President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday kicked off the latest phase of the national title deeds issuance programme that will see the immediate issuance of one million title deeds to land owners across the country.

Issuing 200 title deeds to signify the start of the programme at the International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, President Kenyatta directed the Cabinet Secretaries for Lands and Interior to come up with a programme that will involve other Cabinet Secretaries in the issuance of the balance of the ready title deeds to expeditiously execute the exercise.

“Today, we are launching and flagging off the issuance of 1 million out of 6 million title deeds that are ready across the registries in the various counties. 

“The programme should be executed expeditiously such that before sunset on the Eighth of July, 2022 the balance of the one 1 million title deeds will have been conveyed to their holders,” President Kenyatta directed.

At the same time, the President highlighted several achievements under the reforms in the land sector, noting that the National Titling program, which his administration introduced in 2013, has helped in processing and issuing title deeds to many citizens.

“As part of this programme, we established the National Titling Centre, the Rapid Titling Initiative, Land Clinics and formed links with both land buying companies and County Governments.  These progressive measures were buttressed by enhanced recruitment of technical staff and the deployment of other critical resources including motor vehicles and survey equipment,” he said.

The Head of State noted that the national title deeds issuance programme has made it possible for Kenyans living in the marginalized areas such as Samburu, Isiolo and Marsabit counties to legally own land thereby empowering them to develop economically.

“I am honoured to have been the President who handed over a title deed to the first woman land owner in Marsabit; a feat that was unthinkable a decade ago when it was culturally held that women could not hold a title in land,” the President said. 

President Kenyatta also pointed out that under the National Titling Programme, all beneficiaries living in the former colonial villages such as those in Nyandarua were issued with title deeds while the problem of long and protracted land cases in group ranches across the country was addressed.

“This programme has brought hope to where there was fear and despair; we have healed wounds and resolved the phenomena of protracted and acrimonious land disputes across the country; in places such as Kihiu Mwiri in Murang’a, Nyakinyua in Trans Nzoia, Mikanjuni in Kilifi, group ranches in Kajiado, Narok and Samburu, among others,” said President Kenyatta.

The President added that, through the programme, the Government has been able to secure the country’s natural resources and heritage sites which were under the threat of being grabbed.

“In addition, we have secured our natural resources and heritage sites like the Mau Forest, the Nairobi National Park, City Park and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve among others through the issuance of title deeds,” he added.

The Government is also documenting land belonging to public institutions while the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, working with partners in the education sector, has succeeded in titling parcels of land belonging to 20,000 schools and the surveying of 32,000 public schools.

President Kenyatta said his commitment to establishing an efficient, transparent and accountable land administration and management system saw the development and launch of the National Land Information Management System (NLIMS) commonly referred to as “Ardhisasa”, which has streamlined electronic land transactions.

He cited the example of the drastic reduction in the time taken to conduct land transactions from a minimum of six months per a transaction to 48 hours through the Ardhisasa as some of the achievements of the new system.

“Similarly, instead of taking between one and three months to conduct a land search, the system gives you a land search results in 3 to 5 minutes,” he said.

The Head of State also pointed out that the 2016 Community Land Act which he signed is a progressive law as it enables local communities to legally register and own communal lands.

He said previously an estimated 3.5 million people had been unable to register their communal lands covering roughly 150,000 square miles or 67% of Kenya’s landmass but with the new Act they have been able to successful legally own their land. 

“Following this progressive legislation, we have been able to issue title deeds to group ranches in Laikipia, Samburu, Kajiado, West Pokot and Taita Taveta, an endevour which has uplifted over 500,000 people,” President Kenyatta said.

He disclosed that the national Government has been able to support devolved units and decentralised land administration services by gazetting additional 10 registries in Kajiado West, Kajiado South (Loitoktok), Yatta, Mutomo, Samburu, Malindi, Ruiru, Tigania West, Marimanti and Kiritiri, bringing the total number of registries across the country to an historic high of 67.

“Further, we are in the process of constructing 10 additional registries to promote efficient delivery of services in Hola, Kitui, Mbeere, Bomet, Ol Kalou, Naivasha, Nandi, Ruiru, Laikipia, and Samburu.  The construction of these new registries will go a long way in facilitating the decentralisation of the Ministry’s services,” the President said.

Lands CS Farida Karoney said her ministry has been able to achieve the targets set by the President through the implemented reforms that have facilitated registration of 6,1000,945 new title deeds.

“ This is a very significant number because you'll be happy to note that the colonial government and our first three administration registered 6 million so actually it surpassed slightly the 6million registered in the past 100 years,” said the lands CS.

