Ommy Dallah
Win For Mombasa Creatives As Governor Nassir Orders Establishment Of The Creatives Board
Mombasa creatives have something to smile about as they wrap up the year after the county boss Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir issued directives for the establishment of a creative board.
Speaking during a meeting with members of the creative industry at the Swahilipot Hub Foundation, the governor directed the departments of trade and that of sports and youth to spearhead the process of meeting stakeholders and ensure that the board is in place by February 2024.
“We are now in December, I give recommendation that by February next year we should have the board in place. So I urge the two departments to have sit downs with fellow artist and the legal brains to come up with the board,” said Nassir.
The objective of the board Nassir said will be the issue of promoting local artists both locally and internationally.
The process, Nassir said, must be subjected to public participation and ensure that the board has equal representation of all aspects of the creative industry.
“No one has monopoly of ideas, I couldn’t have planned for you what you need. I have to first listen to you understand the problems and know what is needed.” Nassir said.
The governor at the same time urged seasoned artists at the coast to incorporate the young and upcoming artists as they move forward with the formation of the creative board in Mombasa.
“We have to respect the views of the new upcoming artists. You need to involve them, don’t make decisions of their behalf,” he said.
He said he will look into coming up with a way of ring-fencing funds for the board even as he challenged the artists to figure out how to get more funding for the operationalization and running of the creative board affairs.
Nassir also appreciated the tremendous support he received from the artists in Mombasa popularizing his agenda to Mombasa residents that propelled him to clinch the county chief position.
"I must appreciate the art by a number of you people. Some of you worked over time to make me who I am today, you composed campaign songs for me and used your creativity to push for my agenda,” the governor said.
Kenyan Diaspora's Confidence Soars As Government Pledges To Enhance Investment Environment
Kenyans in diaspora have expressed confidence that the government will better the investment environment in the country to enable to leverage on the diaspora remittance.
This follows promise by government to put structures to make it easier for Kenyans abroad to invest back in the country in a fresh bid to woo investments from the diaspora community.
Kenya Diaspora Alliance Chairperson Dr Shem Ochuodho on Thursday made a plea to the government to focus on improving the welfare of Kenyans in abroad to enable them invest heavily back at home.
"Kenyans in diaspora are ready to invest their money back home. There need to be focus on improving the investment environment to attract them,"said Dr Ochuodho.
He was speaking at the 10th Annual Kenya Diaspora Homecoming Convention held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.
Principal Secretary, State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Roslyn Njogu said the Kenya Kwanza administration has stepped up efforts to make the environment for investment better for Kenyans in diaspora.
"We are calling on Kenyans to think about what new business opportunities they are bringing into the country. Kenyans abroad should think of technology transfer as new fronts they can bring into Kenya from their host countries.,” said Njogu.
Njogu said they have received concerns from Kenyans abroad decrying the high cost of sending money back to the country.
She promised to engage all stakeholders in the diaspora money transfer sector to ensure that the cost is manageable.
"The concern we have noted from the diaspora is the high cost of sending money back home. We want more Kenyans abroad to keep sending money back home so that we develop our economy,” Njogu added.
Currently, the foreign and diaspora ministry is in the process of setting up and securing systems for Kenyans in diaspora to obtain jobs that suit their qualifications.
Kenya Diaspora Alliance Chairperson Dr Shem Ochuodho exuded confidence that the steps laid down by the government to improve the welfare of Kenyans in the diaspora will improve remittance in the country.
“I am confident that the steps being undertaken by the government to improve the welfare of Kenyans living abroad by the government will bear fruits and see the doubling of remittances,” said Dr Ochuodho.
Ochuodho said that tapping into diaspora remittances can boost the economy of the country at a time when Kenyans are struggling with the high cost of living.
He said the tough economic times in the country can be rescued by leveraging ion diaspora remittances.
He wants the government to place a favourable environment for investment opportunities to woo Kenyans abroad into investing in the country.
“We are seeking to convince the government that it is Kenyans in the diaspora who can rescue our economy during tough times if a better investment environment is in place,” said Ochuodho.
