After serving us with 'Njiwa', Willy Paul and Nandy, from Tanzania are set to drop yet another collabo.

Through their social media pages the two artists have been teasing their fans on the upcoming song.

In one of his posts Willy Paul notes " Africa Stand Up !! Are you ready for this?? Comment yes if you want this dropped now !! Willy Paul x Nandy again".

On her part Nandy shared a small video which seems to be from the video shoot and captioned it 'Hallelujah"

"Njiwa" which was released on June 2018 was well received and turned out to be a major hit, it currently has over 9 million views on you tube.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and visiting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today toured the Port of Mombasa where they were briefed on the operations and recent developments at the facility.

Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia briefed President Kenyatta and President Museveni on the enhanced Standard Guage Railway (SGR) cargo transportation services from the port to the Nairobi Inland Container Depot. 

The Transport CS pointed out that over 3 million tonnes of cargo was moved via the SGR between January 2018 and January this year. 

In his presentation to the two Heads of State, Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Daniel Manduku highlighted the improved performance of the port and the ongoing expansion of the facility.

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) commissioner for customs and border Control Kevin Safari and Julius Rubagumya, the Uganda Revenue Authority Manager in Kenya, spoke on the achievements in cargo transportation between the two countries since the implementation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT). 

“Our presentation focuses on the concept of the Single Customs Territory whereby we now have Kenya Revenue Authority working side by side with the Uganda Revenue Authority,” said Safari.

Safari said the implementation of the SCT has eliminated duplication of customs procedures in Kenya and Uganda leading to a reduction in cargo clearance time.

On his part, Rubagumya explained the benefits of the SCT saying it has enhanced cargo security through the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System in both Uganda and Kenya.

“Enhancing cargo security through the Electronic Cargo Tracking System is a huge relief to our governments but more so to the private sector. We used to have issues of escorts where police would escort cargo from here to Malaba and if you miss an escort on Friday evening maybe you are likely to get escort on Monday,” said Rubagumya. 

“I am pleased to report that the physical escort is now history. We are using Electronic Cargo Tracking and we have monitoring centres both in Kampala and Nairobi such that as the trucks start the journey at the port, our officers on those centres are monitoring their movement,” he added.

Rubagumya said that along the roads there are also rapid response units that ensure no one diverts cargo or evades paying tax.

President Kenyatta and President Museveni were impressed by the operations at the port and the close collaboration between the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Uganda Revenue Authority that has improved efficiency at the port.

While at the port, President Kenyatta inspected the ongoing construction of the modern Cruise Ship Terminal that is currently 40 percent complete. 

Briefing the President on the benefits of the cruise ship terminal, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said the modern facility will boost cruise ship tourism in the country.

Bobby Mapesa and Calvo Mistari: BC release new smash single and their first release of 2019 “Niko Sawa’ Featuring Camp Mulla rapper, Shappaman the song is off their debut joint album BC.

The song is a hip-hop song encouraging guys to acknowledge their own success no matter how small it is as they are the ones who know what journey they've been through.

The video directed by Odibz of Team Mistari is simply neat.

Speaking on the track, Bobby said, “This song is for those who love the deeper side of our lyrics.”

The same was echoed by Calvo who said, ‘Niko sawa’ is a masterpiece from production to execution.”

‘Niko Sawa’ the ninth single off BC’s successful debut album released in 2017 was mastered at Decimal Records by the legendary Kenyan music producer Eric Musyoka. The song was produced by Dillie at House of Dillie.

Shappaman speaks of his first collaboration with BC,  "It was fun and easy to do. Nothing but good vibes from my big brothers, can’t wait to get more work in with them both individually."

Watch the video below

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta today commended innovative Kenyan women for coming up with ideas that continue to transform lives in Kenya and the world.

The First Lady said innovations that bring change are key to removing of structural barriers that have in the past hindered women and girls from realising their full potential. 

She said it is through innovations that the country will be able to address gender inequalities that slow down the achievement of national development goals.

“Innovation unlocks opportunities by placing people at the heart of development and programs that empower their lives,” said First Lady Margaret Kenyatta. 

The First Lady spoke to Kenyan women at the Kenya School of Government in Kabete, Nairobi during celebrations to mark International Women's Day. Today’s date was specifically set aside to mark the celebrations locally. The annual  event is normally celebrated globally on 8th March.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is, 'Think Equal, Build Smart and Innovate for Change.' 

The theme places innovation at the centre of development especially the role played by women innovators and the impact of their innovations on gender equality and women empowerment. 

