In the last two month, Kwale County has been a destination of choice for top government officials from different state departments. This is courtesy of the ongoing preparations of hosting this year’s Mashujaa day celebration at Kwale Stadium on the 20^th of October.

Government officials have been flocking at the County Headquarters for progressive meetings and burn the mid-night oil to ensure the festivals meet the excellence status. Cabinet Secretaries and their ministerial technocrats have been on the ground to ascertain beyond reasonable doubt that come the eve of probably the most high-profile government event to be staged in Kwale since independence all shall be set.

Kwale Governor,  Fatuma Achani said that she has been have sleepless nights overthinking about the next step after completing any other step. She added that her team at the County level led by her deputy Chirema Kombo has been immensely great, dedicated and supportive.

“Activities have been running seamlessly through professional coordination between my team on the ground and that of National Government,” said the Governor.

However, all these dedication towards the big day is delivering a new face for various spots in Kwale County. Every morning towards the Mashujaa day event there is worth  picturesque places which were not there a day before. Diani has seen a huge facelift with sculptures of Kwale indwellers’ wildlife animals, clean streets, and roads and trees planted at strategic areas making the tourist town appealing to the eyes of the residents and visitors.

The main road off-Lungalunga highway to Kwale is being carpeted to make it smooth, something that will be beneficial for years to road users.

The preparations have seen the completion of an iconic multipurpose Kwale stadium with FIFA standards and over ten thousand holding capacity.

The County government of Kwale has received applauds with this accomplishment all over the country. The Kwale Governor says that the stadium will be well maintained after the celebrations and local football teams will be allowed to use it in their official matches. Roads in various parts of the county have been renovated that will be very key to connectivity enhancing economic activities in the county and beyond

Renowned local restaurant chain Café Deli, has officially relaunched its Ngong Road branch as its dynamic hub offering unique culinary experiences. This expansion is a significant milestone for Nanjala Ltd, the parent company, as it aligns with strategic growth plans to expand its footprint across the country.

Located at Lexo Petrol Station, Café Deli Ngong Rd offers an exceptional fusion of Continental and African cuisine catering to a diverse clientele.

The tantalizing array of dishes range from soups, salads, pizzas, loaded fries, burgers and specialty items like antitheft, steaks, kienyeji, Asian cuisine, and even silver cyprinid fried to perfection among others, appealing to a wide range of palates.

These can be ordered from popular online platforms as well.

It also offers delectable cakes both ready and on order, including forest cakes, fruit cakes, and special themed creations. To complement its culinary offering, Café Deli also serves a variety of hot and cold beverages, with special promotions on cocktails and wines throughout the week perfect for traffic rescue and evening wind down.

Speaking about the relaunch, Obado Obadoh, the Managing Director and founder of Nanjala Ltd, expressed his excitement saying, "We are thrilled to unveil the revamped Ngong Road branch as a culinary destination and hub. Our commitment to providing exceptional all day dining remains our focus, and we believe that this relaunch will further elevate our reputation as a leading restaurant chain in Kenya."

“We strive to provide high-quality services and experiences at affordable prices in the vibrant Ngong Road district targeting corporates and residentials in the area.” he added.

Obado Obadoh's passion for excellence and dedication to nurturing talent have been instrumental in the success of Café Deli. Through his mentorship and guidance, he has fostered a positive work environment and empowered numerous individuals in the culinary industry.

Operating for over 17 years, Café Deli has established itself as a beloved local brand known to many for its exceptional services. In addition to its four restaurant branches which include Tumaini, Koinange, Moi and now Ngong Rd, Nanjala Ltd also operates a thriving catering arm providing distinguished banqueting services for both corporate and social events.

This division has witnessed renewed focus and is experiencing steady growth, further solidifying the company's position as a leading player in the Kenyan hospitality industry.

The relaunch of the Ngong Road branch is a testament to Café Deli's unwavering commitment to delivering top tier culinary experiences.

With its diverse menu, impeccable service, and inviting ambiance, the restaurant is poised to become a go-to destination for food lovers in Nairobi.

Blockchain technology is not an easy concept to grasp. Its complexity is what makes it both challenging and unique. Essentially, Blockchain represents one of the largest consensus algorithms in operation today, serving as a powerful, decentralized, and distributed system.