United States Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman lauded the Kenya Diaspora Alliance for organising the conference.
She encouraged Kenyans abroad to invest back in the country.
According to CBK Diaspora Remittances Surveys, inflows to the East African nation, considered to have the largest economy in this region, has increased tenfold over the past decade, reaching an all-time record of $4.027 billion (KSh559.57 billion) in 2022.
The investment conference will for the first time recognise achievements of Kenyans living abroad with rewards.
It will be the launch of the 2023 Diaspora Awards that aims at celebrating and recognising the remarkable contributions and achievements of individuals from diverse Kenyan diaspora communities across the world.
“The Kenya Diasporas Alliance recognizes the awards as a beacon of acknowledgement for individuals who have not only demonstrated excellence, innovation, and impact but have also showcased the positive influence of diaspora communities on a global scale,” said Ochuodho.
This networking and partnership event annually brings together Kenyans living and working abroad to celebrate the year that has passed, network, make projections, and receive updates on upcoming opportunities and activities.
The awards are designed to recognise outstanding achievements in a diverse range of categories. From Arts and Culture to Science and Technology, Entrepreneurship to Philanthropy and many others. The lobby explained that the categories celebrate the incredible talents and passions.
Mombasa Police Arrest Gang Threatening to Steal Phones at Rayvanny, Shusho Concert
Police in Mombasa have arrested five youths who threatened to attack and rob revellers intending to attend Christian Shusho and Rayvanny concerts.
In a statement on Wednesday, December 6, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) revealed that the five were arrested following an intelligence-led operation conducted by a team of officers based at Central Police Station in Mombasa.
The five suspects identified as Vincent Ochieng, Shadrack Ochieng, Felix Otieno, Salim Ali and Shafi Yusuf had earlier been captured in a video recording while displaying items that they had allegedly stolen from their victims.
"Upon search, a navy blue jacket that had been captured in the video recording, three iphones, a samsung phone, a memojo phone, a bluetooth headphone among other items were recovered from them," reads a statement from DCI.
Adding ""The individuals are suspected to be members of an organised criminal group that has been operating within the Sargoi area and its neighbourhoods,"
Carrefour Opens New Store In Mombasa
Retail chain Carrefour has opened a new store in Mombasa providing added convenience and accessibility for customers in the coastal region.
The store located at the Promenade Mall in Nyali spans over 1,500 square metres, and aims to cater to the diverse needs of shoppers, offering an extensive array of product categories, from groceries to everyday essentials.
Commenting on the opening, Christophe Orcet, Regional Director East Africa, Majid Al Futtaim, which owns the exclusive rights to operate Carrefour in Kenya, stated: “The launch of our Promenade Mall store underlines our dedication to delivering quality, variety, and convenience to our customers. Additionally, at Majid Al Futtaim, we are and will remain committed to supporting the communities we serve. With that, we are thrilled to welcome 50 new colleagues to the store.”
This marks the retailer’s third establishment in the coastal region, following the Centre Point Mall in Diani and City Mall Nyali stores.
He added: “This expansion aligns with our broader plans for growth within the country, emphasising our commitment to investing in the local economy.”
The store will remain open to customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The official opening was presided over by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.
Nassir called on Investors to consider investing in the county saying the county is open for investors.
"The opening of this facility signals the rapid growth of Mombasa as a business hub due to the conducive environment we provide as a county government." said Nassir.
Adding " I promised the people of Mombasa that we would restore our city to glory and national prominence. Invest in Mombasa; we are open for business."
Mombasa Youths Urged To Pursue Their Dreams
Mombasa youth across the county have been urged to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and skills.
According to Kenyatta Kenyatta International Convention Centre board Director Mboto Hassan this will help reduce the rate of unemployment among the youth among other issues.
Speaking in Mombasa during a cake baking festival hostel by renowned Mombasa baker Minat Ahmed. Mboto emphasized the need for the youth to change their mindset towards entrepreneurship.
