Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Mombasa governor candidate Abdulswamand Nassir has pledged to steer ahead affairs of the youth and women in Mombasa when he forms the next government after August 9 general elections.

Nassir said his government will be people centered, that will create jobs for the youth without discrimination.

He said job slots of village administrators, field officers, and chief officers will be sourced equally by every sub county.

“There is nobody who will be in the county and brag about being the best, because every opportunity that arises will be shared by all wards,” he added.

Speaking in Changamwe while addressing a group of youths from the area, Nassir urged the youth to stay united and avoid perpetrating chaos in the August 9 General elections.

The Mvita Mp said his government will actively involve youth in serious affairs that will economically empower them.

“Every ward will have a resource center that will have internet connectivity so that our youth can have a place where they can do their online activities,” said Nassir.

Nassir said Tax regime in the county will be reviewed to ensure that companies that are led by the youth will be exempt from tax and levies for them to thrive.

“We will give youth money without interest so that they can do business. We will review all the fees within the finance bill so that some exorbitant charges can be removed,” said Nassir.

Nassir also said his government will factor the affairs of single mothers by empowering them to stand on their own. Nassir also promised to provide sanitary towels to school going girls through a special programme.

“We will have a second chance programme for the single mothers, if it's going to school, they will do so, if it's business empowerment they must be empowered,” said Nassir adding that he will have a special kitty for them.

Nassir at the same time reiterated Mombasa will demand a revenue share from Kenya ports Authority (KPA) stating that locals especially the youth should benefit from the resources that come from the port.

Mombasa ODM youth leader Ali Kubo asked the youth to support Nassir’s bid to succeed governor Hassan Joho in the oncoming elections.

Kubo asked the youth to vote a six piece pattern so as to reap from the ODM government when it forms the next government.

 “We must ensure we vote in six piece because if we put other p[arties we will not enjoy the benefits of our government, this is the opportunity for the youth to install their government,” said Kubo.

President Uhuru Kenyatta today unveiled the final report of the nationwide airborne geophysical survey and inaugurated seven other ground-breaking projects that provide current and comprehensive geospatial data covering the entire country.

The eight projects were developed under the Joint National and Resource Mapping (JNAM) team.

The team comprises of young Kenyan professionals under the supervision of a multi-agency from the security sector.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, when he launched the Joint National Mapping Projects, President Kenyatta expressed optimism that the projects will help in the National development landscape. 

“As stewards entrusted with our natural resources, for the first time in our nation's history we have painstakingly pieced together an inventory of Kenya’s natural resources.

“Innovations generated from the exercise will fast-track creation of jobs, diversification of revenue sources and industrial development in line with the Big 4 Agenda and Vision 2030,” President Kenyatta said.

He commended the talented young Kenyan professionals who worked jointly under the multi-agency JNAM team to make the projects a reality.

“Your efforts have made Kenya the first African country to conduct such an extensive survey without tapping into foreign expertise,” he said.

President Kenyatta said, through the projects, the JNAM team mapped out a wide range of resources including base metals, coal, gemstones, geothermal spots, forest cover, water bodies, precious metals and rare earth elements.

He pointed that the output maps have already helped the Ministry of Education in mapping out schools countrywide, the Ministry of Roads has been assisted in the identification of road reserves while the Kenya Forestry services has been able to map out forest cover and identify encroached areas.

Under the JNAM multi-agency project, the President said the team also successfully developed a current cadaster for Nairobi County which has helped in the identification and securing of public lands such as green spaces, health facilities, schools, roads and road reserves.

“Overall, with the updated data sets generated as part of this survey; the national and county governments, the private sector, learning institutions and other stakeholders are now better positioned to plan and implement their development programmes,” the President said.

The Head of State also commended the JNAM team for developing several online applications such as the Taifa Pay, used to centrally collect most Government revenues within Nairobi, which has increased transparency and accountability in Government and private dealings. 

“The Nairobi Revenue System has greatly supported the Nairobi Metropolitan Services and the Kenya Revenue Authority in aligning their revenue collection systems,” the President said.

President Kenyatta said the team also developed ArdhiSasa digital platform, a land management system that improved the speed of land transactions. 

