The Mombasa County Government is planning to construct and start the use of bus rapid transit (BRT) system that is expected to improve the public transport system and reduce traffic jams.

According to the county executive, department of Transport, Infrastructure and public Works Taufiq Balala the project will be a game changer in transforming the public transport system in Mombasa.

Speaking during a non-motorized transport peer learning forum bringing together stakeholders from Kisumu, Nairobi and Mombasa held in Mombasa, Balala argued that there was no need to continue expanding roads saying that BRT was the best solution to deal with the traffic jam witnessed in the city.

 “As a department we are contemplating to constructing the BRT system that we expect will bring order and sanity into our public transport sector, we don’t expect to have jams once the project is done because the BRT buses will have designated lanes,” said Balala.

Adding " If we only get one billion shillings we are ready for BRT. This money is affordable because it is a small percentage of what our country uses in infrastructure and roads. We can do it in different phases, the first phase will be from town to Mtwapa"

According to Balala, 97 per cent of Mombasa residents use public transport therefore there is a need to have an efficient and reliable public transport system stating that traffic is mostly caused by private cars.

He called for both the national government and the county governments to collaborate in the project so that both Mombasa and Nairobi, the two largest and highly populated cities in the country would have an efficient and reliable public transport system just like other major cities in the world.

Balala also stated that he was personally opposed to the expansion of the Mombasa-Malindi highway stretch between lights to Mtwapa to six lanes saying that it would only bring congestion to both ends as more people will buy cars once the road is expanded.

“The expansion of the road or construction of a new bridge will not have any big effect in solving the traffic menace witnessed on our roads, BRT is the best solution we can have,” said Balala.

Balala bashed at those who were opposed to the project saying that it will render matatu operators and other public transport players’ jobless, instead saying that no revenue will be lost as they can be incorporated in the management of the BRT system.

The county executive also stated that the county was planning to invest in a new intelligence traffic management system to ensure smooth flow of traffic within Mombasa CBD.

The county he said was currently undertaking a survey in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that will result in the abolishment of 33 junctions and roundabouts within Mombasa.

“We have partnered with JICA to conduct the survey to see which roundabouts will be removed and replaced with intelligent traffic lights,” Balala said.

The system is borrowed from Japan where CCTV cameras strategically placed in all the traffic stops will be used to control traffic from a well-equipped modern state-of-the-art control room.

He further stated that the 450 million Buxton foot bridge launched by president Uhuru Kenyatta in January 2017 was poorly designed.

According to Balala, the bridge was not as effective as it was projected to be adding that the best way to have people crossing was to have a zebra cross in the area and also have a table top crossing design.

“The table top crossing is like a big bump where cars will have to slow down therefore minimizing the chances of accidents, if it were up to me, I would have pulled the thing down,” said Balala.

The department has in the last few weeks been erecting road sign posts that are people living with disabilities friendly especially with the laying of tactile tiles to help people who are visually impaired to be able to cross the road.

The ODM party in Mombasa is expected to elect party officials at the grass-root level in two weeks-time in a move expected to streamline the party activities in Mombasa.

This was revealed by ODM Mombasa branch chair Mohamed Hamid on Tuesday morning as he welcomed the ODM national election board chaired by Catherine Mumo who are on an official visit in the county.

The meeting was also attended by other ODM officials and members of parliament from the county. The Mps present were Badi Twalib (Jomvu), senator Mohammed Faki. Omar Mwinyi (Changamwe) and Women representative Asha 'Ashu' Mohammed

While addressing the media, Hamid stated that they were ready for the exercise while exuding confidence in the set guidelines as outlined by the board in electing the party’s grass-root officials.

“We have  had a meeting with the board today and received the party register for the county and the guidelines of how best to conduct the exercise, I want to assure the board that we have faith in them and we will strive to adhere to the set guidelines they have given us,” said Hamid.

Hamid added that Mombasa was still an ODM zone saying that more people were coming in to register in the party after the party membership registration exercise was extended to December 31, 2021.

The ODM elections board chair Catherine Muma, said that the extension was given because of the covid-19 pandemic that affected party activities and such the need to give party members more time to prepare party structures within their counties.

“We issued a notice back in March extending the exercise to allow party members have enough time to prepare well for the party elections, we want to have proper structures from the polling station up to the county level,” said Mumo.

The board has been traversing counties and Mombasa was number 38 in their county visits as they prepare to head to Elgeyo Marakwet and Turkana counties before winding up the exercise with Nyanza and western region counties next week.

Mumo added that they party had agreed to use consensus as a means of electing the party’s grass-root officials since the covid-19 protocols outlined by the ministry banned political gatherings and meetings.

“We have opted for members to use consensus to elect their grass-root officials, it is the best way during this time of the pandemic and is acceptable by law, that is why we have brought the party register to ensure that all those who will participate are ODM registered members,” said Mumo.

