The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Inter-Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Coordination Platform, marking a significant milestone in Africa’s regional integration and cooperation efforts.

Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary, took over the chairmanship from H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, for the 2024-2025 period.

 IGAD expresses its deep appreciation for Dr. Touray’s leadership and commitment during his tenure, which strengthened coordination and engagement among RECs.

IGAD’s Priorities as Chair As the new chair of the platform, IGAD is committed to driving a collaborative and forward-looking agenda that reinforces regional integration and Africa’s global positioning.

The key priorities include: • Leveraging Digital Innovation & Artificial Intelligence: Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology present both challenges and opportunities for Africa. IGAD will work with fellow RECs to harness these innovations for the continent’s development, ensuring that technology is a driver of economic growth and resilience.

• Enhancing Collaboration with the African Union (AU): IGAD will actively engage with the incoming African Union Commission, ensuring that RECs continue to play a strategic role in AU decision-making. The platform will serve as a mechanism to strengthen Africa’s institutional architecture and collective decision-making processes.
• Fostering Unity & Regional Coordination: IGAD upholds an open-door policy and invites all RECs and Regional Mechanisms to engage in a spirit of openness, dialogue, and shared ambition. Strengthening collaboration among regional bodies will be key to addressing Africa’s common challenges and maximizing opportunities.
• Promoting Pan-Africanism & Continental Integration: IGAD remains fully committed to the principles of Pan-Africanism, reinforcing regional unity and advocating for a more integrated, peaceful, and prosperous Africa that speaks with one voice on the global stage.

 In assuming this leadership role, IGAD reaffirms its commitment to diligence, cooperation, and advancing Africa’s shared development agenda. Together, Africa’s RECs and AU institutions will work to shape a more resilient and globally competitive continent.

Safaricom PLC is hosting its 3^rd annual investors day forum to update stakeholders on the company’s journey to become Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company by 2030.

The investor day themed "Becoming Africa’s Leading Purpose-Led Technology Company by 2030", has brought together regulatory bodies, analysts and over 200 investors from eight (8) countries – globally.

The two-day forum seeks to provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about the company’s vision and growth prospects. Safaricom's investor day forum is part of the company's efforts to engage with its business partners and stakeholders about its operations, strategies, and impact.

Journalists have been urged to actively champion climate change awareness.

Speaking during the World Radio Day commemoration in Mombasa, Deputy Governor Francis Thoya challenged local radio stations to prioritise highlighting the effects of climate change.

“Let us use radio not just as a medium for entertainment but as a tool for advocacy, awareness, and accountability.” said Thoya.

Adding ” We can ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard, that the stories that matter are told, and that we build a more informed, resilient, and sustainable Kenya.”

Thoya, a former journalist urged media houses and journalists to invest in climate reporting.

“Go beyond the headlines investigate, analyze, and educate the public on the realities of climate change. Collaborate with environmental organizations, scientists, and policymakers to ensure accurate and impactful reporting. Advocate for stronger protections for journalists covering climate-related issues.Most importantly, make climate reporting mainstream—because the future of our communities depends on it.” he charged.

He further called on journalists to effectively use technology in telling climate change stories.

“The media fraternity must embrace the opportunities provided by technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics can enhance climate reporting by providing real-time monitoring and predictive analysis. Digital storytelling, satellite imagery, and open-source investigations can help journalists minimize risks while maximizing impact. We must invest in equipping journalists with these tools to strengthen climate journalism in Kenya.”

His sentiments were echoed by the media council of Kenya Coast region coordinator Maureen Mudi who emphasized the need for journalists to specialise on climate change.

“Let us get away from the normal stories that we are used to, there are alot of opportunities and money in climate change reporting, it is just how you will position yourself.” said Mudi.

In 2011, UNESCO Member States declared February 13 as World Radio Day, and the United Nations General Assembly officially endorsed it in 2012.

This year’s theme is Radio and climate change.

Café Deli will this Valentine’s Day, offer a unique experience to celebrate the day.

