President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday said Kenya had made commendable progress towards the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In a recorded video address to a side meeting on SDGs convened by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guteress at the ongoing 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA76), President Kenyatta reiterated Kenya’s commitment to SDGs saying, the country will not lose momentum on the subject.

“I want today to reaffirm Kenya's commitment to the SDGs, and to ensuring that we maintain the implementation momentum that we started with,” the President said.

Despite the socio-economic challenges occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, the President said Kenya had made good progress in education, gender, and climate change among other SDG sectors.

He said two voluntary reporting assessments undertaken by Kenya had returned positive results adding that the country's 2016 SDG roadmap had been fully integrated into the national development agenda.

The President said Kenya had prioritized SDG sectors with the highest socio-economic impact as outlined in the country's Big 4 development blueprint.

 “Additionally, my administration has sharpened the economic policy by prioritizing action in sectors with the greatest multiplier effect on the economy, namely affordable housing; manufacturing; universal health coverage; and food security and nutrition," he said.

The Head of State pointed out that Kenya's push towards attaining food and nutrition security was being held by climate change among other salient factors.

He said the country had embarked on an aggressive afforestation programme, and development of its renewable energy resources as part of its broad climate change mitigation strategy.

On housing, the President said Kenya had taken steps to promote sustainable cities and human settlements by implementing affordable housing programmes so as to end the expansion of informal settlements.

President Kenyatta called for greater international solidarity in post-Covid-19 recovery so as to support developing countries to “build back better, build back stronger and regain the momentum on achieving SDGs".

In his address, Antonio Guteress said challenges facing the world such as climate change, conflicts and Covid-19 had slowed down global efforts towards the attainment of SDGs.

The UN Secretary General called on governments and non-state actors to collaborate more in Covid-19 recovery efforts by investing more in vaccination and socioeconomic systems that support revival of education, social protection, health care and employment creation.

“I call on the world to mobilize behind a global vaccination plan that doubles vaccine production, to reach 70 percent of the world’s population by the middle of next year.

“Second, we need to get down to the business of a sustainable and equitable recovery for all, so that we stay on track to end poverty by 2030,” Secretary-General Guteress said. 

Pupils from schools in rural areas emerged tops in an essay writing contest where over 23,000 pupils from 11,300 public primary schools across the 47 counties participated.

Mwongeli Mulwa from Makueni, Denise Nguhi (Machakos), Mitchele Rono (Elgeyo Marakwet), Melvin Koech (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Emmanuel Okinyi (Migori) emerged the top five winners nationally.  

The five were feted at a ceremony held in Mombasa today and attended by representatives of schools from across the country at an event presided over by Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha and also graced by his Tourism counterpart, Najib Balala.  

The essay contest was sponsored by Pwani Oil Products Limited, through its Sawa soap brand, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, and the Kenya Primary School Headteachers Association (KEPSHA).

The competition dubbed “Colors in Life” aimed at sharpening creative writing and thinking skills among pupils in Standard 6 and 7 and ran from July 1 to 31.

Mwongeli from ACK Mtito Andei School, Denise (Machakos Primary School), Mitchele (Chepketeret Primary School) and Melvin (Moi Tambach Primary School), and Emmanuel (Milimani Primary School) proved the creative writing mettle of learners from schools in remote parts of the country.

Five essays were shortlisted from each of the 47 counties and the best five nationally picked by a panel of 20 judges drawn from Pwani Oil, KEPSHA, Shujaaz Inc., and two external judges, Shiko Nguru, a children’s author and popular musician Vivian Wambui also known as Vivian Kenya.

Prof. Magoha hailed the initiative saying it will help sharpen creative writing and critical thinking skills among learners.

“Shaping responsible citizens of the future must begin with producing learners who can think critically and express themselves in creative, innovative ways. This is the only way we can become a Nation of innovators and problem solvers,” said Prof Magoha.

Pwani Oil Commercial Director Rajul Malde says the competition’s primary aim was to offer a platform for the pupils to portray the best side of life creatively. 

