Rafiki film producer Wanuri Kahiu and the Creative Economy Working Group (CEWG) have filed a constitutional petition challenging the decision of the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) and its CEO - Ezekiel Mutua - to ban the film in Kenya.

The petition argues  that the ban is against freedom of expression, freedom of artistic creativity and goes beyond the limitations stated in Article 33 (2) of the Constitution of Kenya.

On April 26^th 2018, the Board’s CEO notified Wanuri Kahiu of the Board’s decision to censor the film Rafiki as she declined to remove what it defined as offensive classifiable elements.

"As filmmakers, creatives and story tellers we believe in the intrinsic value of our work. We believe that freedom of expression is the cornerstone of any democracy.The unreasonable and unjustifiable censorship of films infringes on our rights of freedom of expression and freedom of the media as enshrined and guaranteed in the Constitution of Kenya." noted the petitioners.  

They added "The right to freedom of expression has been anchored in regional and international human rights instruments signed and ratified by Kenya such as Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which Kenya is obligated to respect, promote and fulfil".

The petitioners are challenging 12 sections of the Film and Stage Plays Act and the Kenya Film and Classification Board Classification Guidelines, 2012.

They argue the sections criminalize free expression through film, limit freedom of film makers to seek, receive or impart information or ideas, restrict freedom of artistic creativity and limit freedom of expression.

“Sections of the Films and Stage Plays Act, CAP 222 are a threat to free speech and media freedom. They limit the freedom of artists to impart information and restrict freedom of artistic creativity, contrary to the constitutional limits of freedom of expression”, said Wanuri.

The petitioners also want the application to suspend the respondents’ decision to restrict the film pending hearing and determination of the petition.

Under a Certificate of Urgency, the petitioners want the Court to grant a Conservatory Order allowing the lifting of the ban to enable the Oscars Selection Committee Kenya to consider the film for entry to the Academy for the Best Foreign Language Film category award at the 2019 Oscars.  Without lifting the ban the film cannot be considered for selection. The entries close on 30^th September, 2018.

On the issue of the Oscars, Wanuri adds “this isn’t about me personally. It’s about the freedom for all industry players to tell the stories they want to tell and not to be censored. The world is quickly becoming a village and the film industry is worth more than USD 30 billion globally. The opportunities for more Kenyans especially the youth to participate in this sector is immense. We should not let colonial laws stop us from achieving this.”

The petition which was filed on Tuesday 11th September awaits conservatory orders as the Judge gives the other parties the chance to respond.

At a court hearing today, Justice Wilfrida Okwany ordered that KFCB be served and all parties to appear before her on Friday 14th September for directions.

Below is the list of the songs that have made it to the top 10 Coast music chart courtesy of Pwani Fm.

1. SHAM SHAM - DULLYMELODY FT NOTI FLOW
2. NYANG'A - DAZLAH 
3. SUNSHINE GAL - FRANKIE DEE 
4. NYOTA SINA – SUSUMILA
5. HELLO – NYASHINSKI
6. LEVEL - BEKATHEBOY FT PETRA
7. 2 IN 1 - NAIBOI 
8. BABY LOVE - OTILE BROWN
9. DIGO LOVE - KELECHI AFRICANA
10. TOTO - SPIZZO
TRACKS IN WAITING
1.WILLY PAUL FT KHALIGRAPH JONES- BORA UHAI
2.MOX – SONGA
3.BARAKA X GUARDIAN ANGEL – WEMA WAKO
4. SAUTI SOL FT NYASHINSKI - TUJIANGALIE

Kenyan singer, Nameless has decided to celebrate his 13 yrs of marriage.

The singer who is married to fellow artist Wahu released a song titled 'Am good' to celebrate the union.

In the song, Nameless showers Wahu with praises for being a wonderful wife and mother to his two daughters professing his love to her.

The two dated for 8 years before getting married, they were campus lovers.

“It’s been 13 years since this beautiful day, 10th Sept 2005, when I married the love of my life. It’s been a TRIIIIPPPP!!! ! We have been through so much together! We’ve loved passionately, we’ve fought, we’ve laughed and cried together, we’ve won and lost together! Yaaani we seen it all,” said Nameless in one of his posts.

Watch the video below

If you happen to be among the over 800,000 followers of Akothee on instagram and her other social pages then you must be wondering if the artist has found new love in comedian David Babu.

The two entertainers have of late been flooding their social media pages with photoss having some good times at the sandy beaches in South Coast.

