If you have visited Mombasa within the last ten years then you definitely are not a stranger to these black birds. In fact their dominance within the coastal region would make you think this is their original home and probably their only habitat.

Unfortunately, the crow is not a native species of the Kenyan Coast. To clear the beaches of stinking, rotten, garbage in the late 18th Century the British imported the House Crow from India into Zanzibar.

Soon flocks of these alien birds were on mainland Tanzania and today millions of House Crows are ravaging Kenya from Lunga Lunga to Lamu! 

Their collective noun should be a "Murder of Crows" and these invaders literally murder Kenya's fauna wherever they have landed. Whole villages along Kenya's Coast have been entirely denuded.

There are no lizards, gekkos, grasshoppers, butterflies, crickets, beach crabs in these villages all eaten along with common indigenous birds like the bulbul, golden weaver and even the beautiful lilac-breasted roller. 

Daily the House Crow is gaining new territory. Already their ugly cawing is heard amongst the calls of the bush in Tsavo East Game Park Lodges. 

They have been seen at Voi on the way to Nairobi, following the SGR. Once these horrors reach Nairobi there will be no way to stop them.

Following expanding urban sprawl, they'll naturally occupy the Rift Valley, and then spread to the vital Tourist Lodges in the Masai Mara.

Eventually, they will definitely dominate, and decimate Kenya's fauna and greatly affect the flora. This has become a great concern for environmentalists, nature enthusiast and the tourism industry.  

The Kenya Tourism Federation Chairman, Mohammed Hersi, shares that the fight against the Indian house crows has for a long time been a battle for hoteliers.

The crows do not just feed on rubbish and leftovers but also have a nose for delicacies and will a number of times invade restaurants, grab food from tourists’ plates and leave their dropping all over the furniture. Unfortunately though, he mentions that the government has been the least involved in dealing with this invasion.

“For a long time we have been fighting it on our own but other organizations are moving in now. The biggest threat with the house crow is that it is at the top of the food chain, this means that no other bird can feed on it but it feeds on all the others. It will be an even bigger problem when they invade the Tsavo parks and make their way to Nairobi." He shares.

Adding "They are already in Mtito Andei. The crows are a pest just like the locusts are and the government should be doing everything possible to get rid of them, unfortunately this battle has only been left to private wings,”.

Some hotels have been forced to hire bird chasers in fight against the house crows.

Kenya Wildlife Services is currently the lead in the Indian house crow control program.

According to a report by Dr Mohammed Omar, Principal Scientist Coast Conservation Area, the Indian house crow has proved to be a very invasive species as it tends to outcompete other native species.

It poses a number of risks as it is a nuisance to tourists, eats turtle nests, drives out and raids other nests and destroys eggs of other small birds.

“There are more than 1130 bird species within Kenya, 120 of these species are associated with the Coast, and they migrate to and from other areas because of habitation traits. But in the recent years most of these birds have been displaced by these invasive crows. The areas most affected currently include Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi. We are afraid they might end up going to Tsavo as they have already been spotted in Voi. This means that there will be a lower diversity of birds in the parks,” shares the official.

According to Dr Mohammed, Kenya Wildlife Services in partnership with other organizations including the ministry of  tourism, Kenya airports authority, ministry of health, national museum of Kenya, Kenya birds of prey, Nema  and others  are currently in discussion on what can be done and the correct methodology to target this species.

Over population of the house crows has also greatly affected farmers as they raid and damage crops leading to low harvests, they have a mob tactic and they attack their target areas in groups.

About 8 years ago, Dancan Mitchell, Fred Otieno and a couple of Vipingo villagers started the Vipingo Village Crow eradication Kids initiative.

The initiative engages the local kids in raiding the house crow nests and destroying their eggs. Every week the kids destroy over 8,000 eggs, the kids are then paid 5 shillings for every egg that is destroyed from the Crows no more funds drive.

The initiative has also made Vipingo Ridge the best bird watching location in the Coast due to the relative absence of the crows.

“We started this initiative 8 years ago as a team of three but from there we engage other young people in eradication of the crow nests. We started with the Vipingo and Shariani areas as the crows had chased out almost all birds, today the Vipingo ridge where we started is nearly crow free. What we do is hunt down their nests, which we recognize by the twigs they use and their binding styles, they are very intelligent birds." Shares Fred Otieno.

