She is mostly known by her arrogant, scowling skit character Mama Ryan but Aicy Stevens has always wanted to be an actor whose work transcends the boundaries of one-minute comedy skits on Instagram.

It’s the kind of opportunity that her character on Jiji, the new Showmax youth drama, has given her.

In Jiji, directed by Enos Olik, Aicy plays Mwende, whom she describes as “the typical ghetto lady trying to leave the ghetto and improve her life.” She’s an adventurous beauty, a slick charmer and a natural pickpocket – a valuable asset in her group of four young girls fighting to make ends meet in the streets of Jericho.

For the young actress in her first role on screen, this is just the beginning. “Expect to see much more from me on screen from now on,” Aicy says.

This is your first role in a TV show ever and also your first lead role. How does it feel?

I'm very excited. It's a beautiful challenge because it's something I've been looking forward to and that will help me grow my skills as an actress. And being a youth drama, Jiji is a story that I hold dear to my heart. This is a different kind of a show, it’s also very relatable and I'm sure our audience is going to love it.

You are mostly known for your Instagram comedy skits as Mama Ryan alongside Nick Kwach. Was acting always the end game for you when you started doing these skits?

It has been my dream since I was a small girl to appear on big screens and thank God it has finally come true. It’s a fire that has been burning for long and yes, Mama Ryan’s role has helped me sharpen my skills. Now, I can immerse myself fully into my Jiji character Mwende and understand her because of the training I’ve had with Mama Ryan.

Talking of Mama Ryan, how did it come about?

It was a random thought that came to mind since I had been doing skits for the longest time. The reception from our fans was very encouraging and gave us more morale to come up with more ideas about Mama Ryan and Baba Ryan. That’s how we built it.

How has it been doing this skit with Nick Kwach?

It has been a beautiful experience full of teamwork. Nick is very creative, open-minded, and very supportive. He has also helped me nurture my acting talent.

Tell us more about your Jiji character Mwende. What do you like most about her?

Mwende is a go-getter, she’s sassy, hardworking, fashionista, a lover of the soft life and a no-nonsense character. What I like most about her is the fact that her character arc is 360 degrees and this gives her an opportunity to play with different emotions and personalities.

What was your reaction when you received the call that you had landed this role of Mwende?

I had a mixture of emotions; I was both shocked and super excited. And I cried because this role is something I had been praying for so long for.

How has it been working with Enos Olik as your director?

I've learnt a lot from him, he's insanely talented and very dedicated and he listens to actors. He's the kind of director one will always look forward to working with in future projects because he brings the best out of you as an actor.

Jiji is now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes releasing every Monday and Tuesday.

In Season 2 of The Real Housewives of Nairobi, currently streaming on Showmax, Dr Catherine Masitsa, popularly known as Dr C, is showcasing a bigger and better version of herself, and her business that she has built for 20 years.

“I have lived life, changed careers, built a business, created my own table and now, I’m sitting at the head of that table and thriving,” she says. “I am done living my life with society's expectations of me.”

Your mantra this season is “bigger, brighter and better.” What does that phrase mean to you?

I mean, look at me, I look good, right? But also, I moved to a new house that is bigger and better. I’m launching new products because my business has grown and that is part of the impact of The Real Housewives of Nairobi S1. Kenyans welcomed me, they welcomed my products - Samantha Wines – and doors opened that I never imagined.

Therefore, this season I’m growing my business by launching more products and increasing the Samantha brand SKU. As part of our brand, we now have champagne, prosecco, sparkling wine and even Dr C gin. Away from business, I’m enjoying life, together with my family, and just living the Kenyan dream.

How does it feel to see this positive impact that the show has had on your business?

I like to jump into the fire and then learn as I go. Having built my brand, Samantha Bridal, for 20 years, I needed to do something to reignite the brand and attract new people and that’s what The Real Housewives of Nairobi S1 did for me and my business. The show gave me an opportunity to put my brand out there when people can still buy me because they can really see who I am. And not only in Kenya, the show has helped me across Africa.

I’ve received feedback from distributors in Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa wanting to stock my wine. Because of The Real Housewives of Nairobi, we have managed to get our brand name out there and extend it beyond Kenyan borders.

You are celebrating your anniversary this year. How has the relationship with your husband and daughter been since The Real Housewives of Nairobi premiered?

I’ve been with my husband for the last 28 years, so celebrating those years of friendship and marriage is a big milestone that I do not take for granted.