“Creative writing is one way of helping children understand the world we live in by giving them a voice to express their ideas and thoughts, a platform to explore their talents and imagine limitless life’s possibilities, even during these tough times,” said Malde during the ceremony to announce the winners. 

He cited research conducted by the National Literacy Trust in the UK singling out creative writing as playing an important role in supporting the wellbeing of children and young people during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We aspired through this competition, to inspire our children to recreate the world the world they live in through written expression. This was not just a writing competition but also an opportunity for participants to share their ideas and personal journeys with the world,” said Malde. 

KEPSHA National Chairman Johnson Nzioka hailed the initiative saying it would go a long way in improving the education standards in Kenya.

“The contest not only helped strengthen the value of accumulating knowledge to improve writing skills and creative thinking, but also earn the participants recognition beyond the classroom. This is what the new learning curriculum is all about, that is, teaching children to be all around especially in their areas of God-given talents,” said Nzioka.  

Pwani Oil supported the initiative while KEPSHA assisted with mobilizing participation across all the counties and overseeing the adjudication process.

The five winners will be rewarded with an educational tour of the coastal region including a first-hand experience of Pwani Oil’s Kikambala Plant, the largest soap and edible oil manufacturing facility in East and Central Africa. They also received certificates, trophies and assorted gifts. 

Creative expression is seen as an important aspect of nurturing responsible citizens capable of contributing positive ideas to society. Malde disclosed the essay writing competition will be held annually to appreciate the writing talents of pupils across the country.

Malde said the competition theme is based on the Sawa brand philosophy of “Bringing colors to life” which is about inspiring positive elements in people’s lives. Launched in 2008, Sawa has since grown to be the second most popular bathing soap brand in Kenya, also available as hand wash and body wash.

KEPSHA is the representative body for over 26,000 head teachers in all the public primary schools in Kenya.

Tanzanian singer Rayvanny real name Shaban Mwakyusa has unveiled the first artiste signed under his Record Label, Next Level Music in a bid to expand his empire. 

Through his instagram page, the singer introduced Macvoice Tz as his first signee.

"#NLM MY FIRST BORN. welcome to the Big Family". he posted

The 27-year-old singer also revealed that the new artist will sooon be releasing his first song under the label.

Rayvanny who is also under Wasafi music label (WCB) launched his Next Level Music label early this year maintaining that he is still a member of WCB.

"Before I even say a word, Vanny Boy and Wasafi are for life. I want to first thank my management, WCB Wasafi; I greatly thank Diamond Platnumz for the far I have come. If I decide to have a label, I can even have about five of them. So, there is no way that I am leaving Wasafi to go to another label. Maybe I own about 10 labels under my name," he said.

As political temperatures in the country continue to rise ahead of the 2022 general election, several public figures have found themselves wading into the political debate.

The latest celebrity to share his opinion is singer Otile Brown.

Through his instagram page, the Chaguo la Moyo crooner pleaded with Kenyans to choose their leaders wisely and avoid electing leaders based on tribal affilaitions.

"Wakati mwengine sisi wa Africa ndio chanzo cha matatizo yetu...we've suffered for looong because of our own selfish decisions, Kuchagua viongozi kisa ufanatic, mtu wetu na kuhongwa ni ushamba," said the singer.

Adding "Kenya tunaweza ishi kama ulaya na sote tunajua hilo, uwezekano upo...weka hisia zako, mapenzi ya jamii yako na kiburi kando natufanye waamuzi wa akili, mabadiliko yanaanzia kwako wewe mpiga kura, chagua kiongozi wa kweli na wala sio wanabiashara".

Hi sentiments comes just weeks after comedian Eric Omondi endorsed buinessman Jimmy Wanjigi for presidency through his 'Fagia Wote' campaign an issue that saw Kenyans on social media attacking the comedian for his move terming it as selfish insisting that the move was owing to his deep pockets. 