There is still no official word on what is going on between the 'President of single mothers ' and  'President of the Boy child', time will tell if indeed there is something serious between the two or its a project they are working on.

Check out some of the photos below.

Social activist and radio personality Adelle Onyango has launched an initiative that will equip the youth and prepare them for the job market.

Together with an online talent management platform, Fuzu, Adelle has unveiled a job apprenticeship initiative that will take successful applicants through a two-week shadowing process with executives in over 30 companies.

“It’s about giving young people a one on one opportunity and access to insight from different professionals in a variety of industries and organizations.

“Our education system is largely theoretical and as a result a majority of people get to know what their jobs entail and require practically, once they are already in the job, this initiative with Fuzu and its partners seeks to provide insight for the youth so that they may be able to have some understanding of what their dream careers entail and require from a practical perspective.”

“It could be the head of an organization or business. It is an opportunity for the young people to get practical experience and learn outside of the lecture theatres. We are trying to provide young people with an opportunity to understand better the industries they are interested in; one could apply for a position in what they want to do, what they studied or what they are passionate about,” Adelle explained.

The job shadowing is free for TeamADELLE members and anyone else interested; they can get the application forms from Adelle’s social media platforms (Facebook: Adelle Onyango, Twitter: @AdelleOnyango, Instagram: Adelle Onyango).

“The apprenticeship will be spread across ten days and will be carried out in a variety of companies. Each apprenticeship will be different and tailored to suit the needs and requirements of the business/organization and the apprentice,” Adelle said.

Apllicants can apply starting September 10th to 16th.

Adelle mused, “We have employers complaining about young people, saying that they don’t know how to conduct themselves during interviews and that their CVs’ are not well done. I thought where should they get this information? There is no emphasis placed on it in our education system? Our initiative is trying to help fix this and prepare young people for the job market.”

She continued: “This is the first step that we want to take together with, Fuzu who are experts in the job market and their partners…”

Arnold Muoki, Head of Human Resource, Turnkey Africa, one of the companies that have graciously accepted to be part of the job shadowing initiative said: “Knowledge is a combination of a strong theoretical background and work experience creates a market-ready talent. The turnaround time of our graduates into being effective talent pieces in the world of work has a direct impact on the pace at which our economy grows which affects our quality of life.”

Echoing him is Chandni Shah, the Business Growth Specialist at Express Automation, who added, “They need to understand how corporate works, they need to find their ground and understand where they can fit in instead of settling for any job. Job satisfaction is key for today’s generation. It’s always a pleasure to show someone the way, mentor them for a short while and handhold them through the first days of corporate world.”

About Fuzu

Fuzu is an online talent management platform that revolutionizes the way companies in East Africa attract talent, recruit more efficiently and develop skills and competencies.

It is a platform that complements current HR processes to shorten recruitment cycle and to attract/review only relevant CVs Fuzu is also a place where the African talent lives and grows, a place where professionals of all levels can plan their growth, learn new skills, follow news and discussions about personal development. It is a place to be matched to new career opportunities when the moment of change arrives. Your People – Our Priority.

Fuzu is a Swahili verb for qualify ,progress, become competent,succeed.

Kenya retained the Mombasa open Tong-IL- Moo-Do International martial Arts Championship at the Aga Khan Academy by winning 39 medals.

The team headed by National coach Ibrahim Mchumba managed to garner 14 gold, 13 silver and 12 bronze medals.

For the better part of the first and second days of the tournament, the Kenyan team trailed behind Philippines who commanded an earlier lead at the World Tong IL-Moo Do championship.

Philippines close challengers to Kenya won the second position by winning 7 gold medals in total with no silver and no bronze.

Third was the Nigerian team with two gold, three silver and 1 bronze. Cote D‘ivoire were ranked fourth with one gold, one silver and two bronzes.

Zambia emerged fifth with two silver medals while Thailand emerged sixth with one silver and four bronze medals. Ethiopia won a silver in the championship to become seventh. Japan and Tanzania failed to get any medals.

In events performance, the over 18 years Adult males individual forms finals were won by Geovane Gella (Philippines) with a score of 9 points followed Kenyan Elvis Malipe with 8.7 points scooping the silver medal.

In the individual special techniques finals Geovane Gella bagged a second gold medal with 8.850 points followed closely with Nigerian Ogene Ifeanyi with 8.80 points scooping a silver medal. The bronze went to Koume Dioudome of Cote D’Ivoire.

