BCW (Burson Cohn & Wolfe), was named Global Agency of the Year at PRovoke Media’s 2020 Global SABRE Awards ceremony, which was held virtually on October 21.

The global communications agency, a partner to Engage BCW in Kenya, was praised for its innovative new client offerings, attracting exceptional new talent and delivering consistently strong performances across all regions.

 “It is thrilling for BCW to be named Global Agency of the Year just two years after the launch of our brand,” said Donna Imperato, Global CEO, BCW. “Our leaders and teams have worked so hard to exceed all expectations for our successes so far. I’m really honored and proud of everyone for their fierce dedication, incredible talent and their palpable passion for making BCW the next generation of communications agencies. This award is for them.”

 Robyn de Villiers, CEO of BCW Africa added: “This Global Agency of the Year recognition is an amazing achievement and testament to the effort of BCW staff from around the world. It also honours the global effort that has been put into creating a winning culture at BCW, one that moves people internally to deliver their best client work.”

The Global SABRE Awards also recognise the top campaigns in the world from the previous year. BCW Mexico’s “Hagamos Esto Juntos” (“Let’s Do This Together”) for Coca-Cola Mexico was among the top 30. It was a fully integrated campaign to help the brand collect and recycle 100 percent of its packaging by 2030. BCW Mexico was the only Latin American agency honored at this year’s awards.

 During the ceremony, GCI Health, a BCW Group company, was named Global Healthcare Agency of the Year. Earlier in the year, BCW’s Asia-Pacific Region won the SABRE for Regional Consultancy of the Year.

About BCW Africa

BCW Africa is a truly African agency with a leading global parent and a 30-year heritage of partnership with clients, staff and its extended team. Johannesburg-based BCW boasts an unparalleled reach across Africa through BCW Africa, our network of affiliates across the continent, and international best practice, expertise and a global footprint through BCW globally. Our African network, which covers 50+ African countries, is based on partnerships which span more than two decades with local agencies highly regarded in their markets.

About BCW
BCW (Burson Cohn & Wolfe), one of the world’s largest full-service global communications agencies, is in the business of moving people on behalf of clients. BCW delivers digitally and data-driven creative content and integrated communications programs grounded in earned media and scaled across all channels for clients in the B2B, consumer, corporate, crisis management, healthcare, public affairs, purpose and technology sectors. BCW is a part of WPP (NYSE: WPP), a creative transformation company. For more information, visit www.bcw-global.com.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has assured of her continued support to ongoing initiatives to combat cancer at the county level.

In a message delivered by Beyond Zero Coordinator Angella Langat in Nanyuki during the launch of Empower Project cancer clinic in Laikipia County, as part of the breast cancer awareness activities in the month of October, the First Lady committed to continue providing free cancer screening services during Beyond Zero Medical Safaris.

“Her Excellency commits to lend her voice and support to initiatives that will steer Kenya to reduce incidents of cancer and mortality as well as improve the quality of life of those who develop the disease,” Ms Langat said.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta appreciated the cooperation she has continued to receive from County First Ladies who are championing causes that promote better health and wellbeing of women and girls in their respective counties.

She also commended the strong partnerships between her Beyond Zero initiative, County Governments and stakeholders in the health sector, noting that the collaborations have boosted delivery of health services to Kenyans at the grassroots level.

The Empower Cancer Clinic at the Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital is the 6^th such facility in the country to be constructed through the initiative of the County First Ladies Association to take cancer screening, detection and treatment closer to wananchi.

EMPOWER is an acronym that stands for Enabling and Motivating Partnerships Owned by Women who Engage and Reclaim their lives.

It draws extensive membership from health advocacy institutions among them Beyond Zero, ROCHE, Women4Cancer, Africa Cancer Foundation and International Cancer Institute.

Speaking at the occasion where cancer survivors gave emotional testimonies of their journey with the disease, Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi expressed the need for more interventions to fight cancer similar to those dedicated to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“If you look at the Covid-19 pandemic and the number of deaths resulting from this disease compared to what has happened with cancer, you can see that the way we have been putting a lot of effort to slow down the Covid-19, we should do the same to slow down cancer,” Governor Muriithi said.

The Laikipia Governor said his administration has invested heavily towards achieving Universal Health Coverage, noting that over 60 percent of the population of Laikipia is covered by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

County First Lady Maria Mbeneka said the County First Lady Association, which she currently heads, will remain focused in delivering healthcare services to Kenyans especially in the fight against cancer.

Ms Mbeneka appreciated Beyond Zero for providing the roadmap in improving access to healthcare services to Kenyans through the mobile clinics and the Beyond Zero Medical Safaris.

