A three High court judge bench has directed the independent electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to clear former Nairobi governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko to vie for Mombasa county governor.

High court judges, Olga Sewe, Ann Ong'injo' and Stephen Githinji gave a judgment on a case that governor Sonko had moved to the High Court to contest the IEBC Dispute Resolution Committee’s decision that locked him from contesting for Mombasa County’s top job.

Justice Stephen Githinji ruled on Wednesday, July 13 that the electoral commission acted unfairly by locking out the former Nairobi governor even after the governor has satisfactorily met the requirements

The judge said IEBC was unreasonable for refusing to accept certified copies of Sonko’s academic certificates outside the stipulated timeline, saying that was not a basis to lock him out.

At the same time Githinji said Iebc Chair Wafula Chebukati acted unconstitutionally in giving a press release barring Sonko to be cleared.

This means that the race to succeed governor Joho will not be an easy ride to already cleared candidates like ODM's Abdulswamad Nassir, United democratic alliance( UDA) Hassan Omar and VDP party Awiti Bolo.

The court noted that IEBC was inappropriate not to clear Mike Sonko on the three basis that he suited his degree certificate late, arguing that the Commission should have considered flexibility of the matter.

"This court has set a very good precedent on how matters of impeachment should be handled, justice has prevailed, what we urge is that the orders should be fully complied by the Iebc," said Wilfred Nyamu a lawyer representing Sonko.

Sonko was locked out of the race after both the County Assembly of Nairobi and the Senate impeached him over gross misconduct allegations.

The lawyers hailed the high court for standing for justice and setting a direction on handling impeachment matters. The lawyers now asked the court to compel Iebc to swiftly clear and Gazette Sonko name for the August 9 polls.

"The petitioner has already suffered enough mental torture so in the interest of justice to the petitioner, the Iebc to shifty been compelled to gazette Sonko to vie,"said Wilfred Nyamu.

Speaking outside the court, Kisauni  member of Parliament and Sonko's running mate Ali Mbogo  asked their opponents to brace for a bruising battle in the August 9 polls.

"Justice has prevailed at last and we want to ask our people that we have only one task ahead that is on August 9 to vote,let's get ready to show them dust,"Mbogo said.

Mbogo said Mombasa was suffering from under development because of the people who have no leadership vision saying the Wiper party candidature will deliver victory.

Sonko is set to battle it out with ODM's Abdulswamand Nassir,UDA Hassan Omar among other contestants in the quest to succeed governor Hassan Joho.

However IEBC has requested to lodge an appeal against the judgement. The court heard that the submissions to gazette Sonko will be heard on July 18 next week.

President Uhuru Kenyatta today said the Government will set up a national automotive council to facilitate implementation of the National Automotive Policy that is geared towards boosting the local assembling of motor vehicles.

Speaking when he launched the locally assembled Euro 4 Mitsubishi L200 pickup at State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta reiterated the Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the growth of the country’s automotive industry.

“…I take note of the issue of getting the council established and that is something we shall see if we can do before we leave office to ensure that we create that enabling environment for the necessary institutions that will see this particular industry continue on its growth trajectory and becomes once again predominant part of the Kenyan economy,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State encouraged stakeholders in the industry to continue working with the Government to ensure it achieves its objectives of reviving and stabilizing the automotive sector.

He thanked Mitsubishi, Associated Vehicle Assembly (AVA) and Simba Corporation for being true partners in the country’s efforts in growing the industry.

“I really appreciate the partnership that we have had that has led to a revival of this industry that was once-moribund and for me to give you my assurance and my commitment that we shall continue to work together to reach the targets that we envisioned way back in 2019.

“….our determination to ensure that future Government also continue with the same policy because this is not only good for increasing the manufacturing capacity of the country but also good in terms of skills transfer, in terms of creating jobs for our people and in terms of creating new opportunities,” he said.

Noting that the country used to have one of the most vibrant automotive industry in the region, President Kenyatta said the Government will remain steadfast in ensuring policies aimed at bolstering the growth of the industry continue to be implemented.

“We had all these people who were out there making break pads, we had people making windscreens, we had people making suspensions and shock absorbers and all these things. It is my hope that as we continue to increase the number of vehicle assembling plants, we will also have the backward linkages that would also enable some of these other industries that were a critical cog to local assembly revived, restored and brought back into play,” President Kenyatta said.

Industrialization Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) David Osiany said the implementation of the National Automotive Policy will ensure the country regains its position as a regional automotive manufacturing hub.

He said the industry has the capacity to produce 30,000 vehicles per annum but regretted that the assembly plants are currently producing a paltry 6,000 units, accounting for less than 25% of the production capacity.

