Afrobeats superstar Kizz Daniel is back with a new EP titled “Lemon Chase”. 

This seven-track project is more than just a teaser for his upcoming album “Uncle K”, it’s a deeply personal body of work that captures everything from love and loss to peace and a good time which every listener can relate to.

Each track on the EP reflects a different piece of that emotional puzzle.

From the opener, “Black Girl Magic” to the last track on the EP, “Police” which features Mavin’s Johnny Drille and five-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo, the Afrobeats sensation made sure to evoke several emotions through his music.

For the “Lemon Chase EP”, Kizz Daniel brings together a powerful lineup of well-known artists, each adding their own unique style.

The soulful voices of Johnny Drille and Angelique Kidjo blend beautifully with the raw, street-inspired energy of Bella Shmurda, Odumodu Blvck, and Zlatan and Fola, who previously teamed up with Kizz Daniel on the hit singles “Lost” bring emotion and depth that perfectly complement his versatility. Together, they create a rich, dynamic sound that defines the spirit of the project.

Production credits include Reward Beatz, Blaise Beatz, Magic Sticks, Bando, and Ayzed who all have previously created chart topping records with the artiste and is a testament of what’s to be expected from the EP.

Reward Beatz produced “Eyo” and “Black Girl Magic” (alongside Bando and Blaise Beatz), Blaise Beatz led production on “Secure” and “Peace I Chose”, and “Titi” was produced by Magic Sticks and co-produced by Reward Beatz, and Blaise Beatz while “Al Jannah” was shaped by Ayzed’s touch.

On the EP, Kizz Daniel says “when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade out of it, I wanted this project to feel like real life; sweet, sour, confusing, beautiful. This is music for your heart, for when you're healing, or hoping, or remembering. I just wanted it to be honest, authentic and true to self.”

With “Lemon Chase”, Kizz Daniel continues to grow, not just as a hitmaker, but as a storyteller unafraid to touch uncomfortable spots. The EP sets the tone for “Uncle K” and reminds us the name Kizz Daniel would always be remembered.

By Faith Waithaka, Cloud and Service Provider Segment Sales Lead: Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric

AI technologies are pushing the boundaries of what is possible which, in turn, is presenting data centres with a whole new set of challenges. Enterprises, colocation providers, and tech giants are now scrambling to rethink their data centre strategies.

Indeed, how can an industry undergoing such transformation, also shift gears at full speed? Fortunately, as data centres research, plan, and implement change, several options are emerging which include optimising design and infrastructure for efficiency, cooling as well as management systems.

Rising energy demand

AI is increasingly vital in streamlining tech-driven tasks, but its well-known that the energy trade-off is immense. The Electric Power Research Institute reports that a typical AI query consumes ten times the electricity of a traditional internet search, with AI-generated music, photos, and videos demanding even more power.

With 5.45 billion Internet Users, AI adoption is driving power consumption to unprecedented levels. AI’s computing capacity is expected to double every 100 days, increasing global energy consumption linked to AI by 26% to 36% annually.

This extreme demand necessitates innovation which has seen data centre executives working hard to adjust and modify strategies and identify solutions to improve efficiency while maintaining reliability.

Data centres for the future

The rise of AI compels data centres to upgrade rack configurations, cooling systems, software management, and power optimisation technologies:

Rack configuration

AI workloads require thoughtful space planning to accommodate advanced cooling systems and increased infrastructure footprints.

Here, large AI training models are driving a shift towards higher rack power densities. High-density racks house more servers in a smaller area, enhancing computing power without increasing space.

Modular rack systems enable scalability, allowing rapid adaptation to evolving AI power requirements without costly overhauls. However, as computing demands rise, traditional cooling methods struggle to maintain optimal temperatures.

Integration of liquid cooling

AI-driven hardware generates significant heat, necessitating more efficient cooling systems. Traditional air cooling often fails to manage these thermal demands effectively

Liquid cooling offers a viable alternative, improving thermal management and extending equipment lifespan. Hybrid cooling solutions that combine air and liquid cooling are also gaining traction, ensuring flexibility and performance optimisation.

