Ommy Dallah
Nassir Roots For Water Transport Partnership In Meeting With Danish Delegation
A Danish investment and development delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark Lars Løkke Rasmussen has today held a consultative meeting with Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, and other top county leaders in efforts to identify potential areas of investment and development partnerships.
The talks held at the Governor's office centered around possible areas of partnership and collaboration in Maritime Affairs given the strategic global positioning that Denmark enjoys in the sector.
During the meeting which was also attended by the Danish Ambassador to Kenya Ole Thonke, Governor Nassir made an impassioned case for private public partnership to establish modern water transport networks to ease traffic congestion in Mombasa.
“Mombasa is ready to step into the modern age as the primary logistics hub for the Horn of Africa. Mass urban transport will be key to facilitating economic growth. This is why Mombasa has advertised for an expression of interest to implement modern water transport through PPP,” said Nassir.
Denmark boasts of several popular modern domestic ferry routes to connect the various Islands.
The leaders also took time to review the progress of the devolved government since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
Rasmussen on his part stated that Denmark shall remain a dependable economic partner and ally to Kenya and by extension, Mombasa.
The Foreign affairs Minister who has previously served as a Mayor and a Prime Minister noted that the partnerships between both nations will continue even as they navigate the emerging challenges of the present day.
I Hold No Grudges, Says Omar
EALA member of parliament Hassan Omar on Tuesday said he has no personal issues with his political rivals.
Omar who is also the UDA Vice Chairperson said his style of politics is different from many politicians especially in Mombasa.
Speaking during an empowerment forum for persons with disabilities at the YMCA Kizingo, Omar challenged his fellow politicians to change their style of politics.
" We had issues with Hasssan Joho, Abu Joho and even the current governor Abdulswamad Nassir during the previous elections and campaigns but you will not find me sitting in a table where people are planning for their downfall" said Omar.
Adding " It is high time that we realise that we are one, we all work for the people of Mombasa. If Mombasa fails today we all fail. Mombasa needs to be one".
Omar took issue with Nyali Mp Mohammed Ali over his style of politics and attacks on fellow leaders terming him as a rumour monger.
Omar charged " We all know what you are good at, spreading rumours and lies. You need to stop this. Why do you have to attack each and everyone whenever you get the opportunity to speak, we are also capable of doing that but we have just deciding to keep quiet. Who do you think you are, you need to stop this."
"You are painting a bad picture of our President William Ruto and our UDA party as a member. Why should it always be you complaining and quarelling with everyone. You come up with all sorts of stories everyday of people planning bad things about you. This is not right."
Omar also took the opportunity to call on UDA politicians in Mombasa to embrace and work with other leaders and politicians from different partis.
"Your enemy today might be your friend tomorrow, you never know so let us please work together, we need each other".
The legislator further callled on youths from the county to come out in large numbers during this years Kenya Defence forces (KDF) recruitment exercise set for end of this month (August ).
World's Largest Floating Library MV Logos Hope Docks In Mombasa
The World largest floating library MV Logos has finally docked in Mombasa.
The 132-metre-long floating library, operated by GBA Ships, a non-profit organisation based in Germany, docked in Mombasa a few minutes past nine at the Mbaraki wharf within the Mombasa port with approximately 350 people on board.
On her maiden call, MV Logos comes to the East African Coast after an 18-year hiatus following a visit by a sister vessel- MV Dulos in 2005, was received by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Mombasa county government officials.
Shabana Fc Embarks On Fans Recruitment Drive In Coast
Kenya premier league side Shabana Fc have embarked on an extensive fans registration drive at the coastal region in a bid to increase its fanbase.
The club's coast region top brass led by Ronald Muma have held series of meetings at the Mbaraki sports club planning how to support the club.
Speaking after chairing the meeting held at the Mbarakinsports club,Muma said their mission is to make the clubs visibility at the coastal region.
"We held meeting to discuss how we can come together to support the club in all aspects as it is a community club which depends on its fanbase to run affairs of the team,"said Muma.
Shabana Coast top brass is composed of Treasurer Edwin Ombati, secretary Douglas Nyamache,and organizing secretary Duke Osoro among others.
