President Uhuru Kenyatta was today inaugurated as the Global Champion for the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP), an initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) which aims to raise 25 billion US dollars for investment in Africa's climate adaptation initiatives.

The President was, at the event held at the University of Nairobi's Taifa Hall in Nairobi City County, also feted by GCA for his leading role in advocacy and resource mobilization for climate change adaptation in Africa and globally.

The recognition was given to the Head of State by GCA CEO Patrick van Verkooijen who commended President Kenyatta for his sterling efforts in tackling the climate change challenge.

In his acceptance speech, President Kenyatta noted that most of the socio-economic challenges facing Africa are attributable to climate change and pledged his full commitment to advancing the continent's adaptation agenda.

“As an adaptation champion, I will be the voice of all voiceless Africans who are crying out for a climate-resilient and prosperous future," President Kenyatta said adding that climate change had become an existential threat to every country in Africa.

The President noted that the Horn of Africa was facing its worst drought in over 40 years as a direct consequence of climate change.

“What does this mean in human terms for my fellow Kenyans, and our neighbours in Ethiopia and Somalia? Harvests have failed and 3 million cows are dead. People in drought-stricken areas are facing severe water shortages and cases of inter- community fighting, over pasture are, on the increase.

“As we speak, over four million Kenyans are in need of food assistance and close to one million children under 2 years, are malnourished. Across the Horn of Africa, twenty million people – and six million of them are children - are severely food insecure,” the President said.

He said climate induced extreme weather conditions including devastating floods in Southern Africa and Southern Sudan, will retard Africa’s progress.

“Such crises precipitate huge economic loses, estimated at 3% of GDP for the continent in the medium term. They also threaten peaceful coexistence, leading to inter-community conflict as well as displacement, as people relocate in search of food and pasture,” the President said.

The Head of State said the situation is likely to have negative impacts on generations to come as children face malnutrition due to food insecurity, which in turn undermines their health and productivity.

“This deadly toxic cocktail of Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russian war and the climate change related emergency, grows more deadly by the day," he said.

Once again, the President urged developed nations to fulfil their financial pledges towards Africa's adaptation agenda.

“We have no choice. We must act and do so fast, because the window of opportunity is closing on us. This means we must waste no time; and we must prioritise and invest massively in adaptation and resilience,” the President urged.

He said AAAP is a bold and creative platform that lays a broad and firm foundation for economic growth while at the same time containing the impact of climate shocks.

“And it is timely. Because while Africa’s vulnerability to climate change is rising, so too is the gap between the available finance for adaptation and the needs in terms of hard cash. In stark terms indications are that US $33 billion is the quantum of financing currently required for adaptation annually; but only a fraction of that – just US $6 billion – is available.

“Therefore, today, as I assume my role as an adaptation champion, I repeat my call to our development partners to urgently support Africa by making good on their pledges. The US $100bn annual amount pledged to help developing countries tackle climate change by 2020, is yet to be honoured.

“And now, in the absence of that promised one hundred billion US Dollars a year, we have another promise pending – the promise made at COP26 in Glasgow to double adaptation finance,” the President said.

He added: “We must shift gear and move from commitments to action.  To achieve the Paris Agreement, there must be a paradigm-shift.  When African leaders arrive in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt in November for COP27, we expect to see the many climate change commitments translate into funded programmes".

Environment CS Keriako Tobiko said through President Kenyatta’s efforts the country had grown its forest cover to 12.3 percent forest cover.

“Your Excellency, you mobilised the entire country into tree planting campaign. Our constitution requires a tree cover of a minimum of 10 percent, but Your Excellency with your leadership our tree cover now is now 12.13percent,” he said.

Other speakers at the auspicious event through pre-recorded messages were former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, WTO Director General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and  African Development Bank AfDB President Dr Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina.

After months of speculations, Tanzanian celebrated singer Nandy has finally announced she is expecting her child with her man, rapper Billnas.