Dubbed the "The Valentine's Experience,” the offering is the ultimate combination of delicious food, a romantic ambience, and lively entertainment, all at a great price available at all its branches, including Moi Avenue, Koinange, Ngong Road and Tumaini.

This romantic dining experience promises an unforgettable evening for couples and loved ones, featuring a delectable 3 Course Dining Menu for just 2,200 KES per person.

The menu offers a choice of starter soups including Chicken Noodle or Mushroom, followed by a main course selection of crispy Fried Chicken or savory Beef Stroganoff, served with a choice of starch and vegetable.

A sweet ending awaits with a delightful cake dessert or fruit salad all this complemented by a glass of wine.

The restaurant is looking to create a truly special Valentine's experience that is both high-quality and accessible.

The 3 Course Dining Menu offers a variety of delicious options, and the addition of live entertainment at select locations making it the perfect setting for a romantic evening.

To enhance the Valentine's atmosphere, Café Deli has lined up exciting entertainment with sounds from DJ Selector Spin and MC Shivo at Moi Avenue, Sparks the DJ at Koinange, and DJ Khaleef at Tumaini.

Let the music set the mood as you connect with your loved ones over exceptional food as Café Deli believes in crafting experiences and not just meals.

For those with a sweet tooth, Café Deli is also offering a special promotion on their signature Blueberry Cake, available for 3,000 KES.

This delectable treat is the perfect way to share a sweet moment with your loved one.

Members of Parliament have been urged to reintroduce their Bills which had lapsed Bills with the end of the previous session.  

National Assembly speaker Moses Masika Wetang'ula, reminded lawmakers that all pending motions, statements, questions, and certain Bills from the previous session had expired unless exempted through a procedural motion.

"I wish to remind the House that in accordance with the provisions of the Standing Orders, any business that was not concluded at the end of the Third Session has lapsed. This includes any pending Motions, Statements, Questions, and certain Bills," stated the Speaker.

"Any Committee or individual Member wishing to re-introduce any lapsed business is advised to do so in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Standing Orders and our parliamentary practice. Members who may not be clear on the procedure are advised to visit the Table Office for guidance," he added.

A total of 19 bills were exempted from lapsing during the transition from the Third to the Fourth Session, including the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2022, the Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Others included the Fisheries Management and Development Bill, 2023, the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Employment (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Lawmakers were also informed on the status of parliamentary Questions. Questions transmitted to Cabinet Secretaries, Ministries, Constitutional Commissions, and Independent Offices by the end of the Third Session but without a response have lapsed.  

"Members wishing to pursue these questions are required to formally indicate their intent to the Table Office by February 20, 2025. This will allow the Leader of the Majority Party to prioritize these questions for Cabinet Secretary appearances before the House. Questions not yet transmitted have also lapsed but can be re-filed," stated Dr. Wetang'ula.

Additionally, the Speaker announced that ten Bills passed by National Assembly before the December recess have been assented into law. These include the National Rating Bill (2022), the Statutory Instruments (Amendment) Bill (2023), the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill (2024) and the Business Laws (Amendment) Bill (2024).

The Speaker further noted that the terms of 18 National Assembly Committees had lapsed.

The House Business Committee will be reconstituted first to set the agenda for the remaining Committees, including Public Accounts, Budget and Appropriations, and Delegated Legislation.

“As we embark on this new session, I urge all MPs to approach our legislative duties with diligence, integrity and commitment,” said the Speaker.

The MTV Staying Alive Foundation (SAF) has announced the production of MTV Shuga Mashariki, ahead of its highly anticipated return in May 2025.

This season is part of a landmark collaboration with Shujaaz Inc., aimed at challenging gender norms and their impact on the outcomes of young people, as part of the Surround Sound Kenya Programme. 

MTV Shuga Mashariki’s directorial team features three celebrated Kenya directors: June Ndinya, Mkaiwawi Mwakaba and Likarion Wainaina.

Known for their groundbreaking work in Kenyan film and television, these directors bring a wealth of experience, creativity and passion to the production.

