Trending in Kenya

#ManCity's Yaya Touré to be Unveiled as UNEP Ambassador in Nairobi

2013-10-23T01:07:00.000-07:00

Manchester City and Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Touré is expected to visit the country later this month.

Toure is to attend the Global Development Expo at the UN headquarters, Gigiri, between October 28 and November 1. The two-time African Player of the Year is to be unveiled as the newest UNEP Goodwill Ambassador at the Expo.

The Expo will bring together high-level policy makers and both solution providers and seekers, including businesses, organisations and citizens.

President Uhuru Kenyatta is to expected to open the Expo.

Others senior officials expected are former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Jan Eliasson, Unep executive director Achim Steiner among others.

Toure has been vocal in the fight against poaching in Africa and called for an end to the vice at Ivory Coast’s Fifa World Cup qualifier against Morocco on September 14. “Time is running out for African elephants.

The surge in the killing of elephants in Africa and the illegal trafficking in other threatened species will not only threaten the animals, but will affect the livelihoods of millions who depend on tourism for a living.” he said adding “Wildlife crime is a serious threat to the security, political stability, economy, natural resources and cultural heritage of many countries. We need to come together to take action against the illegal trade in wildlife across Africa and across the world.”

“We thank Yaya Toure and the ‘elephants’ of the Ivory Coast football team who today are making a stand--together with the UN, customs and police forces, wildlife groups. Let’s stop the criminals and score some big wins for elephants, rhinos and threatened species everywhere,” said Achim Steiner, UN Under Secretary General and UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director.

Rare Hybrid Solar Eclipse Expected in Kenya 3rd November

2013-10-03T00:33:00.001-07:00

This year holds great excitement as a hybrid eclipse is set to occur on 3rd November - There will be an annular eclipse in which the moon covers all but a bright ring around the circumference of the sun; and then a short total eclipse. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth and completely covers light from the sun. Hybrid solar eclipses are rare, and totality occurs only along a narrow path on Earth's surface traced by the Moon's shadow or umbra. This year's hybrid eclipse will be visible within a narrow corridor - over the North Atlantic to Equatorial Africa. The term hybrid eclipse is due to the shift from annular to total eclipse.

The total phase of the eclipse will pass over Kenya briefly for 15 seconds over Lake Turkana. Lake Turkana is one of the few places on earth where it will be possible to view the total eclipse. At least 1,000 international tourists are expected in the country to view the hybrid solar eclipse expected (annular/total eclipse) to be sighted on November 3.

The hybrid solar eclipse will be viewed at about 1725hrs in Ali Abey, Sibiloi National Park.
The solar eclipse will pass over Equatorial Gabon in Western Africa congo, Uganda, Kenya and finally Ethiopia. Lodwar in Kenya reports a very encouraging “percent of possible sunshine” of 74%, strong confirmation of a pronounced decline in cloudiness toward the eastern end of the eclipse track, though the value is so high as to invite a little suspicion which results to a very high resolution which makes it the best point to be during this time of event. There is a penalty to be paid for good weather however, as the duration of the eclipse declines to less than 20 seconds across Kenya and to less than 10 seconds in Ethiopia.

Lake Turkana is located in the Northern region of the country known as the ‘Cradle of Mankind'; due to the unique pre-historic and archeological sites and discoveries linked to the origin of man that have been found in the region. The region is thus of great importance to scientific researchers and students. Eclipse chasers will enjoy opportunity to combine the experience with adventure tourism such as camping in the tough outdoors; trekking; Safari in the Sibiloi National Park, home to many archaeological sites where some of the oldest hominid fossils have been discovered; and the South and Central Island National Parks to take in the scenic crater lakes also known for Crocodiles, Flamingo and Tilapia.

Wedding of the Year 2013: Kenya's Gospel Diva Emmy Kosgei Marries Nigeria's Apostle Anselm Madubuko

2013-08-30T04:54:00.001-07:00

After a lot of criticism was made about the wedding between the gospel artist Emmy Kosgei to Nigerian tycoon apostle Anselm Madubuko, the traditional wedding ceremony took place yesterday.The traditional wedding ceremony took place as planned and a church wedding is expected to follow in Nigeria sometime in early September. According to Pulse, a source close to the gospel artist disclosed that their wedding will take place the second week in September. Here are some pictures of Emmy Kosgei’s traditional wedding courtesy of pulse.

If you thought you had seen it all, then you better think again. The series of wedding ceremonies planned for renown gospel singer Emmy Kosgei has just started. Just Yesterday, her traditional wedding ceremony took place in her rural home of Kelelwa in Barongo.

This single ceremony was valued at approximately 0.5 million shilling, probably the least they will use in the ceremonies scheduled to take place. It just happens that Emmy has another wedding ceremony scheduled for tomorrow at the Windsor Golf Club ahead of the Nigeria ceremony that is to happen sometime in September. The series of ceremonies will see the couple spend a total of one billion shillings.

Yesterday’s traditional ceremony was meant for dowry payment but turned out to be a big event with dignitaries gracing the occasion. Negotiations were held between the two families and contrary to what everyone thought, Emmy’s family just requested for what was required according to Kalenjin marriage traditions. Emmy’s father told The Pulse that four cows, four goats, a he-goat for the mother and KSh.12,000 is all the family asked for and went ahead to dismiss rumours that Sh10 million had been given for dowry.

Tomorrow’s glam wedding that has 300 invited guests will take place at the Windsor Golf Club and thereafter a reception party at Safari Park Hotel’s Paradise Grounds. We wish Emmy and her husband a happy marriage life.

Watch the KTN Tujuane Episode: Rick and Edah's date

2013-08-21T05:00:00.002-07:00

Former Chelsea Manager Roberto Di Matteo scheduled to Launch Guinness Football Campaign in Kenya

2013-08-09T02:51:00.001-07:00

Former Chelsea Champions League-winning coach Roberto Di Matteo is expected in the Kenya on August 14, 2013.

