Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi marked the beginning of the Christmas Season by setting up a recycled Christmas Tree at the Lobby.

The tree by Ocean Sole Africa is made from recycled ocean trash (flip flops), as part of their environmental initiatives to conserve the marine life. Our 6-foot Christmas Tree is made from over 945 recycled flip flops, with 336 hours spent by 15 artists.

This is also part of the hotel  CSR Initiative.

"We chose this environmentally friendly Christmas Tree to support a worthy cause that conserves the environment as well as create employment opportunities to the local communities around us".says Mehdi Morad Accor Kenya Country General Manager and General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi.

Adding“We are proud to be part of this great initiative which aligns with our sustainability Program; ‘Planet 21’ that is committed to positively impact and promote sustainable development of our local communities’’,

Two Kenyan legends in the music industry –DJ John of Homeboyz and super producer Eric Musyoka of Decimal Records are set to host a one of a kind gig! Dubbed the ‘DareDevils – The DJ & The Producer.

The inaugural edition of this event series will be going down this Friday night (20^th Dec 2019) at Milan, Westlands. The gig will be a live mash up and remix creation of top hits featuring a collaboration performance, with Musyoka playing a one-man band (Hybrid band) and DJ John on the decks.

Speaking about the upcoming event, Musyoka says, “This is our first gig together and we plan to host more editions as we go into 2020. We just want to invite you all to come party with us as we close the year in style. We are really stoked for, this I can only imagine what the vibe will be, it will be a true daredevils night!"

Musyoka has had a successful 2019, releasing a series of hit singles together with the signees of his label - the Decimators, including “Siaya”, “Bonge” and “Drinx na Mayenx”.

The singles follow the release of their debut collaborative album “Decimator Vol. 1” launched in December 2018. He was also one of the mentors for the Safaricom BYOB 2019 series. Currently, he is working on the release of ‘Decimators Vol. 2’.

A section of Mombasa based artists and activists have come out to defend rapper Kennedy Ombima a.k.a King Kaka.

This is after Kirinyaga Govenor Anne Waiguru threatened to sue the rapper after he released his hard hitting song 'Wajinga Nyinyi' which has now captured the attention of the country.

Through her lawyers, the Governor accused the artiste of, among other accusations, publishing through the song accusations that are false, mischevious, malicious and have no basis.

“Ati Waiguru ako kwa office na story ya NYS tulishasahau Biro moja alibuy 8 thao Biro tunanunuanga mbao” said King Kaka in one of the lines.

On Tuesday morning, King Kaka took to social media  stating that he had been summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations only for then DCIO to issue a statement refuting calims they had summoned the artist.

We wish to condemn strongly false information being peddled through social media to the effect that one Kennedy Ombima @RabbitTheKing has been summoned. Nobody from @DCI_Kenya has summoned him| @bonifacemwangi |@citizentvkenya" Twitted DCI.

Speaking in Mombasa the artists and activists have called on government bodies to concentrate on leaders implicated on corruption and let King Kaka be arguing he is expressing the reality on the ground which most Kenyans have always feared to express.

They also called on all top lawyers to come out and offer  defend King Kaka in court against Anne Waiguru. Among the lawyers that have so far offered to defednd the rapper are Nelson Havi and Ahmednasir Abdullah.

Dubai-based independent hotel management company Aleph Hospitality has opened the Best Western Plus Westlands hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.

The new opening, which introduces the Best Western Plus brand to one of the city’s most sought-after commercial districts, marks Aleph Hospitality’s continued expansion in Kenya, where the company has already signed management contracts for three hotels currently under development: the Protea Hotel by Marriott in Kisumu; an airport hotel in Nairobi and a property in the popular coastal resort of Mombasa.

Bani Haddad, Managing Director, Aleph Hospitality, said: “The opening of Best Western Plus Westlands signals our commitment to Kenya, the third-largest tourism economy in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Kenya is a popular destination in the heart of the region and its travel and tourism industry grew 5.6% in 2018, exceeding global and regional levels, according to the WTTC" Said Added

Adding "We are proud to be part of this growth and to support the economy with more than 80 new jobs and the generation of additional international visitors that Best Western Plus Westlands will bring,” said Haddad.

The hotel’s owner, Amit Lukka, commented: “We are thrilled to find a partner in Aleph Hospitality that supports both our vision for Nairobi’s hospitality sector and our country’s wider efforts to market Kenya as a destination of choice.

“Aleph Hospitality is a trusted and accomplished partner that will manage the hotel on our behalf, driving maximum return on our investment as well as delivering a superior guest experience in collaboration with the prestigious global chain, Best Western.” added Lukka.

Best Western Plus Westlands is located in the heart of Nairobi’s social and entertainment hub, the vibrant Westlands district, home to shops, restaurants and numerous corporate headquarters, making it a popular destination for Kenyans, expatriates and visitors.

Nairobi’s top attractions including the neighbouring Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Kenyatta International Conference Centre are also within close reach, making the hotel ideally positioned for both business and leisure travel.

The new, purpose-built hotel features 101 stylish, air-conditioned guest rooms, including spacious Junior Suites with separate living rooms and kitchenettes and a luxurious Penthouse Suite with a private outdoor hot tub.

Best Western Plus Westlands offers free WiFi, a dedicated meetings floor, a gym and two food and beverage outlets – Craft, an all-day-dining restaurant, bar and coffee shop, and Asiatic, a stylish rooftop bar and lounge.