Flexible power distribution

Higher-density workloads require more robust power distribution. Data centres are adopting advanced uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and scalable power solutions for reliable energy delivery.

Racks are being equipped with power distribution units (PDUs) that handle higher wattages and allow dynamic power allocation. Collaboration with utility companies is also increasing, helping data centres implement demand response programmes and leverage renewable energy options.

Leveraging waste heat

As data centres expand to support AI, they are also repurposing waste heat to improve efficiency. Waste heat can be used to warm nearby buildings, such as homes, offices, and public spaces. Examples include:

• Google’s data centre in Hamina, Finland, which supplies excess heat to a nearby paper mill, improving efficiency.
• Equinix’s Paris data centre, which directs waste heat to warm the Olympic swimming pools at the Paris Olympic Aquatic Centre.
• Multiple data centres are implementing initiatives to make use of excess heat for indoor agriculture or greenhouses that require warm air to grow crops in a wide variety of areas.

Rising above the AI surge

As AI adoption accelerates, data centres must remain agile. Strategic changes in facility design, power efficiency, cooling systems, and management practices are essential to maintaining peak performance.

Every data centre operator must ask, “Is our infrastructure future-ready?” Before implementing major changes, a thorough evaluation of existing infrastructure, tools, and processes is necessary to identify key areas for improvement. High-impact zones should be prioritised to maximise efficiency gains.

Investing in scalable, future-proof solutions ensures long-term adaptability. Engaging stakeholders and industry experts early in the process helps align strategies with business objectives.

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Susan Mang’eni, has lauded the Absa Business Credit Card, a joint initiative between Absa Bank, as a powerful collaboration towards unlocking financing for MSMEs in Kenya.

The credit card will provide access to working capital, flexible repayment options, detailed expense tracking, enhanced security features, and global acceptance.

PS Susan Mang’eni said, “The MSME sector contributes over 40% of the country’s GDP and employs a substantial portion of the population, particularly women and young people. This business credit card supports the bold reforms being undertaken by the Government towards creating a supportive environment for the MSME sector.”

Speaking at the forum, John Njoroge, Country Manager of Visa Kenya, acknowledged the daily challenges that SMEs face, including limited access to finance and navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape.

However, he emphasised that it is through innovation, mindset change, and partnerships that these challenges can be transformed into opportunities. 

Absa Bank Kenya’s Director of Business Banking, Elizabeth Wasunna, emphasised that Absa’s ongoing commitment to MSMEs goes beyond providing financial empowerment.

“We endeavour to be a long-term strategic partner in business development and sustainability by offering tailored financial products, capacity building and market access for MSMEs through strategic partnerships,” she added.

PS Susan Mang’eni reiterated the Government's readiness to co-create programs, support research, and shape policy dialogues with the private sector for the benefit of MSMEs. Let us innovate, collaborate, and grow together to drive enterprise growth.

Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has been elected as the Vice President of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3).

Joho broke the news through his social media page, describing  his election as a significant milestone for both the country and the African continent.

"Being elected as the Vice President of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) which kicked off today in Nice, France, inspires me as it places us in a pivotal position to advance the interests of Kenya and Africa on the global stage," he said.

Adding "As Vice-President of this esteemed global organization, I will have the opportunity to advocate for our country's interests and deliver interventions on behalf of specific groups, including the African Group, at the 3rd Ocean Action. I will also represent our continent at High-Level events related to the conference,” 

As Vice President of the global conference, Joho will play a key role in shaping the agenda and facilitating discussions among member states and international stakeholders. 

MPs drawn from Nyanza region led by Hon. James Nyikal (Seme) have condemned the alleged killing of Albert Omondi Ojwang’. 

In a press briefing on Monday 9th June, 2025, Hon. Nyikal stated that one has a right to arrest, murder, or kill a person merely because he or she disagrees with their views.

"The death of Albert Omondi Ojwang’, who was arrested in Homa Bay County on Saturday 7th June 2025, and turned up dead the next morning at Central Police Station in Nairobi, is a stark reminder that the question of police brutality is one whose answers we are yet to find,” Hon. Nyikal said.