The former player will be in the country courtesy of Guinness. The 43-year-old Italian, who also coached West Bromwich Albion will be in Kenya for a day to launch a first of a kind football product by the Guinness team.

Guinness Kenya Brand manager Linda Obado said: “We are incredibly excited to be hosting one of the most storied football legends of our time, during his playing career as a midfielder he was capped 34 times for Italy, scoring two goals. Guinness is dedicated to bringing football lovers across the country a deeper, richer football experience. Roberto Di Matteo’s ‘s visit reaffirms our commitment to the beautiful game and will no doubt make an impact on the Kenyan football fraternity, from the coaches, to players and the fans.”

Di Matteo will meet with key football stakeholders on the morning of his arrival and will share his experience on the pitch of the richest football club in the world. He will thereafter address a press briefing.

The former Chelsea coach retired as a player in February 2002 at the age of 31 following injury problems. He played in Euro 1996 and the 1998 World Cup for his home country.

As interim manager of Chelsea in 2012, he steered the club to double title success, winning both the
FA Cup and the club’s first Uefa Champions League.

Kenya Fashion Week 2013 Due on August 24th

2013-08-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

Trendz Kenya Fashion Festival, Sub Saharan Africa’s fashion event and brain child of Sonu
Sharma has evolved to become “Kenya Fashion Week” now into its 4th season.

The event has become a focus for a broader base of fashion linked activities with mainstream regional & international designers, high profile labels, sponsors & media choosing to align with this event.

The aim of this event is to expose Kenya as the established fashion and urban lifestyle capital of Africa.

Kenya Fashion Week believes in building relationships, creating opportunities and encouraging excellence in quality.

The KFW 2013 is scheduled for 24 Aug 2013 at Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi, Kenya .The official Hospitality and Venue Partner.

The fashion event will feature

• Fine Designers from Africa and around the world showcasing exquisite collections.
• World Class entertainment.
• Exhibits of Lifestyle & Luxury Products and Services.
• VIP Red Carpet Dinner & reception.
• Kenya Fashion Week After Party

As a pioneering Fashion promoter, Just Like That Ltd strives to continue its contribution to the world of Fashion with the endearing support of the Fashion fraternity.

This year’s event will comprise of three segments –

1/ Exhibition @ “The Source” from 9AM – Midnight. (A First)
2/ Main Runway Fashion Show from 6 – 11.30 PM
3/ Kenya Fashion Week after Party.

Kenya Fashion Week 2013 Participating Designers –
Kenya Fashion Week 2013 will be graced by the Finest designers that will strut their collections down the runway. There will be a concoction of demurring charm, dazzling luxury and eternal classics from fashion’s most sought-after designers.

This years hand picked line up of designers include:

1. Dave

2. Khushweet

3. Estella Ogbonna

4. Laurencearline

5. Yvonne Nwosu

6. Kapasa Musonda

7. Tina Ndidi Ugo

8. Yvonne Odhiambo
9. Zenia

10. Suzaan Heyns

11. Ruald Rheeder

12. Dev R Nil

13. Hakeem Balogun

CAPITAL LIFESTYLE

Kenya Special's Musical History Lesson

2013-07-27T07:29:00.003-07:00

Andreas Hansen for Addis Rumble, part of the Guardian Africa Network
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 24 July 2013 17.38 BST

The African Eagles Band (aka The Eagles Lupopo), who feature on Kenyan Special. Photograph: Soundway Records

Driving north from Nairobi on the new super-highway, the Kilimambogo hills rises slowly ahead of us. My travel companion is Emmanuel Mwendwa, who has spent the past two years researching, licencing, collecting old photos and writing liner notes for the Kenya Special compilation recently released by Soundway Records.

Emmanuel talks about this intriguing archaeological music venture, described in a Guardian review as a "fabulously entertaining history lesson", and the challenges in tracking down the musicians featured on the anthology. He managed to find almost all of them, or their families, with the exception of the much-fabled Slim Ali of the Hodi Boys band. Rumour has it that Ali is somewhere in the Emirates, but not even his relatives are sure.

We are heading to Thika to meet one of the musicians Emmanuel did locate, the legendary Daniel Kamau Mwai, or just DK as he is popularly known. DK has three tracks on the Kenya Special collection and is also featured on the cover of the anthology. He tells me the cover photo was taken at a concert at the Bata Shoe Company in Limuru in 1979. His extraordinary sideburns were already his trademark then and 34 years later they still impress.

The Nairobi melting pot

"Kenya has always had one of the most diverse and intoxicating musical cultures in Africa. Yet the immense talent is rarely acknowledged internationally and seldom given the resources it needs to flourish," writes Doug Paterson in the Rough Guide's world music bible. The Kenyan music heritage has far from received the same kind of attention that has been directed towards vintage Ethiopian, Congolese and west African music in the past decade. That is until now, at least, as Kenya Special does an incredible effort in documenting a golden era in Kenyan music during the 60s and 70s.

DK Mawi (second left) with fellow musicians and his car in the 1970s. "I wasted a lot of money on cars in those days," DK says. Photograph: Fusion Magazine archives

The compilation also highlights the unique and innovative relationship between Kenyan, Congolese, Zambian and Tanzanian musicians in this period when the finest bands of especially DR Congo (then Zaire) performed and even settled in Nairobi. But both DK and Emmanuel emphasise that Kenya Special is only scratching the surface. There are many more musical treasures to be rediscovered in Kenya.
We are meeting DK at the Blue Post Hotel – Thika's grand old lady located where the Chania and Tahika rivers meet to form the twin Thika and Chania Falls. The hotel's history dates back to 1908 where it was built as a stopover for the white settlers living further north and travelling back and forth to Nairobi. DK has performed at the Blue Post numerous times, the last being the night his mother died in 2011. Today the music coming out of the hotel radio is 80s US pop, and DK and Emmanuel grumble about radio stations stifling the growth of indigenous music as DJs demand higher and higher payments to give songs airplay.

