Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday said essential operations have been returned to the port of Mombasa in line with a campaign promise by the Kenya Kwanza administration.

President William Ruto had promised that if elected, port operations previously moved inland to Naivasha would be taken back to Mombasa. Following this pledge, The President issued an order to enforce this pledge on the first day in office in September.

While opening the 2022 Mombasa International Show on Thursday, the Deputy President said they had kept their word and the port as well as the sea side city were slowly returning to their strength.

“The President issued the order on the first day in office and I confirm the operations are now back in Mombasa,” Gachagua said.

He said the Kenya Kwanza administration will always protect the stature of the port saying it was a national resource that not only benefits the coastal region but the whole nation.

Since the operations including the critical clearing and forwarding were taken to Naivasha, local leaders had been urging the previous administration to reverse the initial decisions that took operations out of Mombasa.

Deputy President Gachagua, who revealed he would be back to the coast soon to tour the port, said their administration will always stand firm in defence of the rights of all citizens including those living in the coastal region.

“The port belongs to all Kenyans not some few individuals. We thank the Kenya Ports of Authority Board of Directors for standing against attempts to fully transfer the operations,” the DP said.

He said Ruto’s Government was keen on working with the residents and that a number of senior positions including those of Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaires and key Parliamentary positions had been given to leaders from the region.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir also confirmed clearing and forwarding activities were back to the coastal city.

“I had a meeting with port officials on Wednesday and I can confirm that indeed port operations are back to our city. We are grateful to the Government for ensuring this happened,” he said.

The Mombasa International Show, organized by the Agricultural Society of Kenya, was held at Mkomani Showground in Nyali. It was making a return after a three-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year’s theme for the show which ends on Sunday is “Promoting Innovation and Technology in Agriculture and Trade”.

The Deputy President also encouraged coastal residents to take advantage of the Government plan to boost aquaculture, a sector he said remained largely untapped.

He said the new State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries will drive the development of the sector which supports over 2 million people.

“Aquaculture alone has a potential area of 1.4 million hectares suitable for fish farming and is capable of producing over 750,000 Metric Tonnes valued at KES 250 billion.

Despite this enormous potential, only 2,105.1 Hectares of land is under aquaculture,” he said. 

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, counterparts Salim Mvurya (Mining) and Aisha Jumwa (Public Service and Gender) were present.

Former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has landed a new international job.

Balala who served in the tourism docket for 12 years is now the new Vice President of Fauna & Flora International (FFI), the world’s oldest international wildlife conservation organisation.

Prince William heads the list of eminent, distinguished and dedicated people associated with Fauna & Flora International.

The organisation’s CEO Mark Rose announced the appointed of Balala to the organisation.

"On behalf of all of the team at FFI, I am delighted to welcome Honourable Najib Balala as vice-president – he will be a wonderful global ambassador for FFI. “Balala has been incredibly influential in the wildlife and tourism sectors in Kenya and across Africa and we are very privileged to be able to benefit from this wealth of knowledge and experience,” he said.

On his part Balala welcomed his new appointment.

"Thank you for the appointment, Fauna & Flora International. I am grateful and honoured to have been chosen to serve as FFI's Vice President." said Balala.

His appointment comes just days after he announced his retirement from active politics, after having been in the political field for over 24 yeas.

“I'm honoured to have served my country for the past 24 years since being Mombasa Mayor, in 1998, to serving as the CS in the Ministry of Tourism… I welcome the appointment of Peninah Malonza as the new CS for Tourism, Wildlife & Heritage. You have my full support,” Balala tweeted.

Balala also served as the Mvita Mp from 2002 to 2007. He has also served as Minister for Gender, Sports, Culture & Social Services from 2003 -2004 and Minister for National Heritage & Culture from 2004 - 2005.

During his tenure at the tourism docket, Balala was awarded as the best Tourism Minister in Africa. He was also appointed the Chairman of United Nations World Tourism Organisation in 2009.

The cabinet secretary for Public Service and Gender Aisha Jumwa has promised to revamp Kenya's public service sector.

Speaking in Mombasa on Wednesday, Jumwa said that public servants had no morale and were in need of better working conditions.

The CS was in Mombasa to address public officers undergoing induction at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) and later tour the GPO hosting Mombasa Huduma Center.

"I am inheriting a public service that is already facing a myriad of challenges. One of the biggest challenge is that they are highly demoralised. This I intend to resolve by pushing for an increase in their salaries," said Jumwa.

This was Jumwa’s first official visit to Mombasa and Coast region since she was sworn in to office.