He is my best friend and my cheerleader. Most of the time, he’s in the background but he will observe and advise me. We actually launched my champagne brand to celebrate our relationship but more so, we’re celebrating the business Samantha Bridal, which I launched after our wedding.

Our daughter is very happy to be on the show; she’s really enjoying the limelight. One of the things I like to teach her is to stand up for herself. She makes her own observations and she tells me off when she needs to and she’s proud of me when she needs to be proud of me. You get to see that when you watch Season 2.

This season you’re also going big with your matchmaking business despite the controversy in S1 about you being a matchmaker. Could you please clarify what it means when you say you’re a matchmaker?

In S1, we received such unwarranted attention regarding my matchmaking business. I have helped bring together lots of happy couples now, and we now even have an app that is doing extremely well. But we’re still a very boutique entity because it’s not something I started doing for money. Sometimes we have a lot of people on the waitlist who want to be connected to someone, and it’s also one of the biggest inquiries I’ve received in my company’s inbox. It means people still want to get married.

I only deal with people who are serious, which means I’m matchmaking people who actually want to get together in a real, loving, long-term relationship because I am really old school.

If you’ve decided that now is the time to invest in crypto, you may still be a little unsure of how to go about it.

The good news is the fundamentals of investing apply in the world of digital currency, just as they would if you were building a traditional investment portfolio. 

If you were making your first foray into traditional investment, you’d take care to research all the assets that took your interest you’d think carefully about how much risk you are prepared to carry, and you’d probably ask an expert for guidance.

“Today, the traditional financial system remains a key gateway for participation in the crypto ecosystem through fiat on and off-ramps. It allows users to participate in the crypto economy and transfer their funds safely to their bank accounts and currency of choice when needed. In other words, the two financial systems are not mutually exclusive but operate in synergy to serve users’ various needs.” notes Hannes Wessels, General Manager for Binance.

Below are things to consider when building your crypto currency portfolio

 1 What type of investor are you?

It’s important to ask yourself this question, because it’s going to determine the amount you are prepared to invest as well as your strategy.

For example, if you’re simply curious about crypto and how the world of cybercurrency works, you’ll be far more cautious in your investments than if you have already done plenty of research, maybe purchased some altcoins and already seen a few market dips.

2. Which crypto currency is for you?

Did you know that Binance has 350+ cryptocurrencies? Obviously, that’s a lot to research individually – which means that most people may opt for the better-known currencies, like Bitcoin or Ethereum.

There’s nothing wrong with that – but remember that there are other alt coins that offer interesting returns if you are prepared to give them time. As a general rule, any social media hype should be disregarded in favour of solid research – and you may also want to hang onto some healthy skepticism when it comes to cryptos that seem to have a high novelty value (alt-coins based on a TV series come to mind here). 

3. What’s your risk appetite?

Legacy coins (think Bitcoin) are more prone to price fluctuations but, on the other hand, they’re not going to devalue spontaneously, making them a sound choice for people with a medium risk appetite. If, on the other hand, you really don’t mind going for a complete wild card, you could invest in one of the newer currencies available.

Usually associated with a specific platform, these currencies have been known to generate enormous gains – but it’s not uncommon for them to become suddenly worthless, either. The best approach? It’s a good idea to spread your risk, just as you would with a traditional portfolio.

4. What does your greater investment portfolio look like?

Back to the premise of keeping your eggs safe by refusing to put them all in one basket - this sentiment holds true here, too. It’s always a good idea to diversify your investments, so consider your crypto assets just one part of a broader portfolio.

Just how much of that portfolio should crypto account for? Up to you – but, in general terms, a 1-5% allocation to the asset class is ideal for low-risk investors, while those with medium risk appetites may want to up it all the way to 15%. Remember that, as with any investment, a long-term outlook is key.

5. Have you done your research?

You wouldn’t play the stock exchange without tracking the trends of corporate companies first, or at least finding out a little more about them. Maintain that principle when you invest in cybercurrencies, too. Read up as much as you can to make sure you have a thorough grasp of the risks involved, and get a little expert advice, too. For a start, check out the Binance Academy at academy.binance.com.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has applauded Mombasa youths for coming out to protest against the controversial finance bill 2024.

Addressing the protestors who stormed his office on Tuesday, Nassir said he is proud that the young people have come out with any influence from politicians.

Nassir noted that they what they have done is their democratic and should not be scared.

"Today I can say that I'm proud of you, my youths from Mombasa. What you have done is very courageous and is your democratic right." said Nassir.

Adding "Let no one try to scare you. We cannot just sit down and encourage bad governance."

