Ommy Dallah
Kenya And Burundi To Strengthen Bilateral Ties, Pursue Common Agenda On Global Stage
Kenya and Burundi on Monday signed several agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two East African nations.
The cooperation agreements on agriculture, public service, foreign affairs, trade, sports and culture were signed in Kisumu at the start of a two-day State Visit to Kenya by President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi.
The Burundi leader, who is accompanied by First Lady Angeline Ndayubaha Ndayishimiye, arrived in the country Monday morning and was received by his host, President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.
Addressing the press shortly after leading their respective delegation in bilateral talks, President Kenyatta said the two countries have agreed to strengthen and deepen their long-standing fraternal relations with the aim of fostering sustained socio-economic development.
“The cooperation between our two countries is built on a solid foundation of shared values and principles; to foster sustained socio-economic development and transformation of our two countries, a vibrant and united East African Community, and an integrated and prosperous Africa,” President Kenyatta.
The Kenyan leader said that there are enormous untapped business opportunities between Bujumbura and Nairobi, and directed relevant ministries to review and address bottlenecks inhibiting growth of trade and investment between the two East African countries.
President Kenyatta announced a resolution by Kenya and Burundi to prioritise education in their post-Covid-19 recovery plans, and that the two countries would back the 4th replenishment campaign of the Global Partnership Education (GPE), which aims to raise at least USD5 billion for investment in education.
President Kenyatta and his Burundi counterpart said they will continue working together in advancing the African agenda on the global stage, and reiterated their countries commitment to the progress of the East African Community (EAC).
“On regional cooperation, we exchanged views on various development matters in the East African Community (EAC); and reaffirmed our commitment to continue working together in championing the EAC integration agenda and the African Union Agenda 2063.
“On international cooperation, we reiterated our commitment to continue working closely at the level of the United Nations (UN), with a view to advancing the Common African Agenda for Integration and Sustainable Development,” President Kenyatta said.
As part of efforts to strengthen Kenya-Burundi bilateral ties, the two leaders agreed to review the 2018 Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation agreement with a view of ensuring expeditious implementation of agreed upon agreements.
On his part, President Ndayishimiye expressed his gratitude to President Kenyatta and the people of Kenya for the role the country played in stabilizing Burundi through international peace-keeping efforts, as well as through trade facilitation.
“We are enjoying the ties between our two countries both in investments and trade. I recall the role Kenya played in peace keeping in Burundi and the facilitation of trade through the port of Mombasa, and Kenyan investors already working in Burundi,” the Burundi leader said.
Femi One Releases 'Greatness' Album Tracklist
Kenya’s female rapper Wanjiku Kimani alias Femi One has released the tracklist of her new album titled 'Greatness'.
The album which contains 14 tracks is a testament of the tremendous growth Femi has had over her 7 years in the entertainment industry.
Among the artists featured on the album are Joh Makini from Tanzania, Jadi, Sanaipei Tande, Zakah among others.
Already respected and adored from her previous hit songs and extended playlist, Femi One is the first female rapper from our generation to release an album.
Greatness combines her signature punch lines, funny nuances, thought provoking rawness with a funky new age twist.
All her songs are a labour of love for her fans; a powerful package that is set to make history.
Last week, the rapper currently signed under Kaka Empire hosted a private listening party for the album in Nairobi.
Tarzan Actor Joe Lara Dies In A Plane Crash
Joe Lara- the star of the famous adventure movie 'Tarzan: The Epic Adventures' has died in a plane crash, aged 58.
No survivors have been found in the private jet crash which authorities said killed seven people - including Joe, his wife Gwen Lara who died aged 66 and locals who were all a part of the same church.
The plane, which was a Cessna Citation 501, smashed into Percy Priest Lake not long after takeoff.
Joe Lara first portrayed the titular adventurer in 1989′s “Tarzan in Manhattan,” a made-for-TV movie in which the character travels from Africa to New York City.