Adding "Their eggs are also colorful so we know exactly which nests are theirs. The inspiration is basically for our children and the generations to come, we don’t want them to never see the different bird species that we have all because the crows made them extinct,”

Dancan Mitchell insists though that it is vital for the Government of Kenya to urgently approve a new start of tests using  the poison Starlicide which will only kill crows, as it is currently near impossible to stop the crows using any other methodology.

Between 1999 and 2005, A Rocha Kenya, a conservation and research organization, used the avian poison called Starlicide to eliminate crows in Malindi, their records show they managed to reduce crows from hundreds to fewer than 50.

But the Kenya government later banned the importation of Starlicide.

“We have just the one chance to eliminate these monsters. The Kenya Wildlife Service is allowing us to self-fund an efficacy test using Crow Specific Starlicide Poison. These tests will be conducted under the most rigorous scrutiny, which means they will be expensive and we need the public’s help to fund these tests, through crows no more fund,” adds the birder and nature enthusiast.  

Pete cast held a vigil on Monday in honour of their fallen colleague Gillie Owino popularly known for his role as Mzee Msiri.

Gillie succumbed to Liver cancer few weeks ago.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/2192-veteran-mombasa-based-actor-gillie-mzee-msiri-is-dead

Led by their producer Daudi Anguka the cast converged at Funzi Island in Kwale county, the location of the series for the vigil dressed in all white outfits.

Another vigil is scheduled for Wednesday at the little theatre club in Mombasa where Mzee Msiri was also an active member and staged several plays.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/2200-mzee-msiri-s-candlelight-vigils-set-for-next-week

Below are some photos from the vigil.

Multi-talented Ugandan singer, songwriter, recording artist and performer, Azawi, who is signed to top music label Swangz Avenue has released the music video for ‘My Year’, her first single off her upcoming album.

Watch ‘My Year’ By Azawi here: https://youtu.be/z1hm2XcFK18

My year was produced by Michael Fingerz at Swangz studios and the video was shot and directed by Kenny Mumba at Moon light studios in South Africa.

She signed with Swangz Avenue a year ago, and has shown her capability to become Africa’s next music star especially with the success of her debut 5-track EP dubbed “Lo Fit“.

Kenyan gospel singer Bahati is currently working on his music album, as he celebrates 7 years in the music industry.

In a bid to ensure that the album is the best, Bahati had to seek advice from Diamond Paltnumz, currently the top artist in East Africa.

In a photo shared online, Bahati is seen hanging out with Diamond Platnumz in South Africa. 

Bahati is in South Africa for the Africa Day concert where he will be representing Kenya

Diamond Platnumz is also working on his fourth album.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/2178-diamond-platnumz-working-on-his-fourth-album

"Yesterday Night in Joburg South Africa With Africa's Number #1 Musician Diamond Platnumz Bro Thank You for Always Giving Me a Listening Ear and Guidance; I Never Take it for Granted!" posted Bahati.

Adding "Your Words & Advice Yesterday I Know that Will Make My Upcoming Álbum One of the Best I have Ever Done! I'm Humbled Thank You for Always Being The Realest Big Brother"

England and Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham has helped raise funds to build a school in Mombasa.

Taking to social media, the 17-year-old midfielder expressed his excitement over the completion of the school.

Construction of the school Miche Bora Nursery and Primary school begun in 2014. The school is situated in kisauni.

Currently Jude has a fundraising campaign to help raise money for a feeding programme in the school.

“The school in Mombasa is finished and the kids are enjoying being back in lessons and learning. Massive thank you to those who donated and supported, myself and the team really appreciate it." he posted on twitter.

Adding "I am continuing to work with Mustard seed foundation project Kenya Mombasa to try and make sure the children are provided with meals at School through the feeding programme " 

The footballer partnered with Mustard Seed Project in building the school.

Master seed project is a UK charity organisation providing quality education, health care and feeding programmes to deprived areas of Kenya.

Founded by husband and wife Geoff and Rita Fowler, they have transformed education in the country, initially starting by renting a building to educate 17 children in two classrooms.

