Offering an antidote to the January blues and general empirical trepidation that’s all too easy to fall prey to, Ohangla producer and singer Javan MacAjudo returns with “Jend Hera”.

‘Jend Hera’, a Luo word that translates to an abyss of love, is already trending on YouTube with over 40,000 views. It is also trending on TikTok with over 10,000 videos using sound recording.

Javan is not only a singer but a producer who has worked with various artists including but not limited to Prince Indah on the song ‘Te Amo’, Aqeeno Chogo, Koffi Macadory, Kaka Talanta, Eddah Ayon, and many more.

Having wrapped up 2023 with chart-topping productions from Zacky Jaimbo and Eddah, plus his first-ever award for Best Music Producer at the annual Marwa Awards, Javan’s attacking the new year with some fire in his belly. If he required an elixir, it sounds like it’s done the trick.

He is currently the most sought-after Ohangla musician and producer, from gracing major events in the country to producing chart-topping songs. Javan’s energy, delivery, and storytelling contribute to his song's overall replay value.

MacAjudo has been doing music for over a decade now and this is just a reintroduction for a self-proclaimed Ohangla genius who is doing it his own way.

His delivery and lyrical fortitude allow his listeners to move their feet to his sound even if they can’t relate to selling a brick or ducking the police.

His vocals are tender yet injected with soulful depth and vulnerability, amplifying the emotional resonance of the song.

Watch ‘Jend Hera’ produced and performed by Javan MacAjudo below:

https://youtu.be/_xR6ySqs0BQ?si=nc8vNXmnY6TzcC7E 

Eight former and current officials of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have bee charged with alleged fraud involving a sh 62 million tender. 

The eight represented by lawyer Jared Magolo were presented before Mombasa Chief magistrate Alex Ithuku and denied the charges leveled against them by the director of public prosecutions

They were charged with 10 counts including fraudulent acquisition of public property, conflict of interest , money laundering, obtaining contract from a public institution by false pretence, forgery, and uttering false documents among others.

According to the charge sheet, between April 2, 2014, and June 2, 2015, the officials interfered with tender number KPA/036/2014-15/CE-for building works that was reserved for the disadvantaged group for Sh62,732,772.74.

Rose Cherotich  an  Account signatory of Chemiso East Africa, Robert Bosuben a Senior Clerical Officer at the Civil Engineering Department, Idd Arube an agent of Chemiso East Africa and Yobesh Oyaro – Former Head of Procurement and Supplies, Norah Mugambi - Member of the Evaluation Committee were released with sh 2 million bond and one surety or alternative cash bail of sh 500,000.

Others are Athanase Wambari a Member of the Evaluation Committee at  KPA, Azenath Kwamboka Mageto - Agent of Chemiso East Africa and David Angwenyi Member of the Evaluation Committee, KPA were released on a sh 1 Million bond or sh 100,000 cash bail.

Oyaro is accused that between April 2, 2014, and June 2, 2015, at KPA, being Head of Procurement and Supplies, failed to comply with the law relating to procurement.

He failed to ensure that a contract was in place before the issuance of purchase and service orders concerning the tender for building works reserved for people with disability.

They used a disability card bearing a name purporting it to be a genuine card from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.

Bosuben, Cherotich and Mageto are accused of jointly and knowingly engaging in an arrangement in connection with Sh62,732,772.74 received with respect to tender number KPA/036/2014-15/CE.

The court heard that they used some local bank account numbers to conceal the source of the said amount whilst having reason to believe that the said monies are proceeds of crime.

Bosuben and Nanyang are also accused of fraudulently registering a business under a government portal, a fact you knew or believed to be false.

They are accused of fraudulently misrepresenting facts to influence the award of tender.

The ninth suspect, David Arika, has since retired and the prosecution could not reach him in time, however ,he will be summoned to appear in court on February 9.

The matter as directed by magistrate Alex Ithuku will be heard on February 2,after all the evidence statements are presented to the court.

They were arrested on Tuesday night by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives based in Mombasa.

The Ministry of Education has warned politicians against discriminating students based on their parents voting location.

Education PS Belio Kipsang regretted that some students have  been denied bursaries and scholarships because of their parents voting location.

Speaking in Mombasa during a meeting with education stakeholders , PS Kipsang called on politicians to treat the students equal with no discrimination.

