The World Class Kenya Bartending Competition Finals are upon us. Happening on the 5^th of July at the Tusker Bar, EABL headquarters, the finals promise elite displays of innovation and artistry by the very best Kenya has to offer.

Benson Kanyi, a top mixologist from the Coast of Kenya gives us a look at the competition after emerging as one of the top 20 finalists. He hopes to clinch the trophy and ticket to Shanghai China in early September, representing Kenya at the Global finals. At rue creative, his journey embodies the skill and resilience on show, that have come to define this year’s edition.

 1.  Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I am a Creative and to be precise a Bartender. I love what I do and pride myself in sharing experiences in whichever place I am.

 2. What inspired you to pursue a career in bartending? I remember when I was a kid, I wanted to be a Pilot but when you grow up due to circumstances the dreams change but I realized I don’t have to be a Pilot to transport people all over the World, with Bartending I am able to do that in a glass. Also, I was so curious with flavours when growing up and to be honest I love what I do.

3. What aspect of mixology do you find most rewarding? The most rewarding thing for me is the ability to craft unique and delicious drinks from zero to a perfectly balanced drink. There is also the side of experimenting with flavours, ingredients, and techniques to create something that wows the guest/consumers that is very fulfilling. Additionally, there is the social aspect of interacting with guests and creating memorable experiences through crafting cocktails that i find most rewarding.

 4. How do you stay inspired and keep your passion for bartending alive? I have a philosophy to always stay curious and learn more. I am also very experimental when it comes to ingredients.  I also want to share my skills to give consumers unique experiences.

 5. Can you describe a typical day routine for you as a bartender preparing for the day? Depending on whichever shift I am on, I usually wake up early, do my exercises then a cold shower. Get to my books and at least read something about Bartending or Food that I can carry to work and share with my workmates. When I get to work, I have to check how my mates are then check if there is something missing and help in any way especially on the preparation needed at the bar.

 6.  Can you tell us a bit about the World Class Bartenders Competition and how you came to know about and participate in this year’s edition?  It is a Prestigious global event for Bartenders organized by Diageo that seeks to elevate and celebrate the craft of Bartending by showcasing the skills, creativity and innovation of top bartenders from around the globe. I came to know it from my Regional Brand ambassador who came to the outlet that I work at and told us more about the competition which I am participating in.

 7. What does the competition represent for you? To me the competition signifies an opportunity to showcase my skills, creativity, and knowledge in mixology on a national stage and global stage as well. Either by winning or even participating in such a Prestigious competition i can elevate my career, get recognition, networking opportunities, and validation of my expertise within the industry. It also encourages me continuously learn and innovate in cocktail crafting, pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the art of bartending.

8.  Can you walk us through the process of developing one of your signature cocktails?  It all starts with the spirit; I have to understand the main character which is the spirit then know what I can work with in terms of the flavours. I seek inspiration from Classic cocktails, a place, a person or an experience. The sounds and scents at local market, where I pick my ingredients, the preparation, aromas and taste add to this and aid in my process.

9.  How has participating in the World Class Bartenders Competition influenced your career as a mixologist so far?  It has enhanced my skills, expanded my network, personal growth & increased my visibility. This In addition to opening doors to new opportunities within the hospitality and beverage industry.

10.  What skills and experience have you gained from the competition that have been most valuable to you? The competition offers multifaceted learning experience that enhances both technical proficiency and professional growth in the hospitality industry. Personally, I have gained the required adaptability, resilience and valuable insights for improvement and helped me refine my skills.

11.  How has Diageo supported bartenders in Kenya, especially in preparation for this competition? Indepth knowledge of the products and the process through the competition have been invaluable.

12.  How can the industry and competitions like this one become more inclusive and supportive?   It is by ensuring there is a diverse representation among participants, judges, and organizers. Also, by providing resources and mentorship opportunities to help newcomers prepare for competitions. Training through workshops and mentorship initiatives help Bartenders enhance their skills and confidence.

13.  What do you see as the future of the World Class Bartenders Competition and mixology in Kenya?  It is promising and has the potential for growth and recognition on the global stage. Where the Bartender use local ingredients that are recognized globally. We have stories and experiences to share at the Global stage.

14.  What advice would you give aspiring mixologists?   One has to know and master the basics. They should know their craft.  They should be experimental and innovate which is by pushing their boundaries. They should understand ingredients and also stay creative and curious. Seek feedback and keep learning. They key is to always practice. Network and collaboration are the way to go. Create experiences, be memorable. Be as active as you can be to keep the creativity flowing. 