By Gloria Adhiambo

Being a woman in a male dominated field has so many pressures to it. A woman can not be one thing i.e good at music or acting, she has to come ready, she has to be physically fit, talented and ooze sex appeal.

This has always cut across to most women in the industry not just in Kenya but around the world.

These societal pressures have led to unwanted sexual favors by men in exchange for fame and wealth that can only be enjoyed per time.

Most women are forced to give in with the promise of getting gigs, being on rotation and being featured for interviews on the various media platforms.

Cases of sexual favours have been order of the day across the creative sector globally, some are known while others are talked about in hushed tones.

Some producers and radio presenters have turned into sexual predators and are known to be behind "The Back for ground" policy at all levels of the music chain has seen female some creatives give in with hopes of rising up the ladder and making it.

It is impossible to grasp the magnitude of what these challenges have done to our female creatives until forced to confront it directly.

I have had the privilege of meeting some of these artistes who have gone through sexual harassment in order for them to have their works or music featured on various platforms.

Some women in the creative industry have been forced to shelve their dreams owing to lack of funds to either produce their music, family obligations among other things. 

Other issues that have crippled the rise of female creatives is unnecessary competition and lack of mentors to walk with them as they advance in their careers.

It's time for the established female creatives to hold the hands of their younger ones and guide them through the pros and cons of the industry.

Lastly is self-sabotaging oneself because of the Imposter syndrome always looking for validation and berating your performance.

How does one make it as a woman? Focusing on your purpose and blocking out the noise. Believing in yourself and learning to pick yourself up when you fail.

As a female creative believe that you have what it takes to make it and that  every opportunity you get is out of merit and not because your back was on the ground.

Temptations are there yes but be contented with that which you have and where you at, it's only a matter of time before you get to the top. Focus, Nurture and Work on Yourself because you owe it to yourself to be a better version of who you are.

Kenya has and is endowed with quite a number of female creatives who have gone through hurdles to be where they are, from hawking mitumbas, singing cover songs, doing other menial jobs just complement their music.

Artistes like Wahu, Suzanna Owiyo, Nyota Ndogo, Vivianne, Nadia Mukami are still holding forte and have shown that being a woman in the male dominated industry is still possible.

It's high time the upcoming female artistes rise up to the occasion and change the narrative by ensuring they are heard and vocal about issues affecting them.

Enough of playing the gender card, invite yourself to the table and take charge.

The writer is the co-founder and CEO at Clientele PR.

Tanzanian singer Ben Pol has expressed interest in marrying Zuchu.

In a video he shared on his instagram page, Ben Pol jokingly asks Zuchu's mother, Khadija Koppa to give him her daughter for marriage, considering his current relationship status.

"As you can see this is my mother and you all know my current situation. Let her give me the daughter" says Ben Pol.

Responding to Ben Pol's request, Khadija Kopa laughed about the matter without giving a direct response.

Last week Ben Pol  confirmed that he has filed for divorce against his Kenyan wife, Arnelisa Muigai.

The singer asked for space and privacy for himself and his family during what he has termed as  a difficult time.

"These issues are very private and since the case is in the Primary court in Dar es Salaam, I would not want it to be discussed further for the respect to all parties involved and with respect for the Courts law," said Ben Pol.

Read here: http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/2187-ben-pol-confirms-he-is-divorcing-anerlisa

Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has gazetted Friday, May 14, 2021 as a public holiday.

This is to allow Kenyan Muslims to celebrate end of the holy month of Ramadhan, Idd-ul-Fitr.

This was communicated in a special gazette notice issued by CS Matiang'i.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Co-ordination of National Government, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2(1) of the Public Holidays Act, declares that Friday, the 14th May, 2021, shall be a public holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr,” reads the notice.

Grammy-nominated Jamaican reggae and dancehall singer Etana has revealed that she has featured Kenyan artists Wyre and Naiboi in her eighth studio album, set for release soon.

Taking to twitter, the 'Weakness In me' hitmaker also announced the name of the album. She also said she has sung in Kiswahili .

She said "My 8th studio album is called 'Pamoja', which means together."

Adding" "It features many great artistes you know and love. Some you may even grow to love or love more. It’s time to get together. I will name two: Naiboi and Wyre."