Under their visionary leadership, MTV Shuga Mashariki is set to deliver an unforgettable season that not only entertains but also sparks critical conversations about the lives of young people across Kenya and East Africa. 

June Ndinya is celebrated for her dynamic storytelling in hit teen dramas like ‘Flash Squad’ and ‘Prefects’, earning her a reputation as a powerhouse of bold, authentic narratives.

Mkaiwawi Mwakaba, co-founder of the African Female Filmmakers Collective, blends technical expertise with a passion for innovative storytelling, making significant strides in the Kenyan film industry, including co-directing the 2024 film ‘Makosa Ni Yangu’.

Likarion Wainaina, internationally acclaimed for his award-winning feature film ‘Supa Modo’, continues to redefine African cinema with fresh, impactful narratives that resonate globally.

Mitchelle Kimathi, Country Manager (Kenya), MTV Staying Alive Foundation says, “We are particularly proud to have two female directors on board, whose perspectives are crucial in shaping how themes affecting young women and girls are portrayed on the show. "

Adding "By having women engaged in shaping this creative process, we can authentically showcase societal issues and their impact, especially those that intersect with gender. Their contributions allow us to highlight these challenges with nuance, empathy and depth.”

MTV Shuga Mashariki will be produced by Reuben Odanga in collaboration with the award-winning Kenyan production company, Multan Production Limited.

Multan has produced notable series including ‘Mo Faya’, ‘Selina’, ‘Saida’, ‘Nafsi’ and ‘A Familiar Christmas’. 

 Celebrated Kenyan cinematographer Enos Olik ha also joined the production team.

Enos will play a key role in shaping the visual identity of the series, ensuring that the narratives are not only impactful but also visually unforgettable.

The filmmaker, educator and pioneer in East Africa’s entertainment industry, brings over a decade of expertise in crafting visually compelling narratives that resonate both locally and internationally.

Enos’s notable works include the anthology film ‘Anyango and the Ogre’ (2021), ‘Crime and Justice’ series (2021–2023), ‘Supa Modo’ (2018), ‘Famous’ musical drama (2021) and ‘The Christmas Run’ (2024).

Wame Jallow, Executive Director, MTV Staying Alive Foundation says, “MTV Shuga Mashariki is a celebration of Kenyan talent and storytelling, and we are thrilled to have a fully local team of directors leading the way."

The return of MTV Shuga Mashariki builds on the show’s legacy of discovering and nurturing fresh talent.

The new season is set to hit TV screens in May 2025.

This new chapter of MTV Shuga continues the show’s signature approach of authentic storytelling developed based on national-level youth-focused research, with production driven by Kenyan talent that reflects the authentic experiences and voices of the country’s youth.

It remains a powerful tool for addressing pressing social issues affecting young people.

By combining locally rooted narratives with global production standards, MTV Shuga Mashariki reinforces the power of storytelling to drive societal change, challenge restrictive gender norms, and inspire young people to take charge of their futures.

Known for their romantic love songs, Vijana Barubaru have established themselves as the go-to artists for capturing the essence of love in East Africa.

Their music embodies the sweet and sour realities that lovers experience across the world, while also reflecting their journey as two young men growing up in Nairobi.

This fusion of personal experiences and universal emotions creates the perfect musical blend for their listeners across East Africa.

Since February is the month of love, Vijana Barubaru have curated a special 8-song EP titled Nairobi In Love - a gift to romantics everywhere.

The project was released on 7th February 2025 and is available on all streaming platforms and YouTube, featuring collaborations with some of Kenya’s finest love song artists, including Okello Max, Sanaipei Tande, and the rising duo Watendawili.

True to their tradition of spotlighting new talent, the duo has also teamed up with emerging artist Davy Waweru, whose sound is sure to win hearts.

This February, immerse yourself in Nairobi In Love as we fill the airwaves with roses, wine, and lipstick - celebrating the beauty of love through music.