Diageo’s initiatives and support through EABL, have positively influenced the careers of bartenders and the overall quality of mixology in Kenya. Potential entrants will look to reap the benefits of participating in future competitions. The World Class Competition fosters a deeper appreciation for the craft among consumers and the general public, enhancing the prestige of the profession.

Mvita Member of Parliament Mohammed Machele has joined other legislators in condemning the move by the  Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to recommend an increase in salaries for various senior state officials.

A Gazette Notice dated August 9, 2023, from SRC, noted that state officers were scheduled to get salary and benefit increments starting July 1.

Machele noted that salary increment is currently not a necessity.

"The are more pressing and crucial matters that need to be addressed by the executive and collectively the future of our country. Salary increment for Mps and government officials is not one of them." said Machele

In the new salaries, which are effective July 1, the Majority and Minority leaders are set to walk home with Sh800,019 from the previous Sh784,768.

Additionally, Members of Parliament and Senate will receive a pay rise from the initial Sh725,502 to 739,600.

Tourism stakeholders have come together to deliberate on strategies to deal with the security challenge in the sector.

The meeting taking place in Mombasa has brought together over 200 stakeholders mainly from the ministry of tourism, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF), hoteliers, tour and beach operators, Mombasa county government, Tourism research institute, Tourism regulatory authority, tourism traffic police unit among other stakeholders.

Speaking while officially opening the meeting , Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtua emphasized the need for cooperation between the stakeholders.

"Tourism safety and security significantly impact economic growth, social cohesion, and overall quality of life. Addressing these issues requires collaboration among all stakeholders, including government, law enforcement, communities, and development partners. By sharing knowledge and best practices, we can create a safer environment for tourists and locals." said Ololtua.

Adding " The tourism industry is a vital component of our economy, creating jobs, generating revenue, and highlighting the natural beauty and cultural richness of our nation. Ensuring the safety and security of our tourism sector is crucial for its continued growth and prosperity."

The meeting comes at a time when the country is experiencing weekly demonstrations mainly from the youth who have come out to express their disaffection with the government.

The PS took the opportunity to call on Kenyans to maintain peace.

"I would like to call on Kenyans to maintain unity and peace. This industry can only thrive when there is peace" said Ololtua.

The PS revealed that the ministry is developing and reviewing several policies and strategies, including the review of the Tourism Policy and the Tourism Act Cap 381 to align with current sector dynamics, the development of a National Tourism Strategy, the creation of Tourism Master Plans and Area Development Plans and the review of our Strategic Plan.

Ololtua charged "In 2023, Kenya saw a positive trend in tourism with 2.086 million international tourist arrivals, compared to 1.483 million in 2022, marking a 35.4% increase. We expect this number to grow to 5 million by 2027. Additionally, inbound earnings rose to Kshs. 352.54 billion in 2023 from Kshs. 268.09 billion in 2022, a 31.5% increase, with projections of reaching Kshs. 825 billion in 2024."

Speaking at the same time Kenya  Tourism Federation C.E.O Susan Ogalo called for cooperation between the poilce, traffic department and tour operators.

"We have received alot of complains of harassment from our tour operators. We need to sensitize our police especially the traffic police on how to deal with tour operators. Why should a tour operator transporting tourists to their destination be stopped for hours by a traffic officer, this causes unnecessary uncertainty and inconveniences. If a driver has issues or has committed an offence, why can't the officer just issue the driver with a note to appear at the police station or court later and let him proceed with the journey" said Ogalo.

Ogalo further revealed that the federation has established security safety centres which have played a major role in ensuring security for tourists.

Ogalo noted "We have not received any complain of even a single tourist being affected or caught up in the ongoing demonstrations, this is because through the safety centres we have been able to advise our toup operators and tourists on safe routes and safety measures as the demonstrations take place"

Police in Mombasa have arrested a businessman for allegedly shooting at protesters on Tuesday afternoon.

According to a statement from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) the businessman who runs a popular food joint in Mombasa Qaffee Point was caught on camera shooting two protesters.

"Following today's 1.30pm unfortunate shooting at Ganjoni area of Mombasa by a civilian firearm holder and the alleged owner of QAFFEE POINT Hotel that left some persons injured, the said shooter has since been arrested, disarmed and placed in custody." reads a statement from DCI.

Adding " The reported two persons who suffered injuries are receiving medical aid, and we pray that they will recuperate fast. The DCI thanks members of the public who acted fast to assist the injured to hospital, and at the same time appeals to Mombasa people to be calm on this case as necessary legal action is being taken."

