National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged the East African Community Bureau of Speakers to strive into nurturing the body into an enviable regional integration block across the world.

In his acceptance Speech after his election to head the regional body, he noted that the Bureau remains central in bolstering regional unity, cooperation and shared prosperity of the region as embodied in the East Africa Community Statutes and Protocol.

“The Bureau is a key body in enabling EAC achieve its unity and integration dream. As Members of the Bureau our community are looking at us to steer the dream to reality,” he added.

Wetang’ula made the remarks during the official opening of the 18th Meeting of the EAC Speakers Bureau at Emara Ol-Sereni hotel in Nairobi today.

The Speaker also took over the leadership of the regional body that brings together National Parliaments of eight EAC Members countries from the outgoing Chairperson, Ackson Tulia.

Tulia is the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Tanzania.

“Our meeting today is more than just a routine Assembly. It is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of the East African Community. Let us draw inspiration from our past, our shared heritage, and our collective aspirations to build a future that is inclusive, prosperous, and peaceful for all our people,” he said.

Wetang’ula added: “I reaffirm Kenya’s unwavering commitment to the EAC integration agenda. Our Parliament is ready to work closely with our counterparts to advance these shared priorities and realize the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united East Africa,” he added.

He challenged the Speakers to be guided by the high calling to the responsibilities bestowed upon them by our respective citizens during the meeting. 

Wetang’ula said the Bureau of Speakers has demonstrated remarkable strides in advancing the realization of her mandate as an institution of EAC.

“Key among them being capacity building by operationalizing the East Africa Parliamentary Training Institute (EAPI),” he added.

 Wetang’ula commended the Bureau of Speakers for ensuring the harmonization of procedures through amendment of rules of procedures governing the forum and enhancing the relations between National Legislatures and East African legislative Assembly (EALA). 

"It is indeed through the concerted efforts of the Bureau of EAC Speakers that the EAC has experienced enhanced effectiveness with regard to the realization of its mission of creating a prosperous, competitive, and politically united East Africa,” he said.

He explained that he EAC Bureau of Speakers conceptualized the Inter-Parliamentary Games in a bid to foster relations between the EALA and the national parliaments of the EAC, as well as to popularize EAC integration.

He added that Kenya was ready to host the 14th Edition of the Inter-Parliamentary Games slated for December 6th to 18th at the Coastal City of Mombasa.

"Allow me to highlight that adequate facilities have been assessed to ensure compliance to the required set standards. I can confirm to the Bureau that I am satisfied by the level of preparations for the championship.

He notified the meeting that teams that delay booking for accommodation might be stranded owing to the fact that Mombasa attracts more local and international tourists during the festive season.

"Owing to the fact that Mombasa is a renowned tourist destination globally, more so at the end of the year, it is advisable that attendees to the games do their reservations in good time to avoid last minute rush which may provide limited options on both variety and convenience,” he advised.

 Tulia commended the Speakers for their commitment and dedication in driving the Bureau’s Agenda.

“Together we have made significant strides in promoting the EAC’s mission, strengthening our regional cooperation and continuing the legacy of unity envisioned by our founding fathers for the region,” she added.

She added that since re-establishment of the EAC in 1999 the regional body has grown to encompass eight partner States bringing together more than 312 million people across the nation’s diverse.

She noted that the Bureau of Speakers established in 2008 has been instrumental in fostering a strong working relationship between national legislatures and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

She used the meeting to welcome the Republic of Somali who are the new members of the EAC Speakers Bureau.

Tulia regretted that the Bureau faced financial challenges occasioned by failure by some member countries to remit their contributions as required by the law.

She noted that the Bureau required USD 120 million annually to run its operations effectively but underfunding due to delayed remittance by member states hampered their smooth operations.

“I therefore urge each partner state to fulfill its financial commitments, understanding that a financially empowered EAC id crucial to achieving its integration objectives,” she added.

EALA Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana raised concerns that the regional body was facing financial challenges and asked Member States to pay up their arrears.

