Kenya and Zambia have agreed to work together towards removing barriers that hinder trade and investment between the people of the two countries.

President Kenyatta said his discussions with visiting Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Wednesday focused on opportunities to harness the strong bonds of friendship as well as the business and economic ties including the removal of obstacles to trade.

“In this context, we have agreed to address the prevailing bottlenecks, including addressing ourselves to a few tariff and non-tariff barriers that bar our people from enjoying the freedom of trade amongst themselves,” President Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan leader spoke last evening during a State banquet he and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta hosted in honour of Zambian President Hichilema at State House, Nairobi.

President Kenyatta pointed out that he had also agreed with President Hichilema that the ministers responsible for trade of both countries will work together to expeditiously address the outstanding tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade.

“So this visit (by President Hichilema) is nothing more than a visit to reinforce and enhance the cooperation between our two countries as we seek to deepen that partnership for the mutual benefit of our respective people,” President Kenyatta said.

Noting that Kenya and Zambia were amongst the first two countries to sign and ratify the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), President Kenyatta affirmed Kenya’s commitment to working with Zambia and other African countries in improving the ease of doing business.

“And I want to assure you that the Kenya Government will continue to work with its partners in Zambia and across the African continent to continuously remove barriers to trade, continue to improve the ease of doing business, continue to open our borders to our brothers and sisters across the continent,” the President said.

He encouraged Zambian investors to not only make Kenya their investment destination of choice but also to look to their Kenyan counterparts as their investment partners of choice.

On his part, President Hichilema concurred on the need for Kenya and Zambia to work together in eradicating obstacles to trade and investment between the two countries.

He said time has come for the two countries to trade directly between them instead of passing through a third party.

“…how strange it is that sometimes we (Zambia) trade in goods from Kenya through Europe and vice versa. Really? Does that make sense? Absolutely not. That’s what we want to fix.

“So President Kenyatta, thank you for giving us this opportunity to advance that path walked by those who came before us. We know you are doing it for the people of Kenya, the people of Zambia and for Africa,” President Hichilema said.

The Zambian leader emphasized the need to ensure that the agreements and MOUs signed were implemented as the two countries move to redefine the way they work with each other to lower the cost of doing business between them.

Azimio La Umoja One-Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga, senior Government officials and members of the diplomatic corps also attended the State banquet.

The Chairperson of the Pamoja African Alliance Party (PAA) national election board Edward Mwachinga is dead.

According to reports, Mwachinga, collapsed and died at his home in Nairobi on Tuesday night, June 14, 2022.

Mwachinga, a lawyer by profession, from Kilifi county was recently appointed to the Kenya Kwanza Alliance's National Economic Taskforce by Deputy President William Ruto.

Kilifi governor Amason Kingi, who is also the PAA party leader, eulogized Mwachinga as diligent and dedicated person who advocated for inclusion of the Coast people at the national level.

"It goes without saying that as a County, and as a party, we have indeed lost a strong-willed scholar who gave everything when it came to empowering the lives of the Coastal people. May God rest his soul in peace." said Kingi.

On his part Mombasa deputy governor William Kingi described him as a brother and adviser.

"Mwachinga was always on hand to advise me on a wide range of issues. He took me with him like a brother introducing me to many. The PAA fraternity has also lost a dependable NEB Chairman who worked tirelessly for the nascent party.. Mwachinga you left us too soon." said Kingi.

The late Mwachinga was the guest of honour when Kingi who is eyeing the Mombasa governor seat unveiled his running mate and manifesto last month.

In his condolence message, hotelier Mohammed Hersi said Kilifi has lost one of its finest son terming him as a fine professional.

Hersi noted "What a fine Profesional and a genuine friend. I served with him on various boards with him and two weeks ago I shared a table with him in Mombasa when William Kingi was launching his Mombasa Gubernorial bid. Edward was very passionate about lifting the wellbeing of his community and matters Kilifi and Kenya coast was dear to his heart ."

A section of Orange democratic Movement (ODM) leaders from the Coast have asked governors Salim Mvurya of Kwale and Amason Kingi (Kilifi) to distance themselves from the agitation of transfer of port services to Naivasha claiming they are part of the problem.