Today is the 31 May 2013, and it has been exactly half a century since DK first time took the stage on 1 June 1963, the day known in Kenya as Madaraka – when the country attained internal self-rule from the UK, preceding the full independence in December the same year. DK explains how everybody on Madaraka day was drunk from a full day of celebrations. His three older brothers were supposed to play a concert in their hometown of Gatanga, a few miles from Thika, but none of them were in a condition to perform. Instead 15-year-old DK took the stage and played to the surprise of everybody present. "I had been watching my brothers play, and when they were out of the house I used to take one of their guitars and practice without them knowing about it. They had told me to focus on my school, not to play music," he says.

Making benga mainstream

After his improvised debut, DK continued playing in the villages around Thika, although it was another five years before he released his first recordings. He had written a letter to the state-run Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (then known as Voice of Kenya) who referred him to the renowned producer David Amunga, who agreed to record and release his music. Amunga only paid his artists pennies, something that made him unpopular among many musicians of the time. However, DK carries no hard feelings. "I respected him. He played an important part in making me DK," he says.

Slim Ali and friends in the studio. Photograph: Soundway Records

DK describes his music as mix of benga and rumba. In the introduction to Kenya Special, Doug Paterson describes how benga, Kenya's unique contribution to Afro-pop, spread from its Luo origins near Lake Victoria to the rest of the country in the late 60s and early 70s. Soon bands throughout the country were playing their own versions. The Kalambya Boys' Kivelenge song feature on Kenya Special being a great sample of Kamba benga while the DK and Lulus Band tracks represent the Kikuyu benga. DK is often credited for having made the Kikuyu benga mainstream in Kenya but as he explains to me, most of the benga groups actually had broad appeal: ''There was no tribal music in the 60s and 70s. Kikuyus bought Luo music and Luos bought Kikuyu music. Tribal music was created under (former Kenyan president Daniel arap) Moi."

In 1970 DK started his own record label DK Undugu Sound (undugu meaning brotherhood in Swahili), releasing both his own hit records with The Lulus Band (earlier known as The Lulus Trio Boys and later the DK Lulus Band) as well as many other musicians. The same year he also opened his own music shop located on River Road, the musical heart of Kenya which Emmanuel refers to as the Motown of Nairobi at the time, hosting endless numbers of music shops and studios.

DK ran the music shop for decades but finally closed it in 2011 due to increasing rents and persistent music piracy. Piracy has been hurting DK and many other Kenyan musicians for decades. "The 70s were really the golden years of Kenyan music. In the 80s the music piracy increased with introduction of cheap cassettes to the local market. The tapes were copied in Uganda and then sold cheaply in Kenya. We tried lowering our prices but the pirates just decreased theirs even further. We just could not compete with them," he says.

In the late 70s DK and his companions took their fight against piracy to Nigeria. "A lot of Kenyan music was sold in Nigeria but most Kenyan musicians never received any money from it. So we went there to try and find out who was importing and distributing it." Their mission failed and after a few weeks in Nigeria they had to flee the country as the authorities were threatening to arrest them. But they did manage to see Fela Kuti perform at his legendary Shrine club in Lagos. DK was later invited to the US and Europe to perform on several occasions but never managed to get the necessary visas.
He also got into trouble with the authorities in Kenya. Although his lyrics tackled many political issues, it was his love songs rather than his political ones that got him into dire straits. A few of his hits, including the Nana track featured on Kenya Special, were banned by the state-controlled radio station for containing "obscene" lyrics. Another song called Muriki (meaning "coming together" in Kikuyu) was also banned. "I had to go to Voice of Kenya to convince them to play it. This was really an era of missionary and there was much censorship," DK says.

DK Mwai and Emmanuel Mwendwa in 2013. Photograph: Andreas Hansen

The Gatanga servant

After lunch at the Blue Post we drive to Gatanga, DK's home turf and the cradle of Kikuyu music. Many of the finest Kikuyu musicians originate from Gatanga and, as Emmanuel tells me, the small town still has the highest density of musicians anywhere in Kenya. DK was born in Gatanga and never really left. The proximity to Nairobi enabled him to keep his home in Gatanga while spending most of his time in Nairobi.

During the years, DK has served both the political and musical interests of his home town. From 1979 to 1992 he was the county representative of Gatanga and he has been the chairman of Gatanga Music Promoters for years and helped launch the careers of many young local musicians. But he says more support is needed from the government: "We need support to create proper recording facilities and we need the government to start taking actions against the music pirates."

Both Emmanuel and DK emphasise that although young Kenyans generally are mostly interested in foreign music, some of them are starting to rediscover the rich musical heritage of their homeland. And DK definitely sees a role for himself in a future renaissance of Kenyan music. His DK Undugu Sound label closed down years ago but he still runs the DK Wamaria production company and he hopes to soon open a new music shop in Thika. "I have so much more music to give to this world," he says.

Gospel Artist Paul Mwai Tours the UK

2012-12-24T10:26:00.005-08:00

On the 28th December 2012
With great demand, Paul Mwai, gospel artist from Kenya, incorporation with friends of Reading, will perform once again great worship and praises to usher new year 2012, at Wycliffe Baptist Church
233 Kings Road
Reading. RG1 4LS on
28/12/12 from 18:00-22:00. Entry is free. Invite a friend.

Oxford, on the 5th of January 2013

Renowned gospel singer from Kenya Paul Mwai will be in Oxford, on the 5th of January at 6pm till late at Christian Life Centre, The Regal OX4 2AF. Come and usher the new year in Gods presence. CD 's and VCD's available on the night together with the opportunity to take professional pictures with Paul Mwai on the night. Entry fee £10 and £5 for Nyama Choma.

