Low budget carrier, Skyward express has been nominated for the domestic airline of the year award at the Afrika Mashariki Transport awards.

The airline which recently increased it's flight frequencies to the country’s coastal tourist destinations will battle out with other local airlines including KQ for the award.

To vote for Skyward express sms the code E44to 23776 or visit the website https://afrikamasharikitransportawards.com/vote-now/

To book your flight with Skyward express, visit the website https://www.skywardexpress.co.ke/

Kenyan boy band Jadi  have released the video for their much-anticipated single Maji.

The duo have been consistently releasing music proving that they are out to dominate 2022; the RnB crooners are already the next best thing.

The band composed of Brandon and Vince pride themselves in writing their own music while reflecting the lives of the typical Kenyan youth and the battles they fight daily. 

Maji is produced by Sifa courtesy of Kaka Empire Studios and displays the lyrical and vocal prowess of the talented duo. 

The heart-warming and well scripted visuals which tell the story of a girl in a toxic and abusive relationship yearning for the real love of a gentle man, is directed by KThomas. 

“Sometimes you can be in a toxic/abusive relationship and not realise how beautiful and valuable you are. Well, the song" Maji" is a song that speaks about a beautiful lady caught up with the wrong man but finds herself falling for two men in her life (Jadi) in a love connection that goes beyond the physical. If either of us would get a chance to love on her, we would do it right and in the way she truly deserves.” – Jadi

“Working with Jadi has been great, they are talented, hardworking and determined. Building their brand continues to be an exciting venture for me, I am absolutely proud of them!”- Dennis Njenga, MD and Managing Partner-Kaka Empire.

Watch “Maji” video on YouTube: JADI - MAJI (OFFICIAL VIDEO) - YouTube

Meet Dr. Mandla Lamba, Africa's $15.5 billion man and the founder of Africa's first Electric Vehicle Manufacturer, AI and Green Tech Company Agilitee. Agilitee is currently preparing for a Johannesburg Stock Exchange IPO, which will be the first EV, AI, and Green Tech IPO in Africa.

The IPO will value Agilitee at $20 billion, making the founder extremely wealthy.

Lamba owns 77.5 percent of Agilitee, which is currently valued at $15.5 billion, making him Africa's second richest man after Aliko Dangote.

Agilitee, Africa's pioneer in electric vehicles and green technology, has set out on a mission to create millionaires on the continent through public listing.

The green technology and electric vehicle manufacturer recently opened operations in Zimbabwe and plans to expand into Malawi, Kenya, and Ghana before beginning its long-delayed dealership in Zambia.

Agilitee, one of Africa's fast growing green technology and electric vehicle manufacturing companies, is poised to lead the revolution on the continent after announcing a female Chief Executive Officer in Bonisile Roberts to lead the entity earlier this year.

With an initial public offering (IPO) value of $20 billion, it hopes to raise $2 billion by selling 10% of its equity through the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

The tech industry has been responsible for the majority of the outstanding IPOs in recent years, raising billions of dollars through IPOs in China and the United States.

Agilitee is not only a technology company but also a green technology company that operates in the electric vehicle space, which puts the company in a very strategic and good position to attract major investors.

Could the success of Agilitee's IPO create some millionaires in Africa, as China and the US have done?

Already, the firm is offering another 10% worth $2 billion to Africa's less fortunate, with the long-term goal of creating millionaires to alleviate poverty in Africa.

After launching its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in June 2022, Agilitee Pvt Ltd is eyeing secondary listings in Europe and the United States of America.

The IPO, which aims to raise US$2 billion for a 10% stake in the company, makes Dr. Lamba the first African green tech revolution billionaire in US dollar terms.

When asked about the company's post-IPO strategy, Dr Lamba, who recently appeared on the cover of one of Africa's leading magazines, the Leadership, said, "We will look for secondary listing maybe in the UK, America, and Europe in a year after the completion of the IPO." It will depend on where the majority of the $2 billion comes from."

Dr. Lamba's firm announced the appointment of AcaciaCap Advisors, a JSE approved sponsor for Main Board companies that also serves as a Designated Advisor for AltX listed companies, in June 2022.

Agilitee intends to raise a total of $2 billion in equity capital through the IPO of its entire business, which will be conducted through a global capital raising roadshow.

The company has recently completed its transformation from a regional to a global player. Agilitee has now formed regional structures under it, the first of which is Agilitee Africa, which covers the entire continent of Africa.

The company has also formed Agilitee Americas, which covers the entire continent of North America, and Agilitee Asia, which covers the entire continent of Asia.

In the next 12 months, the company plans to establish Agilitee Europe, Agilitee UK, Agilitee UAE, and Agilitee South America.