She further expressed her satisfaction with ODM Mombasa branch noting that their house was in order because there were no factions or any kind of fighting they witnessed during their visit.

On Monday, Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir led a brigade of ODM legislators from Mombasa in his Majengo Backyard to drum up support for his 2022 gubernatorial bid.

Nassir was accompanied by Jomvu MP Badi Twalib, Senator Mohammed Faki and Mombasa County Women Representative Asha 'Ashu'  Mohammed who all endorsed his candidature.

The MP accused his opponents of trying to create a rift between him and senator Faki by spreading false reports that he had opted out of the governorship race and instead focused his eyes on unseating Faki in 2022.

“I want to assure you that my vote and that of my people come 2022 will be for senator Faki come 2022, ignore those peddling lies that I am out of the governor’s race,” said Nassir as he addressed a crown in Majengo.

The senator on his side stated that Nassir was the best person suited to be the next Mombasa governor saying that Nassir has been tried and tested and has proven beyond doubt that he will protect county resources.

“We have seen how he has been defending our national resources in the National Assembly, we are confident that our county resources will be protected under his able leadership,” said Faki.

His sentiments were echoed by Jomvu MP Badi Twalib who called on the youth to turn out in large numbers and register as voters.

Badi further bashed those who were scolding him for endorsing Nassir saying that he had no regrets about it and that he did not fear anyone or anything as he stands with his decision.

“If people see I was wrong to endorse him, I want to repeat it here today that me and my Jomvu people will support Nassir for governor come 2022, I will not be intimidated.

Mombasa woman representative Asha Mohammed said that they were ready to take the seat with Nassir to better the lives of women, youth and all Mombasa people by ensuring that money gets to the grass-roots.

"We want the seat to now come to Mvita and our choice is none other than Abdulswmad Nassir" said Asha.

Old Town FC beat arch- rival Ziwani football club 2-0-to lift the Machele super cup during finals played at Mvita primary school playing ground on Sunday.

The one week tournament was also part of a campaign to create awareness among youths to take part in the mass voter registration exercise by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) this week.

The winners scored the first goal through Charib Ali on the first half and Omar Abdahhalla scored the second goal in the second half to be crowned the champs.

The well-attended final game was graced by patron of the Machele Foundation Mohamed Soud who presided over the colorful awarding ceremony.

The best defender award went to Yusuf Koka while the best goalkeeper award went to Hassan Omar of Guraya team.

A total of 16 teams drawn from Mvita constituency participated with the aim of preaching unity, peace and harmony among the residents.

On their way to the finals the champs who pocketed Sh 60,000 edged out archrivals Guraya 1-0 while runners-up who pocketed Sh 40,000 beat Majengo with a similar margin of 1-0.

In his speech, Soud announced he will sponsor another football tournament with an increment from 16 teams to 32 teams mid this month.

He urged youths to enroll more as voters and take advantage of the mass countrywide voter registration.

“A youths’ vote will be crucial in determining the country’s future destiny ahead of the 2022 general election,” he pointed out.

Fast rising Ugandan singer Azawi is set to release her debut album titled 'African Music',  on this year’s Uganda's Independence Day, October 9.

The young talented singer who is signed to top music label Swangz Avenue rose to fame in 2020 after releasing her extended play (EP), LoFit.

She released the hit song  ‘My Year‘ as the first single from her upcoming album, ‘African Music’. Another song from the anticipated album which has turned out to be a hit is “Slow dancing”.

In a mini-documentary shared on YouTube today titled ‘The Making of African Music,’ Azawi shares her music journey and the process involved in coming up with the album.

The album consists of 16 songs.

”Working on African music the album exposed me to amazing talent Michael Fingers, he’s a very special producer with a very unique ear working with him opened my eyes to a lot of things."

"My 2021 is still a year that i’m grateful for that is why I released the song my year, of course, a lot of controversies memes and throws were running around it but to me still the song was doing well because people gave it more attention.” she said.

Azawi also shared her experience working with Diamond Platnumz's music producer.

”Ayo Lizer he has been so successful with Diamond Platnumz, we did a track with him that features on the album. a very talented amazing producer there.” she stated.

In a recent interview with Ommy Dallah, Azawi revealed that she looks forward to working with several Kenyan artistes like sauti Sol, Nyashinski.

Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir on Saturday got a boost in his quest to succeed Hassan Joho as Mombasa Governor after Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib endorsed him for the seat.

Speaking during a funds drive for the Mikindani brotherhood riders boda boda association, Twalib noted that Nassir is the only candidate fit for the job.

"We will stand with you my brother, just relax, you are in safe hands. As the people of Jomvu we are not going to let you down" said Twalib.

Adding " Jomvu has it's owner and I'm the owner so let no one tell you otherwise, we are behind you".

Twalib argued that it is time for Nassir to be rewarded for his loyalty to ODM party.

