Ommy Dallah
EPZ Workers Re-Apply For Jobs After Union And Management Resolve to Re-Open Company
![Tailors and Textile Workers Union [TTWU] General Secretary Joel Chebii explaining a point during a media briefing at Simba Apparel Export Processing Zone (EPZ) offices in Changamwe constituency, Mombasa county, He was accompanied by the company managing director Thomas Puthoor (right). The 2,000 sacked workers at the factory were urged to re-apply for their jobs after being accused of taking part in an illegal strike.](/media/k2/items/cache/da9a8cddd3279727df22914d9bc8b003_Generic.jpg)
The over 2,000 sacked workers of Simba Apparel Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Ltd have been forced to re-apply for their jobs.
The decision was reached after Tailors and Textile Workers Union [TTWU] and the factory management reached an agreement to open the premises to continue with operations.
This was after the signing of a return to work formula between TTWU officials and the management of the factory which is binding according to labor laws
"The move is the only way to handle disputes which is the practice worldwide," they said.
Last week the workers were engaged in an illegal strike which led to the sacking of almost 2,000 workers and the closure of the factory.
The move prompted the TTWU] General Secretary Joel Chebii to pitch tent at the coastal city after the factory Managing Director Thomas Puthoor sacked the workers after the management resolved to close down the factory.
Chebii acknowledged the blame was with the conduct of the workers who participated in an illegal strike.
He told journalists according to his records the one week strike of the union workers was illegal.
"I am in agreement with the management that the ring leaders of the illegal strike should not be re-employed as a lesson to others," he pointed out
The TTWU General Secretary assured his members that those will be re-employed won’t lose the benefits for the years they had served. .
Chebii who flanked by union national officials said the strike which lasted for a week at the factory is something which he has never witnessed since the inception of the trade union.
He echoed the sentiments by Puthoor who claimed the illegal strike was as a result of forces from outside who’s intention was to damage the factory's reputation.
"These are individuals out to damage the factory's reputation," he pointed out.
The TTWU boss said they are bound by the laws and regulations which must be followed to the letter for the good of both parties.
Chebii told journalists he has no issues with the company management insisting that if there was any issue with the employers it could have emanated from his office.
He refuted claims the union branch elections had something to do with the EPZ workers' strike saying the union elections are not yet due.
"Those striking employees who are unwilling to resume work within the stipulated time frame will have automatically sacked themselves," he cautioned.
The TTWU General Secretary accused the workers of using a foolish approach in the dispute with the management of the factory.
On his part, Puthoor told journalists at the joint media briefing the workers who took part in the illegal strike were never justified according to the labour laws.
He pointed an accusing finger at the workers for trying to blackmail the management of the factory without following the laid down labour laws and regulations.
‘’For a week the company lost Sh 50 million due to the illegal strike and this might scare away investors from the country," he pointed out.
Feud Escalates As Diamond Calls Harmonize A Traitor For Leaving WCB
It seems the move by Harmonize to leave Wasafi records (WCB) and form his own gang Konde gang did not go down well with his former boss Diamond Platnumz.
Last night during his show in Iringa town Tanzania, Diamond threw a jab at Harmonize calling him a traitor.
"Raisi pekee ambaye wananchi wamemchagua, nishasalitiwa na jeshi wakashindwa kunipindua "I'm the only president chosen by the people, i was betrayed by an army but they failed to topple me" said Diamond.
If you happen to be a follower of Harmonize on his social media pages you will realize that he uses the phrase 'Jeshi' also referring to his gang.
This is not the first time Diamond is attacking Harmonize while on stage, during a performance in an undated video which was also shared on Instagram last month, Diamond is heard attacking Harmonize.
“Siunajua wanamuziki vitabia vyao wamejawa tamaa…hasa wale, kina Harmonize, wamejawa tamaa. [“As you know musicians by nature are greedy…especially those like Harmonize, they are full of greed.”] said Diamond
Early this month Harmonize got married to his Italian girlfriend Sarah Michelotti in a secret wedding held in Daresalaam, notable among those missing were the Wasafi crew members including Diamond Platnumz. None of the members even congratulated Harmonize for the move, getting married.
