The Kenyan coast is set to receive more international tourists during the tourism peak season following the commencement of direct flights to the region by Eurowings Discover.

Eurowings Discover, the newest leisure airline within the Lufthansa Group, commenced its flights on the 24th of July 2021 with two weekly flight services from Frankfurt, Germany to Mombasa, with onward flights to the region.

Speaking during the reception of the inaugural flight at the Moi International Airport Mombasa, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala said that the flight was a testament to the strides Kenya is making in the recovery of tourism activities, which were minimal due to restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He noted that the Kenyan coast was a popular destination for European tourists adding that the flight would create a link between Kenya and European travellers.

“Kenya has been making great progress as a destination in attracting tourists from different markets and especially from Europe. This flight is yet another milestone in the recovery of activities in the country. The Kenyan Coast is especially showing great interest from tourists from across Europe and beyond. The commencement of flights by Eurowings Discover will help us link with both Business and leisure clients from Germany and the region,” said CS Balala.

He further added that Germany and Europe remain to be a key source market for tourists with the potential of further growth with the new emerging younger consumers and the continued relations between Kenya and European countries.

“With the emergence of new market trends and a new consumer segment, we have an opportunity to expand our markets and to reach the now younger and health-conscious clientele. Europe is a market that offers us a different opportunity, with the vaccination of citizens, more people will be looking forward to travel and we want to be ready for this,” he added.

On her part the Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, Hon Safina Kwekwe reiterated that the government was working towards ensuring that a conducive environment that allows a vibrant air travel system and in the process support tourism activities.

“This development also gives us hope and reassures us that people are eager to travel and experience the world yet again, as a destination we are working hard to ensure that we are ready to host tourists’ She added.

The Kenya Tourism Board CEO Dr Betty Radier welcomed the new Eurowings Discover flight to Kenya saying that it signalled the growing confidence in the destination by tourists in regards to preparedness against COVID-19 which has enhanced traveller confidence.

She added that Eurowings Discover would offer a different opportunity to travellers who wanted to visit for both leisure and business.

 “Commencement of this direct flight to Mombasa by Eurowings Discover shows that the work we have been putting in is bearing fruits which make us immensely proud. We shall continue to market Kenya to the world to ensure that we tap into each available market. That said, this flight is a signal of this growth and confidence in Magical Kenya as a preferred destination globally “she commented.

With more countries vaccinating their citizens across the world and most beginning to relax their travel restrictions, there is an increased demand of people yearning to travel, relax and explore across the globe. This creates an opportunity for destinations to tap into this, putting into consideration the need to reassure visitors of their health as well as offering different tourism opportunities.

Airlines are also alert to ensure that they offer a variety of travel opportunities for their clients as travel resumes.

“Today marks an important milestone in our company’s history not only is Mombasa the very first destination for our brand-new leisure airline, Eurowings Discover, but with this addition to our destination portfolio, we are further strengthening our footprint on the African continent for the Lufthansa Group.”, says Dr. Andre Schulz, General Manager Sales, Lufthansa Group, Southern & East Africa. 

Kenya Breweries has relaunched an affordable quality whiskey into the Kenyan market, primarily targeted at young, upwardly mobile and fun-loving consumers of both genders. Mr Dowell’s is a smooth and fairly-priced whiskey with an unmistakable golden color that signifies its quality as well as aesthetic appeal. 

Priced at between Sh220 for 250ml bottle and Sh670 for a 750ml bottle, the new whiskey targets discerning consumers who desire quality at an affordable price, assuring them of the high quality standards associated with Kenya Breweries, Kenya’s premier alcoholic beverage manufacturer. 

“Mr Dowell’s is an internationally renowned whiskey made from a blend of Scotch whiskey, imported malts and a select African spirits,” said the innovations manager Ms Faith Nyambur

Adding “It contains 40% ABV in a bottle of 750ml. At KBL we are constantly finding new ways to innovate and produce quality products at an affordable price to discourage use of illicit brews.’’

Packaged in a tamper proof bottle that is also aesthetically designed to give it a contemporary look, MrDowell’s is a beverage that meets the changing realities of modern times; it can be enjoyed in small groups in a social setting or by individuals who desire to have a great time with their families or close associates within the comfort of their homes. 