The First Lady cited various innovations that have transformed households and communities in Kenya such as M-Pesa and the Kenya Women's Finance Trust's mobile banking solutions. 

She said these innovations have unlocked opportunities for millions of women in the rural areas across the country. 

“Tele-medicine has saved many lives of mothers and children in hard to reach remote areas,” said the First Lady.

She applauded Kenyan women and girls who have embraced innovation saying their new ideas in technology and science have helped in coming up with helpful interventions using the internet, mobile telephony and other emerging technologies. 

“We celebrate our Kenyan women who are not only consumers of innovation, but also influencers in the innovation space – for providing real solutions using limited resources to improve women and girls access to infrastructure and public service,” the First Lady said. 

“I especially want to recognise the school girls who came up with sensors for explosive devices; girls who produced mobile apps to fight Female Genital Mutilation; and girls who developed sensors to alert and avert human wildlife conflict, amongst others. You have made us proud,” said added.

During the function, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta launched the first edition of a book titled, "Pioneers & Transformers: The Journey of Women Trailblazers in Kenya.” 

The book celebrates the achievements and the journeys of women as mothers, wives, entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, activist, conservationists and politicians.

The First Lady also launched a curriculum on women leadership, which will be used to train women interested in politics. 

She challenged eminent women in the country to embrace this year’s theme and start mentoring young women to take up science subjects in schools and colleges and also encourage them to enrol in Technical and Industrial Vocational courses to enable them fully participate in the country’s development.

Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs CS Margaret Kobia said her ministry would continue to strengthen the policy framework to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. 

She said her ministry has   put in place measures to eradicate all forms of discrimination against women and men.

“I am happy to report that since the last International Women’s Day, the country’s endeavour to realize the right to equal opportunities in all spheres for men and women, girls and boys has been remarkable and remains on course,” said CS Kobia. 

Spouse to former Prime Minister Ida Odinga condemned the Court of Appeal judges proposal to lower the age of girls consent to sex  from 18 years  to 16 years saying it is unconstitutional and urged women to reject such a proposal.

Mrs Odinga said at age 16, a girl has not matured enough to make independent decisions on such weighty matters.

Other speakers included ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru, Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Canada's High Commissioner to Kenya Lisa Stadelbauer. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation between Kenya and Uganda in areas of mutual benefit.

Addressing the press at State House, Mombasa, after the two Heads of State led their delegations in bilateral talks, President Kenyatta commended the two delegations for ensuring that the inaugural session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation is a success. 

“I am particularly pleased with the progress we've made in recent years in the areas of trade promotion, the free movement of goods, services and people across our borders, and the people-to-people interactions,” President Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan delegation at the bilateral meeting included Deputy President William Ruto, Cabinet Secretaries Monica Juma, Najib Balala, Peter Munya, Farida Karoney, James Macharia, Eugene Wamalwa and John Munyes.

President Kenyatta noted the success of the One Stop Border Post at Busia and the ongoing improvement of infrastructure and processes at Malaba and Lwakhakha Border Points.

He called for an increase in the number of one-stop-border-posts to promote the free movement of goods and people between the two countries. 

On his part, President Museveni commended President Kenyatta for enhancing efficiency at the Port of Mombasa by modernising infrastructure and re-engineering systems, interventions that have increased the speed of cargo clearance.

“During his first term in office, President Kenyatta took the perennial problem of delays at the port head-on,” President Museveni said. 

President Museveni pointed out that the enhanced efficiency in handling of cargo at the port and in the movement of goods along the Northern Corridor has been of great benefit to the economies of both  Kenya and Uganda, and for the other countries that depend on the Port of Mombasa for their import and export business including Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

He commended President Kenyatta for the rapid development of infrastructure in Kenya.

“While we are still waiting for the railway (in Uganda), the Kenyan Government has already moved and is now constructing modern jetties and petroleum pipelines," President Museveni said.

“That means that in the coming years, a lot of cargo will move from the roads to the railway and fuel will move from the roads to the pipeline and across the lake through tugboats which can carry the fuel across the lake cheaper, faster and safer,’ he added.

President Kenyatta commended the Government and the people of Uganda for their trust and continued use of the Port of Mombasa. 

“I wish to express my Government’s full commitment to continue improving service delivery at the Port. I am pleased to report that the time taken to transport cargo between Mombasa and Nairobi has significantly reduced with the full operationalization of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) between Mombasa and Nairobi,” President Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan leader invited his Ugandan counterpart to join in the joint development of the SGR to ensure that the line continues all the way to Kampala as envisioned.

