President Uhuru Kenyatta today joined thousands of Tanzanians and visiting leaders, among them eight other African Heads of State, at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma for the State Funeral of former President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli.

The President, who was accompanied by EAC Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed, attended the sombre ceremony alongside Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), Felix Tshisekedi (DR Congo) and Felipe Nyusi (Mozambique).

Also present were President's Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi), Azali Assoumani (Comoros), Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), Edgar Lungu (Zambia), and Mogkweetsi Masisi (Botswana).

In his address, President Kenyatta eulogised the fallen former Tanzanian Head of State as a hardworking and transformative leader whose rich legacy of success within a very short time earned him recognition and respect the world over.

"We mourn the loss of our friend, our brother, a hardworker, the Honorable John Pombe Magufuli. The President who was respected not only here in Tanzania but also in the entire East Africa, the whole of Africa and the entire world.

"He showed us that, as Africans we have the potential to liberate ourselves from dependence on foreigners. That we have potential as Africans to manage our economies and ensure that our people get justice," he said.

The President, who is also the current Chairperson of the East African Community, said the late Dr Magufuli was a close ally with whom he spoke regularly, exchanging ideas on the relationship between Kenya and Tanzania, and the progress of the regional bloc.

He wished President Samia Suluhu success as she takes over the leadership of Tanzania, assured her of Kenya's and the regions backing, and rallied Tanzanians to fully support their new leader.

"My sister Samia, and now my colleague President, you've been shown the way by our brother, the late Magufuli. You have the mandate, now go forth and serve the people.

"The people of Tanzania are behind you. Ours is to urge you to continue with the unity you have, work together and support your new President so that she completes the work started by our departed brother," President Kenyatta told his Tanzanian counterpart.

In her address, the new Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan said the late Dr Magufuli was loved by many in Tanzania and the region, and regretted the passing away of the former Head of State.

"It is difficult to reconcile with the fact that Dr Magufuli is nolonger with us," President Suluhu said, adding that the late leader was her mentor who helped lift the political profile of Tanzanian women.

"Forever, I will thank him (the late Dr Magufuli) for my success and the success of the women of Tanzania. Through him, Tanzania got its first woman Vice President who is now the first Woman President," she said.

Beneath his no-nonsense approach to the management of public affairs, President Samia said Dr Magufuli was a loving fatherly figure with a playful streak that was only known to those that worked closely with him.

"To many Dr Magufuli was known as a no-nonsense person but for those of us that worked with him, he had a jolly side. He loved to see results and expected nothing but results. He had no time for hatred and sideshows," President Suluhu recalled.

She assured Tanzanians and the region that she had what it takes to step into the shoes of Dr Magufuli, who was nicknamed 'bulldozer', and lead the East African country into a future of prosperity.

"For those in doubt, this woman will be an effective President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Whoever is standing here is the President. I want to repeat that whoever is standing here, is the President of Tanzania whose gender is female," President Suluhu affirmed.

President Suluhu assured Mrs Janeth Magufuli, the widow of the former President, that her administration will continue looking after her and the family of the departed leader.

In their speeches, the visiting Heads of State eulogised Dr Magufuli as a brave, progressive and firm leader who served with great dedication.

President Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo who is also the current Chairperson of the African Union described the late former President as a "nationalist and a great defender of the economic freedom of Africa".

The Congolese leader said Dr Magufuli will forever be remembered for his relentless fight against corruption, and assured Tanzania's new President Samia Suluhu of the Africa Union's support as she steers her country forward.

South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa mourned the late Dr Magufuli as a forthright and bold leader who advocated for the adoption of Kiswahili language in African countries.

The Mombasa county emergency committee on COVID-19 has proposed that SGR night travel and taxis from the airport be reviewed as the third wave of the virus hits the country.

According to the committee this affects the set curfew period thus hindering the fight against the spread of the deadly virus.

This is among the resolutions made during the county COVID-19 prepardeness and response committee meeting held today (Monday) and chaired by the county governor Hassan Joho and county commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo.

The committee also called for the enforcement of social distancing in SGR coaches.

"Social distancing should be enforced on SGR especially from  the second coaches. We have also proposed that the SGR arrives on time before curfew time" said Kitiyo.

The committe wants all travellers from Tanzania without COVID-19 negative certificate to undergo 14 day mandatory quarantine. All mandatory quarantine centres for international travelers in the county will now be reactivated.

"There are some people who have started assuming that COVID-19 is no more yet we are on the third wave which is very dangerous. We are going to enhance enforcement of the protocols. Public transport, ferry and tuktuks are among the high risk areas so we are going to put more effots here" said Kitiyo.

