President Uhuru Kenyatta has restated his commitment to fulfil his election pledges key among them being the expansion of electricity connectivity, opening up of more roads and accelerating the growth of small businesses.

“We want to ensure that every Kenyan has access to electricity both for domestic and for income generating activities such as welding, hairdressing businesses and milk cooling plants for farmers,” President Kenyatta said.

The President spoke Monday evening at Kimahuri in Kieni East, Nyeri County where he commissioned a last mile electricity connectivity project that will benefit 216 households and several public institutions including schools, markets and health centres.

He said over 70 percent of homes in Kenya were connected to the national grid compared to only that 30 percent that had electricity when he took over the nation's leadership in 2013.

Addressing area residents shortly after switching on electricity in Mama Lydia Njeri Kahuthu's house, the Head of State announced Government plans to tarmac the Sagana-Ndathi-Naromoru Road, set up a milk cooling facility, and a hospital in the area.

“This road will ease the transportation of goods in this area. It will particularly help farmers to access markets for their produce beyond the region,” the President said.

Once again, the President, who is on a working visit of Central Kenya, reiterated his call for national unity saying that is the only way to ensure the current development momentum is not lost.

On BBI, the Head of State rallied area residents to support the law reform process saying its proposals will ensure sufficient resources go to the counties to benefit wananchi.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe and area MP Kanini Kega also spoke at the launch event that was attended by several Central Kenya leaders.

The Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa has officially reopened it's beach bar, Fins Beach Bar & Grill after undergoing refurbishment.

Sprawled along the spectacular Diani Beach overlooking the Indian Ocean, Fins Beach Bar & Grill serves up a variety of cuisines in a casually-elegant venue.

The bar provides a breezy spot to enjoy a signature Zuri cocktail or aperitif paired perfectly with our chef-inspired small bites and snacks.

Fins Beach Bar and Grill, which is now open to both in-house and walk-in guests, has been referred by many, as a gem nestled under swaying coconut palms that not only offers a relaxing ambience but also Instagrammable views to match.

Guests can have the option to savour long, leisurely lunches or intimate, romantic dinners. Whichever mood you’re in, Fins Beach Bar & Grill has got you covered.

Spins at Fins, a destination within a destination - is the ultimate themed event hosted at Fins Beach Bar & Grill every Saturday featuring Oceanik (DJ Evan Rhodes and Scott the Violinist) and other local artists.

It is the gift that keeps on giving because of the good vibes it gives the guests as they kick-start their weekend.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned former cabinet minister Simeon Nyachae who passed away today as an icon of Kenya's progress through the years.

In a message of comfort to the family of the independence era provincial administrator, the President said the late Nyachae's successful transition from public service to the world of business and politics was a demonstration that focus and hard work pays.

The Head of State regretted the passing away of Hon Simeon Nyachae saying death had robbed Kenya of a wise statesman whose long service to the nation helped shape the country's standing as one of Africa's most progressive economies.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Mzee Simeon Nyachae, a distinguished son of Kenya, a friend and a man whose contribution to the making of the Kenyan nation will remain with us for eternity.

"Throughout his many years of service to the nation, right from his time in the provincial administration through to his transition into business and politics, Mzee Nyachae exhibited exemplary zeal to succeed and as he exits from this world, he leaves behind a rich legacy of success," President Kenyatta eulogised.

The Head of State recalled his interactions with Hon Simeon Nyachae over the years saying the former Nyaribari Chache MP was a jolly, accessible and dependable elder whose wise counsel and friendship he will miss.

"I recall with nostalgia my many interactions with Mzee Nyachae over the years. As an elder and friend, Mzee Nyachae always had a word of wisdom and encouragement for me. Many will remember and miss Mzee Nyachae's warm personality and especially his hearty and infectious laughter," President Kenyatta recalled.

The President prayed to God to comfort the family of Mzee Nyachae and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss of their departed patriarch.

Born in 1932 to the legendary colonial-era chief Musa Nyandusi, Nyachae belonged to the first crop of British-trained African administrators who also made it big in business.

He attended Torquay College, UK, between 1957 and 1959 and later Churchill College, Cambridge.

He rose through the ranks from a District officer in Kangundo and other parts of Machakos District in 1963 to a Provincial Commissioner between 1965 and 1979 and later the Head of Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet in the Moi administration.

He vied and won the Nyaribari Chache seat on a Kanu ticket in 1992.

Nyachae died on February 1 at the Nairobi Hospital.

Wasafi Classic Baby (WCB) signee Raymond Shaban Mwakyusa aka Rayvanny, has just released his first album.

The album titled 'Sound from Africa' has a total of 23 songs.

"My First Album in my Music career , Thanks God For this one" he posted on twitter.

American singer Enisa is among those featured in the album, in the song 'Number one' remix.

Others are Diamond Platnumz, Mbosso, Joe Boy, Kiss Daniel, Saida Karoli, Rowlene and Jah Prayzah.

