Ommy Dallah
Over 500 Tourists Arrive In Mombasa On Christmas Day Aboard Cruise Ship
Mombasa on Christmas Day received a second cruise ship MV Nautica at the Port of Mombasa with 572 tourists on board.
This comes after the first cruise ship since 2018, the MV World Odyssey, with about 800 tourists docked at the port towards the end of November.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninnah Malonza was at the port to receive the tourists accompanied by Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) officials.
"I can without doubt say that out of the arrival of this cruise ship, over Sh100 million will be injected into the economy through tourism activities including visits to different attractions as well as accommodation," said Malonza.
She reiterated that as a government, they intend to grow cruise tourism as a niche product.
"We expect to have at least three more cruise ships by the end of March 2023" she said.
"In line with this, the government has already put in place infrastructure projects such as the upgrade of the Moi International Airport in Mombasa and Diani Airport in Kwale county, as well as road infrastructure to support tourism"
"Plans are underway to further enhance the cruise tourism experience with Mombasa Port becoming an integral part of this initiative by improving its facilities and services, including shore excursions that will take cruise passengers on expeditions around Mombasa Island and its environs," she said.
The ship will leave Mombasa Sunday evening heading to Zanzibar, then Cape Town in South Africa before heading to Japan.
Before docking at Mombasa Saturday night, the vessel had cruised from the Mediterenean Sea in November heading to Dubai then India.
She sailed to the Maldives waters before heading to Sychelles coming to Mombasa.
The KPA chairman General (Rtd) Joseph Kibwana was represented by Captain Geoffrey Namadoa, the harbour master and general manager marine operations.
Namadoa said that KPA had invested heavily in the Sh1 billion cruise ship terminal at the port.
He said that they were focused on branding the terminal as the best in the region and Africa at large for cruise tourism.
"The coming of this second cruise ship in less than a month is indeed a testimony that our marketing strategy is working," said Namadoa.
In 2019, the cruise ships are said to have brought 27 billion dollars in revenue, but this drastically reduced due to the onset of the covid-19 pandemic in 2019.
The industry has been on a recovery trajectory with 90 per cent of cruise ships back in service with the projections expected to reach 18 billion dollars.
The number of passengers has been growing too and is expected to hit 25 million.
"Potentially if we can attract 10 per cent of 430 cruise ships in the world and scale up the route to the local water ways, adding Kilifi, Malindi and Lamu as part of the itinerary, we will add more value to cruise clients," said Kibwana in a statement.
Kibwana said that plans were already underway to turn the ferry services into local cruises around the coastal waters to add value in the wake of the construction of the ambitious Sh85 billion Likoni Gateway bridge.
"As we revive the Lake Victoria ports, we are creating an opportunity to introduce cruise passenger services to link the East African Community and the Islands on the lake including Mfangano, Migingo and Rusinga," Kibwana said.
Kenya Team Jasiri Retains Mombasa Open International Tong IL-Moo do Title Despite Lack Of Govt Funding
Reigning Mombasa Open International Tong IL-Moo do Mombasa Martial Arts champions Jasiri defended and retained the title at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa.
The team won the championship in a successive 10 time after beating it's close rival Phillippines to second position.
Kenya exhibited that it remains a powerhouse in this category of Martial Arts in Africa and the World.
Though the event ended after 4 days, the government had not committed itself financially to support the event despite assurance.
At the top of the table Kenya won a total of 185 medals ,46 gold, 54 silver,85 bronze respectively.
Phillippines at a distant second bagged 11 gold,5 silver,18 bronze amassing a tally of 34 medals.
Korea ranked among the world top teams were successful to occupy position 3.They won 6 gold , 2silver and 5 bronze.
Zambia trailed at position 4 with 5gold,5silver and 11bronze.
On their debut, India carried the day at position 6 with 4gold,3silver and 1 bronze.
The USA did not disappoint they stood at position 6 with 2 gold,3 silver and 4 bronze.Position 7 went to Brazil scooping 2 gold and 2 bronze.
Paraguay and Japan took position 8 and 9 respectively with each winning 1 gold.
However, Paraguay in their basket won 5 silver and 2 bronze.
Denmark ended at position 10,with 1silver.Dominican Republic were unlucky to end the championship without any medal at position 11.
In the free style division Kenyan Gordon Wanje beat Karan Pandit from India to win the gold medal.While Brazil Chung IL Ladica Dos Santos won a bronze together with Lucson Miti from Zambia.