"We all have different potentials and skills as young people. We need to work on our skills and dreams, let no one try to kill your dream or tell you that you cannot achieve your dream" said Mboto.
Adding " There are alot of opportunities out there, let us take advantage of them."
Mboto cautioned the youths against being discouraged by the challenges that can with entrepreneurship calling on them to practice patience during the journey.
Mboto charged "Entrepreneurship is not a straight journey, there are alot of challenges, you will meet alot of hurdles along the way but I urge don't consider giving up as an option. Just take a look at Minat, she is a young lady from here Mombasa but has achieved alot when it comes to baking"
On her part Minat, shared her journey with the participants emphasizing on the need to be courageous and not giving up.
"Let me share a story with you. I did not get here easily, it is not easy to be successful. You need to be focused, hardworking and disciplined." said Minat.
Adding " If you really want to be an entrepreneur and you leave this place without any single number or connection then you are not on the right path. You need to connect with people and get the right contacts whenever you go. this is how I have been successful, I always make sure that I ask for a chance to introduce myself in every function that I attend, I introduce myself with what I do and that is how people also get to know me. Do not be in your comfort zone, be passionate about what you do. I have travelled all the way to Tanzania just to get the right connection, my mother did not want me to go there but I had to go just for my dream."
The cake festival dubbed “Minat Cake Festival” provided a unique opportunity for attendees to connect and network with fellow baking enthusiasts, industry professionals, and like-minded individuals.
40 students who had undergone a baking course at Minat school of baking also graduated during the event.
The attendees got the opportunity to sample over 50 types of cakes.
Kenya Tong-IL-Mo-Doo National Team Ready To Defend Title In Mombasa Open Championship
The Kenya Tong-IL-Mo-Doo national team ‘Jasiri’ is prepared to defend their title in the Mombasa Open International Championship slated for December 15 to 17 at the Agha Khan Academy Multipurpose hall Mombasa.
Speaking in Mombasa Monday morning where the team has been in camp at the Light International Academy School, the Kenya Tong-IL-Mo-Doo federation chairman master Clarence Mwakio said that the team is ready for the competition.
“We have over 50 players in camp both young girls and boys, and adults who will participate in sparing forms and special technics individually and as a team,”
“This year has been tough for the national team, however, spirits are very high and we hope to retain the championship trophy,” said Mwakio.
Mwakio said the team members have been training for the last one year in their respective clubs and the camp is to polish them and bring synchrony.
“We watching out against injuries because we cannot afford to get injuries almost a week to the tournament. We have the advantage of not travelling plus we are acclimatized to the weather so we expect to perform well,” Mwakio said.
Retaining the overall team title won’t be a walk in the park as Jasiri expects tough competition from other teams especially the Philippines and Iran.
Stiff competition is also expected from West Africa with teams like Nigeria and Central Africa with teams like Cote de Ivore and DRC Congo who have been eyeing the championship title.
Mwakio who also doubles up as the president of Africa Tong-IL-Mo-Doo Federation also said that they are happy that the government has promised to support the event with slightly above Sh100 million.
The federation chair said that the ministry responded to their request for sponsorship and assured them they will be together with them throughout the journey and many more activities in the future.
Mwakio expressed optimism to stage a classic and memorable event to close the year on a high note.
“We had requested Sh230 million for sponsorship and Sh45 million for the national team preparations. However, we were advised to scale down the budget and look for more sponsorship,”
“We are now looking at sponsorship of above Sh100 from the government. The deficit we have been able to get assistance from other partners and we believe we shall get more towards the end of the week,” he said.
The national team captain Elvis Malipe said that though they expect stiff competition, they have prepared well and are ready for the competition.
He said that the mood at the camp is good as players are in high spirit eagerly waiting to raise the national flag.
“Yes we expect tough competition this year, but we have prepared well because with tough competition the victory becomes sweeter”
“Let our opponents know that we are ready to defend our title for the 11th time in a row,” said Malipe.
