A new online radio station that will focus on matters of youth, women and the vulnerable communities has been unveiled in Kisauni, Mombasa County.

The radio popularly known as DAYO-Radio will broadcast in both Kiswahili and English during their well researched programs with an aim to educate, inform and set the agenda.

The radio station at Mtopanga area is an initiative by Dream Achievers Youth Organisation, through the sponsorship of the Aga Khan foundation funding. The idea was conceived last year and actualized this year.

“There is a lot of young people who are yarning to get information online, so DAYO radio is an online radio ready to solve that gap, so we have partnered with Aga Khan foundation  to ensure we sensitize the young people on very many things that affect their lives,” said Jira.

Speaking during a colorful ceremony held at the DAYO office compound in Mtopanga,Kisauni Mombasa on Thursday,DAYO executive director Seif Jira termed the radio project a game changer

The colorful event also witnessed the presence of media council of Kenya MCK officers, National cohesion and integration commission NCIC and Mombasa county youths affairs chief officer Khamis juma kurichwa among other dignitaries who witnessed the launch.

Our programs will focus on community affairs like health rights and education because many do  not know they have rights to health, we have also launched a resource center, which will help the young people,” said Jira.

We have two permanent staff so far, we are looking at hiring more, so far we want to look for resources, we have talked with the media council and they have promised to support us by bringing paid interns to us, we will give them platforms,” said Jira.

Jira said during this festive season, many youth indulge in crimes and consume drugs, adding that the station will continue churning out peace messages to caution young people against crime.

Although the media landscape is growing so fast and has its own share of economic challenges,Jira said the organization will look for donors to support various programs that will be able to pay staff.

“The reason we launched it during this festive season is because we want to run messages of hope and peace, we want young people to refrain from crimes and drugs ,by doing so we will reduce crime levels in Kisauni,”said Jira.

On his part, national cohesion and integration commission NCIC coast region coordinator urged the owners to ensure the Says the radio will be used to spread peace in Kisauni.

Sensitize the young people against crime and drugs. Kisauni is among the areas mapped as insecure.Kisauni is notorious for crime.

On his part Mombasa county youth gender and sports chief officer Khamis juma kurichwa affirmed the county government commitment in advancing affairs of the youth through the radio talk shows.

"This is a big milestone, in community building, Kenyans will have a voice through the radio. We are in an information revolution, without information you can't be heard,” said Kurichwa.

Researchers from Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), University of Washington (UW), and Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute (HHRI) published results in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The results of the study have been highly anticipated, as this is the first study of doxycycline PEP among cisgender women, following multiple studies that showed a high level of STI protection with doxycycline use among cisgender men and transgender women in France and the United States.

In February, Dr. Jenell Stewart presented initial results from the dPEP Kenya clinical trial at CROI demonstrating that doxycycline taken after sex does not prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) chlamydia or gonorrhea  among cisgender women, but the reason for this had not yet been established.

Objective measure of doxycycline detection in hair samples indicate that use of doxycycline was low in this study.

“Doxycycline PEP needs to be studied further among people assigned female sex at birth. I am hopeful that it will work for everyone regardless of sex and gender, but in our study many women didn’t take the doxycycline they were given. We need STI prevention that is proven, accessible, and easy to use.” said Dr. Jenell Stewart, the dPEP Kenya Study Director, Infectious Disease Physician at Hennepin Healthcare and University of Minnesota.

In addition to low use of doxycycline, antibiotic resistance offers an explanation for why gonorrhea wasn’t prevented. The rate of doxycycline resistant gonorrhea was very high, including 100% of the infections acquired prior to starting the study. This is much higher than rates in the US and France, currently estimated to be ~20% of cases. There are no known cases of antibiotic resistant chlamydia, and none were detected in this study.

At a single site in Kisumu, Kenya, the study enrolled 449 cisgender women who were taking daily oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and were randomized to receive doxycycline or standard of care. 18% of participants had an STI at the time they entered the study and PRESS RELEASE over the course of the study the rate of STIs remained high  an annual incidence of 27%, which is comparable to rates among men who have sex with men in high income countries.

There were 109 new STIs diagnosed, 50 among those using doxycycline PEP compared to 59 among those randomized to no doxycycline and standard of care, during the course of the 12-month follow-up. Most, 78%, of the new STIs diagnosed were chlamydia, 35 among people taking doxycycline PEP and 50 among standard of care, which was not statistically different. Only one new case of syphilis was diagnosed in this study, consistent with other studies in the region, and therefore, the impact of doxycycline PEP on preventing syphilis among cisgender women could not be evaluated.

