The summit, which had an in-person element, followed all COVID-19 protocols necessary to ensure the safety of its guests, was for the first time available virtually.

Thousands of individuals now had access to the summit, being able to partake live and engage with the panels and speakers. 

Catalysing constructive conversation 

As the pandemic continues to unravel at both corporate and citizen safety, each summit panel provided a platform for critical conversation around the threats towards employment, health, travel, business and personal safety. 

Given Africa’s growing infrastructure and developing road network, the first panel spoke through how technology has enhanced safer more affordable travel.

Key insights uncovered include the importance of using data to identify key insights into what puts commuters at risk, especially the youth who are most vulnerable to vehicle accidents. 

Learning to adjust to the new normal requires everyday technology to become a way of life. The summit’s second panel unpacked the challenges and opportunities that come with this new normal.

UJ’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Tshilidzi Marsala says that the university spends in access of R6 million per month on just data to ensure students remain connected, however Gretchen Wilson-Prangley (Co-founder and CEO of Play Africa) emphasized how this allowed for immediate collaborative learning that connected students irrespective of distance. 

The panel further explained how a lack of basic care when active online allowed for phishing emails to be among the top courses for cyber-attacks, while having an online presence helped Africa Management Institute assist more than 10 000 start-ups who were previously inaccessible. 

Regarding community and personal safety, A21 reported a 1000% increase in vetting jobs available locally to reduce the risk of human trafficking and that feeling safe alone was consistently infringed on according to Safer Spaces.

Community surveillance, facial recognition and connecting local biometrics to a nationwide ID database were among tech-driven solutions that can help create a safer society, according to Nigeria’s Sihle Owoka of Smile Identity. 

Focused on start-ups 

A major focus for the summit this year was to empower start-ups across Africa. Venture capitalist, Michael Jordaan delivered the keynote address highlighting how passion, need fulfillment and skill are the mandatory requirements for a successful start-up.

Start small and scale suitably are among his best advice, telling the audience that research is essential for relevance and brand longevity. 

This year, the Pitching Den returned providing start-ups the opportunity to pitch their ‘Tech for Safety’ ideas to a panel of accomplished judges and potential investors.

Driven by Innovate Durban, the winner Keletso Lekwakwe creator of Password Kid, a South African start-up, wins a 1 year fully-immersive support programme with Innovate Durban. 

Commitment to change 

The well-being of its users continues to be a top priority for Uber, including road, health and interpersonal safety.

The app which offers over 20 enhanced safety features, having Uber’s Head of Product Management, Akankshu Dhawan announce at the summit that the app had completed over 100 million successful face mask verifications during the pandemic globally. 

“We’ve set out to create a platform that encourages engagement and feedback, to expand on our conversation around how technology and infrastructure may collaborate to create safer communities across Africa,”  says Frans Hiemstra, General Manager of Uber Sub Saharan Africa.

A continent on the nexus of its greatest technology evolution, deserves a platform worthy of its potential. Uber’s Tech for Safety Summit, provides just this, to empower, enrich and further commit to the locals of Africa. 

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) management has once again released staff above 58 years and those with pre-existing medical conditions to work from home. This is after the country started experiencing the second wave of COVID-19 infections.

This is the second time that KPA is releasing staff in that bracket since the outbreak of the deadly disease in the country. By April KPA had confirmed seven cases two employees had succumbed to the disease and a dozen others were being monitored in quarantine centres thus making it an epicentre of the disease.

In a circular from the acting Managing director Rashid Salim sent to all staff and seen by Ommy Dallah, expectant mothers have also been ordered to work from home.

Three KPA staff have so far succumbed to the disease.

According to a source three general managers from the port have so far tested positive for the disease.

Yesterday, Mombasa county commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo revealed that  the county registered a total of 94 deaths in seven months due to the disease.

Speaking during a security operation to nab motorists flouting Covid-19 protocols, Kitiyo also revealed that over 3,000 infections have so far been reported in Mombasa.

On Sunday Coast Provincial General Hospital Administrator Dr Iqbal Khandwalla said it was time an open field hospital be put up to manage future surge in infections.

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Taita-Taveta County Government is working closely with artists to help them nurture and grow their talents for economic prosperity, Governor Granton Samboja has said.

Speaking on Sunday during the official launch of the second edition of Talanta Mashinani festival in Mwatate, the county boss called on the youth to come out and showcase their talents during the auditions at the grassroots.

The finals will be held in late December.

Samboja announced that he will support the performing artists with a personal donation of KSh 800,000 for video production. Prizes worth Ksh 2million will be up for grabs during the finals.

"We will have seven individual categories and three group categories.  Each winner will pocket Ksh100,000, second runners up will win Ksh 60,000 and the third will take home Ksh 30,000," he added.

The governor reiterated that his administration will work with other partners to support and promote talents.

County Executive Committee Member in charge of Youth, Sports, Gender and Social Services Laban Mwashighadi said his department is committed to supporting different talents in the County.