He noted that the Assembly had passed several Bills that had not been assented to thereby affecting their legislative Agenda.

He noted that the Bills that were pending assent included, The EAC Human Rights and People’s Rights, 2012, Inter University Council for EAC 9Amendment Bill)2-012, The EAC Public Holidays Bill, 2013, The EAC Cooperative Societies Bill, 2015 and The EAC Counter Trafficking in Persons Bill, 2016.

Others are, The Prohibition of Anti Female 2016, Genital Mutilation Bill, The EAC Court of Justice Bill, 2016, The EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill, 2017, The EAC Integrity and Anti-Corruption Bill, 2021 and The EAC Customs Amendments Bill, 2022.

Other Speakers attending the 18th EAC Speakers Meeting included; the Speaker of the National Assembly of Uganda, the Rt.Hon. Anita Annet Among, Speaker of the Senate of Burundi, the Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Emmanuel Sinzohagera, Speaker of the Senate Somalia, the Rt. Hon. Abdi Hashi Abdalahi, Speaker of the National Assembly of South Sudan, the Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Jemma Nunu Kumba, Second Deputy President of the National Assembly of Burundi, the Rt. Hon. Abel Gashatis and Speaker Chambers of Deputies Rwanda, the Rt. Hon. Gertrude Kazarwa who participated virtually.

Southern Sun is pleased to announce the reopening of its popular Southern Sun Dar es Salaam hotel in Tanzania.

This property has undergone a refresh and is ready to welcome back guests with a clean look and improved amenities.

Located in the heart of Dar es Salaam’s commercial district, Southern Sun Dar es Salaam borders the historic botanical gardens and neighbours major government offices, Embassies and Diplomatic Missions, including Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre.

With its prime location, it provides an excellent choice for business travellers, diplomats, and tourists seeking a comfortable and refined stay in Dar es Salaam.

“The market in Tanzania is showing strong economic indicators, making it an ideal time to reopen and offer our signature hospitality once more,” said Lynton Delaney, Offshore Operations Director at Southern Sun.

A New Look and Improved Comfort

Guests can look forward to our vibey Baraza Café, Grill & Bar, which highlights the rich flavours of Tanzania, with a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, regional dishes, and premium grilled selections.

The hotel’s swimming pool, water feature and public areas now boast intricate mosaic work and a refreshed colour scheme creating a welcoming environment.

Enhanced HVAC and IT systems provide reliable climate control and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property, making it a suitable venue for conferences, business meetings, and events.

Designed for Business, Diplomatic and Leisure Guests

Southern Sun Dar es Salaam’s proximity to the Julius Nyerere International Airport and the recently commissioned SGR passenger train that operates between Dar es Salaam and the capital Dodoma, is an additional advantage.

Proximity to the neighbouring Diplomatic missions such as the British High Commission, European Commission, South African High Commission and Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, combined with its meeting rooms, make it an excellent choice for government, Diplomatic and business travellers, as well as conference attendees.

The hotel offers dedicated facilities tailored to the specific needs of business travellers, providing convenience, comfort, and elegance.

“Southern Sun Dar es Salaam is more than just a place to stay; it’s a space for guests to connect, relax, and engage,” said Bruce Chapman, the hotel’s General Manager.

Adding“We are excited to offer a refreshed environment that reflects the evolving nature of Dar es Salaam while maintaining the authentic charm that our guests know and appreciate.”

Over 16 million people in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are grappling with escalating food crises as inflation, droughts, and economic instability, deepening food insecurity across Southern Africa.

The livelihoods and well-being of women, girls, and children are especially at severe risk as access to nutritious food and essential services becomes increasingly strained.  These include far-reaching impacts on education – hunger leads to severe challenges focusing at school – and safety – women and girls must travel even further in search of clean drinking water for their families.