It was introduced into the Kenyan market as part of Kenya Breweries response to the ever changing tastes and preferences of Kenyan consumers and also to meet the growing demand for spirits in the market at an affordable price. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta today issued 2,169 title deeds to residents of Rabai in Kilifi County, and urged them not to be enticed into selling their birthright for temporary pleasure.

The President observed that the title deeds were worth billions of shillings and if utilized well, the landownership documents held immense potential to transform the lives of beneficiaries and their dependants.

“When we finish this event, the residents of Rabai would be worth Shs 4.2 billion. The question is, if you have received a title deed and you have heard of its worth, are you going to use it to improve your lives or you are going to sell it and make yourself happy then in December you will start looking for another place to be a squatter,” the President posed.

President Kenyatta spoke at Kasidi Primary School Grounds in Kilifi County where he presided over the issuance of the title deeds, and reiterated the Government's commitment to continue its ambitious land-titling programme.

He pointed out that land title deeds were powerful economic tools with potential to transform lives of households across the country when utilized well.

"For an individual to have a title deed, it means the end of poverty. It assures them of settlement. It means they wont worry that they are squatters but rather they will know that the place they are living is their home and thus put up a permanent homestead,” the President said.

President Kenyatta acknowledged the sensitivity of the land question at the Coast, and thanked leaders from the region for supporting Government efforts to address the matter through dialogue.

“The issue of land has been a source of discord, tribalism and chaos here at the Coast region. That’s why when I took over the country’s leadership, I promised to bring a solution to the issue rather than continue discussing it,” the President said.

Once again, the Head of State reiterated his administration's commitment to end the squatter issue at the Coast, and across the country saying, the Government would intensify issuance of land title deeds in coming months.

Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi also spoke at the event and thanked the President for prioritizing the settlement of landless people at the Coast and across the country.

The county leader observed that in the nine years of President Kenyatta's leadership, the population of Coast residents holding title deeds to their parcels of land had risen exponentially.

“For 50 years, the Coast Region received only 230,000 title deeds but from 2013 to date, the Coast has received 500,000 title deeds in 9 years. In Kilifi between 1963 and 2012 the County received 52,000 title deeds while since 2013 to-date the region has received 100,000 title deeds,” Governor Kingi noted.

Lands CS Farida Karoney also spoke at the event that was attended by Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang'i and several Coast leaders led by area MP William Kamoti.

A gigantic political battle is looming in the race to succeed Governor Ali Hassan Joho at the helm of Mombasa County Government as gubernatorial candidates begin to take their campaigns to the grassroots ahead of the August 2022 polls.

At least six candidates have shown interest to take the mantle from Joho whose term expires next year after leading the county for two terms as the first governor.

Businessman Suleiman Shahbal, MPs Abdulswamad Nassir (Mvita), Ali Mbogo (Kisauni), Mombasa deputy governor Dr William Kingi and former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar have all declared interest in the race.

Former Mombasa County Secretary Francis Thoya also declared his interest in the seat as former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar takes a second shot at it this time vying on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

The titanic battle is however between ‘loyal servant’ Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir and the ‘prodigal son’ Suleiman Shahbal who finally decided to go back home as they both seek the ODM ticket.

Both Nassir and Shahabal have been trying to outshine each other posing for photos with ODM party leader Raila Odinga whose frequent visits to Mombasa have shown that a lot is at stake on who will take over from Joho.

Shabhal who twice unsuccessfully vied for the seat and lost to Joho recently resigned from the Jubilee Party and rejoined ODM, a move that is semed to have sent chills at Nassir's camp.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2329-shahbal-ditches-jubilee-makes-u-turn-to-odm

Nassir a two time Member of Parliament for Mvita constituency has in both occasions been given direct ticket by the party and was poised to be ODM’s flag-bearer in next year’s general election.

He now faces an uphill task of going for nominations for the first time in his political career.

In Raila's recent tour, Nassir was part of a private breakfast meeting that saw the ODM leader meet a section of central leaders at a Mombasa hotel.

However soon after photos of Raila and Shahbal surfaced online with Shahbal quick to share them on all his social media platforms as the two continue throwing jabs at each other on who had baba’s eye to go for the seat.

