Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has announced he will not be contesting for  any political seat in 2022  general elections.

The outgoing governor took time to recite a last prayer farewell to the elderly who he said have held his hand during his political journey as an Mp and a governor.

"This is the last meeting with you as your governor, we have traveled this journey together, and it's my time to say thank you . I will miss you and Mombasa politics dearly but I believe we will still be meeting and seeking your advises as I have always done, God willing" said Joho during a meeting he had convened with the over 5,000 elders from across the county at Shaikh Khalifa Hall,in Bombolulu Mombasa.

Joho said that he had to shelve his presidential ambition for Odinga so that he can pave the way for him in 2027 after Odinga completes his term.

"I have shelved my presidential ambition for now, because I have a father who is Raila Odinga, because we want him to pave the way for us to have a smooth ride in 2027 with Odinga blessings,” said Joho.

Joho, who held his last meeting with Mombasa elders on Sunday, asked them to support Odinga presidential bid, saying the region will benefit on matters of historical land injustices and economically.

He also revealed that he will soon be meeting the youths and Women from the county to also thank them for their support towards him and bid them farewell as he finishes his term as the Governor of Mombasa.

"We know where we are heading, and we don't blindly follow Odinga,it's because we support what he agitates for, and therefore we should not abandon him during this time Odinga is on the verge of capturing the presidency,” said Joho.

ODM leader Raila Odinga promised to work with Governor Hassan Joho when he exits Mombasa governor position. He also failed to endorse Mvita Mp Abdulswamand Nassir for the post of Mombasa governor saying the people will decide.

Mvita Mp Abdulswamand Nassir backed the Azimio Movement saying the unity front will benefit the coastal region both economically and politically.

Nassir asked Odinga to back his gubernatorial aspiration, so that the ODM party can produce another gubernatorial voice after the exit of Joho.

"Many think that Odinga is in government due to the handshake, but Odinga has demonstrated that he values the economic turmoil the coastal region had faced, and called on Odinga to return the lost economic glory of the coastal region.

Likoni Mp Mishi Mboko asked coastal leaders to back Odinga does that after finishing his term can hand over the mantle of presidential party ticket to Mombasa governor Hassan Joho.

"If you continue working with Hassan Joho,the coast will stand firm with you, because Joho has demonstrated himself as a force to reckon in the coastal region," Mboko told a gathering at the Shaikh Khalifa Hall meeting.

Mboko said the Coast has reaped most for standing on the camp of Odinga and hopes after winning the presidency in 222, the regional will be part of the government

"We have tried several times to support Odinga to win presidency, but all that has not bore fruits, but with the handshake and with presidential backing in place, we are hopeful that he will win presidency in 2022,"Mboko said.

Mboko also backed Mvita Mp Abdulswamand Nassir for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat in 2022 saying the Mp has demonstrated loyalty to the party and to Odinga as a person.

Mombasa senator Mohamed Faki said  the coast will continue  to support Odinga presidential ambition  ahead of 2022 presidential contest as he is the only one who has demonstrated strength to be the president.

"We have benefitted from many projects, especially infrastructure and we should not leave Odinga during this time he is on the verge of winning presidency, “said Faki.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib proposed that should Odinga form the next government, to fact in paying the nyumba Kumi and village elders countrywide.

"Just the way Odinga has proposed a social protection program for sh 6,000 monthly we also ask him, if he forms the next government to factor paying all village elders in the country,” said Twalib.

Odinga was accompanied by Mombasa women rep Aisha Hussein, Likoni Mp Mishi Mboko, Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib,Mvita Mp Abdulswamand Nassir, Mombasa governor Hassan Joho among several county assembly members.

The race for Mombasa Senator in next year’s General Election continues to gain momentum as businessman Hisham Mwidau declared interest in the seat.

Mwidau will be vying for the seat on an ODM ticket. He will have to face the current Senator Mohammed Faki for nomination on the ODM party.

Addressing a group of journalists, Mwidau said he is confident of winning the party nomination and emerge as the party candidate for the seat.

"I believe in ODM thats why I will be vying for the Senate seat through the party. I'm among the founders of the party and was once a member of the national executive committee (NEC) so I know the party well" said Mwidau. 

In 2017 Mwidau also presented himself for the seat but lost to the incumbent Mohammed Faki in the ODM primaries. In 2002 he also unsuccessful vied for the Likoni parliamentary seat but lost to the late Masoud Mwahima.