“The food crisis in Southern Africa is reaching unprecedented levels, leaving millions on the brink of survival,” said Patrick Sikana, CARE Southern Africa Regional Director. “Women and girls, already disproportionately impacted by hunger and economic hardship, are bearing the heaviest burden. These are not just statistics; they represent mothers, daughters, and children facing extreme adversity daily. This crisis threatens maternal and child health and perpetuates poverty and vulnerability. As the world prepares for COP29, the impacts of climate change continue to decimate and shatter families in Southern Africa”.

Zimbabwe is facing a severe food crisis, with acute food insecurity reaching IPC Phase 3 levels across the country, leaving at least 4.7 million people struggling with food insecurity.

This means that some households are not consuming enough food and have high levels of malnutrition, while others are adopting irreversible coping strategies – such as selling assets that support their livelihoods – to support a limited diet. The El Niño phenomenon, coupled with a 43% currency devaluation and soaring inflation, has caused food prices to skyrocket.

This makes it increasingly difficult for people to afford essential food items. Additionally, as water sources dry up, poor households in arid regions are struggling to sustain both livestock and crop production. The lean season is expected to continue until early 2025, leaving many families enduring prolonged hardship.

Hunger is forcing families deeper into debt and poverty, as Kudzai Marumura, a mother of three from Bikita District in southeastern Zimbabwe, explained. “We’ve been forced into debt, borrowing just to keep food on the table,” Kudzai added. “Our children are losing weight, struggling to focus, and facing hunger every day. Hunger has become our children's shadow, following them to school.”

In Malawi, the prolonged crisis due to recent El Niño-induced droughts is impacting 5.7 million people, with women and children disproportionately affected. The hardest-hit districts of Thyolo, Phalombe, Chiradzulu, and Salima are facing a severe malnutrition crisis, especially among pregnant and lactating women, children under five, and the elderly. During compounded crises, women often go hungry to feed their families, and the dropout rate for girls increases.

"Drought and food scarcity in Malawi exposes women and girls to rising risks of gender-based violence, early marriage, malnutrition, and barriers to education—yet they continue to show resilience and strength,” said Faith Phiri, Director of Gender Empowerment Network (GENET), CARE Malawi’s local partner. “Ensuring their safety, health, and rights isn't just a moral imperative; it's essential for the future of our communities.”

In Zambia, soaring food prices and drought conditions have left over 5.8 million people, 33% of the population, food insecure. Of the 94 districts analyzed, 82 are facing IPC Phase 3. In these communities, rising food prices and scarcity have worsened food insecurity, particularly for women and girls. This has led to increased risks and malnutrition, with lasting consequences for children's development and women's health.

CARE, alongside its partners, is actively responding to severe food crises across Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, but more is needed to alleviate the suffering. Despite these communities contributing the least to climate change, they are suffering the most severe consequences.

“The devastating toll of climate change on women and girls in Southern Africa cannot be overstated,” said Patrick Sikana.

Adding “We are at a critical moment for action one that calls for an immediate, compassionate response and an unwavering commitment to solutions that truly last. The humanitarian needs are urgent, and we must not delay in channeling resources, executing robust response plans, and engaging communities at every level. If we do not act quickly and deeply enough, a vicious circle of hunger, poverty, and climate change will emerge and consign entire communities to endless suffering. To build resilience that endures, we need to invest in disaster prevention, early warning systems, and climate strategies that are inclusive of all voices. Women-led organizations, deeply rooted in their communities, understand the unique, complex challenges these women and girls face and are the best hope for shaping solutions that work. Their strength, knowledge, and courage are vital to creating a fair and sustainable futureone where everyone can thrive.”

As hunger grips Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, communities are struggling to survive the devastating impacts of climate change. Families face hunger, children go to bed hungry, and livelihoods are at risk. Urgent action is needed to provide life-saving food and build resilience in these communities.

Opening up like never before, prolific GRAMMY® Award-winning R&B singer, songwriter and producer Eric Bellinger serves up a spellbinding and buoyant new single and music video entitled “Feelings Never Die” out now via All Wins Ent/FTS Global Management. Listen HERE and watch the music video HERE. 