The leaders said by virtue of the two leaders being aligned to the deputy president William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition that automatically classifies them as liars and enemies of the coastal people, as they have failed to fight for it during their period in leadership

Speaking in Mombasa on Tuesday, Kaloleni  Mp Paul Katana condemned the two governors asking them to stop lying to the coast that they will return to port operations when they form the next Kenya Kwanza government.

 “I want to tell Kingi and Mvurya to stop lying to our people that they will return port operations when they form Kenya Kwanza government, if they are genuine, they should have championed this matter through the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani which they are part.” Said Katana.

Katana has termed the pledge by the Kenya Kwanza leadership to revert port operations to Mombasa as a mockery and a ploy to get votes from electorates.

He said it’s shameful that the leaders think the solution of coastal problems lie with Kenya Kwanza.

“I want to tell our opponents in the UDA to stop pretending, we fought for the transfer of port operations in parliament, and surprisingly those who opposed it then, are the ones now playing saint. The time when our people got cheated is over,” said Katana.

Katana asked residents not to be duped by ‘sweet street’ promises issued by deputy president William Ruto and his coastal brigade as they are just tricks to win votes.

 He said the UDA leadership can’t offer solutions to the coastal people alleging that they are part of the problem.

Mvita Member of parliament Abdulswamad Nassir said the plight of Coastal people can only be solved by Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga as he understands well the economic challenges facing the region.

On her part Likoni Mp Mishi Mboko cautioned deputy President William Ruto against using the port issue for political gains.

“We the Coast people are not going to allow such politics, we are not fools so stop thinking that you will fool our people, those days are long gone.” Said Mboko.

The leaders were addressing the media at the Shariff Nassir secretariat on Tuesday evening.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib maintained that the Coast region is still an ODM zone cautioning Kenya Kwanza leaders against attacking Mombasa governor Hassan Joho.

“Why are they profiling governor Joho yet he was the one in the forefront fighting for the port.” Posed Twalib.

“They abused us telling us that we don’t have the right education to understand these things, now they are here playing saint, they want to cheat our people, we will not accept that.” said Twalib.

The Mombasa high court has declined to issue orders to quash the decision by the Independent electoral and boundaries commission ( IEBC) decision not to clear former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko to vie for the Mombasa governor seat.

In his ruling on Tuesday morning via a virtual court session, Mombasa resident judge, John Mativo said it was prudent for the court to hear preliminary objection(PO) raised by the Independent electoral and boundaries commission,(IEBC)through its lawyer Edwin Mukele who tabled a preliminary objection indicating that the court had no jurisdiction to hear the petition.

Mativo noted " Am alive to the fact that ,the application is pending before me. I'm of the opinion that issues raised by IEBC on if the court can hear the petition are of importance l therefore allow for adjournment to allow time for IEBC time to argue the preliminary objection."

Justice Mativo pointed out that there are  similar disputes that had been filed and are pending before other forums and that  he was hesitant to issue the interim orders as sought since such orders may interfere with other related matters.

The matter will be heard on July 17 2022

Tanzanian singer Zuchu is gearing up for the release of her debut album.

The 'Nyumba Ndogo' hitmaker made the revelation through her instagram story without divulging more information concerning the album.

"Making history Am grateful my album is coming" she posted.

The WCB wasafi signee recently made history for being the first female East African singer to reach over 2 million subscribers on YouTube.

This made her the 4th female artiste in Africa to reach that milestone after Nigeria's Yemi Alade. She has also garnered a total of over 327 million views from her music videos.

"Thank you so much, 2,000,000 million subscribers on YouTube. First East African female artist to ever reach this milestone! The 4th female artist in Africa. Mind you, within just two years in the music industry. God is good. We cannot stop now, we have a life to live, a country to represent and a point to prove. Let's keep pushing.”  she noted.

In 2020, Zuchu released her 7-track debut Ep titled 'IM ZUCHU'.

Mombasa governor aspirant Abdulswamand Nassir has pledged to scrap what he termed as unreasonable levies imposed on creative industry in Mombasa should he form the next county government.

Nassir regretted film makers in Mombasa have to contend with exorbitant charges levied when making films thus jeopardizing the sector's social economic growth.

“If you want to do movies in Mombasa there is a certain levy that you have to pay, we are saying scrap all that. One of the biggest hindrances of this creative economy is this unnecessary charge that we have to pay,” said Nassir.

