Operations at the Mtongwe ferry crossing channel have officially resumed.

According to Kenya ferry services(KFS), they will now be offering the ferry  service daily from Monday to Saturday from morning and closing at 8am due to the curfew imposed by the national government to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The move was welcomed by residents who also challenged the management of Kenya ferry services to ensure that operations at the channel will not be halted again in the future.

" We have been suffering for a long time because of the lack of ferry services and this move is highly welcomed" said Micheal Ogambo, Chairman Mtongwe ferry users association.

According to Ogambo, Mtongwe has experience an increasing cases of insecurity after KFS halted it's operations at the channel.

Ogambo charged " This channel is like the backbone of our economy in Mtongwe so when Kenya ferry services halted operations we suffered alot. Some landlords even started complaining that tenants are moving out of their houses and going to other places".

KFS halted operations at the channel September last year (2019) to repair the jetty at the channel.

In an earlier interview KFS Managing Director Bakari Gowa was quoted saying "“The last time those pontoons were repaired was in 2013. We wanted to replace them with ramps, but because of some financial challenges and concerns for safety of our users, we have opted for the repairs,” 

The pontoon at the Island side was once washed away by the Indian Ocean waves sparking safety concerns among users.

Citizen TV news anchor Victoria Rubadiri has won the 2020 BBC World News Komla Dumor Award

She becomes the second Kenyan to win the trophy after her colleague Waihiga Mwaura, who won the award in 2018.

She is also the sixth winner of the award, following in the footsteps of Solomon Serwanjja, Waihiga Mwaura, Amina Yuguda, Didi Akinyelure and Nancy Kacungira

The award was created in 2015 to honour Komla Dumor, a presenter for BBC World News, who died suddenly aged 41 in 2014.

"Komla to me is an epitome of excellence and an encouragement to many journalists including young journalists. His ability to give the facts comprehensively, and yet still be attuned to his audience, was something I admired and a skill I seek to emulate" said Rubadiri.

Adding " I hope my work will be an inspiration to many young and upcoming journalists."

A statement from BBC notes she impressed judges with her eloquence and passion for telling African stories on both traditional media platforms and social media.

"We're delighted to have Victoria on board to bring her insights and passion to the BBC," said Jamie Angus, Director of BBC World Service Group.

"Komla had the incredible ability to give stories from the continent global resonance, and also deliver it with familiarity and understanding. We're looking forward to seeing Victoria embody that by bringing her perspectives to life," he added.

Rubadiri will begin her three-month placement at the BBC by attending a training course with the BBC Academy before joining BBC News teams across TV, radio and online  which will provide her with the opportunity to gain skills and experience across BBC News platforms.

Embattled Malindi Mp Aisha Jumwa has been freed on Sh 2 million cash bail with an alternative of Sh5 million bond. 

This is after she appeared before Mombasa chief magistrate Edna Nyaloti  to face charges of misappropriating sh 19 Million from the Malindi constituency developement fund kitty.

Nyaloti also reviewed bond terms of six accused persons charged on Friday.

The six  are Wachu Omar Abdalla (Malindi CDF Account Manager), Kennedy Otieno Onyango Bernard Riba Kai, Sophia Saidi Charo and Margaret Faith Kalume who are members of the Malindi Tender Evaluation Committee as well as Robert Katana Wanje a Director of Multserve Contractors Limited.

They were charged with 13 offenses including forgery, fraud in procurement and money laundering. their bond from Sh5 million to Sh2 million as well as the cash bail from Sh2 million to Sh500,000.

The matter will be mentioned on September 31.

Jumwa surrendered herself to the port police in Mombasa on Sunday   following a directive from Mombasa the court after the Prosecution told the court that they could not trace her.

German rap artist Mattan has teamed up with Ghanaian singer AJ Musique to write a letter to his unborn child – in the form of the song “Forever” (Grund genug).

The song is full of valuable advice, wishes and promises for the child’s future. Every verse speaks of the great expectations and love for the child and her mum.

Mattan, who has gained fame and name as an artist and executive producer through numerous collaborations with artists from Africa, was joyfully anticipated by his parents. That’s why they chose a name from the Bible – “Mattan”, which means “God’s gift”.

When you listen to “Forever” (Grund genug) you can feel how much Mattan is looking forward to meeting his firstborn child.

One could go so far as to say that this is the most beautiful letter and token of love ever written.The grooving Afro Beat by MaxBeat proves to be a real earworm with the chorus performed by AJ Musique.

The beautiful music video by Yukon Kabir completes the picture and creates a feast for eyes and soul. Song and video will leave no heart untouched.

The video is available here: https://youtu.be/1Afj-4lU4Os

The 2020 Summer anthem is here!!! Superstar Roberto teams up with copper belt based dynamic duo Chanda Na Kay, to bring you FYONSE.

Fyonse meaning everything atomically brings everything to the party, thumping beat, catchy melodies and diverse talent.

Fyonse is Roberto’s 4threlease for the year 2020, with previous releases being DON’T CRY, COME CLOSER, AFRICAN WOMAN (rmx) feat Somalia’s Suldaan Seeraar and Zambia’s Dance hall artist General Ozzy, set for release on Friday 28 August 2020.

Fyonse promises to be another smash hit for the multi award winning Zambian superstar.

Here is the Fyonse menu, the starter comes via an enchanting idea to lure your heart’s desire, the main meal of course is about splurging and spoiling your other half, the other Gender in other words, and desert is served with immense talent by the artists ,as they offer everything ,including organs just to prove their love.

Produced by Roberto, Fyonse is guaranteed to get you grooving and catching all kinds of feelings with the effects exhibited in your system.