This is not the first that Otile Brown is raising his voice on matters of national interest. Last year, the singer penned a letter to President Uhuru Kenyatta pleading for his intervention in the fight against corruption in the music industry.

He argued that unemployment has pushed the youth to try their hand at different crafts to make ends meet, including music and that it is unacceptable that leaders appointed to oversee the smooth running of the music industry and pay artists their dues have turned greedy and pocketed the monies.

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has said he is ready to shelve his 2022 presidential ambition and support his party boss Raila Odinga.

Speaking during the Azimio la Umoja Coast chapter held at the Wildwaters Mombasa, Joho said Raila stands a better chance in winning the 2022 presidential election.

"I'm ready to shelve my ambition and support Baba. I dont fear doing that. I have analyzed all these political leaders seeking the presidency, the only person fit for the job is Raila Odinga" said Joho.

Adding " As Coastal people we are seeking to have equal partners and not just be followers. We also must be counted and be on the table".

Early this year Joho declared his interest to vie for the presidency through ODM and called on Raila Odinga to support him.

The meeting at Wild waters was also attended by several Governors, Granton Samboja (Taita), Dhado Godana (Tana River), James Ongwae ( Kisii), Senators, a host of Mps and MCAs from the larger Coast region

The leaders declared their support for Raila Odinga in the 2022 election.

"We have resolved to unite as a region and affirm our support for Raila Odinga as the next president of Kenya. This support is pegged on his past and current policy positions that we are convinced would take care of the socio-economic aspirations of the Coastal people" reads a declaration by the leaders, read by Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo.

After her debut single, Why Don’t You Love Me and her follow up single Sorry, Contemporary Indie soul singer Muthaka, releases her first studio album Sunshine, which in her words is a tale of two stories, love, and loss.

Muthaka sums up by saying “This first half is very happy and bright, it allows us to be vulnerable in love, hence Sunshine. Guitar which then introduces the other half of the untold story, “loss” gives a sombre mood which represents the second bit of the story”.

About Guitar

Having written the song back in 2019, ideally Muthaka lived the lyrics of this song, her intent was to keep it personal and never release the song. In her own intuition, she knew that she was not the only one to have been in that place where you need someone to tell you it gets better in time. And that we could all go back to that time when we were our own.

Guitar is as smooth as it gets yet you must feel the hurt, love, loss, and hope… it’s a classic.

In Muthaka’s Words

I would like to pass my most sincere and heartfelt appreciation to a master at his work MG, your keen ear and patience made this whole process as flawless as I would have imagined. I would like to thank you for your brilliance in Mixing, Arranging, Mastering and Production. Its Producers like you that make our artistic dreams into a reality.

I would also like to appreciate the efforts of World Cosmos production, the whole team was outstanding BUT special mention to Tevin Fuhd, words aren’t enough to express how grateful I am for your dedication in making 5 Visuals a reality and gifting my fans this Sunshine experience expressed in visuals. Tony Gigz Production, Why Don’t You love Me was nothing short of what I wanted to introduce me to the scene. I will hold that dear and close to me.

The whole Universal Music team, we are finally here and I'm thankful for this far and look forward to more.

To everyone I haven’t mentioned by name, your names are embedded in a special place in my heart, and I wouldn’t change anything about the supporting team that are worked on this album.

 SUNSHINE TRACKLIST:

1. Sunshine (Intro)
2. Love Ballad No. 3
3. Sorry
4. Too Young
5. Sunshine
6. Why Don’t You Love Me
7. Guitar

Fast rising singer Adasa  may soon start singing gospel music if her mothers wishes are to come true.

In an interview with KBC (Mashav Mashav), the Mombasa - born singer disclosed that her mother has  been asking her to join the gospel music industry for sometime.

"She is my biggest and number one fan, I know she is currently watching this. She has been very supportive infact she is the one who prepared for me cloths this morning before coming for the interview " she said.

Adding " One thing that she has always insisted is that I switch to gospel music".

The 'Nisepe' singer also talked about her love life stating that she is currently single.