Alongside Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain offers a transformative approach in addressing social, political, and economic challenges, particularly corruption.

The intersection of Blockchain and AI has generated significant attention, especially as countries like Kenya seek solutions to entrenched corruption. Beyond the speculative rise of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, the true potential lies in how Blockchain technology and AI can be used to create transparent, immutable, and accountable systems.

These technologies hold the promise of transforming how financial transactions, public records, and social systems are managed, minimizing the opportunities for fraud and corruption.

Corruption is often fueled by the lack of transparency, weak governance structures, and a dependence on human intermediaries who are prone to manipulation. Traditionally, systems like voting, financial auditing, and government record-keeping have relied on paper or centralized digital systems. These are vulnerable to tampering, especially in environments where checks and balances are weak or absent.

Blockchain and AI introduce a "trust protocol" that removes the need for intermediaries. With Blockchain, each transaction, vote, or record is stored on an immutable digital ledger, while AI can be employed to detect patterns of fraud, nepotism, and irregularities. These technologies together can offer a new level of transparency and accountability to the public and government alike.

At its core, Blockchain is an electronic ledger that records transactions. Unlike traditional systems that rely on human intermediaries to verify and audit transactions, Blockchain distributes this responsibility across a global, decentralized network of participants. Each transaction is encrypted and given a unique "hash" (a secure cryptographic code), making it virtually impossible to alter once it has been added to the ledger.

In the context of anti-corruption efforts, Blockchain allows for complete transparency. For example, when used in government procurement systems, every transaction can be traced, verified, and validated by the public. This minimizes the chances for tampering, as altering a transaction would require changing all subsequent transactions in the chain, an almost impossible task.

AI offers another layer of protection by detecting fraudulent activities, irregularities, and corrupt practices. Machine learning algorithms can be trained to monitor patterns and detect anomalies that signal corrupt behavior. For example, AI can identify suspicious voting patterns, financial fraud, or irregular public contracts.

Corruption is one of the most persistent challenges facing Kenya, costing the country billions of shillings annually. Below are some use cases where Blockchain and AI could be applied:

Transparent Voting Systems: Blockchain could ensure the integrity of elections by creating a decentralized, tamper-proof ledger of votes. Voters could have more confidence in the system knowing their votes are securely recorded and cannot be manipulated.

Public Procurement and Contracting: Government contracts are often vulnerable to manipulation, resulting in inflated costs and poor-quality services. By using Blockchain, Kenya could establish a transparent, auditable, and tamper-proof record of all procurement processes.

Land Registries and Asset Management: Land disputes in Kenya are often the result of corruption and fraudulent land titles. By moving land registries to a Blockchain-based system, Kenya could eliminate duplicate records and ensure that all land titles are accurate and immutable. AI could further help identify patterns of fraudulent land dealings, including irregular changes in ownership.

Financial Transactions and Tax Compliance: Corruption often takes root in financial systems where transactions can be hidden or manipulated. Blockchain can provide a transparent ledger of financial transactions.

At the heart of this discussion on the penetration of technology, it is without a doubt that infrastructure challenges are self-evident not in the lack of seabed fiber optic cables and satellite dishes, but inward penetration and proliferation.

Although Mobile technology penetration in Kenya has emerged like a beacon of light, penetration lags behind. These failings have perhaps ironically also been the root cause for the aforementioned emergence of a well-established mobile banking culture. Without landlines mobile technology leapt forward and reframed our understanding of how mobile telecommunication, that is more pervasive than in more developed countries can propel banking and thereby economic growth.

So, what does Blockchain promise in term of adoption for early adaptors? If mobile technology was a leapfrog into mobile banking and financial empowerment, can Blockchain prove to be the spring-board effect for a redefinition of political, social and economic development paradigms?

Author:

Dr. James Mulli

European Business University of Luxembourg:  www.ebulux.lu

Kenyan songstress, Sofiya Nzau, who broke into the international spotlight with her hit single “Mwaki” with ZERB is not slowing down anytime. She’s back on top with a continental banger “META” released alongside her global counterparts Fireboy DML (Nigeria) and Grammy-award winner Nomcebo Zikode (South Africa) - the powerful voice behind the global hit “Jerusalema”. 

This release introduces audiences to 3 Step, the heartbeat of a new genre set to take Africa and the world by storm. Originating in South Africa and now reaching global ears through this international collaboration, 3 Step is an irresistible fusion—both familiar and refreshingly bold.

