President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged conservation sector stakeholders led by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to innovate new models of preserving Kenya's flora and fauna resources.

The President said the new approaches must align with the changing socioeconomic and environmental realities such as climate change and the ballooning human population.

“We really need to think out of the box to know how we will be able, with such growing population, to take care of this magnificent beauty that has been inherited from our forefathers.

“We need to really think imaginatively how we will do it and how we will ensure that future generations are able to live side by side with nature and with our wildlife as we have done,” the President said.

President Kenyatta, who spoke on Thursday during celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of Nairobi National Park, said Kenya needs to find innovative ways of balancing her socioeconomic aspirations with the country's ambitious conservation agenda.

At the same time, the President reiterated Government's commitment to the conservation of Kenya's wildlife heritage saying it was the responsibility of the current generation to handover the resource to future generations.

“On this joyous occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our land and passing the same to future generations in pristine condition.

"Those that came before us made a deliberate choice to balance rapid social and economic development with conservation of our plant and animal life,” the President said.

The Head of State said Nairobi National Park was the only conservation area of its kind globally terming it an icon of the Nairobi Metropolitan area, and called on the wildlife ministry to craft a robust sustainability plan for the 31,000-acre conservation area.

The President said Kenya was determined to eradicate poaching noting that between 2020 and this year, the number of cases involving endangered species such as elephants and rhinos had dropped significantly.

“To give this quest greater impetus, and to enhance wildlife conservation and to address the emerging challenges, the ministry of tourism and wildlife, and KWS should use new innovations, use of technology and other innovative measures to address the wildlife challenges, particularly poaching.

"Adoption of technology and innovation will not only greatly improve efficiency and reduce cost; it will also provide an avenue for our local universities to contribute to this noble campaign,” the President proposed.

As part of the new conservation approaches, the President challenged sector stakeholders led by the ministry of tourism and wildlife to develop a recognition mechanism for conservation heroes, especially young and future conservationists.

In his speech Tourism CS Najib Balala thanked the President for his continued support for conservation programmes saying recent successes in stemming the poaching menace and other aspects were as a result of the growing Government investment in the sector.

"We treasure (Nairobi National Park) and we want to say thank you very much Mr President. You expanded more space for wildlife and gave us 2,000 additional acres to add to Nairobi National Park...That’s highly appreciated by all conservationists," CS Balala said.

Leading automotive company Toyota Kenya adds to their assembly lines with the Hiace CKD line at the Associated Vehicle Assemblers Mombasa.

The Automotive sector aims to grow its share of the GDP from 9.2 percent to 15 percent by 2022, in line with the ''Buy Kenya Build Kenya'' policy.

"The Hiace CKD assembly line is very instrumental as it demonstrates our commitment to growing the automotive sector and increasing assembled models from 4-10." Said Mr. Arvinder Reel, Toyota Kenya Managing Director.

Adding " Over time, the local assembly will provide opportunities for the localization of components used in the assembly of vehicles. This will further develop the local content supply chain through the manufacturing of local parts. In addition, it will offer technology transfer and skills upgrade for local technical staff in line with Toyota best practices."

The addition of the Hiace assembly line at AVA further entrenches Toyota Kenya’s commitment to supporting the growth of the manufacturing sector, one of the key pillars under the National Government’s Big Four Agenda.

The auto industry firm already assembles 200 Hino trucks, 1,200 Hilux pick-ups, and 700 Land Cruiser pick-ups (currently used by the National Police Service and the Tour operators) annually.

Apart from assembling locally, Toyota Kenya has a network of over 31 authorized dealers and service centers across the country that ensure consumer vehicles get genuine spare parts and professional aftersales service for their vehicles.

To ensure consumers can drive brand new vehicles with ease the company has partnered with credible financial institutions to offer upto 95% for the Hiace.

By having the National Automotive Policy in place, the cost of brand-new vehicles will significantly go down. This will give many Kenyans an opportunity to own new vehicles. In addition, it will create more jobs through the increased local component manufacturing to support the assembly plants.

Speaking during the event held in Miritini, Industrialazation cabinet secretary Betty Maina lauded the company for coming up with the new assembly line saying the government is ready top support automobile manufacturers in the country.

"We therefore welcome Toyota Kenya’s decision to set up this assembly line, which comes two years after the introduction of the Hilux assembly line. We extend our full support to Toyota Kenya and automobile manufacturers in the country as we work towards driving Kenya into a fully industrialized economy." said CS Betty.

In July 2020, the Ministry issued the “Preferential Procurement Master Roll No. 1 of 2020” comprising 334 products locally made and Preferential Procurement Master Roll No.2 in August 2021 comprising 334 products locally made.