Alikiba's Wife Amina Takes Legal Action Against Diamond Platnumz
Alikiba's Kenyan wife Amina Khelef has had enough of singer Diamond Platnumz.
Amina has now decided to take action against Diamond Platnumz by sending him a demand letter calling for an apology for a malicious and false social media post made on August 1.
The letter shared on Amina’s Instagram page, dated August 10, alleges that Diamond’s remarks were defamatory and damaging to Amina’s reputation.
“Our named client has never had any unprofessional, immoral, unbecoming, and/or suspicious interaction with yourself as alleged. That at all times she has kept her distance from all the social media wrangles between yourself and any other artist not limited to her husband… Your miscalculated words are demeaning to her and her entire family bearing in mind she is a widely known person both individually and in various social media pages.” reads part of the demand letter.
https://ommydalla.co.ke/gossip/item/3374-diamond-drags-kiba-s-wife-in-their-latest-brawl
On his part, Diamond's legal team denied any wrongdoing .
“Our Client has never stated anywhere to have unprofessional, immoral, unbecoming, and/or suspicious interactions with your client. It is very unfortunate that your letter does not state in extenso which and when the alleged post mentioned your client goes by the name of AMINA KHALEF… If at all the use of the name ‘Amina’ is the problem, has it crossed your mind, how many people by the name of ‘Amina’ can come forward and claim for defamation?” reads Diamond's lawyer response.
Afropop Queen Yemi Alade Drops New Single ' Fear Love'
Afropop global music star Yemi Alade is back with a brand new hit record - “Fear Love” - a groovy and Afro-fusion track .
Written by Yemi Alade alongside Kunmi and produced by Hulla; “Fear Love” is a groovy and easy listen with addictive percussion influences adding onto a rich musical experience.
Yemi continues to command the world stage in 2023 alongside The African Train Band.
Her AFRICAN BADDIE WORLD TOUR ‘23 is currently making stops in America and Europe with electrifying performances to sold out venues.
She took some time to reflect on “Fear Love” saying, “This song came to me at a time when I needed to voice these thoughts. It's like therapy, if you let it sink in.”
The lyrics and melodies to this song ring a bell for many. Insecurity shows up in different forms like when you find someone to show deep affection for. The new single takes on such moments when you develop feelings for someone or experience love but still remain cautious - safeguarding your heart.
“Fear Love” follows the success of “Fake Friends (Iró Òre)” - the lead single off Yemi’s upcoming seventh body of work set for release in the last quarter of 2023.
She shares more, “My upcoming album is a representation of my thoughts, needs, experiences, stories, ideas and my desire to connect with every listener on each song. Every song is potent with stories.”
Yemi continues to rule charts in 2023 with fan favorites hits like “Pounds & Dollars” feat Phyno, “Baddie”, “Jojo” feat. Bisa Kdei and “Bright Future” with Mr Vegas. These releases have cumulatively surpassed 20 million views on YouTube - only.
2023 Jiangsu - Africa Cooperation Conference Comes To A Close In Zhenjiang
The 2023 Jiangsu-Africa Cooperation Conference came to a close on Friday with Kenya reaffirming its commitment to the Dakar Action Plan of the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the development pillars of the Global Development Initiative.
The Kenyan delegation led by Brian Wachira Chomba,Second Secretary at the Kenya Embassy in China noted that the initiative will deepen cooperation with Jiangsu, particularly in areas aligned to Kenya’s development agenda most notably Hi-tech agriculture, Industrialization, digital economy, and housing.
“China being a major producer of horticultural products, young educated tech-savvy population, advanced banking, high-level internet infrastructure, and leading clean energy country, Kenya is keen to collaborate with Jiangsu province to further enhance this brotherhood in the spirit of People to People exchange,” Chomba said.
The Kenyan envoy also called on the Chinese provincial governments to take advantage of available opportunities by providing solutions that reach down to the people through President Dr. William Ruto’s Bottom-up Transformation Agenda(BETA) saying Kenya will open tenders in four key areas of national development namely Universal Health Care, Manufacturing, Food Security and Affordable Housing adding that through bilateral relationship build over the years Kenya is committed to building win-win partnerships with China in all aspects of development, economic and trade.