She promised to spearhead the conversation though alluding to the fact that the country was presently battling a tough economic time coupled with a ballooning wage bill.

"Mine is to ensure that I have facilitated the conversation to making sure that we are getting to a point of revamping the public service by boosting their morale and give them a conducive working environment,” she said.

She promised to engage all the relevant ministries and government agencies to ensure the actualization of the idea adding that if funds don't allow, then they will have to wait.

She  added that the government was working towards improving the productivity of public servants saying that this would be achieved through motivating them and raising their morale.

"We are facing a shortage of public servants, we have slightly above 900,000 people serving a population of about 49 million. It is evident that they are overstretched and overworked, this numbers need to be increased to ensure that Kenyans get quality and efficient government services," she said.

The CS however failed to tour the Mombasa Huduma Center at GPO as earlier scheduled.

She however lauded the Huduma Kenya program saying that it had done a tremendous job in terms of providing government services to the people.

She said that the government was working with MPs to increase the number of huduma centers in the country.

There are 41 huduma centers spread across the country.

“I can attest that the Huduma Kenya program has worked wonders and I am very much impressed, we have plans to increase the huduma mashinani program working with our Members of Parliament"

"We will give them direction on how they can be able to construct huduma centers at the grassroots and also how to increase the platforms for government services to be there,” Jumwa said.

She also announced that all huduma mashinani networks will be operating from 7am to 9pm with staff coming in shifts.

The CS while touring the Huduma Center secretariat in Nairobi on Tuesday, had announced that  huduma centers will be operating from 7am to 7pm.

“I will not be a CS who sits in the office, I will be at the grassroots to see that Kenyans get services that they deserve in line with the president's agenda,” she said.

President William Ruto has released the list of 51 people he has nominated for the position of Principal Secretaries (PS) in different State departments.

The list is from  the 250 names the Public Service Commission (PSC) had forwarded to him after interviews.

Here is the full list:

1. Julius Korir - State Department for Cabinet Affairs

2. Teresia Mbaika Malokwe - State Department for Devolution

3. Esther Ngero - State Department for Performance and Delivery Management

4. Aurelia Rono - State Department for Parliamentary Affairs

5. Raymond Omollo - State Department for Interior and National Administration

6. Caroline Nyawira Murage - State Department for Correctional Services

7. Amb. Julius Bitok - State Department for Citizen Services.

8. Dr. Chris Kiptoo - The National Treasury

9. James Muhati - State Department for Economic Planning

10. Patrick Mariro - Defence

11. Korir Sing'oei - State Department for Foreign Affairs

12. Roseline Njogu - State Department for Diaspora Affairs

13. Amos Gathecha - State Department for Public Service

14. Veronica Mueni Nduva - State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action

15. Joseph Mungai Mbugua - State Department for Roads

16. Mohamed Dhagar - State Department for Transport

17. Nixon Korir - State Department for Lands and Physical Planning

18. Charles Hinga - State Department for Housing and Urban Developemnt

19. Joel Arumonyang - State Department for Public Works

20. Prof. Edward Kisiangani - State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications

21. Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui - ICT and Digital Economy

22. Eng. Peter Tum - State Department for Medical Services.

23. Dr. Joseph Mburu - State Department for Health Standards and Professional Management

24. Dr. Belio Kipsang - State Department for Basic Education

25. Esther Thaara Muhoria - State Department for TVET

26. Beatrice Inyangala - State Departments for Higher Education and Research

27. Phillip Kello Harsama - State Department for Crop Development

28. Harry Kimutai - State Department for Livestock Development

29. Alfred K'Ombundo - State Department for Trade

30. Abubakar Hassan - State Department for Investment Promotion

31. Juma Mukhwana - State Department for Industry

32. Patrick Kiburi Kilemi - State Department for Cooperatives

33. Susan Mangeni - State Department for MSMEs Development

34. Ismail Madey - State Department for Youth Affairs

35. Jonathan Mueke - State Department for Sports and The Arts

36. Festus Ngeno - State Department for Environment

37. Ephantus Kimotho - State Department for Forestry

38. John Ololtuaa - State Department for Tourism

39. Sylvia Naseya Muhoro - State Department for Wildlife

40. Ummy Mohammed Bashir - State Department for Culture and Heritage

41. Dr. Paul Ronoh - State Department for Water and Sanitation

42. Gitonga Mugambi - State Department for Irrigation

43. Alex Wachira - State Department for Energy

44. Mohamed Liban - State Department for Petroleum

45. Geoffrey Kaituko - State Department for Labour and Skills Development

46. Joseph Mugosi Mutavi - State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs

47. Abdi Dubart - State Department for East African Community Development

48. Idris Dogota - State Department for The ASALs and Regional Development

49. Elijah Mwangi - State Department for Mining

50. Betsy Muthoni Njagi - State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries

51. Shadrack Mwadime - State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs

For Engineer Hamisi Chome, politics has been one of his longest journeys which eventually paid off after 25 years.