The Governor raised concern over the cases of abduction of youths taking part in the protests.

"It is very wrong to abduct people for expressing themselves, we should not allow this." argued Nassir.

Thousands of young protesters have taken to the streets of  Mombasa's central business district to demonstrate against the Finance Bill 2024.

Dressed mostly in black and carrying anti-government placards, the demonstrators came from all six sub-counties of Mombasa: Kisauni, Nyali, Changamwe, Jomvu, Likoni, and Mvita.

The protesters divided themselves in different groups coming from all over the county.

The protestors caused significant traffic disruptions on major roads in Mombasa.

Those  from Mvita and Likoni converged at Mapembeni along Moi Avenue, from Nyali and Kisauni gathered at Kengeleni along the Mombasa-Malindi highway, while those from Changamwe and Jomvu met at Saba Saba along Jomo Kenyatta Avenue.

Early days in office President  William Ruto did a stop over at the newly built Kwale Teachers Training Collage while on a tour of the great County of Kwale.

Enthralled with the great work and progress being oversighted by the County Government under the leadership of Governor Fatuma Achani, he promised to donate a collage bus that will facilitate chauffeuring services for collage community.   

True to his word the president delivered a 40-seater bus to the collage through the County Government of Kwale.

Receiving the kind gesture from the president on behalf of the Collage, the Kwale Governor said that she is not surprised because the President has always kept his promises.

“The President is a man of his word, he promised to tour Kwale immediately after elections and he did that, he promised to revamp the blue economy in Kwale, and he has done that, and he is still doing it through the Cabinet Secretary Blue Economy, Mining and Maritime Affairs Hon. Salim Mvurya” said Madam Achani.

The Governor added that she will be collaborating with the National Government and other development partners to complement her efforts and resources to ensure the people of Kwale get sustainable socio-economic development.

She elaborated that during her first year in office she encouraged a lot of courtesy calls ranging from diplomats, national and international organizations to individuals to discuss areas of mutual interest and engagement. These meetings and deliberations have seen so much positive activities happening in the county. She noted that, Counties all over Kenya have limited resources and it requires wisdom and strategic planning to actualize county issues.  

The County leadership has urged the Teachers Collage Management to take good care of the gift as they look for more donors to sponsor other sectors at the facility. On the other hand, the Collage said that the bus will help to cut cost on education tours and other transport related costs. In addition, it has created an employment opportunity for driver, mechanic and a conductor. 

The Kwale County Attorney Suleiman Gombeni said that all County matters should be deliberated, and decision made after consideration of the constitutional provisions. This he said is to ensure that the County doesn’t m  spend so much money on litigation and disputes.

Mr Gombeni was referring to the recent social media trend debate about a ban on Mogakaa. He added that as a county legal team they had to sit and analyze all legal implications and the possible court battles that may have led to spending a lot on court cases. This expenditure was avoided after the Governor Fatuma Achani agreed to our legal opinion on the matter.

He said the country is being governed by law all matters should be handled as such.

The County Government of Kwale didn’t went against other  Coast Counties decision to ban Mogakaa that was spearheaded by Mombasa Governor Abduswamad Nasir. Instead the county decided to sign into County law a bill that has seen increase of charges to Mugokaa imports and sale in Kwale.  The new rates will see a guaranteed rise in revenue collection.

Matching The Right TV for Your Space: Things to Look Out For

The era of buying “just” any TV is gone. Nowadays, a TV is not just about showing pictures and entertaining the household. It is all about decoration, minimalism, the mounting, the projection, and the sound.

Buying a new TV can be a difficult experience if you don't know what to look for. All the specs and acronyms can get overwhelming and, without someone right there beside you when you're shopping, you might be worried that salespeople don't have your best interest at heart.

Here are the things you should consider:

The space where the TV is to be placed

Do you have a TV Space in your room? How large or small is it? You do not want to buy a TV only to return it because the space is too small or too big for it to fit. Measure the space and determine the size of the screen that you need.

Calculating your TV size is less complicated than you might think. A TV's size refers to its diagonal length, which comes from measuring from the upper left-hand corner of the actual TV screen to the lower right-hand corner. Most are expressed in inches.

The size of the TV

TVs come in various sizes, but experts recommend selecting the largest size your budget allows. If you are considering getting a TV that's 75 inches or more, there's something you should know.

According to Samsung Internal Research, a major reason for purchasing new TVs is the demand for bigger screens. And that even after purchase, satisfaction remains very high. So, has there been a particular screen size that's been on your mind? Then, now's the time to go big and never look back.