In a bid to guarantee him a win, Shahbal has poached Joho’s political schemers among them Major (Rtd) Idriss Abdirahman to help him venture into the murky political waters next year.

“Shahbal will for the third time attempt to capture the post, it is a do or die affair and he cannot afford to lose again,” said a senior official within his quarters.

Even though Shahbal has declared to run on ODM ticket, sources within ODM Mombasa branch said he is yet to go for new registration.

Last month, Raila honoured an invite by Nassir to be the chief guest during an event for the renewal of Mvita’s National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) issuance of cards to over 3,000 vulnerable families.

Leader after leader who addressed the public hailed praises for the Mvita legislature piling pressure on the ODM leader to endorse him for the seat, but Raila downplayed them stating that he would leave it to the people to decide on their preferred flag bearer for the governor’s seat.

" Hiyo ya ugavana ni yenu (The governorship decision is yours. You will decide who will become governor). As ODM we are going to conduct free and fair nomination" said Raila.

Nassir, who has been in ODM since 2013, described Shahbal as a party hopper, who campaigned vigorously against ODM in the previous elections saying he is better placed to carry the ODM flag in 2022.

“In 2022, the person standing behind this microphone (him) will be the ODM governor for Mombasa,” said Nassir.

Mombasa deputy governor William Kingi has also declared that he will join in the mix to take over from his boss on an ODM ticket.

The soft spoken Deputy Governor said that he was ready to battle it out with Nassir and Shahbal though pundits argue that the odds do not favour him.

On March 4, Kingi hinted that he is still in the race to succeed Joho, but his popularity in the region has not been felt as it had been expected.

"Spent some quality time with Baba. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensure that ODM nominations will be free and fair. With your vote and the grace of God, I Dr William Kazungu Kingi will be your next Governor 001" captioned Kingi in one of his recent photos with Odinga and Nassir.

Former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar is expected it give a second shot after failing to clinch the seat in 2017 running on a wiper ticket.

Omar a close ally and confidant of deputy president William Ruto is expected to vie on the newly formed United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

He was a distance third in 2017 after he was trounced by Joho.

Kisauni law maker Ali Menza Mbogo, a first-time MP has also declared interest in the seat and has since been traversing one village after the other popularizing his ‘Hodihodi’ political campaign train.

Mbogo is looking to ride on the Mijikenda community who constitute about 50 percent of the Mombasa population according to 2019 Census.

Former Mombasa County Secretary Francis Thoya had in 2018 started his grassroots campaigns, but went silent after sometime, nothing much has been heard or seen from him.

Thoya had been poised to deputies Joho in 2017, but behind the scene manoeuvers saw him being locked out and Kingi appointed into that position.

Mombasa governor Hassan Joho has called on the national government to open up the economy that has suffered the brunt of the corona pandemic since it hit the country back in March last year.

Speaking during the Eid baraza in Majengo, Mombasa, Joho said that time had come for the economy to be fully opened because a lot of people had lost their jobs with the government restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the virus.

Joho pleaded with his ODM party leader Raila Odinga to talk with his Handshake brother President Uhuru Kenyatta to address the issue as the economy was hurting.

“I’m humbly appealing to you when we engage with the president we ask him to open up the economy, our people are suffering too much,” said Joho.

The governor said that the country has to accept the reality that corona was here to stay and as such people have to learn to leave with it.

He said that the people were now aware of how to protect themselves against the virus and urged leaders to keep on reminding them to follow all Ministry of Health protocols.

He added that doctors had learnt how to deal with the pandemic therefore there was need to ease the restrictions put in place.

“As you can see, our people are fully aware of what they should do to protect themselves against the virus. We will do some extensive work to ensure that they continue putting on masks,” said Joho.

He decried the transport industry that has been hard hit especially with the barn on night travel and the curfew imposed countrywide which has disrupted the 24 hour economy that the country was gearing towards.

He also called on the ministry of health to ensure that it gets enough vaccines for all Kenyans to ensure that Kenyans can be able to move freely.

“We ask the government to look for money and procure vaccines for all Kenyans so that we can fully open our economy,” added Joho.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Coast Association of Persons With Disability Hamisa Zaja on Saturday received an award from the ‘I change nation voice of Change’ for her efforts across the region.