The singer took to her instagram page to announce the good news to her fans, with the caption "ASANTE MUNGU KWA ZAWADI HII"

The happy couple got engaged early this year (February) during an official introduction ceremony held in Daresalaam.

Nandy denied news of her pregnancy in past media interviews.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/2866-nandy-talks-pregnancy-parting-ways-with-manager

In an earlier interview with Ommy Dallah, Nandy revealed that their wedding with Billnass will be held this July.

https://youtu.be/bFyTAIQ7PpE

Renowned Mombasa music producer Shirko real name Awadh Salim and his fiance Zulfah Abdallah have tied the knot in Tanzania.

The two tied the knot in a low key ceremony in Daresalaam today (Thursday) afternoon, attended by close family members and relatives .

This is Shirko's second wedding.

Shirko wedded his first wife in 2008 and divorced in 2012.

We wish Shirko all the best in his new marriage.

The first and only platinum selling artist in East Africa, LOUI is out with a new single dubbed “Hennessy Remix”.

This comes after LOUI bagged the number 4 spot in Tanzania with the most monthly listeners on Spotify. Right after Bigwigs Diamond Platinumz, Harmonize and Rayvanny.

On the banging song of the summer LOUI recruits Ghana artist of the year 2021 KiDi and French songstress Maud Elka on the remix.

LOUI’s delivery, KiDi’s touch and Elka’s Melodies on the song create a perfect banger for the fans to dance to. Produced by S2kizzy, mixed and mastered by prolific Nigerian producer “The Mix Monster” Selebobo.

The song is accompanied by official visuals shot in Dar es Salaam Tanzania and directed by Director Kenny.

 LOUI commented on the release: “I have been looking forward to this release with great excitement, we’ve all put so much work, time, and effort into this project and I hope it gives you every reason to enjoy and replay this song throughout the summer season. I appreciate KIDI and Maud Elka for their support on this, this project wouldn’t have been possible without their creative input and dedication”.

LOUI is signed under United Stated based Independent record label Legacy Record Inc.

Stream/download- https://music.empi.re/hennessyremix

Low budget carrier, Skyward express has been nominated for the domestic airline of the year award at the Afrika Mashariki Transport awards.

The airline which recently increased it's flight frequencies to the country’s coastal tourist destinations will battle out with other local airlines including KQ for the award.

To vote for Skyward express sms the code E44to 23776 or visit the website https://afrikamasharikitransportawards.com/vote-now/

To book your flight with Skyward express, visit the website https://www.skywardexpress.co.ke/

Kenyan boy band Jadi  have released the video for their much-anticipated single Maji.

The duo have been consistently releasing music proving that they are out to dominate 2022; the RnB crooners are already the next best thing.

The band composed of Brandon and Vince pride themselves in writing their own music while reflecting the lives of the typical Kenyan youth and the battles they fight daily. 

Maji is produced by Sifa courtesy of Kaka Empire Studios and displays the lyrical and vocal prowess of the talented duo. 

The heart-warming and well scripted visuals which tell the story of a girl in a toxic and abusive relationship yearning for the real love of a gentle man, is directed by KThomas. 

“Sometimes you can be in a toxic/abusive relationship and not realise how beautiful and valuable you are. Well, the song" Maji" is a song that speaks about a beautiful lady caught up with the wrong man but finds herself falling for two men in her life (Jadi) in a love connection that goes beyond the physical. If either of us would get a chance to love on her, we would do it right and in the way she truly deserves.” – Jadi

“Working with Jadi has been great, they are talented, hardworking and determined. Building their brand continues to be an exciting venture for me, I am absolutely proud of them!”- Dennis Njenga, MD and Managing Partner-Kaka Empire.

Watch “Maji” video on YouTube: JADI - MAJI (OFFICIAL VIDEO) - YouTube

Meet Dr. Mandla Lamba, Africa's $15.5 billion man and the founder of Africa's first Electric Vehicle Manufacturer, AI and Green Tech Company Agilitee. Agilitee is currently preparing for a Johannesburg Stock Exchange IPO, which will be the first EV, AI, and Green Tech IPO in Africa.