Opinion Piece: Kenya’s Move Towards A Greener Economy – Why It Makes Financial Sense
By Carol Koech, Country President Schneider Electric, East Africa
A recent report published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) states that the Kenyan economy is facing multiple near-term financial challenges, including limited fiscal and external buffers, an elevated cost of living, exchange rate pressures, and tight financial conditions.
To address these challenges, the country is taking proactive steps to capitalise on its abundance of renewable energy resources. At the first Africa Climate Summit, recently held in Nairobi, Kenya outlined its ambition to achieve 100 percent renewable power by 2030 and to fuel the green industries of the future by 2040.
Why renewable energy makes economic sense
One of the most compelling reasons to meet the renewable energy goals mentioned above is cost savings. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are becoming increasingly cost-competitive, making the switch to a greener energy posture more viable and leading to long-term savings on energy costs.
Importantly, Kenya's abundance of renewable resources extends beyond its borders, enabling it to scale up its renewable energy production and potentially meet a significant portion of the world's energy demand.
Looking at the industry sector, by generating their own clean on-site energy, Kenyan companies can reduce their dependence on external energy suppliers. This independence will help mitigate the risks associated with supply disruptions, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. Furthermore, due to the decentralised distribution of renewable energy, industries are protected against power outages during grid failures.
Transitioning to renewable energy sources also stimulates innovation and drives job creation in the renewable energy sector. This has a ripple effect on the local economy, creating opportunities for skilled workers and contributing to economic growth.
Collaborating with capable partners extends these opportunities in the region, creating a win-win scenario for businesses and the community alike.
Brand health and collaboration
Kenya, like many other countries across the globe, has introduced regulations and incentives to promote the adoption of renewable energy. Transitioning to renewables allows industries not only to comply with these regulations but also to take advantage of financial incentives, grants, and tax benefits offered by the government.
That’s not all, such sustainable practices also enhance brand reputation, attracting environmentally conscious customers, investors, and partners. This can lead to increased market share and long-term growth.
By collaborating with experienced partners like Schneider Electric, Kenyan businesses can transition to cleaner and smarter energy solutions. By proactively implementing renewable energy, the Kenyan economy is making important strides to stabilise its financial future while contributing to a cleaner, greener world.
Opinion Piece: African Continental Free Trade Agreement Can Support The Development Of Local OEMs And Unlock Economic Growth On The Continent
By Mervyn Naidoo, Group Chief Executive Officer at ACTOM and Chairman of the Manufacturing Circle
In most African countries, local manufacturers tend to look towards imported equipment when choosing an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), often selecting imports from the Far East due to the lower costs associated with these products.
This is mainly because many African countries lack the capabilities and manufacturing capacity to locally produce equipment across various industry segments, which often makes the procurement of equipment in-country difficult and expensive.
This means that, by default, many African manufacturers companies turn to the West, Europe or most commonly the East – particularly China – to source equipment. However, the benefits of lower upfront costs are generally negated by the lifecycle costs of the imported products.
On the other hand, equipment manufactured by local OEMs has the benefit of being backed up by local competence and intellectual property, providing equipment owners with support and maintenance throughout the product's lifecycle. As is often the case, imported equipment can fast become useless and obsolete due to a lack of spare parts and expertise to maintain it.
Economic stimulus
Additionally, developing a local vertical supply chain that can support equipment from cradle to grave brings wider economic benefits to a country, including an economic stimulus that ultimately leads to the expansion of industry, job creation and increased gross domestic product. Typically, manufacturing multiplies employment – for every job created, many more are created in the vertical supply chain.
As many African countries grapple with high unemployment rates, developing and growing local and regional OEM capabilities would see more people become economically active, which would drive greater demand for resources such as electricity, water, data and service. An economically active population also creates demand for infrastructure growth and services, in turn boosting demand for locally manufactured equipment.
Hence, the reasons for African countries to actively look at using the existing demand for equipment manufacturing to stimulate regional economies and create jobs, as opposed to importing goods and benefiting other economies are compelling.
