Cabinet has today announced an immediate ban on adoption of children by foreign nationals. 

A special Cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta and attended by Deputy President William Ruto also directed the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to formulate a new policy document to regulate the adoption of children by foreign nationals in Kenya.

The meeting also directed the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to streamline operations of the Child Welfare Society of Kenya and those of children homes in the country.

On infrastructure, the Cabinet approved Kshs 6.9 billion for the development of an Inland Container Depot, Railway Marshalling Yard, Logistics Zone and Public Utility Area as well as other core enabling infrastructure to support the development of the Naivasha Special Economic Zone and the impending completion of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) phase 2A.

The Cabinet also approved the hosting of the upcoming Nairobi Summit of the 25^th International Conference on Population and Development  (ICPD 25).

The summit that will be held from 12^th to 14^th November 2019 is expected to attract over 6,000 delegates from 179 countries. The summit is set to project a positive image and solidify the country’s position as an ideal conference and aviation hub, a move that will boost Kenya’s tourism sector.

Deputy President William Ruto will make a five-day tour of the Coast region starting with Tana River on Thursday this week.            

The development tour will cover Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa and Taita Taveta Counties.

Today, Dr Ruto will be in Tana River where he will inspect KoraKora Canal Water project and the coconuts and cashew nuts projects in Bura.

His visit comes only three days after President Kenyatta toured the region, where he stayed for five days. His son Nick Ruto was also in Mombasa few days ago where he attended a volleyball tournament in Jomvu. 

The National Irrigation Board project on the cashew nuts and coconuts allows it to give farmers seedlings for free.

Bura MP Ali Wario said the project would go a long way in empowering farmers who have in the past suffered from poor production due to use of low quality seedlings.

“The diversification to cashew nuts and coconuts assures the public of an income. This will address the unemployment challenge among youths in this region,” noted Mr Wario 

The Deputy President will also open a livestock market in Garsen, a move that aims at turning the activity into a commercial venture.

On Friday, Dr Ruto will be in Kilifi County where he is expected to  commission the Baricho Lot Three water pipeline that is poised to bring  stability in the supply of the commodity in the entire Coastal region.

The Deputy President will thereafter launch several Last Mile projects in various towns, including Kilifi, Mtwapa, Rabai and Malindi.

In Mombasa, he will launch a Sh300-million sewerage works in Changamwe funded by the African Development Bank.

He will also attend a church fundraising in Mikindani on Saturday where he will be hosted by the area Mp Badi Twalib.

Dr Ruto will also launch a Sh500-million works to reconstruct a dam washed away by floods in Pemba, Kwale.

Curtains on the extensive tour of the region will be drawn in Taita Taveta on Monday next week when he will launch several pans in the county.

At the same time, Dr Ruto will inspect the rehabilitation of the Njoro Kubwa Irrigation Scheme.

Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) has launched a new alcoholic beverage – Sikera Premium Apple Cider. The innovation is a distinctly light and refreshing, premium drink delivering a perfectly balanced for a drinking experience.

A cider is an alcoholic beverage typically made from crushed apples. Available from today in bars and restaurants - and best served chilled - Sikera Premium Apple Cider comes in a 300ml bottle pack with an Alcohol by Volume (ABV) of 4.5 percent and at a recommended price (RRP) of Kshs 150. 

Speaking at the launch event in Mombasa, KBL Managing Director Mrs. Jane Karuku said KBL’s twin desire of recruiting new consumers and responding to their changing tastes and preferences led to the development of the innovation.

“Sikera’s launch is the result a recently-conducted consumer study on the trends driving the alcohol beverage market in our industry. These consumer insights then informed our innovation efforts extending our cider category, to provide a broader variety to our consumers,” said Mrs. Karuku

She added “This new brand is geared to supporting our business agenda to accelerate growth in our innovation, which has enabled KBL to both recruit new consumers as well as provide a wider variety from around which consumers can build their drinking repertoire.”

EABL Marketing and Innovations Director Graham Villiers-Tuthill, reinforced that Sikera Premium Apple Cider entry into the company’s agenda is to connect with an ever-evolving consumer base through flavoured offerings.

“This new to world brand has been specifically developed to meet the changing consumer palette and consumption behaviour of consumers in Kenya. Sikera is a crisp, light and refreshing apple cider, and early consumer feedback to this fresh new offering has been very positive,” said Villiers-Tuthill.

Sikera Apple Cider will be launched across the country in the coming weeks with expected roll-out to market in the coming days.