“Where once it took a minimum of six months to do a single land transaction, this has now been reduced to 48 hours using Ardhi-Sasa. Similarly, instead of taking between one and three months to do a land search, this system will give you land search results in three to five minutes,” President Kenyatta said.

He urged all Kenyans to embrace the ArdhiSasa system that has established a transparent, affordable and efficient Land Information Management System.

The JNAM team has also developed the Kenya National Spatial Data Infrastructure for spatial discovery, evaluation and application within all levels of Government, commercial sectors, non-profitable sectors, academia and the citizens in general.

The JNAM team has also developed an Online mining cadastre to improve mining dealership and rights processes, which will greatly boost revenue collection within the mining sector.

“For a very long time our land has been exploited by individuals who say they are taking the soil to their labs. With this innovation we will be able to know what is being mined and by who,” said President Kenyatta

The Head of State also urged the county Governments to embrace the innovations, saying the new project will transform the country by improving transparency and eliminating corruption.

ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs CS Joe Mucheru noted that the skills used to formulate the unique innovations were a clear testimony that Kenya is a leader in technology.

“They (the young professionals) have done us proud and delivered to you and the Kenyan people beyond our expectations. These energetic sleepless young Kenyans have delivered assets that will last a lifetime and they did so in record time without compromising or complaining,” said CS Mucheru.

CS Mucheru, thanked President Kenyatta for trusting the team to deliver on one of the most treasured project that will go a long way in transforming service delivery in the country.

Three-time SAMA award-winning and platinum-selling singer, songwriter, music producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, TRESOR, is going back to back with his discography of Drake Collaborations.

Nine months post the release of the 'Certified Lover Boy' super album, which boasts “Fountains”, a collaboration between Drake, Tems and TRESOR, the African Pop Maverick is doing his part in shaping the Global Pop Press Release - African Pop Maverick TRESOR Collaborates With Drake On 6 Songs On The Surprise Dance Album, 'Honestly, Nevermind'.

TRESOR collaborated on 6 songs in the riveting offering and lent his vocals to 4 of the records he graced with his alchemic production skills.

His vocal and production talents unravel distinctively on “Currents", "Downhill", "Fights Booked", and "Tie That Binds", while “Overdrive” and “Massive” give room for his songwriting to shine.  

“I’m honoured to finally share that I’ve collaborated with Drake on his new music for his latest album. Thank you to my brothers Drake and Oliver El Khatib. I’m forever grateful for your kindness. Thank you for believing in me,” shares TRESOR.

TRESOR is well on his way to renaming himself as the International Pop Maverick, be sure to listen to 'Honestly, Nevermind' and indulge in the cultural paradigm shift led by a wave of African creatives, most notably, TRESOR.

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Mombasa governor candidate Hassan Omar has said he is ready to work with former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko.

Omar said, should Sonko be barred to vie for the Mombasa governor seat, he is ready to welcome him at his camp in the quest to capture Mombasa leadership; saying they share the same ideologies, to serve the common people.

 “We welcome Sonko to join us because his plan was to rescue Mombasa, and that is our plan too, so he is very welcomed to work with us,” said Omar.

The former Mombasa Senator welcomed Sonko in the quest to save Mombasa from what he termed as capture by few individuals

Omar noted  “What Sonko was agitating for is what we are talking about, we want to save Mombasa from the capture of few individuals, tribalism and many other things, so we ask Sonko to join us, we were together in the senate and we know he meant well to agitate for the people.”

Sonko is currently in court trying to challenge the decision by the Independent electoral and boundaries commission (IEBC) to bar him from vying, but Omar believes that the former Nairobi boss can still discharge his hopes to serve the Mombasa people by backing his candidature.

“We have given you a clear choice, Sonko wanted to end tribalism, and we know his plan was very clear in Mombasa so we know he can also join us as we seek to liberate Mombasa county,” said Omar.

Addressing the media on Monday morning together with other UDA candidates including Nyali Mp Mohammed Ali, Senatorial candidate Khamis Mwaguya among others, Omar called on Mombasa residents to ensure they make informed decision in the August poll and vote for leaders with good track records.

Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and actor Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz the Bahd Guy, has released his fifth studio album titled BAHD, in the wee hours of Thursday, 9^th June, 2022.

