Girl Effect, a global non-profit dedicated to empowering girls and young women, has launched its transformative youth campaign, dubbed  Tukisonga.

The campaign isdesigned to inspire and equip young Kenyans, particularly young women, with the knowledge and tools to navigate critical aspects of their lives such as health, economic empowerment, and personal development.

The name, derived from the Swahili phrase ‘Tukisonga’, which translates to ‘as we move’, symbolizes the resilience and perseverance of Kenyan youth as they forge ahead to create change in their lives and communities.

“Tukisonga is more than just a campaign; it’s a call to action and a reminder that no matter the challenges, young Kenyans can move together to create the future they combine entertainment with practical insights to inspire young people to make informed decisions about their health, education, and economic opportunities,” mentioned Nancy.

The Tuki series is aimed at breaking the barriers that prevent adolescent girls and young women from accessing reproductive health services and economic opportunities. In addition to the TV series, the campaign will include a podcast I want to see,” said Nancy Njoki, Girl Effect, Country Director Kenya.

“This campaign is rooted in connection, support, and empowerment. It represents a community of changemakers determined to make positive decisions and build a fair, inclusive, and open future,” added Nancy.

As part of the campaign, Girl Effect has also launched Tuki, a TV drama series that will air on NTV and K24 every Friday at 7:30 pm.

“Premiering on  6th December,2024, the drama follows relatable characters as they navigate challenges related to sexual and reproductive health, economic empowerment, and societal expectations.

The series hosted by Girl Effect youth creators, radio campaigns, community-based screenings in Nairobi and Migori counties, and digital engagement on online platforms.

“We are excited to bring this drama series to Kenyan audiences,” said Ray Mwihaki, Production Manager at Girl Effect Kenya.

“Through Tuki, we aim to spark conversations around critical issues, providing a space where youth can learn, share experiences, and be inspired by stories of resilience and change.”

Tukisonga and its multimedia initiatives are part of Girl Effect's continued commitment to reaching and empowering Kenyan youth.

With WAZZII, their digital platform that provides sexual and reproductive health information, Girl Effect has already impacted over 1 million youth in Kenya and is now scaling its efforts through innovative campaigns like Tukisonga.

Mzalendo Trust, a Kenyan Parliamentary Monitoring Organisation, has raised concerns about the level of Parliament’s responsiveness to issues relating to public interests. 

In the 2024 Parliamentary Scorecard, released today, Mzalendo noted the high number of instances of members’ absenteeism from the House, the passage of bills that disregard citizen inputs, voting patterns that do not represent the wishes of citizens and attempts to weaken constitutional provisions through introductions of Bills and amendments to existing legislations. 

In a year that has seen Kenyans persistently voice their aspirations and concerns, especially in the legislative process, demanding accountability from Parliament and other arms of government, the failure by Parliament to address these needs should be of concern to the citizens.

Despite this awakening, citizens’ voices remain muted in legislative priorities, Parliament has incessantly failed to align its work with electorates’ needs and aspirations, even sidelining citizens’ views in key legislations as was witnessed in the Finance Bill, 2024.

The report notes that public participation remains a challenge, due to the lack of a clear framework on what constitutes meaningful participation.  

For example, the reports notes discrepancies between the period provided for citizen inputs for different bills, ranging between three days and twenty days in the National Assembly, and three days and twenty-four days in the Senate, depending on the bill in question and the responsible committees. 

Worryingly, the bills that have elicited high citizen interest seem to attract the lowest participation timelines. The Digital Health Bill, for example, had a public participation window of three days in the Senate, and the Social Health Insurance Bill had a public participation window of seven days in the National Assembly. 

“Public Participation, which is often rendered perfunctory by Parliament, continues to be a point of contestation between Parliamentarians and Wananchi. Notably, the Courts’ pronouncements on the need for robust and meaningful public participation, have been met with hostility by some MPs, reflecting a concerning trend where elected leaders disregard the rule of law and voices of the people in favour of expedience,” Mzalendo’s Executive Director, Ms. Caroline Gaita, explains. 

Whilst there has been an increase in legislative output this year in the form of Bills, Kenyans' sentiments and needs continue to be pushed to the periphery, especially in key legislations, even when their sentiments on such legislations are clear.

In the period under review, one Private Member’s Bill in the National Assembly and two in the Senate received presidential assent, and  20 government-sponsored Bills in the National Assembly and two in the Senate.

Key Bills such as the Finance Bill 2024, the Affordable Housing Bill 2024 and other fiscal Bills, were fast-tracked in the legislative process without taking into account citizens’ needs. 