"Our Children are not voters, our Children do not vote and therefore there should be no reason why one would want to use the pattern of voting to disadvantage our Children." said Kipsang

Adding "The focus is on the child a nd not the parent. Nobody should use that to disadvantage our children. The bursaries are for our Children so let us not punish them for what they don't  know. Our Children are non aligned to all issues concerning their parents"

PS Kipsang also revealed that the ministry is revamping the Jomo Kenyatta foundation to co-ordinate all the bursary and scholarship programmes in the country.

Kipsang noted "The foundation will build a data base of all beneficiaries so there is no double dipping, a Child does not benefit from the scholarships, bursaries and Elimu bursaries. With the empowerment of the foundation we shall ensure that going into the future issues of bursaries and scholarships are concluded early enough before students report to school "

His sentiments comes amid concerns from parents after their Children fail to secure bursaries from Mps and governors due to their voting patterns and exact areas where they have registered as voters.

The PS further condemned the recent actions of headteachers being attacked by parents.

"We shall ensure the security and safety of our public servants is guaranteed. We are not going to allow any form of violence towards public servants. However we are also not going to protect any incompetence especially from our teachers" said Kipsang.

The Mombasa county government has advised members of the public to take preventive measures following the outbreak of red eye disease.

According to a statement from the county health department, several cases of the disease also known as conjunctivitis has hit the county.

"Several causes of conjunctivitis have been reported in our facilities" reads a statement from the health department.

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as red eye, is an inflammation of the thin, clear covering of the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.

It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants.

How do you prevent and control Conjunctivitis?

1. Hand Hygiene:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, with unwashed hands.
2. Avoiding Eye Rubbing:
• Refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes, as this can introduce germs and irritants.
• Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to rub or itch your eye if necessary.
3. Personal Hygiene:
• Do not share personal items like towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup.
• Wash bedding, towels, and other personal items frequently, especially if someone in the household has conjunctivitis.
4. Protective Measures:
• If you have conjunctivitis, avoid close contact with others, and consider staying home from work or school until symptoms improve.
• Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from irritants and reduce the spread of infectious particles.
5. Good Respiratory Hygiene:
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Dispose of tissues properly and wash hands immediately afterward.
6. Avoiding Contamination:
• Do not share items like eye drops, contact lenses, or contact lens cases.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that come into contact with your eyes, such as eyeglasses and those that come into contact with your hands such working surfaces, doorknobs, staircase rails and light switches.
7. Seeking Medical Attention:
• If you experience symptoms of conjunctivitis, such as redness, itching, discharge from the eyes , or blurred vision, seek medical advice promptly.
• Follow healthcare provider instructions for treatment and follow-up care.
8. Stay Informed:
• Stay informed about updates from health authorities regarding conjunctivitis outbreaks, prevention strategies, and treatment options.

In the latest episode of Living Golf, host The Jazzy Golfer visits Kenya to explore the country’s golfing history and how younger players are being inspired to take up the sport.

Kenya has a long relationship with golf and Jazzy visits Muthaiga Golf Club, one of the top courses in the country. Bo Ciera, Men’s Captain at Muthaiga speaks about its past, “Over the years it used to be, I would say, a golf course that was for the white settlers, but has transitioned to just encompass everyone. And today you have a mix of the Africans, Asians, Caucasians, and it's just a melting pot of the different cultures and just creates a very vibrant club with an international background.”

Part of that new generation of players is Regina Gachora, President of the Junior Golf Foundation in Kenya. She explains how the sport is changing, “So, we are seeing golf moving from more male dominated to a family sport where husband, wife and children are now playing golf together. And we're finding a lot of first-generation juniors.

But the kids are now playing golf through our junior golf program, and that is going to be the future of golf in the country. And it's what's going to spur the evolution of golf in Kenya.” She continues, “I want it to be demystified as an elite sport. I want it to be a sport for all.”

Another course in Kenya that is embracing the new is the Karen Country Club which is actively seeking young members. Collins Were, the Men’s Golf Captain at the Karen Club, talks about introducing more children to the sport, “We are coming from a place whereby we did not have children playing much golf at the club, so we made a deliberate decision to change our bylaws a few years ago to allow children more access to the course.”

13-year-old junior Belinda Wanjiru tells Jazzy about why she likes to play golf, “What I like about golf is the unity it brings to our community and the new friendship. It brings also endless integrity. And it also brings a sense of faith in one another, trusting the other person to tell you the right goal or the right feeling instead of like cheating their way around the system.”