In a video circulating online, the said businessman is seen shooting at a group of protesters to keep them away from his business, along Nyerere avenue.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/3774-vehicles-torched-popular-food-joint-vandalized-in-mombasa-protests#google_vignette

A section of youth taking part in the anti- finance bill protests in Mombasa have set ablaze several cars and vandalized different businesses.

The protestors who were chanting anti government slogans set ablaze more than two vehicles along Nyerere avenue and vandalized a popular food joint across the street, Qaffee point.

Police had a hard time dispersing the group of youths.

The youths also vanadalized a Bata shoe shop.

Firefighters managed to put  out the fire.

Police blocked protesters from going to Mombasa State House which is located along Mama Ngina Drive.

Police trucks and vans blocked the road with some officers patrolling on foot. 

In the morning, the demos were peaceful as protesters started walking from Digo Road to Jomo Kenyatta Avenue around the Saba Saba area before they came back to town.

Budget airline Jambojet has officially launched a new direct route from Mombasa to Zanzibar .

The airline will now fly four times a week between the two destinations.

The inaugural flight departed from Mombasa, Moi International Airport (MBA/HKMO) and arrived in Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA), marked by a celebration attended by officials from the Embassy of Kenya to Tanzania, Government representatives of Tanzania & Kenya, and executives of Jambojet among others.

Starting immediately, Jambojet will operate flights on this route four times a week—Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Flights will depart Mombasa at 5:10 PM and arrive in Zanzibar at 6:05 PM, with a flight duration of 55 minutes.

Speaking during the launch, Jambojet Managing Director and Chief Executive Office, Karanja Ndegwa said this is a milestone for the airline which will open the two tourism cities of Mombasa and Zanzibar.

"This is our first international route from Mombasa and we are hoping to have many more. For us we are excited and we will continue working on growing Mombasa as our second hub after Nairobi." said Ndegwa.

"Our return flight fare is kshs  24,400. Ours is to make sure that every city is taking care of. For now we are starting at four flights a week but our intention is to have daily flights."

Using De Havilland Dash 8 400 aircraft capable of carrying 78 to 82 passengers, Jambojet completes the Zanzibar-Mombasa journey in under an hour, facilitating convenient connections to Nairobi, Dubai, Frankfurt, Milan, and other destinations.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir to start more international routes from the port city.

Nassir argued that the Moi International airport has been under utilised on international routes.

Nassir noted"I strongly believe that we have alot of untapped capacities, this airport has been under utilized when it comes to international airport."

Adding "I just want to equally state that one of the major foreigners coming to Kenya are Tanzanians so the market is there"

On his part Tanzanian High Commissioner to Kenya, Bernard Kibese commended Jambojet applauded the airline for the move.

"Mine is to  thank Jambojet for inaugurating the first trip to Zanzibar and for choosing Zanzibar as their preferred destination."

Coast Regional Airport Manager at the Kenya Airports Authority, Abel Gogo noted We are extremely excited to witness the launch of Jambojet's Mombasa-Zanzibar route. This adds to our portfolio of international routes and we hope for continued growth and operations."

The Jambojet flight from Zanzibar to Mombasa is part of its marketing expansion strategy in the East African region

“Our economy largely depends on tourism, which cannot grow without expanding key sectors like aviation. Jambojet's new route will significantly contribute to boosting tourism on the islands," said Mudrik Ramadhan Soragha, Zanzibar Minister of Tourism and Heritage.

"On behalf of the Kenyan government, I am delighted to be part of today's launch of this new route operated by our airline, Jambojet, from Zanzibar to Mombasa. This step is crucial not only in facilitating quick and affordable air travel but also in strengthening commercial, tourist, and cultural ties between Tanzania and Kenya. By enhancing connectivity, we are fostering development along the East African coast," said Issac Njenga, Kenya's Ambassador to Tanzania

Established in 2014 as a part of Kenya Airways (KQ), Jambojet has served over 7.5 million passengers, attracting 44% of first-time flyers and now holds more than 54% of domestic air travel market share in Kenya. The airline also flies to Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Lamu, Malindi, Diani, and Goma in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

She is mostly known by her arrogant, scowling skit character Mama Ryan but Aicy Stevens has always wanted to be an actor whose work transcends the boundaries of one-minute comedy skits on Instagram.

It’s the kind of opportunity that her character on Jiji, the new Showmax youth drama, has given her.

In Jiji, directed by Enos Olik, Aicy plays Mwende, whom she describes as “the typical ghetto lady trying to leave the ghetto and improve her life.” She’s an adventurous beauty, a slick charmer and a natural pickpocket – a valuable asset in her group of four young girls fighting to make ends meet in the streets of Jericho.

For the young actress in her first role on screen, this is just the beginning. “Expect to see much more from me on screen from now on,” Aicy says.