The Master Roll has automotive accessories included in the list of products. The procurement Master list was developed together with the private sector with a view of giving local manufacturers priority by Government Agencies during procurement.

The CS further challenged the industry players to take advantage of the government's goodwill and policies to ensure they fully invest in local manufacturing.

She noted "Besides, the Government is always willing to discuss and prioritize necessary support and incentives to enhance local industry competitiveness. But the industry is expected to reciprocate by investing in full automotive manufacturing; form joint ventures, train, and capacity build local SMEs to promote local content."

The United States became the latest country to make a debut in the ninth edition of the Mombasa open Tong IL Moo-Do Martial international arts championship slated for Mombasa over the weekend.

The new entrants’ snow makes this year’s competition as one of the competitive owing to the increase in foreign players in the competition to be staged at the Aga Khan Academy hall.

By Wednesday, teams from Thailand, Japan, Turkey,Nigeria,Iran,Korea,Zambia,Philippines,Ivory Coast,Burkina Faso,DRC,Ethiopia and Congo had landed on Mombasa and embarked on extensive training at the travelers beach.

“This is our first time sending a team into this competition and we are happy from the reception, the training. We feel safe and secure and we are enjoying the Kenyan delicacies ahead of the tourney, “said Nathaniel Nitro, a US instructor .

World Tong Il Moo Do Federation president grandmaster Takamitso Hoshiko lauded the Kenyan government for continuing to support the sport.Hoshiko anticipates a tough duel in the edition that will be held in line with covid-19 protocols.

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Kenya National Team, Jasiri,is hoping to defend its title after retaining it for eight times in a row. Last year Kenya Bagged overall 104 medals during the international event held at Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa.

Team Kenya reigned in almost all the categories, harvesting 32 gold medals,31 silver and 41 Bronze,  way ahead of their perennial rivals,Philippines,who played second fiddle with overall 27 medals, after garnering 13 Gold,11 Silver and 3 Bronze medals.

Kenya Tong-IL-Moo-Do Federation Chairman Master Clarence Mwakio expressed hopes that team Kenya is intact and is high spirited for the tourney.The players will compete in sparring, special techniques and individual forms.

The official applauded the ministry of sports led by sports Cs Amb Amina Mohamed for ensuring funding for the team including training costs and player’s allowances.Kenyan team is composed of  50 players who include 14 female and 36 males.

“The tournament would not have been successful without the funding from the ministry through the sports fund, we want to promise all the players off their security, good accommodation as well,covid free competition,” said Mwakio.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday told a global summit that Kenya had adopted the e-citizen platform as a tool for promoting open governance by enhancing citizen participation in Government processes.

The President said the online platform provides access to a wide range of services including business registration, filing of taxes, processing births, marriages and death certificates among others.

“This has made access to Government services as well as service delivery cheaper, more inclusive, transparent and efficient,” President Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan Head of State's message was delivered through a video recording at this year's Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit hosted by President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea.

The OGP global summits provide an opportunity for participants including representatives of government and civil society to exchange experiences, best practices and progress on open government initiatives and implementation. The 2021 summit marked the 10th anniversary of OGP.

“When the Open Government Partnership was launched ten years ago, the goal was to renew democracy for and with citizens. This is critical because when our citizens demand progress and service, it is our duty as heads of states and government to respond in practical and concrete ways,” President Kenyatta said.
 
As part of broad government efforts to address corruption, President Kenyatta said Kenya had fully implemented a beneficial ownership register and put in place the legal and policy framework to support it.

“The register makes it possible for all stakeholders to establish the true beneficiaries of public funds which reduces opportunities for corruption in public procurement,” President Kenyatta said.

To further improve transparency in public procurement, President Kenyatta said he had directed all public institutions to publish details of announcement and award of government contracts.

He pointed out that Kenya’s commitment to open government is reflected both at the national and county levels noting that four of the country's 47 devolved units had joined the OGP initiative.

“In this context, the Nairobi County is implementing a national addressing system; and it is ensuring that civic engagement remains central to the naming and numbering of public spaces,” President Kenyatta said.

The President informed the summit that Kenya’s open governance efforts are anchored in the country's constitution which defines national values for the promotion of democratic governance, integrity, accountability, transparency and equal partnership in public governance.

“My administration has made significant progress in translating these values and principles into action as a means to achieving sustainable development,” President Kenyatta said.

The President said the African continent's future will be shaped by how well it embraces open governance principles largely driven by digital technologies.

“To achieve this, we need to improve access to digital technologies and broadband and expand civic engagement; while protecting the rights and privacy of citizens through responsible data protection policies,” he said.