On Migingo, President Kenyatta said Kenya and Uganda were working together to address the issue.

“Lake Victoria is an important transboundary resource that has continued to support the livelihoods of our people, not just in Kenya and Uganda but the entire East African region,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta also spoke on the bilateral relations between Kenya and Uganda, saying the two countries shared a strong and principled commitment to multilateralism and the reform of the institutions of global governance, including the United Nations Security Council.

“It with this background, that Kenya presented its candidature for a non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2021-2022. Kenya, Your Excellency, counts on the support of Uganda and her East African sister nations to make this aspiration a success,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta announced that President Museveni will tomorrow travel to Nairobi using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), making him the first visiting Head of State to use Kenya’s modern train.

Tanzania music star Harmonize has released a second video off his new EP,  Afro Bongo, few weeks after releasing 'Kainama featuring Diamond Platnumz and Burna Boy

In the video titled 'Niteke', his Italian girlfriend Sarah plays the video queen.

Harmonize pours praises to Sarah and makes fun of his ex girlfriend Jackline Wolper who also appeared in one of his videos 'Niambie'

He posted "Nilikwambia kuwa Baby yupo katika #AfroBongo na ameuwa ? tuseme ukweli huwezi fananisha na ile video ya kwanza niliyo shoot na naniliu....!!!! Fundi naniliu ??? Natania ? ila Mtoto kama sio wewe waliekuwa wanakuita Sarah Masai.....????? Thanks for the Love & support @sarah__tz ❤❤❤❤ OYAAAAA LINK PA BIO ???" 

Celebrated media personalities Adelle Onyango and Sharon Mundia were among invited guests at the ‘She Can’ Awards.

It was a celebration in honor of women by Kotex at the Radisson Blu.  

This is in line with the ‘#PeriodorNotSheCan’ campaign where Kotex believes that a period should never get in the way of a woman’s progress.

The campaign is meant to celebrate women who have demonstrated passion, motivation and inspired many while they break barriers to achieve their own victory and success. 

Sharon, a mother of one, took issue with the fact that women have been looked down upon since time immemorial.

 “So I’ve heard 'No, you can’t!” quite a bit in my lifetime. For instance, I remember growing up I was given a hard time for wanting to climb trees but the boys had a free pass. Or that I shouldn’t be too aggressive in sports, I should calm down a little.” Sharon Mundia revealed. 

She further adds, “Women have been undermined and put into a status quo by being told not to be better than the men i.e. advice on how to make it in this man’s world, how to keep fit, be great but not too great. Be successful, but not outside of a certain scope. Be outspoken, but don’t ruffle feathers etc.”

According to the 2014 report “World survey on the role of women in development” the causes and underlying drivers of unsustainability and gender inequality are deeply interlocked making economic gender equality unachievable for another 170 years.

This is despite a study that shows equality for women in the labour force would add $28 trillion to the global economy by 2025.

 “It’s a beautiful time to be a woman, an incredible time to be an African woman,” said Adelle, founder Adelle Onyango Initiative. 

She continued, “The incredible achievements of each one of these honorees are a testament to our resilience! Our strength! And our awesomeness! We go through unrelenting discomfort every month; we bleed every month, and guess what? We achieve every month!”

Adelle and Sharon urges women to speak out, louder than before about the issues holding them back, by sharing their unique stories so that every woman will know HER’s is a worthy story.

The 2019 season of Coke Studio Africa announces it’s upcoming All Women finale Episode in a powerful statement and a trail-blazing move, unveiling some of Kenya’s top female instrumentalists who will be part of the show’s live band in the finale episode.

They include Kasiva Mutua (Percussions), Wendy Kemunto (Vocals), Ivy Alexander (Guitar), Naomi Ziro (Bass Guitar) and Mutindi Tindi Muasa (Keyboard).

This will be the first time Coke Studio Africa is featuring an all-female band and instrumentalists in a bold move to highlight Africa’s great talent and the opportunities for women in the arts industry.

TEDGlobal 2017 fellow, Kasiva Mutua makes her second return to the show this year.

She shares her experience: “It’s been a real vibe working with different artists from across Africa and enjoying their different personalities, which is what I feed off when am creating”

 She adds “As a lover of traditional instruments, I appreciate the fact that on this season, Coke Studio Africa has included a lot of that.” Having performed on various platforms locally and internationally, Kasiva describes the show as a “learning curve” for her: “Coke Studio is always throwing a challenge at me. You have to dig deep, research and talk to artists on their vision.”