Meet Uganda's 22- Year-Old Fast Rising Female Artist, Lamu
Relief For Kenyan Artists As Uhuru Signs The Copyright Amendment Bill 2019
Kenyan artists can now breathe a sigh of relief after President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday signed the copyright amendment bill 2019.
The Copyright (Amendment) Act 2019 is aimed at addressing growing concerns about royalty rights in the country especially the collection and disbursement of fees and dues to copyright holders.
There have been concerns from artists on the disbursement of royalties from the music copyright society of kenya (MCSK).
Just last month there was an uproar from artists after MCSK sent Sh2,530 as royalty payment to each member via M-Pesa.
As a result of this, President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered the Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), to investigate the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK).
“Na pia kwa copyrights na pia tumeona pia labda huko kuna shida, na jana mimi niliamrisha DCI na watu ya EACC waanze upelezi huko tujuwe kama kuna shida huko ya watu kama wanakula pesa ambayo siyo jasho yao. Na hiyo itafanyika na tumesama tunataka report to be made public, na kama kwa ukweli kuna watu wanakula pesa za wenzao washikwe,” said President Kenyatta.
The President, who was speaking during popular musician John Mwangi Ng’ang;a aka De' Mathew’s burial in Gatanga, Murang’a County, also noted that MCSK’s offices will be relocated.
“The ICT department will be able to know what music has been played and in which station, and ensure musicians are paid for it but the attorney General’s office which is just made up of lawyers,” he said.
Cobhams Asuquo In New Single 'More Than Pretty' - Powerful & Inspiring
Nigerian multi-talented singer, songwriter and producer Cobhams Asuquo has released a new single - MORE THAN PRETTY.
The powerful song speaks against any form of violence and is a special dedication to all women.
The up-beat tempo jam produced by Cobhams is a fusion of pop and EDM beats with such a catchy hook.
MORE THAN PRETTY is a self-love anthem with a special message for all the women not to feel pressured by the world around them and place their worth beyond looks.
Cobhams says, “Dear woman, you are worthy you are in no way the inferior sex, because there is no such thing".You are valuable by virtue of just being you. You are beautiful no matter your external appearance. You are talented. You are stronger than you think. You are capable of so much more than you know. You do deserve to be loved just as you are.”
MORE THAN PRETTY lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eveLXxIiWBM
Speaking about the inspiration to writing and producing the song, Cobhams says, “This song is a reminder that contrary to what we have been made to believe, there is more to a woman than her contours, proportions and wifely potential.” Cobhams continues to make music that is entertaining and highly inspirational.
He sent a special message to his Kenyan fans saying, “I love you all and thank you for supporting not only music we can dance to but also African music that carries a strong message.”
With a wide catalogue of music, Cobhams is known for his smash hit singles including, “One Hit”, “Starlight”, “Ordinary People”, “Empty” and “Boosit” featuring Falz.
Cobhams’ name has gone on to become synonymous with world-class production and musicianship across the African continent.
Over the years, he has amassed a number of local and continental awards some of which include: Producer Of The Year (The Beatz Award, 2017), Recording of the Year (The Headies, 2014) and is a recipient of the national award for British Council’s International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year.
Cobhams released his debut album titled “For You” in 2017. Following its critical acclaim, Cobhams is currently working on an EP and several new releases set to drop later in the year.
He says, “My next single speaks to a human condition we often find ourselves in. Its strong message will echo MORE THAN PRETTY’s and will resonate strongly with Africans, and all humans in particular. Watch out for it.”
KPLC Shopping For A New MD
The government is in the process of recruiting a new Kenya Power and Lighting Company [KPLC] Managing Director cum Chief Executive Officer [CEO] after the prosecution of Ken Tarus who headed the organization.
At least 14 individuals have denied charges of the irregular acquisition of faulty transformers.
Eng. Jared Othieno is currently acting as the company MD and doubles up as CEO after being appointed by Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter in June following a day-long meeting by the Kenya Power Board to bridge the gap left by the arrest and prosecution of the officials.
The acting MD will face an acid test when he will be forced to battle it out for the position during an open and transparent interview.