The President noted that inclusive open government and democratic processes should include specific actions to support women as leaders and champions of reform.

Other Speakers at the global summit included US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President Emmanuel Macron of France and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari among others.

The Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology Nadia Abdhalla on Monday launched her book titled “Of Dreams and Whatever”.

The book was launched through an initiative called Kenya Ni Mimi, a programme which was launched in 2020 by His Excellency the president.

In an event that saw people coming with the strictly specified dress code colors, Abdhalla said that the book targets on reaching and empowering young girls, youths and women from marginalized communities across the country.

The event which happened on Abdhallas’ birthday date was graced by several dignitaries including Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology  Esther Kaimote, United Nation for Population Activities country representative Ademola Olajide, Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir, Government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna, Namibian youngest Mp Patience Masua, Tanzanian legislator Elibariki Kingu representing Singida West constituency among others.

From a young girl born and raised in Mombasa, Abdhalla has risen to become who she is today and proved that everyone can become who they want to be.

The youngest appointee to the CAS position said that “Of Dreams and Whatever” book targets to reach 500 girls across the country.

Through the Kenya Ni Mimi campaign, she started the Ndoto Halisi campaign which is a strategy to channel the different ideologies and different movements which young girls and women in Kenya can use and adopt in order for them to be empowered, represented and to be seen.

“The whole concept of the book is about ongoing memo about myself from when I was born in Mombasa up until where I am today, therefore to all girls, no matter where you are coming from, no matter what your family background is, if you really fuel your dream, empower yourself and have the right people,” she said.

Permanent Secretary of Information Communication and Technology in the department of Broadcasting and Telecommunication Esther Koimet said that through the department of youth’s affairs, the government will support youths to understand that their dreams are valid irrespective of the challenges.

“I want to encourage the youths and inform them that this country belongs to you, as we head to elections, be careful of the decisions that you will be making, ensure that you elect leaders that will give us political stability and a good environment,” she said.

UNFPA country representative Ademola Olajide said that the mandate of the body is working towards promoting gender equality.

Olajide said that women constitute of 50 percent of African population and give birth to 50 percent and that there is no economy that can optimize its potential if there no equality of gender

“UNFPA has been working with CAS Abdhalla  starting from her first project Kenya ni mimi to ensure that 13.7 million young people in Kenya take ownership of their own development agenda and actively participate in the development process,” he said.

He said that they are working with the government at all levels to ensure that the policy and the system creates equality.

There is an organization which has bought 500 copies of the “Of Dream and Whatever” books out of which 100 were distributed to girls during the launch of the book.

400 will be distributed in community libraries in Likoni and Old Town in Mombasa, Kibera and in Lamu.

Skyward Express is increasing flight frequencies to the country’s coastal tourist destinations in response to rising demand in domestic market due to the festive season..

According to a statement from the ailirline, the routes that have had an increase in the number of flights are,  Wilson - Mombasa and Wilson - Ukunda routes.

The airline will now operate two flights on specific dates, 28th December  2021 and 3rd January 2022 on the said routes.

"Due to increased demand on our Mombasa and Ukunda routes, Skyward Express is pleased to announce its additional flights". the airline announced.

Skyward Express is a choice carrier serving four emerging key tourist destinations for both business and leisure travelers. These destinations are Nairobi, Eldoret, Lodwar, Mombasa and Lamu.

Speaking to Ommy Dallah, Kenya Coast Tourist Association (KCTA) C.E.O Julius Owino welcomed the move saying it will help boost the number of domestic tourists visiting the Coast region for holiday.

"We have started experiencing a rise in the number of hotel bookings from our domestic tourists which is a very good and such moves will help us alot, it is reccomendable " said Owino.

Adding "We are expecting to have 100% bookings, most of the guests have booked the hotels from 24th December 2021 to 3rd January 2022".

Owino further stated that the number of international tourist is still low due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Owino charged "As you are aware we are still in a pandemic and most of the international tourists are taking precautions, the number is still not good. Previously we used to have at least 14 charters carrying tourists visiting our country in a week but now we are only recording like 5 charters in a week,  but we still have hopes that things will get better".

People’s Democratic Party [PDP] will field candidates for all elective posts in next year’s general elections.

Migori governor Zachary Okoth Obado, who is the PDP patron, cautioned his political critics to write him off at their own peril.

He said the party is open to field a presidential candidate to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta whose 10 year tenure expires next year.

“I wish to refute claims the PDP won’t field its own presidential candidate to succeed President Kenyatta,” he said.

Obado cautioned his political rivals to stop referring to his party as a branch of other political parties.