For 25 years he has vied unsuccessful in 5 general elections for a parliamentary seat losing to his opponents even after defecting from four major political parties.

But his prayers were answered during the August 9 (2022)  general elections when he won the Voi parliamentary seat on a Wiper ticket with 9,418 votes flooring Mr Mlolwa of the Jubilee party with 8,426 votes.

“For 25 years I have been vying for a political seat. I was born and bred in Voi. I schooled at Shimo La Tewa High School in Mombasa and Nairobi School. I later joined the University of Nairobi to study engineering. I joined politics with no experience of leadership skills in schools,” said Chome.

His journey began in 1997 when he was 35 years old vying for the Voi parliamentary seat on a Kanu ticket which he lost.  In 2002 he tried again on a Narc ticket but lost.

“You can see despite vying on the most popular party tickets like the ruling Kanu whose party leader was the late President Daniel Moi and Nark under the leadership of the late President Mwai Kibaki I still lost miserly,” he said.

In 2007, he defected to ODM but when the party split with ODM-K he pledged allegiance to his then-party leader Mr Kalonzo Musyoka but he still lost.

“I called myself into a meeting. I realized sometimes when traveling you reach a place where there is a ditch and reverse to strategies how to drive through it. In 2017 I did not vie but I supported Jubilee so I wasn’t idle but I never told my supporters that I had retired from politics,” he said.

Mr Chome said he explained to his supporters he was taking a sabbatical from politics after some of his friends and relatives tried to vie for different political seats.

He said after he realized he wanted to return to politics he left Nairobi to go live in his home of Voi to acquit himself with rural politics.

“I have worked in the government and non-governmental organizations before taking early retirement. I talked to my villagers and my supporters. There were times I got 12,000 and 14,000 but I was never voted in but this time I got around 9000 and won the parliamentary seat,” he explained.

He gives his success to God.

Mr Chome said he decided to join politics to help Taita Taveta residents grappling with water challenges.

“After getting a bachelor's in Civil Engineering and Masters in Water Resources Engineering I started working in areas grappling with water shortages in Baringo, Kisumu, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Tana River and Nakuru counties. I realized people are suffering,” he said.

Sarova Stanley hosted the historic annual Cake Mixing ceremony that was characterized by pomp and color with chefs showing their skills and experience in making the ceremony an unforgettable experience. The annual event now marks the appearance of a festive season on the horizon.

The event is part of the history that dates back to the 17th century when cake mixing was done to mark the arrival of the harvest season in a procedure that has remained constant through the years. This tradition used to be an intimate family affair to symbolize unity and hard work and is now no longer a preserve of Christian households.

Led by Pastry Chef Sanjit Gupta and his young and energetic team, they made sure that the exciting event that traditional liquors will be mixed with sultanas, raisins, cashews, almonds, plums, peaches, and nuts awaiting Christmas baking, was not just a site to experience but a lesson for many who with an interest in making the cake.

The chefs also added dates, figs, dried cherries, pistachios, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, dried ginger, candied fruits, prunes, walnuts, sugar, eggs, and all-purpose flour. After the crafted combination, the mixture was then soaked in rum, brandy, wine, or a combination of fruit juices and alcohol, all of which give the cake its signature taste and aroma. Why alcohol? You may ask. Since alcohol is a preservative, it was believed that preserving the cake mix for a year could attract good luck and harmony.

“This is a lovely ceremony where one does not just make preparations for the upcoming festival, but also get together the way we have done to welcome the festive spirit that is so synonymous with Christmas,” said Sarova Group Pastry Chef Sanjit Gupta

Kenya Ports Authority is prepared to showcase it's prowess in the coming Mombasa Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) show expected to begin on Wednesday at the Mkomani grounds.

KPA Show Committee Assistant Chairman Peter Odera they intend to make things different this year compared to what they have been showcasing in previous shows including coming up with a beach and the ocean for the show.

“We have tried to be technical but also bring simplicity because we understand that we have school-going children and people who would want to see the visual part of it,” said Odera.

