Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa has joined the International Congress and Convention Association(ICCA) to grow its conferencing business.

ICCA is the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry.

The five-star hotel which is known for both international and domestic tourism, is now planning to grow its conferencing business by two folds in 2019, in order to diversify its offerings.

According to Bobby Kamani, the Managing Director, Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa, tapping into the global network of ICCA that is known for organizing international meetings for its members will help increase conferencing business for the facility:

“We have been organizing major conferences that emanate locally but this membership will enable us bring in international conferences to our facility" said Kamani

Adding "This will help market Diani Reef as not only a tourism attraction place but also a conferencing destination. This is part of our diversification plan that will help our business remain sustainable and competitive.”

Mr. Kamani said the business had invested over Ksh.100 million to build an ultra-modern and state of the art conference facility at Diani Reef in order to meet the international conferencing standards:

“Our conference facility is an ultra-modern and state of the art, we can host up to 1000 people at the same time with different break out sessions at the same time"

“Three years ago, Kenya hosted major conferences including TICAD and UNCTAD.Because of the strategic and geographical location of our country this gives an edge to hosting more international conferences" he added

ICCA represents the world's top destinations and most experienced and leading suppliers specialised in handling, transporting and accommodating international meetings and events, and comprises over 1,100 member companies and organisations in almost 100 countries worldwide.

Since its establishment in 1963, ICCA specialises in the international association meetings sector, offering unrivalled data, communication channels, and business development opportunities. 

“International meeting planners like Diani Reef can now rely on the ICCA network to find solutions for all their event objectives" said Esmare Steinhofel, Regional Director Africa, International Congress and Convention Association

ICCA's Head office is based in the Netherlands.

ICCA's Regional Offices are based in Malaysia, South Africa, U.A.E., U.S.A. and Uruguay. ICCA’s area of expertise is in the international association meetings market, but it also assists ICCA members to share knowledge on the other segments.

The association market covers a wide range of meeting types and categories: medical meetings (the largest segment); scientific; other academic; trade organisations; professional bodies; social groupings.

There was drama at the Serani Arab Boys Grounds last evening after a Nominated Member of County Assembly from Mombasa was blocked from attending the Governor's iftar hosted by Governor Hassan Joho.

The MCA Milka Areba was blocked by a female officer from the County Inspectorate Unit who was manning the entrance to the ladies  side at the venue.

Drama started after Milka produced her invitation card to the officer at the gate after arrival, after going through the card the officer informed the MCA that she will not be allowed in since her card did not resemble the cards issued out to other guests, saying it was fake.

Milka's efforts to explain and introduce herself to the officer were futile causing commotion at the gate, attempts by other Members of the county assembly to defend her were also futile, it took the intervention of Likoni Member of Parliament Mishi Mboko to have the MCA allowed into the venue. Mishi ordered everyone at the gate be allowed to get in.

Milka was overheard complaining "Why do you have to embarass me this much yet i have showed you my invitation card and even introduced myself".

A team from the Senator's office had also been blocked but later allowed after Mishi's order.

The event was attended by several leaders including Senate Minority leader and Siaya Senator James Orengo, Suna East Mp Junet Mohammed, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, kwale Senator Juma Boy and elected Mps from Mombasa County, Omar Mwinyi (Changamwe), Ali Mbogo (Kisauni), Abdulswamad Nasir (Mvita), Senator Mohammed Faki and County Women Mp Asha Hussein.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib an ally of Deputy President William Ruto was the only leader absent. In a recent interview with a local radio station , Badi admitted to supporting Ruto's 2022 Presidential bid.

"My relationship with the DP is very good, we are very close. We work together in many ways" said Badi.

Badi is currently in Bomet county on parliamentary duties as a member of the budgetary and appropriations committee.

Kagwe Mungai is no stranger to the music scene and has become one of the most respected artists in Africa.

Having being signed to Taurus musik,he has created a niche for himself as a musical icon,brand ambassador for ciroc and a leader for the youth.

He just launched his debut album-Spectrum on Saturday evening at the Alchemist club in Westlands which saw the likes of Mayonde,Naiboi,Trina Mungai, Mr. seed, Owuor Arunga and Kristoff support him through the collaborations they've done together.

Kagwe's mother also made a special appearance to congratulate him for a job well done.

The album has a total of 15 songs, and one bonus track.

Kagwe also gave a special thank you to Aramanda(a top Nigerian designer) for dressing him up for the event as he had three outfits for his performance which was backed up by a live band.

The hard copies of the album were being sold for 500kshs but people can also purchase it from all digital platforms including Songa,Boomplay and Skiza Tunes.

It was a huge success and alot of people came out to support Kagwe on his big day.Celebrities in attendance were Sheila Kwamboka,Naomi Wamboe,Roy Karuhize,Gin Ideal,Angela Muiruri,Adelle Onyango and Yvonne Darcq.

