Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) today hosted Danish Ambassador to Kenya Amb. Stephen Schönemann, as the Academy moves to deepen international cooperation in maritime education and training.

The Danish envoy and his delegation were received by BMA Chief Executive Officer, Eric Katana, who underscored the importance of strengthening strategic partnerships between Kenya and Denmark in the maritime sector.

Dr. Katana lauded the longstanding collaboration between the two nations, particularly within Kenya’s blue economy agenda spearheaded by the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs.

He noted that Denmark is globally recognized for its advanced maritime education and training systems, modern shipping technologies, and strong regulatory frameworks.

“Denmark’s experience in maritime innovation, sustainability, and seafarer training presents valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity building,” Dr. Katana said. 

Dr. Katana further added that partnerships in curriculum development, instructor exchange programs and simulator technology would significantly enhance the Academy’s training standards.

In his remarks, Ambassador Schönemann reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s maritime growth and Blue Economy ambitions.

He emphasized the need for sustained engagement and accelerated collaboration in priority areas, including maritime safety, sustainable shipping, and skills development.

“Both parties must continue to demonstrate strong commitment to fast-track areas of cooperation that deliver tangible impact,” Ambassador Schönemann stated. 

The visit featured a ceremonial guard of honour mounted by the BMA Guard of Honour team, followed by a guided tour of the Academy’s training facilities, including classrooms, workshops, and maritime simulation centers. 

The delegation engaged with Engineering students and cadets, gaining firsthand insight into the Academy’s role in developing skilled seafarers for Kenya and the East African region.

Judges of the Employment and Labour Relations Court have elected Justice Monica Mbaru as the new Principal Judge of the Court.

She succeeds Justice Byram Ongaya, who was recently elevated to the Court of Appeal.

Justice Mbaru, currently the Presiding Judge in Mombasa, was elected unopposed. The position of Principal Judge carries a five-year term, renewable once.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Pretoria. Justice Mbaru is currently pursuing a Doctor of Laws (LLD) at the University of Nairobi, where her research focuses on disability and the law.

Before joining the bench, Justice Mbaru practised law with a strong focus on social justice, human rights, and the protection of minority and marginalised groups, including women and persons with disabilities.

She has previously worked with several organisations, including the Hivos Foundation in East Africa, the International Commission of Jurists (Kenya Chapter), Kituo Cha Sheria (Legal Aid Centre), and the Legal Resources Foundation.

In these roles, she contributed to legal aid programmes, paralegal training, and community outreach initiatives.

Justice Mbaru has also served as a consultant with the Secretariat of the African Decade for Persons with Disabilities, where she supported the development of policy and legal frameworks in collaboration with the African Union and the East African Community.

In addition, she participated in the development of the Yogyakarta Principles plus 10, adopted in Geneva in 2017.

She is a member of the African Judges Forum and the Africa Judges and Jurists Forum.

Indonesia has announced plans to increase its exports through the Port of Mombasa, citing improved efficiency and the port’s growing reputation as a reliable logistics gateway for the East African region.

Indonesia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Witjaksono Adji, said his country is keen on expanding trade activities through the port due to its strategic position and improved operational performance.

The envoy made the remarks during a courtesy call to William Ruto, the Managing Director of Kenya Ports Authority, where discussions centered on strengthening trade relations and exploring new areas of cooperation between the two countries.

Ambassador Adji expressed satisfaction with the progress made at the Port of Mombasa, noting that the facility has evolved into a major regional logistics hub serving not only Kenya but also several neighboring countries.

“I am pleased with the growth and efficiency of the Port of Mombasa. It has positioned itself as a reliable gateway for trade in East Africa, serving many neighboring countries,” said Adji.

He emphasized that Indonesia values its long-standing trade relations with Kenya and sees significant potential to expand commercial engagement through enhanced use of the port.

Indonesia is among Kenya’s key trading partners, with the two countries maintaining steady trade in several commodities. Kenya exports products such as tea and coffee to Indonesia, while importing palm oil and textiles from the Asian nation.

Responding to the ambassador’s remarks, Captain Ruto said the Kenya Ports Authority is committed to improving port competitiveness to attract more investors and international partners.

“We are pleased to extend our collaboration and advance bilateral and multilateral engagements. We look forward to deepening these ties further and unlocking new bilateral agreements that will enhance cooperation,” said Ruto.

The KPA Managing Director also highlighted emerging opportunities for Indonesian investors in Kenya’s maritime and logistics sector, particularly in projects such as the Lamu Port and planned Special Economic Zones.

According to KPA, the Port of Mombasa already handles thousands of tonnes of palm oil imported into Kenya from Indonesia every year, demonstrating the significance of the trade corridor between the two nations.