More than just music, it’s a movement rooted in Africa’s rich musical traditions and designed for a global audience. With “META” as its anthem, 3 Step is poised to ignite a rhythm revolution, bridging cultures and uniting people through a shared, unforgettable beat.

Ahead of the release Sofiya shared, “Working with Fireboy and Nomcebo has been an incredible experience”. ‘META’ is an anthem of African unity in celebrating our diverse cultures. For me it’s another opportunity to showcase the richness of our sound and spirit and another step towards taking Kenyan music to the global stage.” 

This groundbreaking collaboration combines diverse musical styles and languages from Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria–creating a fresh sound that embodies the spirit of unity and celebration across the continent.

The title “META” draws inspiration from the concept of ‘three’—a number that symbolizes harmony, balance and connection in various contexts. In this case it represents the convergence of cultures while blending traditional African musical elements with contemporary production techniques.

Just as Amapiano transformed the global music landscape, 3 Step is ready to leave its mark, proving that the power of music knows no borders. Deeply rooted in cultural heritage, this innovative style aims to reshape the African music scene, inviting listeners to connect through the unifying power of rhythm.

Join Sofiya Nzau, Fireboy DML, and Nomcebo Zikode on this vibrant journey, as the powerful sounds of “META” echo across the continent and beyond. Fans can now participate in the #METAChallenge, a dance challenge on social media platforms that invites users to express themselves through movement, embodying the spirit of unity and joy that “META” represents. 

Newly launched Swahilipot fm has poached veteran sports journalist Japhet Kahindi Makanaki.

Makanaki who has been in the industry for over 15 years is set to make his debut this Saturday.

" I have not yet officially hand over my resignation letter to sauti ya pwani radio but my first show at Swahilipot fm will be this coming Saturday" Makanaki told this blog.

Makanaki will be hosting the 'Kickoff' show every Saturday from 3pm to 7pm, alongside another household name Salim Barissa.

Barissa joins Swahilipot fm from Radio Msenangu.

Among the radio stations that Makanaki has worked for includes Baraka fm, Radio Salaam and Homeboys radio.

International, Makanaki has worked for supersport (6 yrs) and Spain based sports radio, media Pro.

Makanaki who is also a sports commentator is expected to inject his experience into the new radio station which was lunched few months back.

The radio station is run by the Swahilipot Hub. 

Over 2,000 participants took part in the 30 kilometres endurance trek Dongo Kundu challenge on Thursday, organised by the Mombasa walk movement.

According to the organisers, this is the highest number of participants recorded since the movement was launched in 2022.

The challenge kicked off at Sabasaba with participants passing through Changamwe, Mwache bridge, Sunza, Mteza bridge, Kibundani before reaching the final destination Likoni checkpoint where there was a medical camp.

"The idea was to celebrate the Mazingira day not only by planting trees by walking so that people can reduce their carbon production, we try to encourage people to walk to their places of work. We want to encourage a culture of walking" said the Mombasa walk movement founder Idris Abdirahman.

Adding " People have seen the nice view at the dongo kundu and where they can now come and plant trees."

On his part Changamwe Mp Omar Mwinyi who was part of participants called on Mombasa residents to come out and embrace the culture of walking.

"We are advocating for Mps and other leaders to participate in such walks because it is healthy and also it motivates the constituents to also take part." said Omar.

Adding " This is healthy and it is a way of keeping away sicknesses such as obesity, cholesterol and life style diseases."

The Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission has arrested two fake Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) officers who, while accompanied by uniformed police officers, were inspecting goods in shops within Bamburi area and thereafter arresting, detaining and extorting shop owners alleging that they were selling expired goods.

The suspects arrested on Tuesday evening had reportedly duped the police officers to believe that they were genuine KEBS Officers on official duty requiring police escort in a crackdown on expired goods in Mombasa shops.

"The Commission mounted an operation at Kadzandani Mwatamba Police Station where the arrested shop owners were being detained and extorted. The fraudsters were demanding amounts ranging from Kes.20,000 to Kes.50,000." reads a statement from EACC 

The suspects, ??????? ??????? ????? and ???????? ?. ???????? are designated as Consumer Protection Officers working with an agency they call Multi-Works & Rights Enforcement.

