The COVID-19 pandemic has refocused IT spending priorities for airlines and airports in 2020 as revenue plunged and the industry faced new health and operational requirements needed to keep flying.

Among the key findings from SITA’s 2020 Air Transport IT Insights, published today, was an accelerated investment in automated passenger processing focusing on touchless and mobile services. 

There was also a strong focus on virtual and remote IT services that allowed employees to work from home while ramping up communications with passengers. Cybersecurity and cloud services that helped automate operations and drive new efficiencies were key.

In 2020, SITA data showed that flight volumes plunged 44% year-on-year due to the pandemic. As a result of this impact on demand, IATA forecast the airline industry's full-year loss at $118 billion.

David Lavorel, CEO SITA AT AIRPORTS & BORDERS, said: "The severe slowdown in 2020 forced the air transport industry to focus on driving new cost efficiencies. Adding to the pressure, airlines and airports had to rapidly incorporate new health measures such as touchless passenger processing and the handling of new health information and protocols, including PCR testing in many destinations." 

Adding "To solve these challenges, the industry has turned to technology and, in many cases, reprioritized where they invested in 2020. The good news is that airlines and airports were able to capitalize on existing trends to automation and have made significant strides in implementing new solutions that will bring new improvements for the passenger now and into the future.” 

Data and automation are key  

Making the check-in process completely touchless is now the main priority for airports and airlines to help protect passengers and staff, improve the passenger experience, and drive efficiency. 

Biometric technology is the focus for airport investment with 64% of airports aiming to roll out self-boarding gates using biometric & ID documentation by 2023, three times as many as in 2020. 

Airlines have doubled implementations and plan to double investment for self-boarding using biometric & ID documentation by 2023 (82%).

Similarly, airlines are prioritizing a completely touchless check-in process, and most want mobile touchless payment options for all services provided.

The majority (79%), is focused on enabling self-bag drop for passengers. All essential customer services will become contactless from booking to arrival, including automated lounge access and mobile delayed baggage reporting.  

Airline mobile applications for passenger services is a priority with nearly all (97%) of airlines having major programs and R&D in place by 2023.

By 2023 the majority of airlines plan to send passengers real-time notifications on their mobile devices about their bags and plan to provide real-time bag-tracking information for staff. 

Virtual IT services   

In response to the pandemic, most airlines and airports are investing more in in-house virtual and remote IT services allowing employees to work in a more agile and effective way while speeding up communications with passengers.

Almost three-quarters of airports and airlines will continue to invest in data exchange, cloud services, cybersecurity, and business intelligence to accelerate their digital airport processes.

This includes increasing services on passenger mobile apps and ensuring staff services are accessible via mobile or tablets.  

The full report, including methodology and charts, can be found here.

Former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga will Sunday begin a six- day campaign blitz of the Coast region.

According to a source, Raila is expected to begin his tour in Taita Taveta county on Sunday before heading to Kwale on Monday.

On Tuesday, Raila is expected to tour Kilifi county which will be followed by Mombasa county on Wednesday.

According to the Programme the ODM leader will be in Tana River county on Thursday with the climax of his tour expected to be in Lamu county on Friday.

During the tour Raila will hold several rallies to campaigning for the BBI bill which has since been passed by over 40 counties, five of the six Coast counties, Mombasa, Kwale, Tana River, Taita Taveta and Lamu have already passed the bill

His tour comes just weeks after that of his political rival Deputy President William Ruto who toured Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa counties campaigning against the BBI.

The tour also comes at a time when some leaders from the region within ODM have been advocating for the formation of a Coast political party. Among those who have been on the forefront advocating for the Coast party is Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi.

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has however maintained that he seek an ODM ticket to run for the presidency in 2011.

Speaking on Wednesday in Nairobi, BBI secretariat co-chair Junet Mohammed said campaigns to to popularise the BBI will officially kick off next week.

Junet revealed that committees will be formed to spearhead the nationwide campaigns that will be led by “handshake” partners President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.