“The results from the study are deeply disappointing, and we are committed to understanding why doxycycline PEP wasn’t taken. We are actively working to find ways to support adherence that will work for and can be used by women,” said Prof. Elizabeth Bukusi, a Principal Investigator of the dPEP Kenya Study and Senior Principal Clinical Research Scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute and Professor at University of Washington in Departments of Global Health and Ob/Gyn.

Bacterial STIs in women can lead to lasting and severe consequences including pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pain, infertility, pregnancy complications, and increased susceptibility to HIV.

The dPEP Kenya study team continues to understand why use of doxycycline was low and investigate new ways of deliverying doxycycline prophylaxis that are acceptable and effective. Dr. Stewart is working with Dr. Cherie Blair, Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases at UCLA, and the Adolescent Trials Network to secure funding for a study of doxycycline prophylaxis against STIs in people assigned female sex at birth regardless of gender in the United States.

The dPEP Kenya trial was funded by the National Institutes of Health (R01AI145971, P30AI027757, K23MH124466) and was conducted at the KEMRI Lumumba site in Kisumu, Kenya.

The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has flagged off the second consignment of fertiliser for Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) for farmers. 

Speaking at the Port of Mombasa Linturi confirmed that the consignment, totaling over 45,000 tones (900,000 bags) of fertiliser, will go a long way in helping tea farmers boost production.

The first consignment of 47,800 tonnes (956,000 bags) was received at the Port of Mombasa in October this year and has already been distributed to farmers in various parts of the country.

The cabinet secretary further affirmed that subsidized fertiliser has been availed across the various crop value chains including tea.

“Tea has been identified as one of the Value chains for exports under the grow exports pillar. This now means that the government in collaboration with all the stakeholders is committed to ensure that tea productivity is not only enhanced but also sustained and farmers will in return get value for their money,” stated Linturi.

Linturi acknowledged the challenging circumstances of its arrival attributing the delay to global conflicts. The CS hopes that with the introduction of 25 kg fertiliser bags, a departure from the traditional 50 kg is a game changer.

“I am delighted to note that this year; we have introduced packages for 25 kgs bag instead of the traditional 50kgs to ease the carrying of heavy weights while applying fertiliser in the farms,” he noted.

Furthermore, Linturi reassured that his Ministry is dedicated to ensuring smallholder farmers continue to access subsidized fertiliser, as well as shielding them from the high market prices.

“The Government, through my ministry is committed to ensuring that smallholder farmers continue to access subsidized fertiliser thus cushioning them against high prices that has characterized the market,” he said.

To further support the farmers, Linturi revealed that the second consignment will be delivered directly to nearby tea buying centres, eliminating the need for farmers to incur additional costs transporting fertiliser from factory stores to their farms. 

The first consignment, comprising 47,800 tones (956,000 bags) was received in October 2023 and has already been distributed to farmers.

Everyone needs a roof above their heads. According to the Worldometer, Kenya's 2023 population is estimated at 55,100,586 people at mid-year. Kenya's population is equivalent to 0.68 percent of the total world population. At the same time, Kenya ranks number 26 in the list of countries (and dependencies) by population.

With such a vast population, the housing demand has been growing yearly. According to Habitat for Humanity, Kenya has an annual housing demand of 250,000 units with an estimated supply of 50,000 units, culminating in a housing deficit of 2 million units, or an 80 percent deficit. Housing affordability is a crucial challenge in Kenya, with many people unable to buy or build their own homes.

The increase in population and the demand for affordable houses forced the government to develop the Affordable Housing project to construct at least 500,000 affordable housing units for Kenyans. But this seemed a tall order for the government unless private investors, too, gave it a hand with similar projects.

And with the world moving towards green in virtually everything, the demand for houses in Kenya has also shifted. Developers and potential homeowners are increasingly looking for projects that adhere to green energy and promote the same to secure and protect the earth, not just for the present generations but for the future, too.

Undoubtedly, the imperative for green affordable housing has become increasingly pronounced in Kenya, driven by environmental, economic, and social factors.

As urbanisation accelerates and the population grows, there is a rising demand for housing that not only addresses the pressing need for shelter but also considers the ecological impact of construction and living spaces.

Green affordable housing in Kenya is crucial for mitigating the environmental footprint of the built environment, promoting sustainability, and enhancing energy efficiency. The emphasis on environmental responsibility and affordability is essential for fostering inclusive and sustainable development in Kenya's rapidly urbanizing landscape.

With that in mind, leading lenders such as Stanbic Bank Kenya started a journey to pioneer green affordable housing projects through green housing financing, one of the unique products within the Kenyan banking sector. Stanbic Bank Kenya has a dedicated Real Estate team that is focused on providing end-to-end financial solutions across the value-chain of their real estate clients. Additionally, they offer a competitive mortgage product offering for their retail clients. 