KBL has prioritised innovations as one of the company’s key growth pillars, with its innovations contributing 22 per cent of East African Breweries Limited’s revenue in the financial year ending June 2019. Recent innovations include Tusker Cider, Captain Morgan Gold and Black & White.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka clarifies that Jackson Makini, aka CMB Prezzo, intends to vie in Kibra Constituency in 2022 General Elections; not the coming by-election.

Kalonzo ""Today at the Wiper Democratic Movement Headquarters, I received Jackson Ngechu Makini aka CMB Prezzo who joined the Wiper Movement officially. Prezzo intends to vie in Kibra Constituency in the 2022 General Elections."

This comes after reports that Prezzo will take part in the Kibra by election.

Earlier the party national Chairman Chirau Makwere had stated that the party will not take part in the by election.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/1206-wiper-party-will-not-participate-in-the-kibra-by-election-says-makwere

Musician Jackson Ngechu Kimotho Makini commonly known as Prezzo has decided to join the murky waters of politics.

The 'My Gal' hitmaker will be vying  for the Kibra parliamentary by-election seat on a Wiper ticket.

Prezzo was unveiled by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka at the party’s headquarters today.

Over the weekend Prezzo attended the same church service with Kalonzo Musyoka in Nairobi.

He will be battling out with ODM's Bernard Otieno Okoth 'Imran' who is also the brother to the late area Mp Ken Okoth, ANC's Eliud Owalo, footballer McDonald Mariga (Jubilee) among other candidates.

Prezzo becomes the latest Kenyan artist to join politics after Charles Njagua 'Jaguar' who won the Starehe Parliamentary seat in the last election.

Last week Friday (September 6) Africa and the world at large woke up to the news of the death of former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe.

Mugabe died at a hospital in Singapore aged 95. Several leaders came out to mourn his death with the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta ordering the national flag be flown at half mast.

Among those who had the opportunity of meeting Mugabe during his days is Mombasa businesman and politician Suleiman Shahbal who has since shared his recount with the leader.

Below is the recount

In 1996, I met President Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe. He had the demeanor of a headmaster and spoke with a clipped English accent that reminded one of Africans who had lived too long in England. He asked me what I thought of Zimbabwe.

I told him Harare reminded me of Nairobi of the early 1980s when the city was still green and less congested. He asked me what I thought of the land reforms that he was implementing. Zimbabwe was already turning chaotic and the economy was already heading towards the precipice. "Your Excellency, I think it’s the right thing to do, but it could have been done better," I answered. I referred to our own experience with land reforms in Kenya.

"Young man, (he repeatedly referred to me as young man), we fought for independence. Twenty thousand of our people died in the bush. Many of us were jailed for years and our families faced untold miseries. Independence is not having a flag. Independence is having our own land and deciding our own destiny. At independence the British government asked us to wait for 10 years to solve the land issue. I was very unhappy but agreed reluctantly. They promised to help buy out the white farmers.

"After 10 years Margaret Thatcher basically told me she would not honour her government's promise and said it should be a willing buyer-willing-seller arrangement. Young man, do you know that 4,625 white farmers own 80 per cent of the arable land of Zimbabwe? Do you know that they actually farm only 40 per cent of that land? Meanwhile Zimbabweans still have no land?"

The figures shocked me into silence.

I countered back that there was no need to kill white farmers. "Young man," he continued, "since the land acquisitions started, only six farmers have been killed. It’s very sad and unfortunate. I subscribe to the Farmers Almanac (periodical) from South Africa and every month at least 15 white farmers are murdered in South Africa."

He insisted that he had to do what he did because future generations would never forgive him if he did not get back the land for his people. "The blood of 20,000 heroes call out to me for action. I had to do it."

He argued that Zimbabwe was being punished, not because of what he did, but as a warning to South Africa where the problem is even much larger. "If Zimbabwe is successful, then the South Africans will have to follow suit and take over the white farms. Zimbabwe has to be sacrificed to ensure that South African white farms are not taken over."

Of course Mugabe was right. If he had not forced the issue, Zimbabweans would still not own their land. Because Zimbabwe became such a mess, Nelson Mandela and his men ended up accepting so many political and economic compromises that to date the land issue has not been solved.

No wonder Julius Malema and his Economic Freedom Party are rising in popularity. Zimbabwe has paid the price for the compromises that Mandela was forced to accept. There is a sense that the political freedom of South Africa did not bring the desired economic changes that the proletariat wanted and expected.