The MPs called on the President to take charge and restore order in the security apparatus of the nation arguing that Article 33 of the Constitution guarantees the freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information.

“It is time for the President to deploy the big broom and sweep away characters in the regime who abrogate themselves the power to determine the level of freedom enjoyed by citizens, and who play judge, jury and executioners, in perpetuating the growth of rogue culture in the country,” the MPs said.

According to the MPs, the rise of social media as a tool of expression for especially young people, has created the space for expression of views and ideas that may not necessarily be popular with all, however, no one has a right to kill anyone but can sue for libel or slander.

“The death of Albert Ojwang’ must not joint the statistics, as one more young person killed in vain. A red line must be drawn this time, upon which the investigation and prosecutions of those found culpable must be firm and swift,” Ho. Nyikal said.

Hon. Millie Odhiambo Mabona (Suba North) who was also present during the briefing called on the investigating agencies to move with swiftness and unearth what indeed killed the young man.

According to Hon. Odhiambo, the level of intolerance has spiraled in the country and no one should take someone’s life just because they differ or attack them in social media platforms.

"We first want to know who gave order for the young man to be arrested. We are also calling on for swiftness in the investigation into this just like we saw in Hon. Were’s case. Killing of people is non-negotiable, if you differ there is a block button. So, we are calling on the government to crack the whip on these people who are violating human rights,” she said.

Thousands of Mombasa residents were treated to amazing product deals and a concert like no other on Saturday at the first-ever M-PESA Sokoni Festival, held at the Mombasa Sports Club in Mombasa County.

The festival which brought together both local and national service providers and merchants in a vibrant market-style setting to celebrate M-PESA @ 18, offered “deals kuruka” to the large crowd that turned out to enjoy the incredible discounts on devices, electronics, household items, beauty and fashion products, travel packages, and more.

“It has been an amazing week interacting with our customers in this region, as we appreciate them for walking with us for the last 18 years. We are extremely happy with the turnout, our customers have come out in large numbers with their families to shop and enjoy incredible offers on various products including smartphones, electronics, household items among others. They have also been treated to electrifying entertainment from our DJs and artists,” said Safaricom’s Chief Financial Services Officer, Esther Waititu.

The festival also saw customers win various prizes, including shopping vouchers, electronics and cash rewards through the popular game show “M-PESA or the Box.” Among the winners was Elizabeth Makokha from Changamwe, our grand finale winner who walked away with KES 180,000.

“I am still in disbelief that I have won KES 180,000. I didn’t expect to win, I just came here to celebrate 18 years of M-PESA and enjoy myself, as they had announced the event would be held here at Mombasa Sports Club today. I plan to use this money to expand and grow my shoe business which I run here in Mombasa,” said Elizabeth Makokha.

The two-month campaign is part of the ongoing M-PESA at 18 celebrations, marking M-PESA’s transformative role in Kenya’s digital and financial landscape and the positive impact it has had on the lives of millions of Kenyans.

The campaign kicked off on Tuesday with several activities lined up throughout the week, including a caravan tour across major coastal towns and vibrant market activations that delighted customers with gifts and cash prizes.

Safire Connect, a forum that brought together like-minded individuals to exchange ideas on entrepreneurship, personal branding, community opportunities, and financial wellness, started the weeklong activities.

The week also witnessed the launch of Wezesha Mama, a programme by the M-PESA Foundation that brought together women’s groups from the region for financial and digital literacy training, along with access to seed capital to help boost their business ventures.

Safaricom also hosted the Regional M-PESA Agents Awards to recognize and reward agent stores that have demonstrated exemplary performance over the past year.

Enterprises in the region were not left out. They participated in the Grow with Safaricom Business Forum, which aimed to empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to sustainably grow their businesses and overcome challenges such as digitizing operations, limited market access, regulatory hurdles, brand development, and a lack of digital marketing expertise.

With the Coast Region done, the M-PESA Sokoni Festival now heads to Nairobi, with the caravan tour set to run from Monday, 16th June 2025.

Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) in May 2025 hosted 8 regional dialogue forums across Kenya to mark of the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) as part of efforts to promote media dialogue with diverse range of stakeholders.

The association hosted the 8 regional forums between May 5-9, 2025 with support from the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa. This was part of KCA’s consistent efforts since 2018 to entrench regular engagements between the media, journalists and other key actors, including county government officials, rural based non-state actors and citizens groups.

The forums, focusing on the theme for the WPFD 2025: Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media, were held in 8 counties across Kenya, namely: Kisii, Kisumu, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Makueni, Isiolo, Mombasa and in the capital, Nairobi.

“Since 2018, KCA has adopted this decentralized approach which allows for greater participation, robust engagement and inclusion of rural based journalists, grassroots CSOs and human rights activists/social justice centers, County and National Government officials in the regions. We are committed to creating opportunities for stakeholders in the regions to have greater appreciation of the importance of press freedom, freedom of expression and access to information”, said the KCA Chairman, Hudson Araka Matara, who spoke at the Kisii forum.

The forums also included sensitization of non-traditional Social Media 4 Peace (SM4P) partners on ethical content creation, emerging issues and related impact of emerging tech and AI on journalism, existing accountability frameworks, and responsible digital engagement for addressing disinformation and hate speech on digital platforms.

This was aimed at fostering collaboration and increasing their commitment and accountability of content that they produce and share in counties with the public. Speakers at the different forums acknowledged the democratization of information through social media and citizen journalism, while warning of the dangers of misinformation, unethical reporting, and attention-driven narratives.

Speaking at the Nairobi Forum, Ms. Esther Kamweru, a former CEO of the Media Council of Kenya and veteran editor said: "Artificial intelligence and other technological tools are shaping our news, in the process shaping the way journalists deliver content. We must remain ethical in our 2 content creation and use the digital space responsibly to avoid misinformation and disinformation”.

Veteran editors and senior journalists stressed the importance of editorial rigor, ethical decision-making, and critical analysis.

They called on veteran journalists and media actors to document their experiences and history of the media sector adding that it was important to establish frameworks for continuous knowledge transfer, experience sharing and mentorship.

"We cannot afford to lose our compass. Journalism must remain rooted in public interest—not just public attention. This calls on all of us to promote ethical reporting and utilize AI responsibly within our media spaces," said Ken Bosire, a veteran editor who was a panelist at the Nairobi forum.

Through panels comprising journalists, county government officials, CSO actors, academia and the community leaders, the forums discussed the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the media and on other sectors, sparking of animated discussions around its positive and negative impacts.

Speakers and participants at the forums recognized the importance of AI in media work and other sectors but called for more responsible use to avoid spreading fake news, misinformation and disinformation.

Additionally, they called for more training for journalist on the use of AI and other emerging technological tools. The forums called for enhanced collaboration and regular forums between the media and other stakeholders at the grassroot levels, intergenerational conversations and mentorship within the media sectors to ensure continuity and build a more resilient media ecosystem.

There were also calls for the media sector, CSOs and the government to work together in promoting press freedom as well as collaborative efforts between the media and non-state actors at safeguarding the civic space, promoting more accountability, democracy and amplifying citizens voices.

Other issues discussed during the forums included the increasing violations targeting journalists in the regions, especially following the Gen Z protests last year, which led to a number of them being injured, denial of access to information and destruction of their equipment.

Journalists called on county governments and other government agencies to facilitate access to information for more accurate reporting of the governance and development initiatives in the counties.

County and National Government officials, the CSOs and other stakeholders who attended the forums lauded KCA and UNESCO for organizing the forums. They called for sustained collaboration and more dialogue forums between them and the media to improve accountability and access to information for informed decision making.

First Lady’s Mazingira Awards (FLAMA) 2025 edition has been launched.

The learner-centered national environment and climate change award offers students a platform to showcase their understanding on environmental conservation.

FLAMA was launched by Her Excellency the First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto on the sidelines of the Africa Climate Summit in September 2023.