The new album, released under his self-owned record label, Bahd Guys Entertainment, comprises 12 tracks and features Nigerian stars like Tiwa Savage, The Cavemen, BNXN, LAX, Chike, and new Mavin Records signee Boy Spyce.

Falz came into the limelight after he released the song “Marry Me” featuring vocals from Poe and Yemi Alade.

He has since dropped four albums “Wazup Guy in 2014″, Stories That Touch in 2015”, “27 in 2017”, and his fourth “Moral Instruction in 2019”.

BAHD comes three years after Falz’s last studio album, Moral Instruction, in which the 31-year-old heavily sampled the late Afrobeat icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and dealt extensively with socio-political themes including government corruption, religious hypocrisy and terrorism, and failing moral standards on the part of Nigerians.

His new album departs from that political tone, settling instead for the comic and light-hearted themes for which the rapper first came to be known.

Falz has since grown a reputation as a musician with a political streak since he, alongside colleague Runtown, led the first round of protests in Lagos State during the EndSARS campaign of October 2020.

Get the album HERE

Tanzanian singer Mbosso has opened up about his struggle with a chronic heart condition.

Speaking during an interview with Wasafi fm, Mbosso revealed that he has been having issues with his heart since childhood, an issue that has seen him visit several hospitals.

The singer revealed that the condition that causes his body to tremble was caused by a blockage in his arteries.

He further stated that there are times when the condition causes so much numbness in his body that he loses consciousness.

"I have been told my problems are due to my blood vessels being blocked by fat. It's a condition that I have had for a long time." said Mbosso.

Adding "The doctor told me my condition was probably going to get worse after the age of 30. He said it might lead me to never have children again without treatment."

He revealed that only his parents, his baby mamas and his boss Diamond Platnumz have been aware of the situation stating that he is planning to go for further treatment abroad.

 Femi One has just dropped the video for Hepi, the highly anticipated single that features fellow Kaka Empire label mate King Kaka and talented Mbithi.  

The upbeat song has the perfect vibe to get you into the party mood, with a catchy chorus listing all the ingredients that make up recipe ya hepi. 

The bound to be club banger and Tik Tok top trender is actually the second time that Femi One is featuring King Kaka.  

In Hepi,produced by Bern Mziki , Femi, King Kaka and Mbithi have tapped into their fun loving side while still delivering some killer signature punchlines. 

The hype and scenic video was shot and directed by Steve Mugo. 

Watch the video here

Mombasa county Health officials have reported an outbreak of dengue fever, a potentially fatal infection that has seen 700 samples collected from patients testing positive for the mosquito-borne tropical disease.

On Friday, Mombasa health chief officer Pauline Oginga warned that the situation could worsen due to heavy rains that have continued to pound coast region.

She said there were increased cases of fever in adults and children visiting hospitals in the six sub-counties in Mombasa.

We are going to start fogging but when can't go everywhere, we will start with the informal settlement where the cases are rampant but we emphasize that resdents take up prevention measures," said Oginga.

The county health official said the rains have created breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Dengue is spread by Aedes mosquito. Symptoms include Fever headache and joint pains.

"Dengue fever have doubled since last month,and we are urging the community to disinfect stagnant water and also ensure they go to public hospitals whenever that show signs of the fever,"said Oginga.

Similarly the county has also reported a surge on diarrhea cases with 8,648 cases being reported since last month.

"We are kindly requesting residents to use safe water for drinking and avoid drinking contaminated water, we still emphasize residents to observe all measures," she added.

The county has also raised alarm over the rising cases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mombasa.

"The positivity rate has gone up, we have moved from 0.8 to 4 percent as by 15 the, this means that people have relaxed observing containment measures, people have started shaking hands and this is causing the spread, so we are appealing to residents to mask up to avoid being infected," said Oginga.

"At least 460,000 people have been vaccinated in Mombasa.The uptake of second dose is at 54 percent and that is quite low,and booster we are at around 10,000 who have taken up the covid 19 booster shot," she added saying they are planning to increase the number further.

Speaking at the county health headquarters at Mwembe Tayari, Oginga emphasized on the need to continue observing the covid 19 containment measures.