This is your first role in a TV show ever and also your first lead role. How does it feel?

I'm very excited. It's a beautiful challenge because it's something I've been looking forward to and that will help me grow my skills as an actress. And being a youth drama, Jiji is a story that I hold dear to my heart. This is a different kind of a show, it’s also very relatable and I'm sure our audience is going to love it.

You are mostly known for your Instagram comedy skits as Mama Ryan alongside Nick Kwach. Was acting always the end game for you when you started doing these skits?

It has been my dream since I was a small girl to appear on big screens and thank God it has finally come true. It’s a fire that has been burning for long and yes, Mama Ryan’s role has helped me sharpen my skills. Now, I can immerse myself fully into my Jiji character Mwende and understand her because of the training I’ve had with Mama Ryan.

Talking of Mama Ryan, how did it come about?

It was a random thought that came to mind since I had been doing skits for the longest time. The reception from our fans was very encouraging and gave us more morale to come up with more ideas about Mama Ryan and Baba Ryan. That’s how we built it.

How has it been doing this skit with Nick Kwach?

It has been a beautiful experience full of teamwork. Nick is very creative, open-minded, and very supportive. He has also helped me nurture my acting talent.

Tell us more about your Jiji character Mwende. What do you like most about her?

Mwende is a go-getter, she’s sassy, hardworking, fashionista, a lover of the soft life and a no-nonsense character. What I like most about her is the fact that her character arc is 360 degrees and this gives her an opportunity to play with different emotions and personalities.

What was your reaction when you received the call that you had landed this role of Mwende?

I had a mixture of emotions; I was both shocked and super excited. And I cried because this role is something I had been praying for so long for.

How has it been working with Enos Olik as your director?

I've learnt a lot from him, he's insanely talented and very dedicated and he listens to actors. He's the kind of director one will always look forward to working with in future projects because he brings the best out of you as an actor.

Jiji is now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes releasing every Monday and Tuesday.

In Season 2 of The Real Housewives of Nairobi, currently streaming on Showmax, Dr Catherine Masitsa, popularly known as Dr C, is showcasing a bigger and better version of herself, and her business that she has built for 20 years.

“I have lived life, changed careers, built a business, created my own table and now, I’m sitting at the head of that table and thriving,” she says. “I am done living my life with society's expectations of me.”

Your mantra this season is “bigger, brighter and better.” What does that phrase mean to you?

I mean, look at me, I look good, right? But also, I moved to a new house that is bigger and better. I’m launching new products because my business has grown and that is part of the impact of The Real Housewives of Nairobi S1. Kenyans welcomed me, they welcomed my products - Samantha Wines – and doors opened that I never imagined.

Therefore, this season I’m growing my business by launching more products and increasing the Samantha brand SKU. As part of our brand, we now have champagne, prosecco, sparkling wine and even Dr C gin. Away from business, I’m enjoying life, together with my family, and just living the Kenyan dream.

How does it feel to see this positive impact that the show has had on your business?

I like to jump into the fire and then learn as I go. Having built my brand, Samantha Bridal, for 20 years, I needed to do something to reignite the brand and attract new people and that’s what The Real Housewives of Nairobi S1 did for me and my business. The show gave me an opportunity to put my brand out there when people can still buy me because they can really see who I am. And not only in Kenya, the show has helped me across Africa.

I’ve received feedback from distributors in Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa wanting to stock my wine. Because of The Real Housewives of Nairobi, we have managed to get our brand name out there and extend it beyond Kenyan borders.

You are celebrating your anniversary this year. How has the relationship with your husband and daughter been since The Real Housewives of Nairobi premiered?

I’ve been with my husband for the last 28 years, so celebrating those years of friendship and marriage is a big milestone that I do not take for granted.

He is my best friend and my cheerleader. Most of the time, he’s in the background but he will observe and advise me. We actually launched my champagne brand to celebrate our relationship but more so, we’re celebrating the business Samantha Bridal, which I launched after our wedding.

Our daughter is very happy to be on the show; she’s really enjoying the limelight. One of the things I like to teach her is to stand up for herself. She makes her own observations and she tells me off when she needs to and she’s proud of me when she needs to be proud of me. You get to see that when you watch Season 2.

This season you’re also going big with your matchmaking business despite the controversy in S1 about you being a matchmaker. Could you please clarify what it means when you say you’re a matchmaker?

In S1, we received such unwarranted attention regarding my matchmaking business. I have helped bring together lots of happy couples now, and we now even have an app that is doing extremely well. But we’re still a very boutique entity because it’s not something I started doing for money. Sometimes we have a lot of people on the waitlist who want to be connected to someone, and it’s also one of the biggest inquiries I’ve received in my company’s inbox. It means people still want to get married.