Adding " This year's theme is about innovation something which has become very key so we thought of bringing to the show what we have not had before. And for this case, we decided to do a physical show and tell people what we do at our place of work"

To demonstrate their prowess, the authority has come up with a pool at their stand that will be used to practically demonstrate how they undertake water welding and  salvaging of an item that goes on the water.

The authority has also planted mangrove trees  at their stand that will be used in showcasing how oil spills affect the environment.

Other activities will include diving,  welding and repair ships.

Odera charged "We are ready to showcase what we have and I would like to encourage people to take time and visit us at the KPA stand."

President William Ruto is expected to officially open the show on Thursday.

Mombasa based actress and singer Bwire Ndubi has revealed that she is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Taking to social media, Ndubi who plays the role of Dida in the local program 'Sultana' that airs on Citizen TV,  opened up that she has been battling breast cancer for some time.

In the post, Ndubi thanked all those who have stood with her led by her partner actor Dan Sonko.

"As we mark the end of the breast Cancer awareness month, I’d love to appreciate your love and support through my journey. Those in the know walked with me from the very beginning," she stated.

Adding " We’re almost at the end of the lap and I count myself blessed to have people like you in my life. A big thank you to God, he is the star of my show. Ukweli usemwe (truth be told). A big thank you to my parents, my in-laws, my cousins, my co-workers, my bosses, my Doctor and nurses, my children, and last but definitely not least my best friend, my love and caregiver Dan Sonko. Without you all, this journey wouldn’t be as smooth. I am here today because of the love, support, and shield you’ve surrounded me with from the very start."

The former member of Juukua the band further urged Women to get screened for breast cancer.

"Please keep going for screenings even when the month of October ends. Breast cancer knows no age, color, size, or gender. Know your body and treat it right. To all my warriors out there, keep fighting. Your life is yours to live. Don’t let cancer outlive you. Don’t let it ever stop you. Don’t let it eat at your brain."

Members of the powerful Senate business committee (SBC) are in Mombasa for a two day induction on legislation business and oversight tools.

The apex committee  is tasked to among other functions to establish Committees, draft Standing orders, prioritize or postpone any business of the House and any other business that may arise.

The induction which expected to end on Tuesday was officially opened by the Deputy Speaker Senator Kathuri Murungi.

In his speech Senator Murungi challenged the senators to ensure that they step up and ensure they help find solution to the different challenges currently facing the country which includes adverse effects of climate change, unemployment, national debts and harsh economic times., through their legislative role.

"As the Legislature, it is our duty to step up to the plate and join in efforts to not only find lasting and sustainable solutions to these challenges but also give hope to our people." said Murungi.

Adding ""As you are aware, a loaded in-tray awaits us as Parliament given the high expectations Kenyans have in the wake of the August elections that proved to be a watershed moment for our Country."

the committee is led by Senate speaker Amason Kingi, other members of the committee include Senate Majority leader Senator Aaaron Cheruiyot and Minority leader Senator Stewart Madzayo.

On Wednesday, the committee members are expected to join their colleagues at the Whitesands hotel for the major induction expected to be opened by Speaker Amason Kingi.

The Senators are expected to resume their plenary sittings on Tuesday next week after breaking for recess last Thursday 

All is set for this year's Mombasa annual Agriculture Society of Kenya (ASK) show set to be held from November 2 to 6, 2022.

The once-popular event was not held for two consecutive years as the country went into a lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year's ASK show calendar officially begun on Sunday with a special thanksgiving service at the Mombasa ACK cathedral church, presided over by the .

Speaking after the service, Mombasa ASK show Chairman Anisa Abdallah revealed that there will be a special agribusiness training.

"We will be having specialists who will be training those interested in agribusiness. I would like to appeal to our youths to come out in large numbers and also attend this training since it will help them in job creation and self employment instead of just sitting and waiting for white collar jobs" said Abdallah.

Adding " We are set and ready to receive all the visitors for this year's show".

President William Ruto is expected to officially open the show on Thursday, 3rd November.

This year's theme is 'Promoting innovation and Technology in Agriculture and Trade'

On his part Mombasa ACK cathedral bishop Alphonse Baya cautioned government officials against taking advantage of the relief food program to benefit themselves.

"As we all know it is a shame that today people are dying of hunger, starvation, lack of water yet with good strategic preparedness this are challenges which are not necessarily for Kenyans because we have everything necessary we are properly gifted to give food for everyone in this country. Hunger is a man made problem, why is it that only some people die out of hunger it means that there is a problem in the system that distributes food to our plates which needs to be addressed. ." said Bishop Baya

Adding " As the government distributes food for relief let us hope that there will be no famine billionaires as it were during the Covid period where we had Covid billionaires."