"The current status of our county Mombasa is not good and if we dont speak then it will move from HDU to ICU. I present myself as the voice of the people of Mombasa, to me I believe this is a calling and I have no otherwise" he noted.

Hamis Mwaguya, a close ally of Governor Hassan Joho is also eyeing the seat on an UDA ticket.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2543-joho-s-advisor-mwaguya-joins-uda

Kenya begun well for the title defence in day one of the Mombasa Open Tong IL Moo Do international Martial arts championship after grabbing early lead in the world event staged at the Aga Khan academy hall on  Saturday.

Kenyas Festus Baraka and Edwin Musungu booked their slot in quarters finals of the sparing competition putting Kenya in a good position to win first gold medals tomorrow.

Musungi was the first to win quarter final match of the sparing competition after beating Suleiman Hamadi in an all Kenyan affair fight while Philippines Raymark Bais beat Asega Yitayih Mihret of Ethiopia.

Baraka will now face off with Philippines Raymark Bais in the semifinals while Musungu will face off with Luckson Miti of Zambia the the same category.

In other competitions, Samson Mambo and Andrew Wanje scooped 9 and 8.8 points respectfully to grab position one and two, in the first round of  individual forms category beating Nigeria's Ogene Godwin who came slightly third with 8.7  points.

Similar performance was replicated Individual forms kids category by Kenyans Gidieon Bwire who won round one by garnering 6.9 points ahead of David Mwangi with 6.5 points while Josephat clement came third with 6.1 points.

This sets stage for a tough duel in round two of the categories which will be played t the same Venue tomorrow.

Kenya seeks to retain it's title for the 9 the time in a row in the two days competition set to end on Sunday .

Kenya Tong IL Moo Do federation president Grandmaster Clarence Mwakio expressed his hopes that the Kenyan team will reign despite the tough competition from rival opponents.

"We are hoping team Kenya will defend the tittle,because they are the majority and they have trained hard for the competition,"said Mwakio who hinted that Kenya may take part in the 2028 Olympics if the sport is adopted in the Olympics.

Atleast 16 teams from various parts of the globe are taking part in the annual event that culminates tomorrow with awarding of medals to winners by the world Tong IL Moo Do federation.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has underscored the importance of shipbuilding to the manufacturing pillar of the country's Big 4 development blueprint saying the activity will help unlock the country's immense ocean and blue economy potential.

“The direct, indirect and induced impacts of the Mombasa Shipyard will create many jobs, generate diverse investment opportunities and raise revenue for the country.

“The key sub-sectors of the blue economy, which include maritime transport and logistics, fisheries, as well as ship-building and repair, represent low hanging fruits that must be exploited,” the President said.

The Head of State spoke on Friday in Mombasa County where he commissioned the 4000-ton Kenya Shipyards Limited’s Mombasa Shipyard at the Kenya Navy Base in Mtongwe, Mombasa County.

At the military event, also attended by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the President said the new shipyard heralds a new chapter in East Africa's shipbuilding industry noting that the slipway will generate hundreds of new high-value jobs.

He said the new shipyard, the largest in the region, will be able to serve public and private commercial shipping needs by designing and building new vessels, undertaking repairs among other specialised maritime services.

At the same time, the President expressed concern over hurdles that still hinder the potential to leverage the sector for the country’s benefit including failure to keep abreast with changes in emerging markets.

“This untenable situation, quite apart from rendering us regionally and globally uncompetitive, locks our people out from exploiting and benefiting from this sector.

“This is the case even where we have historical and contemporary competencies; which have been left idle to our detriment,” President Kenyatta regretted. 

In this regard, the President directed responsible state agencies to formulate a comprehensive national training program designed that will produce 4,000 qualified seafarers.

Further, the Head of State called for the setting up of an open ship register, ship repair and building incentives, a bunkering and chandelling package as well as the exploration of fiscal possibilities of zero rating taxation on imported fishing vessels.

To maximize economic benefits of the Mombasa Shipyard, the President urged coastal county governments to draw up strategies for strengthening commercial maritime activities such as fishing, tourism and transport.

“By so doing, it will be possible to unlock the enormous business potential that abounds within Kenya’s territorial waters and the coastal strip,” he said.