Also present at the event were Head of Public Service Dr. Joseph  Kinyua, Cabinet Secretaries Fred Matiang’i (Interior) and Eugene Wamalwa (Defence) among other senior Government officials.

Tanzanian singer-songwriter, performer, and recording artist LOUI returns with another ground-breaking music collaboration with Ghanaian and French artists; KIDI and Maud Elka.

Hennessy (Remix) is a song that celebrates the opulence, beauty, class, adoration, and quality of a woman’s love.

Produced by Tanzanian music producer S2Kizzy, the song fuses together West and Francophone afro-music flavors performed by KIDI and Maud Elka which altogether serve dancefloor vibes with a touch of romance.

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.”

Adding “I appreciate KIDI and Maud Elka for their support on this, this project wouldn’t have been possible without their creative input and dedication”.

Hennessy ‘Remix’ comes before LOUI’s second EP Project to be released this August.

Although official release dates of the EP are yet to be disclosed, we can surely anticipate a KIDI and Maud Elka feature as part of the tracklist.

Directed by Director Kenny, Hennessy ‘Remix’ official music video will be available on YouTube come Thursday 23rd June 2022; in the meantime, fans can enjoy the song on their preferred DSPs by tapping the LINK below.

https://music.empi.re/hennessyremix

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Mombasa governor candidate Abdulswamand Nassir has pledged to steer ahead affairs of the youth and women in Mombasa when he forms the next government after August 9 general elections.

Nassir said his government will be people centered, that will create jobs for the youth without discrimination.

He said job slots of village administrators, field officers, and chief officers will be sourced equally by every sub county.

“There is nobody who will be in the county and brag about being the best, because every opportunity that arises will be shared by all wards,” he added.

Speaking in Changamwe while addressing a group of youths from the area, Nassir urged the youth to stay united and avoid perpetrating chaos in the August 9 General elections.

The Mvita Mp said his government will actively involve youth in serious affairs that will economically empower them.

“Every ward will have a resource center that will have internet connectivity so that our youth can have a place where they can do their online activities,” said Nassir.

Nassir said Tax regime in the county will be reviewed to ensure that companies that are led by the youth will be exempt from tax and levies for them to thrive.

“We will give youth money without interest so that they can do business. We will review all the fees within the finance bill so that some exorbitant charges can be removed,” said Nassir.

Nassir also said his government will factor the affairs of single mothers by empowering them to stand on their own. Nassir also promised to provide sanitary towels to school going girls through a special programme.

“We will have a second chance programme for the single mothers, if it's going to school, they will do so, if it's business empowerment they must be empowered,” said Nassir adding that he will have a special kitty for them.

Nassir at the same time reiterated Mombasa will demand a revenue share from Kenya ports Authority (KPA) stating that locals especially the youth should benefit from the resources that come from the port.

Mombasa ODM youth leader Ali Kubo asked the youth to support Nassir’s bid to succeed governor Hassan Joho in the oncoming elections.

Kubo asked the youth to vote a six piece pattern so as to reap from the ODM government when it forms the next government.

 “We must ensure we vote in six piece because if we put other p[arties we will not enjoy the benefits of our government, this is the opportunity for the youth to install their government,” said Kubo.

President Uhuru Kenyatta today unveiled the final report of the nationwide airborne geophysical survey and inaugurated seven other ground-breaking projects that provide current and comprehensive geospatial data covering the entire country.

The eight projects were developed under the Joint National and Resource Mapping (JNAM) team.

The team comprises of young Kenyan professionals under the supervision of a multi-agency from the security sector.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, when he launched the Joint National Mapping Projects, President Kenyatta expressed optimism that the projects will help in the National development landscape. 

“As stewards entrusted with our natural resources, for the first time in our nation's history we have painstakingly pieced together an inventory of Kenya’s natural resources.

“Innovations generated from the exercise will fast-track creation of jobs, diversification of revenue sources and industrial development in line with the Big 4 Agenda and Vision 2030,” President Kenyatta said.

He commended the talented young Kenyan professionals who worked jointly under the multi-agency JNAM team to make the projects a reality.

“Your efforts have made Kenya the first African country to conduct such an extensive survey without tapping into foreign expertise,” he said.

President Kenyatta said, through the projects, the JNAM team mapped out a wide range of resources including base metals, coal, gemstones, geothermal spots, forest cover, water bodies, precious metals and rare earth elements.

He pointed that the output maps have already helped the Ministry of Education in mapping out schools countrywide, the Ministry of Roads has been assisted in the identification of road reserves while the Kenya Forestry services has been able to map out forest cover and identify encroached areas.

Under the JNAM multi-agency project, the President said the team also successfully developed a current cadaster for Nairobi County which has helped in the identification and securing of public lands such as green spaces, health facilities, schools, roads and road reserves.