“Kenya has already benefitted from this cooperation through the SGR railway, Mombasa port expansion, several road projects and most recently East Africa’s first elevated express highway. Through the excellent bilateral relationship build over the years, the foundation is set for engagement with the Chinese provincial governments where platforms that bring together professionals from various fields, take advantage of available opportunities by providing solutions that reach down to the people,” Chomba said.
Chinese leaders pledged to deepen the ties and affirming for more engagements with Africa on the development themes discussed in the last Forum for China-Africa Cooperation in Dakar, Senegal. Zhou, Yang Jing – deputy director general of Foreign Affairs office of Jiangsu provincial people’s government, added that Jiangsu will add more to the doctors that will be sent to African hospitals saying this will attract more students to live and acquire education in China.
“We need to keep our ties together, deepen our relationship and communication further this is the success to the principle of shared interest between China and Africa” Yang said.
The meeting also brought together other African envoys in China including Namibia’s Elia Kaiyamo, Phuti Tsipa – consul general of South Africa in Shanghai, Taofik Obasanjo – consul of Education Affairs, Nigeria among other senior Chinese diplomats
African leaders called on Cooperation with Africa in order to achieve the promise of shared prosperity. They say this can only be achieved by advancing the people-to- people contact and promoting culture among member states partnering with China.
KPA Management Lauded For Maintaining Order At The Likoni Ferry Crossing Channel
The new security team at the Likoni ferry crossing channel has been lauded for maintaining order at the channel.
According to Caucus youth group (CYA), a local lobby mainly operating in Likoni, there has been major improvements in the crossing channel in maintaining order with little incidents as it used to be experienced before.
Addressing members of the media on Wednesday CYA secretary general Evans Momanyi noted that most residents of Likoni who mostly use the ferries have experienced satisfaction with how the new security team is handling it's work.
"It would be important to note that a great level of improvement in general order and arrangements are being witnessed lately at the Island and mainland crossings. Safety barriers have been introduced and personnel who appear generally motivated" said Momanyi.
Adding" In our effort to understand how this has been achieved in a short time against a backdrop of disorder and mishaps that used to be witnessed in the past, we carried out a random interview among the security personnel and most agreed that things have changed."
Momanyi further stated that this has also improved businesses both in the Island and Mainland.
Momanyi noted "Before we used to get complains especially from tourists that they are spending alot of time at the ferry because of lack of order but now things have changed and are moving, we would like to congratulate the KPA management for this."
The Kenya ferry services (KFS) was dissolved in 2020 with KPA taking over its operations.
On his part Omar Juma, a daily user of the ferry who resides in Likoni said he now gets easy time crossing the channel unlike before.
"We used to suffer alot before, spending alot of hours waiting to cross over but we thank God that things have now changed." said Omar.
Kenya, China Sign MOU On Arts & Film Development
The Ministry of youth affairs, Art and Sports has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Chinese government on Arts & film development.
The MOU was signed by Youth affairs, Arts and Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba and the Chinese Minister for Culture and Tourism Hu Heping on Monday evening.
The signing of the MOU which was witnessed by Chinese ambassador to Kenya Zhou PingJian, PS Ismail Maalim and Kenya's representative from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, seeks to strengthen cinematic ties between the two nations as well as deepening the 60-year relationship between Kenya and China.
"We are delighted to sign this MOU between our nations, to develop the areas of arts and film and also to celebrate the corporation in film between China and Kenya. We believe the potential in Film and the arts is immense and that film is a major component of our flagship #TalantaHela program, which seeks to monetize talents and build sustainable livelihoods," said Namwamba.
"We consider Film as a powerful tool for exposing our culture and cultural corporation besides being a powerful tool for employment creation, " he added.
CS Ababu assured the Chinese delegation that Kenya was happy to continue exploring new areas of collaboration that can further strengthen the 60-year-old bond as well as improve Kenya-China bilateral engagements.
"I have had a good conversation with Ambassador on exploring areas of creative economy, and I am happy that he has been welcoming in exploring these areas of partnership. The government considers the creative economy as an important Frontier for driving the economy and providing opportunities for employment. This administration has prioritized the creative economy as a key driver of economic development and is currently implementing a new policy direction called Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) which is about providing opportunities for all segments of the population from the lowest level. The creative economy is considered a key ignition for this."