“We have also observed an influx in Bills that threaten to undermine Constitutional provisions, especially the Bill of Rights, the national values and principles as elucidated under Article 10 of our Constitution, and edicts of Chapter six of the Constitution. These Bills do not in any way proffer the needs, aspirations and interests of Kenyans,” Ms. Gaita noted. 

Notable Bills that upset provisions of the Constitution of Kenya that have been tabled in the House in this period under review include, The Land Laws (Amendment) (No.2) Bill of 2023, The Assembly & Demonstrations Bill of 2024, the Anti-Corruption & Economic Crimes (Amendment) Bill No. 40 of 2023 and the Anti-Corruption & Economic Crimes (Amendment) Bill No. 30 of 2023.

The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024 which sought to among other things, increase the term limits of the President, Governors, MPs and MCAs, also received a lot of rebuffs from Kenyans.

"These bills have been tabled in a period where Kenyans continue to grapple with the high cost of living and a harsh business environment, unemployment, a healthcare crisis with doctors’ strikes, medication shortages and a dysfunctional SHIF, Human Rights violations including abductions, arbitrary arrests and unexplained murders, poor disaster management (particularly flooding) leaving thousands of Kenyans vulnerable, alarming cases of femicide among other pressing needs. This shows the growing disconnect between the House of Representatives and their Representatives,” she further notes.  

On individual performance during the period under review, the most active MPs in the National Assembly are identified as Hon. Wilberforce Oundo Ojiambo (Funyula), Hon Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), Hon. James Nyikal Wambura (Seme), Hon. Makali Mulu (Kitui Central) and Hon. Adan Wehliye (Eldas). The Scorecard this year has gone further and detailed their contributions on the floor of the House and how they voted on critical issues, including impeachment motions.

In contrast, the number of MPs who have not spoken this year is slightly higher compared to last year's Scorecard, from 19 MPs to 20 MPs with more a half of the House having spoken less than ten times.

Among the perennial non-speakers include the Kapseret MP, Hon. Oscar Sudi (Kapseret) and Makadara MP, George Aladwa, whose silence on the floor has become emblematic of a lack of substantive engagement by some elected representatives. Despite their silence, many of these members voted on critical Bills, including those affecting health, housing, taxation, and impeachment motions. 

The most active female MPs are Hon Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North) Hon. Zamzam Chimba Mohammed, (Mombasa County Women Rep.) Hon. Catherine Omanyo Nakhabi, (Busia County Women Rep.) Hon. Dorothy Ikiara, (Nominated) Hon. Jane Njeri Maina, (Kirinyaga County Women Rep.). Hon. Jane Njeri Maina, (Kirinyaga County Women Rep.) Hon. Cynthia Muge, (Nandi County Woman Rep), Hon. Gitonga Mukunji (Manyatta), Hon. Robert Mbui, (Yatta) and Hon. Charles Nguna (Mwingi West) lead the list of most active young MPs. 

In the Senate, the most active Senators are, Senators Samson Cheragei (Nandi), Senator Eddy Gichuru (Migori), Senator Tabitha Mutinda (nominated), Senator Erick Mogeni (Nyamira) and Senator Gloria Orwoba (nominated). 

The least active senators are Senators Issa Boy Juma (Kwale), Senator Betty Batuli (nominated), and Senator Shakilla Mohamed (nominated). All these three Senators were absent in the voting of five key Bills in the House that were voted on by division voting.

These Bills include the Affordable Housing Bill, the Primary Healthcare Bill, the Social Health Insurance Bill, the Sugar Bill and the IEBC (Amendment) Bill. 

Senator Crystal Asige and Senator Samson Cheragei, lead with the highest number of Bills sponsored in the Senate – six and five respectively.

In the National Assembly, on the other hand, Hon. Didmus Barasa and Hon. Peter Masara lead with four Bills and three Bills respectively.

The Scorecard has also revealed a worrying trend in Parliament, where both Houses were muddled with challenges of being inquorate, even on days when the Order paper had critical issues that affected Kenyans.  

In the National Assembly, since August 2023, 40 sittings out of a total of 158 sittings over the period were adjourned due to lack of quorum, which translates to 25% of the total sittings. 

Further, 2 sittings didn’t kick off at all, one of them being the morning after a vote on the impeachment of the former Deputy President took place.

Noteworthy, some of the instances where there was a lack of quorum were on days when critical issues such as when there was a debate on the Employment (Amendment) Bill, an adjournment motion on rising femicide cases in Kenya and an adjournment motion regarding measures towards sustainable living.