“The industry has been able to provide 100,000 direct and indirect jobs to Kenyans. The industry also contributes about 30 billion per annum to the government through taxation,” the CAS said.

Japanese Deputy Ambassador to Kenya Yasuhisa Kitagawa said his country is committed to its partnership with Kenya to ensure all  designed projects are fulfilled for the benefit of the citizens of the two countries.

"Mombasa city where the L200 is assembled is an area that Japan has very strong commitment through giant projects such as the expansion of port facilities and development of Special Economic Zones," Mr. Kitagawa said.

Simba Colt Corporation Limited Chairman Adil Popat said AVA has increased its production from 2000 units to 7,500 units  in the last three years

A solution designed by one of the world's brilliant minds, MLBC is a vehicle who's intent is to transform Africa into a global powerhouse.

Mandla Lamba started Verityhurst (Pty) Ltd a private equity firm that has one investor, that is Dr Mandla Lamba of course.

Verityhurst was founder 15 years ago with a sole principle of investing in listed equities, Verityhurst was formed in 2007 by Dr. Mandla Lamba who was later joined in by a Billionaire who is an Eastern Cape, South African Parliamentarian Thembekile Mzantsi who serves as a partner and Chairman of Verityhurst.

Thembekile Mzantsi is a South African Billionaire Politian who owns R5 billion worth shares in Agilitee. 

The duo have run Verityhurst for 15 years and it invested in over 11 companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, 6 companies on the New York Stock Exchange, 9 Companies of  the Nasdaq in the US and 22 companies on Lindon Stock Exchange. Verityhurst has invested over $2.7 billion globally over the past 15 years.

Changamwe Member of Parliament Omar Mwinyi has received an endorsement by over 10,000 employees of the Export processing Zone (EPZ) in his quest for re-election.

EPZ workers led by the tailors and textile workers union Secretary Changamwe branch Richard Musaa are optimistic that the Mp will address their plight once reelected.

"As members of the union, we have unanimously agreed that we will vote for Mwinyi because he has always stood with EPZ workers,we are optimistic that he will continue to support our union,” said Musaa.

Speaking at St. Charles Lwanga secondary school grounds, Mwinyi said his duty before the general elections is to ensure a union to regulate the needs of EPZ workers appropriately is formed.

“Most leaders have disregarded your struggles and that is why we need to have a union that will address your issues and concerns,” he said.

He pledged sh.5 million in the upcoming harambee to ensure nothing hinders the operations towards the Sacco formation.

“I assure you we will have another harambee before the elections which will aim at establishing a Sacco and buying a minibus for sports activities,” Mwinyi said.

 He insisted that the county government of Mombasa has more than enough money to help finance the education of students in Changamwe. He asked the union workers to stay united and invest in other income ventures so as to sustain themselves.

“Our Mombasa County Government is financially able to allocate sh.100 million to Changamwe Constituency that being the case no child in Changamwe will miss an opportunity to be educated,” Mwinyi assured.

"We will plan a Harambee contribution and my OLED will be sh 5 million to support you buy a bus and invest in other ventures,” said Mwinyi who also promised to continue with infrastructure development in the area.

Among the proposals by EPZ workers is that the Mp help them form a SACCO among those mentioned by the secretary.

The two times Mp is seeking a third stamp in the constituency through the ODM Party in the August 9polls

Celebrated and award winning Nigerian star Timaya has had a stellar year with Cold Outside still dominating global charts and his last album “Gratitude” getting various nominations across the continent almost two years after release.

He recently crowned that success with the iconic Ferrari 458 and a majestic penthouse mansion in Ikoyi.

Timaya is currently all about securing the bag as he follows up all the success with his new single fittingly titled “Get My Money Right”.

The song depicts where Timaya is currently in his career, which is a square focus on his music and Getting his Money Right while avoiding any distractions or hate from the public generally.

Besides getting his money right, Timaya isn’t bothered about much else as he states on the song “Wait till I get the money right. Live My Life, I no follow you dey fight. You are gonna hate but you all go dey alright”.

Timaya has recently expressed his goal of becoming the first African Billionaire in Entertainment and his mind seems set to pursue this goal if his new single is anything to go by.

The spotless produced record is the second official single off his upcoming album titled “ChuloVerse '' which is due for release this summer.

‘Get My Money Right’ is out  on all streaming platforms. 

Legendary Tanzania rapper - turned- politician Joseph Haule, stage name Professor Jay is back to his feet.

The former Mikumi Mp was discharged from hospital early last month after undergoing treatment for 127 days.

Prof Jay was admitted at the Muhimbili hospital in Daresaalam in the second week of January (2022) in a critical condition with his family calling for the public to raise funds for medical bills which had risen to the tune of Sh4 million (Kshs 202,322) per week, forcing the Tanzanian government to intervene with President Samia Suluhu announcing that government would take care of all his medical bills for the entire period of his treatment at the facility.