East Africa’s Got Talent Show by Safaricom has today kicked off its pre-auditions, at Nyali School, Mombasa County.

The gates were opened to the public as from 6.00am which saw hundreds of participants turn up from diverse cultures, social background and age set showcasing their talents with the hope of being selected and proceed to the next stage to be held in Nairobi.

Artists Timmy Tdat and Ohms Law Montana from Mombasa alongside renowned dancer Tyron Naomi were present to offer advice and guidance to the participants.

The Nairobi auditions will be held next month at the KICC on June 1^st and 2^nd 2019.

“We believe East Africa has a lot of talent and look forward to showing the world what amazing skills we have got. We encourage all those who believe they are talented from Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda to pre-register online. We are searching for the best talent in music, dance, comedy, magic and acrobatics across all ages,” said Joseph Kusaga, Chief Executive Officer at Clouds Media International.

Produced by Clouds Media International, the show will host auditions in 3 other countries; Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

In Uganda the pre-auditions will take place in Kampala on 19^th May at Pearl of Africa Hotel while in Rwanda they will be held in Kigali on 25^th May at Intare Arena. Finally, in Tanzania they will be in Dar es Salaam on 25^th and 26^th May at Julius Nyerere Centre.

Interested participants are required to send in their applications through pre-auditions walk-ins, online submissions and WhatsApp channel.

To pre-register, participants can go to the regional audition centers nearest to them. For those who are unable to physically attend the pre-auditions due to distance; they can enter on-line by filling out the application form and send a short video clip of their act on https://rapidblue.formstack.com/forms/eagt.

Alternatively, they can upload a one minute performance video accompanied by name, age, and country through WhatsApp number + 254 (0)703 437 903.

Registration is currently open and will close on the dates as follows; Kenya and Uganda on Saturday 18^th May 2019, Rwanda Friday, 24^th May 2019, and Tanzania Saturday, 25^th  May 2019.

East Africa’s Got Talent by Safaricom which is due to start airing in August this year, will have 10 episodes, with the semifinals and grand finalé shot live on location in Kenya.

Qualified participants from Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda will travel to Kenya for the live shows. The winner will walk away with KES 5 million (USD 50,000) as voted by the audience.

Grammy-winning Reggae group Morgan Heritage have launched the “Tomorrow’s Leaders Festival” at Laurette Gardens at the Safaricom Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya on June 8, featuring some of the biggest names in Jamaican music and the hottest artist from across Africa.

The global initiative festival will raise funds and awareness for youth leadership development programs in Africa and Jamaica, with benefactors including Save The Children, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNODC, OXFAM International, Shofco, Joy Divine and others.

The full festival line-up will be announced through Morgan Heritage and Official Festival social media and websites.

The “Tomorrow’s Leaders Festival” will be broadcasted live by festival media partner Trace Global Network, covering more than 160 countries in more than 200 million homes. It will also stream live on YouTube.

“We Morgan Heritage are doing this festival because we've identified the need for a conscious effort to be pushed forward to educate, empower and create opportunities that puts the youth on a path toward success for generations to come. So we're asking the world to help us help the children across Africa and Jamaica where this movement to save a generation has started.”

 The group went on to say “Buju Banton and Sauti Sol has not been announced and despite a few people trying to spread news about the final line-up, we assure you that we will not promote any artist that will not appear at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday June 8th” – Morgan Heritage “As the Governor of Nairobi County we support you and congratulations on your Grammy.

Welcome to Kenya and let’s make a good event”. – Governor Mike Sonko, Nairobi, County The Morgan Heritage Foundation and its partners are committed to presenting world-class talent to generate awareness, inspiration and empowerment among individuals, families and corporations.

Their goal is to help turn humanities dreams of a better tomorrow into a reality. Our children are tomorrow’s leaders and it is our mission to support them in order to secure the future of the world. If we lead, the youth will follow.

Morgan Heritage won their first Grammy in 2016 for “Best Reggae Album” for “Strictly Roots” as producer and artist.

The band landed their second Grammy nomination for critically acclaimed album “Avrakedabra” in the “Best Reggae Album” category in 2017.

 Huffington Post said “It’s the reggae album that’s about to make history.” Morgan Heritage will release a new album June 21 entitled “LOYALTY” this summer and their world tour starts this summer.

After weeks of speculation on the official launch of the newly formed Mijikenda station under Mediamax Network Limited, Msenangu Fm is now set to be launched next week.

According to a source at the station, preparations are in top gear with the station expected to be launched on Monday, 20th.

The station has started running some of its promos.

Among the presenters poached by the station formerly Pili Pili fm are Pyukapyu Wa Pyukupu(PPO), Sister Shaniez (AntiVirus), Fatuma Mwangala (TotoBomba,) Bahati Ngazi (Mtoto Rangi YaPesa)Teddy Mwanamgambo (BaloziWaChipkizi), Gasper Tumaini (Kabatha Kalume) Josephine Medza (GomaRaKanani) and  Ian Mtoti Mgalla.