Stanbic has partnered with IHS Kenya Limited to push for the uptake of green affordable housing finance in Kenya, in line with the bank’s commitment to sustainability anchored, among other things, enabling Kenyans access to environmentally friendly, affordable, and quality green housing solutions.

Green houses reduce costs associated with energy use, water use and maintenance.

To provide up to 4,000 affordable apartments for sale and rental within seven years, the bank will provide end-user financing support to enable Kenyans to acquire these affordable units in Kenya.

This partnership, according to Stanbic Bank, provides Kenyan homebuyers with access to eco-friendly, reasonably priced housing that comes with quality amenities. Additionally, it follows the Mortgage Relief provisions of the 1995 Income Tax Act cap 470, which helps reduce financial burdens.

Homebuyers will also enjoy an extended loan tenure of up to 25 years, which gives them greater flexibility in repaying their loans.

Moreover, Stanbic Bank's commitment to a low fixed interest rate of 9.5% makes homeownership a feasible goal for a broader range of people in Kenya, ensuring affordability.

Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ) has signed a short-term lease agreement with Hi Fly, one of the world’s leading lease and charter specialist airlines to enhance operational efficiency during the peak festive season.  

The ACMI lease will see the immediate introduction of an A330 Airbus into the KQ fleet to support operational efficiency as well as enhance capacity in the market.

Commenting on the new development, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka said that the airline needed to take practical steps in the short term to address the pertinent challenges in the market. “With the current capacity constraints on the back of the growing demand for airline travel, we need to balance our customers immediate needs by bringing more capacity into the market,” said Kilavuka.  

The arrival of the aircraft will also support the anticipated increased number of travellers following the recent announcement by President William Ruto on ending visa requirements for all visitors to Kenya starting in January 2024 making Kenya visa-free country.  

According to Kilavuka, this was the quickest way to immediately deal with capacity challenges because it enables us to get an aircraft that is ready to fly. “With the arrival of the aircraft, we expect to see improved operational stability and efficiency, as well as enhanced capacity for the convenience of our passengers,” noted Kilavuka. 

The wide-bodied aircraft has a capacity for 299 passengers, split into 24 in the business cabin and 275 in the economy class. And as a wide-bodied plane, it augments the existing cargo space with additional belly capacity. 

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Chairman Benjamin Tayari has defended the performance of the Mombasa port.

According to Tayari, the port has been recording an increase in terms of performance compared to other ports in the region.

Speaking On Tuesday during a meeting with the Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen at the port, Tayari noted that they are currently on the right track towards achieving theirs set goals in terms of performance.

"To speak the truth, KPA is the best. I was looking at the records this morning and I noticed that we are only having two vessels waiting and when you look at our neighbours the waiting vessels are almost 32, vessels have been waiting since November, when you come KPA the vessels are attended to in a span of only 24 hours" said Tayari.

Adding " We want to assure you that we will continue doing our best, the board is committed towards supporting the management and the workers to ensure that the productivity of this port is achieved and the country which highly depends on this port gets what it deserves. I want to assure you that the targets which we gave to the Managing Director are on the right track, as a board we told the MD we dont want not less than 1.6 million TUs this year and we can see he is working towards achieving this."

Tayari also lauded the government's move to award bonuses to KPA workers for their remarkable performance in the year 2020/2021.

the government has awarded the workers a bonus of 700 million.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the award is part of President William Ruto's promise to improve public service to enhance efficiency and delivery of services to the public Read more.

"KPA is the only parastatal where workers for 24 hours, 364 days, so I believe they deserve the bonus" argued Tayari.

Kenya has retained the overall title of the Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship title after being declared the overall winners.

Jasiri harvested 191 medals -46 gold medals,52 silver medals and 93 Bronze medals to emerge overall winners of the 2023 edition which was attended by 13 countries from all over the world.

 Zambia team finished second with 10 gold,5 silver and 9 bronze medals to emerge distant second with an overall 23 medals tally while perennial rivals Philippines ended in third position with 5 gold medals,2 silver and 4 broze medals.

Iran were fourth with 4 gold medals,6 silver and 4 broze ahead of the India team which bagged only 5  medals of 4 gold, and  1 bronze. South America's Paraguay team settled sixth in the log with 3 gold medals, and 3 bronze.

In other teams Nigeria who settled seventh got 2 gold medals and 2 silver ahead of Japan who got overall 2 medals , DRC 1 medal  and Brazil  3 medals in the eighth nine and 10 positions respectively.