The award titled 'Regional Voice of Change Award' was in recognition of her integrity and willingness to challenge the status quo on social and humanitarian matters especially those affecting people with disability.

I Change Nations is a Culture of Honor System, the organization is committed to bringing back the lost art of honor by building a Culture of Honor that recognizes individuals throughout the world who have exemplified extraordinary humanitarian efforts to effectively change nations.

Among those who have so far been awarded and recognised by the organisation includes Former President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone,Former Vice President of Gambia, H.E Fatoumata jallow-Tambajang, Former President of Malawi Joyce Banda among others.

Zaja who also happens to be a Challenge ambassador at UK-Urban link Africa since July 2020 was nominated for the ward by Leila Awale.

The award was presented to her by Reuben West of the Global Voices of Change that recognises outstanding individuals in several parts of the word using their tongues to transform the society.

 “This award is the beginning of another personal challenge to set the bar higher and to serve the community with even more dedication,” said Zaja.

Born with disability and raised in Mombasa, Zaja said that life begun for her when she chose to see and accept her disability and then realized and practised her abilities.

One of her outstanding achievement is the erection of public toilets in areas of Kongowea, Majengo and Bangladesh villages in Mombasa which were valnurable to diseases due to poor sanitation through her ‘maji na ufanisi’ program.

In 2016, she pioneered the formation of the African Resource and Development Agency which aimed at providing crucial solutions in resource management.

Zaja has also declared her interest to take a second shot at the Mombasa women representative seat in next year’s general elections.

She said that given the chance to be the woman representative in 2022, she would foster partnerships with local and international organisations to solve some of the issues affecting the community especially women and young girls and people living with disabilities.

“I have the networks of partnerships in Kenya and outside the country and through this we will be able to solve some of the issues affecting our people, the government alone cannot do it,” said Zaja.

She said that the government needed to do more in fighting the stigma associated with people living with disability and also faulted the integration of PWD’s in learning institutions saying that it has not worked well since many learning institutions lack the amenities that are PWD friendly.

“As a person living with disability I can say that the government has not yet done enough to address our challenges, we need a push in some of the policies that the government has refrained from implementing,”

She added that the government needs to ensure that there is access for every government services to people living with disabilities.

Africa’s leading choral group, Celebration has released the “Thank You Lord” live performance.

The single marks the African giants venturing into introducing themselves to the world following their singing to Universal Music Africa backed by the iconic US based record company, Motown Gospel.

On Thursday, 18 March 2021, the choral group had announced the monumental signing which coincided with the silver jubilee release of their 25th album, Still We Rise.

“Thank You Lord” is a cut from the album which came out of the choral group adapting to the new normal.

Co-founder and original conductor, Lindelani Mkhize at the time of the announcement shared that, “After all the experiences of the past 25 years and the changes in the world and new dynamics in the industry, we are delighted to be in this new direction with a fresh new purpose. We are revived, we have a new energy as we turn things around to get to the next extraordinary level.”

“Thank You Lord” marks the first single which the choral group will have sampled by countries like the United States and Canada, as Joyous Celebration makes their international strides.

The single is available across all digital music platforms. Listen to it HERE

About “Thank You Lord”:

"The hardest working gospel group in South Africa is led by Nozipho Phiri in worship on Thank You Lord.

The track is lifted off the group’s 25th-anniversary celebratory album, Joyous Celebration 25 - Still We Rise: Live At The Joburg Theatre.

Phiri leads the choir in expressing gratitude to God for being a constant pillar in their lives, reminding the listener to always be grateful.

The instrumental arrangement on the live recording of the English-sung hymn provides a lively background for the choir, using sprightly electric guitars and vigorous drum lines as well as high-spirited key changes. The track is produced by gospel royalty including Siyanqoba Mthethwa, Mnqobi Nxumalo, Lindelani Mkhize, Mthunzi Namba, and Jabu Hlongwane.

"

On this week’s African Voices Changemakers, CNN International’s Arit Okpo meets Clara Njeru, a Kenyan producer who is on a mission to make the superhero genre more inclusive.

Njeru is Head of Production at Kukua Education Limited, which focuses on creating educational entertainment content for children.

Njeru speaks about the company, “Kukua is an edutainment company that blurs the worlds of entertainment and education to empower children with content that’s inspiring, that’s fun. We aspire to create books and music and live learning experiences.”