The IPO will value Agilitee at $20 billion, making the founder extremely wealthy.

Lamba owns 77.5 percent of Agilitee, which is currently valued at $15.5 billion, making him Africa's second richest man after Aliko Dangote.

Agilitee, Africa's pioneer in electric vehicles and green technology, has set out on a mission to create millionaires on the continent through public listing.

The green technology and electric vehicle manufacturer recently opened operations in Zimbabwe and plans to expand into Malawi, Kenya, and Ghana before beginning its long-delayed dealership in Zambia.

Agilitee, one of Africa's fast growing green technology and electric vehicle manufacturing companies, is poised to lead the revolution on the continent after announcing a female Chief Executive Officer in Bonisile Roberts to lead the entity earlier this year.

With an initial public offering (IPO) value of $20 billion, it hopes to raise $2 billion by selling 10% of its equity through the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

The tech industry has been responsible for the majority of the outstanding IPOs in recent years, raising billions of dollars through IPOs in China and the United States.

Agilitee is not only a technology company but also a green technology company that operates in the electric vehicle space, which puts the company in a very strategic and good position to attract major investors.

Could the success of Agilitee's IPO create some millionaires in Africa, as China and the US have done?

Already, the firm is offering another 10% worth $2 billion to Africa's less fortunate, with the long-term goal of creating millionaires to alleviate poverty in Africa.

After launching its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in June 2022, Agilitee Pvt Ltd is eyeing secondary listings in Europe and the United States of America.

The IPO, which aims to raise US$2 billion for a 10% stake in the company, makes Dr. Lamba the first African green tech revolution billionaire in US dollar terms.

When asked about the company's post-IPO strategy, Dr Lamba, who recently appeared on the cover of one of Africa's leading magazines, the Leadership, said, "We will look for secondary listing maybe in the UK, America, and Europe in a year after the completion of the IPO." It will depend on where the majority of the $2 billion comes from."

Dr. Lamba's firm announced the appointment of AcaciaCap Advisors, a JSE approved sponsor for Main Board companies that also serves as a Designated Advisor for AltX listed companies, in June 2022.

Agilitee intends to raise a total of $2 billion in equity capital through the IPO of its entire business, which will be conducted through a global capital raising roadshow.

The company has recently completed its transformation from a regional to a global player. Agilitee has now formed regional structures under it, the first of which is Agilitee Africa, which covers the entire continent of Africa.

The company has also formed Agilitee Americas, which covers the entire continent of North America, and Agilitee Asia, which covers the entire continent of Asia.

In the next 12 months, the company plans to establish Agilitee Europe, Agilitee UK, Agilitee UAE, and Agilitee South America.

Symphony, a Nollywood musical blockbuster movie with youth and music as its central theme, is set to hit cinemas on the 9th of September, 2022.

Symphony is a beautiful and well-told story about life, love, dreams, success, trials, societal failure and the resultant effects.

Symphony reflects the travails of a typical talented African youth, struggling to overcome all odds in order to breakthrough.

Shot in exotic locations across Lagos, the film parades an array of multi-award winning African stars such as Nigeria’s ace entertainer D'banj (Oladapo Oyebanjo); Ghanian movie legend Jackie Appiah; Kenyan superstar diva Tanasha Donna and Nollywood legends and stars like Lanre Hassan (popularly known as Iya Awero), Bolaji Amusan (Mr. Latin), Kalu Ikeagu, Efa Iwara, Scarlet Gomez, Daniel Abua, Doris Okorie, among others.

Dbanj and Tanasha Donna made their acting debuts in “Symphony”, while Kaleb Iyoha (a.k.a. Mo’Kross) and Sandra Okunzuwa played Slade and Lolita, the lead roles with yet another debutant in Victor Adeshiyan (a.k.a. VJ CrazyLife) who played Slade’s bosom friend.

Also set to premiere with the film project is a music album comprising original soundtracks and performances from the project, written, recorded, and performed by top stars, some of who featured in the movie.