“We shall start the campaigns on March 1 and we shall have 10 committees that will spearhead the exercise across the country,” Junet said.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has said the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) constitutional reform process will better the business environment in the country.

The President said reform proposals such as the seven-year tax holiday proposed by the BBI will guarantee the survival of business start-ups in the country.

“In fact, the BBI initiative, which is about constitutional change and legislative change as well, will facilitate this process. Through the legislative aspect of BBI, we intend to provide a seven-year tax holiday for young entrepreneurs like the 750 grantees of this project,” President Kenyatta said.

He noted that the tax holiday will assist young entrepreneurs to plough back their profits into business and grow their enterprises.

“Instead of taking 1 billion shillings in taxes from the 250 young entrepreneurs in 7 years, we are proposing to have them retain this money and expand their endeavours,” the President said.

The Head of State spoke Wednesday at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani where he unveiled the 750 winners of the 'MbeleNaBiz' business plan competition and launched the 2020 to 2024 Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF) strategic plan.

The business plan competition is a component of the 1.3 billion World Bank funded Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP). KYEOP's objective is to create new and expand existing youth-led enterprises by providing them with grant financing and business training.

A total of 11,737 youth participated in the competition out which 750 emerged winners. From the winners, 250 participants were awarded grants of Shs 3.6 million while 500 were granted Shs 900,000 each.

On YEDF, the President said the Fund, which is one of the Government’s strategies to address youth unemployment through entrepreneurship has to-date supported 2 million youth with loans worth Shs13.5 billion.

He said the plan launched today will raise the revolving Fund from Shs 4.5 billion to Shs 5.5 billion and is expected to raise loans disbursement to Shs 16 billion in five years.

“I am pleased to note that the Fund has disbursed a total of Ksh. 501 million in loans since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Kenya. These loans have helped to sustain youth owned enterprises, thereby enabling them to diversify into new opportunities, and to maintain employees.

 “The plan we launch today aims to transform the Fund into an efficient and responsive entity that meets the needs of our young people. We consulted widely; we listened keenly; the plan is our attempt to align the work of the Fund with the expectations and aspirations of our young people.

President Kenyatta expressed optimism That YEDF, which also offers training to the youth on how to grow their businesses, will enable young entrepreneurs to recover from losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

World Bank Kenya Country Director Keith Hansen said the Kenyan economy has shown remarkable resilience in confronting the COVID-19 and thanked the Government for taking steps to manage the situation.

He expressed gratitude that 33 percent of the winners of the business plan competition are women noting that the enterprises which have a multiplier effect are a model to be utilized elsewhere in the world.

Other speaker were the ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs CS Joe Mucheru and Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry Nadia Abdala.

Education CS Prof George Magoha and his trade counterpart Betty Maina were among several senior Government officials at the event.

The 6 rebel Mombasa MCAs today made a U-turn and joined their colleagues in passing the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment),Bill 2020  (BBI) at the county assembly.

The MCAs allied to Deputy President William Ruto,said though the document has its flaws but majority of the residents have decided to support it.

The MCAs are Charles Kitula (Frere Town), Athman Shebe (Jomvu Kuu),Robert Nyiro (Bamburi), Faith Mwende (Kipevu), Mohammed Abrari (Kongowea)and Fahad Kassim (Mjambere).

"We are here to represent the voice of our people. Majority of the people support this initiative but have no faith and confidence with those campaigning for it, and those who will be tasked with implementing it" said Kitula.

 Kongowea MCA Mohammed Abrari said the bill has failed to address many issues facing the people of Mombasa including land and the blue economy.

"The document has failed to address most of the challenges that we face as the people of Mombasa. But all in all there is no document that is 100% right" he argued.

On her part Kipevu MCA Faith Mwende said the fact that more seats have bee allocated for Women in the BBI made her change her mind about the bill.

The bill was unanimously passed at the floor of the house with Airport MCA Ibrahim Omondi comparing it to a beautiful girl.

"BBI is just like a beautiful girl that has just been born in the village where all men want to be associated with. Who does not want a beautiful girl Mr speaker sir" argued Omondi.

Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki and former Mombasa mayor Ahmed Mohdhar were the special guests for the session which was chaired by speaker Aharub Khatri.

Nominated MCA Moses Aran who is representing said the BBI has put into consideration the challenges that the youth go through especially when it comes to business and tax saying it;s the only solution to the problems currently facing the youth.

Over 24 counties have since passed the BBI paving way for a referendum. 

Other counties that also passed the bill include Narok, Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, Lamu, Garissa, Taita Taveta, Nyamira, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Meru, Makueni, Murang'a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Machakos. Kwale, Migori, Kiambu and Bomet.

Tanzanian action-packed movie “Nyara” (Swahili for The Kidnapping) is set to premiere nationwide in Kenyan cinemas, starting 26^th February 2021.

The film distributed by Crimson Multimedia Ltd will be available to watch in the following cities and cinemas; in Nairobi at Prestige Cinema; Westgate Cinema, Anga Cinema (Diamond Plaza); Mega Cinema (Kisumu), Motion Cinema (Greenspan Mall)

In Mombasa the film will be available at Nyali Cinemax. "Nyara" is also set to screen in Uganda’s NuMax Cinema.

“Nyara” is the first feature film from the Tanzanian renowned production conglomerate Wanene Entertainment; East Africa’s first 360 degree content creation company.

It's a must-see on the big screen, being Tanzania’s first locally produced action film to be mixed in 5.1 (surround sound specifically mixed for cinema release). Nyara’s original soundtrack and cameo appearances include bongo stars: DJ Sinyorita, Chid Benz, Weusi and Chin Bees.

The film’s storyline follows the kidnapping of a 7 year old girl called Rehema; the daughter of a rich and successful businessman, Adam. An ex-military serial killer escapes prison without a trace and becomes the leader of a gang of notorious kidnappers in Dar es Salaam; they are responsible for kidnapping Rehema under gunpoint. 

Short on time, Adam approaches his sister-in-law Faith for help; she is the Head of Police Special Forces undercover unit. She recruits her well trusted, strong team of martial arts fighters,The Dragon Boys.

The character of chief investigator Faith is played by Rose Donatus Ndauka - one of Tanzania’s most popular leading actresses in the Bongo Movie scene; celebrated for her role in “Swahiba” (2007).

She portrays overwhelming talent and versatility, alongside the Kung-Fu Dragon Boys consisting of friends: Paul Peter, Baraka Singano, Jimmy Singano.

The trio decided to enter the field of Action Movies in 2012, after getting training from Denis Singano who features in “Nyara'' film as Freddie Ludewe, the escaped convict and gang leader.

In real life Denis is Baraka and Jimmy’s older brother.

Ahead of the film release in Kenya, director of “Nyara”, Ram Kasongo, says, “Nyara marks the beginning of a new era of possibilities for Bongo movies here in Tanzania. We are excited for Kenyans to experience our first commercial action film that is 100% a Tanzanian production, shot on location in Dar es Salaam."

Adding "All the stunts were done by the actors themselves and no stunt doubles were involved in the making of the film, and all the costume design, sets and VFX were done by a local team here in Tanzania.”

It took three years to complete the filming of “Nyara”. The director hopes that the cinema screenings in Kenya will encourage cross-collaborations between Kenya and Tanzania, as well as open doors for East African filmmakers to cross-over into international platforms and cinemas to further build both film and music industries.

Ram says, “The fact that “Nyara” is premiering nationwide in Kenya, opens doors to the wider global audience and this will additionally help promote Tanzanian talent in the arts,” .

Concluding, “Hopefully this will have a knock-on effect that can see us further develop local talent and produce better and more authentic content that represents the diaspora at large.”

The month of Love is upon us and in usual fashion, couples took time to express their love to their special ones in different ways.

This year was especially unique themed ‘’love in a pandemic ‘’ with the period that has been. However the city was awash with love in the air painting the entire country red for the weekend.