Secretary of Administration in the State Department for Basic Education,Florence Amoit said FLAMA offers a rare opportunity to inspire innovation and opportunity among young learner

Speaking at Lenana Boys School,Ms Amoit said FLAMA is in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry and other key stakeholders.

"Our biggest pillar in attaining 15 billion trees by 2032 are the learners,our policy being that if each learner plants four trees each year which translates to over 50 million trees,"she said.

She said the competition guidelines have been submitted to the schools.

"The learner are fruits of tomorrow,we must protect mother earth so that it can produce a better future to these children,",she added

"We appreciate FLAMA for offering a perfect platform to empower our children as champions of a sustainable future," she added.

CEO MaMa Doing Good Ms Elizabeth Koskei said the Award has become an impactful environmental initiative across the country.

Inspiring and nurturing young people into environmental consciousness

Ms Koskei said the initiative complements the government plan of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

"We want everyone on board to help us reach 89,000 learners in the country, learners this is your space as guided by the First Lady,"she noted.

"The campaign has come at the right time when we need to tackle the plastic menace,,"said KNUT Deputy Secretary General Hesbon Otieno.

Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA) national chairperson,Ali Fuad said FLAMA was a powerful step to ensure a sustainable future.

"The two year collaboration has brought sustainability and environment consciousness in the hearts of school,"said Mr Faud.

Mr Faud said all head teachers were behind the initiative.

"We will continue to mobilise and mentor our learners and schools to be environmental leaders of today,"he added.

The FLAMA 2025 Edition theme is "End Pollution - Conserve the Environment - Komesha Uchafuzi - Hifadhi Mazingira aligned with the 2025 World Environment Day theme.

FLAMA seeks to help learners nurture their potential and promote realization of the Competency Based Education (CBE) seven core competencies: Communication and Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Imagination and Creativity, Citizenship, Digital Literacy, Learning to Learn & Self -Efficacy.

It will also provide an avenue for identifying the best pathway to pursue leading to the Arts and Sports Science Pathway.  

Leading Australian street art festival, The Darwin Street Art Festival (DSAF), is proud to unveil Double Exposure, a bold new outdoor projection exhibition transforming the cities of Nairobi and Darwin into vibrant night-time galleries for two nights only.

The exhibition features celebrated female artists Thandiwe Muriu (Kenya) and Atong Atem (Australia), whose works will be projected in both Darwin and Nairobi, creating a poetic digital bridge between continents.

Taking place on Friday, 13 June in Nairobi and Saturday, 14 June in Darwin, this large-scale, cross-continental installation will illuminate key inner-city spaces in both countries, showcasing powerful visual storytelling and celebrating artistic exchange and cultural connection between Australia and Kenya.

On Friday, 13 June 2025, Nairobi will come alive with a spectacular night-time projection art experience as Double Exposure lights up the Old Mutual Building in Upper Hill from 6:45 pm to midnight. 

The following night, on Saturday, 14 June, the exhibition will be mirrored in Darwin, Australia, where projections will illuminate the RSL Block in the CBD from 7 - 10 pm.

Thandiwe Muriu said: “Bridging two continents and multiple visual languages, what we share in this collaboration is a reflection on the many ways that we as women reimagine ourselves daily — not in spite of cultural legacies, but through them.”

Atong Atem said: “Thandiwe is such an incredibly eloquent and inspiring artist. For me, as an East African artist in the diaspora, it’s always a privilege to meet and share with artists living on the continent."

Adding" Our work shared many crossovers and perspectives and it’s in these conversations that the intricacies and intimacies of our separate practices can be explored. I’m honoured to present my work alongside Thandiwe.”

In a ground-breaking Australian/Kenyan international collaboration, Double Exposure celebrates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Kenya. 

The Australian High Commissioner to Kenya Jenny Da Rin said: “As we mark 60 years of enduring friendship between Australia and Kenya, this artistic collaboration is a vibrant reflection of the creativity, diversity and spirit that connects our two nations."

Adding "Through art, we celebrate powerful stories and cultural connections that continue to grow between our peoples.”

This cross-continental exchange is curated by DSAF in partnership with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian High Commission in Kenya and Good Times Africa.