Global superstars and long-time collaborators: Yemi Alade and Kenya’s international hitmaker Bien, have once again reunited to release “Don’t Be Shy” – what may be one of their best collaborations yet.

The irresistible new single, released via Effyzzie Music, serves as the first taste of Yemi Alade’s forthcoming self-titled album, IT’S YEMI ALADE, set for release this year. Stream the single here.

Produced by acclaimed Nigerian producer De Yaso, alongside Kenyan producer Kobby Worldwide, “Don’t Be Shy” is a sweet, sensual and infectious Afro-R&B track infused with the irresistible rhythms of Kompa.

Capturing the magnetic pull between two people unafraid to surrender to their feelings, the song is a mood and a vibe.

With its smooth melodies, undeniable chemistry and dance-inducing groove, “Don’t Be Shy” effortlessly pulls listeners onto the dancefloor while offering an exciting glimpse into the next chapter of Yemi Alade’s next music project and era.

Speaking on the release, Yemi Alade shares: “I have always loved the soulfulness of Bien’s music and working with him on this record was so easy. Music has always been about emotion and connection for me. And I feel like in “Don’t Be Shy” we are both being playful, confident and honest, in expressing feelings when you’re into someone. It’s a great jam to dance to, but also warm and intimate. I hope you all love it as much as we do.”

Bien adds: “Working with Yemi was an incredible experience because the energy felt natural from the beginning. “Don’t Be Shy” is about confidence, chemistry and enjoying the moment. We want you to just feel good and loosen up when this song comes on.”

Bien and Yemi Alade’s creative journey traces back to Yemi Alade and Sauti Sol’s classic collaboration “Africa”, followed by a series of creative collaborations including Yemi Alade’s Swahili version of “Nagode” and Yemi Alade’s take on Bien’s “All My Enemies Are Suffering” that was included into the single’s Remix EP.

On “Don’t Be Shy” the stars are bringing renewed creative energy that marries their undeniable chemistry that feels both fresh and familiar.

Blending Yemi’s signature charisma with Bien’s smooth vocals, “Don’t Be Shy” is a celebration of African musical excellence and a reminder of why these two artists remain among the continent’s most beloved stars. 

Don’t Be Shy” serves as the first glimpse into Yemi Alade’s forthcoming self-titled album, IT’S YEMI ALADE, her eleventh music project to date, arriving ahead of a major showcase in Paris, France.

If “Don’t Be Shy” is anything to go by, anticipation for IT’S YEMI ALADE is only set to soar.

With each release, Yemi continues to cement her status as one of Africa’s most prolific songwriters, electrifying performers and enduring cultural icons.

Her unwavering commitment to originality, deep connection to her heritage and unapologetic celebration of the African continent remain at the heart of her artistry, inspiring audiences across the globe while continuing to elevate African music on the world stage.

Mombasa County is set to launch a groundbreaking nutrition support program targeting expectant mothers as part of its broader efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare across the county.

The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir's administration, will provide nutritious meals and dietary support to pregnant women attending public health facilities.

The program aims to address maternal nutrition challenges, reduce pregnancy-related complications, and contribute to healthier pregnancies and safer deliveries.

The rollout comes on the heels of significant investments by the county government in the digitization of healthcare services, a move that has transformed patient management and service delivery across public health facilities.

According to Governor Nassir, the new program reflects the county's commitment to preventive healthcare and ensuring that vulnerable groups receive the support they need.

"The health of a mother directly impacts the health and future of a child. Through this program, we are investing in healthier families by ensuring expectant mothers receive the nutritional support they need throughout their pregnancy," said Governor Nassir.

He noted that proper nutrition during pregnancy plays a critical role in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates while enhancing the overall well-being of mothers and newborns.

The county's digitized healthcare system will play a central role in the implementation of the initiative.

Through the system, healthcare workers will be able to identify beneficiaries, track maternal health indicators, monitor attendance at antenatal clinics, and ensure efficient distribution of nutritional support.

