Femi One proudly reflects on the impactful milestones achieved by The One For One Foundation, an initiative she launched with a passion for empowering youth and fostering community development.

In February 2023, Femi One officially launched The One For One Foundation with a mentorship event at her former primary school, Murema Primary in Mwiki, Kasarani.

This inspiring event marked the beginning of the Foundation's mission to nurture young minds and provide them with opportunities for growth and learning.

Still in 2023, the One For One Foundation participated in the historic first-ever Menstrual Equity Summit held in Nanyuki. The two-day event featured a remarkable lineup of industry speakers and advocates, bringing attention to critical issues surrounding menstrual health and education. The Foundation's involvement underscored its commitment to addressing essential social issues and supporting young women.

In March 2024, as part of the release of her hit song "B.A," Femi One and The One For One Foundation mentored The Home Family Kenya. The Foundation facilitated a dance performance by the lovely children, celebrating their talents and creativity.

This initiative highlighted the Foundation's dedication to providing artistic and educational opportunities for underprivileged youth.

Reflecting on these achievements, Femi One stated, "The journey with The One For One Foundation has been incredibly fulfilling. Seeing the positive impact we are making in the lives of young people and our communities inspires me to keep pushing forward. Together, we are building a brighter future."

The One For One Foundation continues to grow, with many more initiatives and events planned for the future. Femi One remains committed to using her platform and resources to create meaningful change and uplift those in need.

Annette Mulama, has been crowned the World Class Kenya Bartender Champion 2024. Annette who works at the Hero Bar at the Trademark Hotel, emerged victorious in the national finals held at the EABL Headquarters, Nairobi.

She emerged victorious after an intense final round against four other finalists and will now represent Kenya at the global finals in Shanghai, China in September.  

“I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,” said Annette after receiving her award. This journey has been an incredible two years of hard work and dedication to my craft and to see it culminate in this victory is a dream come true. I am honoured to represent Kenya on the global stage in Shanghai. I hope to not only display my passion and skills but to also inspire other bartenders in the country to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.” 

The World Class Kenya Bartender Competition began in April with 278 participants facing off in online challenges, including the "Johnnie Walker Beyond a Night Cap" challenge.

This was followed by the "Singleton at the Disco" challenge in May, narrowing the field to 18. In June, these top contenders engaged in studio sessions before the Tanqueray Ten live challenge semifinals on July 4^th . Five finalists emerged to compete for the national title on July 5^th in the ‘Don Julio Classics of the Future’ live challenge.  

While announcing the winner Joel Kamau, Commercial Director EABL said, “I would like to congratulate all the participants on their considerable effort to make this competition a success. At EABL, we are all about celebrating Life. Our finalists have not only displayed their amazing skills but have also showed their deep understanding on how to captivate our consumers whose tastes and preferences continue to evolve. “

The World Class Global finals will take place between the 9^th and 13^th of September 2024 in Shanghai, China.  

President William Ruto has finally bowed to pressure from Kenyans and dismissed his entire cabinet, sending home all Cabinet Secretaries and Attorney general.

Addressing the nation on Thursday, Ruto noted that the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi who is also the Secretary for foreign affairs is the only one who will remain in office.

"Upon reflection and listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have been saying and after holistic appraisal of the performance of my Cabinet and its achievements and challenges,  I have decided to dismiss with immediate effect all cabinet secretaries and attorney general of the Cabinet of Kenya except the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs," Ruto said.

Adding ""And of course, the office of the Deputy President is not affected in any way."

Ruto said the affairs of the Ministry will be run by Principal Secretaries as he plans to appoint a new cabinet.

"I will immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations and other Kenyans both in public and private with the aim of setting up a broad base government that will assist me in accelerating and expediting the necessary urgent and irreversible implementation the program we have including other radical measures to deal with the burden of debt," Ruto said

For the last few weeks angry Kenyans have been taking to  the streets and social media urging the President to dissolve the cabinet saying it is marred by bad governance and allegations of corruption.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has launched the first edition of the IGAD Statistics Yearbook Facts and Figures.

The book is aimed at helping the IGAD member states in policy formulation and implementation.