With ongoing investments in port infrastructure and logistics, officials believe the Port of Mombasa is well positioned to handle increased cargo volumes and strengthen its role as a regional trade hub for East and Central Africa.

Kenya has been officially removed from the compliance watchlist of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen its anti-doping systems and restore confidence in its athletics integrity.

In a statement released Tuesday, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, welcomed the decision, saying it reflects Kenya’s commitment to meeting global anti-doping standards.

“The Government of Kenya welcomes and notes with great satisfaction the decision by the World Anti-Doping Agency to formally close the compliance procedure concerning Kenya and remove the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya from the compliance ‘watchlist’,” Mvurya said.

The decision follows an audit conducted in May 2024 under the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS). Acting on the recommendation of its Compliance Review Committee, WADA confirmed that the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) had aligned its operations with the World Anti-Doping Code and international standards.

According to the government, ADAK implemented a comprehensive corrective action plan following the audit findings. The reforms included strengthening governance and oversight structures, improving operational independence, and enhancing results management processes.

The plan also reinforced intelligence and investigative capacity while streamlining the management of athlete whereabouts systems  a key component in global anti-doping monitoring.

“Throughout this process, the Government of Kenya treated the matter with the seriousness and urgency it deserved,” Mvurya said. “Importantly, during this period, no formal non-compliance consequences were imposed on Kenya.”

Kenya, globally renowned for its dominance in long-distance running, has in recent years faced heightened scrutiny due to rising doping cases among athletes. The government has since taken steps to tighten regulations and increase investment in anti-doping programs.

Mvurya said the removal from the watchlist sends a strong message to the global sporting community that Kenya remains committed to clean sport.

“The removal of Kenya from the compliance watchlist sends a clear and powerful message to the global sporting community: Kenya remains firmly committed to clean sport, institutional accountability, and international cooperation in safeguarding the integrity of athletics and all sporting disciplines,” he said.

Despite the progress, the government acknowledged that compliance with international anti-doping regulations is an ongoing responsibility.

“While we celebrate this milestone, we remain fully aware that compliance with the global anti-doping framework is a continuous obligation,” Mvurya added.

WADA will continue monitoring compliance among signatories under its oversight system, a mechanism Kenya says it welcomes as necessary for strengthening credibility, transparency, and trust in sport.

The Kenyan government said it will continue to strengthen anti-doping systems through sustained investment in testing programs, intelligence-led investigations, education initiatives, and stronger legal and governance frameworks.

Mvurya also commended ADAK leadership and staff, along with intelligence and investigations teams and other stakeholders, for their role in implementing the reforms that led to the decision.

“Kenya’s global sporting reputation has been built on talent, resilience and discipline. As a nation, we remain unequivocal that the future of Kenyan sport must also be defined by integrity,” he said.

The County Government of Mombasa has issued a 45-day public notice directing traders operating at Makupa/Majengo Market to vacate and clear their stalls to pave the way for the construction of a new modern market.

In a notice released by the Department of Trade, Culture and Tourism, the county said the relocation is aimed at facilitating the development of a modern facility designed to accommodate more traders and improve the overall trading environment.

"This is to facilitate the construction of a new modern market intended to accommodate more traders, improve work environment, provide better storage facilities, and foster safety and security of traders and their wares,” the notice reads in part.

The project forms part of the government’s flagship initiatives under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to promote job creation and boost small-scale businesses across the country.

According to the notice signed by Acting Director of Trade Peter M. Migosi, traders have been urged to safely pack and remove all their belongings from their current stalls within 45 days from the date of the notice.

They will temporarily relocate to an open-air market site located near the current market along Majengo Road, as will be directed by the County Director of Trade.

“The modern market construction project is expected to take less than 12 months, after which priority for the new, modern stalls will be given to current traders in and outside the market,” the notice states.

The county further warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe could attract enforcement action in accordance with county laws.

"All affected traders are urged to comply within the stipulated timeframe to avoid enforcement action in accordance with the County laws. We appreciate your cooperation in improving our trading environment,” Migosi added.

"he relocation is expected to significantly impact traders in the busy Makupa/Majengo area, particularly small-scale vendors who rely on daily sales.

However, county officials maintain that the long-term benefits of a modernized market infrastructure will enhance business operations, safety standards, and economic growth within Mvita and the larger Mombasa County.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has announced far-reaching reforms at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital aimed at improving patient care, ending congestion and eliminating brokers within the facility.

Speaking during the launch of the Mombasa care patient support and navigation service, Nassir took issue with delay of treatment for patients due to delays linked to the processing and payments of the Social Health Authority (SHA).