Nassir who is seeking to succeed governor Hassan Joho has outlined among others his plans to spur the fast growing creative industry by ensuring a good thriving environment for sector players.

“We want them to come on board, and In the process of that it is easier for them to tap into local talent, without necessarily having to source people from outside, as long as that talent is from here it will be cost effective,” Said Nassir while addressing student leaders at Komblez hall.

According to the Mvita Mp, his government will set aside a special fund, to help start ups with capital. He said giant companies and film producers will be brought on board to steer the agenda.

“We will create a certain amount of money, as start up capital in the creative industry, and then we will allow an annual extravaganza where the theatre, like in Zanzibar film festival, where you get foreign producers companies to come on board,” said Nassir.

Last month, Nassir held a meeting with a section of creatives from the county where he promised revamp and enhance the directorate of culture and arts to ensure Creatives get the necessary support to turn their talents into livelihoods.

 Nassir further promised to scrap or review license fees imposed by small economies like Mama Samaki and Mama Mboga so that their businesses can thrive.  He said many of the small businesses have suffered due to a very poor environment imposed by the outgoing administration.

”If you tell a lady frying fish to pay sh 7,000 all together, do you think she is able, but if you make it conducive, it can work for them,” he added.

“We will have a revolving fund that will be given as interest free loans that will be accessed by these grassroots economies,” said Nassir saying this has been practical in Mvuita where sh 15 Million is revolving for the past few years.

On issues of drug abuse, Nassir said his government will empower drug rehabilitation centers to ensure they are well stocked with requisite medication so as to accommodate those seeking rehabilitation services.

“Those that have been exposed will have a center where they will continue to get rehabilitation services and we will do so by ensuring we stock and empower the drug rehab centers so as to offer required functions,” said Nassir.

On education matters, as captured in his manifesto, he said he will introduce a system of governance that will factor in needy students in their villages. This according to him will see services devolved to the villages to ensure the needy rightfully benefit.

“We will form grassroots committee’s with civil society groups, religious leaders and all stakeholders who will do vetting within the sub counties so that no needy student is left out and instill transparency in the whole process, “Nassir added.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Nyali constituency aspirant Said Abdalla has warned against importation of voters into Nyali constituency during the August 9 general elections.

Abdalla alleged that there is a plot by a section of politicians to import voters from neighbouring constituencies to vote in Nyali, saying that will jeopardize the rights of indigenous voters and residents.

Abdalla who believes the voters were imported to register as voters during the registration exercise is now urging Authorities to stay alert and ensure that does not happen as it  spark political conflict.

“The big problem we have in Nyali is that we hear there are voters who came from different constituencies to vote in our constituency, our people may not be happy with that because this is unfair and will jeopardize the rights of genuine voters and residents of Nyali.” said Abdalla.

He said residents will reject that motive in totality. He said IEBC has not considered the matter even after it was reported to the commission before.

“Its within the jurisdiction of authorities to ensure those who participate in the elections are real residents of Nyali,” said Abdalla.

Speaking during a door to door campaign to rally residents in Freetown and Kongowea Abdalla further said his leadership will focus on education and creating jobs for the jobless youth.

“Our mission is to empower women and youth, therefore we ask Nyali electorate to give us leadership so that we can deliver development to them because Nyali is a county inhabited by both poor and the rich,” said Abdalla.

Abdalla said he will focus on people oriented development once he gets elected in the August 9 general elections. He asked youth and women groups to join his campaign so that they can reap from his leadership after elections.

Abdalla who will be making a second stab in the August 9 election, was awarded the ODM nomination ticket by the independent electoral and boundaries commission IEBC to Contest in the Nyali constituency against incumbent Mp Mohamed Ali.

Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan is currently in the country, Kenya for business. She jetted into the country on Wednesday.

She hosted the annual Zari all white party on Thursday at the XS Millionaires club. The mother of five also unveiled a mega mansion courtesy of  Kenyan interior design and consultancy firm Fine Urban and Construction Interiors.

While in Kenya. Zari was gifted a portrait of her late Mother Halima Hassan.

In a video seen by Ommy Dallah, the businesswoman was overwhelmed by emotions upon seeing the portrait with her manager Galston Anthony seen consoling her.