PM Raila Odinga Wins Top Uganda Award

2012-11-26T23:28:00.002-08:00

Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 3rd Annual Edutainment Africa Awards (EAA) to be held at Serena Hotel Victoria Hall in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday 1st, December.

The EAA will reward Odinga for his outstanding Educational contribution to the development of Africa.

It is our joy to celebrate achievements of nobility with you through Edutainment Africa Awards. We hope that, on Edutainment Africa’s behalf, you may also encourage other members in your circle of influence to attend the event,” said the letter of invitation, dated June 6.

The Prime Minister will also preside over the function that coincides with the World Aids Day.

David Beecham Okwere, Uganda’s ambassador to Japan said on Monday Odinga would arrive on Saturday and also hold a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni, with whom they are expected to attend to award gala together.

“He is coming. We will give him an award for his contribution; he is one of the leaders who have championed many causes. The Raila Odinga Foundation has supported the education of many students in East Africa. The foundation gives many scholarships. He has supported many causes,” Okwere said.

Okwere who is also the chairman of EAA said the award is a regional award. He explained that this year it was focusing on Kenya and Uganda but next year it will award other people in the region.

Innocent Ogwal, chief executive officer EAA told journalists that Odinga has an illustrious career in leadership and contributed to the struggle for pan Africanism. He said on Saturday Odinga will be involved in a tree planting exercise at the Pan African Freedom Square in Kampala. Ogwal said the awards were launched in November 2010 by President Yoweri Museveni who was represented by Sports Minister Charles Bakkabulindi.

About Edutainment Africa Awards

Edutainment Africa Awards is a prestigious annual educative and entertainment award that recognizes and rewards noble people who have fashioned and oriented their lives for the development of Africa.

According to awards chairperson Beecham David Okware, the Edutainment Africa Awards 2012 seeks to reward and promote good values through daily assignments and entertainment – the most cherished means of communication.

“EAA’s mission is to the education of individuals – young and old, through a value-based system that relies on self-driven nobility, creative art and positive entertainment where individuals are empowered to play a constructive role in the society hence helping to build a better Africa and the world,” said Okware.

Recently, President Mwai Kibaki was honored with an honorary doctorate at the Makerere University for his contribution to education in the continent.

Gangster Movie Kenya's First Oscar Contender

2012-11-09T23:10:00.000-08:00

Kenyan movie Nairobi Half Life examines gang culture and crime in the Kenyan capital.

(CNN) -- A hard-hitting Kenyan movie about gang culture has become the country's first-ever film to be considered for an Oscar.

"Nairobi Half Life" has just been shown at Film Africa 2012, which is currently taking place in London -- having already made history as the most successful theatrical release for a local film in Kenya, according to its producers.

Some of the cast of Nairobi Half Life, Kenya's first-ever film to be considered for an Oscar.

It's the debut film from Kenyan director David "Tosh" Gitonga, who says he wants to change views about crime in the country.

"We keep saying crime is wrong, but are we really looking at why there is crime?" he says. "I don't believe Kenyans get into crime for fun and giggles."

This experience led him to hear stories of gang members flooding properties and defecating on porches after robberies. He was told: "It hurts us that you have these things we don't have."

Watch a scene from the movie

Left to right : Olwenya Maina, who plays Oti in Nairobi Half Life, and director Tosh Gitonga, at the film's German premiere in Berlin on October 10.
Gitonga says he wants to change views about crime in Kenya.

Prior to shooting, Gitonga wanted to understand the story behind Nairobi's crime culture and to fully comprehend the situation he spent time with real-life gangsters.

This experience led him to hear stories of gang members flooding properties and defecating on porches after robberies. He was told: "It hurts us that you have these things we don't have."

Gitonga admits he was left speechless when asked whether it's fair that some are born into wealth, while others struggle to feed their children just one meal a day.

"I couldn't answer that question and it still haunts me today," he says.

His film chronicles the trials and tribulations of the character Mwas -- a young aspiring actor from rural Kenya who dreams of becoming the next "Bruce Willis."

Mwas moves to Nairobi in pursuit of that dream -- but experiences first-hand why some people refer to the city as "Nairobbery," after being robbed of all his belongings on his first day there.

Crime is especially high in Nairobi, according to the U.S. State Department. It estimates the city averages about 10 vehicle hijackings each day.

Fighting to survive in the city, Mwas strikes up an unlikely friendship with a gang leader who introduces him to a world of theft and violence. This includes taking part in robberies and carjackings -- common crimes in Nairobi.

According to the U.S. State Department, the city averages about 10 vehicle hijackings each day.

Jitin Mediratta, a Nairobi-born lawyer, describes the movie as a story that hits home.

"I have been a victim of robbery with violence when I was living with my father a few years ago," he says. "The truth about the thugs being young and nervous when carrying out the crimes is indeed true."

While Mediratta says the film "humanizes" the gangsters, he rejects feeling any empathy for them -- an opinion shared by his wife Isha, who adds: "A crime is still a crime."

He does, however, want to know how the Kenyan government plans to improve the situation and tackle social injustices.

It is a sentiment shared by Gitonga. He hopes the film will help government officials understand what is happening on the ground, even if just a minority of them take any action.

There hasn't been a formal response to the film from the Kenyan government, but Gitonga says some government officials have discreetly expressed "a need to look at our country and make things better."

Joseph Wairimu won best actor at the Durban International Film Festival for his portrayal of main character Mwas. In the movie Mwas is an aspiring actor who gets dragged into a life of crime.

The movie has already received international recognition. Joseph Wairimu, who plays Mwas, won best actor at the Durban International Film Festival, in July. And the U.S. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is considering whether to nominate Nairobi Half Life for an Oscar in the Best Foreign Language Film category -- the first time a Kenyan movie has been considered.

Gitonga is also humbled by the positive response the film has received from Kenyans, since Kenyan movies don't usually attract large local audiences.

He feels the movie has opened doors for other Kenyan filmmakers and African film in general. "I want the rest of the world to go to the cinema and appreciate a world they don't know," he says.