Kenyan singer Tanasha Donna has hinted to her fans and followers that more hits are cooking and she will be releasing them soon.

Speaking to the media in Mombasa, Tanasha who is currently in the coastal town for a video shoot with Nigerian artist Bad Boy Timz, revealed that she already has in store two songs with Tanzanian singer Nandy.

"My fans should expect alot, there are two songs coming up with Nandy, there is also a song am doing with Tommy Flavour from Kings Music. So there is alot of stuff coming. For now I cannot talk about them all but soon you will see them" she said.

Adding “Expect a new, refined, better version of Tanasha Donna this year, music wise,”

On his part Bad Boy Timz promised the song will be a hit saying was happy to work with Tanasha.

"Of course it will be a hit. Just be patient and you will see" said Bad Boy Timz.

According to Tanasha, they met  through a mutual friend, Master Tee.

“Funny thing is he intimidated me a lot the first time. He recorded his verse within 10 minutes,” she said.

The songbird also shared her experience working with Bahati in the song 'Óne and Only'

With a road network comprising just over 177 000 Km, Kenya boasts an impressive transportation grid that connects locals.

Uber, which launched just six years ago, has steadily pioneered the country into smarter logistic solutions that now enable safer, more affordable and convenient travel at just a tap of the button.

A smarter city

Uber focuses its efforts on providing holistic lifestyle solutions that cater to the needs of Kenyans, to make getting around easier and getting what they want delivered, done faster.

Since its launch in 2015 in Nairobi, followed by Mombasa, Uber has introduced four unique travel options.

These include the popular UberX,  and a few years ago, Uber localised its product offering to roll out UberCHAPCHAP and UberBODA. UberAssist, designed specifically for those with mobility needs, rounds out the available options. 

“Coming to Kenya, we immediately had to adapt our product lines to better serve the community given Kenya’s robust and unique way of life. With UberCHAPCHAP and UberBODA, we offer not just an authentic Kenyan travel experience but also create a sustainable economic opportunity for drivers who already own these vehicles,” says Brian Njao, Head of Uber in East Africa.

Given the variety of options available for travel, Uber offers drivers a unique earning opportunity as they build their very own micro-business.

With Partner Rewards, drivers are able to further reduce their running costs with additional discounts and benefits to earn more from each trip taken. 

Safety as a standard

In the past six years, ride-hailing has seen tremendous growth in Kenya and has contributed to enhanced road safety and personal safety as people now prefer to get into a vehicle where they know that their driver has been vetted, can be identified easily, and each trip is traceable on GPS, backed by 24/7 in-app assistance.

Uber has introduced the safety toolkit, which includes the in-app emergency button that connects the driver or rider to third-party security or medical assistance and Trusted Contacts that allow riders to share their trip status with up to 5 selected contacts. 

As travel still proves to be an integral part of any economic robustion, Uber has further developed safety mechanisms in response to COVID-19, including a pre-trip safety checklist, world-first mask recognition technology and financial assistance to drivers who had been placed on quarantine by a medical professional. 

Investing in East Africa

Uber is now available in three countries across the East African region, including Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, offering a bevvy of product-line services aimed to assist in creating lifestyle solutions that work.

With over 12 000 active drivers across Kenya alone, Uber creates a platform for flexible work and more earning opportunities.

To ensure drivers could still earn during the pandemic, the app launched Uber Connect in Kenya and Uganda, which provides affordable same-day delivery of specific goods that can be used by both businesses and everyday locals. 

Drivers have a number of established channels available for their individual concerns such as 24/7 in-app messages and support, emails, blog posts, while having access to an emergency button to connect them to a third-party medical or security outlet for immediate assistance. 

Uber Eats launched in Kenya in 2018 and has become a fan-favourite delivery option, with orders contactlessly delivered in under 30 minutes.

The app has also provided a unique earning platform for both delivery-drivers and restaurants across Nairobi and Mombasa, especially during the pandemic by the use of a virtual kitchen.

By serving their customer-base only via delivery, it limits their running cost and increases their order in-take. 

“East Africa is at the forefront of a transition that will see its cities catalyse technology to provide smarter solutions for locals.

Uber plans to further invest across the region to ensure that we continue to provide affordable, safe and convenient travel and lifestyle options to locals,” concluded Njao. 

In just six years, one app has already revolutionised the way Africa travels, and with more on the way it's an exciting time to see just how far logistics can develop thanks to technology. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged the youth to take charge of their future as he rallied them to support the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Saying the country’s young people have the potential to propel the country to the next level of progress, the President cautioned them against falling prey to politicians dishing out handouts and spreading falsehoods against BBI.

"Come on, be awake and take control of your future because if you don’t, the people who will suffer the most is you and you will not have anyone to blame but yourself,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State spoke on Sunday at Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri County where he engaged the youth from Mt Kenya and its neighbouring Counties on issues affecting them.

At the same time, President Kenyatta encouraged the youth to be focused and go for national leadership positions to build on the development momentum the country has gained.