In Freestyle men division 1,Zambian Michael Zulu won gold.Silver went to George Omollo of Kenya and Sanghun Kim of Korea together with Omar Lora of USA won bronze each.
Freestyle women was won by Erica Seguira of India,the silver went to Lona Abiero of Kenya and bronze to Jung Jin Joo of USA.
in the team Category, Team Kenya composed of Lona Abiero and Lizzanne Adhiambo won gold.Their competitor that included Jane Kiarie,Triza Kinyanjui and Eunice Wambugha won a silver medal doubling the Kenyan win.
Zambia team of Nathalie Chitalu,and Simyeon Djimadoum won bronze.
In Novice division 3,it was all a Kenyan affair.Jung Soo Ouda won gold. The silver and bronze went to Victor Kahindi, Stephen Okeyo and Dickson Liverson respectively.
The next year event is scheduled to take place at the same venue and more countries are expected to turn to the event that boosts the country sports and tourism.
Kanambo Dede Drops 'Kazi Ni Kazi'
Rapper, lyricist and singer Kanambo Dede is back with her third official release- Kazi ni Kazi. In what has been a whirlwind year for the 18 year old, this song serves as a refresher of her immense talents.
The song, just as its title suggests, is a track celebrating the common hustler lifestyle which Kanambo would know all too well herself; before King Kaka took her under his wing, she was working jobs just to get by and provide for her young child.
The songs Kanambo has released so far showcase the sheer determination of the young star, and the ways in which her life has changed given her new found career.
Watch the official music video for ' Kazi ni kazi' as written and performed by herself, produced by Sifa for Kaka Empire and directed by Johnson Kyalo.
Daudi Anguka Bereaved
Mombasa based film producer and director Daudi Anguka is mourning the death of his mother.
According to Anguka, the mother passed on Tuesday.
Speaking to Ommy Dallah, Anguka said "She complained of chest pain on Saturday, we took her to hospital where she was treated and discharged, I was even with her on Sunday, we spent sometime together before travelling Monday only to be called on Tuesday to be told that she is no more. It's very unfortunate."
The award winning cinematographer behind several popular local dramas has always attributed his success to the mother.
“I schooled at Unicef Academy and Kajembe High School in Mombasa, where I scored a mean grade of C-plain in my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Aftre clearing my high school studies, I decided to join my mother in hawking mandazi and samosas in Mikindani just to make ends meet.” said Anguka in one of his previous interviews.
Nassir Vows To Smoke Out Ghost Workers
Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir has called for a human resource audit of all county staff in a move aimed at busting out ghost workers.
The governor was breathing out fire as he said that the exercise to be conducted on Wednesday will entail the capturing of biometrics and pictures of each and every staff.
This he said was non-negotiable adding that Mombasa has very hardworking people, yet there are a few pulling them back.
“The issue of whether your biometrics will be integrated to salaries is secondary, primary is that we know you are not a robot”
“We want to make sure that we are paying humans salaries because humans have finger prints and they have a face, on this one there is no backing off,” said Nassir.
He was speaking during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the county government of Mombasa and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) outside the county assembly building.
The MOU is to cushion the county to pay staff salary on time incase disbursements from the national treasury delay.
The governor said that he will be the first one to get his biometrics and picture taken saying that he cannot allow the sweat of other be equally enjoyed by those who are not there.
“We must know each other, no one will escape from this because Mombasa people need services and that will only happen if we are able to identify all of you. It is just not a matter of paying salaries yet we don’t know where some of you are,” Nassir said.
The governor also called out on those speaking ill of his administration and that of his predecessor Hassan Joho saying that devolution had its fair share of challenges.
During his campaigns, Nassir promised that he will not poke holes into the previous regime, but rather pick the good and where necessary, work with the staff to rectify any wrong.
“We must appreciate the fact that just like others have retired, I will also one day retire. So let us not be people who just talk for the sake of talking, let us look into issues that will take Mombasa forward”
“In my first 90 days in office, I have already paid three months in full without any areas and delayed statuary deductions,” he said.
The governor also issued orders for the county to pay one month salary immediately adding that he will further negotiate with KCB to allow county government staff are able to access car and house loans.
KCB CEO Paul Russo lauded the signing of the MOU saying that this was the beginning of a partnership between the bank and the county.
Russo alluded to the fact that KCB was the only bank that agreed to pay county staff salaries between April to August as everybody stopped for fear that they were not going to get paid.
“This MOU opens the opportunity for us to deliver meaningful solutions to your staff, whether it is personal banking, whether it is car loans or land and houses, that governor we will partner with your team to deliver on that,” said Russo.