On her part, Beyond Zero Coordinator Angella Langat pointed out that the investment in a clinic dedicated to providing screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer complements First Lady Margaret Kenyatta's efforts in the provision of quality healthcare for Kenyans.

“By embracing the EMPOWER project, the County First Lady of Laikipia Madam Maria Mbeneka, who is also the current Chair of the County First Ladies Association has demonstrated her support for the National Cancer Control Strategy 2017-2022 that outlines broad areas of action along the cancer continuum and the roles that all actors can play therein,” Ms Langat said.

Other speakers included 14 County First Ladies, Roche Company Country Manager Frank Loeffler and International Cancer Institute Community Outreach Head David Kayode.

Makini Schools has announced the creation of new roles within the school, as the institution continues to build capacity toward providing quality education aligned to the education requirements of the 21st century and succession planning.

The new roles span from academic staff to operational staff, demonstrating the school’s ability to adapt and optimise their educational offering in line with the modern world.

Makini believes that digital transformation led by a strong team, has allowed them and their learners to grow and thrive, despite the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s a philosophy of People First,” said Alice Wambua, HR Director of Makini Schools, “even in the toughest of times, we have done everything in our power to support and retain our valuable staff members, and we will continue to build them and our collective capacity as we move forward beyond the pandemic.”

The new roles at Makini will give learners access to more facilities and more of the 21st century competencies required to be globally competitive, while also making sure that each child is nurtured to reach their potential.

The school’s continued growth and investment in its service offering provides parents with the confidence that their children will become critical thinkers and holistic learners who will contribute to their communities and the world through their talents and knowledge.

“Thanks to our original founders, to our forward-thinking management and to our dedicated teachers, we know that a quality academic offering puts children on a path to higher education and career success,” Wambua added

 “But we know that there is always room to do more, and we will continue to build on our four decades of success, by developing and improving the opportunities for our educators, our learners and our families through building professionalism in the education sector and expanding the local job market.”

The school also recently trained and upskilled a number of their teachers to deliver the newly introduced Cambridge Curriculum as an option for their learners, who were looking for an international alternative to the national system.

Beyond the new roles that Makini is looking to fulfill, there is also infrastructure growth planned in the near future.

The Kisumu campus will be expanded to include a High school in the near future, with a boarding house that takes advantage of the serene surroundings overlooking the Nandi Hills.

Further infrastructure investment across all campuses will be gradually rolled out to enhance the Makini learning experience.

LINK TO JOB OPENINGS

https://makinidigital.sc.ke/portal/careers/

In the wake of the festive season, the world fastest-growing smartphone brand realme plans to unveil another trendsetting product from its number series, the realme 7i on Tuesday, November 10^th at 11.00am.

Just a few months of making its entry in Kenya, realme is already rubber stamping its presence in the market especially among smartphone lovers with the launch of some of the most affordable and featured phones such as realme C11, realme C3, realme C15 and realme 6.

The launch of realme 7i, which will stream live on realme’s social platforms including Youtube and @realme on Facebook, is set to further cement its hold in the market and redefine the smartphone sphere in the country with a phone that is equipped with cutting-edge features compared to its peers.

As Kenyans look forward to the launch of the phone, four major features are set to define it; the camera, the RAM, the battery and storage all at an affordable price.

The phone is equipped with a massive and high-definition AI 64MP camera. It also features a 5000mAh battery with 18W quick charge, and super power-saving mode. It also comes with a storage capacity of 128GB, large enough for numerous files.

realme 7i also upgrades to 16MP Sony IMX471 sensor in selfie camera and features Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, 90Hz Ultra Smooth display, fingerprint sensor as well as 2 + 1 slot. All this packed in a 7 series iconic design Aurora Green and Polar Blue.

Mombasa County Assembly has suspended sittings for two weeks after three members reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.

This is according to the  Assembly Deputy Speaker Fadhili Makarani who revealed that this was after members were forced to get tested after it emerged that one of them had contracted the disease.

He further went to state that all members have so far gone into self isolation.

However, word has it that the number of those who have tested positive for the virus is more than five.

Meanwhile two nurses from the county have succumbed to the COVID-19 virus.

Addressing members of the press in Mombasa, Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General Mombasa branch Peter Maroko said that six more nurses have been infected with the virus in the last two weeks.

According to Maroko the county is now recording the highest number of nurses being infected with the virus blaming the county government for failing to address their issues including allowances, promotion, payment of salary on time and submission of state statutory redacted from their salaries, threatening  to issue a strike notice

"In the last two weeks we have buried a colleague who succumbed to the COVID-19 virus and yesterday we also lost another nurse who was receiving treatment at a private facility" said Maroko

Whether an artiste is doing music as a hobby or for commercial reasons, if that music needs to reach a certain audience who will later be fans then the artiste needs a music publicist.