Symphony, a Nollywood musical blockbuster movie with youth and music as its central theme, is set to hit cinemas on the 9th of September, 2022.

Symphony is a beautiful and well-told story about life, love, dreams, success, trials, societal failure and the resultant effects.

Symphony reflects the travails of a typical talented African youth, struggling to overcome all odds in order to breakthrough.

Shot in exotic locations across Lagos, the film parades an array of multi-award winning African stars such as Nigeria’s ace entertainer D'banj (Oladapo Oyebanjo); Ghanian movie legend Jackie Appiah; Kenyan superstar diva Tanasha Donna and Nollywood legends and stars like Lanre Hassan (popularly known as Iya Awero), Bolaji Amusan (Mr. Latin), Kalu Ikeagu, Efa Iwara, Scarlet Gomez, Daniel Abua, Doris Okorie, among others.

Dbanj and Tanasha Donna made their acting debuts in “Symphony”, while Kaleb Iyoha (a.k.a. Mo’Kross) and Sandra Okunzuwa played Slade and Lolita, the lead roles with yet another debutant in Victor Adeshiyan (a.k.a. VJ CrazyLife) who played Slade’s bosom friend.

Also set to premiere with the film project is a music album comprising original soundtracks and performances from the project, written, recorded, and performed by top stars, some of who featured in the movie.

 According to Oraka Nvy Nnanyelu, the director of the movie, “Symphony is a beautifully crafted, priceless work of art that mirrors the everyday life of the African youth’s journey to relevance”.

 Symphony (The Movie) was jointly produced by EverRise Entertainment and Sulcata Entertainment.

Gospel singer Manolo always gets it right with hooks and melodies in his songs. This we can attest by his latest release titled Niwara Nono, in which music producer and singer Wuod Omollo is featured, the man behind Nviiri’s numerous hits including Overdose.

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/vW6FWUNY5KQ

Niwara Nono will give you that nostalgic feel, as it’s an urban rendition of a popular Luo gospel song known by the same title. The two artistes gave it a groovy touch where Manolo both sings and raps. The song was produced by Wuod Omollo and then mixed and mastered by So Fresh.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has commended the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for its commitment to serving beyond its core mandate of defending the country against external aggression.

The President, who was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, pointed out that as a modern and versatile military, the KDF has embraced unfamiliar nation-building roles and excelled in them.

“Due to your record of delivering superlative results, I have tasked the KDF from time to time to take charge of various strategic national programmes and even to rescue failing institutions.

“You did it with the revival of almost 600 kilometres of the dead Metre Guage in an impressive manner, ahead of schedule and within the budget,” the President said.

President Kenyatta spoke Friday when he presided over the passing out parade of KDF recruits at the Recruits Training School (RTS) in Eldoret, where he congratulated the graduands for completing a rigorous six months basic military training course.

The President also cited the revival of the Kenya Meat Commission into a profit-making enterprise in record time and the Kenya Shipyard Limited that is poised to be the largest shipyard in Sub-Saharan Africa as some of the KDF’s achievements in supporting the country’s development agenda. 

Other KDF achievements include the building of the Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum in only 22 months instead of 10 years as well as the increased access to basic health services for Nairobi residents done by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).

“You also did it for the nation when you anchored our national response to Covid-19 pandemic; and in moments of national disasters and civil emergencies, your efforts saved lives and property,” President Kenyatta said.

He appreciated Chief of Defence Forces Gen Robert Kibochi, Service Commanders and all officers serving in the senior ranks of the military for their outstanding stewardship of the KDF.

Highlighting the steps taken to modernize KDF, the President said the Government has invested heavily in the training of officers, providing ultra-modern equipment, improving healthcare facilities, accommodation, remuneration and the overall terms and conditions of service for the military.

“Over the last nine years, in recognition of the importance of peace and security to the realization of our development agenda, we have undertaken the most consequential and expansive modernization of our military in our nation’s history,” the President said.

In addition, President Kenyatta said the Government enacted a law that creates safeguards for the KDF officers in their retirement and also facilitates the integration of those incapacitated or severely wounded in the course of duties.

“To seal this guarantee, on 15^th of June this year, I had the rare honour and privilege of assenting into law the Military Veterans Act,” he said.

Noting that the political tempo towards the upcoming elections is nearing fever pitch, President Kenyatta urged all Kenyans to reflect on the sacrifice made by KDF officers in their service to and in defence of Kenya by putting the interests of the country first in everything they do.

“Over the last 9 years, some of the most agonizing decisions were the ones that would put our soldiers in harm’s way.

“They were tough decisions because the officers are our children and when they go out for any mission in defence of our borders at home or abroad, I knew too well that they would either return hoisting our national flag; or return wrapped in our national flag,” the President said.