“Brothers and sisters, the country has a bright future. We have laid a solid foundation that has been built on previous foundations. Don’t destroy that foundation in search of false hope. Protect it," the President told the over 700 young people.

Noting that the youth represent close to 70 percent of the country’s population, President Kenyatta said they deserve more opportunities as proposed in the BBI document.

He asked all leaders to work together and put in place an enabling environment and the right policies to end poverty.

The President said the proposed reforms contained in the BBI document will fix the constitutional gaps in the 2010 Constitution and provide permanent solutions to the challenges facing the country especially the youth.

He emphasized the need for institutional change and a change of mindset that will enable the youth to be self sufficient and independent.

“There are institutional problems in our country that must be resolved. If we don’t resolve these institutional problems, we are not going to resolve the problem of poverty and we are not going to meet the expectations of our young people. It is not possible,” the President said.

Speaking during the meeting, the youth assured the Head of State that they will stand firm behind him in support of BBI.

They extolled the benefits contained in the proposed changes that include exemption of youthful entrepreneurs from paying taxes for a period of seven years from the moment they register their business.

The youths, who included CAS Zack Kinuthia and Commissioner Wambui Nyutu, also applauded BBI, saying it will help the country to achieve the two thirds gender rule.

“We will market the document to the rest of the youth in the country because it represents our aspirations,” Commissioner Wambui Nyutu said.

Earlier, President Kenyatta made an impromptu inspection visit of the new Shs 1 billion Chaka Market shortly after attending Sunday Mass at the neighbouring Arch Angel Michael Chaka Catholic Parish.

Speaking to jubilant Chaka Town residents who turned up to receive him, the Head of State said the modern market which is 98 percent complete will transform livelihoods in the area by providing a conducive environment for traders to do business and farmers to sell their produce.

Kenyan singer Tanasha Donna was the talk of town for the better part of last week after a video of his baby daddy Diamond Platnumz allegedly snubbing her kiss on stage went ciral.

In the video Tanasha is seen leaning towards Diamond Platnumz as she puts her hands on his back while on stage in one of the popular clubs in Daresalaam, with their hit song 'Gere' playing on the background.

The video attracted alot of reactions.

However, Tanasha, who is in Mombasa for a video shoot with Nigerian artist Bad Boy Timz said a lot of people misinterpritated the video.

"I'm not the type to do public display of affection, if I want to kiss someone I will do it indoors" said Tanasha.

Adding " As a matter of fact I did not know if he would call me on stage, we went to party next thing was ''Tanasha Donna we need you on stage'' so I was trying to ask him why he did not tell me".

On negative reactions and comments she said "If you are a celebrity expect bith sides, people will love you others will hate, even Jesus was not loved by all".

President Uhuru Kenyatta has told Kenyans to support the BBI law reform process by outlining its benefits to the country especially to the Counties where more resources will be channeled with its passage.

At the same time, the President advised Kenyans to be wary of politicians opposed to the BBI process saying they are not being sincere in their opposition to the popular initiative.

“BBI is about allocating more resources to the grassroots. Kenyans should not be fooled by a section of politicians opposed to the document to further their selfish interests at the expense of the common good", President Kenyatta posed.

Adding “For instance, is it wrong to have more resources allocated to counties. And if it is not wrong, why are they opposing the BBI document,” 

The President spoke on Saturday at Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri County where he addressed over 7,000 leaders from Mt Kenya and its neighbouring Counties on the second day of his working visit in the region.

Contrary to the perception created by the anti-BBI crusaders, President Kenyatta said he consulted widely and reached out to various stakeholders before kicking off the BBI process whose intention, he said, is to safeguard the rights and liberties of every Kenyan.

“From the wide consultation, it is clear that BBI will unite the country, entrench peace as well as ensure equity, fairness and justice,” President Kenyatta told the delegates who included leaders of business, community, women, youth and other interest groups.

Once again, the Head of State reiterated his commitment to leaving behind a legacy of a peaceful and united country where every Kenyan will enjoy their socio-economic and political rights without the fear of infringement, saying BBI will help achieve that goal.

“I want to leave the country in a state where those in leadership are accountable for their actions and no one can misuse their authority to trample on the rights of the citizens,” President Kenyatta said.

The President asked the politicians to stop using the youth to cause violence, saying they should instead be engaged in finding lasting solutions to their challenges as proposed by BBI.

Speaking at the meeting, the leaders acknowledged the benefits of BBI and vowed to market it at all levels from the grassroots to Parliament.

They also affirmed their support to President Kenyatta’s leadership, saying it has transformed the region and the country at large.

The leaders representing all levels of society from Governors, Senators, opinion shapers to youth, women and businessmen said they will speak with one voice to ensure that the country is united.

They also spoke against the “Hustler” and “Dynasty” narrative being peddled by the anti-BBI politicians, saying it is a divisive propaganda that could plunge the country into social class conflicts.

Today’s meeting follows a similar one held yesterday at the same venue where 550 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and their respective leadership teams endorsed the BBI document.