To immediately address the issue, Nassir announced that 10 clinical officers will be stationed at the facility specifically to handle SHA claims and verification processes a step aimed at speeding up approvals and reducing waiting time for patients.

“Ten clinical officers will be placed here to look at SHA claims. We must ensure patients are not delayed because of paperwork,” he said.

Digital System to Monitor Waiting Time

Nassir revealed that the county government is finalizing the awarding of a digitalization tender that will overhaul patient flow at the hospital.

Under the new system, each patient will receive a digital waiting card upon arrival. The system will track time spent in each department, including the SHA desk.

“When a patient walks in, they will be given a digital card. If a patient waits too long in a department, those responsible will be answerable,” he warned.

Adding " As we speak this week we are finalizing the awarding of the much-awaited digitalization process

Prescription Monitoring & Pharmacy Transparency

In a push for transparency, the governor made it clear that manual prescriptions will no longer be allowed. All prescriptions must be digitally checked and justified if a patient is directed to buy medicine outside the hospital.

The governor said the digital platform will also eliminate manual prescriptions and introduce real-time checks to ensure medicines are dispensed within the facility whenever available.

“You will not issue manual prescriptions. If a patient is told to buy medicine outside the facility, you must explain why. Everything will be digitally checked.”

End to Bed Sharing and Congestion

Nassir strongly criticized the practice of patients sharing beds, terming it a health risk.

“Any decent health worker will tell you that patients sharing a bed is a risk of spreading disease. We must bring this to an end" he said.

Crackdown on Brokers

The governor also issued a stern warning against brokers allegedly influencing service delivery within the hospital.

“We don’t want to see brokers again,  where someone who has just walked in is treated ahead of those who have been waiting, just because a broker somewhere knows who how to go about it and make money” he said.

To enhance public oversight, Nassir introduced a toll-free hotline, 1599, for complaints and whistle-blowing.

“If you see something wrong, report it. We will act.”

CEO Exit and Leadership Changes

Addressing recent controversy surrounding patient deaths at the hospital, Nassir confirmed that the Chief Executive Officer had opted to resign following administrative concerns.

“It is unfortunate for anyone to lose their life however the medical report that we got shows the patient came in very unwell. The CEO may have shortcomings, but causing death is not one of them,” he said.

Adding " The C.E.O has been here long enough and has helped build this institution, he opted to resign from his position but we are looking into having him still serve the facility in a different capacity, it does not have to be the previous position."

He added that the hospital board will advertise the CEO position and recruit new leadership.

Mortuary Crisis and New 7-Day Policy

The governor disclosed that the hospital mortuary, designed to hold fewer than 100 bodies, is currently storing more than 120, raising concerns over overcrowding and irregular body removals.

He called on families to collect their loved ones and announced a new policy granting seven days of free mortuary services.

“From now on, there will be no charges for the first seven days. After that, charges will apply. This must be agreed upon between management and families,” Nassir said.

Adding" I'm aware that there alot of illegal businesses at the mortuary, bodies being discharged without proper process, with some being sneaked out during the night and through the Ocean, we will deal with this too."

Mombasa United Football Club has received a major boost following renewed calls for investment in community football, with leaders pledging support to uplift the coastal club and nurture local talent.

Speaking during a fund drive and unveiling of the club’s new jerseys at an iftar dinner in Mombasa, AFC Leopards President Bonface Ambani challenged stakeholders to channel more resources into community-based clubs to raise football standards in the country.

“We must invest more in community clubs if we want to improve football standards in Kenya,” said Ambani. “Mombasa has a good club in Bandari FC, but it lacks a huge following and strong support because it is a parastatal club. Community clubs naturally attract passionate support from the grassroots, and that is what builds strong football institutions.”

The event was attended by Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Suleiman Shahbal, who both pledged their commitment to supporting the club’s growth.

Joho announced that President William Ruto has offered to purchase a new bus for the team to ease its transport and logistics challenges.

“I approached the President and told him that Mombasa United have one request. They have been struggling with logistics and movement and are requesting you to support them with a bus,” Joho revealed. “The President immediately ordered for a bus to be delivered to them. I will personally deliver the bus together with Shahbal.”

The announcement was met with applause from attendees, with club officials terming it a game-changer for the team’s operations.

Shahbal, who is also the club’s patron, called on local residents to rally behind the team, emphasizing the abundance of untapped talent in the region.

“There are many talented young players in Mombasa who need support,” Shahbal said. “Let us as Mombasa residents own this club and be proud of it. Let it be known everywhere that there is a football club in Mombasa called Mombasa United.”

Leaders at the event expressed optimism that with stronger community backing, improved logistics, and sustained investment, Mombasa United could rise to become a formidable force in Kenyan football while serving as a platform for nurturing grassroots talent along the Coast.