Wanjiru says her aim for the future is to play in the Ladies PGA Tour, “My long term goal is to hopefully make it to the LPGA Tour and show that it doesn't matter your background or where you're from, you can still make it on tour because I feel like on tour there's not much of like Kenyan or African players, especially the ladies in the ladies section.”

In this episode Jazzy also visits Uganda to meet a golf influencer and coach, and travels to Mauritius, which has long been one of the go-to destinations for discerning golfers. Now, with the opening of a new Championship standard course, there is a whole new reason for professionals and amateurs to visit.

South African Amapiano Super Producer, De Mthuda, is on track with his first release of 2024 sharing the music video of “Muntu Wam”.

The new release is a smooth Amapiano cocktail brewed by De Mthuda alongside Kabza De Small and Da Muziqal Chef.

The video sees De Mthuda whisking his bae to a beautiful private villa as he goes on to profess his love with a series of romantic gestures. While this story unfolds, viewers are treated to collaborators, Sino Msolo and Murumba Pitch’s appearance on site.

Call it strategic timing as it drops while Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, the “John Wick” hitmaker sets up and captures the amorous mood in his latest well-crafted and captivating music video. “Muntu Wam” is directed by Big Shark, who brings a cinematic touch to each scene – adding to the sense of romance in the story on-screen. The video also showcases the beauty of local travel in South Africa and is complemented by a vibrant and colorful wardrobe. 

“Muntu Wam'' is the lead single of his well-received album ‘Baba Yaga’ - that dropped December of 2023 and has already made an impact globally, receiving massive love from fans all over the world with Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa popping up as some of the top countries with major album streams.

The success of this new hit single speaks for itself as it has scorched the digital Charts since ‘Baba Yaga’’s release, reaching over 630,000 streams on Spotify and nearly 150,000 on YouTube in less than a month.

STREAM ‘BABA YAGA’ ALBUM

The video for “Muntu Wam” is now available for streaming online and will be premiering across African music television channels. You can be one of the first to watch it by streaming and sharing it today.

Having been born in Samburu Kenya, Dorcas Naito had naturally lived a fish free life. Not because she personally had anything against fish, but most people in her community did.

“They call fish snake! Because of its scales. Most people also just hated the smell. I never ate fish until I moved to Mombasa. I was introduced to  omena and other fish by my neighbor who is a Luo. I loved it. So I do eat it from her house sometimes, she is very kind to always share. I don’t  cook it for my family yet because I  don’t know how to prepare fish,” shares the mother of two based in Kongowea, Karama.

While speaking on the same, Alvin Musyoka shares that he equally doesn’t eat fish due to its unavailability at his home location.

“Fish is one of the most alien foods to me and I honestly  just haven’t tried it. I also am not a fan of the smell. Where I come from, the people there are not fish-eaters, because of course fish is unavailable. The ones people eat are sourced from Athi River. The supply is very limited. Very small demand and all that,” He shares.

When food security is mentioned in Kenya, the first thought and the one that takes the first priority is maize. Overlooking others including Fish, which is a vital source of essential macro- and micronutrients that can play an important role in reducing the high prevalence of undernutrition in Kenya.

Fish are rich in high-quality proteins with high digestibility and essential amino acids, Vitamins soluble in fats, especially vitamin D3, which regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism and insulin level. Minerals such as iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, and calcium, Omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits. And low calories, fat, sodium, and carbohydrates compared to other animal sources of protein.

While the fishing industry in Kenya contributes to food security, employment and rural development, there is a potential which can help grow the industry and generate even more income for the country if deliberate efforts are made to create an enabling environment for both the public and private investments in the industry.

The Kenyan fisheries mainly comprises of capture fisheries and aquaculture.

The natural fisheries are found mainly in inland water bodies (lakes, rivers, dams), and marine and coastal waters in the Indian Ocean. Fisheries are integral to the society and contributes to economic and social wellbeing of the country.  According to the Kenya economic survey, 2021, the country’s annual fish production is approximately 149,700tonnes valued at Ksh. 26 billion which earns foreign exchange amounting to Ksh. 3billion.

The fish production is distributed as follows; freshwater fisheries-70%, aquaculture-13% and marine fisheries-17%. The annual production from artisanal coastal fisheries in 2021 was 25,380 metric tonnes consisting of demersal 48%, pelagic 25%, sharks and rays 11%, mollusk 10% and crustaceans 8%.

The current per capital consumption of fish is at 4Kgs, whereas the African Continent and the global average is 10Kgs and 20Kgs respectively. Around 2.9 kg of seafood is consumed per person annually in Kenya, of which 0.3 kg is from pelagic species.

