Here is a plot for the long Easter weekend.

Bongo music sensation Mbosso is set to headline the Malindi Easter Festival which kicks on from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st at the Ocean Beach Resort and Spa, Malindi.

Mbosso who recently made headlines after sharing some photos of his new house is expected to thrill fans with most of hits like 'Nipepe', 'Nadekezwa' ,'Hodari', 'Tamu' among others.

He will be performing on Saturday. 

The festival will also saw performances from  some of the local artists like Susumila and some from Malindi.

Akothee organised a charity concert that will see all the proceeds channeled towards her feeding program.She is collecting funds to feed Kenyans dying of hunger in Turkana and other parts.

Several artists including Octopizzo, Khaligraph Jones, Victoria Kimani, Avril, Nameless,  Arrow Boy, Tony Nyadundo, Akothee among others performed at the show which was held at the Uhuru Gardens Yesterday.

Below are some photos from the show.

Victoria Kimani and Stella Mwangi have just dropped a new banger titled 'Number One'.

The song has been produced by TUC.

Listen  it below

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, through its Embassy in Nairobi, in cooperation with Kenyan Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife sponsored 100 Kenyan women to qualifying them for the hospitality and tourism sector under the training program dubbed “Empowering 100 Women Future Leaders In Hospitality Excellence.”

In compliance with the UAE Foreign Assistance Policy that steers exchange of knowledge and expertise, the 3-days event involved the participation of hospitality and Tourism trainers as well as experts from the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.

The aim of this program was to equip the participants with skills necessary to achieve excellence in the hospitality and Tourism sector that has an ever increasing client expectation.

The mode of delivery included case studies, best observed practises and scenarios while the topics of study included overview of the Kenyan hospitality and Tourism sector, food and beverage, role of technology in hospitality sector, communication and marketing skills and women leadership in the hospitality and tourism sector.

The program concluded with the awarding of certificates to the participants at a colorful graduation ceremony presided over by  Hon. Najib Balala,  Cabinet Secretary of Tourism and Wildlife, the UAE ambassador to Kenya  H.E  Khalid Khalifa Al Mu'alla, Mr. Hashim Mohamed -Principal and CEO Kenya Utalii College and other invited guests including Ambassadors and government officials.

 During his remarks Honourable Najib Balala highlights that, “Women are the epitome of leadership as they have proven to excel to unreachable heights time and time again.The introduction of the training program is a major boost to the tourism and hospitality sectors, not only in Kenya, but the world at large".

Adding "The skills that these women gain will enable them grow this industry, as they will be able to communicate and market the sector more effectively, thereby skyrocketing the economy of the country.”

In his speech the UAE Ambassador reiterated the important role played by Kenyan women in economic development of the country and noted that the training would go a long way in equipping the participants with the relevant skills to excel in the hospitality and tourism industry.

He went to state that the program was a reaffirmation of the UAE’s pledge towards the world, including through supporting research & development, training and education for achieving the sustainable development, with special focus on youth and women empowerment.”

H.E the Ambassador noted that Women and girls’ empowerment ranks high among the priorities of the UAE’s Foreign Assistance Policy 2017-2021 and it is also one of the strategic focus areas of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Towards this end  the UAE has  committed USD 50 million to the World Bank’s “Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative” (We-Fi), which aims to mobilize over USD 1 billion as finances for women entrepreneurs.

In addition, through the "1000 Leaders" initiative, the UAE will provide women with empowerment training and opportunity, honing their skills and capabilities to become leaders in various sectors of the economy.

The foreign assistance projects supporting this cause include: vocational training for women, and supporting female entrepreneurs in low and middle-income countries. The UAE is supporting more than 100 projects in women and child health sectors and countries that have benefited include Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. 

In Afghanistan for example, the UAE supports the Saffron industry whereby  women represent 80 percent of the production activities.

On  his part , Dr Scott Richardson, Executive Dean and Associate Professor of Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management said that  hospitality industry  plays an important role in the economic development of many countries and that he was optimistic that the training would benefit the Kenyan tourism sector.

Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi is delighted to announce the appointment of Mehdi Morad as General Manager and Country General Manager for Kenya.

Joining the team this month, Mehdi’s focus will be on strengthening the positioning of the hotel and driving operational performance and productivity.

Additionally, as the Country Manager for Kenya Mehdi will oversee the country operations for five properties including the Fairmont hotels, Mövenpick and ibis Styles brands as well as the opening of Pullman Nairobi later in the year.

With over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry across Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Mehdi has held senior managerial positions with leading hotel companies including Hyatt Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group, and Emaar Hospitality Group.

Mehdi has established a track record of delivering industry-leading innovation coupled with wide and varied experience across the hospitality industry which will be vital in driving the hotel’s growth and in delivering exceptional customer service standards. 