A music publicist manages media and public relations on behalf of the artiste/ brand. They represent their client by overseeing, shaping, and maintaining their public image. They serve as a bridge between their client and the public with the use of media.  Music Publicists:

Shape your Story

A good publicist shapes your story. Great music is good but you also need a great story and your publicist helps you shape that. Whether it is a single, music video, album, tour or whatever project that you are releasing, it needs an interesting and workable angle that will get the attention of the media. 

What is interesting about you? What is interesting about your project? What start worthy quality do you have that makes you press worthy? A publicist will formulate and package a good story that will get media’s attention.

Comes Up with a Release strategy

It’s not what you release and it’s how you release it! An artiste could have a great project or a big announcement to put out but if the release is not well plan and executed, the release might not get the coverage that it deserves meaning it won’t reach the targeted audience as it should.

A publicist will listen to the artiste’s ideas, goals and expectations of the release and he/ she will come up with a release strategy that will guide them throughout the campaign period.

Gets Media Coverage

When an artiste needs media coverage for their release or big announcement, they need to get a publicist.

A publicist builds relationships with media outlets and journalists in the music scene that they leverage on to pitch music releases, stories and other campaigns for coverage. He / she not only pitches your story, but follows up to secure media coverage, radio & TV interviews that in turn boosts the artiste’s brand, fan base & exposure.

Strategic Communication & Media Training

As an artiste, getting the interviews and the media attention is one thing but being able to sell yourself and the project that you are pushing is another.

A publicist will walk the artiste (especially new artistes) through the art of communicating while appearing on the media, how to answer questions and how to be at your best and deliver so as to ensure you have your audience/ fans glued to the interview till the end and later follow you on your relevant platforms for more engagement.

Develop an artiste’s public image and brand

A publicist is in a position to develop an artiste’s public image and branding. He / she will let you know if your public image needs work and can help you develop a voice and an image for your brand.

A music publicist will have some good recommendations for photographers, fashion stylist & great graphic designers that can help you kick up your image a top notch

Write press releases, Biographies & EPK’s

A publicist will not only come up with a release strategy but will go ahead and curate a press release write a bio/ EPK for the artiste if the artiste does not have any or fine tune it if it’s existing.

The article is by Agnes Nonsizi, founder Terazo New Media

Kisumu-based rapper Gabiro Mtu Necessary recruits his singing skills once more on yet another well written Swahili banger with his new aide Asen B on a new song ‘Kesho’ which is their third music video release of 2020 off their collaborative EP; MPITO

Mpito Coming from the Swahili word meaning ‘Transition’ sees both artists join forces to collaborate on this infectious summer EP.

The six-track Dancehall release contains every element to get the listeners reminiscing, singing, and replaying it 24/7.

“Kesho” takes the listener on a musical journey with African flavored beats, drifty uplifting rhythms, and infectious energy. The vocals and instrumentation work seamlessly together in every track for a must-listen record.

The story-telling lyricism paired with the feel-good vocals will have listeners relating to certain situations in their lives.

The engaging melody and beats with each track give the vocal an intimate, and euphoric feeling. Spreading good vibes automatically.

These talented artists maintain a fully charged arsenal of quality music that supports the fact that they are set to take over the music industry.

Their unparalleled style and sound are profoundly manifested with “Kesho.” Make sure to add this release to your summer playlist of bangers as it will serve as your soundtrack!

Gabiro's diversity has seen him transit from not only being a rapper but also being the best lyricist as is evident on his current releases.

He portrays himself as the best export from the lakeside town of Kenya; Kisumu city where he has always made sure to be top of the class by being ahead of at least all trends and lifestyles pertaining to music.

He is steadily building a reputation for Kisumu’s best lyricist, and but also shares his personal struggles through his art.

From working as a matatu tout to battling drug abuse, Gabiro’s ability to tell stories separates him from rap music ‘status quo’.

The rising star has been enjoying a boost in popularity in recent past after his Facebook and Instagram verification that saw his social media numbers rise in thousands.

He has since gotten brand endorsements and partnerships that has seen his brand be the most sought after not only in Kisumu, Kenya but also in the neighboring cities.

The Covid-19 pandemic is a difficult and stressful topic, but both artists manage to concentrate on the positive things and are looking ahead. Dropping the EP at the perfect time.

Video Link - https://youtu.be/U_briDa1p9s

Tanzania song bird and Queen of Bongo music Nandy has given her opinion on the reception of her latest hit 'Do me' a collaboration with her fiance Billnass.

In an interview conducted on this blog's youtube channel (Ommy Dalla), Nandy couldn't hide her excitement, stating that she didn't expect the warm reception the hit is receiving from her fans, promising them back to back music in the coming months, hinting on an international collaboration.