This time around, he stretches the boundaries of his fiery signature style once again. About “Feelings Never Die,” Eric commented, “I wanted to tap in below the surface level on this one. A lot of my music is based around Love because I’m so deep in it, but I wanted to make a song about being heartbroken and still not giving up. To show people what it looks, sounds and feels like to fight for love.”

The new track sets the stage for Eric’s upcoming album ‘It’ll All Make Sense Later’ that will feature collaborations with a cross section of Africa’s biggest stars including GRAMMY® Award-winner Burna Boy, Reekado Banks, Oxlade and Taves. The highly anticipated new album is scheduled for release on November 22, 2024. Pre-order/Pre-save HERE

Eric teases that the new album will be a little different from his former projects, “I’ve always stayed pretty true to R&B in the past whether it be slow or uptempo/club or bedroom vibes lol. But with this project I felt the need to dance. To celebrate. To be triumphant. Each project I’ve always challenged myself to see what I could do next and the first place my heart chose to go was Afro!” 

“Feelings Never Die” showcases Eric’s expanding musical vision following the success of “Special”—a track celebrating the rarity and importance of finding that ‘special lady’ through a smooth blend of R&B, Dancehall and Afrobeats. This triple-threat production features Jamaican superstar Konshens, adding depth to Eric’s evolving sound. The latest releases illuminate the scope of Eric’s vision and his new album series, inspired by an eye-opening trip to South Africa earlier this year, and his subsequent immersion in the Afrobeats and Amapiano stylings. 

ALBUM TRACKLISTING:

1. Pure

2. Special [feat. Konshens]

3. Feelings Never Die

4. Shooting Star [feat. Oxlade]

5. Precision [feat. Reekado Banks]

6. Backtrack [feat. Taves]

7. Don’t Shut Off The Lights 

8. For The Evening [feat. Burna Boy]

9. Ms Africa

10. Desire

11. Follow Her Lead

12. No Coincidence [feat. Geko]

13. Top Dolla [feat. Vscript]

14. Don’t Leave

15. Unfinished Business

With over 300 songs and 40 albums to his name, Eric’s career continues to soar. Eric has collaborated with major artists like Usher, Justin Bieber and Ne-Yo, both as a songwriter and co-singer. He has penned global hits for artists such as Chris Brown (“Indigo,” “New Flame,” and “Champion”), Teyana Taylor (“69” and “How You Want It” feat. King Combs), Ne-Yo (“Link Up” and “Hotbox”) and Usher (“Lemme See” feat. Rick Ross). 

Eric’s journey had been a remarkable evolution from the streets of Compton to becoming an international sensation. Marked by his Grammy-winning artistry and prolific songwriting skills. Hailing from a musical lineage as the grandson of Bobby Day, a hit songwriter for the Jackson 5, Eric followed in his footsteps writing for an array of A-List artists and creating his own incredible catalog of music. 

His upcoming album took shape during a transformative journey to South Africa, where he was inspired to push his creativity even further. His heart and mind remain deeply connected to the land that moved him, and he plans to return to the continent in 2025.

The ambitious upgrade project of Mbaraki sports  stadium  has now reached an impressive 75% completion milestone, bringing it closer to achieving international standards. 

The project  was officially unveiled by former sports cabinet secretary Ababu Namwamba in March this year(2024).

The renovation project primarily focuses on upgrading the main field and tartan track for athletics.

The project which is being undertaken by Paribas International construction company is being funded by the Kenya Ports Authority in collaboration with the national government.

According to Philip Otieno, the athletic track and equipement specialist from Paribas , the upgrading of the stadium will be complete by end of November.

"We are currently 75% completion and we expect to be done by end of this November" said Otieno.

Adding " In terms of the athletics track we have done the major works which includes the drainage system, we are currently finishing the tarmacking. We are just waiting for few equipements and the tartan then we will be done."

The facility is expected to host  the 14th edition of the East African Community Interparliamentary Games (EAC-IPG) this December.