The xenophobia that we see today is the poor hitting back at other Africans who they feel have "stolen" their opportunities. When a whole generation feels it has no hope, then they start hitting out at any perceived enemy. Let this be a warning to us too, in Kenya, when thousands of graduates lose hope in finding jobs and a future.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Mugabe, the former school teacher, improved the education of his people so much that today Zimbabweans are among the most educated people in Africa. They work as professionals all over the world.

However, Mugabe the freedom fighter became the repressive tyrant. He jailed his compatriots like Joshua Nkomo, sent in troops to violently sort out the Ndebele tribe. The land reforms became land grabs for his closest supporters. Sanctions led to massive corruption and economic mismanagement that finally destroyed that beautiful country.

Mugabe, despite all the problems that he created, still managed to win election after election – assisted by some creative accounting. Truthfully, despite the rising opposition in the urban areas, Mugabe remained a popular figure in Zimbabwe.

Men have lost kingdoms because of the women they love. Mugabe did the unpardonable sin of allowing bedroom politics into national politics. Perhaps had his wife Grace Mugabe not involved herself in succession politics, Mugabe might have died a president.

Today, as we wait for the hero’s burial, let us recall Shakespeare’s famous words from Julius Caesar: “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. I come to bury Caesar not to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them, the good is often interred with their bones. So let it be with Caesar”.

Unfortunately, as we bury Mugabe, we will remember the evil he left behind. Let us as Africans try to remember the good that he did too.

Back to tell another classic story, multi award-winning Hip-Hop artist, Songwriter and Producer, K.O and Nandi Madida are getting ready to release a sweet love song titled Say U Will.

Five years ago, fans and music lovers alike were treated to K.O and Nandi Madida’s charismatic collaborative effort in the form of Skhanda Love, this year we see them joining forces yet again to bring us their highly sought-after follow-up in Say U Will. 

The song is a classic love story between 2 lovebirds declaring their love and commitment to each other.

If early reviews are anything to go by, the song is set to be yet another winner over this year’s wedding season.

Say U Will carries a similar music theme, classic rap verses; and a melodious Afro RnB chorus.

The new single beautifully paints a forever love and tells the story of always choosing love and each other time and time again.

K.O had this to say about creating Say U Will and working with Nandi Madida again “Working on this song was really very special and purely organic. We wanted to recreate a classic and continue on from the story told on Skhanda Love"

Adding "Once again, the Magic came together naturally between Nandi and I; I am truly excited to share this song with the world and show off Skhanda like never before.”

Listen the song below..

President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced that the first berth of  the new Lamu Port will be opened in October. 

The President who expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing construction works at the seaport said the mega project will create the much needed jobs for Kenyan youth.

"Since I was here last year, it is true you've worked hard. Very soon, next month, we will be here to open the first berth which I am told you will have completed," the President announced. 

"We will launch by seeing a ship dock here to offload cargo. Offloading of cargo will be the beginning of jobs not just for you alone but also for the youth of Lamu and the entire Kenya," he told hundreds of workers who gathered to welcome him. 

The President further announced that plans are underway to start the construction of a crude oil pipeline from the Turkana oilfields to the new port. 

"Very soon we will start the construction of a pipeline to get oil from Turkana and bring it to this port," President Kenyatta said. 

He asked the workers to remain vigilant and to continue working closely with security agencies in averting terrorist threats. 

On the ongoing road projects in the region, the President said the intention is not only to enhance national connectivity but also to attract investors to the new port and the region. 

On his way to inspect the 200km Mokowe to Garsen Road, which is currently under construction, the President made a brief stopover on the link road connecting the port and the new road. 

He expressed satisfaction with the speed and quality of ongoing construction works and encouraged the contractor to ensure that the project is delivered within the agreed timeframe. 

At Hindi town, the President, who was accompanied by area MP Stanley Muthama and Lamu Woman MP Ruweida Obbo, cautioned residents against divisive politics and urged them to continue living together in peace and harmony. 

He said his government was implementing development projects across the country adding that development will help the country rid itself of poverty. 

President Kenyatta said the new Lamu Port, the tarmacking of the Mokowe to Garsen Road and the ongoing distribution of electricity are government projects aimed at creating new employment opportunities by attracting investors to the area. 

"If we have the port, have the road and have electricity, isn't that an expansion of Lamu? Isn't that employment for the youth?" the President posed. 