"Technology has enabled us to improve healthcare planning and service delivery. By integrating this nutrition program into our digital health platform, we will be able to reach those who need support most while ensuring transparency and accountability," the governor added.

County health officials have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major milestone in strengthening maternal healthcare services.

Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Health said the program is expected to complement existing maternal health interventions, including antenatal care services, immunization programs, and community health outreach initiatives.

"Many pregnancy-related complications are linked to poor nutrition. This initiative will help improve maternal health outcomes and contribute to the birth of healthier babies. It is a proactive intervention that addresses healthcare challenges before they become emergencies," the health official said.

Once implemented, the nutrition support program is expected to further strengthen Mombasa's healthcare system and position the county as a leader in innovative maternal health services.

The initiative forms part of Governor Nassir's broader healthcare reform agenda, which focuses on expanding access to quality healthcare, embracing digital solutions, and improving the overall well-being of Mombasa residents.

Maritime security experts, policymakers, researchers, and regional stakeholders have called for stronger collaboration between governments, research institutions, and maritime agencies to address emerging security threats in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO).

The call was made during the launch of the Regional Maritime Security Architecture (RMSA) Policy Brief, an initiative of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) developed in partnership with the University of Oxford.

The event held in Mombasa brought together maritime governance experts, security practitioners, academics, and development partners to discuss the future of maritime security cooperation in the region.

Speaking during the launch, Kenya Navy Fleet Commander Brigadier Mohamed Shemote described the Western Indian Ocean as a region of immense strategic significance, serving as a critical artery for global trade, energy flows, and economic development while supporting the livelihoods of millions of people through the blue economy.

However, he noted that the maritime space continues to face complex challenges, including piracy, illicit trafficking, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, marine pollution, and the growing impacts of climate change.

"These threats transcend national boundaries and require coordinated regional responses," said Brigadier Shemote.

He commended the Indian Ocean Commission for its leadership in advancing maritime security cooperation across the region, noting that the establishment of the Regional Maritime Security Architecture has strengthened maritime domain awareness and improved coordination of operations at sea through regional information-sharing mechanisms.

"A notable achievement has been the establishment of the Regional Maritime Security Architecture. Through the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre in Madagascar and the Regional Coordination of Operations Centre in Seychelles, supported by national maritime information-sharing centres, the Architecture has strengthened maritime domain awareness and improved coordination of operations at sea," he said.

The Fleet Commander noted that for Kenya, the RMSA represents more than a security framework, describing it as a practical expression of a shared commitment to safeguarding maritime resources, protecting the blue economy, and promoting peace, stability, and prosperity across the Western Indian Ocean.

The newly launched policy brief highlights the achievements of the RMSA in strengthening regional coordination and collective responses to illicit activities at sea while identifying priorities for its future sustainability and strategic development.

Brigadier Shemote further emphasized the importance of research-informed maritime governance, noting that the rapidly evolving maritime environment requires policies and institutions that can adapt to emerging risks and opportunities.

"Evidence-based analysis enables policymakers and practitioners to better understand emerging risks, identify opportunities, and develop sustainable solutions," he said, while applauding the collaboration between the University of Oxford and the Indian Ocean Commission in producing the policy brief.

Brigadier Shemote reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to supporting regional maritime security initiatives and called on stakeholders to continue investing in cooperation, knowledge, and innovation to build a secure and prosperous maritime future for the Western Indian Ocean.

"We remain fully committed to supporting this shared vision," he said.

On her part Professor Kate Sullivan de Estrada, a researcher at the University of Oxford, said the RMSA Policy Brief demonstrates the value of long-term partnerships between researchers and policymakers in addressing complex maritime security challenges.

She noted that effective policy solutions emerge not from isolated academic work, but through sustained engagement, trust, and collaboration between scholars and practitioners.

"The research is not missing; it is simply not sitting where we would conventionally expect to find it," she said, explaining that the policy brief is the product of years of dialogue, observation, and cooperation between researchers and maritime security practitioners across the region.

She emphasized that understanding is produced through relationships and shared experiences rather than detached analysis alone. 