I only deal with people who are serious, which means I’m matchmaking people who actually want to get together in a real, loving, long-term relationship because I am really old school.

If you’ve decided that now is the time to invest in crypto, you may still be a little unsure of how to go about it.

The good news is the fundamentals of investing apply in the world of digital currency, just as they would if you were building a traditional investment portfolio. 

If you were making your first foray into traditional investment, you’d take care to research all the assets that took your interest you’d think carefully about how much risk you are prepared to carry, and you’d probably ask an expert for guidance.

“Today, the traditional financial system remains a key gateway for participation in the crypto ecosystem through fiat on and off-ramps. It allows users to participate in the crypto economy and transfer their funds safely to their bank accounts and currency of choice when needed. In other words, the two financial systems are not mutually exclusive but operate in synergy to serve users’ various needs.” notes Hannes Wessels, General Manager for Binance.

Below are things to consider when building your crypto currency portfolio

 1 What type of investor are you?

It’s important to ask yourself this question, because it’s going to determine the amount you are prepared to invest as well as your strategy.

For example, if you’re simply curious about crypto and how the world of cybercurrency works, you’ll be far more cautious in your investments than if you have already done plenty of research, maybe purchased some altcoins and already seen a few market dips.

2. Which crypto currency is for you?

Did you know that Binance has 350+ cryptocurrencies? Obviously, that’s a lot to research individually – which means that most people may opt for the better-known currencies, like Bitcoin or Ethereum.

There’s nothing wrong with that – but remember that there are other alt coins that offer interesting returns if you are prepared to give them time. As a general rule, any social media hype should be disregarded in favour of solid research – and you may also want to hang onto some healthy skepticism when it comes to cryptos that seem to have a high novelty value (alt-coins based on a TV series come to mind here). 

3. What’s your risk appetite?

Legacy coins (think Bitcoin) are more prone to price fluctuations but, on the other hand, they’re not going to devalue spontaneously, making them a sound choice for people with a medium risk appetite. If, on the other hand, you really don’t mind going for a complete wild card, you could invest in one of the newer currencies available.

Usually associated with a specific platform, these currencies have been known to generate enormous gains – but it’s not uncommon for them to become suddenly worthless, either. The best approach? It’s a good idea to spread your risk, just as you would with a traditional portfolio.

4. What does your greater investment portfolio look like?

Back to the premise of keeping your eggs safe by refusing to put them all in one basket - this sentiment holds true here, too. It’s always a good idea to diversify your investments, so consider your crypto assets just one part of a broader portfolio.

Just how much of that portfolio should crypto account for? Up to you – but, in general terms, a 1-5% allocation to the asset class is ideal for low-risk investors, while those with medium risk appetites may want to up it all the way to 15%. Remember that, as with any investment, a long-term outlook is key.

5. Have you done your research?

You wouldn’t play the stock exchange without tracking the trends of corporate companies first, or at least finding out a little more about them. Maintain that principle when you invest in cybercurrencies, too. Read up as much as you can to make sure you have a thorough grasp of the risks involved, and get a little expert advice, too. For a start, check out the Binance Academy at academy.binance.com.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has applauded Mombasa youths for coming out to protest against the controversial finance bill 2024.

Addressing the protestors who stormed his office on Tuesday, Nassir said he is proud that the young people have come out with any influence from politicians.

Nassir noted that they what they have done is their democratic and should not be scared.

"Today I can say that I'm proud of you, my youths from Mombasa. What you have done is very courageous and is your democratic right." said Nassir.

Adding "Let no one try to scare you. We cannot just sit down and encourage bad governance."

The Governor raised concern over the cases of abduction of youths taking part in the protests.

"It is very wrong to abduct people for expressing themselves, we should not allow this." argued Nassir.

Thousands of young protesters have taken to the streets of  Mombasa's central business district to demonstrate against the Finance Bill 2024.

Dressed mostly in black and carrying anti-government placards, the demonstrators came from all six sub-counties of Mombasa: Kisauni, Nyali, Changamwe, Jomvu, Likoni, and Mvita.

The protesters divided themselves in different groups coming from all over the county.

The protestors caused significant traffic disruptions on major roads in Mombasa.

Those  from Mvita and Likoni converged at Mapembeni along Moi Avenue, from Nyali and Kisauni gathered at Kengeleni along the Mombasa-Malindi highway, while those from Changamwe and Jomvu met at Saba Saba along Jomo Kenyatta Avenue.