Finally, President Commissions Nairobi-Thika Superhighway

2012-11-08T09:09:00.002-08:00

President Mwai Kibaki will tomorrow Friday November 9th, 2012 officially open the Nairobi-Thika superhighway.

The President will arrive at the Museum Hill Interchange at 10.00 a.m. where he will unveil a commemorative plague to officially open the Superhighway.

President Kibaki will thereafter drive through the newly opened superhighway to Thika to make his address marking the occasion.

On arrival, the President will be received by Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Roads Minister Franklin Bett, his Finance counterpart Njeru Githae and the Chairperson Kenya National Highways Authority Mrs Hannah Mureithi.

The Sh30bn Superhighway project involved expansion of the four-lane carriageway to eight lanes, building underpasses, providing interchanges roundabouts, erecting flyovers and building underpasses to ease congestion.

King of Genge Jua Cali Latest Celeb at #Talk2Raila

2012-10-19T00:41:00.000-07:00

Raila receives Jua Cali's "Baba Yao" Branded label Tshirt

King of Genge Jua Cali, commonly known for his hit single Kwaheri (featuring Sinaipei) and new single, Baba Yao, on Thursday featured on #talk2raila, a live web TV interactive platform owned by Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The Prime Minister uses the #talk2raila platform to interact with Kenyans from all over world, and to promote youth talent. The platform, domiciled in the PM’s official campaign website (www.raila-odinga.com), allows the Prime Minister to receive questions from Kenyans, which he responds to through a live web TV broadcast, every week.

He uses the platform to feature Kenyan artistes and celebrities from various sectors of the society as a way of promoting their work and exposure.

The session focused discussion on remembering Kenya’s heroes and heroines, with the PM recognizing the role played by artistes in our society. The PM said Kenya has produced many heroes, outside the area of political leadership and government, adding that most artistes have remained unsung heroes and heroines

Voting Opened for the 2012 Kisima Awards

2012-10-12T00:47:00.000-07:00

The 2012 Kisima Awards nominees have officially been announced, following an exclusive cocktail launch that took place last night. Plenty of Kenya’s artistes are set to battle it out now for what is one of Kenya’s premier music awards events.

Leading the list of nominees is rapper Nonini, who is in contention in categories such as ‘Artiste of the Year’, ‘Video of the Year’ and ‘Hip Hop Artiste of the Year’.

The Kisima Awards were started in 1994 by producer Tedd Josiah and regularly held at the Carnivore Restaurant, but discontinued in 1997. In 2003 the Awards were revived and later expanded to include other East African artistes.

This year’s gala ceremony will take place on the 2nd of November at the Kenyatta International Conference Center in Nairobi.

Sponsors of this year’s Kisima Edition include Pulse Magazine, Nakumatt Holdings, IQ Marketing, Brand Kenya, Standard Group, True Blaq, 3 Mice and Kenya Tourist Board. The overall winner is expected to walk away with a cool Kshs. 2 million.

Interesting to note was that Daddy Owen declined the nomination via a tweet to the organizers saying he ‘doesn’t want to participate in any awards this year’.

Here’s the complete list of nominees for the 2012 Kisima Awards:

Artiste / Group of the Year:
Octopizzo
Daddy Owen
Nameless
Camp Mulla
Nonini

Video of the Year Category:
Nonini – Colour Kwa Face
Nameless – Coming Home
Daddy Owen – Mbona
Juliani – Exponential Potential
Rabbit – Swahili Shakespeare

Collaboration of the Year:
Alicio / Juliana
P-Unit / Sauti Sol
Daddy Owen / Denno
Longombas / Mr. Vegas
Keko / Madtraxx

Boomba Artiste Category:
Avril
Amileena
DNA
GrandPa Family
Habida
Prince Davis
Q Tasi
Mejja
Size 8

Hip Hop Category:
Nonini
Juliani
Octopizzo

Gospel Artiste of the Year:
Daddy Owen
Eko Dydda
Eunice Njeri
Mastar Piece
Emmy Kosgei
Willy Paul

Ragga/Reggae Category:
Longombas
Fireson
Kevo Yout
Wyre da Lovechild
Daddy Owen

Urban Artiste / Group Category:
Just a Band / Nonini
Camp Mulla
Boneless
Muthoni the Drummer Queen
Yvonne Darko
Nariki

Fusion Artistes Category:
Wahu
Anto Neosoul
Dan ‘Chizi’ Aceda
Sanaipei
Juliet
Judith Bwire

Benga Artiste of the Year:
Judith Bwire
Kamande wa Kioi
Wa Kahalf
Otieno Aloka
Wa Othaya
Vincent Ongidi

Upcoming Artiste of the Year:
Anto Neosoul
Camp Mulla
Nariki
Xtatic
Yvonne Darko
Alicio

East African Recognition:
Jackie Chandiru
TMK
Chameleone
Diamond
Lady Jay Dee / Mr. Blue
Professor Jay
Dynamiq

Through a transparent voting process the public will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite artist and music via mobile SMS and the internet and thereafter winners will be awarded during the main event.

The Voting process determines the Kisima Music Awards Winner in each Category except for the Producer of the Year, Album of the year, Lifetime Achievement and Trustee awards. A percentage of the final voting process goes to the Voting Academy and the general public which determines the Kisima Music Awards recipients (winners) after an audit by a professional firm.

Voting for the nominees will take place for a period of 7 weeks.

Register here to vote for your favourite 2012 Kisima Award nominees.

Kibera's Finest Superstar Octopizzo Graces #Talk2Raila

2012-10-04T05:07:00.001-07:00

KIBERA's finest and Kenya's popular rapper Octopizzo Number 8 was this morning the guest artist at #Talk2Raila, where according to the artist, the Rt. Hon Prime Minister endorsed his clothing label IVOIVOIVO when he received a branded t-shirt from the artist!