Professor Sullivan noted that the brief reflects a collective effort to understand and present the Regional Maritime Security Architecture from a regional perspective, bringing together academic expertise and practical experience.

According to her, such collaborations help ensure that maritime security policies are informed by local realities and regional priorities. 

She further argued that research on maritime security should begin with the concerns and experiences of countries within the Western Indian Ocean rather than relying solely on frameworks developed elsewhere.

"Collaborative research creates the possibility of beginning with regional concerns, experiences and projects," she said, adding that engaged research-policy partnerships help generate better questions, richer understanding, and more regionally grounded knowledge. 

Mombasa County has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the ocean and coastal ecosystems through enhanced solid waste management, improved sewer infrastructure, and sustainable environmental initiatives.

Speaking during the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir said the county is implementing long-term measures aimed at reducing pollution, safeguarding marine biodiversity, and promoting a sustainable blue economy.

Governor Nassir noted that as a coastal city whose economy, culture, and livelihoods are closely linked to the ocean, Mombasa has a responsibility to lead by example in environmental conservation.

"Protecting our ocean begins with how we manage our waste on land. Every piece of waste that is properly collected, recycled, or disposed of responsibly is a step towards preserving our marine ecosystems for future generations," said Governor Nassir.

The Governor highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize waste management systems, improve waste collection services, expand recycling programs, and encourage responsible waste disposal among residents and businesses.

He revealed that the county is making significant progress toward implementing an integrated waste management project that will strengthen environmental protection and help curb pollution entering the ocean.

"We are investing in sustainable solutions that address the root causes of environmental degradation. Our goal is to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Mombasa where economic growth goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship," he added.

Governor Nassir emphasized that effective waste management cannot be achieved by government alone, calling for stronger partnerships between public institutions, communities, development partners, and the private sector.

"Environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility. Success will require ownership, innovation, and collaboration from all stakeholders. Together, we can create lasting solutions that protect our environment and improve the quality of life for our people," he said.

The Governor also underscored the urgent need to improve sewer management infrastructure to prevent the discharge of untreated waste into the ocean, warning that marine pollution poses a threat to both public health and the blue economy.

"Healthy oceans support healthy communities. Strengthening our sewer systems is not only an environmental priority but also a public health and economic necessity," he noted.

Mombasa County continues to champion marine conservation efforts through initiatives aimed at reducing marine pollution, protecting coastal habitats, and promoting sustainable environmental practices.

Governor Nassir reiterated that the county remains committed to implementing practical and long-term solutions that will secure a cleaner environment, healthier communities, and a thriving blue economy for generations to come.

"The future of Mombasa is inseparable from the future of our ocean. The actions we take today will determine the legacy we leave for tomorrow," he concluded.

Kenya and the Republic of Korea have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Recognition of Certificates under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), a move expected to unlock greater employment opportunities for Kenyan seafarers in the global maritime industry.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 11th Our Ocean Conference currently underway in Mombasa, bringing together governments, maritime stakeholders and ocean conservation experts from around the world.

Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho, who witnessed the signing ceremony, described the agreement as a major milestone in strengthening maritime cooperation between Kenya and South Korea.

“This has been a journey of sustained engagement, consultations and collaboration between our two countries. Through open dialogue and the goodwill demonstrated by both Kenya and South Korea, we have reached an important milestone that will benefit our maritime sector,” said Joho.

The STCW recognition agreement establishes a framework for the mutual recognition of maritime certificates issued by the two countries, enabling qualified seafarers to have their credentials recognized across jurisdictions.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, the agreement goes beyond diplomatic cooperation and presents tangible benefits for Kenyan seafarers seeking employment in international shipping and maritime industries.

“For Kenyan seafarers, this is more than just a signed document. It means greater recognition of their qualifications, more access to international opportunities, and ultimately more jobs,” he said.

Joho noted that the government remains committed to creating opportunities for young people through the blue economy while positioning Kenya as a competitive maritime nation.

