From August 2nd to 4th, The Hub Karen is set to host the highly anticipated Nairobi Property Expo, the premier platform for urban dwellers seeking modern real estate lifestyle options.

 Innovation For Inspired Lifestyles

This year's expo, themed "Innovation For Inspired Lifestyles," promises to showcase the latest trends in real estate. Proudly sponsored by NTT DATA, a dynamic tech company known for enhancing connectivity through innovative technology solutions, the event will focus on bringing together renowned exhibitors and services to create new business and living opportunities.

Unveiling Nairobi's Best Real Estate

The Hub Karen will feature some of Nairobi's most reputable real estate players, displaying futuristic, modern, and aesthetically pleasing properties and designs from Nairobi and its outskirts.

 The expo aims to deliver unforgettable real estate experiences while highlighting cutting-edge technology in architecture.

A Groundbreaking Showcase

Designed to be a groundbreaking showcase, the event unites innovative players from the growing real estate industry.

 It seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators, designers, engineers, and policymakers through a shared passion for real estate. Esteemed exhibitors include Decomagna Limited, Cool & Classy Outdoors, MiVida, Centum Real Estate, ESRExecutive, and other industry leaders.

 Empowering Kenyans with Real Estate Opportunities

The organisers' vision is to create a platform that empowers Kenyans to access investment opportunities in real estate.

Recognizing the lack of knowledge and tools for wise investments, the expo aims to demystify real estate myths. It serves as a one-stop shop, bringing together developers, land sellers, realtors, decor experts, construction professionals, suppliers, consultants, and financiers under one roof.

Meeting Market Needs

 The expo considers market needs, ensuring it meets visitor and clientele expectations. Beyond showcasing properties, it provides a holistic environment where everything related to real estate can be sourced, from cutting-edge home technology to eco-friendly products, interior décor, design services, and home safety solutions.

Evolving Market

Despite concerns about a potential bubble burst, the expo organisers assert that the real estate market is evolving, not collapsing. Embracing new trends and markets, Kenya's commendable infrastructure improvements ensure a bright future for the industry. The demand for quality housing, green living, aesthetics, and affordability are key market drivers.

Africa's Promising Future

Current indicators suggest that by 2025, Africa will present business opportunities worth $5.6 trillion. The Nairobi Property Expo aligns with new infrastructure ideas, a better-educated workforce, and a dynamic, youthful population across Africa. High returns on investment make the continent an attractive frontier for trade and investment, offering significant potential for the real estate industry.

A Platform for Engagement

As a relevant platform for investors and buyers to engage with Kenya's real estate market, the expo has already attracted numerous exhibitors from the real estate, finance, interior décor, design, building, and construction industries. Over 10,000 buyers are expected to attend the three-day event.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has acquired an additional four Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs) worth USD 8.5 million in the ongoing equipment upgrading and modernization programme.

The four cranes built on advanced technology have a Safe Working Load capacity of 45 tons, wheel span of 24 Meters, and engine drive capacity that consumes less fuel. They are manufactured by the Shanghai Zhenua Heavy Industries `company ZPMC).

The new equipements were discharged at the second container terminal and are awaiting commissioning.

"The arrival of the new cranes will boost efficiency on cargo dwell time and subsequently improve vessel turnaround." reads a statement from KPA

Last year, KPA acquired four modern Ship to Shore Gantry cranes mounted with spreaders that can handle two containers per move, making the port competitive in the region.

KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto has attributed impressive port performance to the expansion of key berths and the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment.

The Port of Mombasa is projected to handle 1.8 million TEUs by the end of the year 2024.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/business/item/3789-kpa-projects-to-handle-1-8-million-teus-of-cargo-this-year

The return of former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho to active politics continues to attract mixed reaction.

Last week, President William Ruto nominated Joho as  the Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs CS.

This sparked jubilation in Mombasa with different leaders praising Ruto for the move.

According to Mombasa youth leader Evans Momanyi the entry of Joho to the cabinet and national government will change the landscape of Mombasa politics.

"Joho is an official of ODM which was earlier perceived to be the opposition and he (Joho) was a big critic of Ruto's government, but he has now been nominated to the same government, this clearly shows that the future of our politics will have to change" argued Momanyi.

Adding" Joho has a huge following here in Mombasa and the Coast at large, this means that his supporters and other leaders from ODM will now be forced to embrace UDA which they have all along being perceiving it as a rival."

Momanyi further argued that this new formation will have dire effects from local UDA politicians.

"Those UDA politicians who had started preparing themselves for the Mombasa Governor seat especially Hassan Omar and Mohammed Ali will now be forced to go back to the drawing board, things have now changed."

"These are the same politicians who used to think that they are untouchable because they are  very close to President Ruto but as it now stands Joho will be their senior and they will have to accept that fact"

Joho will face the Committee on Appointments of the national assembly for vetting and consideration on Sunday.

The Commander Kenya Navy Major General Paul Otieno presided over the investiture of ranks ceremony to the newly promoted Senior Naval Officers at the Kenya Navy Headquarters in Mtongwe, Mombasa.