The Senate was no different, as 26 sittings out of a total of 177 sittings were adjourned due to lack of quorum, translating to 15% of the total sittings. Of the 26, six failed to kick off for failure to achieve attendance of at least 15 Senators. Also in the Senate, as it was in the National Assembly, critical issues had been scheduled on the order paper in the instances where quorum could not be achieved.

Some of these instances include when the Senate was debating a motion on the adoption of a report on the inquiry into the high cost of electricity in the country, an adjournment motion on prevailing heavy rains and flooding in parts of the country and a motion on the approval of the county government equitable share cash disbursement schedule for FY 2023/2024. 

The Parliamentary Scorecard 2024 offers insights into the role of Parliament and assesses its hits and misses whilst proffering a platform for reflection on the areas of improvement.

This year’s scorecard also marks ten years since the first release in 2014 and unlike the past focus on individual performance, the report also broadens its scope to include the legislative input, house attendance and voting patterns.  

Rwanda’s leading Afropop singer and performer, Bruce Melodie, has  released a new single and music video for “Niki Minaji” featuring South African chart-topping duo Blaq Diamond renowned for their “Summer Yomuthi” hit record.

The irresistible blend of Amapiano beats and captivating Afropop showcases Bruce’s signature R&B/Afropop sound with Blaq Diamond’s infectious style. 

The new single is not specifically about Nicki Minaj the person, but more about what she represents as a symbol of beauty, confidence and allure.

The message of the song is that his love for his partner is so deep, even someone as iconic as Nicki Minaj—or any other bold, sexy woman—feels irrelevant when compared to her. "I wanted to show that when you're truly in love, no other person, no matter how stunning, sexy or bold they are, can compare to this one girl I adore," Bruce Melodie shared regarding the new video shot in Kigali and directed by Jean Chretien Munezero. 

At the same time, Bruce Melodie has announced his forthcoming first full-length album ‘Colorful Generation’ scheduled for release in early 2025.

The project features collaborations with African heavyweights like Joeboy on the lead track “Not A Lie” , Kenyan star Bien on “Iyo Foto” and international reggae /dancehall star Shaggy on “When She’s Around (Funga Macho)” a bonus track, as well as solo records that amplify Bruce’s golden voice and standalone talent. 

Bruce Melodie’s upcoming album celebrates the diversity of African music with modern and traditional sounds while marking a new chapter in his career. Just like the album title suggests, Bruce Melodie aims to highlight the richness of African music, while pushing boundaries with his own sound.

Known for his captivating performances and global appeal, Bruce has rapidly become an influential figure in the East African music scene.

His recent single, “Iyo Foto” featuring Bien, achieved remarkable success with over 100 million TikTok views and topped the charts across East Africa, holding #1 on Soundcity Africa’s East Africa chart and trending on Shazam in Kenya.

Bruce Melodie will be touring the continent in promotion of the latest singles and upcoming album, with stops already planned for South Africa (December 15-20), West Africa and East Africa, where he will host fun pop ups and listening parties to engage with industry stakeholders, fans and media.

Since July, Bruce Melodie has amassed 150 million streams worldwide, further solidifying his position as one of Africa’s most prominent musical exports. Following his recent win as Best Rwandan Artist at the TRACE Awards, Bruce’s upcoming release adds to an impressive year that saw his single “When She’s Around (Funga Macho)” with Shaggy hit Billboard’s World Digital Songs Chart and the U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart.

“Niki Mijaj” collaboration with Blaq Diamond is a unique fusion of East and Southern African musical influences set to cross over the continent, further cementing Bruce’s growing influence as an African star to watch in 2025. 

Nominated member of the Mombasa County Assembly Solomon Ngugi has called on the county government to allocate special stalls for persons living with disabilities.

Through a special motion presented at the assembly on Wednesday, Ngugi urged the county government to set aside at least 5% of all county stalls yet to be allocated in different areas and markets in the county to PWD's.

" The Constitution of Kenya is very clear on equality and freedom from discrimination, every one is equal" argued Ngugi.

Adding " Persons living with disabilities need to be given equal opportunity to conduct business just like any other citizen."

Ngugi also called on the county government to ensure that special toilets meant for PWDs are also constructed in the stalls.

His motion was supported by Leila Nyache who also called for consideration of PWDs in county government projects and activities.

President William Ruto is the new East African Community chairperson.

He succeeds South Sudan President Salva Kiir whose one-year term has come to a close.

President Ruto has described his predecessor’s leadership in the bloc as “exemplary” and “visionary”.

“Under his steady stewardship, the EAC has made remarkable strides in deepening integration," the President said.