Earleir, there was confussion over the  name of the station with most people being duped that it was Asena fm, this was however a propaganda started by the management of the new station as part of their entry strategy.

The station which will be based at the Texas Towers Nyali Mombasa is expected to bring stiff competition to Radio Kaya which is also a Mijikenda station and based in Kwale.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/component/k2/item/930-pili-pili-fm-reinvesting-presenters-declared-redundant

Kenyan artist Nyashinski is among the artists that have been featured in Patoranking's new album.

The album titled 'Wilmer' has a total of 12 songs. Other artists featured in the song includes  Davido, French singer of Congolese roots Dadju, Donae 'O from London and South African singer-songwriter and poet Busiswa.

"I’ve put my heart and soul into this Album. Wilmer has purely been a blessing and I hope this project encourages you, motivates you and blesses u. The journey hasn’t been easy but we are thankful for where we are headed. God bless every single one of you and everyone who has been a part of this masterpiece" says Patoranking

The album is named after his daughter

Patoranking has also worked with the Kenyan all boy band Sauti Sol in the song 'Melanin'.

Political affiliation and loyalty are said to be among the reasons behind the recent reshuffle at the Kenya Ports Authority which saw some senior officers being demoted while others promoted.

A total 16 top officers were moved in the new changes.

According to a source within the management, most of those who have been promoted are officers perceived to be allied to Deputy President William Ruto especially Erick Kotut and Moses Sirgoli.

Erick Kotut was promoted to the position of head of ethics and integrity after the post fell vacant following the retirement of Sylvester Ndongoli who was heading the department.

Before the appointment of Kotut, Joseph Okhako was the one who was acting as head of the department.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/1014-kpa-in-major-shake-up-procurement-and-security-heads-among-those-moved

"Okhako should have be the one to take over but too bad he has just fallen a victim of circumstance" said the source.

Okhako has now been transferred to the Inland Container Depot (ICD) Kisumu as principal officer.

Moses Sirgoli who is also said to be a close ally of DP Ruto was elevated to the position of Principal procurement officer( Tender opening and evaluation committee) taking over from Aza Dzengo who is now the acting head of procurement and supplies.

Before his promotion, Sirgoli was supplies officer in charge of the medical store at KPA Bnadari clinic.

The source asserted "What the MD Daniel Manduku is doing is realigning his team of loyalists, that's why he demoted officers who he thinks were loyal to his predecessor Catherine Muturi including Mariam Khamis and Fredrick Oyugi"

Mariam Khamis has since been demoted from being the head of security services and transferred to the ICD Nairobi as head of ICT, according to the source the office never existed before.

Fredrick Oyugi who was the head of audit and risk has also been transferred to Nairobi as the head of SGR reconciliation another office that is said to be new and never existed before.

Ali Mwinjika a very close ally of a Mombasa based tycoon and wheeler- dealer has been promoted to the position of principal procurement officer (purchasing and contractor), before his promotion, Mwinjika was a procurement officer.

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After months of anticipation, the big reveal is finally out. NRG Radio has birthed, not just to 1 but 2 new Radio Stations.

Promising to take over the industry in the footsteps of NRG Radio, Choice Radio and FunX are the new kids on the block. 

"Choice Radio which is targeted to the Urban, Grown and Sexy audience aged 30 years and above, promises to be a ‘vibe’ you will find HARD TO TURN OFF and is accessible on 87.7FM" said the Group Digital and Communications Lead - Ms. Beverlyne Wangari.

"Choice Radio’s playlist will be loaded with a head-nodding mix of old school and timeless hits" she added.

FunX.cool which is accessible on 91.3FM is a younger NRG and is entirely a complete opposite of what Choice Radio is.

"FunX as the name suggests will seek to cater to the needs of the modern, fun-loving teen. The music will as such be the epitome of Edgy, Fun and Adventurous. Quite the perfect package for the dynamic teenager, FunX represents the new Centennial audience. ". notes Ms Wangari

According to Ms Wangari, this is an exciting milestone because they can now cater to the varying needs of their audience and listeners across the age spectrum,

NRG Radio which just celebrated their 1-year anniversary has witnessed commendable growth. Crowned the radio digital king in town last month -  given their leading social media numbers, visual and engaging content, their growth has shaken the market with their multi-platform radio model being an admiration of many. 

It is the first visual radio station in Kenya and Africa and has become a key benchmark for most media houses across the region.

The station also recently launched an Eclectic, Disruptive, Highly Customized and Engaging Mobile App - NRG Play which is a totally immersive mobile experience.

The App is Now available on Android and iOS and also houses FunX and Choice Radio.

The two ‘babies’ will be the ultimate compliment to the ‘Mother Station’-NRG Radio.