Kitiyo also cautioned religious leaders against flouting the protocols saying they have already started witnessing several cases especially from churches and mosques.

Addressing the media at his office after the meeting, governor Hassan Joho regretted that the county has recorded low turn out in terms of COVID-19 vaccination.

"We have so far managed to only vaccinate 1,200 people , the police are the ones who have been stuborn, only 5 of them have come out to be vaccinated" said Joho.

Joho noted that they now be forced to shift their focus to communities if the targeted groups for vaccination continue shying away.

Joho noted "We willl have no any other choice but to  allow communities to come forward and be vaccinated if the health care workers, teachers and police continue shying away from being vaccinated. The good news is that we have a bigger number of communities coming out to ask for the vaccines".

The county chief further stated that he is taking one month leave from political activities.

"I'm taking a one month leave from politics to avoid the spread of this virus, I call upon the police to arrest me if they find me in any political meeting." he said.

Joho further challenged the Kenya ferry services and the Kenya ports authority to develope a strategy that will see most pedestrians from Likoni use the floating bridge to avoid congestion at the ferry.

Among the six smartphones that the world's fastest-growing smartphone maker realme introduced in the Kenyan market, realme C11 seems to have struck a code in the hearts of many Kenyans as it emerged top as the most purchased in 2020.

While announcing the news, realme reiterated its commitment to supplying the Kenyan market with pocket-friendly smartphones that incorporate all the current trendy features, including AIoT that has revolutionized the tech world.

“realme C11 has been our best performing phone since we landed in the Kenyan market. We believe the phones hit home in terms of meeting the needs of the consumers in terms of beauty, affordability, the power of the battery among others,” said Mildred Agoya, Marketing Director realme Kenya.

The phone comes equipped with a 6.5”, mini-drop full screen that gives a sense of belonging and ownership.

It has a 5000mAh Massive Battery, and a Nightscape Dual Camera. Its affordability makes it ideal for the majority of consumers in Kenya.

“realme C11 brings a larger field of view, provides the excellent game, audio, and video experience, allowing one to enjoy a wider field of view brought by the large screen and less visual disturbance while giving you an experience of the near-full screen,” Marketing Director realme Kenya added.

In 2020, realme introduced realme C3, realme C11, realme C15, realme C12, and realme 6, and realme 7i, realme band realme Buds Q all within four months. It was during the same period that the brand topped the world as the only company that had managed to ship over 50 million smartphones globally with Kenya being among major destinations.

As 2021 takes shape, realme says it is targeting increasing its market share in Kenya by 30 percent banking affordability and the evolving technology.

Colgate announced today, in support of World Water Day, an extension of its partnership to drill water wells to provide clean and safe drinking water to Kenyan communities and extended an invitation to consumers to support the effort by purchasing Colgate products. 

For the past 2 years, Colgate has supported 60 water wells at schools in 5 counties (Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega, Migori and Kwale) working with WellBoring, a UK NGO.

The partnership has benefited approximately 60 000 lives. Due to the severity of the water challenge across rural communities, in 2021 Colgate aims to donate a further 30 Water Wells where thousands of pupils, their teachers, and their families may all gain access to clean drinking water. 

Colgate has long supported schools in Kenya through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) program.

Colgate’s BSBF program delivers oral health education as well as toothbrushes and toothpaste to millions of kids across the African continent. The BSBF program in Kenya started in 1968 and has reached well over 7 million kids in Kenya. 

“The Colgate brand is in more homes than any other, so we can and we will create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Creating access to clean water is critical to this mission." said Vijay Ameta, General Manager of Colgate-Palmolive East Africa Ltd.

Adding "We are delighted with our collaboration with Wellboring NGO and the opportunity to build these 30 boreholes, as a step towards providing pupils with clean and safe water, not only for their drinking but also for their learning environments and overall quality of life ”.

Adding “People in Kenya can make a donation through a purchase of any Colgate product at their nearest Naivas store; and via Mpesa on the WellBoring website (www.Wellboring.org/Colgate). All the donations will help towards drilling the 30 water wells”. 

“Clean water for hundreds of school children and teachers, reduces water-borne diseases including cholera, dysentery and typhoid among children and increases the school enrolment as most children won’t spend their time scouting for water. We urge Kenyans to support the initiative as it not only, in the long run, reduces water-borne diseases but also helps in keeping the children in school.” explains Lucy Njoroge, WellBoring Project Engineer.

This water Initiative delivers on Colgate’s brand promise that everyone deserves a future they can smile about. The Campaign will run from 1 April 2021 to 31 May 2021. Consumers can visit Colgate-Palmolive Kenya Facebook page or Wellboring/Colgate.com for more information.