He was first appointed General Manager in 2010 at the Park Inn by Radisson Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Successive positions soon followed with the Radisson Hotel Group in Russia and Mauritius, with the latter as Cluster General Manager for two resort properties.

Prior to joining Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi, Mehdi was General Manager of the Address Boulevard Hotel in Dubai, overseeing the brand’s flagship hotel in the UAE.

Previously, Mehdi held senior positions in Operations, Revenue, and Sales & Marketing.

A Moroccan French national, Mehdi graduated from the University of Perpignan in France and holds a Master’s Degree in Tourism & Hospitality Administration and Communication.

Commenting on his new role, Mehdi says “It is a great honor to be part of Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi, a role I will enjoy as Mövenpick continues to grow and to deliver a unique style of hospitality to world-class standards across the continent”.

“I look forward to delivering our we make moments business philosophy to our guests.” He added.

Musician Akothee has yet gain turn into a topic of discussion, this is however due to her new look.

She took to social media to post her new photos yesterday as she was marking her birthday throwing netizens into a frenzy.

She also took a swipe at those who have been criticisng her looks 

"For those who ever commented that I am ugly , repent now , before I take your man home ?????? if this is what beauty is for you ???" she posted 

The party was also attended by her parents.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta today commended the progress being made by the government and its partners to ensure that Kenyans have access to affordable Healthcare services.

She said the reduction and in some cases total removal of fees in public health facilities, the ongoing infrastructural expansion, the government-sponsored National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), the free maternity cover and other interventions are all aimed at protecting Kenyans especially women, children and vulnerable communities.

The First Lady spoke at a Nairobi hotel when she presided over the launch of the Lancet Global Health Commission  on High Quality Health Systems Report in the Sustainable Development Goals Era. First Lady Margaret Kenyatta is a member of the commission.

She expressed concern over the disparities in the quality of healthcare services offered between public and private facilities and across regions saying the huge differences present a major challenge facing the country’s healthcare system.

The First Lady said there is need to focus attention on quality healthcare that all Kenyans can trust irrespective of the provider and their regions.

“We must begin to pay closer attention to quality care, and build resilient health systems that Kenyan’s can trust and have confidence, irrespective of the facility they visit,” she said.

She said poor health systems pose an impediment to the growing demands and expectations by Kenyans on their health needs.

According to the Lancet report, 52,000 deaths occurred in Kenya in 2016 due to poor quality health systems. Out of these deaths, 32,000 were attributed to lack of access to healthcare while the rest were occasioned by poor quality care.

The First Lady said recommendations by the the Lancet report are bound to accelerate the gains made by Kenya in achieving health related SDG 2030 targets because they emphasize on quality health services as  a “big win” strategy.

“We as a country have taken some steps towards enshrining the principle of patient-centred service in our healthcare systems through the Kenya Quality Models for Health guidelines developed in 2012, alongside the Joint Health Inspection Report both developed by the Ministry of Health,” the First Lady said.

Besides enhanced governance and re-organization of health services, the Lancet report calls for a people-centred modernized curricula for pre-service and in-service training of healthcare providers, system-wide actions and a system that listens and cares more.

The report also calls for a system that is more concerned with excellence and is responsive to the needs of the people it serves.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said quality healthcare is a right for every citizen and should not be perceived as a preserve of the rich and privileged Kenyans.

She said the recommendations by the Lancet report however require strategic investment from all health partners.

The First lady said the Lancet proposals resonate well with initiatives under her Beyond Zero Strategic Framework which lay emphasis on wellness and a people-centred approach in healthcare provision.

She congratulated the Lancet global Health Commission team of experts including those from the Harvard Medical School, the World Health Organization, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the Ministry of Health represented at the two-day conference by Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki.

Others who spoke at the high level event included the chair of the Lancet Global Health Commission of High Quality Health System Prof. Margaret Kruk, WHO representative in Kenya Dr Rudi Eggers, the Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Governors Mrs Jacqueline Mogeni and the Ag. Director General of Health Dr John Wekesa.

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho was among the vocal critics of President Kenyatta and his Jubilee administration, that was however before the now found unity between President Kenyatta and ODM Leader and Joho's boss Raila Odinga, the now famous handshake.

According to Joho, he used to look for every opportunity to tell the President and his government off, at times he used to sneak out of his house early morning go into hiding so as to avoid his close allies and handlers and attend the President's function to tell him off.

Things got worse that at one time the Governor was put under house arrest and prevented from attending a Presidential function in his own County, Mombasa.

Speaking during the official launch of the Embrace Women Building Bridge Movement, Joho narrated how he mastered the art.

The government of Mauritius has lifted a ban on several Kenyan farm produce as the two countries signed agreements to enhance trade between them.

The ban on avocadoes, baby carrots, baby beans and broccoli was lifted during bilateral talks between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his host Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.