He spoke when he opened PDP offices in Changamwe constituency in Mombasa county.

The governor distanced his party from being a branch of other political parties arguing the party is on its own.

Obado told his party members to ignore cheap propaganda being spread by their political rivals that his political party has been swallowed.

He cautioned his rivals to respect the party which is one of the oldest among political parties as he won his first gubernatorial bid using the party’s ticket.

“PDP was formed in 2005 and in 2013 I was elected first governor on its ticket and trouncing an ODM candidate in an ODM stronghold,” he said.

The governor said he is confident his party is the right political party to deliver proper elected leaders in the forthcoming elections.

Obado insisted the party is capable to deliver proper elected leaders in next year’s polls.

He said his party is in the process of changing its current symbol to a new symbol adding that they have registered their request with the registrar of political parties.

Obado caused laughter when he said the party office is situated in a strategic place of departure and arrival at Mombasa’s Moi international airport.

The PDP patron insisted the party will act in line with the party slogan of power to the electorate so that the decisions of the electorate are respected in next year’s polls.

“We want the electorates’ democratic rights to be respected and the party stands against violence and condemns any act of violence and chaos ahead of the polls and after polls,” he said.

Nothing in her voice in the airwaves betrays the legal mind in her.

While she was meant to be in the corridors of justice on a daily basis, Joan Wambui Kimani's passion for journalism pushed her to the studio instead.

No, she is not a recording artist.

She is just a hardworking young lady putting food on her table using the power of the mic.

Whenever her voice reverberates through hundreds of thousands of Kenyans' speakers at home, in the office and in the vehicles, via the frequency module of Mo Radio in Mombasa, she also satisfies one of her biggest desires - to reach out to the thousands of young girls at the Coast region.

"Many young girls at the Coast resort to looking for sponsors because of the frustrations they go through in the seemingly never ending search for jobs," says Kimani.

Although she has a law degree from Catholic University, she found herself on the radio, where she believes she has found more fun than she would have in the courtroom.

She says her desire to educate young girls from the Coast region to be financially independent.

"Financial independence means no one can lure you to do things against your morals or will," she says.

Kimani says with hard work and effort, anyone can achieve anything.

Her radio job, which has seen her change the lives and attitudes of many young girls from the Coast region, has inspired her to be more of a go getter.

She has now set her eyes on the Kilifi woman representative seat.

"This way, I will be in a better position to help the girls," says Kimani.

She believes one should worker harder than they did the previous day.

Being a content creator also helps her push her messages to the youth.

She believes the discipline shown by achievers should be emulated.

"They love the discipline of it, the trade-off they're making to win. Losers on the other hand, see it as a punishment. And that's the difference," she says.

Through hard work she has set up a company, Gee and Kim Investments, where she is the director.

Radio is one of the world's leading media outlets that offers instant conection to one's listeners.

Kimani apprecaites everyone that tunes in to listen to her every day.

"Even those that do not support Manchester City," she says, revealing the other side of her that not many people know.

She is an avid supporter of football with Manchester City being her favourite club.

Being in the spotlight accords her a unique opportunity to positively influence the youth, especially young girls.

"A problem shared is a problem half solved," she says.

The radio queen has become a household name at the Coast, making her inspirational work easier.

Her morning radio show at Mo Radio has created a platform for her to reach out to even more young his, though she is working towards broadening her reach.

“I want us to get to a point where these girls can pursue their careers instead of chasing men or sponsors around,” Kimani says.

Radio for her is the best platform to engage with her target audience and believes that her efforts will bear fruits. 

She says that the majority of young girls at the coast have given up on life and they need someone who can inspire them.

“We must keep talking to them and giving them hope and that is exactly what I am doing at Mo Radio," she says.

The station is owned by Nyali MP Mohamed Ali and has created a niche for itself among the youth.

She says she could not focus on becoming a full-time lawyer because that would limit her advocacy campaigns targeting young girls. 

She also believes that young and upcoming lawyers go through a lot and it is sometimes hard to break through to the top level.

“I haven’t quit fully but I understand the battles that one has to go through as a young lawyer. I am comfortable now working as a presenter and talking to people on a daily basis,” she says.

Her dream is to work with international media houses like the BBC and CNN but says that when the right time comes.

“That is the level that I want to get to but back home, we must have a law firm that can dedicate its work to helping artists and everyone who is talented to know their rights,” she says.

She is a strong supporter of the English Premier League and Manchester City is the club of her choice. 

Locally, she supports Bandari FC.

Internationally, she is also inspired by Eve Jihan Cooper, an American rapper, singer, actress, and television presenter from Philadelphia. 

She has a body tattoed with inspirational messages to the young people.