Kukua’s flagship animated series ‘Super Sema’ premiered in March 2021, on International Women’s Day.

Njeru talks about the project, “Super Sema is an African animated superhero series. The show features a young African girl who’s 10 years old. Her name is Sema and she has a twin brother called MB. They are innovating in each episode and solving a problem for their community or a problem for themselves. Her superpowers are creativity and innovation.”

The show was created for audiences in Africa and around the world.

Njeru details the international reach, “We launched it in partnership with YouTube originals. We had 15 million views in the first 10 weeks. We’ve been pleasantly surprised that half of our audience on YouTube is outside Africa. And this shows that there’s a big need all over the world.’

Njeru says that the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the global need for learning resources outside of the classroom.

She tells Okpo, “Schools worldwide were closed and having content that’s educational and that can get children to continue learning even while out of school was a big need everywhere.”

The content for ‘Super Sema’ is powered by STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths, “We want children to be innovative. We want them to be creative. We are encouraging them to apply the basis of this, of STEAM in their everyday life. So, the way we incorporate education in the show is that in every episode there are these core lessons.”

The series voice stars Academy Award-winning actress and author Lupita Nyong’o. Njeru talks about working with Nyong’o and how she inspired the team of female creatives.

“We started working with Lupita because she was fascinated by what we had created, and she loved it. We are a female-led team and we are always looking for role models. Mainly African women who have gone before us and done amazing things. And we call these our ‘wall of inspiration of women’. And one of the women who’s there is Lupita Nyong’o. And it’s been amazing working with her. She’s continuing to inspire us, and we can’t wait to see what more we do in terms of content.”

The team at Kukua are now back in the studio working on season two of the programme.

Njeru talks about her hopes for the future, “I hope that by watching Super Sema children will be encouraged to be innovative, to be problem solvers, to be creative, and determined in whatever field that they choose. I hope that children will carry into their adult lives the lessons that they learned from Super Sema.”

This week’s episode also meets South Africa’s Loyiso Mkize the visionary behind the country’s first superhero comic book series who recently made his global debut with DC Comics.

 ‘African Voices Changemakers’ airs on Saturday 17th July at 0930 SAST on CNN International

Tanzanian singer AliKiba has been appointed as Power Horse energy drink brand ambassador.

With its origins in Linz Austria, Power Horse energy drink is also the official partner of Manchester City football club.

AliKiba made the announcement today morning during a press conference in Daresalaam.

"I would like to take this opportunity to officially introduce myself to you as the official brand ambassador of power horseenergy drink" posted Kiba.

Adding "I love sports, music and I need more energy so I believe this drink is the best for me and all of you out there".

The drink is available in several countries like Nigeria, Dubai, Uganda, Djibouti, Ethiopia among others

In 2018 AliKiba introduced his own energy drink Mofaya in Kenya and Tanzania.

Diamond's manager Babu Tale has revealed that he has not been able to overcome the grief of the loss of his wife Shamsa.

Taking to instagram, Babu Tale who is also the Morogoro South constituency MP said for nine days now he has not managed to sleep peacefully as he is always thinking about his late wife.

He further stated that it's high time he seeks the services of a counsellor.

'Kuna vitu omba visikukute katika maisha yako. Usiombe uondokewe na mke au mume. Mimi napitia maisha magumu sana kila ukiona unakaribia kukaa sawa kumbe unajiona bado maumivu hayaishi maana leo nina siku ya tatu naamka tisa usiku vilio na maumivu yasio isha." he posted.

Adding "Sijawahi kutamani kukutana na mwana saikojia ila kwa sasa nahitaji kwakweli maana hali yangu sio nzuri kwenye hiki ninachopitia namkumbuka sana mkewangu. Mungu aendelee kukulaza mahala pema Mama TT."

This comes just few weeks after he marked one year since  the death of the wife.

On his Instagram page, Tale shared photos of his family and said they are still in mourning.

In a previous interview, Babu Tale rubbished social media claims that he was plannning to remarry.

"My wife's shadow lives with me, so I'll wait until the shadow disappears then I'll remarry My wife told me not to remarry. I remember that day when I was in the hospital with her."