In line with the festivities, the fastest growing smartphone brand realme embarked on a drive to share the love through a campaign dubbed #DareToLove to get lucky couples to celebrate Valentine’s day the realme way.

The campaign sought to connect with customers providing an opportunity for them to interact with the brand which is keen on love as a pillar in creating memories.

Susan Karimi who came up with the most enticing #DaretoLove narrative bagged herself a dinner with her family at Kitisuru Manor all with the recently launched realme 7i.

“I’m so excited to have been selected the winner for the #DaretoLove campaign it really made my valentines extra special for my loved ones,” she said

Other lucky winners included Linda Lilly who clinched the realme 6, Andrew Mwalicha who won the realme C15 while Ashley Bakhoya, Maru-Viona, Derrick Muthanje, Duque Baraka all walked away with a realme band from their expressions of love for the #DaretoLove Campaign.

The smartphone manufacture has promised to sustain its growth in the Kenyan market with more new product releases for this year as it targets to strengthen its roots in Kenya’s smartphone market share.  

With its 2-year stint of operations in both high-end and mid-range smartphones the brand recognizes Kenya’s exclusive position as a regional nexus for smartphone technology and innovation and is keen to bring its global excellence in smartphone technology to Kenya with a range of products specifically designed to meet the leap-forward needs of young consumers.

The Coca-Cola Africa Operating Unit has appointed Debra Mallowah as the new Vice President for the East and Central Africa Franchise, effective February 15, 2021.

Debra will be taking over from Phillipine Mtikikiti who served as the Vice President & General Manager of the East and Central Africa Franchise since June 2019.

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has asked Kenyans to be careful over what he terms as politics of whipping up emotions being propagated by Deputy President William Ruto.

Speaking during the official launch of the Mombasa early childhood robotics programs at Buxton estate, Joho accused Ruto of being deceitful and trying to divide Kenyans, saying he cannot be trusted.

"You have someone who has been the Deputy President for eight years and he is now coming back to you trying to tell you that your worth is only a wheelbarrow, are you even serious" said Joho.

Adding" We need leaders who can help us solve our problems but not reminding us how poor we are''.

Joho also accused Ruto of trying to mock Kenyans through his style of politics.

Joho charged "Let us open our ears, let us open our eyes. They are trying to mock us. Why would someone go all over the country trying to remind people that they are poor".

The ODM Deputy party leader further stated that his 2022 presidential ambition is unstoppable lashing out at his critics.

"You are judging me because my only crime is being born in Mombasa, Am I not a Kenyan like any other Kenyan?!. This time round we are also going to be counted in the presidential ballot, just watch this space" charged Joho.

His sentiments were echoed by Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir who also attacked Deputy President William Ruto over his style of politics.

"You have been in the government for all those years and you have just realised now that there are mama mbogas, watu wa mkokoteni in Kenya. What were you doing all those years?!" posed Nassir.

Nassir called on other Coast leaders to rally behind Governor Hassan Joho and support his presidential ambition.

"For a very long we have been used as the pillars, let them now become the pillars as we go up" he said.

Kenyan hit-maker Arrow Bwoy releases a new banger Fashionista - off his next album.

In Fashionista, Arrow Bwoy celebrates the African woman’s beauty and diverse fashion style through catchy lyrics laid on an upbeat track that's blended with classic guitar melodies.

Watch Fashionista on YouTube: http://bit.ly/FashionistaYouTube

Download Assets here: Audios | Press Pictures | Artworks | BTS Images 

Fashionista’s production was a collaboration between upcoming producer Sifa and the seasoned iLogos Music.

The video that features models in contrasting fashion against colorful and artsy backdrops, was directed by prolific director Jordan Hoechlin (Morgan Heritage, Ali Kiba) assisted by Trey Juelz.

Arrow Bwoy remarks that Fashionista is just the first of more releases in 2021 leading to the launch of his second album featuring top Pan-African collaborations. 

This will be a follow-up to Hatua (2019) - Arrow Bwoy’s debut album that gained popularity both locally and beyond leading to an album tour in Kenya, Ethiopia, and ten states in the USA.