Speaking at the report’s launch in Nairobi yesterday, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u said accurate, timely, reliable and comparable data is imperative for analytical work that leads to planning, and policy choices, making decision-making more reflective of the situation.

“When we don’t have timely data, it becomes a major setback as you cannot evaluate, predict, and assess where you are coming from,” said Prof Ndung’u.

The CS highlighted the importance of using accurate data in decision making noting that data collection is not an easy expedition.

"When you use data, you can design policies, programmes, projects and interventions that can correct discourse in development, if not done properly, it becomes difficult to recollect your direction,” he said.

On his part IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Abdi Ware emphasized that the IGAD Statistics Yearbook will serve as a reliable regional data source that provides harmonized statistics across member states, enhancing regional integration, economic development, effective planning, and impactful programming.

"As you know, it is through the availability of accurate, reliable, and timely data that we can develop evidence-based policies and national development plans to achieve the prospects of the IGAD Region—a resilient, peaceful, prosperous, and integrated region where citizens enjoy a high quality of life." said Ware.

Adding " To enhance data accessibility and utilization, we have made concerted efforts to ensure the yearbook is accessible to a wide range of users, including policymakers, researchers, and the public. I encourage all stakeholders to utilize this resource for evidence-based decision-making and to inform regional policies and programs."

Ware further urged urged member states to align their priorities on the global stage.

"Looking ahead, we are committed to ensuring the yearbook's sustainability and continuous improvement in future editions. We are working towards operationalizing our Regional Strategy for Development of Statistics, which aims to strengthen statistical capacities in the region. It is essential that we ensure alignment with the AU Continental Strategy on the Harmonization of Statistics in Africa." he noted.

According to a report in the book  Kenya registered a fiscal deficit of 6.3 percent in 2022, trailing South Sudan which recorded the highest deficit at 6.6 percent.

Uganda was ranked third with a budget deficit of 5.3 percent. The fiscal deficit, which represents the gap between a government’s revenue and its expenditure, highlights the ongoing economic challenges faced by the member states.

Kenyan songstress PHY has collaborated with Okello Max on a heartfelt new track, "Nitawakumbusha."

In the song, the singers capture the deep sense of grief felt by families who lost loved ones in the recent protests through reflective, empathetic lyrics and emotive vocal performances.

PHY's lyrics take the perspective of a grieving mother burdened with regrets.

She has witnessed the person she voted for making the decision that led to her son's death.

Okello Max, on the other hand, captures the viewpoint of the fallen son.

He expresses his motivations for marching in the streets and his lack of regrets, even though it cost him his life.

PHY explains the inspiration behind the song, "This has been a revolutionary time for Kenya, with much-needed active participation by the youth. Sadly, people's lives have been collateral."

Adding" 'Nitawakumbusha' is what I imagine the heart of a grieving mother looks like. As a mother myself, I hope to lend my voice on behalf of the families of every courageous individual who went out to march and never came back home."

The song's evocative artwork was created by renowned photographer and all-round creative, Mutua Matheka.

The audio was produced by the fast-rising Nigerian beatmaker JostopacBeatz while mixing and mastering were handled by Trevor Magak.

"Nitawakumbusha" is artivism in action. Each creative involved felt the need to use their art to support the cause.

Together, they aim to call for justice and honor those who sacrificed their lives. This collaboration shows how art can drive social change and bring hope during tough times.

Danish singer-songwriter Mzungu Kichaa who found prominence in Tanzania, released his third studio ‘Fade Away’ this year (March 2024).

Kichaa is in Nairobi to promote the new album that carries and ignites East Africa’s live music sound.

Mirroring his dynamic stage and acoustic performances, his new album embodies live instrumentation, adding an authentic layer to his music and love for a raw musical experience.

The album focuses on having a deeper connection with nature and the importance of being present, content and free from materialistic baggage. 

Mzungu Kichaa’s latest music video of “Fade Away” features fellow Danish artist Wafande.

Shot in Sweden, Denmark, Bornholm and Holland, the video displays a heartfelt collaboration that brings home the song's message of unconditional love of life.

Mzungu Kichaa’s ongoing Kenyan media tour to promote the new album comes four years after his last trip to Nairobi.