According to an advertisement in local dailies, a consultancy firm has been hired to carry out the recruitment process.
The company is seeking to recruit an exceptional and visionary leader with good professional and ethical standards to fill the vacant position.
Those interested in the position are to submit their applications for consideration through the consultancy firm latest September.
The candidates will be required to satisfy the requirements of chapter six of the constitution.
Those who have qualifications and experience will have an advantage during the short listing process according to the consultancy firm.
Fast Rising Nigerian Artist Olakira Releases 'Hey Lover' & New EP 'Wakanda Jollof ' In East Africa
Olakira is one of Nigeria’s fast rising Afrobeats artists, music producers and songwriters, this decade.
He has excelled in songwriting and production severally and that can be heard from the smash hit singles he has written, co- written and produced like "My Woman" by Nigerian artist Dotman, "Xpressions" by Haekins featuring Mayorkun. Etc.
His success and growth lead him to release “Wakanda Jollof” EP (June 2019), under his record label U&I Music.
Olakira wrote and produced all “Wakanda Jollof” songs with the assistance of co-producer Zimbabwean beatsmith Mr. Kamera.
The EP is a series of love songs, from “Aya Mi” (My Love), “Flirty Signal”, “Ma Cherie Coco”, “Money Groove”, “Summer Time”, “Till Dawn” to “Wakanda Jollof”; exploring the different aspects of relationships and the challenges that lovers go through.
It covers the themes portrayal of love, betrayal, and steadfastness.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the EP, Olakira says, “With ‘Wakanda Jollof’, I put together the best music styles and genres from the continent, spiced up for a global audience"
Adding "Wakanda is a unifying word, recognized worldwide as a good symbol for Africa, while Jollof is Africa’s favourite spicy rice dish, so I’m basically serving up a spicy dish from the continent to the rest of the world”.
Prior to the 7-track EP, Olakira’s breakout single was HEY LOVER—the mid-tempo jam 2018 summer jam, now being released in East Africa.
HEY LOVER music video, following a love in turmoil storyline, was shot and directed in Lagos by the acclaimed video director: Unlimited LA.
HEY LOVER on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNnKROaiLGA
Speaking of HEY LOVER’s East African release, Olakira says, “Hey Lover is the perfect song to introduce me to my East African fan base as it represents all my sounds as an Afrobeats artist but at the same time, it’s quite musical and I know my fans will enjoy this,
Adding, “I am equally excited to launching my brand in East Africa. Can’t wait to share more of the content I’ve been working hard to create. I want to connect with my fans, starting with in Kenya, where I plan to shoot my upcoming video soon!”
Making his debut into the music scene with a hit single “Hey Lover” , Olakira has been making waves across Nigeria over the past 12 months, and is already hotly tipped to be one of Africa's next rated stars.
Transform NYS, President Kenyatta Challenges new Director General
President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged the new National Youth Service (NYS) Director General Matilda Pamela Aleyo Sakwa to transform the agency into a training institution that effectively delivers on its mandate.
The President told Ms Sakwa to ensure that NYS reclaims its position in national development by equipping the youth with adequate skills and expertise to enable them contribute to nation building.
The Head of State spoke today at State House, Nairobi when he witnessed the swearing in of Ms Sakwa as the new NYS Director General.
The President congratulated Ms Sakwa and expressed confidence that she has what it takes to successfully lead NYS and enable it to offer appropriate training, mentoring, encouraging and giving hope to young Kenyans.
“You are a person with experience in management of public resources and also in public service and administration. I have confidence that you will deliver not only to the Government but also to the people of Kenya.
“You have the capacity to take this organization to the next level,” the President told Ms Sakwa.
As part of her swearing in, the new Director General took oath of office, and signed the General Integrity Code and the Accountability Pledge committing herself to discharge her duties according to the law without fear or favour.
The President observed that NYS has in the past failed to deliver on its mandate due to challenges of integrity and weak leadership, and tasked Ms Sakwa to rebuild the trust, confidence and faith of Kenyans in the institution.
“I have never failed to believe in this organization as an instrument of transformation of our Republic and of our young people,” the President said as he assured the new Director General of his support.
