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.

The 12^th   edition of the Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship 2024 has attracted 578 players in the event history at the port city of Mombasa in Kenya.

Among the confirmed participants are 328 foreign participants from 35 countries.  Kenya will be represented by 250 participants with team Jasiri having 120 players.

Despite the cancellation of the event in August 2024 due to financial constraints, the World Tong IL- Moo- Do Federation president Grand Master Takamitsu Hoshiko has shown faith and   support to ensure the December 11^th to 24^th, 2024 event takes place.

Grandmaster Hoshiko has been supportive and his efforts to marshal the countries to the event demonstrate that the world body recognizes the country strides to popularize Tong-IL Moo-Do in Kenya and Africa.

Kenya’s Tong IL- Moo- Do Chairman Clarence Mwakio said the event is expected to have the highest number of participants since inception and this shows that the credibility of the championship is regarded highly by the world body.

“Kenya is a powerhouse in Tong-IL Moo-Do and host such a world class event elevates the country status,” Mwakio said.

Mwakio said the president of the world federation Hoshiko has ensured that the 12^th edition of the championship will  have more teams  as part of the events in the world federation calendar.

The Chairman appealed to the President, Dr William Samoei Ruto and the youth affairs, creative economy and sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to intervene in sponsorship and facilitate the national team Jasiri with the hosting budget funds.

“The championship is among the few international events that are hosted in Kenya this year and it’s of significance for the government to boost the morale of the players,” he said.

, For the last 4 months, team Jasiri has continued with trainings in readiness for the event that they have won for the last 11 years of the championship,” he added.

Mwakio said he is optimistic that within the next two weeks before the championship the Cs sports will save the event from failing to start.

“We understand that saboteurs are working behind the clock to sabotage the championship from happening so that it collapses but we have faith it will take place,” he alluded.

In this year’s championship, new teams are participating among them Sao Tome and Principe, Vanuatu, Lithuania, Uganda among others.

President of the World Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation Takamitsu Hoshiko

The much-anticipated Minat Cake Festival Second Edition, hosted by renowned Mombasa-award-winning baker Amina Khalid, took place over the weekend in a spectacular celebration of creativity, community, and entrepreneurship. 

The annual event was held at Amwaj Hall in Tudor  and brought together a vibrant crowd of over 400 people, including prominent business leaders, influencers, and local dignitaries. 

The festival featured a host of engaging activities, including cake competitions, a student graduation ceremony, and rounds of cake eating. 

Guests were treated to an array of delicious cakes prepared by Minat Bakery, with each participant leaving with a box of cake to enjoy.

The highlight of the event was the graduation of students who had completed their cake-baking courses under the guidance of Minat Bakery at Minat Cake Zone Academy. 

Amina Khalid, the CEO of Minat Bakery, celebrated the accomplishments of the students, emphasizing the importance of skill development and education in the food industry.  

Notable figures in attendance included Eastern Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Suleiman Shahbal and his wife Rahma, alongside several influential personalities from the Mombasa business and influencer communities.

Other distinguished guests included Aboud Jamal, Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa, and Fathiya Nordeen, Regional Manager at Absa Bank. 

The festival’s success was made possible through the support of key sponsors including Mombasa Maize Millers, Absa Bank, Trufoods, KNCCI, Swahili Pot Hub, and Dairyland.

These sponsors play a crucial role in supporting small businesses and promoting economic growth within the region.

In her remarks, Amina Khalid encouraged attendees to continue building their networks, stressing the importance of entrepreneurship in shaping the future of local economies.

"This event serves not only as a celebration of cake-making but also as a platform for small businesses to connect, collaborate, and create their own opportunities," said Khalid. 

Business leaders also took the stage, urging small businesses to leverage networking opportunities and invest in their growth.

"Networking is key to the success of small businesses," said Aboud Jamal, Chairman of KNCCI. "By building connections, you can unlock opportunities and ensure sustained growth."

The Minat Cake Festival Second Edition proved to be a resounding success, bringing the community together in celebration of talent, entrepreneurship, and the rich culture of Mombasa’s bakery industry. With a bigger turnout than expected, the festival’s growth over the years is a testament to the expanding role of the region’s food sector in fostering local business development.