About marriage plans with the love of her life, the sassy songbird hinted on marriage plans next year, specific date to be communicated later. 

About collaborating with Wcb beauty Zuchu, Nandy replied that should opportunity avail itself she will grab it with both hands. 

On her latest nomination in an International award, AFRIMMA, Nandy couldn't hide her excitement, urging her fans to vote for her, or any other  nominated E.A artist, as long as the award comes home.

To her Kenyan fans, the EA sensation has promised Nandy Festival next year, which will consist of both Kenyan and Tanzanian artists.

Check out the interview below.

Coastal leaders have disagreed with Shipping and Maritime Principle Secretary Nancy Karigithu's remarks that lack of basic English language skills inhibit locals from getting employed at foreign shipping lines.

Mvita Member of Parliament Abdulswamad Nassir termed the remarks as ‘mediocre’ said that the MPs are confident that Coastal youths have exemplary abilities in working at the blue economy. 

"I am really disappointed, the level of mediocre thoughts coming from the PS. When you have a PS whose mediocre and degrading thoughts are going to insult the whole region then that person is wanting," he said. 

Nassir added that, the biggest reason why most Coastal youths fail to secure jobs at the blue economy is not proficiency in English speaking but is the failure for the PS to implement the laws that were passed by the National Assembly. 

He noted "The biggest challenge in our youth in the Coastal area not getting this jobs is not the fact we cannot speak English, we can teach you English. The biggest challenge is your incapability to enact the laws that are already there.”

Nassir further promised to follow up the issue on the National assembly after it’s one week recess.

‘’The difference between me and others is that I just don’t speak on public dias, I demand for answers in the national assembly so you will have to come to the national assembly and tell us what you meant when you told us we don’t know how to speak English” he added.

At the same time, Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki said  the PS should have given out her help to the youths to pursue further English studies when she was working as the director at Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) and not blaming them.

“She had the opportunity to bring change while serving at KMA. KMA is a parastatal at the Coast region it is not in Kiambu, Turkana or Nyanza. She should have focused on helping the Coastal youths.” said Faki.

Adding ‘This is an insult and neocolonialism”

The Senator argued that marine operators have the ability to learn several languages based on the nature of their jobs. 

" Everyone has got their language, we also have China ships, so does it mean job speakers will have to be fluent on many foreign languages," said Faki. 

Kisauni Mp Ali Mbogo argued the Coast region has always produced some of the workers on the international shipping lines and the sentiments by PS Karigithu are misleading and unfortunate.

"The president came up with the a good initiative of blue economy which will help our youth but with the likes of Karigithu this will be impossible, her sentiments should not be coming from a leader more so from the government" said Mbogo.

Adding "Let Karigithu go and read the ISO standard for maritime communication protocol which talks about the basics of international communication for seafarers"

On his part Nyali Mp Moahmmed Ali said gone are days when English was considered a language for the educated, superior or sophisticated people.

“The youth need jobs, they need a fair chance to prove their skills. Cutting them out because of the language they choose to express themselves in is being ignorant. PS Karigithu you are a total disgrace, selfish, tribalist”. said Ali

Youths took the remarks as insults and a way to marginalize the region. 

"English is not a measure to success, after all we have other youths who go to work at Middle East countries but get conversant with the local language, said Jacob Chigoh from Kwale County.

The PS made the remarks during a live interview with a local Tv station while marking World Maritime Day on September 24, she said there are numerous job opportunities in the industry but the youth are hindered by lack of basic English communication skills.

Religious leaders have a duty to safeguard the pulpit from politicians who take advantage when they to come to worship in church.

The Head of the Anglican Church of Kenya [ACK] Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit cautioned religious leaders not to allow politicians to use the church pulpit when they attend church service.

He said at the end of the day the message of the church is projected and not of the politicians in the church.

“The media is also to blame for focusing on what the politicians are saying rather than what the church has projected,” he pointed out.

Ole Sapit urged the media to stop airing what the politicians say when at the church service but the day’s sermon.

He spoke during the celebration to mark 50 years since the inception of Anglican Province of Kenya held at the Mombasa ACK church in Mombasa county during Sunday service.

The ACK leader accused the media of being part of the politicians’ game by focusing on the remarks made by the politicians while ignoring the day’s sermon.

Ole Sapit who was flanked by ACK Mombasa diocese Bishop Alphonce Baya and his Malindi counterpart Bishop Lawrence Kavutsu Dena said it’s a collective responsibility from both the media and religious leaders.

He said religious leaders are called to serve the society equally without discrimination and that it’s hard to close the door to worshipers who wanted to come to church.

“We must differentiate between a field and a church pulpit which is a worship place and is a cleansed area,” he pointed out.