On its part, President Kenyatta said the national Government will continue to collaborate with stakeholders including foreign governments in the sustainable use of the Kenya's ocean and blue economy resources.

“With high quality facilities in Kisumu and Mombasa, I urge Kenyans to fully utilize them (shipyards) to repair, maintain and service their boats; and also to construct new ships and boats locally,” the Head of State said.

In his address, Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa said the commissioning of the Mombasa Shipyard is a major milestone in the operationalization of the Kenya Shipyards Limited which has a similar facility on Lake Victoria in Kisumu County.

“Once operational, the shipyard will help to unlock business and economic opportunities within the coastal region and the country as a whole,” CS Wamalwa said.

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Robert Kibochi said one of the most important benefits of the Mombasa Shipyard is skills transfer.

“We have currently trained close to 150 specialized teams in various areas including specialized welding which is critical to shipbuilding and we look forward to start (ship) production at this particular facility,” Gen Kibochi said.

Several Coast leaders led by Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho and Mvita MP Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir attended the commission of the new shipyard.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged conservation sector stakeholders led by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to innovate new models of preserving Kenya's flora and fauna resources.

The President said the new approaches must align with the changing socioeconomic and environmental realities such as climate change and the ballooning human population.

“We really need to think out of the box to know how we will be able, with such growing population, to take care of this magnificent beauty that has been inherited from our forefathers.

“We need to really think imaginatively how we will do it and how we will ensure that future generations are able to live side by side with nature and with our wildlife as we have done,” the President said.

President Kenyatta, who spoke on Thursday during celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of Nairobi National Park, said Kenya needs to find innovative ways of balancing her socioeconomic aspirations with the country's ambitious conservation agenda.

At the same time, the President reiterated Government's commitment to the conservation of Kenya's wildlife heritage saying it was the responsibility of the current generation to handover the resource to future generations.

“On this joyous occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our land and passing the same to future generations in pristine condition.

"Those that came before us made a deliberate choice to balance rapid social and economic development with conservation of our plant and animal life,” the President said.

The Head of State said Nairobi National Park was the only conservation area of its kind globally terming it an icon of the Nairobi Metropolitan area, and called on the wildlife ministry to craft a robust sustainability plan for the 31,000-acre conservation area.

The President said Kenya was determined to eradicate poaching noting that between 2020 and this year, the number of cases involving endangered species such as elephants and rhinos had dropped significantly.

“To give this quest greater impetus, and to enhance wildlife conservation and to address the emerging challenges, the ministry of tourism and wildlife, and KWS should use new innovations, use of technology and other innovative measures to address the wildlife challenges, particularly poaching.

"Adoption of technology and innovation will not only greatly improve efficiency and reduce cost; it will also provide an avenue for our local universities to contribute to this noble campaign,” the President proposed.

As part of the new conservation approaches, the President challenged sector stakeholders led by the ministry of tourism and wildlife to develop a recognition mechanism for conservation heroes, especially young and future conservationists.

In his speech Tourism CS Najib Balala thanked the President for his continued support for conservation programmes saying recent successes in stemming the poaching menace and other aspects were as a result of the growing Government investment in the sector.

"We treasure (Nairobi National Park) and we want to say thank you very much Mr President. You expanded more space for wildlife and gave us 2,000 additional acres to add to Nairobi National Park...That’s highly appreciated by all conservationists," CS Balala said.

Leading automotive company Toyota Kenya adds to their assembly lines with the Hiace CKD line at the Associated Vehicle Assemblers Mombasa.

The Automotive sector aims to grow its share of the GDP from 9.2 percent to 15 percent by 2022, in line with the ''Buy Kenya Build Kenya'' policy.

"The Hiace CKD assembly line is very instrumental as it demonstrates our commitment to growing the automotive sector and increasing assembled models from 4-10." Said Mr. Arvinder Reel, Toyota Kenya Managing Director.

Adding " Over time, the local assembly will provide opportunities for the localization of components used in the assembly of vehicles. This will further develop the local content supply chain through the manufacturing of local parts. In addition, it will offer technology transfer and skills upgrade for local technical staff in line with Toyota best practices."

The addition of the Hiace assembly line at AVA further entrenches Toyota Kenya’s commitment to supporting the growth of the manufacturing sector, one of the key pillars under the National Government’s Big Four Agenda.