Twalib charged "Jomvu is an ODM zone and that is a fact ,those going round trying to sell other parties are just lost. As ODM members  it is now our time to reward you as a loyal member ."

The Mp further lauded governor Joho's recent statement that he will not endorse anyone for the job noting that the electorates will decide who will be there next governor.

On his part Nassir who was present at the function insisted that he is not seeking Joho's endorsement calling on his rivals to also not expect an endorsement from the county chief.

"I would like to congratulate my brother Joho for making it clear that he will endorse no one for the seat. As for me all I need from him is just his vote and not endorsement. To my opponents lets meet on the ground and at the ballot, stop being desperate for endorsement and using your close links to the governor as endorsement." said Nassir.

Nassir further stated that he will work with all leaders from the count when elected as the governor.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has advocated for enhanced protection of children and the youth from harmful online content that expose them to vices such as cyber bullying, addiction, racism, sexual harassment and online fraud.

“These are risks and challenges that will require our concerted efforts through advocacy, raising of awareness and regulation to protect consumers, especially children, the youth and vulnerable communities,” the First Lady said.

At the same time, the First Lady acknowledged the vast and growing importance of online platforms in service delivery especially during the current restrictive Covid-19 pandemic.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta spoke on Thursday at the Communications Authority of Kenya office complex in Nairobi County where she presided over the launch of the second phase of the national Child Online Protection (COP) campaign dubbed, “Huwezi Tucheza: Tuko Cyber -Smart”.

The multimedia campaign seeks to inform and empower children and the youth with skills and information on how to use internet in a productive manner as well as enable them to stay safe online.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta commended the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, and the Communications Authority of Kenya for demonstrating commitment to their roles as regulators by protecting Kenyans from harmful content.

She expressed optimism that the advocacy campaign will empower the youth to be able to make better online choices thereby developing them into upright and productive citizens.

“This new focus intends to provide our children with the knowledge that will protect them against increasing exposure to the risks and vulnerabilities in the cyberspace,” the First Lady said.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Justice Martha Koome urged all relevant players in the legislative process to hasten the enactment of the proposed Children’s Bill 2021, saying it has important clauses on the protection of children against online exploitation.

“This was not in the Children’s Act because it was not a reality in 2001 when the children’s Act was enacted. Therefore it is necessary for us to move with speed and enact the Children’s Bill 2021,” the Chief Justice said.

She thanked the First Lady for being an ardent champion and defender of children rights and welfare.

ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru assured the First Lady of his ministry’s commitment to tame runaway societal moral decline brought about by the internet particularly its negative impact on children.

“Technology can be a good servant but it is an especially bad master. Let us tame technology so that we can use it for the good of society, so that it becomes our servant and not our master,” CS Mucheru said.

Other speakers included Information and Broadcasting Principal Secretary Esther Koimett, Communications Authority of Kenya Chairman Kembi Gitura and Acting Director-General Mercy Wanjau.

D’Banj will release his much-anticipated new album, “Stress Free”, on Friday, October 1, a fresh new body of work from the Afrobeats superstar.

While embodying a successful career, “Stress Free” shows a polished artist who is not only experimenting but having fun, along with slick production values (featuring the spectacular skills of music producer Rexxie).

On “Stress Free”, D’banj slips into Afrobeats innovation mode, visible in the multi-layered fusion of horns, saxophones and futuristic synths across tracks. The Egypt 80 brings the horns on the Afrobeat fusion, “Zombie”, and the Afro-meringue mix of “Welcome To Lagos” as well as the free-wheeling “Stress Free” and “Banga”.

The release will take place concurrently with a music video for the eponymous single, “Stress Free”, which brings to life D’Banj’s invitation to live on the lighter side by letting go of what you can’t control and taking care of what you can.

Directed by Clarence Peters, the video is pure entertainment, complete with D’Banj’s tongue in cheek lyrics, stylish fashion and indomitable swagger.

WATCH ‘STRESS FREE’ MUSIC VIDEO

STREAM THE ‘STRESS FREE’ ALBUM

American singer and actor Rotimi has revealed that he will soon be visiting Kenya's capital, Nairobi.

Rotimi made the revelation through his instagram page, listing several cities that he will be visiting to market his new album 'All Or Nothing'.

Rotimi originally signed a partnership with Empire in 2019, after departing from 50 Cent's G-Unit Records. He has also released a number of smash singles and collaborations including "Lotto" featuring 50, "Love Riddim," "Want More" with Kranium and most recently, "In My Bed" featuring Wale. 

Meanwhile the singer has welcomed his first child with fiancée and Tanzanian music star, Vanessa Mdee. 

Rotimi announced the birth of their first child by sharing a photo of the newborn holding on to his fingers, with Vanessa's engagement ring also in the background. He discosed that their baby has been named "Seven Adeoluwa Akinosho".