In a video posted Sunday evening on social media, Prof Jay is seen to be in a very jovial mood interacting with friends at a party.

Muslims in the country marked Eid-Ul-Adha celebrations with calls for unity as the country stares at a heated August 9,2022 general elections.

Kenya's Chief Kadhi,Shaikh Ahmed Muhdhar led Muslim faithful at the Morning prayers held at the Ronald Ngala primary school grounds where in his message

urged Kenyans to stay united and live in harmony as well as help the less fortunate.

“We urge Kenyans to continue coexisting in harmony because this is a very important day in our lives as muslims, let’s unite and help those who are needy,” urged Shaikh Muhdhar.

Muhdhar who was flanked by a section of Mombasa political leaders  urged Kenyans not to be divided and instead unite for a peace of the country. 

"Without any victimization we urge everyone to love his neighbors and share,we also pray God to lead out nation as we hear to elections so that we can continue being blessed with peace,"said Muhdhar.

Mvita member of Parliament and Mombasa governor candidate Abdulswamad Nassir emphasized on the unity of the Mombasa people irregardless of race, religion or tribe.Nassir asked the media to focus on important issues that would foster Peace Mombasa and shun incitement.

“We are calling for unity on this day in which we consider this day as one of the most important in our Islamic tradition, a day like this we need to forgive each other and be like the one large family we are known to be,” said Nassir.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib said as the nation stares at the general elections,Kenya should exercise their democratic right by voting in ODM leader Raila Odinga because he has stood with Muslim community.

"Raila Odinga has demonstrated his will to stand with the Muslim community, therefore we believe once elected he will champion for our rights,"said Twalib also drummed up support for Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir to succeed governor Hassan Joho in the Mombasa governor post.

He added “Even as we celebrate this day with those in need, I would like to urge our youth to be very cautious of activities that tend to threaten peace as we must be our brother’s keeper,” stated Twalib.

Other leaders who joined the clamour for peace is business man Suleiman Shahbal who asked Mombasa residents to stay united and not to accept to be invited by politicians.

At the same time goat traders made a killing as residents flocked to purchase goats for feasting at the Kikowani area.

The city center and around Mwembe Tayari was on Sunday also packed with Muslims and other locals as they scrambled for consumeble  goods.

Eid-ul-Adha is festivities where Muslims all over the world mark the end of Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca.The celebrations normally take place on Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.

In the first 10 days of the holy month, Muslims are to undergo holy rituals called Hajj in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, while those at home are supposed to fast and pray.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has underscored the importance of well-trained health workers in the delivery of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) pillar of the Big 4 Agenda.

The President emphasized that skilled human resource is a key building block in the health system that should not be overlooked in catering for the country’s health needs.

“The latest technology and modern medicines are futile if the human element is sub-standard.  In the delivery of the services to individuals and communities, whether preventive or curative, it is critical to have skilled, equipped, adequately supported and well-trained health workers.

“Indeed, the success of our efforts to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is largely dependent on the availability of a health workforce endowed with the right skill-sets and supported by delivery of accessible and affordable healthcare for all,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State spoke on Saturday when he presided over the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the AMREF International University (AMIU) campus at the Ruiru Northlands in Kiambu County.

President Kenyatta said while the Covid-19 pandemic slowed down the progress of UHC in the country by straining the health system, it did not stop the efforts geared towards its attainment.

At the same time, the President pointed out that Africa’s socio-economic success in the post Covid-19 times must be anchored on the recovery of its health system which relies heavily on the health workforce.

“…for that reason, there is need for increased investment in training and policy reforms within the sector to make up for the lost ground,” the President said. 

He noted that Africa faces an acute shortage of health workers compared to other regions despite the continent having 25% of the world’s illness burden, according to the Word Health Organization (WHO) estimates.

“This large deficit has created a pressing need for at least one million community health workers and 350,000 midwives in sub-Saharan Africa, just to achieve the critical minimum levels.

“It is also worth noting that millions more existing health workers lack the necessary support, equipment and the training required to make them fit for purpose to deliver on their mandate,” the Head of State said. 

President Kenyatta pointed out that Africa's shortage of health workers has constrained nations from adequately responding to pandemics such as the Covid-19, achieving health equity and meeting population health needs. 

In this regard, the President said the Government has put in place a raft of measures including fully supporting the operationalization of community health services as a platform for delivery of primary health care and UHC.

Other measures include the establishment of progressive frameworks for improved industrial relations between national and county governments and health workers unions as well as the absorption of community health workers (CHWs) into the mainstream health system.