“Overall, with the updated data sets generated as part of this survey; the national and county governments, the private sector, learning institutions and other stakeholders are now better positioned to plan and implement their development programmes,” the President said.

The Head of State also commended the JNAM team for developing several online applications such as the Taifa Pay, used to centrally collect most Government revenues within Nairobi, which has increased transparency and accountability in Government and private dealings. 

“The Nairobi Revenue System has greatly supported the Nairobi Metropolitan Services and the Kenya Revenue Authority in aligning their revenue collection systems,” the President said.

President Kenyatta said the team also developed ArdhiSasa digital platform, a land management system that improved the speed of land transactions. 

“Where once it took a minimum of six months to do a single land transaction, this has now been reduced to 48 hours using Ardhi-Sasa. Similarly, instead of taking between one and three months to do a land search, this system will give you land search results in three to five minutes,” President Kenyatta said.

He urged all Kenyans to embrace the ArdhiSasa system that has established a transparent, affordable and efficient Land Information Management System.

The JNAM team has also developed the Kenya National Spatial Data Infrastructure for spatial discovery, evaluation and application within all levels of Government, commercial sectors, non-profitable sectors, academia and the citizens in general.

The JNAM team has also developed an Online mining cadastre to improve mining dealership and rights processes, which will greatly boost revenue collection within the mining sector.

“For a very long time our land has been exploited by individuals who say they are taking the soil to their labs. With this innovation we will be able to know what is being mined and by who,” said President Kenyatta

The Head of State also urged the county Governments to embrace the innovations, saying the new project will transform the country by improving transparency and eliminating corruption.

ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs CS Joe Mucheru noted that the skills used to formulate the unique innovations were a clear testimony that Kenya is a leader in technology.

“They (the young professionals) have done us proud and delivered to you and the Kenyan people beyond our expectations. These energetic sleepless young Kenyans have delivered assets that will last a lifetime and they did so in record time without compromising or complaining,” said CS Mucheru.

CS Mucheru, thanked President Kenyatta for trusting the team to deliver on one of the most treasured project that will go a long way in transforming service delivery in the country.

Three-time SAMA award-winning and platinum-selling singer, songwriter, music producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, TRESOR, is going back to back with his discography of Drake Collaborations.

Nine months post the release of the 'Certified Lover Boy' super album, which boasts “Fountains”, a collaboration between Drake, Tems and TRESOR, the African Pop Maverick is doing his part in shaping the Global Pop Press Release - African Pop Maverick TRESOR Collaborates With Drake On 6 Songs On The Surprise Dance Album, 'Honestly, Nevermind'.

TRESOR collaborated on 6 songs in the riveting offering and lent his vocals to 4 of the records he graced with his alchemic production skills.

His vocal and production talents unravel distinctively on “Currents", "Downhill", "Fights Booked", and "Tie That Binds", while “Overdrive” and “Massive” give room for his songwriting to shine.  

“I’m honoured to finally share that I’ve collaborated with Drake on his new music for his latest album. Thank you to my brothers Drake and Oliver El Khatib. I’m forever grateful for your kindness. Thank you for believing in me,” shares TRESOR.

TRESOR is well on his way to renaming himself as the International Pop Maverick, be sure to listen to 'Honestly, Nevermind' and indulge in the cultural paradigm shift led by a wave of African creatives, most notably, TRESOR.

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Mombasa governor candidate Hassan Omar has said he is ready to work with former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko.

Omar said, should Sonko be barred to vie for the Mombasa governor seat, he is ready to welcome him at his camp in the quest to capture Mombasa leadership; saying they share the same ideologies, to serve the common people.

 “We welcome Sonko to join us because his plan was to rescue Mombasa, and that is our plan too, so he is very welcomed to work with us,” said Omar.

The former Mombasa Senator welcomed Sonko in the quest to save Mombasa from what he termed as capture by few individuals

Omar noted  “What Sonko was agitating for is what we are talking about, we want to save Mombasa from the capture of few individuals, tribalism and many other things, so we ask Sonko to join us, we were together in the senate and we know he meant well to agitate for the people.”

Sonko is currently in court trying to challenge the decision by the Independent electoral and boundaries commission (IEBC) to bar him from vying, but Omar believes that the former Nairobi boss can still discharge his hopes to serve the Mombasa people by backing his candidature.

“We have given you a clear choice, Sonko wanted to end tribalism, and we know his plan was very clear in Mombasa so we know he can also join us as we seek to liberate Mombasa county,” said Omar.