Likoni MP Mishi Mboko called on the governor to address the issue of delayed salaries once and for all.
She lauded Nassir’s predecessor Joho saying that he had done his bit in setting up the infrastructure as she called on Nassir to now work on the human capital to ensure their welfare is taken care off.
“I want to advise you that if you want to be a happy man and successfully retain your seat, please solve the salary issue, it will be a smooth ride for you to defend your seat. I served with you in Parliamentary Investment Commitee in parliament, I know you will deliver on this,” said Mboko.
“This is a new dawn, the issue of salary delays and statuary deductions being delayed should also be in the past in this new political dispensation”
Mboko further urged Nassir to ensure that he blocks all corruption loopholes in the county
She also urged the governor to ensure that promotion of county staff is done on merit. She insisted that it should not be done on the basis of who one knows or is related to who because this will be unfair to others who are not connected but deserve a promotion.
“I have received some scenarios of people saying that their colleagues who came in later have been promoted yet they have stayed in the same position for year. Let us promote according to merit and on an equal basis, the issue of godfathers should neither be here or there,” she said.
The Likoni MP said that if someone has upgraded his academic papers and has been added duties, they need to be promoted and not stagnate in the same job group
Shahbal, Omar Take Oath As EALA Swears In New Mps
The nine Kenya representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly have officially been sworn in.
They took the oath of office on Monday afternoon and are expected to serve for a term of five years were selected from both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza factions in accordance with the EALA constitution.
They include Kennedy Kalonzo, Winnie Odinga, former Kieni MP Kanini Kega and businessman Suleiman Shahbal who will represent Azimio La Umoja.
Former MP David Sankok, former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar, Mwangi Maina, Kering Zipporah and Iman Falhada were nominated by the Kenya Kwanza camp.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Azimio leader Raila Odinga's wife Ida Odinga were present to witness the ceremony held in Arusha.
Raila Odinga congratulated the new members for taking the oath.
"Congratulations to the whole Kenyan EALA team and to you Chogo (my lastborn). Hongera," Raila said.
Ana Green Tech Africa Company Launches Electric Tuktuks To Promote Green Energy In Mombasa
A Mombasa based tech company Ana Green Tech Africa has launched electric three-wheelers commonly referred to as Tuktuks expected to hit the market by March next year.
The tuktuks Model Geni-80 are manufactured in China and were assembled at the Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) in Miritini.
The three wheelers carry three passengers and are fitted with a battery power of 4.38 kWh with a range per single charge of 100 kilometers.
Speaking during the event, Amina Ibrahim, the company director said that they had a vision to build their own manufacturing plant in the next four years which will open job opportunities for many residents.
“Our entry into Mombasa is focused on making the county to be the hub of Ana Green Tech supporting all our other offices in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Rwanda, Uganda and other East African countries”
“This will also see us putting the city of Mombasa on the Kenyan map of electric vehicles,” said Ibrahim.
The Geni-80 has a portable charge with it, and it can be charged at home on regular socket outlet like a mobile phone.
“It has no Engine, so avoids engine repair and overhaul and is also cost saving on spare parts because it has no periodic serviced parts like the air filter fuel filler, oil filter and doesn’t need oil and lubricants,” Ibrahim said.
The nine tuktuks she said where brought in for research purposes as they explore the market needs and demands before making the shipment for sale come March next year.
“What we found out when we brought these is that we need bigger tuktuks with bigger storage place because that’s what we have in the market,” she said.
The current market price for the tuktuks is Sh500,000 but she said that once here the actual price will range for between Sh550,000 to Sh600,000.
So far the company has installed two charging points within the county, one around Agha Khan and the other at Sabaki Motors in Ganjoni.
“We are currently seeking a location for charging stations that is why we are bringing in the county government of Mombasa to partner with us to set up all infrastructures in place to support this innovation get into the market smoothly,” Ibrahim said.
Engineer Albert Keino, the chief officer department of Transport and Infrastructure said that Mombasa has experienced an upsurge of three wheelers over the years.
Currently there are about 10,000 tuktuks in Mombasa with only 7,000 registered officially with the county.
Keino said that this is presenting both opportunities to the people as well as challenges in terms of traffic congestion, constrain in spare parts and space to put up public transport systems as well as to the environment”
“The solution from entrepreneurs like Ana Green Tech Africa and other likeminded investors is welcomed in the city,” Keino said.
He added that electric mobility is among the many innovative ways of solving challenges to the environment through reduction of carbon green emissions.