"I broke up with my ex-boyfriend, he was cheating on me. I once found her with a girl and that was the end of our relationship" she disclosed.

She further refuted claims that she has been secretly dating her manager Madala.

Apple Music today announced Tems as the latest addition to its Up Next program, Apple Music's monthly artist initiative geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent.

The artist just announced her signing to Since ’93/RCA Records, following the release of her new single, ‘Crazy Tings.’  

Tems is a dynamic songwriter and producer who is bringing a new energy to the Nigerian music scene.

The Isale Eko native boasts a blend of R&B and Soul paired with African nuances to create her unique sound.

Last year, Tems released her first EP, For Broken Ears, which was the top R&B album in 43 countries, receiving nods from artists like Brent Faiyaz, Chris Brown, Drake, and more.

Tems also appears on Drake’s newest album, Certified Lover Boy, as well as Wizkid’s standout single, ‘Essence,’ which has held the #1 position on Shazam’s Top 200 Charts. Dubbed the “song of the summer” by critics/fans, the track went #1 at Urban Radio and #1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, with a new version recently released with Justin Bieber.

Tems’ songs have been have been prominently featured on Apple Music playlists such as Afrobeats Hits, Africa Now, Top 100: Nigeria, she was deemed an Apple Music 'Africa Rising' artist, has curated exclusive guest playlists for Apple Music Africa Month and Holiday Sounds, and contributed to Apple Music’s Exclusive Original Playlist: Juneteenth 2021: Freedom Songs.

“I’m so so excited to be selected as the Apple Music Up Next artist,” says Tems. "I'm happy that i can share my story and the story of where I am from. Sending huge love to Apple Music for encouraging artists, and providing the visibility needed to impact societies on a global scale."

“Tems once told me that 'being yourself actually takes more courage than people would imagine," said Apple Music 1 host Nadeska.

"In her career that has meant ignoring opinions and pressure to compromise her music, while constantly defying expectations. Her debut EP was raw and addictive, leaving fans hungry for her next release. And no matter how her songwriting evolves, her unique and captivating vocal tone will bring her the spotlight on any original or feature record she touches.”

In her Up Next film out today, Tems shares details of her journey, growing up with a single mom in Lagos, Nigeria, being extremely introverted, and afraid to use her regular singing voice because it was too “textured.”

She also talks about getting a job right out of university because she thought she had to provide and that’s what her family wanted.

She tells Apple Music: “My decision to quit my job, that leap that I took, literally everything was just coming together. Just off ’Try Me’ alone I had a lot of shows. I couldn’t go out anymore, I couldn’t go to the supermarket anymore, I was like, 'ok something is happening.' ’Try Me’ came out of that strife, and I really wanted it to mean something, especially for Nigerians, people that live in this country, because things are hard."

Additional Up Next campaign moments include a Jimmy Kimmel Live! performance on September 29 and a sit down interview with Apple Music 1’s Nadeska, where she discusses her highlights from the last year, working with Wizkid on ‘Essence,’ as well as its remix with Justin Bieber, and the new music she has coming. 

In a move to strengthen the ODM party in Mombasa, the party has appointed Mohamed Hamid to be its new Mombasa county chairman.

The position fell vacant following the demise of the then powerful ODM Mombasa chairman Mohamed Hatimy who succumbed to what is said to be covid-19 complications in October last year.

Until his demise, Hatimy served as a nominated MCA and the chair of the finance committee in the county assembly of Mombasa.

He was replaced in the Assembly by Julius Ngugi, a staunch ODM grass-root mobilizer whose loyalty to the party paid off after serving as the party’s Nyali sub-county treasurer.

The new chairman was unveiled on Thursday in a colorful event held at their Mombasa office in Ganjoni attended by Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir, Badi Twalib (Jomvu), Mishi Mboko (Likoni), Mombasa Women representative Asha Mohamed and the party secretary general Geofrey Busaka among a host of other party members and officials.

Speaking shortly after being officially welcomed at the party’s office, Hamid said that his priority will be to ensure that the party regains and continues to enjoy political dominance in the county.