Addressing the media on Monday morning together with other UDA candidates including Nyali Mp Mohammed Ali, Senatorial candidate Khamis Mwaguya among others, Omar called on Mombasa residents to ensure they make informed decision in the August poll and vote for leaders with good track records.

Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and actor Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz the Bahd Guy, has released his fifth studio album titled BAHD, in the wee hours of Thursday, 9^th June, 2022.

The new album, released under his self-owned record label, Bahd Guys Entertainment, comprises 12 tracks and features Nigerian stars like Tiwa Savage, The Cavemen, BNXN, LAX, Chike, and new Mavin Records signee Boy Spyce.

Falz came into the limelight after he released the song “Marry Me” featuring vocals from Poe and Yemi Alade.

He has since dropped four albums “Wazup Guy in 2014″, Stories That Touch in 2015”, “27 in 2017”, and his fourth “Moral Instruction in 2019”.

BAHD comes three years after Falz’s last studio album, Moral Instruction, in which the 31-year-old heavily sampled the late Afrobeat icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and dealt extensively with socio-political themes including government corruption, religious hypocrisy and terrorism, and failing moral standards on the part of Nigerians.

His new album departs from that political tone, settling instead for the comic and light-hearted themes for which the rapper first came to be known.

Falz has since grown a reputation as a musician with a political streak since he, alongside colleague Runtown, led the first round of protests in Lagos State during the EndSARS campaign of October 2020.

Get the album HERE

Tanzanian singer Mbosso has opened up about his struggle with a chronic heart condition.

Speaking during an interview with Wasafi fm, Mbosso revealed that he has been having issues with his heart since childhood, an issue that has seen him visit several hospitals.

The singer revealed that the condition that causes his body to tremble was caused by a blockage in his arteries.

He further stated that there are times when the condition causes so much numbness in his body that he loses consciousness.

"I have been told my problems are due to my blood vessels being blocked by fat. It's a condition that I have had for a long time." said Mbosso.

Adding "The doctor told me my condition was probably going to get worse after the age of 30. He said it might lead me to never have children again without treatment."

He revealed that only his parents, his baby mamas and his boss Diamond Platnumz have been aware of the situation stating that he is planning to go for further treatment abroad.

 Femi One has just dropped the video for Hepi, the highly anticipated single that features fellow Kaka Empire label mate King Kaka and talented Mbithi.  

The upbeat song has the perfect vibe to get you into the party mood, with a catchy chorus listing all the ingredients that make up recipe ya hepi. 

The bound to be club banger and Tik Tok top trender is actually the second time that Femi One is featuring King Kaka.  

In Hepi,produced by Bern Mziki , Femi, King Kaka and Mbithi have tapped into their fun loving side while still delivering some killer signature punchlines. 

The hype and scenic video was shot and directed by Steve Mugo. 

Watch the video here

Mombasa county Health officials have reported an outbreak of dengue fever, a potentially fatal infection that has seen 700 samples collected from patients testing positive for the mosquito-borne tropical disease.

On Friday, Mombasa health chief officer Pauline Oginga warned that the situation could worsen due to heavy rains that have continued to pound coast region.

She said there were increased cases of fever in adults and children visiting hospitals in the six sub-counties in Mombasa.

We are going to start fogging but when can't go everywhere, we will start with the informal settlement where the cases are rampant but we emphasize that resdents take up prevention measures," said Oginga.

The county health official said the rains have created breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Dengue is spread by Aedes mosquito. Symptoms include Fever headache and joint pains.

"Dengue fever have doubled since last month,and we are urging the community to disinfect stagnant water and also ensure they go to public hospitals whenever that show signs of the fever,"said Oginga.

Similarly the county has also reported a surge on diarrhea cases with 8,648 cases being reported since last month.

"We are kindly requesting residents to use safe water for drinking and avoid drinking contaminated water, we still emphasize residents to observe all measures," she added.

The county has also raised alarm over the rising cases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mombasa.

"The positivity rate has gone up, we have moved from 0.8 to 4 percent as by 15 the, this means that people have relaxed observing containment measures, people have started shaking hands and this is causing the spread, so we are appealing to residents to mask up to avoid being infected," said Oginga.

"At least 460,000 people have been vaccinated in Mombasa.The uptake of second dose is at 54 percent and that is quite low,and booster we are at around 10,000 who have taken up the covid 19 booster shot," she added saying they are planning to increase the number further.

Speaking at the county health headquarters at Mwembe Tayari, Oginga emphasized on the need to continue observing the covid 19 containment measures.

"We are urging residents to kindly mask up, avoid shaking of hands and ensuring that they get vaccinated,” she added.

She said the county is keen to suppress the disease and is now asking residents who had taken full dose and about six months to go for a booster shot.