President Uhuru Kenyatta has tasked new General Service Unit (GSU) officers joining the National Police Service to serve the country with courage, integrity and discipline.

The President urged the new officers to uphold the law and abide by the rules and regulations of the service while safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Kenyans.

“To serve successfully you must uphold the law, abide by all applicable rules and regulations, follow the orders of your superior officers and above all, commit to serving this nation with courage, integrity, discipline and honour.

“As custodians of public safety and our internal security, you are the watchers on the wall who safeguard our rights, freedoms and our way of life. You must live true to the oath you have taken and at all times, whether on duty or otherwise, be model officers whom others will emulate,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State spoke on Wednesday at the National Police College Embakasi B Campus in Nairobi County where he presided over the 48^th passing-out-parade of the General Service Unit (GSU).

President Kenyatta commended the GSU’s reputation for bravery, excellence and unfailing commitment to duty, advising the 2,502 new officers to embrace discipline and talk to their seniors whenever faced with problems instead of engaging in acts of lawlessness and despair.

Acknowledging that the officers are joining the security sector at a time when the society at large is experiencing significant transformation and advancements in technology and external cultural influences, President Kenyatta asked them to adapt to the dynamic security environment.

“You will, therefore, be required to operate in an environment that is quite distinct from that which prevailed at the beginning of this century. The needs and expectations of Kenyans have also increased, particularly since the promulgation of the new Constitution in the year 2010,” the President said.

Once again, President Kenyatta reiterated the Government's commitment to ongoing transformation of the police service into a modern 21^st Century law enforcement agency.

The President said the Government had prioritized enhancement of human resources and equipment so as to enable the police service to effectively play its role of securing the country.

“…strengthening of the security sector has been a major priority of my administration’s agenda.

“To achieve this objective, in addition to adopting new training curricula and equipping our force with modern weaponry and equipment like armoured personnel carriers and surveillance equipment, we have also taken steps to boost service delivery and efficiency at work,” the President said.

On police welfare, the President said the Government was implementing a comprehensive medical insurance cover for officers and their families.

Similarly, President Kenyatta said the Government had reformed police housing by among other interventions allowing officers to rent houses outside their stations.

“These and other welfare and benefit initiatives have ensured the nation of Kenya is taking better care of those who take care of us,” President Kenyatta said.

Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang'i thanked President Kenyatta for his visionary leadership that has ensured significant investment in the security sector leading to better services to Kenyans.

“With the work that has happened in this sector thanks to your solid leadership and the investments that you have made, we are stronger, better and much more prepared to deal with the challenges ahead,” Dr Matiang'i said.

Other speakers included Inspector General of Police Service Hilary Mutyambai and his deputy Edward Mbugua.

Online video sharing and social media platform YouTube has announced the top 10 watched music videos by Kenyans in 2021.

The list which has new entrants reveals popular music videos uploaded and watched by Kenyans on YouTube.

Among those who registered the highest growth rate in subscriber numbers during the year and emerged as top creators and breakout creators are TT Comedian, Mungai Eve, Thee Pluto, and Terence Creative.

Below is a list of the most watched music videos by Kenyans in 2021, according to Youtube.

1.Zuchu – Sukari

2.Mbosso Ft Diamond - Baikoko

3. Otile Brown X Jovial – Such Kinda Love

4. Willy Paul X Miss P – Liar

5. Krispah, Kaligraph Jones & Boutross- Ndovu Ni Kuu

6. Joefes, Mejja & Mbuzi Ganga – Shamra Shamr

7. Zuchu – Nyumba Ndogo

8. Mbosso – Yalah

9. Chike & Simi – Running

10. Rose Muhando – Wanyamazishe

Former Baraka fm reporter Brian Osweta has joined the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

Osweta who also worked for Nation Media group before joining BBC took to social media to make the announcement.

"His Grace has, is and will always be sufficient for me. Thank you Jesus! You deserve all the Glory! Truly, it has been a year of Great Expansion!" he stated.

The announcement came just one day after he revealed his exit from Nation where he worked as a data journalist at the data journalism desk.

"I am extremely grateful to Nation for all the opportunities, and growth I have experienced during my time here (it truly is one of the best training grounds for journalists). "Today, one year later, I leave well-equipped and prepared to face my next assignment," read his message.

The talented journalist was awarded the coveted Chevening Scholarship to study a Masters in International Journalism at Cardiff University, for the year 2018/2019. 

Kenya's fast rising sensation Alma continues to usher in new music with the release of her latest single “No DNA” via her management Digital Underground Africa.

Her mesmerizing rap skills and lyrics are brought to life in the accompanying visual, directed by Qubic of Frames Avenue. 

Watch the video https://youtu.be/2vfTMNXDt_k

The song was written by Alma Ndila and produced by Roy (Roy Studios) .

The new track showcases Alma's multi-faceted artistry, with her immersive, visually stunning video and soaring, dynamic voice and is available on all digital platforms. 