“Our commitment remains clear: creating pathways for our youth, strengthening Kenya’s position in the global maritime industry, and ensuring that the blue economy works for our people,” he stated.

He added that the agreement reflects the growing partnership between Kenya and South Korea in advancing maritime development, skills recognition and international cooperation.

"This achievement reflects our shared commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation and expanding opportunities for seafarers from both nations,” Joho said.

The signing comes at a time when Kenya is seeking to expand its maritime workforce and leverage opportunities within the blue economy sector, which the government has identified as a key pillar for economic growth, job creation and sustainable development.

The 11th Our Ocean Conference, being hosted in Mombasa from June 16 to 18, marks the first time the global event is taking place on African soil and is expected to generate commitments on ocean conservation, maritime security, sustainable fisheries and blue economy investments.

More than 1,000 households in Kwa Punda, Mikindani Ward, Jomvu Constituency, are set to benefit from a title deed issuance programme following the commencement of land survey activities by the County Government of Mombasa in collaboration with the National Government.

The exercise, which is aimed at paving the way for the issuance of title deeds, is expected to significantly reduce cases of squatting and unregulated settlements in the area while enhancing land ownership security for residents.

Speaking during a public meeting held in Kwa Punda to introduce surveyors and officially launch the exercise, Mombasa County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Mohamed Hussein, urged residents to remain vigilant and protect the integrity of the process.

“This is a very important exercise that will eventually enable many families to obtain title deeds and secure ownership of the land they occupy. We ask residents to remain vigilant and not allow anyone to interfere with the process,” said Hussein.

The Lands CECM cautioned that political actors could attempt to exploit the exercise for personal gain, especially at a time when political activities are intensifying across the country.

“As political temperatures continue to rise, there are individuals who may want to politicize this process. We urge residents not to be misled and to focus on the long-term benefits that this programme will bring to the community,” he added.

Hussein also called on residents to cooperate fully with the survey teams to ensure the exercise is completed smoothly and within the stipulated timelines.

"We request all residents to support the surveyors and provide the necessary information whenever required. It is also important that adequate space is left for public utilities such as roads, schools, health facilities and other amenities that will benefit the community in the future,” he said.

The title deed programme forms part of ongoing efforts by both the county and national governments to address historical land ownership challenges that have affected many residents in Mombasa for decades.

Jomvu Constituency remains one of the areas with a high concentration of informal settlements and unresolved land ownership disputes, leaving many families without legal documentation for the land they occupy.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has consistently championed land reforms and the issuance of title deeds, describing secure land ownership as a key step towards economic empowerment, social stability and sustainable development.

The ongoing survey exercise in Kwa Punda is expected to lay the groundwork for the eventual issuance of title deeds, bringing long-awaited relief to hundreds of families and advancing efforts to resolve land tenure challenges in the county.

Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki has called on the national government to establish Ebola screening centres at all major weighbridges along the Northern Corridor to strengthen the country's preparedness against the deadly disease.

Speaking during a free medical outreach programme in Jomvu organized by his office in partnership with Mount Kenya University, Senator Faki said Kenya must enhance surveillance measures along key transport routes used by long-distance truck drivers travelling between East Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Ebola cases have been reported.

The Senator noted that while the government has put considerable emphasis on isolation and treatment facilities, equal attention should be directed towards early detection through screening centres.

"As a country, we must be more vigilant on the Northern Corridor. Thousands of truck drivers move between Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo every month. We should not wait until suspected cases reach our communities before taking action," said Faki.

"The government should establish Ebola screening centres at all major weighbridges and transit points. Prevention and early detection are just as important as isolation centres," he added.

Faki said weighbridges provide strategic locations for health screening because they serve as mandatory stopovers for cargo trucks travelling across the region.

"Instead of focusing only on isolation centres, we should invest in screening facilities where travellers and truck drivers can be monitored before they proceed with their journeys. This will strengthen our national preparedness and help protect Kenyans," he said.

The Senator's remarks come as Kenya continues to enhance surveillance measures at points of entry following the Ebola outbreak in parts of the DRC and Uganda.