“Actually, I have 18 tattoos in my body and each tattoo has a meaning. I started when I was 18 years old," she says.

Kimani likes cooking and distributing foodstuffs to orphanages.

The first batch of two national teams arrived in Mombasa on Sunday ahead of the much anticipated Mombasa international Tong IL Moo Do championship.

The teams drawn from Thailand National team and Turkey landed at the Moi International airport in Mombasa Sunday morning and will be part of 20 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa that will take part in the competition to kick off in Dec 18and 19at the Agha Khan hall.

The Philippines team which comprised  of 11 players and six officials is expected to provide a fierce challenge to the Kenyan national team, Jasiri which has been winning since the championship was inagurated eight years ago.

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Speaking after landing at the airport,World Tong-IL Moo Do vice president Dr Venus Augustine, alongside Turkey Tong IL Moo Do federation president thanked the Kenyan government for continuing to promote the sport.

"Am very happy to be here in Kenya and also happy to see Kenya promoting this sport,it's very important for players and officials to play in a environment that is protected so we are happy for what Kenya is doing for us," said Agustine.

On his part Kenya Tong IL Moo Do federation president Master Clarence Mwakio said they expect a stiff competition from the Philipiness team.

“We expect a stiff competition from the Philippines which has been our usual rivals as well as Iran which is endowed with talented players,” Mwakio said.

Mwakio also noted that the Kenyan team, Jasiri which will be gearing to defend its title with  a 50-members squad is currently in a good state.

"Kenyan team is in good form,the coach has confirmed to me that no injuries and they are ready to face the challenge,"said Mwakio.

The squad is currently BB undergoing indoor training before they join other teams from the rest of the world in indoor A reasonable number of countries, according to the president, have responded positively, Covid-19 crisis notwithstanding.

According to Mwakio, Turkey is expected to field more players this year after presenting a limited squad in last year’s tournament.

“We expect a stiff competition from the Philippines which has been our usual rivals as well as Iran which is endowed with talented players,” Mwakio said.

He noted that the tournament has received immense support from the government as well as from the leadership of World Tong Il Moo Do Federation.

The founder of Tong-IL Moo-Do, great grand master Joon Ho Seuk and the federation’s President Grandmaster Takamistu Hoshiko are all expected to grace the tournament.

President of Turkey Tong-IL Moo-Do Federation, Amin Ghorbani who arrived with the Philippines team said they will be inviting Kenya to participate in an international event they intend to organise in few months to come

“We’re in the process of organising an international event in Istanbul, Turkey in the next five months which many countries will be invited including Kenya,” said Ghorbani.

It’s all systems go ahead of the ninth edition of Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo- Do Martial Arts Championship to be held at the Aga Khan Academy hall in Mombasa December 18 and 19.

Kenya Tong Il Moo Do Federation president Clarence Mwakio said foreign teams will start jetting in for the competition starting this Sunday.

Addressing a media briefing at the Federation offices in Mombasa on Saturday,Mwakio confirmed that Philippines and Thailand National team will land at the Moi International airport in Mombasa Sunday afternoon for the event.

All teams from Asia,Middle East and North and south America will start arriving from tomorrow throughout the week,for a five days warm up training ahead of the major competition,"said Mwaio.

Eight-time defending champions, Team Jasiri will be gearing to defend its title a 50-members squad, after a successful team selection that saw new player’s join to reinforce the squad.

“We made a selection of national team in Mombasa and Nairobi and we recruited a few more players in our team Jasiri and now we have formed a team of 50 players who include 14 female and 36 males,” Mwakio said in an interview in Mombasa.

The players will participate in both team and individual categories in form, sparring and special techniques.

"Kenyan team is in good form,the coach has confirmed to me that no injuries and they are ready to face the challenge,"said Mwakio adding that the government has offered to support the Federation, through the ministry of sports.

The squad is currently undergoing indoor training before they join other teams from the rest of the world in indoor A reasonable number of countries, according to the president, have responded positively, Covid-19 crisis notwithstanding.

“By now we have more than 20 countries which have confirmed their participation in this year’s tournament from Africa, Europe, and America continents,” Mwakio said

He said Kenya is confident of hosting a successful contest, considering that the preparations have been up to par in the past four months.

This year’s tournament will see a return of countries from South America and North America which lastly participated more than three years ago.

According to Mwakio, Turkey is expected to field more players this year after presenting a limited squad in last year’s tournament.

“We expect a stiff competition from the Philippines which has been our usual rivals as well as Iran which is endowed with talented players,” Mwakio said.

He noted that the tournament has received immense support from the government as well as from the leadership of World Tong Il Moo Do Federation.