 According to Oraka Nvy Nnanyelu, the director of the movie, “Symphony is a beautifully crafted, priceless work of art that mirrors the everyday life of the African youth’s journey to relevance”.

 Symphony (The Movie) was jointly produced by EverRise Entertainment and Sulcata Entertainment.

Gospel singer Manolo always gets it right with hooks and melodies in his songs. This we can attest by his latest release titled Niwara Nono, in which music producer and singer Wuod Omollo is featured, the man behind Nviiri’s numerous hits including Overdose.

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/vW6FWUNY5KQ

Niwara Nono will give you that nostalgic feel, as it’s an urban rendition of a popular Luo gospel song known by the same title. The two artistes gave it a groovy touch where Manolo both sings and raps. The song was produced by Wuod Omollo and then mixed and mastered by So Fresh.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has commended the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for its commitment to serving beyond its core mandate of defending the country against external aggression.

The President, who was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, pointed out that as a modern and versatile military, the KDF has embraced unfamiliar nation-building roles and excelled in them.

“Due to your record of delivering superlative results, I have tasked the KDF from time to time to take charge of various strategic national programmes and even to rescue failing institutions.

“You did it with the revival of almost 600 kilometres of the dead Metre Guage in an impressive manner, ahead of schedule and within the budget,” the President said.

President Kenyatta spoke Friday when he presided over the passing out parade of KDF recruits at the Recruits Training School (RTS) in Eldoret, where he congratulated the graduands for completing a rigorous six months basic military training course.

The President also cited the revival of the Kenya Meat Commission into a profit-making enterprise in record time and the Kenya Shipyard Limited that is poised to be the largest shipyard in Sub-Saharan Africa as some of the KDF’s achievements in supporting the country’s development agenda. 

Other KDF achievements include the building of the Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum in only 22 months instead of 10 years as well as the increased access to basic health services for Nairobi residents done by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).

“You also did it for the nation when you anchored our national response to Covid-19 pandemic; and in moments of national disasters and civil emergencies, your efforts saved lives and property,” President Kenyatta said.

He appreciated Chief of Defence Forces Gen Robert Kibochi, Service Commanders and all officers serving in the senior ranks of the military for their outstanding stewardship of the KDF.

Highlighting the steps taken to modernize KDF, the President said the Government has invested heavily in the training of officers, providing ultra-modern equipment, improving healthcare facilities, accommodation, remuneration and the overall terms and conditions of service for the military.

“Over the last nine years, in recognition of the importance of peace and security to the realization of our development agenda, we have undertaken the most consequential and expansive modernization of our military in our nation’s history,” the President said.

In addition, President Kenyatta said the Government enacted a law that creates safeguards for the KDF officers in their retirement and also facilitates the integration of those incapacitated or severely wounded in the course of duties.

“To seal this guarantee, on 15^th of June this year, I had the rare honour and privilege of assenting into law the Military Veterans Act,” he said.

Noting that the political tempo towards the upcoming elections is nearing fever pitch, President Kenyatta urged all Kenyans to reflect on the sacrifice made by KDF officers in their service to and in defence of Kenya by putting the interests of the country first in everything they do.

“Over the last 9 years, some of the most agonizing decisions were the ones that would put our soldiers in harm’s way.

“They were tough decisions because the officers are our children and when they go out for any mission in defence of our borders at home or abroad, I knew too well that they would either return hoisting our national flag; or return wrapped in our national flag,” the President said.

Present at the ceremony were Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Robert Kibochi, Commander Kenya Army Lt Gen Walter R. Koipaton, Commander Kenya Air Force Maj Gen John Omenda, Commander Kenya Navy Maj Gen Jimson Mutai and RTS Commandant Brig Paul Njema.

Others were Inspector General of Police, Hillary Mutyambai, Governor Jackson Mandago and his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart Alex Tolgos among others.

Earlier when he arrived at the Recruits Training School, the Head of State officially opened the new ultra-modern Eldoret Regional Hospital that will cater for the health needs of officers serving in the North Rift, Western and Nyanza regions.