The auto industry firm already assembles 200 Hino trucks, 1,200 Hilux pick-ups, and 700 Land Cruiser pick-ups (currently used by the National Police Service and the Tour operators) annually.

Apart from assembling locally, Toyota Kenya has a network of over 31 authorized dealers and service centers across the country that ensure consumer vehicles get genuine spare parts and professional aftersales service for their vehicles.

To ensure consumers can drive brand new vehicles with ease the company has partnered with credible financial institutions to offer upto 95% for the Hiace.

By having the National Automotive Policy in place, the cost of brand-new vehicles will significantly go down. This will give many Kenyans an opportunity to own new vehicles. In addition, it will create more jobs through the increased local component manufacturing to support the assembly plants.

Speaking during the event held in Miritini, Industrialazation cabinet secretary Betty Maina lauded the company for coming up with the new assembly line saying the government is ready top support automobile manufacturers in the country.

"We therefore welcome Toyota Kenya’s decision to set up this assembly line, which comes two years after the introduction of the Hilux assembly line. We extend our full support to Toyota Kenya and automobile manufacturers in the country as we work towards driving Kenya into a fully industrialized economy." said CS Betty.

In July 2020, the Ministry issued the “Preferential Procurement Master Roll No. 1 of 2020” comprising 334 products locally made and Preferential Procurement Master Roll No.2 in August 2021 comprising 334 products locally made.

The Master Roll has automotive accessories included in the list of products. The procurement Master list was developed together with the private sector with a view of giving local manufacturers priority by Government Agencies during procurement.

The CS further challenged the industry players to take advantage of the government's goodwill and policies to ensure they fully invest in local manufacturing.

She noted "Besides, the Government is always willing to discuss and prioritize necessary support and incentives to enhance local industry competitiveness. But the industry is expected to reciprocate by investing in full automotive manufacturing; form joint ventures, train, and capacity build local SMEs to promote local content."

The United States became the latest country to make a debut in the ninth edition of the Mombasa open Tong IL Moo-Do Martial international arts championship slated for Mombasa over the weekend.

The new entrants’ snow makes this year’s competition as one of the competitive owing to the increase in foreign players in the competition to be staged at the Aga Khan Academy hall.

By Wednesday, teams from Thailand, Japan, Turkey,Nigeria,Iran,Korea,Zambia,Philippines,Ivory Coast,Burkina Faso,DRC,Ethiopia and Congo had landed on Mombasa and embarked on extensive training at the travelers beach.

“This is our first time sending a team into this competition and we are happy from the reception, the training. We feel safe and secure and we are enjoying the Kenyan delicacies ahead of the tourney, “said Nathaniel Nitro, a US instructor .

World Tong Il Moo Do Federation president grandmaster Takamitso Hoshiko lauded the Kenyan government for continuing to support the sport.Hoshiko anticipates a tough duel in the edition that will be held in line with covid-19 protocols.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/sports/item/2583-over-20-countries-to-participate-in-mombasa-open-tong-il-moo-do-tourney

Kenya National Team, Jasiri,is hoping to defend its title after retaining it for eight times in a row. Last year Kenya Bagged overall 104 medals during the international event held at Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa.

Team Kenya reigned in almost all the categories, harvesting 32 gold medals,31 silver and 41 Bronze,  way ahead of their perennial rivals,Philippines,who played second fiddle with overall 27 medals, after garnering 13 Gold,11 Silver and 3 Bronze medals.

Kenya Tong-IL-Moo-Do Federation Chairman Master Clarence Mwakio expressed hopes that team Kenya is intact and is high spirited for the tourney.The players will compete in sparring, special techniques and individual forms.

The official applauded the ministry of sports led by sports Cs Amb Amina Mohamed for ensuring funding for the team including training costs and player’s allowances.Kenyan team is composed of  50 players who include 14 female and 36 males.

“The tournament would not have been successful without the funding from the ministry through the sports fund, we want to promise all the players off their security, good accommodation as well,covid free competition,” said Mwakio.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday told a global summit that Kenya had adopted the e-citizen platform as a tool for promoting open governance by enhancing citizen participation in Government processes.

The President said the online platform provides access to a wide range of services including business registration, filing of taxes, processing births, marriages and death certificates among others.

“This has made access to Government services as well as service delivery cheaper, more inclusive, transparent and efficient,” President Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan Head of State's message was delivered through a video recording at this year's Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit hosted by President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea.