Others countries who performed dismally are Asia continent representatives South Korea with a total of 1 medal, Thailand I medal and Africa’s Cote D’Ivoire who fumbled to go home  without any medal.

Addressing the media after completion of the tournament, Kenya Tong Ill Moodo federation president Master Clarence Mwakio said the focus is on nurturing fresh talents who will feature in the next year’s event.

The Africa federation president said the event which attracted all the continents of the globe was a success. He however hinted that next year’s event will be held in August to avoid December holiday rush.

“We are very happy that number of teams managed to reach Mombasa, as we know its high holiday season, one lesson we have learnt is that hosting the event during the August is the best option, so from next year we will revert to our original plan August summer season where there is minimal air traffic,” said Mwakio.

Mwakio thanked the government for continued support for the past 11 editions held in Kenya. He said starting January next year the federation will hit the ground running in nurturing grassroots talents by hosting weekly events in all counties.

“In the calendar of 2024 events, we want to request the ministry to join us so that we can have weekly events in all counties, weekly training clinics so that instructors can travel in counties to scout for future instructors who can scout for new talents from schools,” said Mwakio .

The Africa president said so far 12 countries are taking part adding that Kenya will soon lead the continent in African tong il moo do championship which will open the door for all Africa games and Olympics competitions in the near future.

“Kenya is leading from the front and I believe it will be a celebration when Kenya takes part in all African games with Tong Il Moo do and wins more medals in the All Africa games,”said Mwakio.

Speaking on behalf of the government deputy director department of sports Jackson Idakwa affirmed the government’s commitment towards supporting the sport. He said the ministry is committed to developing sports.

“This is one of the tourist destinations and hosting such an event enhances the tourism element,as a government we are committed to give them the necessary support they need,”said Idakwa.

Wines of South Africa hosted it's third Cap Classique in the Coastal city of Mombasa on Wednesday last week.

The event which went down at the Tamarind Hotel aimed at showcasing different Cap Classique brands  attracted connoisseurs, captains of industry, consumers, distributors and wine producers.

A total of 12 wine producers including Simonsig, Nitida,  Domaine des Dieux, Vergelegen, Villiera, Black Elephant Vintners, Graham Beck, LOmatins, Ken Forrester,  Kleine Zalze, Mara Celebration participated in the event.

Prior to the wine tasting cocktail, a group of wine distributors and agents were taken through a training to equip them with the necessary skills.

Speaking during the event, Wines of South Africa  Marketing Manager Africa Matome Mbatha said they have started expanding their business to Mombasa.

"This is a strategic approach. Wines of South Africa is connected in Kenya primarily in Nairobi and we have been now starting to roll out as part of our expansion program into Mombasa." said Matome.

Adding " This (Mombasa) is another booming county for us and this is evidence that we have indeed made the right call. Tonight is about celebrating and closing off the year with this event. The more we do these activities the more we creating opportunities to Kenyans to explore more the South African wine. We also want to create career and job opportunities for the youth."

Kenya Tong Il Moo Do president Master Clarence Mwakio says the Tong Il Moo Do sport has continued to get global recognition by various Africa and world governments.

The Africa president of the sport expressed hopes that the sport will soon make its way to Olympics consideration and become one of the most competitive sports.

Master Mwakio on Monday evening also said Kenya has set a good example by successfully hosting such a huge tournament for 11 successive years in Mombasa city. 

 “We are happy to have delegates from different countries and many participants from different countries, we began well and the competition ended successfully,” said master Mwakio who has played a pivotal role in supporting team Kenya in the tournament.

The federation official continued to applaud the government through the ministry of sports for the support of the competition over the years. He further applauded the media for its continued support to the publicity.

Speaking on the sidelines of the competition, World federation president Grand Master Takamitsu Hoshiko said the sport which is gaining popularity globally is significant to inspire peace and harmony across continents.

“It’s a very timely tournament, we have just concluded the 60 th celebration of the independence of Kenya, so it's very important because we want to support youth, inspire unity for purpose and send the message to Africa and the world that the sport unites the globe,” said Hoshiko.

Team Jasiri continued to exert good results in both day one and day two when Jambia Ali (6.30 points) emerged third followed by Harrington Wanjala (5.80 points) and Sudi Mohammed (5.00 points) took the stage with action.

Kenya seeks to retain the title it won last year after emerging overall winner.Second position went to Philippines who have remained Kenya’s arch rivals over the years.

The championship with participants from around the world concludes on Tuesday with winners bagging gold, silver and bronze medals.

The awards will be issued in accordance with the sport guidelines in the presence of world Tong Il Moo Do president Grand Master Takamitsu Hoshiko.