He took on the role again in the “Tarzan: The Epic Adventures” series, which aired for one season beginning in 1996 and centered on Tarzan’s feats in Africa.
He also had done other action-fantasy roles in movies such as 'Steel Frontier', 'Sunset Heat', 'Gunsmoke: The Last Apache', 'American Cyborg: Steel Warrior', 'The Magnificent Seven', 'Baywatch' and 'Tropical Heat', and more.
Lara and Gwen have left behind three children, according to reports.
Bidi Badu Owners Deny Dirty Business
Entertaining pubs and restaurants owners in Likoni constituency in Mombasa county have been told to stop maligning the names of other businesses.
The management of BidiBadu Shelly Beach restaurant told their business rivals to stop trying to paint a negative picture of their business and maligning their names.
They urged them to allow competition in business instead of opting for character assassination and giving their business a bad name.
They refuted claims they engage in drug trafficking and entertain gays and lesbians among others.
The local entertainment pub proprietor Hashim Omar denied claims they were kicked out of Kwale county due to immoral activities.
He accused his business rivals of jealousy after opening a new business in Mombasa county.
“Our business rivals are not happy to see people flocking to our entertainment joints,” he pointed out.
Hashim said they have come up with a package of incentives which encourage domestic tourism in the area.
He was reacting to social media reports against them during a media briefing at their restaurant in Mombasa county saying the allegations were unfounded.
The pub manager said he is ready and open for investigation over the unfounded allegations.
Hashim lashed out at the media for rushing to write a story against them without seeking their comment.
He told journalists he is perturbed with the rate at which their business rivals are spreading rumours against them in the constituency.
“We had closed our branches in Diani due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and we were not kicked out of the area as alleged by our rivals,” he pointed out.
The pub proprietor said he has a chain of businesses in Kwale including cottages which are still operating.
Hashim who was flanked by his business partner Steve Mure and the local women representative cum women super coordinator of the coast region Mildred Odinga said they have resolved to focus on domestic tourism with the absence of international tourists due to the outbreak of the deadly disease.
He regretted that the rumours have affected their business despite putting on a brave face to continue operating with a few incentive packages.
“Families are scared and are not ready to come over to the entertainment joints at the moment,” he pointed out.
The management of BidiBadu Shelly Beach restaurant told journalists they came up with the foundation concept to give back to the society.
One his part, Mure said he is one of the young entrepreneurs and they called the media to put the record straight on false allegations against their popular joint.
He told journalists the allegations level against them including the rape of a girl are lies and lack facts.
“Our business rivals in the area made us to be summoned with threats to close down the place,” he pointed out.
Femi One And BoomPlay Host Greatness Album Listening Party
Kaka Empire alongside Boomplay are proud to present the highly anticipated Greatness album by Africa's top female rapper, Femi One.
Femi One unveiled the album cover and track list for ‘Greatness’ in Nairobi on 27th May , at an exclusive listening party.
During the listening party at the Century Cinemax , Femi One took the audience through a journey of her seven years in the music industry. From her days of raping in a rap group to now releasing her first major body of work. She presented 5 of the 14 tracks off the album and the audience got to hear the stories behind each song.
Femi One also presented her thirty-minute documentary which showcased her life and musical career.
The Kenyan star said during the listening party, that she wanted to “Encourage all artistes to trust the process and keep the faith as the musical journey is not easy.” She also thanked Boomplay for all the support they have given her towards creating and releasing the project.
Boomplay MD, Martha Huro said "It would not have been right to miss out on the opportunity to be a part of greatness, it has been a joy and honor to be a part of Femi One's journey and we know you will all love the album"
Greatness combines Femi One’s signature punchlines, funny nuances, thought provoking rawness with a funky new age twist. All her songs are a labour of love for her fans; a powerful package that is set to make history.
The 'Greatness' album will be exclusively available on Boomplay from the 31 st of May.