The Ministry of Health has already intensified screening at border points and other entry routes as part of ongoing preparedness efforts.

The medical outreach in Jomvu attracted hundreds of residents who received free medical consultations, screening services, and health education.

Senator Faki commended Mount Kenya University and healthcare workers participating in the exercise, saying such initiatives help bridge healthcare access gaps for vulnerable communities.

"Health is a fundamental right. Through partnerships such as this one, we can bring essential medical services closer to our people and improve health outcomes across our communities," he said.

The outreach programme will continue until Sunday, offering a range of healthcare services to residents of Jomvu and surrounding areas.

Next week, global leaders, conservationists, investors, development partners, and ocean advocates will converge in Mombasa for the Our Ocean Conference 2026 to discuss the future of ocean conservation, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience, and the blue economy.

The conference presents an opportunity for Kenya to showcase its rich marine biodiversity and leadership in ocean governance. Yet as delegates gather to discuss protecting the ocean, a critical question remains: what happens when the communities that depend on the ocean are steadily losing access to it? Kenya's coastline has long been one of the country's greatest ecological and economic assets. Its mangroves, coral reefs, beaches, and marine ecosystems support tourism, fisheries, and thousands of livelihoods.

According to the Kenya Tourism Board, Kenya earned approximately KSh452 billion from international tourism in 2025, with the coast remaining one of the country's most important tourism destinations. However, beneath this success story lies a growing crisis facing coastal communities. Across the Kenyan coast, fisherfolk communities are increasingly raising concerns over the encroachment, irregular acquisition, and privatization of fish landing sites and public beach access areas by private investors and politically connected individuals.

These sites are not idle spaces. They are critical public utility areas that support fishing, fish handling, processing, trade, and transport. Without them, fishing communities lose their connection to the ocean and the livelihoods it sustains. Beach Management Units (BMUs), which are legally recognized under the Fisheries Management and Development Act, 2016, warn that many fish landing sites remain undocumented, untitled, and vulnerable to dispossession. In many coastal areas, communities report increasing competition for land arising from tourism infrastructure, private coastal developments, speculative land acquisition, and other commercial interests.

The challenge is further compounded by shrinking access to traditional fishing grounds and coastal resources. While initiatives such as mangrove restoration and blue carbon projects are important for climate resilience and ecosystem protection, communities argue that conservation efforts must be implemented in ways that protect both ecosystems and the rights of the people who depend on them. Conservation should not inadvertently exclude the very communities that have acted as custodians of these ecosystems for generations.

The risks are not theoretical. In February 2024, the Environment and Land Court in Malindi declared the irregular allocation of a public beach access corridor in Kilifi unconstitutional and ordered its restoration.

The court affirmed that beach access areas are public land held in trust for the benefit of residents and the wider public. The ruling highlighted growing tensions along the coast as communities increasingly fear losing access to traditional fishing spaces due to speculative development and rising land pressures. What is happening along Kenya's coastline is not merely a land issue. It is a livelihood, governance, and environmental justice issue. Once fish landing sites are lost, communities lose access to fish markets, income opportunities, food security, and cultural heritage linked to the sea. Women involved in fish processing and trade are often disproportionately affected, while young people face shrinking economic opportunities in an already fragile coastal economy.

These concerns speak directly to the themes that will dominate discussions at the Our Ocean Conference. Around the world, governments and development partners are increasingly recognizing that successful ocean conservation depends on the meaningful participation and inclusion of local communities. Yet along Kenya's coastline, many fisherfolk remain uncertain about the future of the very spaces that connect them to the ocean.

If Kenya is serious about advancing a sustainable and inclusive blue economy, then securing fish landing sites must become a national priority. There is an urgent need for the national and county governments to support the identification, adjudication, gazettement, and titling of fish landing sites as protected public utility and community-use spaces. Such measures would safeguard livelihoods, strengthen fisheries governance, reduce land-related conflicts, and protect public access to the ocean.