She most recently released Sinanga Stress off her Money Maker and has also featured various artistes in her works.

Mvita member of Parliament Abdulswamad Nassir has urged Mombasa residents to shun away from politicians spreading hatred and violence in their campaigns.

The legislature said that Mombasa is a cosmopolitan city with people from all the 45 tribes of Kenya working and living harmoniously with each other.

He called on the people not to allow politics to divide them and ruin the peaceful coexistence that they have enjoyed over the years.

Nassir who was speaking in Mwembe tayari area within his Mvita sub-county during his meet the people tour as he drummed up his campaign to succeed outgoing Mombasa governor Hassan Joho at the helm of the county, asked residents to maintain peace as the country heads to the polls.

“We are saying as Mombasa people that the politics of insults and violence witnessed in other parts of the county will not be accepted here, all tribes of Kenya living and working here have coexisted peacefully and we will not allow politics to divide us,” said Nassir.

He called on Mvita residents to embrace his opponents as they come to campaign stating that maintaining peace was of the essence as the country approaches the 2022 general elections.

The Mp further called on all those campaigning to keep off from hurling insults inciting the public to fight stating that such kind of politics was of no good to the people.

 “We are selling our agenda peacefully without hatred and violence, we are selling our agenda by telling the people what we have done for them, our track record speaks volume,” said Nassir.

Nassir also exuded confidence that he will become the second governor of Mombasa next year stating that he has done a lot for the people.

“God willing next year I shall become the second governor of Mombasa, the work that I have put both in side and outside parliament can be seen by all, I am tried and tested,” said Nassir.

The Mp who is eying to capture the seat on an ODM party ticket, will however have to battle it out with his political nemesis businessman-cum-politician Suleiman Shahbal who is also eying the party ticket to succeed Joho.

The two will also face off with current deputy governor Dr. William Kingi in the ODM nominations after he also expressed interest to take over from his boss.

KTN Presenter Jamal Gaddafi has declared his interest to vie for the Malindi parliamentary seat in the next polls, 2022.

Addressing members of the press in Malindi town, flanked by his father and political activist Jamal Sheikh, Jamal revealed that he will be vying on an ODM ticket.

Jamal who rose to fame after winning KTN's reality show "The Presenter' said he is confident of emerging the winner in the party primaries calling on his rivals to prepare for a fierce political battle.

He joins a list of several individuals who have also come out to declare their interests for the seat currently held by Aisha Jumwa who has so far declared his interest for the Kilifi gubernatorial seat.

Others who are also eyeing the seat includes former Malindi MP William Mtengo, former Coast Water Works Development Agency board member Amina Mnyanzi , Kenneth Karisa Mulewa  and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Sports Officer Lenox Safari Pande who will contest the seat on ODM Party and Aisha Jumwa's political strategist Amir Mangisi.

Ten companies from across Africa are embarking on a scale-up project which offers a unique opportunity for mature, highly scaled digital ventures to further their expansion plans through an initiative with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and CNN International Commercial (CNNIC).

Following the launch of a partnership between Afreximbank and CNNIC last year, the two organizations have identified and selected businesses from across Africa that have demonstrated an ability to alter industries with new and scalable business models and to transform them into high-growth ventures that are poised for international expansion.

Representing various industry sectors including agriculture, healthcare, logistics and retail, the selected businesses are Aerobotics, Afrikea, Apollo Agriculture, Farmcrowdy, Kobo360, MFS Africa, mPharma, Sokowatch, SunCulture and Trella.

Through the scale-up initiative, these companies are being connected by Afreximbank and CNNIC with access to new partners, markets and financing that can help drive their businesses forward, particularly with intra-Africa trad

Afreximbank, through its trade-enabling facilities and regional reach, is also working directly with the companies to unlock opportunities that facilitate growth not only for each venture but also for the network of tens of thousands of small and medium-sized African businesses that are connected to and enabled by these ventures to participate in international trade.

The ten companies came together during the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) to take part in a networking event hosted by Afreximbank and CNNIC and attend a roundtable discussion about ‘Africa’s Next Billion-Dollar Business’ with some of Africa’s leading business executives. During the IATF, CNN’s in-house global brand studio Create will produce a branded content series highlighting the companies, their founders and their mission.

These films, articles, and visuals will be housed on a dedicated digital page on CNN.com, which will be promoted to target audiences and on social media so that a worldwide audience can learn about African ingenuity, the ingredients for entrepreneurial success, transforming business ideas into highly scaled enterprises and the role of networks and partners like Afreximbank in driving rapid growth.

“This is such a positive initiative because it is forging valuable connections that will help ten exciting companies fuel their growth and trade across Africa. Our partners at Afreximbank have been integral in facilitating this alongside our own dedicated team. It’s a unique collaboration that combines our respective and complementary business expertise, high-quality branded content production and media amplification,” Rob Bradley, Senior Vice President, CNN International Commercial.

Adding “I’m looking forward to the stories of innovation, ambition and intent that will come from the material captured at IATF and then sharing this great branded content with CNN’s global audience.”