He says, “During this period of unrest in Kenya, my message to the youth is to stay positive, loyal to their visions and keep hold of their freedom of speech."

Adding "The track “Uhuru” off my album is about the importance of this right and the most important line in the song is that without freedom, even the birds will not sing and by that I mean the whistleblowers and change-makers within the society will not have a voice.”

Love, loss, gratitude, spiritual progression and the complexities of navigating life’s challenges are among the album’s themes, creating a multifaceted storyline and inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and aspirations.

Mzungu Kichaa delivers a powerful album with love songs such as “Fade Away”, “Fall in Love” and “London Town”, to the more political songs such as “Uhuru” which touches on freedom of speech.

The exploration of mental health and the interpretation of how we navigate life's uncertainties adds a layer of introspection as seen in songs like “Sleepy”.

With an infusion of adventure and confidence, ‘Fade Away’ champions the pursuit of dreams without compromising on freedom of expression.

Mzungu Kichaa says, “It’s important to be real and vulnerable and this album allowed me to free my inhibitions and the fear of sharing a true voice,” .

Adding, “ I also released a few acoustic versions recorded late at night in one take using vocals and guitar with imperfections. It doesn’t always need to be polished and decorated and I hope my listeners will appreciate this more raw sound.”

All is set for the 5th edition of the Rashid Abdallah super cup.

The edition is set to kick off on August 11th 2024 with 32 teams expected to take part in the tournament, a brainchild of media personality Rashid Abdallah.

Speaking during the launch of the draw in Kwale on Sunday, Rashid said the tournament has recorded a great impact and growth in the society.

"We have so far recorded a good growth, we have some players who have joined the top clubs in our country from this tournament" said Rashid.

Adding " However,  I cannot boast that we have achieved our main goal, it is you the fans and stakeholders who will tell us if the goal has been achieved".

The tournament has so far produced players who have joined some of the best clubs in the country, notable is Hamisi 'Sergio' Mwaphalu who has since joined Mombasa based club Banadari Fc.

The first match is expected to between the defending champions Kitivo United against Mende Fc.

Kitivo Fc walked away with kshs 1.5 million after winning the 4th edition with the second runners up Black Eagles bagging kshs 700,000.

The Changamka Kenya Shopping Festival, an initiative by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), has officially commenced at the Oshwal Community Centre in Mombasa.

This exciting festival offers Kenyans both within and beyond Mombasa City a unique chance to purchase high-quality products directly from local manufacturers at discounted prices, all under the inspiring banner of the Buy Kenya Build Kenya initiative in a bid to promote devolved manufacturing.

The festival serves as a dynamic convergence point for Kenyan manufacturers and key stakeholders, allowing them to display their locally crafted products and connect directly with consumers.

This not only boosts sales but also fosters greater awareness and appreciation of Kenya's manufacturing sector. 

"Changamka Shopping Festival is a celebration and a showcase of the diverse, high-quality, and unique products that our local industries produce. It provides manufacturers with a golden opportunity to highlight the excellence and variety of their goods to local, regional, and international markets,” said Ms. Joyce Njogu, KAM’s Head of Consulting and Business Development. 

The Mombasa edition of Changamka comes at a pivotal moment as the government rolls out policies aimed at increasing the manufacturing sector's contribution to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the current 7.6 percent to an ambitious 20 percent by 2030. 

KAM Coast Region Chairman Abdallah Athman, urged shoppers from across the county and the country to seize this opportunity to support local manufacturers and benefit from the festival's discounted prices.

He praised KAM for decentralizing the festival, ensuring every county reaps its benefits.

“One of the most exciting aspects of Changamka Mombasa is its representation of a devolved approach to economic development. Since the implementation of the 2010 Constitution, Kenya has embraced a decentralized system of governance, which aims to bring services closer to the people, reduce the cost of doing business, and stimulate regional economic growth,” he noted.

Speaking during the event Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad  Nassir encouraged local businesses to join KAM and take advantage of the platform to showcase their products, thereby elevating their presence on both national and global stages, fostering competition and creativity. 