The viewing distances

TVs are marketed based on the diagonal measurement of the screen. When measuring a TV for your space, always take into account the bezel and stand or mount.

Divide your viewing distance by two to get an ideal screen size for your space. The best and most immersive viewing experience is when 40 degrees of your field of view is taken up by the screen. This field of view distance can be calculated by just knowing the size of your TV. To get this suitable distance, multiply the screen size by 1.2. So for a 75-inch TV, that means sitting 90 inches, or 2.3 meters away.

The brand

There are numerous TV brands in the market, but it's essential to avoid lesser-known brands and opt for reputable ones like Samsung. Choosing well-known brands provides a sense of ownership and prestige, along with the assurance of warranties and product durability.

The resolutions

The general rule of thumb is that as the screen size increases, so should the total pixel count or resolution. The better the resolution, the more you see the image instead of the pixels. This is why when you buy a big-screen TV it is highly recommended to go with a high-resolution picture quality like 4K.

On Thursday the finance bill 2024 sailed through in parliament despite rejection from many Kenyans.

Out of 349 members of the national assembly 204 members voted yes with 115 voting no and 30 giving it a wide berth.

Among the 204 Mps who supported the bill was Kinango Mp Gonzi Rai.

The seasoned politician has now come out to explain to his constituents and Kenyans at large on why he supported the bill.

Addressing a meeting in his constituency, Rai argued that once the bill goes through and approved his constituents stand to benefit from many projects by the government.

"This bill has brought alot of problems countrywide. Many Kenyans are complaining that the cost of living has risen but until when will we complain, we need to find ways of finding food to our tables." argued Rai.

Adding " Before going to parliament to vote, I had the opportunity of meeting the president and he explained to me some of the plans in store which will be made possible through this bill. We have two pending roads in our constituency which have been very controversial , Kwale -  Kinango road and the Kinango - Mariakani road all these will be completed in a months time through this plan, the president also promised me that the government will construct the Mwangulu - Kinango road."

The Mp called on his constituents to read the bill carefully and avoid being 'misled'

"Sometimes we have to make tough decisions. Through this bill we will have electricity in each area of our constituency. Do not listen to those wo want us to oppose it yet there areas are developed, they have roads and electricity."

Mombasa Walk Movement founder Idris Abdirahman has finally revealed that he will be vying for the Nyali Parliamentary seat.

The revelation brings to an end the ongoing on whether the former army man is eyeing a political seat.

Critics have been arguing that Idris who once served as the ODM Party Raila Odinga's personal assistant is using the walk movement for political gain ahead of the 2027 election.

Idris made the revelation on Saturday after meeting Odinga in Nairobi.

"Today, I visited my mentor, Baba the Enigma, to seek his blessings and advice as I prepare to run for the Nyali MP seat in 2027. He reminded me of the unwavering importance of putting the needs of the people first and remaining true to my word, principles that have always been at the heart of his leadership. said Idris.

Adding " His guidance has reaffirmed my commitment to serve with integrity and dedication. With his blessings, I am more motivated than ever to work tirelessly for the people of Nyali, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs met.The people of Nyali , I hereby come to serve you , Tutembee Pamoja."

Mombasa businessman and a relative of former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Said Abdallah is also eyeing the seat currently being held by Mohammed Ali.

Abdallah vied for the seat in the last election on an ODM ticket but lost to Ali.

The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) has condemned the arrest of content creators covering protests against the contentious Finance Bill, 2024.

Expressing dismay over the incidents, BAKE demanded the release of all content creators currently being held by the police.

BAKE Chairman Kennedy Kachwanya termed the action by police a blatant disregard for the law and a worrying attempt to stifle freedom of expression.

"The Kenyan Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions and to receive and impart information without interference. The recent arrests create a chilling effect on free speech, sending a message to all Kenyans that critical voices will be silenced." said Kachwanya.

"Content creator @_CrazyNairobian was arrested on Friday and it is unclear where he is being held and the reason for his arrest. We urge the Kenyan government to uphold the law and ensure that those arrested are afforded their right to a fair trial. We also have information that the Government plans to arrest more content creators for their role in the recent protests against the Finance Bill 2024."

BAKE further called upon the Government to ensure that no content creators or any Kenyan for that matter will be arrested for expressing their opinion online or for supporting a protest.

"Kenya has a documented history of being a champion of free speech in Africa. These recent actions threaten to undermine that reputation. We urge the Kenyan government to live up to its commitments and ensure a free and open society for all."