In the Female Adults Individual forms Final over 18 years Arine Busalpa of Philippines continued to show their dominance in the tournament to retain their World prowess in the game by earning a gold medal with 8.8 points beating both Suwannaluck Phakdiwichitkul (Thailand) with 8.4 points and Salma Ali(Kenya) with 7.75 points to reclaim a silver and bronze medal respectively.

In the Teams Forms open category finals Philippines beat Kenya A and B teams to win another gold with9.05 points.

In the Teams special technique finals Kenya A won the gold with 8.85 points and the silver went to Nigeria with 8.45 points while Kenya B scored 8.40 points.

In the male kids individual forms under 18 years Kenya won the gold, silver and bronze through Joseph Clement with 7.75 points, Alamin Ismail with 7.5 points and Simon Timos with 5.65 points.

Female kid’s individual forms under 18 years, Nina Inan and Mwatum Isma both of Kenya won a gold and silver with 7.5points and 6.80points respectively.

The government through the Ministry of Sports and Heritage Chief Administrative Secretary Noor Hassan Noor pledged to support the Kenya Tong –IL Moo -Do Federation with sh5 million in October2018 towards the organization of this year’s event.

Noor said the sports ministry is in consultation with the Education ministry to streamline the sport so that it is integrated into the curriculum at the primary and secondary school level of education.

The grandmaster of the World Tong IL-Moo Do Federation Dr Joon Ho Seuk said he was grateful for the tremendous growth of the sport in Kenya and was looking forward to expand to the rest of Africa.

The World Tong –IL-Moo Do Federation honored the Chief Administrative Secretary Noor Hassan Noor,and Chief Executive Officer Sports Academy Gordon Aluoch with honorary black belts for their contribution towards the sport. The president Uhuru Mugai Kenyatta honorary black belt.

The Matatu owners association of Kenya (MOA) Mombasa branch  has today announced changes in matatu fares. The changes will take effect from today September 6.

In the new changes, from Tudor to ferry/ Docks will cost ksh 30, Tudor to Labour kshs 40, Mikindani to Ferry/Docks kshs 70, Miritini to Mwembe Tayati kshs 80.

Here is the MOA Coast Cordinator Salim Mbarak highlighting the changes.

On this murder tune Eddy Kenzo teamed up with Cindy Sanyu(the king herself) and Beenie Gunter the Guntalk boss, and came up with this dancehall tune.

Watch the video below.

Mr. Sanjeev Agarwal has been honoured with the “Anant Pandya Fellowship” award by the Chairman Mr. Rajesh Shukla and members of Saturday Club Mombasa at a special ceremony held at Nyali Beach Holiday Resort for his outstanding selfless services to the community.

Mombasa Eye Hospital & Laser Centre was officially opened on 8^th May 2011 and since the inception of the hospital, he has been serving the less fortunate people of our society at a subsidized cost and even free of charge by organizing eye camps through Outreach Community Programmes in various parts of the country.

From 8^th May 2011 to 30^th April 2018, the following work has been done to serve the needy at no cost through his eye hospital in the last 7 years.

1. Total number of patients screened 37,564

2. Reading glasses dispensed to the needy 10,463 pairs

3. Prescription spectacles dispensed 1,953

4. Medicines dispensed to the needy 9,318

5. Free Cataract operations done on over 2500 patients

6. Cornea transplants 24

Mr.Sanjeev Agarwal’s good work is not only limited to eye care. He has been involved in various activities such as:

1. Youth and women empowerment programmes
2. Assisting needy children with school fees
3. Assisting schools in different areas
4. Helping albino children by giving free spectacles and sun lotion because of their sensitive skin.
5. Water pumps and sanitation

He is associated and actively involved in the following organisations:

1. Vice Chairman and a Medical Director of Hindu Council of Kenya, Mombasa branch.
2. Patron of Albinism Foundation
3. He has served Lions Club International for over 9 years at different positions as Board Member, Secretary, Treasurer, Medical Convenor and Vice Chairman. Achieved the following awards while serving in the club:
4. Best Secretary Award
5. Best Treasurer Award
6. Lion of the Year Award
7. Member of MJF (Melvin Jones Fellow)
8. Lions International Award for increasing membership in the club
9. Arya Samaj Mombasa
10. A devotee and a management committee member of ISCKON- Hare Krishna

In his acceptance speech, Sanjeev Agarwal thanked the Chairman Mr. Rajesh Bhai Shukla, immediate past Chairman Mr. Anil Bhai Dodhia, Trustees, Management committee and all the members of Saturday Club who proposed his name unanimously for this prestigious award.