Present at the ceremony were Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Robert Kibochi, Commander Kenya Army Lt Gen Walter R. Koipaton, Commander Kenya Air Force Maj Gen John Omenda, Commander Kenya Navy Maj Gen Jimson Mutai and RTS Commandant Brig Paul Njema.

Others were Inspector General of Police, Hillary Mutyambai, Governor Jackson Mandago and his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart Alex Tolgos among others.

Earlier when he arrived at the Recruits Training School, the Head of State officially opened the new ultra-modern Eldoret Regional Hospital that will cater for the health needs of officers serving in the North Rift, Western and Nyanza regions.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has rallied Portuguese investors, entrepreneurs and captains of industry to make Nairobi the fulcrum of their business interests and investments in Africa.

He said Kenya's immense commercial potential, in almost all sectors of the country's expanding economy and the cosmopolitan configuration of her population makes Nairobi the ultimate destination for Portuguese investment.

“We are a melting pot where we welcome people from all parts of the world so long as they come in peace. So long as they come in the name of trading, working and working together, we welcome people.

“I was reminded yesterday that Nairobi has been voted as the best city for expatriates to live, find accommodation. You can make you base for your African operations out of Kenya and we are more than willing to work and support you in that endeavor,” he said.

The President spoke on Wednesday in Lisbon when he joined his Portuguese host Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the official opening of the Kenya-Portugal Business Forum on the last day of his two-day state visit of the Portuguese Republic.

The business meeting was organised by the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) and its Portuguese equivalent, AICEP Portugal Global, to explore business partnership and investment opportunities by Kenyan and Portuguese captains of industry, entrepreneurs and business leaders.

At the meeting, also attended by Foreign Affairs CS Raychelle Omamo and his Tourism counterpart Najib Balala, the President regretted that despite the two countries having a long history of bilateral ties, the volume of trade flow between Nairobi and Lisbon remained low.

“I do believe there is still much scope for deeper bilateral works between our two countries. We seek to deepen that because it is unfortunate for two countries with such strong trading and private sector base are only dealing with very minimal amounts. The trade between our two countries, the investment between our two countries is very minimal in comparison with the opportunity that exists,” he said.

President Kenyatta pledged continued Government support to Portuguese investors seeking investment opportunities in Kenya, saying his administration had established a conducive business environment.

On the available investment opportunities in Kenya, President Kenyatta encouraged Portuguese investors to consider tapping into the country's thriving ICT, health and infrastructure sectors.

“You have wide experience, especially in the infrastructure, healthcare and ICT sectors. And I do believe we can do a lot more together. We have very strong ICT credentials.

"We have a very young and technically savvy population and generation. What we need to do is to ensure that these start-ups now become unicorns that are able to compete in the global environment,” he said.

President Kenyatta underscored the importance of the strong Kenya-Portugal partnership, saying the relationship is anchored on “long standing political, cultural and economic ties".

“I believe that there is a lot of opportunities. A chance for us to work strongly together. A chance for us to do great things together. A chance for us to prosper together.

"The opportunities that we lay out will only become real. Will only be converted to prosperity and jobs if we actively engage,” President Kenyatta said.

On his part, President de Sousa assured Kenya of a “forever partnership” with the Government and the people of the Portuguese Republic.

“This is a unique opportunity for us to do more and more, and better and better. For you to help us to do more and more, and better and better but also for you to invest more in Portugal.

"We must have more tourism coming from Kenya. We must have your investment here and share this investment with Portuguese partners,” the Portuguese leader said.

The Kenyan business delegation at the  forum, also attended by Principal Secretaries Johnson Weru (Trade), Nancy Karigithu (Shipping) and Chris Kiptoo (Environment), was led by KEPSA CEO Carole Kariuki.

The Forest Sector is key to Kenya’s social and economic wellbeing as most of the country’s economic sectors rely on environmental-based resources for their sustenance.

The sector contributes about 7 billion shillings to the economy and employs over 50,000 people directly and another 300,000 indirectly.

Forest ecosystems also enhance landscape resilience to climate change.

In the country’s water towers, forests provide environmental services that include water quality and quantity, reduction of soil erosion, and creation of micro-climatic conditions that maintain or improve productivity.

Forests are also known to be among the most effective sinks of greenhouse gases, which cause climate change, and hence they are important in contributing to climate change mitigation.

Kenya’s forest cover is estimated to be about 7.4 percent of the total land area, which is a far cry from the recommended global minimum of 10 percent.

Kenya’s closed canopy forest cover currently stands at about 2 percent of the total land area, compared to the African average of 9.3 percent and a world average of 21.4 percent.

Most of the closed-canopy forests in Kenya are montane forests that are also the nation’s water towers.

In recent years, Kenya’s forests have been depleted at an alarming rate of about 5,000 hectares per annum. This is estimated to lead to an annual reduction in water availability of approximately 62 million cubic meters, translating to an economic loss to the economy of over USD 19 million.