EP Track List:

1. Look Where We Are – V-BE
2. Amanda – V-BE X Watendawili
3. Liwe Liwalo (Remix) – V-BE X Sanaipei Tande
4. Imba Imba – V-BE
5. Huyu Akisema – V-BE
6. Pedeje – V-BE X Okello Max
7. Ololufe
8. If You Don’t Know – V-BE X Davy Waweru

Mombasa's youth have been challenged to study foreign languages to be able to compete in the International job market.

The C.EO International Jaamia of Languages and Professional studies Dr. Hassan Kinyua made the appeal during a career fair held in Mombasa on Saturday.

According to Kinyua, this will help the youth appreciate global diversity and expands their thinking horizons as they grow up to be responsible global citizens.

He noted that this will be one way of tackling unemployment in the country.

"As we all know Mombasa is a tourism city, we have so many visitors from foreign land who come here, we have so many hotels here, so as a youth, learning foreign languages puts you in an advantage position when it comes job opportunities. These tourists need someone who will understand them and who they can easily communicate to" argued Kinyua.

Adding "It is not only in the hotel industry where you can get a job, we have opportunities in the shipping industry, most of these ships have foreigners onboard and usually travel to other foreign countries, how do you expect to be employed in that industry if you dont know the foreign languages."

He further noted that the World is now turning into a global village thus the need for the youth to equip themselves with enough skills.

"You cannot be just sitting there waiting for a job opportunity yet you have not equipped yourself with the necessary skills."

"As an institution, we saw there is a need for our youths to equip themselves and that is why we started teaching foreign languages, we teach over six foreign languages and have a presence here in Mombasa."

After three years, TRESOR, the multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, producer and visionary makes his highly anticipated return to music with the release of “Wale Wale” featuring Kenyan global sensation Sofiya Nzau.

The exhilarating collaboration once again demonstrates why TRESOR’s artistry remains unparalleled.

Sofiya Nzau, whose vocals graced the global hit "Mwaki," brings her unmistakable energy and soulful artistry to “Wale Wale,” a captivating fusion of African house and pop. The collaboration between TRESOR and Sofiya Nzau delivers an unforgettable soundscape that inspires freedom and hope—a radiant anthem of liberation, a dreamer’s prayer brought to life.

Both artists are renowned for redefining African pop music on the global stage. Ahead of the release, TRESOR shares, “This song is deeply personal to me. It’s a celebration of the freedom to dream boundlessly and live those dreams out loud,” adding, “Working with Sofiya Nzau was pure magic; her energy elevated the song to another level.”

The track was born out of a single inspired studio session, where melodies flowed freely, capturing the essence of TRESOR’s belief in creating without boundaries. “The energy of this song is unlike anything I’ve done before,” he says. “It’s joyful, uplifting and a testament to the power of African melodies to resonate universally.”

With an extraordinary discography that includes critically acclaimed albums like ‘VII’, ‘The Beautiful Madness’ and ‘Nostalgia’, TRESOR has carved out a legacy as an African Pop Maverick and one of the continent’s most celebrated musical exports. His collaboration with Sofiya Nzau further underscore his dedication to nurturing and spotlighting emerging African talent on the world stage.

Sofiya Nzau’s voice has swiftly become a beacon for East Africa, captivating fans with her deep, soulful style that honors Kenya’s rich musical heritage while embracing a modern, innovative edge. Widely celebrated as the voice of East Africa, Sofiya continues to resonate with audiences far and wide.

Wale Wale” marks his return to the stage as an artist, reconnecting with the music that has always been the core of his creative journey.

The release follows TRESOR’s recent alignment with his very own newly opened Sunset Recording Studios in Stellenbosch, South Africa - reaffirming his commitment to elevating African artistry globally. He also teases that this single is just the beginning, with plans to release more music this year, “in so many forms.”

TRESOR’s illustrious career has seen him earn critical acclaim for his genre-defying sound. He has dominated international charts, collaborated with global icons like Drake, Ed Sheeran and Metallica. As the founder of Jacquel Entertainment Group, TRESOR has also cemented himself as a pioneering force in the business of music.