Diamond Platnumz Nominated For BET Award
Tanzanian megastar Diamond Platnumz has been nominated for the prestigious BET Awards.
The 'Waah' hitmaker is the only artist from East Africa to be nominated for the awards.
He will tussle out with Burna Boy(Nigeria) Wizkid(Nigeria), Aya Nakamura (France), Emicida (Brazil), Headie One (UK), Young T & Bugsey (UK) and Youssoupha (France) in the Best International Act category.
The 2021 awards will be held on June 28.
This is the third time that Diamond Platnumz is nominated for the awards after giving it a shot in 2014 and 2016 in the category of Best International Acts Africa.
The awards honor Black excellence across music, television, film, and sports in 21 categories, celebrating black music’s present and future, and elevating the culture and being a driving force for social change.
Following last year’s groundbreaking virtual awards show, returns this year with a live show audience. The BET Awards 2021 will air live On Sunday June 27 on BET, where vaccinated individuals will register for consideration to be part of the audience.
Voting for the BET Awards 2021 Viewer’s Choice Award begins on June 7.
Uber Eats Reveals Kenyans’ Favourite Burger Orders
The softest rolls, smothered in a variety of garnishes, dripping with sauce or simply all extras removed for the traditional taste, burgers continue to be a firm favourite for Kenyans.
Tomorrow is International Hamburger Day, and to celebrate the world’s favourite bunned sandwich Uber Eats has compiled the list of the nation’s favourite flavour combinations, additions, subtractions and down-right quirky requests when it comes to the world-famous sandwich dish.
Best Burgers
Tough days, cheat meals and well-deserved spoils can only be commemorated with the very best in taste and flavour, and in Kenya, locals munched on multiple beef burgers, as this was the most ordered burger, with the largest single order since the beginning of the year being over 85 burgers!
Bacon cheeseburger was a close second followed by the Texan burger. These honourable mentions prove that Kenyans take the basic bun and truly make it the supreme sandwich.
Burgers are the meal for any type of day and go down great at any time. Locally, the most popular ordering time is between 12:00 - 13:00 PM with thousands of orders coming through, while dinnertime at 18:00 PM was a close second.
“We have focused our efforts through the app on showcasing our diverse selection while providing a platform for business growth and earnings for delivery people and restaurants,” says Nadeem Anjarwalla, General Manager of Uber Eats in Kenya.
Favourite Flavours
While the old-school burger consists of a protein staple topped with a mayo-whip, lettuce and trimmed with fresh tomato, locals are anything but basic in taste. No stock-standard ground round will do. The more well done and spicier the better, coupled with a side of spicy chips.
Other favourite sides included fried onions and coleslaw, with only a handful of eaters adding a soft drink to their meal.
Quality in Quarantine
With social distancing becoming the norm, homes have become safe spaces and with Uber Eats, staying fed is convenient. With the app’s leave at door policy, all orders are dispatched via contactless delivery, making satisfying any hamburger hankering as good as done. Another feature added to the app during lockdown allows customers to easily send treats and share the status of delivery with a simple tracking link.
It’s the ultimate customisable meal, that’s strong enough to stand on its own, or perfect with some chips. Be it simple and traditional, bunless or double, gourmet or vegan, there is a burger for anyone this International Hamburger day and it’s just a tap away with Uber Eats!
Alicios Drops New Song 'Kimya'
Congolese power vocalist Alicious Theluji has just dropped her latest song.
Titled 'Kimya', the song is about love and has been produced by Congolese music producer Mastola music.
The video is expected to be out soon.
Listen to the song below..
Gov't To Continue Creating An Enabling Environment For Businesses To Thrive, President Kenyatta Says
President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured that the Government will continue creating a conducive environment for business to thrive with the aim of creating jobs and wealth for wananchi.
The President, who spoke on Wednesday when he officially opened the Neema abattoir in Lucky Summer, Nairobi County, said the Government will continue sourcing for new markets and expanding existing ones so as to enable farmers to sell their livestock at good prices.