The move by Mauritius comes less than six months after the Chinese government opened its doors to the Kenya's fresh produce. 

President Kenyatta said the lifting of the ban by Mauritius will help improve Kenya's export to the Indian Ocean Island country and is a major boost for horticultural farmers in the country especially women who are the majority in the sector. 

During the bilateral talks, President Kenyatta and PM Jugnauth witnessed the signing of several agreements including the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA); an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA); and an MOU on Cooperation for the Development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zone in Kenya. 

Other agreements were an MOU in the field of Tourism; an MOU in the field of Higher Education and Scientific Research and an MOU in the field of Arts and Culture. 

President Kenyatta said Kenya is bound to benefit immensely from the signed agreements and MOU’s as they would help the country achieve its development goals particularly in manufacturing and job creation. 

“Both countries can benefit from the proximity of each other to foster closer cooperation across many areas. I welcome the conclusion and signing of agreements in six areas during this state visit,” the President said. 

He pointed out that more bilateral engagements between Kenya and Mauritius will enhance existing cordial relations thereby increasing trade and investment opportunities.

The President said, several opportunities exist in trade and investment, financial services, agriculture, transport and communication, and in culture, education, tourism and research. 

He expressed gratitude that the inaugural Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) which was held in August 2018, has helped the two countries to deepen and enhance the scope of  bilateral engagements. 

President Kenyatta pointed out that Kenya and Mauritius are well placed to collaborate in championing the development of the blue economy since both countries are  littoral states with long coastlines. 

The Kenyan Head of State said there is need for the two countries to explore ways of enhancing cooperation in maritime transport by linking Port Louis to the Port of Mombasa as a catalyst for growing business and trade between Kenya and Mauritius. 

“Kenya is making good progress in developing the Port of Lamu as part of the Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport Corridor (LAPSSET) project, I look forward to Mauritius sharing in the dividends that will accrue from the transport infrastructure once it is complete,” President Kenyatta said. 

He invited Mauritian investors  to participate in the Special Economic Zones  which the government has  set up at the Port of Mombasa and within the Export Processing Zones.  

The President said collaboration in this area will be enhanced through sharing of best practices and in the development of an integrated regional value chain in the textile sector. 

President Kenyatta expressed gratitude on the signing of the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) and called on the parties concerned to ensure the necessary mechanisms are put in place to facilitate implementation of the Agreement.

The President called on the Mauritius government to partner with Kenya in combating transnational crimes  which are a threat to peace and  security in the Indian ocean. 

“As chair of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), Mauritius can help steward the regional fight against piracy, money laundering, and drug trafficking, which are threatening peace and security in the Indian Ocean,” said the President.

President Kenyatta said Kenya is committed to the realization of the goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, saying he looks forward to working closely with Mauritius and other African nations to advance the ongoing reforms of the continental body, to make it more responsive to Africa's deepest concerns.

He further requested Mauritius to support Kenya's bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2021 to 2022 at the elections to be held this year.

“Kenya’s desire to be a member of the Council emanates from a strong belief that our solid record of continued contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security stands us in good stead to shoulder this responsibility,” President Kenyatta. 

He said when elected, Kenya will strive to highlight common African Union positions and concerns within the security council, particularly as regards peace and security on the continent. 

Prime Minister Jugnauth thanked President Kenyatta for the historic visit which makes the Kenyan leader the first Kenyan President to visit Mauritius. 

“The presence of President Kenyatta testifies not only the sterling relations that Mauritius and Kenya enjoy, but more importantly constitutes a statement that our two nations are irreversibly locked in a mutually beneficial partnership,” said the Mauritius PM.

He said the six signed agreements are core instruments  for the promotion of greater economic cooperation and protection of investments between the two  countries.

The PM said the signing of the Agreement on Special Economic Zones will lead to the setting up of a conducive  frame work towards developing centres of global competitive production in Kenya.

He said as an economic power house in the East African region, Kenya is one of the main trading partners of Mauritius adding that President Kenyatta’s visit marks the beginning of a new era as the country prepares to start import Kenyan farm produce.

“Following our discussions Excellency, we are looking forward to see Kenyan avocadoes in our stalls,” the Prime Minister said.

President Kenyatta is accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Monica Juma (Foreign Affairs) and Prof. George Magoha ( Education) among other senior government officials.

HomeBoyz radio has suspend its presenter Didge over remarks he made concerning the brutal murder of Ivy Wangechi, a student at Moi University, Eldoret.

In a statement Homeboyz radio confirmed the immediate suspension of Didge who hosts the Mtaani show. The station also apologised on behalf of the presenter.

Didge had said in his how that Ivy was killed because she was unfaithful to the alleged killer identified as Naftali Njahi who is also said to be her lover.

“She died because she wasn’t loyal. That’s the truth.” said Didge.

It is still not yet clear why Ivy was killed though alot has been said concerning the murder.