Zari's mother died in 2017 after a short illness and was buried according to Islamic traditions in her rural home, Mityana district in Uganda. Among those who attended the burial was Zari's baby daddy singer Diamond Platnumz.

Award winning Jamaican-American reggae singer,Tarus Riley is set to headline the upcoming 30th Edition of the Koroga Festival.

The Koroga Festival which will coincide with the World Rally championship will take place from June 23th to June 26th, at the Garden on Moi South Lake Road, Naivasha.

It will be the first-ever recreational village where rally fans can be engaged, fed, and entertained for the duration of 4 days during the WRC Safari Rally Kenya.

Koroga Festival will be 3 days of absolute ‘enjoyment’ in Naivasha which will then culminate into the final Day 4 of the most energetic line-up; featuring DJ G Money, DJ Protege and The King of the decks, Capital FM’s DJ Adrian, while music artists Kamanu, Graviti Band and Nviiri The Story Teller will be the performing acts on stage. Super star Tarrus Riley will ‘close’ the night.

Farida Idris, Capital Group’s Commercial Director and the Project Director Koroga Festival, thanked H.E. President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta for initiating and following through with the sporting spectacle together with the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Heritage.  Last year, President Kenyatta announced that Kenya would host WRC Safari Rally every year until 2026. 

“The WRC Koroga Festival will be a four-day food, fashion, and music festival that will bring us the best talent from across the continent to showcase the best we have from here in Kenya and around the region. We will bring together the best Kenyan DJ’s, and the best artists and create an opportunity to enjoy the Safari Rally on a totally different level,” Idris stated

Uber has released its Lost & Found Index 2022, outlining interesting and sometimes bizarre items customers mostly forget across the country. 

The annual Uber Lost & Found Index provides a snapshot of  riders’ most commonly forgotten items and most unique lost items - and this year won’t be any different.

The Index highlights which cities have been most forgetful, which days of the week riders forget items most, and of course, tips on how to get your lost items back using the Uber app. 

“We’re back with Uber’s annual Lost & Found Index. As the world gets going again, we look forward to helping return these lost items, no matter how unique they may be,” says Lorraine Onduru, Head of Communications for East and West Africa, Uber. 

Keys, wallets or purses and phones made the usual list of items left by Uber riders. While the unusual list of items included: nail cutters, coffee mugs and photos; water bottles, electronics, luggage bags and chargers were among the most regularly forgotten items. 

According to the Uber Lost & Found Index, Nairobi topped the list as the most forgetful city in Kenya. The company also reported that users mostly forgot their items on Mondays and Fridays .

See the full details below:

 The 10 Most Commonly Forgotten Items in Kenya:

1. Phones 
2. Keys
3. Wallets/purses
4. Electronics
5. Bag/luggage 
6. Sunglasses
7. Debit cards
8. Chargers 
9. Caps
10. Water bottles 

Most unusual items left behind 

1. Coffee Mug
2. Clothing 
3. Make-up
4. Photos
5. Black cloth
6. Nail cutter
7. Brown envelopes

 The Most "Forgetful” City:

• Nairobi

 Most Forgetful Days:

• As we’ve seen consistently across Kenya, Uber riders are most forgetful on Fridays and Mondays

If you’re one of those people who left something behind, look no further than this help page, which outlines the simple steps you can take the next time you leave something behind in your Uber

The best way to retrieve a lost item is to call the driver - but if you leave your phone itself in an Uber, you can login to your account on a computer. Here’s what to do:

1. Tap “Your Trips” and select the trip where you left something
2. Tap “I lost an item”
3. Tap “Contact driver about a lost item”
4. Scroll down and enter the phone number you would like to be contacted at. Tap submit.
5. If you lost your personal phone, enter a friend’s phone number (you can do this by logging into your account on a computer, or using a friend’s phone).
6. Your phone will ring and connect you directly with your driver’s mobile number.
7. If your driver picks up and confirms that your item has been found, coordinate a mutually convenient time and place to meet for its return to you.
8. If your driver doesn’t pick up, leave a detailed voicemail describing your item and the best way to contact you.

So whether you forgot your groceries for the month or you’re stuck outside because you forgot your keys on the ride,  don’t despair - help is at your fingertips!