"The Buy Kenya Build Kenya initiative is more than just a slogan; it is a rallying cry that should echo throughout the nation. By supporting local manufacturing, we can drive job creation and economic development. The Changamka Shopping Festival is a crucial platform that will propel our local entrepreneurs to new heights, enabling them to compete effectively on a continental and global scale,” Governor Nassir emphasized. 

"SMEs are the backbone of our economy, and at Stanbic Bank, we are dedicated to empowering these businesses with the resources and support they need to thrive. We are huge proponents of the "Buy Kenya, Build Kenya" initiative, and remain committed to supporting local manufacturers and SMEs to deliver sustainable economic growth and development in Kenya.’’ said Florence Wanja, Regional Head of Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank. 

As the Changamka Shopping Festival unfolds, it promises to be a transformative event, igniting Mombasa with the spirit of local enterprise and innovation, and paving the way for a thriving Kenyan manufacturing sector. 

Now in its fourth edition in Mombasa County, the Changamka Shopping Festival will run from Thursday, 4th July 2024 to Sunday, 7th July 2024.

This four-day event promises to be a transformative experience, igniting Mombasa with the spirit of local enterprise and innovation, and paving the way for a thriving Kenya.

Samsung Electronics East Africa Ltd. unveiled the 2024 TV and sound device line-up at the local Unbox & Discover event at Capital Club in Nairobi.

The event showcased the latest Neo QLED 8K and 4K, OLED TVs, and sound devices.

As the world’s leading TV manufacturer for 18 consecutive years, Samsung’s offerings this year elevates the home entertainment experience with a range of powerful, AI-driven solutions.

Rahul Kochhar, Business Head of the Consumer Electronics Division at Samsung Electronics East Africa, said, "We are pushing the boundaries of home entertainment by integrating AI to enhance traditional viewing experiences. This year's TV lineup demonstrates our commitment to innovation, offering products that provide premium viewing quality while significantly enhancing our consumers' lifestyles."

Elevating Senses With Neo QLED 8K: Clarity, Sound and Smart Experiences

Neo QLED 8K is the flagship of Samsung’s latest TV line-up. It is equipped with the advanced NQ8 AI Gen2 processor, marking a significant leap in AI TV technology. This processor features a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and an eightfold increase in neural networks from 64 to 256, ensuring an exceptional viewing experience with crisp details, regardless of the input source.

Every scene on the Neo QLED 8K is a feast for the eyes, thanks to its AI-driven picture technology. It brings out the finest details with outstanding clarity and naturalness, from facial expressions to subtle nuances. With 8K AI Upscaling Pro, users’ favourite shows and movies are transformed to match the 8K display closely, allowing them to enjoy the level of detail and picture clarity surpassing conventional 4K TVs.

Additionally, AI Motion Enhancer Pro makes fast action smoother and clearer — a dream for sports fans — while Real Depth Enhancer Pro adds a lifelike depth to the picture and pulls viewers into the scene every time. All these features come together to redefine the big-screen experience.

The Neo QLED 8K also delivers audio powered by AI sound technology. This year’s Active Voice Amplifier Pro now excels at extracting dialogue from background noise, ensuring every word is heard clearly. Object Tracking Sound Pro also enriches the audio experience by syncing the sound with on-screen action, creating a more dynamic and engaging viewing experience. Adaptive Sound Pro refines the audio experience by intelligently adjusting the audio to the content and room acoustics for a genuinely rich and lifelike sound.

The Neo QLED 8K also boasts AI features that understand and adapt to user needs. The AI Auto Game Mode kicks in during gaming, optimising the visuals and audio for an even more immersive and engaging gaming experience. The AI Customization Mode adjusts the picture for each scene based on user preference, while the AI Energy Mode saves power without compromising picture quality. These features ensure that Neo QLED 8K is easy, personalised, and energy efficient for all entertainment needs.

Samsung's latest TVs are designed with SmartThings AI capabilities to save energy.

The new AI Energy Saving mode can reduce energy use by 23% compared to the standard mode. Thanks to SmartThings integration, various Samsung TVs can automatically adjust colour validation based on the viewing environment to enhance energy efficiency. Samsung has also unveiled an upgraded Frame TV with dynamic screen refresh rates and better colour validations for improved energy efficiency.