The suspects were detained at Mombasa Central Police Station and will be arraigned before the Mombasa Anti-Corruption Court on Wednesday.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects have engaged in similar illegal activities in other parts of the country.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has announced the upcoming IGAD Media Awards 2024, which will take place in Nairobi, Kenya.

The event, hosted at the Argyle Hotel, will recognise journalists and media professionals who have significantly contributed to peace, security, and development within the IGAD region.

Centred around the theme “Narratives of Hope: Inspiring Peaceful, Secure, and Inclusive Futures,” this year’s awards recognise media coverage that promotes peace, security, and regional cooperation.

The awards highlight stories that foster unity, resilience, and hope across IGAD Member States. Entries for the awards have already been received, and the panel of jurors has selected 18 winners across various categories for their exceptional storytelling.

The event will feature a one-and-a-half-day workshop characterised by engaging panel
discussions across four key sessions:

● Spotlight on the peace and security situation in the Horn of Africa
● Challenges faced by women and children in conflict zones
● The Sudan Crisis: Collective Experiences and Insights
● Inspiring change through transformative and powerful messaging

These sessions will bring together experts, journalists, policymakers, and development stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in peace and security across the IGAD region, offering insights and strategies for impactful storytelling.

Speaking about the upcoming event, IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, emphasised the importance of the media in building peace and security within the region. He remarked that the media is a powerful tool that bridges divides, unites communities, and fosters understanding and collaboration.

"The IGAD Media Awards aim to acknowledge and support media professionals who use their platforms to champion hope and peace in the region." said Gebeyehu.

Organised with the support of the Government of Kenya, USAID Kenya, and the East Africa Mission, the 2024 IGAD Media Awards will convene policymakers, development partners, media professionals, civil society representatives, and stakeholders to celebrate journalistic excellence and acknowledge the challenges and achievements within the region.

The workshop will take place from the 22nd to the 23rd of October, and the Awards Ceremony will be held on the 23rd of October from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Argyle Hotel in Nairobi.

During the ceremony, the 18 winners, representing categories such as Print, Radio, TV, Photography, Digital, National Languages, Influencer, Gender-Responsive Media, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, will be recognised.

Winners will receive cash prizes, certificates, and trophies in appreciation of their impactful storytelling and dedication to promoting peacebuilding and regional development. IGAD remains committed to supporting the media’s role in advancing peace, security, and regional cooperation.

The MTV Staying Alive Foundation has announced the return of the iconic MTV Shuga to Kenya, with a brand-new season titled MTV Shuga Mashariki.

This exciting development marks the show’s comeback after more than 10 years, with auditions having kicked off this October in search of Kenya’s freshest talent.

At the heart of MTV Shuga’s return is its unwavering focus on storytelling to change the lives of Kenyan youth. 

From script to screen, this season’s entire production is informed by local youth-centered research and designed to tackle restrictive, harmful gender norms that affect the outcomes of young people's lives in Kenya. 

Additionally, MTV Shuga Mashariki will be a 100% Kenyan production, ensuring that every aspect of the show reflects the authentic experiences and voices of Kenyan youth.

In its return, the production of MTV Shuga Mashariki will draw from extensive evidence that has shown that authentic youth-centered storytelling can help shift restrictive norms, at scale. 

In a bid to broaden its reach to aspiring actors across the country and nurture local talent, the show will hold both physical and virtual open auditions this month.

MTV Shuga has built a strong legacy of showcasing new talent and this season will uphold that tradition, introducing dynamic new faces and a fresh generation of Kenyan actors to its ever-expanding audience.

Both in person and online cast submissions, will be reviewed by the casting team after which shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.

Open Auditions in Nairobi:

Actors based in Nairobi are invited to attend open auditions from October 11th - 13th, 2024 from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. at the University of Nairobi (main campus). Registration closes October 10th, 2024.

Online Submissions:

MTV Shuga Mashariki will also include online submissions as an option to those unable to make it to the physical auditions. Aspiring actors should submit the following materials by October 13th, 2024:

1. A professional headshot

2. A brief introductory video and  30-second monologue performance

How to Audition:

Sign up for physical or virtual auditions using this link: https://shorturl.at/ABWHT 

Eligibility:

Open to Kenyan citizens aged 18 -30 years only.