"Those who will come to collect their cargo, those who will come to set up their factories will create jobs for our youth. That's how we want to see our Kenya moving forward," he continued. 

The President said plans are underway to build a national secondary school in the county so as to give children from Lamu an opportunity to excel just like children from the rest of the country. 

The President who is on a working tour of the Coast was accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Samson Mwathethe and Coast Regional Coordinator John Elungata. 

It is definitely a good time for budding artists like Gabiro Mtu Necessary to be singing and churning out hit after hit every now and then because the industry is no longer deceiving.

Coming from Kisumu city, Gabiro has always proven to be one fresh and clean gem among the rest by always going a step ahead to the top in one way or the other as seen recently when he threw a shot at Nigerian and Mavin Records superstar to check out his new song ‘Kus Kus’.

Apparently he got Korede’s attention and the response to his tweet is what made Gabiro grow his YouTube video from 2.2k views to 4.1k views and still counting. In his tweet the self-proclaimed Kisumu president says

Quoted tweet: https://twitter.com/koredebello/status/1170095630271811586

In the song, Gabiro's charming lyrical prowess is the star of the show, always delivered without a hint of strain.

Lyrically, Gabiro mines a personal mood for inspiration, but contrasts the somber subject matter with a light and breezy delivery that will make you forget your worries in an instant — as long as you don't listen too closely to the lyrics.

Equally, the Crizo Mzeyah visuals emphasise the simplicity, mixing in footage of random dancers with a hood-looking Gabiro and some imagery to maintain those contrasting themes.

Fronted by a captivating whistle melody and pulsating dancehal beat, "Kus Kus" puts forth a dominating sound from Gabiro. Full of charismatic verses and a fierce, brassy dance break that leads into the chanting choral refrain of "rata tat tudum,” he spends the track confidently expressing feelings of joy and rejoicing.

For years Gabiro has proven to us the power of social media collaboration and good will as seen many at times when he used social media to win a cause.

Watch ‘Kus Kus’ video below:

https://youtu.be/jOSl2TY2hGU

President Uhuru Kenyatta today made an extensive tour of several development projects in parts of Kwale County.

The President who was accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Samson Mwathethe visited the Shimoni fish landing site which the government through the Kenya Ports Authority is in the process of upgrading into a modern fishing port.

The upgrading of the fish landing site into a fully operational port complete with cold storage facilities, new modern offices for the various state agencies and berths for light cargo vessels will be complete within eight months at a cost Shs 500 million.

Speaking to residents of the small fishing town, the President said the fishing port and supporting infrastructure will help spur economic activities in the area.

He said that as part of efforts to ensure that the local community benefits from the fishing port, the government will sponsor 150 youth from the area to attend coxswain training at the newly established Bandari Maritime Academy.

From Shimoni, the Head of State proceeded to Kibuyuni town where he inspected the ongoing construction of a 200 tonne per day fish processing factory by a Chinese investor.

Once complete, the factory will directly employ 500 Kenyans from the area and provide a ready market for hundreds of fishermen from Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Somalia and Madagascar.

While in Kibuyuni, the President also visited the Kibuyuni Seaweed Farmers factory, a project by a local women group.

The government supported group is engaged in the commercial cultivation and export of seaweed as well as the processing of the crop to make soap.

The President assured area residents, who largely depend on sea fishing for their livelihood, that the government is working on resolving the challenge of illegal fishing so as to enable them earn more for their trade.

After Kibuyuni, the Head of State flew to Vigurungani in Kinango Constituency where he inspected the ongoing construction of the road from Samburu through Kinango to Kwale.

The Samburu to Kinango section of the road is now 78 percent complete with roadworks on the segment expected to be complete by December this year.

Once complete, the road will open up the southern region of the coastal belt to more trade investments.

The President asked the contractor to speed up the works while ensuring that the agreed timelines and quality standards are strictly adhered to.

After visiting the road project, the President made a surprise appearance at the homecoming ceremony of Principal Secretary Safina Kwekwe at the nearby Mwangoni Primary School grounds.

While addressing thousands of enthusiastic residents of the area, the President said PS Kwekwe has distinguished herself as a diligent public servant.

The President, who promised an upgrade of the primary school at a cost of Shs 11 million, challenged young girls from the area to emulate PS Kwekwe and all other eminent Kenyan women leaders whom he termed as trailblazers.

"You young girls I see here, please put more effort in your education. Please see how you can go beyond being a Cabinet Secretary and become the first Woman President," President Kenyatta said.