The famous rapper Octopizzo further confessed he was humbled to have met the Prime Minister face to face for the first time in his life, and was honoured to have the Prime Minister unequivocally "endorse his IVO IVO IVO T-shirt". Octopizzo admitted that they discussed a wide range of societal issues such as poverty, drugs and entrepreneurship among young people of Kenya.

An excited Octopizzo went on to reveal how he kept the Prime Minister hooked through interesting talk about the local music industry and the huge impact it has had on influencing society. According to Octopizzo, even the Prime Minister Hon. Raila Odinga agrees with him that music is indeed powerful and for that reason wanamuziki wote waendelee IVO IVO IVO!

Recently during the month of August, Octopizzo made history when he hosted American rap megastar 50 Cent in Kibera and gave him a personalised tour of Kibera. 50 Cent who also doubles as a successful entrepreneur, investor, record producer and actor toured the famous Kibera in Raila Odinga's constituency of Langata courtesy of the Chocolate City Tours, which was incorporated to arrange guided tours around the Kibera showing them all they need to know about it and Octopizzo just happens to own this touring company.

Today's #talk2raila session was focused on discussing political parties and democracy in the Kenyan perspective. Prime Minister Raila Odinga reminded his audience that ODM is the only party in Kenya that stands for ideology and that the party was born out of the struggle to give Kenya a new constitution and democracy.The Prime Minister also said that

ODM was a party whose ideology was to fight poverty and inequality, regional imbalances and further smoothen imbalances in resource and opportunity distribution.

In turning up at Raila's campaign platform, and as a star artist originating from an area represented in parliament by the Prime Minister, Octopizzo becomes the fourth local hip hop star to be seen to have publicly endorsed Raila Odinga for President 2013.

Others local stars to have made an appearance and endorsed Raila Odinga for president are CMB Prezzo, Redsan, Choku and Jaguar.

Born in 1987, Octopizzo, whose real name is Henry Ochieng, attended primary and secondary school in Kibera as well as St. Mary's Changamwe College in Mombasa, before coming back to Nairobi to get down with the microphone. He is the first-born in a family of four and is also a proud Daddy to his one and only daughter, Tracy.

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Carnivore's Sam Kivelenge Aka "Dr. Dawa" Receives Long Service Award

2012-09-27T05:32:00.002-07:00

Samson Kivelenge known as 'Dr Dawa' was recently recognized for having worked at The Carnivore for over 30 years.

World famous for his popular and delicious Dawa cocktails, Dr Dawa has been dispensing his uplifiting medicine with with and flair, to patrons of the Carnivore since it started.

He is seen receiving his recognition award from John Mworia, Manager Simba Saloon

Kenya Tops Africa’s Tourism Boards

2012-09-26T04:52:00.000-07:00

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 25 – The Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) has been voted Africa’s leading tourism board, positively propelling the country’s image globally as a tourism destination.

Kenya’s coveted position came after a hotly contested voting by travel agents across the globe which has been going on for the last one year and culminating into last week’s 19th World Travel Awards held at Beach Turks and Caicos Resort in the United Kingdom.

The award places the country in the limelight as a tourist destination having beaten South Africa which has won for the last four years.

Other African countries which competed with Kenya included Egypt, Namibia, Nigeria, Ghana and Morocco among others.

The tourism industry in the country has termed the award ‘good tidings’ as it comes at a time when the country has had negative publicity occasioned by cases of insecurity.

“Kenya stood out for its sustained innovative and cutting edge marketing campaigns targeting both the traditional and new niche market segments, in an increasingly competitive global tourism industry,” said KTB Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa.

He noted that over the last two years, KTB has been receiving impressive results following the successful implementation of the products diversification strategy, adoption of new promotion strategies, increased advertising campaigns and partnerships with major tour operators worldwide.

“This award is an outstanding endorsement for the investment we have made in positioning Kenya as the premier tourism destination in Africa, and a worthy competitor in the global platform. We are honored to be recognized as Africa’s Leading Tourist Board this year,” he said.

Last year, Kenyan tourism recorded 1.8 million arrivals accounting for 11 percent growth over 2010 and Minister for Tourism Dan Mwazo said the government is committed to providing incentives such as tax holidays, land on lease, single licensing, exemption of duty and 100 percent investment allowance for investors to attract investment in the country.

The ceremony saw 50 awards being presented to travel industry practitioners across the Caribbean region, North and South America.

“While we have been in contention for this and other awards, this is by far one of the greatest achievements we have received,” Muriithi said.

“We are alive to the fact that we must sustain our lead, through additional investments in the sector to ensure that the Kenyan experience for tourists remains unmatched,” he emphasised.

The World Travel Awards, described by the Wall Street Journal as the ‘Oscars’ of the global travel and tourism industry, serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel, tourism and hospitality industry

The Awards were first held in 1994, as a tourism industry initiative, with travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organizations across the globe voting for the winners.

The award places KTB in the same league with the other winning tourist boards in the Europe, Caribbean, Americas and Middle East categories for the World Travel Awards Grand Final, which will take place at the Oberoi, Gurgaon in Delhi on December 12th.

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Musician Choku Appears as Guest Artist at #Talk2Raila

2012-09-21T01:54:00.000-07:00

The Prime Minister with the Artist Choku on the talk2raila session.

Kenyan artists and celebs are now regular guests at the popular #talk2raila interactive internet sessions, where the Prime Minister engages Kenyans on a variety of topical issues.

Yesterday's session was not any different and singer and songwriter Choku, whose mellow voice, determination and savory persona has earned her recognition as one of the premiere female artists in the Kenyan music industry, was the guest artist at #talk2raila during which time the Prime Minister spoke to Kenyans about devolution in relation to the current Teacher's and Doctor's strike.