Once completed the stadium will cease to be a private facility but open for public use, this was revealed by the Sports Kenya Director General Pius Metto. 

""Mbaraki Stadium is situated in a private club owned by KPA club but we signed an MOU to open it up for the public, as we embark on this project this will be a public facility co managed by Sports Kenya and KPA"  said Metto during the ground breaking ceremony.

Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, has expressed grave concerns over the continued delay in the disbursement of funds from the exchequer to county governments, a situation that has now extended to three months.

Speaking during an event in Nyali, where he distributed cheques worth Ksh 25 million to Beach Management Units, the Governor emphasized the detrimental impact of these delays on the smooth functioning of devolved units.

Governor Nassir noted that while county governments are grappling with cash flow constraints due to delayed disbursements, certain leaders have been making misleading statements suggesting that counties are “returning” unspent funds to the national treasury.

He firmly dismissed these assertions, explaining that counties are not willingly “returning” funds but are being hampered by the national government’s failure to release the allocated resources in a timely manner.

“Let me be clear: counties are not returning funds to the exchequer. The reality is that the funds are not reaching us on time. This has created a backlog in payment of suppliers and implementation of critical projects, severely hampering service delivery,” Governor Nassir stated.

He further explained that counties across the country are currently facing unprecedented cash flow challenges, making it difficult to plan and execute key development initiatives.

The Governor pointed out that the delay in disbursement undermines the principles of devolution, which are meant to empower counties to address local needs efficiently.

During the cheque distribution ceremony, which saw Ksh 25 million allocated to various Beach Management Units in Nyali, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting local communities, particularly those that rely on coastal and marine activities for their livelihoods.

The funds are expected to bolster the operations of these units, enhance sustainability, and support efforts to protect the marine ecosystem.

Governor Nassir called on the National Treasury to expedite the release of funds to ensure counties can meet their financial obligations and implement projects critical to local development.

He underscored the importance of timely disbursements for the realization of the government’s agenda on service delivery, infrastructure development, and economic growth.

The Governor’s remarks have brought to light the ongoing financial challenges facing county governments and the urgent need for improved coordination between the national and county levels of government to ensure that devolution delivers on its promise to the people

"Delays in disbursement are not just a financial issue; they are a governance issue. When we are unable to access the funds that rightfully belong to the counties, the people who suffer the most are our constituents,” Governor Nassir concluded.

The remarks come at a time when county governments are increasingly vocal about their financial struggles, highlighting the urgent need for a review of the disbursement process to avoid further disruption of services.

The National Treasury is yet to respond to the Governor’s concerns.

Kaka Empire’s talented music duo, Jadi, has just released the music video for their latest single, Your Body.  Known for their soulful and romantic love songs, Jadi surprises fans with this refreshing and edgy release that brings a whole new energy to their music. 

Your Body fuses classic R&B rhythms with mid tempo afro beats, showcasing Jadi’s ability to redefine their sound. This shift shows the duo’s commitment to evolving music trends while giving their audience something new to enjoy. The visuals for Your Body amplify the track’s boldness, with warm and vibrant cinematography that perfectly complement the song. 

"We wanted to challenge ourselves and offer our fans a different side of Jadi," said Jadi. "This song allowed us to step out of our comfort zone, embrace new sounds, and have fun with a different vibe."

Your Body is available for streaming on all major platforms, and the music video is live on YouTube. 

Skyward Express is marking its 11th  anniversary with a special offer on the Nairobi - Dar es Salaam route.

According to the airline, customers will pay only kshs 11,000 from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam.

The booking period for the offer is from November 6 to November 11.

The travel duration is between November 15th (the Day of launch) and March 31st, 2025.

Last week, the airline launched the new route in Dar es Salaam, it is also expected to host another launch at the Jomo Kenyatta international airport Nairobi on November 15th.

This initiative aims to increase travel convenience for East African citizens while strengthening business and social connections between Kenya and Tanzania.

The airline will fly to Dar es Salaam three times a week, Mondays, Fridays and Sundays.