Professor Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, added: “African entrepreneurship is long overdue its recognition and engagement from the global audience, not only for its innovation and dynamism but also for its unmatched growth potential. I am confident that each of these businesses represents a narrative of Africa’s promise and through our partnership with CNNIC, we will see this promise truly showcased. We believe in these businesses, not only as future pan-African successes but also as future globally recognized market leaders”.

Pomp and colour marked the seventh annual Mombasa Business Awards on Friday evening at the magnificent Jumeirah Beach Front Hotel in Nyali.

The event attended by several dignitaries led by Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho saw different institutions, companies and individuals being awarded for their exemplary work.

The awards, which did not happen last year because of Covid-19 pandemic, recognized 24 companies that reacted quickly and strongly to the pandemic to survive and indeed thrive. 

Other guests present included; Kenya Chambers of Commerce and Industry Mombasa chapter chair Mustafa Ramadhan, KNCCI Mombasa CEO James Kitavi, Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir, Jomvu MP Badi Twalib and Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal.

In his speech Governor Joho challenged businesses to be innovative to stay afloat during this time of the pandemic.

On their part, members of the business community called for a peaceful electioneering process as the country heads towards the 2022 general elections.

The Winner

Award for the Best Small Business

Jonstac Supplies and Enterprise

The Winner for

Award for the Best Medium Business

Damac Properties (K)Limited

The Winner for

Award for the Best use of Technology

I Spy Africa

The Winner for

Award for the Most Preferred Micro Finance Institution

Bandari Sacco

The Winner for

Award for Women in Business

Alice Wahome – Shikara Properties

The Winner for

Award for the Best use of Social Media

Premier Hospital

The Winner for

Award for Best Service in Tourism and Hospitality

Serena Beach Hotel and Spa

The Winner for

Award for SACCO of the Year

StimaDT Sacco

The Winner for

Award for the Best Corporate Citizenship

Mombasa Maize Millers

The Winner for

Award for the Business Enabler of the Year

Kenya Ports Authority

The Winner for

Award for Decade of Excellence in Business

Mombasa Cement

The Winner for

Award for the Most Improved County Department

Dept. of Trade Tourism and Investment

The Winner for

Award for the Most Preferred Training Institution

University of Nairobi- Mombasa Campus

The Winner for

Award for the Outstanding Community Service

Mombasa Cement

The Winner for

Award for the most Preferred Banking Institution

Stanbic Bank

The Winner for

Award for the Best Growth Strategy

Innovus Group

The Winner for

Award For the most Preferred Transport Company

Sidoman Investment

The Winner for

Customer Focus Award

Kitui Flour Mills

The Winner for

Award for Best Real Estate Developer

Fairdeal Properties

The Winner for

Award for the most Promising startup company

Baus Taka Enterprise

The Winner for

Award For the New Business of the year

Kenya Conference Solutions

The Winner for

Award for the Best Business Leader

Hasu Patel- Mombasa Cement

The Winner for

Award for the Most Innovative Tech Startup

StockApp Limited

The Winner for

Award for the Bet Car Dealer in Mombasa

Khushi Motors Limited

Celebrated style icon and all-rounded Kenyan entertainer Chimano, widely known as a singer and performer of the Grammy-certified Kenyan music group Sauti Sol, has today released his debut solo single and music video for  “Friday Feeling.”

An elated Chimano shares, “It’s the first time I am actually putting my creativity to the test by myself and I am serving realness as we all should”. The feel-good freedom song produced by DTX was co-written by Chimano, Don Ngatia and Bensoul.

“Friday Feeling” is the first single off his upcoming EP titled HEAVY IS THE CROWN, expected to be released in early 2022.

It's exhilarating music video brings back the life of the ballroom culture, known to have supported underground LGBTQ leading to a competitive subculture in either walking or dancing for prized trophies.

Watch "Friday Feeling" on YouTube

Ahead of the release, Chimano shares, “Going out and having fun shouldn't be an uphill task because you immediately start thinking of the inhibitions that may affect you. ‘Friday Feeling’ is about embracing your body, your outfit, your crew and your hard earned money. This song is about having a good time and in my case a good ass queer time. It's a feeling of freedom. Do you, be extra, be alive and free! That’s Friday Feeling!”

The retro-themed, synth pop track is a reflection of the upcoming EP’s overall theme. Chimano expounds, “The 80s were an era where fashion, culture and music meant alot to me and the sounds of that era have a lot to do with my inspirations.” 

The 7-track HEAVY IS THE CROWN EP is the beginning of a new chapter for Chimano.

Get ready for the funk, soul, richness and diversity of Chimano’s HEAVY IS THE CROWN upcoming body of work, with epic visuals, art direction and lyrics about self-acceptance, love, freedom, redemption and gratitude. It’s a risqué EP that challenges toxic masculinity, prejudices and hypocrisy. Chimano sums up, “I have fully started to express myself and deep down for me this is an expression of happiness and freedom.”