As the world gathers in Mombasa next week, Kenya has an opportunity to demonstrate that ocean conservation and community rights are not competing priorities but mutually reinforcing objectives. Protecting fish landing sites, public access corridors, and the tenure rights of coastal communities should be viewed as central pillars of ocean governance and blue economy development. Ultimately, there can be no sustainable ocean without secure coastal communities. The success of Kenya's blue economy should not be measured solely by tourism revenues, conservation commitments, or investment figures, but also by whether the communities that have sustained these ecosystems for generations can continue to access the ocean that sustains their livelihoods, culture, and identity.

As delegates deliberate the future of our oceans in Mombasa, they must remember that ocean justice begins at the shoreline.

Muturi Kamau is the National Coordinator of the Kenya Oil and Gas Working Group (KOGWG) and works on community land rights, natural resource governance, and coastal community advocacy in Kenya.

Residents of Bung'ombe area in Mwakirunge, Mombasa County, have been urged to form a representative committee to facilitate efforts aimed at resolving longstanding land ownership disputes and issuing title deeds within the next 90 days.

Speaking during a public meeting with residents, Mombasa County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands Mohamed Hussein Amadoh said the county government was prioritising the regularisation of land ownership to end decades of uncertainty that have seen many residents labelled as squatters.

Amadoh said securing land tenure was the first step towards unlocking development projects and ensuring residents could enjoy long-term security.

"We want to sit together and subdivide the land so that everyone gets their title deed. Once you have a title deed, nobody will disturb you again. The story of squatters and landowners will come to an end," he said.

He noted that the county government was exploring plans for additional investments in the area, including a waste recycling facility and a Level Five hospital, but stressed that resolving land ownership issues remained the immediate priority.

According to Amadoh, development projects could only proceed smoothly once residents had acquired legal ownership documents.

Director of Surveys Rose Munupe said the county government had joined hands with the national government following a directive by President William Ruto to ensure residents in Mombasa receive title deeds within 90 days.

She said the Lands department had already begun consultations with local leaders and residents to understand the area's history and address existing challenges before commencing the land adjudication process.

"Every area has its own history and challenges. That is why we have come to engage residents first and understand the issues before beginning the exercise," she said.

Mwakirunge MCA Mwinyi Mtoto Hamisi welcomed the initiative, saying residents had waited for years to obtain title deeds and deserved to live without fear.

He called on residents and government officials to work together to ensure the process succeeds.

"We need title deeds so that our people can live without fear. Let us sit together and move forward," he said.

However, some residents urged the county government to provide more information and follow the legal procedures governing public participation and project approvals.

James Boma, a resident who said he had lived in Bung'ombe for more than 30 years, called for greater transparency regarding the proposed projects and asked that formal notices be issued before any plans are implemented.

He said residents needed adequate time to analyse proposals and understand their implications.

"We are not rejecting development, but we want things done properly. Let there be gazette notices and proper public participation before decisions are made," he said.

Another resident, Purity, said the community had endured years of hardship and marginalisation and urged leaders to prioritise title deeds before introducing other development initiatives.

"We have lived here for years under difficult conditions. What we want first is title deeds and then development," she said.

In response to concerns raised by residents, Amadoh said the meeting marked the beginning of consultations and assured the community that all legal requirements, including public participation and advertisements, would be followed at the appropriate stages.

He argued that initial discussions with residents were necessary to ensure any formal process reflects the aspirations of the community.

The Lands CEC also urged residents to elect representatives from among women, youth and elders to spearhead discussions with the government, saying meaningful negotiations could not be conducted with hundreds of people at once.

"We are not choosing leaders for you. Select people you trust to represent you. They will relay whatever is agreed upon back to the community," he said.

Amadoh further cautioned residents against allowing politics to interfere with the land ownership process, warning that some leaders could exploit the issue for personal gain ahead of elections.

"Land ownership is about people's lives. Let us not turn it into politics. If we work together, we shall succeed," he said.

He said the county government, under Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, was committed to finding an amicable solution to the land problem and urged residents to embrace dialogue to avoid delaying the process.