He said the ongoing reforms at NYS including the set up of the management council led by Lt. Gen (Rtd) Njuki Mwaniki are aimed at strengthening the institution to make it more accountable and transparent.
Present at the ceremony were Public Service CS Prof Margaret Kobia, State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita and NYS Council Chairman Lt. Gen (Rtd) Njuki Mwaniki among others.
Taita Taveta County DG Calls For Cooperation Among Mining Stakeholders
Let's work together to link artisanal and small scale miners to the Big Four Agenda, this is according to Taita Taveta Deputy Governor Majala Mlagui.
Speaking during the Second Biannual CEMEREM Conference on sustainable development in the extractives industry in Africa held in Voi Majala said the linkage will support the miners who face marketing challenge for their minerals.
"We are living in the era of the presidential Big four Agenda among them housing, manufacturing and agriculture. It is my humble call for CEMEREM, Taita Taveta University and other stakeholders to work together to support them" she said
Adding "It is our responsibility to sit and forge a way to link small scale and artisal miners with the niche created in order for them to be able to capitalize on this opportunity".
She at the same time revealed that plans are underway to renew an MoU between the County Government of Taita Taveta and Taita Taveta university to help develop a curriculum which will be a tool for training in the Vocational training centers countywide.
The extractives enthusiast also noted that remarkable strides have been made in terms of policy formulation both locally and regionally.
"We have in place the Sand Harvesting and Conservation bill and the Taita Taveta Mining Act 2016. Also as a member of Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani, in the mining sector working groups, we have formulated a harmonized extractives policy which will look into issues consent, local content, procurement opportunities and benefit sharing for communities around mining areas," she added.
She however observed the need to come up with a model for empowering women in the extractives sector and their involvement in leadership of the sector while creating an ample environment for women to engage in mining throughout the value chain.
Taita Taveta University Chancellor Professor Fred Barasa confirmed that the university has previously partnered with JKP and the County Government of Taita Taveta to train artisanal and small scale miners in the field of marketing, business and social engineering.
Taita Taveta Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Christine Onyango informed the audience that CEMEREM program is a partnership between Taita Taveta University and a Germany Government funded program DAAD which creates linkage with partners. The project in its second phase.
Also present were Retired Major Masdine Madoka, Murang'a University VC Prof. Justin Irina among other stakeholders.
Alpha Blondy, Redsan, Wyre and Decimators Set to Shut Nairobi Down At The 27th Edition of Koroga Festival
The 27th edition of the Koroga Festival is set to go down this weekend 21- 22 September at the prestigious Two Rivers Mall in Kiambu County.
This edition of the Festival features yet another explosive line up of award winning artistes from across Africa.
Day 1 will feature the newest sensation in the Kenyan Music scene, the Sailors who are currently riding high with their hit songs Wamlambez and Pekejeng, which are currently two of the biggest tracks in Kenya right now.
Also featuring on day one are the Decimators and Zzero Sufuri.
Day 2 which is the highlight of the Festival will feature two of Kenyan dancehall legends Redsan and Wyre the love child, and the Legendary Reggae act from Cote D’Ivore -Alpha Blondy and the Solar system band.
This will be the first time the Sweet Fanta Diallo singer will be performing in Kenya.
Speaking on phone ahead of his performance, Alpha Blondy revealed, " I am excited to be performing in Nairobi after a long break, it feels good to be back to this beautiful country in the motherland Africa.
"Everything has been put in place by the Koroga Festival team to ensure our fans have a great experience as it is the custom of all our events". Said The Commercial director of Capital Group Limited, Farida Idris.
For smooth transportation to the venue, Koroga Festival organisers have partnered with SWVL to provide transportation to commuters to and from the venue on both days.
This edition of Koroga Festival promises to be show stopper in the entertainment industry.
The organisers have unveiled dates for the next four editions of the Koroga festival as follows.
- 28th Edition 30th Nov 1st Dec 2019
- 29th Edition 15th and 16th Feb 2019
- 30th Edition 11th and 12th April 2020 in Nanyuki, Kenya