Kenya Fisheries Service has been campaigning extensively encouraging Kenyans to eat more fish, adhered towards increasing per capital consumption.

The government of Kenya in 2018 stopped licensing foreign fishing vessels hoping that they would invest a lot in the sector, however this was a mistake due to losses in jobs and revenues through fish licensing.

In April 2023, Kenya announced it will now be progressively implementing its 2016 - 2025 National Fleet Development Plan (IOTC 2023). However, upto date only seven industrial fishing vessels (longliners) have been registered, and only four are active. The Spanish purse-seiners have started applying for fishing permits, however, this is dangerous because it may limit the government from developing our local fleet.

According to John Kareko, Coordinator, NatureCom and member of the Tuna Fisheries Alliance,  poor management of natural resources like rivers and others has affected the industry in terms of fish production. But majorly he attributes the low index to cultural beliefs.

 “For a country like Kenya, we are majority of inland communities, i.e. Turkana, which has a big lake for fish but not eaters of the same, they are pastoralists, they see them as snakes. To get Maasais to keep fish in ponds, you have to convince them of water supply so they can water their cattle. The government need to create a system that supports the consumption of fish."shares the fisheries expert.

Adding "For instance, larger parts of the country have no water body. This means the people there have to either drive or travel a long distance to buy fish, so most of them have developed a culture of living without. And lastly; Food safety and regulations. The government has not done the same for fish as it is for meat, no inspection, handlers have not been trained, the government has not put much efforts in spearheading this regulation,” 

Speaking during a recent workshop which was hosted by South West Indian Ocean TUNA Forum on enhancing awareness and capacity among non-state actors regarding regional and international instruments within the blue economy sectors in the Western Indian Ocean Sectors, Chairman, SWIOTUNA-Hadley Becha, recommended that fish be prioritized through investment as a source of food security.

Adding “We have not looked at fish truly as food security, the ministry as well hasn’t qualified fish in terms of their nutritional value, by relating types of fish to their nutritional value and this is what other countries are doing. We should be able to know what we are supplementing in the body."

  "In Kenya, issues of hunger are normally translated to lack of maize, when we can stabilize the fish industry enough to meet food security. This is also by creating a local market, to promote our catch because when you rely on international market we suffer. The situation at the moment is that we have no market in Kenya, the more the local market grows, our fish consumption index will start increasing. If Consumption index is high, the government can bargain for larger quarters, especially in Tuna fisheries,” he concluded.

Kenyans have been urged to embrace small claims courts as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

Established under the 2016 Small Claims Court Act and rolled out in 2021, the courts have played a significant role in reducing the backlog of cases in the judiciary.

The courts have jurisdiction to hear and determine civil claims of up to Sh1 million and cases determined within 60 days from the day of filing.

A total of 12 court stations were established in Milimani (Nairobi), Kajiado, Thika, Eldoret, Machakos, Nyeri, Naivahsa, Nakuru, Kakamega, Kisumu, Mombasa and Meru.

The courts have heard and determined about 27,000 cases since they were rolled out in 2021.

Speaking in Mombasa during a one day stakeholders sensitization meeting on e-justice services and small claims court, Sisters for Justice Executive Director Naila Abdallah called on residents to embrace using the court to settle disputes.

“We are here to sensitize people on the need to embrace the form of alternative dispute resolution mechanism because we are live to the fat that there are a lot of disputes within the community,” said Abdalla.

She added  “People at the lower carder within the society have been exchanging goods and services and giving each other loans but fail to pay. Some get loans from chamas and saccos but when they fail to pay, properties repossessed by lenders are more valuable compared to the loan taken leading to disputes arising.”

She called on residents to make use of the courts saying that it is simple to use and requires no legal training for anyone to be able to use.

To lodge a case simply costs one Sh1,000 only.

“The court has been digitized and they can file cases through their phones,” she said.

Judy Philip, an advocate with the high court  in Mombasa who has been working closely with sisters for justice to offer legal aid said the small claims courts are very useful and  have been able to help in reducing the backlogs at the main courts.

“Not many people are aware about these courts. They need to understand that this court is people centered and very efficient and easy to use,” said Philip.

Steven Oguna, the executive director Chema initiative said the courts are offering alternative dispute resolution mechanisms which also include diversion and mediation.

“This is a plus for the judiciary system as it has reduced backlog of cases in courts,” Oguna said.