Tanzanian singer AliKiba tried reaching departed President John Magufuli to verify reports on his illness and wellbeing, the artist has revealed.

He however could not reach him only to be announced 10 minutes later that he was dead.

Speaking to a local radio station in Daresalaam, the 'Mshumaa' hitmaker revealed that he became concerned following reports on social media  that Magufuli was sick.

"I was concerned following the reports on his health, I tried calling his number but it went unaswered. I remember even posting him on instagram and people started wishing him quick recovery" he said.

Adding "We used to communicate that's why I called him though his phone went answered, after ten minutes my younger brother followed me downstairs to inform me that mama Suluhu has just announced that Mgufuli is dead. It was indeed very sad"

Kiba further went ahead to state that Magufuli's death has also affected his mother.

"This death has affected my mother very much, she has always said that she is the one who predicted that Mgufuli will lead this country and I remember telling him this too" he revealed.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has attributed Kenya's growing profile as a top sporting nation to strong partnerships between the Government and actors in the private sector.

Speaking when he presided over the closing ceremony of this year's Magical Kenya Open Golf tournament at Karen Country Club in Nairobi County, the President called for more partnerships across all sporting disciplines.

“I also thank the corporate world for joining hands with my administration, which has made this event possible. Indeed, it is this spirit of partnership with the private sector that has made us, as a country, make good progress in the fight against Covid-19," the President said.

The Head of State vouched for the decentralization of golf to the grassroots saying involvement of junior and amateur golfers will help the sport to grow much faster.

“It is my hope that this collaboration will continue to enable the growth of golf throughout the country, from the junior and amateur ranks to the professional ranks," the President said.

He thanked tournament sponsors Kenya Tourism Board, Absa Bank, Hemingways, Coca-Cola and EABL for making the 2021 Magical Kenya Open a success despite disruptions caused Covid-19.

“Indeed, Madam Jane Karuku leads our efforts at the Kenya Covid-19 Fund, a private sector led body. Her organisation, EABL, is here as co-sponsors of this event alongside the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund.

“I would also like to thank the Kenya Tourism Board, Absa Bank, Hemingways and Coca-Cola for their support,” President Kenyatta said while applauding the 156 participants from 30 countries among them 13 Kenyans.

The President wished participants in next week's Savannah Classic, also part of the PGA European Tour, success and congratulated Kenya Open Golf Limited led by Chairman Peter Kanyago for Kenya's growing profile as a golfing destination.

He said Kenya is proud to have successfully hosted the high profile sporting event despite it’s cancellation last year due to Covid-19.

Cabinet Secretaries Najib Balala (Tourism) and Amina Mohamed (Sports) also spoke at the closing ceremony hosted in strict compliance with the established Covid-19 containment protocols.

Mr Balala said that by successfully hosting the Magical Kenya Open and the forthcoming Savannah Classic, the country had started earning the benefits of its investments in sports tourism over the last three years.

The Tourism Cabinet Secretary lauded the President for his continued support for sports saying it is because of Kenya's strong golfing profile that this year's Magical Kenya Open attracted participants from across the globe.

On her part, Sports CS Amina Mohammed said 2021 is a major sporting year for Kenya and listed the Safari Rally which will be hosted in the country in June and the Tokyo Olympics as some of the key events to look forward to.

The 2021 Magical Kenyan Open was won by South African Justin Harding while American Kurt Kitayama and Scotland's Connor Syme took first and second runners-up positions respectively.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) today convened the 7^th meeting of the General Assembly of its Drought Disaster Resilience and Sustainability Initiative (IDDRSI) Platform in Mombasa, with the Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and ASALs of Kenya, Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, the Executive Secretary of the regional bloc, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, and the Minister of Agriculture of Sudan, H.E Eltahir Ismail Mohamed Harbi, presiding.  

The IDDRSI Platform General Assembly meeting was attended by officials from the ministries in charge of drought and related matters in IGAD Member States as well as senior representatives of development partners, some physically and others joined the meeting online. 

The 7^th meeting of the IDDRSI General Assembly was centred around the theme Consolidating the Path to Resilience and Sustainability, coming almost two years after launching the second five-year phase in the implementation of the IDDRSI Strategy. 

In his opening remarks, the IGAD Executive Secretary described the regional bloc’s determination to ‘tackle the impact of disasters through preventative & pro-active measures’. ‘Our single greatest imperative at IGAD remains the urgent need to build the resilience of our communities to recurrent drought & similar shocks’, he explained. 

‘IDDRSI is the flagship mechanism through which countries of the IGAD region address the challenges, including poverty, food insecurity and environmental degradation, which are faced by vulnerable communities, particularly in cross-border areas, employing concerted and coordinated approaches’, Dr Workneh said. 

The Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and ASALs of Kenya noted with appreciation that the IGAD Secretariat had ‘initiated a number of cross-border drought resilience enhancing projects’ to mitigate conflicts that may arise from movements of pastoralists in search of water and pasture. Hon. Eugene Wamalwa extended appreciation to the development partners for ‘their continued support’ before declaring the meeting open. 

During the General Assembly, reports on the progress made in the implementation of IDDRSI, throughout the IGAD region, were presented by Member States; and there were statements from development partners on their respective contributions to the region’s drought resilience initiative.

The meeting reviewed the progress, noted the challenges and discussed the plans and proposals for future interventions in the region’s efforts to consolidate its path to building resilience and attaining sustainability.   

The General Assembly meeting closed with the adoption of the Communiqué herewith attached. 

The IDDRSI Platform General Assembly meets once a year and brings together all stakeholders involved in the drought resilience initiative, including Member States, IGAD Secretariat, Development Partners, UN agencies, Civil Society and specialised research and training institutions.

The platform provides the opportunity and mechanism through which the needs and support for the region’s priorities for intervention in the drought resilience initiative can be discussed by affected countries and interested development partners. 

Universal Music Africa (UMA), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world-leader in music-based entertainment is proud to announce the signing of the iconic group MTN Joyous Celebration. Backed by top U.S.-based label Motown Gospel, which will release the group’s music in the U.S. and Canada, this signing comes as the award-winning ensemble celebrates its silver jubilee and prepares for the release of their 25^th album this Easter.

Making the announcement, Sipho Dlamini, CEO, Universal Music Group, South Africa & Sub Saharan Africa said, “MTN Joyous Celebration has enjoyed unparalleled success over the last 25 years, in which they have entertained and inspired South Africans, Africans and the world with their take of gospel and inspirational music.”

“This was an exciting opportunity to be involved in the next phase of their incredible journey, as they continue to grow, inspire, spread culture and positivity and reach new audiences around the world. We welcome Joyous to UMG and are looking forward to working together across a variety of platforms to help open up exciting new opportunities. At UMG, we are also involved in live event production, booking and touring of artists, brand development and creating content across a variety of different forms including film, TV and online, so being able to combine what we do, with what Joyous has do so amazingly well, is truly a dream collaboration.”

He noted that the band has also birthed a number of superstars who have achieved great success, as testament of how strong the foundation Joyous provided them.

“Joyous Celebration has a 25-year reputation for musical excellence,” share EJ Gaines and Monica Coates, Co-Executive Directors, Motown Gospel. “We are glad to support our Universal Music Africa family as it introduces the Joyous Celebration brand to a global audience.”

MTN Joyous Celebration was founded by three partners Dr. Lindelani Mkhize, Jabu Hlongwane and Mthunzi Namba who continue to serve in different roles.

Mkhize remarks that the move to UM represents new beginnings and the rejuvenation of the Joyous brand. “After all the experiences of the past 25 years and the changes in the world and new dynamics in the industry, we are delighted to be on this new direction with a fresh new purpose. We are revived, we have a new energy as we turn things around to get to the next extraordinary level.”

Hlongwane shares: “We are very excited to be partnering with Universal Music on this journey as we are celebrating 25 years. There’s been crazy ups and downs but we are here. This milestone album is special to us, 25 years is not a short time. We are particularly pleased that this partnership is an opening us up to new territories, new things, new outlook, we needed the change. We also want to say to say to the people that the 25^th instalment of Joyous Celebration is being cooked, and they should expect it soon. It’s going to be ready before Easter.”

Following the death of President John Magufuli on Wednesday evening, Tanzanian artists spent most part of the night in the studio recording a special song to mourn the late President.

The artists led by Diamond Platnumz were also among the first to mourn Magufuli who they have credited for the changes and growth of the creative industry in Tanzania.

In a video shared online the artists including Christian Shusho, BenPol, Rayvanny, Lava Lava, Marioo, Khadija Kopa are seen recording the song while in a sombre mood.

Magufuli’s death was announced Wednesday night by Tanzanian Vice President Samia Hassan Suluhu. She said Magufuli succumbed to a heart disease at Mzena State Hospital in Dar es Salaam. He was aged 61 years.

The Vice President, in a televised address, said Magufuli was taken ill on March 6 and rushed to Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute in Tanzania before he was transferred to Mzena hospital where he was admitted until his demise.

She further announced that Tanzania would get into a 14-day period of mourning ahead of burial plans. During the mourning period, all flags in Tanzania will fly at half-mast.