Rumba legend Freshley Mwamburi of the hit song Stella entertained the crowd with the hit songs Stella and Watu ni Roho which left the crowd yearning for more.

On the other hand, artist Nyota Ndogo challenged the upcoming artists to work hard and sharpen their creativity skills.

"As much as you engage in music, you should also have other money generating activities to boost your incomes," said the Watu na Viatu hitmaker.

Those present were Mr.Ashock Anand, Milele FM presenter Alex Mwakideu, Radio Maisha presenter Emanuel Mwashumbe, Maria actress Brigit Shighadi,Political Advisor Bigvai Mwailemi, MCAs and Ward Administrators among other dignitaries.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has commended the Kenyan church for being at the forefront of driving socio-economic and political change in the country.

He said the church has over the years played the role of holding Kenya's political leadership to account and encouraged the clergy to continue being the country's "conscience".

“Yes you are out there to save souls but you are also out there to serve and ensure that the will of your people is followed and committed by their leaders.

“And I want to encourage you that you shouldn’t stop that but continue because as my father used to say, ‘You the church are indeed the conscience of society’ and we need you at the very forefront to ensure that we who have also been given the mandate by the people to execute on their behalf, an agenda to improve livelihoods are kept on toes," the President said.

President Kenyatta spoke Sunday at the All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi County where he joined Anglican faithful in marking the 50th anniversary of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK).

The ACK) traces its roots to the arrival of Anglican missionaries at the Kenyan coast in mid 19th century. The first Kenyan ACK bishops were consecrated in 1955.

Five years later, the Anglican Church of Kenya became part of the Province of East Africa.

Fifty years ago, in August 1970, the Anglican Church of Kenya became an independent province of the Anglican with the late Archbishop Festo Olang as its head.

At the celebration service conducted by Archbishop Rev. Dr Jackson Nasoore Ole Sapit, President Kenyatta said the Anglican Church is inseparable from the Kenyan society, as it has greatly contributed to the growth of education, health and other key social sectors of the country.

“The Anglican Church is inseparable from Kenyan society. You are part and parcel of society and history of this nation. Not only have you been involved very heavily in not just spreading the gospel but also participating in education, in health and many other activities that have gone to improve lives. I can say without fear that the church has been at the very centre of the social, economic and political history of our country.

“You have played a central role in the social, economic life of this country and have been instrumental in ushering in changes that have made Kenya a better place,” the President said.

He reiterated his Government's commitment to continue partnering with the church in service delivery particularly in youth development initiatives across the country.

The President commended Archbishop Ole Sapit and the church for committing to train and teach Kenyans on how to improve their lives by working and serving one another.

“I am truly grateful because of the sermon you have given today because you have touched the very nerve, what we should be doing, not just as a church but as a society.

“The recognition that our role is not to give but rather to teach our people to fish, to teach our people to live decent lives, to teach our people to not only be God fearing but also to know the spirit of service to their fellow men,” the President said.

The Head of State congratulated the ACK for the stringent Covid-19 protocols they had put in place during such an important celebration saying the rest of the country needs to take lessons on the fight against Coronavirus from the church.

In his sermon, Archbishop Ole Sapit urged Kenyans to avoid the culture of negative competition and commit to values of service which he said would go a long way in building a great nation.

 The President was joined at the special church service by Cabinet Secretaries   Fred Matiang’I (Interior), Margaret Kobia (Public Service & Gender), Sicily Kariuki, (Water & Sanitation), Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku and the Head of Public Service Dr Joseph Kinyua among other senior Government officials.

The county government of Mombasa has received a major boost in it's fight against the deadly coronavirus. This is after the United States Agency for International Developement (USAID) today (Sunday) donated 14 new state of the art ventilators worth sh 40 million.

The donation which also included a toyota landcruiser was presneted by the USAID Mission Director for Kenya and East Africa, Mr Mark Meassick at the governor's office and received by the Deputy governor Dr William Kingi.

In his speech via a video zoom link Joho said the donation is timely as the county and country at large is witnessing the second wave of coronavirus infections,saying his administration will institute prudent management of the donation.

"This donation is timely and will be a major boost in our effort to combat the virus. I promise you that the donation will be utilised for it's purpose of saving lives. We had burdetary issues but that has been taken care of " said Joho who was on an arm sling.

Adding "I'm so sad that I cannot be able to physically see the vehicle and donations that will be helping our people. I'm trying to be young I was doing some boxing at some place and injured my arm but I hope to see you when I recover."

On his part Mr Mark Meassick commended the county government for it's efforts in combating spread of the virus adding that they will also be training health care workers on how to use them.

He said "USAID continues to work closely with Kenya to curb the spread of COVID-19, maintain essential public health services, and help Kenyans cope with the secondary impacts of this pandemic."

Speaking at the same time Coast Provincial General Hospital Administrator Dr Iqbal Khandwalla said it was time an open field hospital be put up to manage future surge in infections.