Nigerian singer/songwriter Tiwa Savage shares her new album Celia via Motown Records.

Listen here.

The highly-anticipated third studio album further solidifies Tiwa’s position as one of the leadin artists in the forefront pushing Afrobeats to a global audience.

The 13-track album rhythmically entices one to dance and explores the many facets of femininity.

It speaks to the strong, modern woman that can be felt in Africa and globally.

Named after a strong woman – Tiwa’s Mother - Celia is a mixed bag of emotions, but is always honest while showcasing Savage’s extraordinary vocal talent and prowess as a writer on all the tracks.

The album features Academy and multi-GRAMMY Award-winning pop phenomenon Sam Smith on her classy sultry track “Temptation” along with her other singles the female empowering “Koroba” and the hypnotizing “Dangerous Love.”

“Dangerous Love” marks Savage’s directorial debut as the song’s video finds Savage co-directing alongside Ibra Ake (Childish Gambino, Beyoncé) for a stunning visual shot in Lagos, Nigeria.

Last week Tiwa made her US TV Debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with “Dangerous Love” in a breathtaking outdoor performance which featured the 11-year-old Nigeran ballet dance sensation Anthony Mmesoma Madu.

Celia demonstrates the incredible musical growth she’s experienced over the years.

Celia also has Tiwa collaborating with the likes of Naira Marley, Stefflon Don, Dice Ailes, Davido, and Hamzaa in addition to Sam Smith.

Producer credits stem from London, Cracker Mallo, P2J, Sak Passe, Pheelz, Blaq Jerzee, Speroach Beats and more.

Award-Winning Radio presenter, Hip Hop DJ, Singer, Podcast Host and Producer Ms. Cosmo features Sho Madjozi, Dee Koala and Nelisiwe Sibiya on new female supreme song Baningi.

Ms. Cosmo presents this powered up single during Women’s Month as a reinforcing anthem of the undeniable skill and talent that female heavyweights in the music industry possess.

Despite the current pandemic, the dominating media personality has had a busy 2020 with a new show every Saturday on 5FM, The Trap House and with launching a Podcast, SHE Social which focuses on showcasing talent whilst having powerful insightful conversations with an array of women that occupy the entertainment space.

Ms. Cosmo took to social media to reveal and also tease her new single Baningi set for release this Friday. 

Recruiting the fearless Sho Madjozi, Dee Koala and Nelisiwe Sibiya - Baningi proclaims female supremacy on a fire beat.

The four powerhouses each respectively show off an effortless flow on beastly raps  delivering rhymes in Xhosa, English, Zulu and Xitshonga; whilst affirming their declaration through vocals on the anthem chorus and closing link.

All packing in clever references and announcing their birth given ability as the best in game!

Produced by Makwa and Ms. Cosmo, Baningi is a power joint wrapped in a dope, hyped up, fire beat for music fans worldwide.

Baningi is available now for download and stream here.

Jamaican reggae artist and a member of the  Grammy-nominated Jamaican reggae band Morgan Heritage Gramps Morgan is among artists set to perform at the Kenya Ni Yetu live concert .

The show is set for this Saturday and will be live on all major Tv and radio stations in Kenya.

An excited Gramps took to social media express how happy he is to be part of the acts.

"Kenya has been a second home to me and @morganheritage … So when I heard about the #KenyaNiYetu live concert on 29 Aug, 8pm, on www.yetulive.com by @yetulive, I knew it would be perfect." he posted.

Sauti Sol, H-art the Band, Sammidoh and Suzzana Owiyo are also expected to perform at the event sponsored by Stanbic Bank and powered by Media Owners Association of Kenya.

Multi-award winning Rapper and Producer Nasty C drops his highly anticipated isiZulu single ZULU MAN a week ahead of his third studio album  ZULU MAN WITH SOME POWER!.

The Durban-born rapper details his upbringing, grateful for his journey, owning who he is as a young Zulu man and also celebrating his culture and showing love to his childhood friends.

A personal,  high energy song with spiritual references and a bold declaration of the rappers’ dreams.

Zulu Man is the latest single from his forthcoming album, “ZULU MAN WITH SOME POWER” to be released via Def Jam Recordings on August 28.

“ZULU MAN WITH SOME POWER” is available for fans to pre-save now. The album boasts impeccable features with a number of artists, the likes of T.I, Ari Lennox and frequent collaborators Rowlene and Tellaman.

PRE-SAVE ALBUM NOW

Sarova Hotels and Resort has re-opened its properties around the country in a phased strategy that has been ongoing from June since hotels were shut down due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country in a bid to tame the spread of the virus.

Sarova Panafric, Sarova Mara Game Camp, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, Sarova Woodlands, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge and Sarova Whitesands kick started operations from June into last month and are currently all operational and open to guests.

Speaking on the phased re-opening, Sarova Hotels and Resorts Managing Director Jimi Kariuki said, "This has been and will continue to be a phased restart as we ensure the health, hygiene and safety measures we are putting in place at all our properties are not compromised and have been fully tested and certified. "

Adding "We have also invested in high end cleaning and sanitizing equipment as well as extensive training of our teams to adapt to the new normal and ensure safety."

Stakeholders in the sector have committed to safe tourism and strict adherence to the recommended guidelines for the safety and wellbeing of our guests and staff is their topmost priority.

The various players have put in place stringent measures to ensure this is upheld.

Early this month  President Uhuru Kenyatta also expressed satisfaction with the measures being taken by stakeholders in the hospitality sector to protect tourists from the coronavirus pandemic and he said Kenya is ready to receive tourists. 

The president also encouraged local and foreign travellers to take advantage of the prevailing low rates to visit the country’s famous tourist sites including the Mara which is a great show of confidence in the sector.