While the generally lower cost positioning of equipment imported from the East does make it tough for African manufacturers to compete, it is not impossible. African manufacturers need to look aggressively at how to position themselves to be competitive against foreign OEMs, and the key to this will be to leverage the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Incentivise trade
The reduction in tariffs under AfCFTA will automatically contribute to promoting the use of locally manufactured goods on the continent, as it will introduce an element of increased competitiveness and opens borders to facilitate trade between countries. At the same time, governments will have to play their part to incentivise trade between African countries, which will ultimately stimulate regional economies across the continent.
One of the key outcomes that must flow from AfCFTA is that African countries must effectively meet the demands of manufacturers on the continent by effectually exploiting the readily available raw materials needed for equipment manufacturing. Many of the resources required to produce these products are found on the continent and these should be beneficiated locally to add value.
The establishment of local manufacturing plants and factories will in turn stimulate economic growth and ensure sustainability in terms of cradle-to-grave lifecycle support for locally manufactured equipment. This will unlock economic growth in Africa. If done wisely, AfCFTA can help to boost African economies and change the plight of many countries on the continent.
Femi One Takes Centre Stage With Mtungi
Acclaimed musician and songwriter Femi One is set to enchant audiences worldwide with her latest musical masterpiece, Mtungi.
Renowned for her distinctive sound and evocative lyrics, Femi One is poised to redefine boundaries and continue to set new standards in the music industry.
Mtungi represents a culmination of Femi One's artistic evolution, offering a glimpse into her musical prowess and creative ingenuity. With a fusion of genres that defy conventional classification, Femi One delivers a captivating auditory experience that transcends traditional boundaries.
"I want my music to reflect the realities of the world we live in while inspiring others to embrace their truth and stand tall," expressed Femi One.
Femi One has received widespread acclaim for her previous releases, earning accolades for her songwriting prowess and captivating stage presence.
Teni Unveils Afro-Pop Masterpiece "TEARS OF THE SUN" to Kenyan Fans
After a streak of chart-topping singles, the sensational voice in Afro-pop, Teni, is back with her highly anticipated album, "TEARS OF THE SUN."
Released on November 17th through Platoon, the 16-track LP promises to captivate Kenyan audiences with its diverse and celebratory sound.
The album opens with the autobiographical track, "YBGFA (Young Black Girl From Africa)," a moving tale of Teni's roots featuring delicate piano and sublime vocal melodies.
The feel-good anthem "LANKE," produced by the award-winning Blaisebeatz, sets the celebratory tone, while the megahit "NO DAYS OFF" approaches four million streams and has been recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the Best Songs of 2023 So Far.
"TEARS OF THE SUN" is a sonic journey that showcases Teni's stunning vocal talents, complemented by sunny funk guitars and blissed-out synth arrangements.
From sultry numbers like "DEVIL DANCE" to uptempo dance tunes like "CONTROL" and the recent single "MALAIKA," the album promises a blend of styles that will resonate with Kenyan music enthusiasts.
With production credits from industry giants such as Blaisebeats, Rymez, Debonair Dessy, Kukbeat, Yung Willis, Extremebetz, and more, "TEARS OF THE SUN" is a sprawling masterpiece of uplifting Afropop.
Reflecting on the album, Teni shares, "Life is a beautiful journey of ups, downs, highs, and lows. 'TEARS OF THE SUN' has taught me about life and brought many blessings. I'm grateful to be a vessel in this world. People come and go, but remember your time around the sun will surely come, and mine is here and here to stay."
This release follows the success of Teni's collaboration on 'MAITAMA (Going)' last year and a recent rework of Bob Marley & The Wailers' classic 'Three Little Birds' with Oxlade. Teni's debut on COLORS, featuring on Stormzy's latest album 'This Is What I Mean,' and previous collaborations with Wizkid and Davido have solidified her reputation as a standout artist in the Afro-pop scene.
The album, "TEARS OF THE SUN," expands Teni's sonic vision in blissed-out style, adding to her quickly growing discography of crowd-pleasing hits. Kenyan fans are invited to immerse themselves in the captivating sounds of this sophomore masterpiece.