A few years back Kenya’s fast-rising singer Kemunto posted a powerful Swahili version of a Yemi Alade and Sauti Sol’s “Africa” song on her social media platforms, that the Nigerian Afrobeats queen repost.

 That repost caught the eyes and ears of Coke Studio Africa’s producers who then gave Wendy an opportunity of a lifetime: a gig as a background vocals singer on Coke Studio Africa.

Now a fully-fledged singer and songwriter, Kemunto not only returns as a backing singer for the second time but will also appear on the big stage in her own spotlight, alongside fellow Kenyan producer Joe Mutoria who co-produced the Coke Studio Africa 2019 track #MadeInKenya.

Kemunto gushed on their upcoming collaboration, “Being given the chance to actually do a song on such a huge platform means so much to me,” adding, “I was a background singer last time, it’s very different as an artist this time around! There is a bit of pressure but it’s very exciting.”

From performing at several top stages such as the Safaricom International Jazz Festival, guitarist Ivy Alexander joins Coke Studio Africa, as the show’s first female guitarist.

Speaking on her debut, she says, “My experience on Coke Studio Africa has been amazing and interesting as I got to meet artists that I never thought I’d ever be in the same space with which I admit has made me grow musically,”

adding, “Through the show, I have met producers and artists who I hope to work with beyond the show.” Ivy is rapidly solidifying her place in music whilst working on her own solo compositions.

Having been on Coke Studio Africa for the first time as an audience member, Naomi never in a million years would have thought that she would feature on the show as an instrumentalist.

The bassist says, “I did not expect the show to be what it is. My take away from the whole experience is the resilience from the whole crew - this is the first place that I have seen that happen.”

 Inspired by fellow band mate Kasiva, she describes her as a force to reckon with in the music world especially for women: “working with her closely inspires you to play better and achieve what she has, With a style that blends eclectic sounds of Latin music, Funk, Lingala and African rhythms, Naomi is the current bassist player for Adhoc Band and Serro.

From honing her skills with as a keyboardist, bass guitarist and vocalist, Tindi has performed with the likes of Gravitti Band, The Flower Project and June Gachui.

This is her first time on the show which she admits came as a shocker: “Everyone looks forward to being on Coke Studio Africa but I never thought it would happen this fast.

The experience has been nothing short of amazing. Getting to learn different languages and understanding styles of music is simply mind-blowing,” adding, “Coke Studio Africa is such a coveted stage, so I do not take that for granted. It’s a blessing!”

Catch the finale episode of Coke Studio Africa from 31^st March at 8 PM 

President Uhuru Kenyatta today at State House Nairobi, witnessed the swearing-in of the new Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Albert Omore Magoha and the new Commissioner General of the Kenya Prisons Service Mr. Wycliffe Ogalo.

The swearing in ceremony was conducted by the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua.

Commending the new Education CS for his appointment, President Kenyatta said he looks forward to working with him and other stakeholders in implementing the new curriculum and ensuring the country achieves 100% transition from primary to secondary schools.

The President noted that Professor Magoha is an experienced public servant whose wealth of experience will be relied on in the prudent management of resources in the education sector.

“We have worked with you in delivering credible exams. I am now counting on you on the 100% transition from primary to secondary schools, good management of resources and in implementing the new curriculum,” said the President.

The President commended the new Commissioner General of Kenya Prisons Service Mr. Ogalo saying being a long standing career civil servant, his management acumen will be key in the ongoing reforms to ensure prisons fully serve their  rehabilitation role. 

“We want to see you  continue with the ongoing reforms . We believe that there is that ability for you and your fellow officers as well as men and women who serve under you to see how the reformed prisoners can positively contribute to the development of Kenya” said the President.

Present during the swearing-in ceremony were Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Chief of Staff and Head of Delivery Nzioka Waita among other senior government officials. 

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is set for a two-day State visit in Mombasa starting Wednesday, March 27.

Museveni will be received by President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa where the State reception ceremonies will be conducted

In a statement issued by State House spokesperson Kanze Dena  the two leaders will then proceed to State House, Mombasa for bilateral talks.

"On arrival, the visiting Head of State will be received by His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa where the State reception ceremonies will be conducted. Thereafter, the two leaders will proceed to State House, Mombasa, where they will lead bilateral talks with their respective delegations before conducting a joint press briefing. " reads the statement.

The two leaders are also expected to visit the Mombasa port.