Born Wambui Kimaru, Choku (Slang for Chocolate) first made an impact in the Kenyan music scene in 2003 when she released her single “Pole” featuring Genge artiste Juacali. She later joined the Calif Records stable, where she teamed up with Rat-a-tat and the late Lady S to form the group Calif Angles and recorded the hit song ‘Kilio’, which earned the group a Kisima awards nomination in 2007.

She later recorded the single “Vitu na like” with Rat-a tat produced by Maichblaq & the Herbalist which also earned her a second Kisima award nomination in 2008. After this, Choku decided to resume her solo music career. In 2009 she recorded and released the song “Slowride” which topped the Kenyan charts.

The new release “Haya” is a song composed and written by Choku. Haya is a Swahili word which means “shy”. The song is about a girl who is interested in a guy but she is to shy to express it.

Related : Ragga Sensation Redsan Endorses Raila for 2013

BBA Reunion: Goldie Visits Prezzo In Kenya

2012-09-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

Singer Susan Harvey popularly known as Goldie from Big Brother StarGame is in Nairobi. After Prezzo visited Nigeria and poured out his heart for her, she has decided to return the favour.

Prezzo and Goldie at the ChannelO NewsLive Launch in Nairobi

Last Saturday, Goldie jetted into Nairobi and was received by none other than on and off boyfriend Prezzo. It seems their relationship is back on track. Her arrival was totally kept silent from the media. She was also welcomed by former housemate Millicent Mugadi.

According to a local Goldie said she would be around for a week or so adding that she will be here recording some music. She did although hint that her and Prezzo might be making music together.

Shortly after her arrival at midnight, Goldie's luggage was bundled into Prezzo's waiting car and headed to a hotel where she will be staying. The smile of Prezzo at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport was so illuminating and bore tales of a man in love.

Goldie confirmed that perhaps a wedding may be expected in the near future. "There is no reason for me to rush things with my sweetheart, if it's meant to be, it will be."

Credit: Liz Njuguna / Ghetto Radio - Kenya / Agencies

Soccer Thriller : Semeji Derby Brought Forward

2012-09-18T03:30:00.000-07:00

The Tusker Premier League (TPL) match pitting Gor Mahia against AFC Leopards has been brought forward to Saturday due to security concerns.

Supersport.com can confirm that the match which was scheduled for Sunday will now will kick off 24 hours earlier at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani at 1500hrs.

“It was a request from the federation. They pointed security as the main reason and ofcourse, we had to comply.”

“Security is a very important issue and we have to ensure that everyone, including players and teams are guaranteed of it in a match. We value such a request because it is for the good of all involved parties,” said TPL CEO Jack Oguda.

The match has been billed as top of the table clash and is set to not only shape up the standings but bragging rights will be up for grabs.

When contacted for his comment, SuperSport Head of Africa Andre Venter, also highlighted security as the main concern.

“Security reasons are the main reason for the change of dates. We had Safari Sevens and the derby on the same date and it was safe to bring one of the events forward,” he told SuperSport.com.

The Tusker Premier League of 2012 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in history. With 6 matches left, only 5 points seperate the top 5 teams and the country is riveted. Sofapaka, Thika United, Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards and Tusker are all in with a chance of winning it all. This is the first time ever that the top Kenyan Premier league has had such a finish.

Only a 2 months ago, AFC Leopards looked like runaway winners. However they have faltered down the stretch and on Saturday went down to Western Stima on Saturday making the league wide open. Their fans were unhappy and caused fracas at Afraha stadium. It will be interesting to see how their chairman Wycliff Ole Magelo reacts given how he got onto his high horse during the fracas of th first leg match between Gor Mahia and AFC.

For Gor Mahia, the players are taking a break after a tight schedule that saw them play 4 matches in 20 days. Coach Logarusic has gone out of his way to keep the players relaxed. Gor Mahia fans should follow suit by cheering the team without putting undue pressure on the players.

Courtesy Futaa.com & Supersport.com

Safari Sevens 2012 Kicks Off Coming Weekend

2012-09-15T04:09:00.000-07:00

Considered Africa’s premier rugby seven-a-side tournament, the ‘Safaricom Sevens’ is due to kick-off at Kenya's Nyayo Stadium on 21st and run up to 23rd September 2012. The popular tournament gives the rugby enthusiast an opportunity to enjoy world class rugby sevens competition whilst immersing themselves in the distinctive Kenyan culture.

Ten quality international sevens teams have so far confirmed their participation in this year's title challenge. New Zealand rugby legend, Jonah Lomu will be the main attraction during this year’s event. The retired All Black who won 63 caps for New Zealand is widely regarded as the first true global superstar of rugby union.

With Kenya known throughout the IRB 7s series fraternity as having the most fun loving and raucous supporters, the ‘Safari Sevens’ is played out in a awesome intimate carnival atmosphere rivalling Hong Kong and Dubai.

The Safaricom Sevens

When: 21st-23rd September 2012

Pitch: Nyayo National Stadium

Tickets Information

Friday 21st September Regular – 300/-
VIP – 1000/-

Saturday 22nd Regular – 500/-
VIP – 2000/-

Sunday 23rd Regular – 500/-
VIP – 2000/-

Season's Ticket
Regular – 1000/-
VIP – 4000/-

Tickets are only available at Safaricom Shops and Galito's outlets

Winners of the Second Kenya Rugby Elliptic Awards Announced

2012-09-09T23:40:00.000-07:00

The second edition of the Kenya Rugby Elliptic Awards winners were announced at the gala held at PrideInn, Westlands on Saturday 8th Sept by the Ministry of Rugby

Rookie of the Year: Eden Agero

School Of The Year: Kakamega High School.

Referee Of The Year: Sarah Otieno.

Team Of The Year: Kenya Harlequins.

Coach Of The Year: Tito Oduk.

Best Media-Audio: Capital FM

Best Print-Media: Nation.

Best Media-Visual: Citizen Sports.

Director Of The Year: Philip Jalang'o.