This is after the closure of the 300 bed unit at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) which had served as temporary reprieve to manage coronavirus patients due to the reopening of learning institutions.

Khandwala revealed the county is recording daily infections averaging from 120-140.

"This is an increase in infections that needs serious intervention. We currently have a challenge in accessing demand for oxygen use with three day use averaging sh 600,000. Private hospitals are now full." Said Khandwalla

Former Majengo Councillor Said Mathias is dead.

Mathias who had been sick for sometime was pronounced dead on arrival at the Pandya hospital today (Saturday) evening.

He was popular for his controversial campaign to kick prostitutes out of the city centre and along major roads including Saba Saba which led to police conducting night swoops. 

He vied for the Majengo ward MCA seat in the last election through a jubilee ticket but lost to Ahmed Nyundo of Ford Kenya.

Multiple award-winning Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage  today releases the visual for the politically charged record “Ole” taken from her critically acclaimed third studio album CELIA.

“Ole” (meaning “thief!” in Yoruba), see’s Tiwa team up with Naira Marley, the self-proclaimed ‘bad boy’ of Nigerian music and President of his controversial fan base, known as ‘Marlians’.

Using the core Afrobeats highly-energetic sound, Tiwa and Naira address corruption, broken promises and theft by Nigerian politicians by asking them to “share the money”.

The Rexxie produced track ends with a skit of the now infamous NDDC “Honourable Minister, off your mic” session.

Watch “Ole” on YouTube here.

Directed by renowned video director Clarence Peters, the visuals for “Ole” were shot in Lagos, Nigeria. Here, Tiwa and Naira play bounty hunters who serve as heroes in an apocalyptic version of Kalakuta - an alternate universe riddled with misfits, where the government has run its economy and county to the ground.

The visual release of “Ole” continues a successful year for Tiwa Savage. She released her much anticipated album CELIA through Motown Records / Universal Music Group which not only cements her stance as a global force to be reckoned with, it showcases her unique and borderless sound.

The album includes previous releases “Dangerous Love”, “Temptation” ft. Sam Smith and the chart-topping smash hit “Koroba”.

This year she also made her U.S. late night television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performed on the UKs BBC 1Xtra Live, NPRs Tiny Desk and co-headlined this year’s Afropunk Festival.

Bongo fleva artiste Hamis Mwinjuma a.k.a Mwana Fa is among the new crop of leaders elected in the just concluded Tanzania's general election.

The rapper was elected to represent the people of Muheza, Tanga in the national assembly, he garnered 47,578 votes against his opponent Yosepher Komba of Chadema who got 12,034 votes. Mwana Fa vied through Chama cha mapinduzi (CCM).

Meanwhile Professor Jay has failed to retain his seat as Mikumi Mp losing to Denis Lazaro of CCM. Another rapper Sugu also lost his seat to former Deputy speaker Tulia Ackson.

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Diamond Platnumz's manager Babu Tale has won the Morogoro seat unopposed.

East Africa musical superstar Diamond Platnumz has said he is currently not interested in politics.

In an interview with Wasafi fm on Tuesday afternoon, the 'Baba Lao' hitmaker said the music industry still needs him and has a role to play in it's developement.

"Kiukweli mimi bado sijajiona kwenye siasa. (Honestly I dont see myself getting into politics for now )" said Diamond.

Adding "Mimi kama Mtanzania nitakachofanya ni kumunga mkono mtu yeyote ambaye naona anaweza kuleta tija. Ila kwa mimi nafikiri kwa sasa hivi nahitajika kuweko kwa muziki ili kuleta maendeleo kwa muziki. Nina deni kubwa la kuhakikisha natengeza miungo mbinu iliyokuwa chanya kwenye muziki ili kesho na kesho kutwa vitu viende sawa. (At the moment, i want to be fully in the music industry to bring developement).

Several celebrities from East Africa have joined politics. Some of the celebrities from Tanzania include Professor Jay, Sugu and the recent one being Mwana Fa who is among politicians vying for parliamentary seats.

In Kenya Jaguar joined politics while in Uganda Bobi Wine and Jose Chameleone have followed the same route.

In the interview , Diamond addressed several issues, revealing that one of his artists under the WCB label Rayvanny will soon be launching his own record label.

He also talked about beef between artists saying they help in spicing the industry.

"Nitakuambia ukweli wa dhati ukitaka sanaa yetu ikue, lazima hivyo vitu viwepo. la sivyo, watu watarelax. lakini watu wasichukulie personal na wasitake kuviingiza kwenye familia kutaka kurogana, kuuana, wataaribu hii sanaa. (If you want our music to grow these things must be there. if not, people will relax, we should not make it personal that you involve other people’s families and witchcraft)."he said.

Adding "lazima tushindane creativity, hivi vitu visivyakuwepo, sanaa yetu itakufa. lengo ni kuhakikisha kwamba tunavuma.(we must compete when it comes to our creativity, if not, our music will die.)