At the same time, the overall annual rainfall remains low, the long rains have been continuously declining in recent decades, and the proportion of rainfall that occurs from heavy events is expected to decrease.

The frequency of rainfall events causing floods has increased in East Africa from an average of less than three events per year in the 1980s to over seven events per year in the 1990s and 10 events per year from 2000 to 2006.

It is because of the call to conserve the earth, preserve water catchment areas through the planting of trees that the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company Limited (ELDOWAS) has been leading others within and without the sector in response to global calls for water conservation.

“Droughts have intensified in terms of frequency, severity, and coverage over the past few decades. Kenyans are feeling the impacts of climate change and higher temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, increased incidence of droughts and floods, and rising sea levels are impacting people across the country,” said Peter Biwott, Managing Director, ELDOWAS.

To help catapult them to the next level, ELDOWAS has joined and integrated the UN Global Compact principles that are anchored on human rights, sustainability, environmental conservation, good working conditions for their team and a practice of good governance.

So far, ELDOWAS has two tree nurseries with about 1.2 million tree seedlings and hopes to increase to 2 million by next year.

At the same time, the company has adopted over 20 community tree nurseries with a view to increase its conservation efforts to over 2 million tree seedlings to be planted every year to push the agenda of water and sanitation for all, climate action, afforestation & reforestation, sustainable cities and communities.

"In 2022, we have committed to planting at least 650 trees in every learning institution in the county, translating to about 55,000 trees.

ELDOWAS will be providing the seedlings for free. We are trying to deal more with the indigenous trees," said Andrew Chelogoi, Chairman of ELDOWAS.

Multi-talented Ghanaian star Kofi Jamar is set to release his latest single Dangerous featuring Kenya's Hip Hop sensation and heavyweight Khaligraph 

The track which is available for pre-save at https://onerpm.link/Kofi-Dangerous has been produced by Trino a Ghanaian producer and the visuals by renowned Kenyan video director Ricky Becko. 

This will be Kofi Jamar’s first official song of the year 2022, and the second song in which he has featured the Kenyan Superstar. 

In 2020, Kofi teamed up with Khaligraph and Ice Prince from Nigeria in yet another banger that went viral during the pandemic and earned him lots of Kenyan fans. 

Dangerous is a collaboration of two talented superstars whose love for the Hip Hip culture in the African continent is unexplainable and are keen to push the vibe beyond the continent.

It is no doubt, with Jamar’s successful musical career that the new song would smash records and pave the way for new and upcoming artists, collaborations and a fusion of the different cultural styles across the many countries in Africa under the banner of hip hop. 

This would truly make way to globalize the talents and push the message out there; Africa has what it takes to shake the musical arena.

Police in Mombasa have launched investigations into a raid incident at Nyali CDF office by unknown individuals.

The incident took place on Sunday night.

Nyali Sub county police commander Daniel Mumasaba said that two robbers broke into the offices on Sunday Night and stole a Tv set and other valuable properties.

The matter attracted condemnation from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party leaders led by Mombasa governor aspirant Hassan Omar who have called on police to heighten security for the area Mp, Mohammed Ali.

Omar castigated the local administration for laxity and now believes that the move was planned in search of some documents Ali holds relating to port matters.

The UDA team has been taking on the government for what it termed as taking away of port services to Naivasha and Nairobi Inland Depot as the region continues to suffer economic turmoil.

"We know this is a deliberate effort to intimidate Ali for his tough stand about port transfer affairs, we know it's a planned event to cause panic, and this must stop,” claimed Omar.

Ali has since claimed his life is in danger. He alleges that he is being targeted after raising an issue with recent developments of port operations transferred to Naivasha and Nairobi ICD.

"This attack comes a day after the Tononoka rally where we unleashed port documents and explained how the port operations were transfered, so we believe this is a planned motive,” claimed Ali.

Speaking to journalists during a UDA press briefing on Mondat,  Ali claimed the men were allegedly targeting his office because of a case he raised at the transfer of port service to Naivasha.

The office is manned by two police officers during night and two during the day.

"If anything happens to me, just know it's because of my political stand, I feel unprotected, if they don't give me security,  I will protect myself,” said Ali.

But while addressing the media at his office, Mumasaba said police treat it as a normal crime. He said they will produce more information once investigations are done.

Confirming the incident Mumasaba said police were forced to shoot in the air when they discovered a man escaping from the office compound while holding a bag and a Tv set.

“We trust it’s a normal theft because what was stolen was a Tv set. Our officers who were manning the facility shot in the air when they discovered a man loitering in the compound, he then jumped over the wall and ran away with his colleagues,” claimed Mumasaba.