He takes over the regional mantle at a time when the eight-member economic bloc is pursuing a political confederation.

At the 24th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State High-Level Side Event on EAC@25 in Arusha on Friday, Kenya committed to continue playing the lead role in the economic coalition.

“The ambition of an EAC Political Confederation is an extraordinary journey towards the integration of our region,” the President noted.

He said while there are challenges that must be confronted, the potential benefits of a political confederation are immense.  

“We must harness emerging opportunities and build a more stable and competitive EAC that will accelerate the creation of a single continental market," he said.

The President pointed out that during his tenure, he will give priority to improving the quality of life for the people of East Africa.

“We will focus on increasing competitiveness, promoting value-added production, boosting intra-regional trade and driving investments,” he said.

He added that these pillars are essential in transforming the partner States' economies, creating jobs and ensuring sustainable development in the
region.

Appreciating that trade remains the engine for economic growth and regional integration, President Ruto told the EAC Summit that the region must address internal barriers to trade.

“We must eliminate non-tariff barriers, enhance infrastructure connectivity and foster regulatory harmonisation,” the President said.

He said this will create a seamless trading environment, driving EAC’s competitiveness and economic growth.

Outgoing Chairperson Salva Kiir said he was proud of his work.

“The Community is growing stronger,” he explained.

The South Sudan President maintained that focus must now be targeted on enhancing regional peace and security, strengthening intra-EAC trade and fast-tracking digital transformation.

Hip-hop and lyrical sensation, COLLO, has released the first drop of a 3-part series extended play dubbed D.E.P Vol.1(Dope). 

The release is a reintroduction of the rap maestro and his extensive body of work showcasing his unique flow including a fresh new music video for Z Anthem.

The sizzling drops include, Kaende, Extra•ODI•Nare, Cheza Biggy (Remastered 2024), Z Anthem.

The beat of Z Anthem was cooked by Quincy Rifle courtesy of Big Beats Afriq and the track celebrates a generation that rose up for reformation in Kenya, during this season of reawakening.

Cheza Biggy has a nostalgic vibe to it as its lyrics provoke a call to action to think big. Kaende is a continuation of the conversation sparked in track 4 but more danceable while Extra•ODI•Nare is a fusion of both ol’skul and some fresh flavor.

The 4 jams were mastered by Lucas of Ogopa Inc and he also produced the first three. All these can be streamed exclusively on COLLO's official social and music platforms.

COLLO first gained prominence in the industry with the award-winning group, Kleptomaniax, before venturing into a successful solo career and collaborations with other renowned artists.

His chart-toppers include hits like "Hii Ngoma" with Nikki, "Party Don’t Stop" with Camp Mulla, and "Bazokizo" with Bruz Newton.

With this first E.P release, COLLO, often hailed as the ‘king of rap’ expressed that, “ last year one of the world’s most influential cultures and musical genres of our time known as Hip Hop, turned 50 as I celebrated 20 plus years in the recording industry”.

The milestone is musically packaged in the extended play, D.E.P Vol.1; Vol.2 and Vol.3 which is inspired by COLLO’s original name at the start of his career and the abbreviation stands for Dope-Expressive-Priceless A special gift to his fans and also reintroducing himself to a fresh audience.

Beyond his musical accomplishments, COLLO has found success in various media and entertainment sectors, including roles as a radio, TV presenter and copywriting in advertising.

The team recently produced an epic listening party that was held at Mageuzi Hub in Kilimani October 26th 2024 and anticipates some special appearances and live performances, prior to and post release of the new works. Scaling the musical experience is work in progress as the team works towards a possible album to be released in March 2025.

The Singleton has introduced a new campaign “The Single Moment."

The campaigns aims to push the product beyond traditional associations of scotch, setting out a fresh direction for the brand and the Malt whisky category.

“The Singleton is the 4^th largest Single Malt in the world, loved by new and seasoned whisky drinkers alike, yet in research we learnt that many still perceive whisky as a serious and often solitary drink. In a busy world filled with distractions, our audience are craving the opposite of this, instead looking to enjoy a single moment that enables deeper connections."said Wangeci Gakenia, Singleton Brand Manager.

Adding “The Single Moment” addresses this tension, delivering a campaign that can cut through the noise and invite new recruits and our existing audience to luxuriate in a moment of real connection, "

In keeping with the brands roots in fine dining, the launch of the campaign took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel with a culinary journey specially crafted by the Executive Chef, Wayne Walkinshaw.

The multi – course experience took the guests on a journey across different continents inspired by the Singleton’s tasting notes.