The CS added that through the MOU, his ministry envisaged organising exchange programs, Co-productions arrangements as well as exchange of technology and key skills between Kenya's and Chinese artists.
"Through the film and creative industry, we can expand the people-to-people interaction as we celebrate 60 years of friendship and diplomatic relations. We consider you a valuable and cherishable partner in this relationship," added CS Ababu.
On his part, the Chinese Ambassador Zhou PingJian highlighted the historical significance of film production in China and how, if harnessed well in Kenya, had the potential to create employment opportunities for the youth.
"This collaboration between Kenya and China resonates with the spirit of unity, creativity, and shared prosperity as witnessed in our 60 years of good relations, " he said
"Through this partnership, we anticipate a dynamic exchange of artistic excellence and cultural insights that will not only enrich our film industries but also enhance the lives of our people, " he added.
The MoU will see the two nations collaborate in capacity-building programs, technological exchanges, and cultural enrichment, with a view to elevating Kenya's film and arts space towards positively impacting the country's cinematic creations.
Also present was the Kenya Film Commission CEO Dr. Timothy Owase, Kenya Film and Classification Board acting CEO Mr. Joel Wamalwa and Kenya Cultural Centre CEO Mr. Michael Pundo.
At the same time, the Kenya film commission (KFC) signed a letter of intent for collaboration with the China Film Administration b(CFA). A delegation from CFA also had the opportunity to have a roundtable meeeting with Kenyan film makers and discussed to explore ways of partnerships in production and distribution.
"We look forward to greater partnership and developement of Kenya and China" reads a statement from KFC.
The occasions also marks 60 years of diplomatic ties between Kenya and China.
Mombasa Port Registers Increase In Cargo Throughput
Mombasa port has registered 3.3 percent increase on cargo throughput in the first six months as government promises to restore workers’ bonuses to motivate them further.
The increment has been attributed to investment by the government in the past few years as competition from other regional ports increase.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said in the first half of 2023, the Port of Mombasa saw remarkable growth of cargo handled from 17.48 million tons handled in 2022 in the first half of the year to an impressive 18.06 million tons this year.
During the period, container traffic shared a similar narrative, rising from 722,063 Twenty-foot equivalent Units (TEUs) to 783,125 TEUs, signifying an impressive 8.5 percent surge.
Mr Murkomen said the numbers reflect Kenya Ports Authority’s (KPA) strategic dedication to increase efficiency in different port facilities.
“We are not only investing on infrastructure but also on human resource that is why we are considering bonuses for those who handle these equipments,” said Mr Murkomen.
He added, “Our projection of handling 34.5 million tons (1.4 percent more than 2022) and 1.56 million TEUs (7.7 percent growth from 2022) underscores our unwavering commitment to progress.”
Speaking at the port of Mombasa while witnessing offloading of four Ship to Shore (STS) Gantry cranes, the CS said the investment by the government resonates with their commitment to meeting the ever-evolving needs of our partners, stakeholders, and the global trade network that we contribute to.
Murkomen was accompanied by KPA Managing Director captain William Ruto, Board Chairman Benjamin Tayari among other officials.
Murkomen noted “The government is not merely acquiring equipment, we are fostering our capacity to handle current trade volumes while seamlessly embracing future growth. We want to remain one of the efficient ports in the region and we focus in equipping port facilities in Mombasa and Lamu.”
Adding" Don't listen to those people who are saying that our port has been overtaken by I don't know which port from another country. Our port is doing well and we will continue to improve it"
The new cranes bring a total of sixteen STSs, twenty-five Reach stackers positioned at different berths at the port of Mombasa with four more anticipated, and a fleet of twenty-seven empty container handlers poised for procurement.
Additionally, the Port of Lamu is set to receive three Ship-to-Shore Gantry cranes, further solidifying KPA’s commitment to modernization and capacity expansion.
The four cranes worth more than Sh5.8 billion from a Chinese company; Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co.Ltd (ZPMC) now poised to be strategically deployed at berth no. 16.