The ceremony held on Monday was conducted in accordance with the naval traditions following the promotions and appointments made by the Defence Council.

Some of the senior Kenya Navy officers who were promoted and appointed to new leadership roles include Brigadier Abraham Kipchirchir Biwott who was promoted and appointed Commander Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe (KNB MTG); Brigadier Mohamed Shee Shemote who was promoted and appointed Commander Kenya Navy Fleet (KNF); Brigadier Lazarus Patroba Wafula who was promoted and appointed Commander Kenya Navy Base Manda (KNB Manda) among other senior officers who received various appointments.

Maj Gen Paul Otieno congratulated the senior officers on their promotion and stated that elevation comes with increased responsibility.

“I applaud you for your outstanding voyage of progression within the hierarchies, showcasing your preparedness for the responsibilities that await. Your steadfast devotion and resolute dedication are a testament to the exceptional duty you have provided to our nation. I congratulate each of you for your exemplary contributions and unwavering allegiance to our shared mission,” said Maj Gen Paul Otieno.

Present during the event was the newly appointed Deputy Commander Kenya Navy Brigadier John Sankale Kiswaa, principal staff officers, senior officers, and officers.

Kenyan Afro-Pop singer-songwriter and producer, Ndegz, has released his debut EP titled ‘Mr. Bull’.

It’s a key moment in Ndegz’s music career as this marks his first extended body of work that truly represents his music style, artistry and production skills. The 7-track EP that cuts across R&B, Pop and Hip Hop genres delivers an authentic, emotional, personal and relatable listening experience. 

The EP’s title directly translates to his childhood nickname shortened from Ndegwa which means the bull in his native language Kikuyu. Excited to release his first body of work that took years to craft, Ndegz says, “It's been a long time coming! I’m ecstatic to share my sound with the world and my die-hard fans. In three words, this EP is soulful, vulnerable and addictive,”

Adding , “It's been a true labour of love. Long nights, uncountable changes in the making but generally an all round incredible journey working with some of the most brilliant creatives.”

At the same time, Ndegz has released the music video for “Your Love Is Like”' in collaboration with Kenyan rap legend Prezzo. The new video carries an irresistible charm, blending Ndegz’s smooth vocals and Prezzo’s iconic rap lines. The captivating combo shines in the sultry video directed by Ivan Odie and produced by Joe Mahinda. From the infectious beat to the heartfelt lyrics, every aspect of the song is designed to evoke emotions and stir the soul.

Watch on YouTube: “Your Love Is Like” 

Dancehall fused “1 Time” with Kidkay (formerly Kid Kora) is a song about longing to settle down with a desired lover, paying homage to long-term celebrity couple, Nameless and Wahu. Kidkay joins Ndegz again on “Loving You” - a deep, evocative serenade and “Fire Blue” that captures the essence of vulnerable love that renders the lover emotionally naked.

Ndegz keeps up a soulful momentum on the EP with heartfelt ballads: “Your Love Is Like” featuring Prezzo and “Need You”; closing off with “Boss” - a boastful anthem and banger.

‘Mr. Bull’ EP was launched at an exclusive listening party on Wednesday July 24th 2024 at Replay Lounge Nairobi, Westlands.

The event brought together a host of Kenyan media personalities, celebrities, industry stakeholders, corporate partners, family, friends and fans who came together to celebrate Ndegz’s first music project. Excited to share his EP ‘Mr. Bull’ with the world to experience his music in a way they have never before, Ndegz says that his new EP is a blend of SwaR&B (Swahili R&B) and Dancehall, representing a “Kenyan Summer” and promising fans a mix of ballads and bangers.

Tanzanian singer Snura has announced she is quitting music for religious reasons.

Addressing the media in Daresalaam, Snura said she has decided to devote her life to her Islamic religion.

" This is a day that I have been eagerly waiting for this day. I'm officially announcing today that I have quit all music related activities, I'm going back to practising my Islamic faith" said Snura.

Adding "This is a decision that I made two years ago and I was thinking of doing it silently but i have finally decided to make it public. "

Snura pleaded with the media to stop playing her music going forward.

"My humble plea to all radio stations and other media houses, please stop playing my music, I know there are fans out there who love my music but i plead with you too, do not play my music, respect my decision."

Snura also had a word for other singers especially female singers "Incase you hear about my death today you are free to come for funeral but please come to my funeral when well dressed and not half naked. Also avoid posting my past photos when I die "

The United States government, through USAID’s Economic Recovery and Reform Activity (USAID-ERRA) program, implemented by TradeMark Africa (TMA) and funded by Feed the Future, has signed a grant agreement worth US$199,988, with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).

This collaboration will facilitate 160 Kenyan Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), particularly those owned by women and youth, to leverage opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by linking buyers and sellers across the continent.

The AfCFTA provides a single continental market, promoting the free movement of goods and services and economic integration.

This initiative is designed to enhance the agricultural export capabilities of these SMEs by addressing critical challenges, such as export readiness and trade barriers, enabling them to effectively compete and thrive in this expansive market.