Similarly, the President stated the Government’s commitment to increasing domestic financing for community health as part of the efforts to boost primary healthcare.

President Kenyatta commended the AMREF International University fraternity for its ambitious expansion plan to scale up training for health workers in Kenya and across the continent. 

He said AMREF’s 65 years of quality and innovative public and community health intervention and training has significantly contributed to the improvement of the health sector in Kenya and Africa as a whole.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said AMREF has been a key partner to the continent’s quest to formulate a new curriculum for training health workers, noting that the new institution will be crucial in enhancing the organization’s capacity to offer quality training to health practitioners.

“And am glad your Excellency that through the cooperation of AMREF and universities that are here, we have gone along way in the preparation of a new curriculum of how we are going to train all our health workers both at KMTC, universities and in all institutions,” said the Health CS.

World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros  Adhanom Ghebreyesus said his organization  fully supports AMREF in its endeavours  to construct another training institution for medical practitioners, saying the 65 years of AMREF service to African countries  have tremendously impacted the continent’s  healthcare sector.

AMREF Health Africa CEO Dr. Gitahi Githinji said the AMREF International University looks forward to being awarded a charter to enable it to train more health workers.

"We will be starting an AMREF University scholarship fund to support young women from marginalized communities and fragile countries to come and study at this university," Dr. Githinji said.

The event was also attended by Head of Public Service Dr. Joseph Kinyua, WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti and AMREF Health Africa's International Board of Directors Chairman Charles Okeahalam among others.

Kenyan singer Tanasha Donna has come through with another song titled 'Maradonna'

In the song, Tanasha Donna talks of people out to see her downfall.

"Mara Donna this, Mara Donna that , I thank God for my friends, they got my back, I f you think I'm done sit back and relax, I'm too blessed to be stressed baby, Say all you want I'm not fazed. You ain't feeding me or my baby." says Tanasha in the song.

Adding "Praying on my downfall. You can never see me fall, If God says yes, who are you to say no?"

watch the video below..

While billionaires  owe their success due to entrenched family connectedness and inheritance  from their forefathers , this is not the case with  Bonisile Roberts.

Mrs Roberts rose through the ranks of being a consultant for Agilitee in 2018. After delivering astonishing results to the founder of Agilitee Dr. Mandla Lamba .Dr Lamba decided to bring her on board on full time basis in late 2019

Mrs Roberts is now Africa’s first Electric Vehicles Manufacturer, AI and Green Tech Company, Agilitee’s first female  Billionaire.

While other female billionaire like  Alexandra Andresen, who  first appeared on Forbes’ billionaires list in 2016, when she was just 19 inheriting fortunes from his  father,  Norwegian Billionaire,Johan H. Andresen Jr, owner of Ferd AS, Roberts earned the fortune through hard work.

Mrs Roberts  is the CEO of Agilitee Africa, Africa’s first Electric Vehicles Manufacturer, AI and Green Tech Company Agilitee.

Agilitee is currently cooking up a Johannesburg Stock Exchange IPO which is marked as the first EV, AI and Green Tech IPO in Africa, the IPO values Agilitee $20 billion and this has bumped up Bonisile Roberts net worth to $1,2 billion which makes her one of the  richest women in Africa, in the same mold with  Angola’s  Isabel Dos Santos. 

 Boni joined Agilitee in 2018 as a consultant, after delivering astonishing results the founder of Agilitee Dr. Mandla Lamba decided to bring her on board on full time basis in late 2019. She has been with Agilitee from word go. Boni is the second largest individual shareholder of Agilitee and she joins other female billionaires that include ,Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, Julia Koch, Alice Walton, Jacqueline Mars,Gina Rinehart , Miriam Adelson, Abigail Johnson among others.

Last year the green tech firm, Agilitee, was qualified as one of South Africa’s Top Gender Empowered Companies, making it to the scoreboard with other top empowerment brands in the country comprising top listed counters and other major  businesses in both the private and public sectors.

With few years  since its founding, the company qualified for the listing endorsed by Standard Bank Group with support from South Africa’s Commission for Gender Equality.

The Top Women Leaders 17th edition is South Africa’s leading gender empowerment brand celebrating public and private sector organizations for prioritizing empowerment as an integral part of their business strategies.

The listing came after months of rigorous research and benchmarking.

 The criterion used for qualification includes a number of variables which are:- 20% of female ownership, shareholding or partnership, 20% female executive directors, 30% female employees, 10% female senior management, female-empowerment company policies and women focused skills development.

 Agilitee  as a result got a Top Women Leaders Certificate & Badge that can be used on its online platforms including its website, social media, and email signature.

The company is pioneering research, importing, manufacturing, and franchising, licensing electric vehicle and ecosystems technology.