“It is also compliance to the United Nations sustainable development goals that puts emphasize on clean and healthy environment that will give way to productivity and progress,” Keino said.
In regard to space to do the infrastructure to support electric vehicles, Keino promised that the county through the department will look into it.
A recent Green House Emission (GHE) inventory on the transport sector in Mombasa revealed that the tuktuks are the biggest emitters in the city.
Basil Muga, the chief sustainability officer at the environment and climate change department said that the invention of electric tuktuks goes a long way in supporting the department’s sustainability efforts especially in regard to sustainable transportation.
Muga said that it was encouraging to see that the space is increasingly coming open to players in the e-mobility sector and more particularly in the three wheelers.
“We have been grappling with ways of trying to mitigate that in the context of climate change and this will help us address the issue significantly,” he said.
All Set For Mombasa Beach Football Tournament
The Mombasa public beach (Pirates) is set to host some scintillating beach football action this weekend.
The Mombasa beach football tournament dubbed #ShibeFestBeachSoccer is expected to kick off on Saturday and end on Sunday.
The event is sponsored by Unga wa Dola maize millers and Mombasa county government.
"We have alot of talents when it comes to football and as you are aware the beach/ ocean is our main advantage so we want to showcase the talents at the beach" said Ali Kubo, the organiser.
Speaking to Ommy Dallah, Kubo revealed that a total of 16 teams, 2 from each sub county will participate in the tournament.
"The Coast media team is among the teams that will participate. The winner will walk away with kshs 70, 000, jerseys, medals and balls with the second winner walking away with kshs 30,000, medals, balls and jerseys" said Kubo.
Beach football is currently played in 75 countries within the six FIF A confederations zones.
Kizz Daniel Closes Out The Year With Captivating New Visuals For Hit Song 'Cough'.
Afro classic hitmaker, Kizz Daniel continues to break musical boundaries as he releases compelling visuals for his newest trending single, 'Cough (ODO)'.
The 'Cough (ODO)' visuals — a different direction from the typical Kizz Daniel visuals, brim with colour, style and unique choreography as the talented singer croons away with engaging lyrics of the hit tune, perfectly captured in each visual frame.
Shot in Lagos and directed by seasoned Nigerian director, Director K (PriorGold), these riveting visuals which show unbridled affection, romance and the true essence of Love, are a clear reflection of the King of Love's lyrical prowess when he sings: “I want to flex my love, I wan impress, and I want to carry my love away, to a place she loves”.
The Afro Classic pioneer who has been on fire this year, churned out one of the biggest hits of the season — the internationally recognized sound, ‘Buga’, and now, ‘Cough(ODO)’ which has dominated social media platforms within and outside Nigeria.
With the incredible success of his sold-out 2022 Afroclassic Tour which took him to the UK, US, Canada and select African countries including Rwanda, Namibia, Uganda, Tanzania and parts of South America, Kizz Daniel truly has the whole world listening.
Kenya Tong IL Moo Do Federation Staring At A Possible Ban
Kenya Tong IL Moo Do Federation will face a ban should it fail to host the 10th edition of the Mombasa Open Tong -IL-Moo Do championships at the Agah Khan Academy in Mombasa.
Despite the arrival of international teams the hosting of the sport hangs in a balance after the delayed disbursement of funds by the government through the Ministry of sports.
So far, twelve countries that are at the coastal city of Mombasa to battle for the title held by Jasiri of Kenya include Japan USA, Korea, Philippines, Zambia, Brazil, Paraguay, Denmark, Cote D'ivoire and Dominica Republic.
According to the Federation chairman Clarence Mwakio failure to host the event will embarrass the country and will lead to a hefty fine and a possible ban.
"As a country we have built an international relationship over the last 35 years," he said.
According to Mwakio to bid for the international championships in the calendar for Africa as a country was a great honour to the country.
Mwakio said it is regrettable to see that a decision will be reached to cancel the event after countries are in Kenya.
At the moment, the Federation has been in consultation with the government but funds are yet to be released.
"We are in crisis. But hopeful that those concerned will rescue the tournament from the ban," he said.
The event that will take three days to be a success and not to be scuttled needs immediate intervention.
To conclude, he said the World president is in the country and has been at the training camp to horn the skills of the players.
The sport in Kenya has for years promoted talent development and marketed the country as a destination for tourism.
Some officials, international referees and judges are still in their country of origin due to luck of the necessary facilitation to enable them travel to Mombasa for officiating.
“We are calling on the president to kindly intervene as save us from this situation, since it is a shame” said Mwakio.