The project will scale up e-commerce capabilities by providing training to prepare SMEs for export; collaborate with trade facilitation agencies to tackle trade barriers; develop and implement market access strategies tailored to high-value agricultural sectors such as tea, coffee, rice, and vegetables and raise awareness of trade opportunities presented by the AfCFTA, such as the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) and the e-tariff book through increased sensitization and communication efforts.

A critical feature of this project is the Training of Trainers (ToT), which will build long-term capacity within KEPSA to support SMEs beyond the project’s lifespan, ensuring long-term sustainability. Empowering Kenyan SMEs with the tools to access alternative markets will not only increase their export competitiveness and resilience but also stimulate economic growth through increased export volumes.

The grant is part of the five-year US$75 million USAID-ERRA program. USAID-ERRA drives investment reforms, facilitates trade, and deepens regional integration by strengthening the capacity of national and regional bodies under the frameworks of the AfCFTA and regional economic communities.

Eunice Ambiyo, Deputy Chief of Party, USAID-ERRA, commented on the partnership’s potential, “This partnership is poised to improve the export competitiveness of Kenyan SMEs, empowering them with the tools to access new markets. This will not only help them withstand local economic challenges but also contribute to broader regional economic prosperity through increased intra-African trade and investment in export-oriented value chains.”

KEPSA CEO Carole Kariuki stated, “As Africa begins the journey toward the full implementation of a common market under the AfCFTA, it is imperative that the requisite competencies and capacity for local industrial activities by both large and small enterprises are built to enable all countries to benefit from the single market arrangements.”

This partnership underscores KEPSA’s commitment to realizing an enabling business environment that delivers Kenya’s global competitiveness.

KEPSA is positioning SMEs, who constitute 98% of all businesses in Kenya, to leverage the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA while also strengthening their integration in the value chains of large enterprises within the priority sectors identified by member states. These include accessing financing as a means to engage and thrive within regional value chains and strengthening the regional capacity of women and youth to mitigate the impacts of economic shocks, contributing to a flourishing and integrated African economy.

President Willaim Ruto has been hailed for launching several development projects in the Coast region.

Ruto who began his Coastal development tour last Thursday in Mombasa has so far visited several counties in the region launching his flagship projects.

On Friday, the President issued Ksh1.7 billion grants to 612 fishing groups drawn from Mombasa, Tana River, Kwale, Lamu, and Kilifi Counties which will benefit 19,000 residents.

Speaking in Mombasa, the President announced that the government has handed over five fish landing sites in five counties at the coast.

He added that the government is going to spend Ksh.1.2B to construct the fish landing sites in Kidongo, Kilifi, Kipini, Mkowe and Mwaepe.

According to Mombasa youth leader Evans Momanyi, the gesture by the President should not been taken lightly arguing that the President has decided to do things differently unlike before when the region complained of being sidelined.

"We have to people who appreciate, whatever the President has done will have alot of impact in terms of development not only for us but also generations to come." said Momanyi.

"As the Coastal people, we have always complained of being sidelined when it comes to development projects by the government, we now have a chance to also feel how other regions have been feeling and benefiting."

The President also launched the construction of a modern market in Kilifi and Kwale. In Kwale he also launched the construction an industrial park. On Monday president Ruto officially launched the Pwani School for the Mentally Challenged Tuition Block and laid the Foundation Stone for Nyali Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centre (TVET).

The Youth leader also called on political leaders especially from Mombasa to unite and avoid being divided based on political parties.

Momanyi argued "We have all seen what our president has done, Hassan Joho who is the ODM Deputy party leader has now been nominated to the cabinet, we need to see this trickle down to unity between ODM and UDA party members here in our county. We are now one, lets follow the president's footsteps." 

Momanyi further challenged Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir to also consider having members of the UDA party in his government.

"You are a member of ODM and as you can see the UDA government is now working with your Deputy party leader who will soon be a CS, I challenge you to now also pick some of UDA members to serve in your government even if it means appointing them as Executive members or Chief officers"

Nyali Mp Mohammed Ali has challenged the newly nominated Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary to focus on serving all Kenyans once cleared by the National Assembly.

Speaking during the official opening of the Pwani School for the Mentally Challenged Tuition Block by President William Ruto, a visible angry Ali told Joho to shift his mindset and focus on delivering for Kenyans as a CS.

"To our brother Hassan Joho we will come him to the government and let him know that flag is for the people of Kenya not only Mombasa, let him stop the circus." said Ali.

Ali also called on UDA supporters in the country to remain steadfast saying the recent events will not affect the popularity of the party in the county.

He further welcomed the move by President William Ruto to appoint a new cabinet which also includes members of the ODM party.

The ODM leaders in the new cabinet includes John Mbadi, Hassan Joho, Opiyo Wandayi and Wycliffe Oparanya.

On Sunday evening during a townhall meeting in Mombasa, President Rutoclarified that his administration had not formed a coalition with the Opposition, instead referring to it as a "broad-based government."