Sanjeev wastruly grateful for the recognition he received for serving the less fortunate people of the society. His work is far from over, but what he has accomplished has made a difference in thousands of people’s lives. In fact, it has greatly encouraged him to do more and more work to assist the needy.

Sanjeev Agarwal’s vision is:

To initiate and provide support to the less privileged people in the society and help the needy.

The list for the 100 most influential young Africans 2018 is out.

The annual prestigious list which was launched in 2016 and currently in its third year features young politicians, activists, entrepreneurs, entertainers, digital influencers, philanthropists & athletes across 10 distinct categories who are blazing various trails and promoting the positive image of Africa across the globe.

Kenya is being represented by media personality Amina Abdi at the list.

Amina took to social media to share the good news with her fans.

She posted “How cool is this?? Thank you! #BetterForKenya #EndFGM #WishTheyUsedADifferentPicturebutitsok Thanks for telling me @dunn_can @capitalfmkenya,” 

Other young Africans who made it to the list includes  Uganda’s Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu  (Bobi Wine), Togo’s Farida Bemba Nabourema, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Nigeria’s Davido, Guinea’s ABD Traore, Kenya’s  Xtian Dela, South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest and Tanzania’s Alikiba.

Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana & Tanzaania all lead the list with 20, 17, 12 & 8 representatives respectively.

Here is the full list

1. ABD Traore
2. Abdellah Mallek
3. Adeola Fayehun
4. Ahmed Musa
5. Akwasi Frimpong
6. AliKiba
7. Ama Duncan
8. Amina Rabar
9. Amy Sarr Fall
10. Ancillar Mangena-Nombewu
11. Anita Adetola Adetoye
12. Âurea Mouzinho
13. Aya Chebbi
14. Bamai Namata
15. Bogolo Kenewendo
16. Bonang Matheba
17. Brian Amoateng
18. Brian Mutebi
19. Cassper Nyovest
20. David Moinina Sengeh
21. Davido
22. Dikeledi Mokoena
23. Dominique Alonga
24. Dr Sandile Kubheka
25. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi
26. Shakira Choonara
27. Edem Agbana
28. Ester Simon
29. Falz
30. Faraja Nyalandu
31. Farida Bemba Nabourema
32. Feka Parchibell Parch
33. Frank Edwards
34. Gideon Danso
35. Hamamat Montia
36. Hanane El Khader
37. Herieth Paul
38. Hodan Osman
39. Ibrahim Ceesay
40. Jennifer Bash
41. Joybert Javnyuy
42. Jumanne Mtambalike
43. Kalidou Koulibaly
44. Kelvin Nyame
45. Kenneth Okwor
46. Kenny Blaq
47. Kevin Lubega
48. Kgomotso Phatsima
49. Kow Essuman
50. Kungaba Fongoh Leonel
51. Kwame A.A Opoku
52. Luthando Shosha
53. Mabutho Mthembu
54. Maria Borges
55. Mbali Ntuli
56. Mbwana Samatta
57. Medhi Benatia
58. Millard Ayo
59. Mohamed Salah
60. Musawenkosi Saurombe
61. Mwiya Musokotwane
62. Nabimanya Humphrey
63. Nana Aba Anamoah
64. Nana Appiah Mensah
65. Nasty C
66. Nice Nailantei Leng’ete
67. Nneile Nkholise
68. Nomzamo Mbatha
69. Nontokozo Madonsela
70. Obinwanne Okeke
71. Olasupo Abideen
72. Orapeleng Modutle
73. Pedro Lopes
74. Percy Tau
75. Prince Louis Omolayo Adekola
76. Rachel Sibande
77. Raphael Obonyo
78. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu
79. Sadio Mane
80. Samuelle Dimairho
81. Sandra Ochola
82. Scheaffer Okore
83. Sherrie Silver
84. Sidiki Diabaté
85. Simidele Adeagbo
86. Stonebwoy
87. Sylvester Chauke
88. Takunda Chingonzo
89. Thando Thabethe
90. Toke Makinwa
91. Tomi Adeyemi
92. Tonye Rex Idaminabo
93. Ubi Franklin
94. Victor Moses
95. Victoria Ibiwoye
96. Wadi Ben-Hirki
97. Xtian Dela
98. Yannick Nzonde
99. Yasmin Belo-Osagie
100. Yusuf Bakhresa