MVP-Female: Lt. Aberdeen Shikoyi.

MVP-Male: Edwin Machanje.

Fan Of The Year: Fiona Amusudzu.

Hall Of Fame: The 2009 World Cup Semi-Finalist Kenya 7s Team & Management.(Benjamin Ayimba, Felix Ochieng, Oscar Osir, George Odhiambo, Wanjiru Wairia-Lumula, Geoffrey Kimani, Humphrey Kayange, Victor Oduor, Wilson Kopondo, Ben Nyambu, Sidney Ashioya, Lavin Asego, Biko Adema, Collins Injera, Horace Owiti, Gibson Weru, Dennis Mwanja, Innocent Simiyu, Allan Onyango)

Related Post: 2nd Kenya Rugby Elliptic Awards Gala Due

Johnny 'The Voice' Gill is in Kenya!!

2012-09-08T02:21:00.000-07:00

American R&B singer-songwriter Johnny Gill has arrived Nairobi, Kenya for tonight's Tusker Lite Experience at the Carnivore Lounge, Nairobi from 7.00 pm.

If you haven't got your ticket yet, time is running out. Get your advance ticket at Dormans (Yaya Westgate) Bartons Mellabloom stores in Village Market, Nakumatt Westgate, junction , Galleria , Mega Lifestyle and the Carnivore for Sh3,000. VIP Tickets that were going for Sh5,000 are all sold out and there will be no ticket sales at the venue!

Here are some pics from the press conference this morning

Pics: Susan Wong & Capital FM Kenya

Related Posts: The Tusker Lite Experience with Johnny Gill in Nairobi

Ragga Sensation Redsan Endorses Raila for 2013

2012-09-07T00:17:00.000-07:00

Redsan makes appearance at #Talk2Raila after Jaguar

Kenyan ragga sensation Redsan (real name Swabri Mohammed) is the latest showbiz star to have made an appearance at the now popular #Talk2Raila session with Prime Minister RailaOdinga who is campaigning to be elected president of Kenya in the forthcoming 2013 general elections.

Redsan is a former Chaguo La Teeniez and Kisima Music Awards winner as well as a Kora Awards and Pearl of Africa Music Awards nominee. Redsan began his career more than ten years ago and released his first album, Seasons of the San in 2002.

During his visit to #Talk2Raila session, Redsan appears in a short video with PM Odinga and is seen endorsing the candidature of Odinga for President in 2013.

Redsan is the latest showbiz personality to have visited the PM following appearance on the same show by Real Jaguar (best known for most viewed and best selling hit song Kigeugeu and also as a recent Kisima Awards and Pearl of Africa Music Award winner).

Separately, at the Office of the Prime Minister, the 2012 Big Brother Stargame finalist CMB Prezzo also paid a courtsey call on Raila last week. CMB Prezzo is a household name in East Africa's hiphop circles and a popular artist all over Africa.

Kenya's Latest Online Shopping Site Launched

2012-09-06T22:42:00.001-07:00

Onlineshopping.co.ke has joined the list of the sites that offer online purchase of electronics, mobile phones and home appliances in Kenya.

Onlineshopping.co.ke expects to reach out to Kenyans by offering goods and services to their doorsteps on the cash on delivery mode of payment, says its managing director Vincy Len.

The company “offers 48 hours delivery services” and all the products are at discounted prices, Len said.

According to a post on the site, one goes online, browses for the products then makes the orders. The developer firm behind the site later offers free deliveries at no cost.

Currently, the site offer services exclusively around Kenya's capital Nairobi and is looking to expand to other regions countrywide.

Online shopping is fast catching up in Kenya. Justin Wanjala a banker at NIC Bank told HumanIPO online shopping services offer better conditions to potential customers such as researching online, variety of products, comparing quality, quantity and prices of products before making a decision.

Wanjala said it’s cheaper than moving from one shop to another and saves on time although many people from rural areas are excluded from the faster services “as a result of poor information and communication infrastructure.”

As reported earlier by HumanIPO, online shopping has been hampered by insecurity on the Net.

In other African countries such as South Africa and Ghana, the level of online shopping is growing at a tremendous rate with more people opting to make online purchases given the faster delivery, easier return policies and free shipping.

Reports from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) indicate the number of online users are still far below the world average by 30 percent although the number is increasing as Africans become more familiar and proficient with online shopping.

The number of e-commerce in Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya has increased as a result of the increase in the number of mobile phone use and availability of faster Internets.

In South Africa, 51 percent of individuals with internet access shop online while in Kenya, 18 to 24 percent make online purchases. In Nigeria, approximately 28 percent of the population has Internet access according to ITU figures.

The number of mobile mobile subscriptions has topped 87 million. This is a motivator to new generation of Internet developers eager to increase buying options by providing discounted deals on a wide range of products and services.

Analysts suggest lack of convenient and reliable electronic payment services for online shoppers as a major problem confronted throughout Africa.

Source

Gospel Star Jimmy Gait Performs Live in the UK

2012-09-06T02:21:00.002-07:00

First time in the UK, Gospel sensation Jimmy Gait will have a one off performance at Tripple Em Foods on Saturday 15th September.

Mention Kenyan Gospel and Jimmy Gait name will resonate among many people in East Africa as arguably the best Gospel singer in his generation whose songs are said to bridge the gap between the older and younger generation. Performing only ONE show in the UK, this is a MUST attend concert. Spread the word and start practising the Furi Furi dance.

Major Hits include: Furi Furi, Manyunyu, Holy Day, Huratiti, Muhadhara, Sonko and of course his brand new hit song Ole.

It is one concert not to be missed. Deejays on the night Dj Josh and Dj Cymoh. Entrance is ONLY £15 ALL NIGHT.

Venue: Roman Way Pub, 93 Tomlinson Avenue, LU4 0QL, Luton

Get more information and win complimentary tickets @:

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/trippleem.foods

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TrippleEmFoods