The OGP global summits provide an opportunity for participants including representatives of government and civil society to exchange experiences, best practices and progress on open government initiatives and implementation. The 2021 summit marked the 10th anniversary of OGP.

“When the Open Government Partnership was launched ten years ago, the goal was to renew democracy for and with citizens. This is critical because when our citizens demand progress and service, it is our duty as heads of states and government to respond in practical and concrete ways,” President Kenyatta said.
 
As part of broad government efforts to address corruption, President Kenyatta said Kenya had fully implemented a beneficial ownership register and put in place the legal and policy framework to support it.

“The register makes it possible for all stakeholders to establish the true beneficiaries of public funds which reduces opportunities for corruption in public procurement,” President Kenyatta said.

To further improve transparency in public procurement, President Kenyatta said he had directed all public institutions to publish details of announcement and award of government contracts.

He pointed out that Kenya’s commitment to open government is reflected both at the national and county levels noting that four of the country's 47 devolved units had joined the OGP initiative.

“In this context, the Nairobi County is implementing a national addressing system; and it is ensuring that civic engagement remains central to the naming and numbering of public spaces,” President Kenyatta said.

The President informed the summit that Kenya’s open governance efforts are anchored in the country's constitution which defines national values for the promotion of democratic governance, integrity, accountability, transparency and equal partnership in public governance.

“My administration has made significant progress in translating these values and principles into action as a means to achieving sustainable development,” President Kenyatta said.

The President said the African continent's future will be shaped by how well it embraces open governance principles largely driven by digital technologies.

“To achieve this, we need to improve access to digital technologies and broadband and expand civic engagement; while protecting the rights and privacy of citizens through responsible data protection policies,” he said.

The President noted that inclusive open government and democratic processes should include specific actions to support women as leaders and champions of reform.

Other Speakers at the global summit included US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President Emmanuel Macron of France and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari among others.

The Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology Nadia Abdhalla on Monday launched her book titled “Of Dreams and Whatever”.

The book was launched through an initiative called Kenya Ni Mimi, a programme which was launched in 2020 by His Excellency the president.

In an event that saw people coming with the strictly specified dress code colors, Abdhalla said that the book targets on reaching and empowering young girls, youths and women from marginalized communities across the country.

The event which happened on Abdhallas’ birthday date was graced by several dignitaries including Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology  Esther Kaimote, United Nation for Population Activities country representative Ademola Olajide, Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir, Government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna, Namibian youngest Mp Patience Masua, Tanzanian legislator Elibariki Kingu representing Singida West constituency among others.

From a young girl born and raised in Mombasa, Abdhalla has risen to become who she is today and proved that everyone can become who they want to be.

The youngest appointee to the CAS position said that “Of Dreams and Whatever” book targets to reach 500 girls across the country.

Through the Kenya Ni Mimi campaign, she started the Ndoto Halisi campaign which is a strategy to channel the different ideologies and different movements which young girls and women in Kenya can use and adopt in order for them to be empowered, represented and to be seen.

“The whole concept of the book is about ongoing memo about myself from when I was born in Mombasa up until where I am today, therefore to all girls, no matter where you are coming from, no matter what your family background is, if you really fuel your dream, empower yourself and have the right people,” she said.

Permanent Secretary of Information Communication and Technology in the department of Broadcasting and Telecommunication Esther Koimet said that through the department of youth’s affairs, the government will support youths to understand that their dreams are valid irrespective of the challenges.

“I want to encourage the youths and inform them that this country belongs to you, as we head to elections, be careful of the decisions that you will be making, ensure that you elect leaders that will give us political stability and a good environment,” she said.

UNFPA country representative Ademola Olajide said that the mandate of the body is working towards promoting gender equality.

Olajide said that women constitute of 50 percent of African population and give birth to 50 percent and that there is no economy that can optimize its potential if there no equality of gender

“UNFPA has been working with CAS Abdhalla  starting from her first project Kenya ni mimi to ensure that 13.7 million young people in Kenya take ownership of their own development agenda and actively participate in the development process,” he said.

He said that they are working with the government at all levels to ensure that the policy and the system creates equality.

There is an organization which has bought 500 copies of the “Of Dream and Whatever” books out of which 100 were distributed to girls during the launch of the book.

400 will be distributed in community libraries in Likoni and Old Town in Mombasa, Kibera and in Lamu.