“Today I have held a meeting with party officials from all the sub-counties, we have a big task ahead of us to ensure that we regain our popularity in the county, plans are already underway to ensure that Mombasa remains an ODM zone,” said Hamid.

Jomvu MP Badi Twalib congratulated the new chairman reiterating that the party was intact that they were determined to paint Mombasa orange.

He further called out business man cum-politician Suleiman Shahbal to respect the party organs and structures adding that ODM as a party was democratic and was ready to accommodate anyone who wants to join.

“We will never be detracted by people who want to gain access to the party through the backdoor, the party has structures that must be respected, ODM is a party of democracy and welcomes everyone who wants to join the party and work for the people,” said Twalib.

Badi’s remarks follows what Shahbal said early this week when he attended a fundraiser event for the late mzee Manoah Obat an adamant ODM supporter in Mombasa, he hinted at opening parallel ODM offices in Mombasa.

The party is expected to host 600 delegates from the coast for a meeting at Wild Waters this Saturday to strategize on how to popularize the party across the region. Party leader Raila Odinga is expected to grace the meeting.

“Our vision is to ensure that the ideals of the people of Kenya are met through ODM, the plans are to recapture what was initially ours,” said Mvita legislature Abdulswamad Nassir.

The legislature stated that ODM won the previous general elections but were stolen, adding that if Raila was in power now, the rising cost of living and issues of historical injustices would be a thing of the past.

 “In the instance of rising fuel prices, the government has totally got it wrong, prices have to go down,” said Nassir.

Regional low-cost carrier Jambojet has commenced operations to Lamu, becoming its fourth Coastal destination after Mombasa, Malindi and Ukunda.

The airline will fly from Nairobi to Lamu via Mombasa four times weekly with an introductory fare of KES. 7100 one way from Nairobi to Lamu. Mombasa to Lamu will start at KES. 4600 one way.

 “Lamu County is undeniably one of Kenya’s top tourist destinations both for local and international travelers. With the ongoing LAPSSET project, we expect increased traffic into Lamu from tourists and potential investors. We want to ease their movement with the introduction of this route,” said Karanja Ndegwa, CEO & Managing Director, Jambojet.

Last week, the airline also commenced operations to Goma, DRC.

At the same time, Jambojet together with the Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife unveiled a new aircraft livery wrap.

The branding, which will run for a period of one year, aims at promoting the conversation around conservation of the endangered sea turtle, and the dugong, a rare sea mammal.

“This journey will enable us to build a brand association between Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and Jambojet and thus increase the destination’s appeal to more consumers in the domestic and regional markets. The Aircraft that we shall be unveiling today will showcase Magical Kenya to all the seven local destinations that the aircraft shall be flying,” said Betty Radier, CEO KTB.

A recent report by Oxford Economics and global Travel, shows that domestic and regional travel will dominate the tourism industry in 2021 compared to international tourism. 

Many destinations are expected to maintain their international travel restrictions for a large part of the year and affordability and safety concerns are also expected to encourage closer-to-home travel.

Speaking at the event, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife,Najib Balala noted Jambojet’s contribution to promote local and regional tourism. “I must also take this opportunity to say that Jambojet has been resourceful in the recovery journey through provision of products and services that have made both domestic and regional travel more attractive,” he said.

The Director General at Kenya Wildlife Service, Brig. John Waweru, further acknowledged the Jambojet partnership in the #NowTravelReady campaign.

“We are cognizant that the domestic Jambojet routes have key and unique KWS parks & reserves such as Lamu County that host the remarkable Kiunga Marine National Reserve. We have developed signature experiences across the KWS parks in all the Jambojet destinations to enhance the tourism product, open up the lesser visited destinations and add value to Jambojet passengers.” he said.

Jambojet, together with the County Government of Lamu, KWS, Lamu Tourism Association, and various stakeholders will embark on a 4-day discovery tour of Lamu County with the aim of showcasing the new normal of travel, while encouraging people to travel.