The Neo QLED 8K QN800D is available in sizes of 65, 75, and 85 inches. The Neo QLED 4K is available in one model, QN85 D, and in sizes of, 55, 65, 75, 85,. The Neo QLED 8K and 4K line-up promises an unparalleled viewing experience in the premium large-screen category.

Smart Features with Samsung Tizen OS for Enhanced Integration and Personalisation

In 2024, Samsung’s AI screens are set to redefine the user experience with advanced connectivity and a suite of smart features, apps and platforms. Leveraging the powerful Tizen OS, these innovations have created an ecosystem that is connected, personalised, and secure through Knox Security. This allows devices to integrate effortlessly into users’ digital worlds, transforming screens into a central hub for all their needs.

Samsung’s latest TVs are designed to connect with a smart ecosystem immediately upon setup. The moment users turn on their new Samsung TV, the TV recognises and connects to existing networks and devices, all orchestrated through a simple notification on users’ smartphones. This effortless setup extends to all Samsung devices at home, third-party appliances, and IoT devices, thanks to its compatibility with HCA and Matter. This eliminates the need for extra hubs, so everything from lighting to security sensors can be managed directly from the screen.

Samsung’s 2024 screen line-up also brings integration with users’ smartphones to new heights. Users can bring their smartphone near the TV to activate Smart Mobile Connect, which turns the device into a universal remote for the TV and connected home appliances. Additionally, in 2024, users can use their smartphones as game controllers with a customisable user interface (UI) and haptic feedback, offering convenient and enhanced gameplay at their fingertips.

Beyond connectivity, Samsung’s 2024 Smart TVs provide a highly personalised experience with its apps and platforms. With the latest addition of widgets, TV screens are now personalised dashboards that allow users to easily monitor home status, camera feeds, energy usage, weather updates and more.

Security is paramount, and with Samsung Knox, every feature, app, and platform benefits from robust protection, allowing connected experiences to remain private and secure.

Expansive Line-up for All Entertainment Needs: Neo QLED 4K, OLED and Sound Devices

Samsung is introducing an expanded and enhanced range of TVs and sound devices this year, designed to offer consumers a wider array of choices to suit diverse lifestyles and preferences. This comprehensive line-up underscores Samsung’s commitment to innovation and a customer-centric approach.

The 2024 Neo QLED 4K lineup brings cutting-edge innovations from the latest Neo QLED 8K flagship TVs, elevating the viewing experience with ground-breaking features powered by the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor. This advanced chip breathes life into almost any content, rendering it in stunning 4K resolution. With the world’s first Pantone Validated display for colour accuracy and Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience, Neo QLED 4K sets the bar for the ultimate 4K UHD experience. Neo QLED 4K will be available in sizes ranging from 55 to 98 inches, catering to diverse viewing environments.

Samsung is also introducing the world’s first Glare-Free OLED, eliminating unnecessary reflection while preserving deep blacks and clear images under lighting conditions. Powered by the same formidable NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor as the Neo QLED 4K lineup, Samsung’s OLED TVs boast features like the Real Depth Enhancer and OLED HDR Pro, bringing picture quality to new heights.

Additionally, with features such as Motion Xcelerator 144Hz ensuring smooth motion and quick response rates, Samsung OLED is the ultimate choice for gaming. Complemented by sleek designs, these OLED TVs elevate the viewing space. Available in Kenya in two models —S90D — ranging from 55 to 83 inches, there’s a perfect fit for every home.

The 2024 line-up also includes the latest Q-Series Soundbar, Q800D, which boasts an 11.1.4-channel setup with Wireless Dolby Atmos. This model comes with a host of features that stand as a testament to Samsung’s continued leadership as the world’s best-selling soundbar brand for the past 10 years, featuring innovations such as Sound Grouping for pulsating, room-filling sound and an option for personal listening that allows users to enjoy their content through rear speakers without disturbing others.

Samsung is pleased to announce the availability of pre-orders for its AI-powered TVs. Buy the 2024 Samsung AI TVs now and get amazing deals. The offer is available at participating retailers. For more information or to pre-order Samsung’s 2024 TV products, please visit  https://www.samsung.com/africa_en/tvs/all-tvs/