Chef Wayne used The Singleton whisky as an integral component in the creation of several dishes, infusing the essence of the whisky into marinades, sauces, and reductions that highlighted the whisky's deep, complex flavours.

Each course was designed to complement and enhance the tasting experience of The Singleton, starting with appetizers that brought out the whisky’s light fruity notes, followed by main dishes that paired beautifully with its spicier, richer undertones.

To complete the meal, the chef created a dessert that highlighted the subtle sweetness and oakiness of the whisky.

The process of crafting this menu was centred on creating a harmonious balance between the whisky and the flavours of the ingredients, ensuring that each dish served as an extension of The Singleton’s sensory experience.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned the Director of the Muslim Human Rights (MUHURI) organization, Khelef Khalifa, over ethnic contempt, hate speech, and discrimination.

In a statement released by the Commission on Wednesday, said the activist made utterances that violate the National Cohesion and Integration (NCI) Act of 2008.

“NCIC summons Mr. Khelef Khalifa over utterances bordering on ethnic contempt, hate speech, and discrimination contrary to the NCI Act of 2008,” reads the statement by NCIC CEO Harrison Kariuki.

The summons follow the circulation of a clip online showing Khalifa addressing a gathering in Lamu County, where he spoke on issues related to land ownership, security and development marginalization.

Khalifa has been asked to appear before the commission on Monday, December 9, 2024.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) Human Resource and Administration Manager Henry Mwasaru over corruptions allegtaions.

According to a statement from EACC Mwasaru was arrested on Tuesday over allegations of corruption involving a Kes40,539,760 tender for the provision of staff medical cover.

"He was nabbed in an operation which also targeted two insurance brokers believed to have participated in the insurance scam." reads the statement.

Mwasaru, who serves as the Assistant Director in charge of HRM at KMA is accused of colluding with his counterpart Head of Supply Chain Management Ms. Bevaline Lundu at KMA to fraudulently award the medical insurance tender to an insurance agency outside the law.

The statement from EACC further states "The operation, which was pursuant to court orders, yielded valuable evidentiary material that will support the ongoing investigation. Investigations commenced upon receipt of a complaint on 30th September 2024 that the KMA officials had corruptly and irregularly awarded the tender. The Commission has intensified focus on procurement of staff medical insurance in public institutions, which some officials use as conduits for embezzlement of public funds through bid rigging and kickbacks." 

BIC, a world leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers, recently commemorated Global Education Week in Nairobi, Kenya.

The company worked with Mwiki Primary School in Githurai to renovate school facilities and create an inspirational learning environment in the aim of enhancing school conditions and creating a more enjoyable learning journey for students.

Global Education Week is celebrated by BIC in November every year to inspire and support diverse educational initiatives across the communities in which it operates.

Throughout this period, BIC team members volunteered to give back to their communities whilst also impacting the education sector– one of the key commitments at BIC.

Commenting on the occasion, Paloma Lengema, General Manager at BIC East Africa, said: “We are a responsible corporate citizen and a global stationery leader. It is our responsibility to support the communities in which we operate. Our commitment to education is evident through initiatives we run across the year."

Adding" In Africa, our approach to education is holistic; where we equip students with the necessary writing tools to achieve academic performance, renovate school facilities to create inspiring learning environments, unleash youth’s creativity outside of the classroom through our flagship program, Art Master Africa, and finally support students as they enter the workforce through various programs including our previous partnership with Enactus.”

Mr. Peter Muriithi, Head teacher at Mwiki Primary School, expressed her gratitude, saying: “Our students were ecstatic to see the renovated classrooms and school facilities. This has a tremendous impact on students wanting to be in school and their commitment to education.”

In its fifth edition, Global Education Week has impacted thousands of students and teachers.

This stems from the company’s commitment to improve learning conditions for 250 million students by the year 2025, as part of its sustainable development program, Writing the Future Together.

To date, BIC has impacted around 200 million students. During Global Education Week, teachers are also offered Creativity Educator’s Guide, created by BIC’s philanthropic arm, The BIC Foundation. The Guide aims to act as a toolkit for teachers to help them incorporate creativity into their curriculum, inspiring self-expression in the classroom.  

BIC Kenya runs numerous education initiatives throughout the year.

One of the most remarkable is Express Myself with My BIC Pen;  a penmanship program that supports students as they transition from using graphite pencils to pens, as well as encouraging them to express themselves through writing and drawing.

The initiative which aims to donate a pen to a child in need for every BIC pen sold, Buy Me and BIC Will Donate a Pen, has also been running in Kenya since 2020 with over 1.5 million students impacted to date.