"We are urging residents to kindly mask up, avoid shaking of hands and ensuring that they get vaccinated,” she added.

She said the county is keen to suppress the disease and is now asking residents who had taken full dose and about six months to go for a booster shot.

Kenya and Zambia have agreed to work together towards removing barriers that hinder trade and investment between the people of the two countries.

President Kenyatta said his discussions with visiting Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Wednesday focused on opportunities to harness the strong bonds of friendship as well as the business and economic ties including the removal of obstacles to trade.

“In this context, we have agreed to address the prevailing bottlenecks, including addressing ourselves to a few tariff and non-tariff barriers that bar our people from enjoying the freedom of trade amongst themselves,” President Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan leader spoke last evening during a State banquet he and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta hosted in honour of Zambian President Hichilema at State House, Nairobi.

President Kenyatta pointed out that he had also agreed with President Hichilema that the ministers responsible for trade of both countries will work together to expeditiously address the outstanding tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade.

“So this visit (by President Hichilema) is nothing more than a visit to reinforce and enhance the cooperation between our two countries as we seek to deepen that partnership for the mutual benefit of our respective people,” President Kenyatta said.

Noting that Kenya and Zambia were amongst the first two countries to sign and ratify the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), President Kenyatta affirmed Kenya’s commitment to working with Zambia and other African countries in improving the ease of doing business.

“And I want to assure you that the Kenya Government will continue to work with its partners in Zambia and across the African continent to continuously remove barriers to trade, continue to improve the ease of doing business, continue to open our borders to our brothers and sisters across the continent,” the President said.

He encouraged Zambian investors to not only make Kenya their investment destination of choice but also to look to their Kenyan counterparts as their investment partners of choice.

On his part, President Hichilema concurred on the need for Kenya and Zambia to work together in eradicating obstacles to trade and investment between the two countries.

He said time has come for the two countries to trade directly between them instead of passing through a third party.

“…how strange it is that sometimes we (Zambia) trade in goods from Kenya through Europe and vice versa. Really? Does that make sense? Absolutely not. That’s what we want to fix.

“So President Kenyatta, thank you for giving us this opportunity to advance that path walked by those who came before us. We know you are doing it for the people of Kenya, the people of Zambia and for Africa,” President Hichilema said.

The Zambian leader emphasized the need to ensure that the agreements and MOUs signed were implemented as the two countries move to redefine the way they work with each other to lower the cost of doing business between them.

Azimio La Umoja One-Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga, senior Government officials and members of the diplomatic corps also attended the State banquet.

The Chairperson of the Pamoja African Alliance Party (PAA) national election board Edward Mwachinga is dead.

According to reports, Mwachinga, collapsed and died at his home in Nairobi on Tuesday night, June 14, 2022.

Mwachinga, a lawyer by profession, from Kilifi county was recently appointed to the Kenya Kwanza Alliance's National Economic Taskforce by Deputy President William Ruto.

Kilifi governor Amason Kingi, who is also the PAA party leader, eulogized Mwachinga as diligent and dedicated person who advocated for inclusion of the Coast people at the national level.

"It goes without saying that as a County, and as a party, we have indeed lost a strong-willed scholar who gave everything when it came to empowering the lives of the Coastal people. May God rest his soul in peace." said Kingi.

On his part Mombasa deputy governor William Kingi described him as a brother and adviser.

"Mwachinga was always on hand to advise me on a wide range of issues. He took me with him like a brother introducing me to many. The PAA fraternity has also lost a dependable NEB Chairman who worked tirelessly for the nascent party.. Mwachinga you left us too soon." said Kingi.

The late Mwachinga was the guest of honour when Kingi who is eyeing the Mombasa governor seat unveiled his running mate and manifesto last month.

In his condolence message, hotelier Mohammed Hersi said Kilifi has lost one of its finest son terming him as a fine professional.

Hersi noted "What a fine Profesional and a genuine friend. I served with him on various boards with him and two weeks ago I shared a table with him in Mombasa when William Kingi was launching his Mombasa Gubernorial bid. Edward was very passionate about lifting the wellbeing of his community and matters Kilifi and Kenya coast was dear to his heart ."