Suzi Yoder, Senior Vice President, International Operations, BWH Hotel Group, said: “We are truly delighted with the addition of the Best Western Plus Westlands, a beautiful new build hotel created with our guests’ needs in mind.

The central location is superb for both our corporate clients and leisure travellers and we are proud to now welcome our first guests.”

Aleph Hospitality, which has earmarked a pipeline of 35 hotels in the Middle East and Africa by 2025, manages hotels directly for owners, either on a franchise basis for branded properties or as a white label operator for independently-branded hotels.

The company operates four hotels in Africa, with six new openings already slated for 2020.

BBC Journalist Peter Mwangangi has decided to unleash his other talent, Music.

The soft spoken journalist has team up with Kenyan olympic swimmer turned rapper  Jason Dunford 'Samaki mkuu' to record a love song titled 'Tabasamu'.

The song which was originally done Mombasa music producer TK2 but re-done by Dominic Khaemba of Ageless Music is set for release this coming Wednesday.

Mwangangi mostly reffered to as 'PM' by his peers hosts two programmes on BBC Swahili, Mitikasi leo and Biashara Bomba.

Mvita Young Stars registered their first 2-1 victory during the second edition of the Machele super cup football tournament played at the famous Tononoka playing ground.

A total of 24 teams from Mvita constituency divided into four pools will take part during this year’s holiday festivities.

The annual football tournament is the courtesy of Machele Foundation patron Mohamed soud and the winners will pocket Sh 100,000 while the runners up will take Sh 50,000.

The opening ceremony of the first match was graced by the sponsor accompanied by Mombasa member of county assembly [MCA] for Ganjoni/Shimanzi Ward Priscilla Mumba and her Majengo/King’orani counterpart Ahmed Nyundo.

Each team taking part during this year’s tournament will be given a kitty with one football.

During the opening match the Mvita Young Stars scored two goals through Abubakari Mohhamed who shook the net before breather time

In the second half Shimanzi Youth came back forcefully missing chances but got a consolation goal through hard fighter Lawrence Mark.

The custodians of both teams were called to save several shots before the final whistle.

The sponsor of the tournament which is organized by the FKF Mombasa sub branch, Mohamed Soud, said he wants to ensure he keeps the youths busy during the long holidays instead of being idle.

He said his agenda is to ensure youths desist from engaging in immoral activities and shun drugs and sub

A half naked Woman caused a scene last night at the ongoing Lamu cultural festival as Bongo star Mbosso was on stage.

The Woman attracted attention after she started screaming while forcing her way to the stage all in a bid to dance with her favourite artist Mbosso.

The show had to be stopped for some minutes before Mbosso intervened calling on the bodyguards and security personnel manning the stage to allow her to the stage, he however gave her instructions that he was only going to take pictures with her but no dancing.

"As you are aware Lamu has its own culture and values, it is not allowed for me to dance with you when dressed like that, i will be going against the values of the people of Lamu and this festival' said Mbosso.

The show finally resumed after the Woman left the stage, Mbosso thrilled his fans with most of his hits like 'Shillingi', 'Hodari', 'Nadekezwa'.

"This is my first time in Lamu and i really appreciate for your support and the love you have showed me. I promise to be back here next year with Diamond Platnumz" said Mbosso after finishing his performance amid cheers from the revellers

In an interview with Journalists the Woman who refused to disclose her name said all she wanted was getting close to Mbosso and at least dance with him.

"I'm grateful that i managed to get so close to him and took pictures together. I had prepared myself very well to shake my waist for him. All in all i have achieved one of my dreams which was to take a picture with my favourite artist Mbosso, i love him so much" said the Woman.

The festival which started on Thursday last week will end Tomorrow (Monday).

The 5th edition of the Jamhuri festival and expo is set for December 18 to 20 at the Wild waters in Mombasa.

This will be the first time that the event is taking place in Mombasa.

The event which has so far been held in 4 major cities in the country namely Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret and Nakuru seeks to bridge the gap between potential clients and businesses and also bring together families during this festive season.

"December is a season for festivities and we believe that wild waters will be the perfect place to experience maximul fun" said the expo CEO Paul Omena.

The activities expected at the expo includes business and food expo and all inclusive entertainment (Kids Amusements, Music, Culture).

The 5th edition of the Pwani International fashion week and awards (PIFWA) went down last evening at the Epic business centre in Nyali.

Models took to the runway to showcase beautiful designs from local designers with awards being awarded to the best fashion designer, make up artist, stylist of the year and also photographer of the year.

Hellen Mwanzia won the model of the year award, Charity Sonje took home the make up artist of the year award, Joel Njata winning the stylist of the year award while Royal arts photography won the photographer of the year award.

The event was graced by Papa Shirandula's actress Jacky Vike and the Mombasa County tourism department chief officer Jaffar Suleiman.

In his speech Mr Suleiman assured the organisers and fashion industry stakeholders in the county of continued support.

"Since 2016 the Department of Tourism has partnered with pwani international fashion week to promote fashion tourism as one of the key element in promoting Mombasa as a destination. Other elements being Leisure, Business, Sports tourism, Spiritual Tourism and more recently Medical Tourism" said Suleiman

Adding" As a Government we stand Committed firm and true believing that without identity a people is lost and their sense of belonging diminished. So as much as we have been supportive of all initiatives we ask for harmony and enhancements of our roots as we move forward in our endeavor to create a true Identity for Mombasa".

Below are some photos from the event.