Neema is a Shs 300 million slaughterhouse owned by 3,000 livestock farmers, and has an installed daily slaughter capacity of 12, 000 and 6,000 small stock (goats/sheep) for local and export markets respectively. Over 85 percent of their products are sold overseas.
The President said the recent re-opening of the Kenya Meat Commission was part of a long term plan by the Government to cushion livestock farmers from exploitative middlemen.
“This week, I was in Athi River to re-open the Kenya Meat Commission and I said what we are doing is to ensure our livestock farmers will not continue to be exploited because of lack of markets.
“We cannot have a situation where someone has reared his livestock and when time comes to sell them they are offered peanuts, and because someone has trekked for long he just gives in to any price,” President Kenyatta said.
The President told Kenyan farmers that the Government will extend the reforms being rolled out in the tea and coffee sectors to cover other areas among them livestock and maize farming so as to make agriculture a lucrative economic activity.
“Already due to the reforms we have undertaken in the coffee and tea sectors, our cash crop farmers are now getting good money,” the President said, adding that the Government will continue setting abbatoir across the country to ensure livestock have ready markets for their animals.
“As a government we will be putting up slaughter houses in various places and I know together with those being put up by private investors, farmers will not fail to get good prices,” he said.
The Head of State applauded owners of Neema abbatoir led by Mr Mohammed Bonaya for the consistency and determination that has seen their business expand and provide jobs to many young Kenyans.
“You started small in 1973 here in Kiamaiko and you have been consistent. Today together as 3,000 members you raised Kshs 300 million to put up this huge investment. This is not an easy job and I congratulate you Mr Chairman together with your members,” the President said.
He encouraged Neema to take advantage of the new Lamu Port and set up a similar meat processor in the area for the export market.
“I am happy because you have demonstrated that you have the capability to put up an investment like this. What you need from us is water, electricity and roads which I assure you will be done by my Government,” the President said.
Addressing wananchi who turned out to greet him on his way from Neema, President Kenyatta urged Kenyans not to be divided along partisan lines but rather live together harmoniously so they can benefit from the investments being rolled out across the country.
He said the new ultra-modern Neema slaughterhouse will offer jobs to the youth, adding that the Government will construct the road leading to the area besides installing street lights to ensure security for the residents.
In addition to community water projects being undertaken by the Nairobi Metropolitan Service in the city's informal settlements, the President said the Government will tarmac 400 kilometers of access roads in these neighborhoods.
“I want to assure Nairobi residents that apart from the clean water services which we have provided through drilling of boreholes in slums, we are now undertaking another project of tarmacking 400 kilometers of roads in the informal settlements so that our people in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Mukuru Kayaba, Kiamaiko, Kibera and others will be able to move with ease,” the President said.
Agriculture CS Peter Munya said his ministry will continue working to provide the necessary support to farmers. He announced Government plans to set up a tanning factory in Athi River for livestock farmers to sell skins and hides at competitive prices.
On his part, Mr Bonaya thanked President Kenyatta for supporting livestock farmers, saying the Government's efforts to create new markets were bearing fruit.
Veteran Kenyan Sports Journalist Dead
Veteran Kenyan sports journalist Robert Soi is dead.
Soi who previously worked for KTN as a sports editor is reported to have died on Wednesday at a Nairobi hospital where he had been receiving treatment after undergoing surgery.
He also worked with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
He is survived by his wife Catherine Soi who is also a journalist at Aljazeera, and their two children.
Colleagues and friends have so far taken to social media to send their condolences.
"Our brother and colleague Robert Soi #Strong. #Tragic Go well brother," Geoffrey Mosoku, a former colleague at Standard media posted.
"Former KTN sports editor Robert Soi passes on..#RipRobertSoi" stated Salim Swaleh of NTV.
On his part comedian Churchill posted "My heart felt condolences to the family & friends of sports journalist Robert Soi. Rest In Peace".
