Deputy Spokesperson Government of Kenya Mwanaisha Chidzuga says Today, I was privileged to host Deputy President Prof. @KindikiKithure at my home when he graced Senator Danson Mungatana’s thanksgiving ceremony and official opening of newly constructed classrooms at Arap Moi Primary School, Tana River County.
I appreciated residents for electing senator Mungatana and urged them to register with [Social Health Authority] SHA that will assist them in accessing quality health care services.
The overall winner of the 2024 Road Music Challenge has been announced, ending an exhilarating one-month musical talent search that attracted a record-breaking 142 submissions from across the country.
Hassan Suleiman emerged as the ultimate champion, clinching the grand prize of a brand-new Yamaha FZ 150 motorbike. The first runner-up, Moses Ooko was awarded KShs. 200,000, while the second runner-up Damaris Mulumbe received KShs. 100,000, in recognition of their outstanding performances.
This year’s competition, open to all Kenyan citizens aged 18 and above, required participants to create and share unique musical performances around a beat. Contestants were tasked with downloading the official tune from CFAO Mobility Kenya’s social media pages or website, crafting a performance that included the phrase “Rev with Yamaha,” and uploading their videos to their social media accounts. Participants also tagged Yamaha by CFAO Mobility Kenya and three friends, while using hashtags such as #YamahaByCFAOKe, #RoadMusicChallengeKE, and their preferred Yamaha motorbike hashtag.
The finalists were selected through a rigorous judging process led by celebrated musician Wyre Da Love Child, Rapper Nazizi and renowned producer Riccobeatz. Their expertise ensured that the competition highlighted Kenya’s best and brightest musical talent.
Speaking at the finals, Yamaha Brand Manager, Cleon Oguya, celebrated the overwhelming response to this year’s edition of the Road Music Challenge.
“This year’s competition has been an incredible success, with 142 submissions showcasing the immense musical talent and creativity across the country. The level of engagement on our platforms was phenomenal, with millions of interactions as Kenyans connected with the Yamaha brand. Our commitment to nurturing local talent and celebrating the spirit of innovation and freedom remains unwavering. Congratulations to all our participants and finalists who made this journey unforgettable,” said Mr. Oguya.
The Road Music Challenge is part of CFAO Mobility Kenya’s broader vision of creating meaningful engagement opportunities with customers across diverse touchpoints. Yamaha, known for its high-quality and reliable motorcycles, continues to inspire freedom and adventure, making it a trusted companion for countless riders globally.
Kimani wa Makaratasi, who is the Chief Executive Officer, CO-Founder and President of JAMII product and Jamii product ltd has taken a moment to offer a golden tip of advice to the youths as we approach the festive season:
“5 Essential Tips to Manage Your Finances This Festive Season
The festive season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, it can also be a season of overspending and financial strain if not managed wisely. As the year comes to a close, here are some practical tips to help you celebrate responsibly while safeguarding your financial health:
Final Thoughts
The festive season is about creating memories, not financial stress. By planning ahead and being intentional with your spending, you can enjoy the holidays without compromising your financial stability. Remember, it’s not about how much you spend but how much thought and care you put into your celebrations.
This holiday season, let’s make smarter financial choices while spreading joy and love. Cheers to a financially savvy and fulfilling festive season!
By John Kariuki
On Friday morning, Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris took a significant step in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) by handing over crucial work equipment to the 1195 GBV Call Centre. This donation underscores her continued commitment to improving the lives of survivors and bolstering efforts to address GBV in Kenya.
The National Gender-Based Violence Toll-Free Helpline, 1195, has become a vital lifeline for survivors of gender-based violence. As the first and only service of its kind in Kenya, the helpline offers a safe and confidential space for individuals to report incidents of abuse and access immediate, life-saving assistance. It has played a pivotal role in the country’s broader strategy to combat GBV and provide survivors with much-needed support.
Gender-based violence continues to be a pervasive issue in Kenya, affecting individuals from all walks of life. A 2022 report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) revealed that over 40% of women aged 15-49 have experienced some form of physical violence, while 14% have faced sexual violence. These statistics, however, are likely underreported due to the social stigma and fear that often accompany these crimes.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the GBV crisis, with a marked increase in domestic violence and child marriage cases during lockdowns. The 1195 helpline saw a staggering 360% rise in GBV-related calls in 2020, reflecting the urgent need for accessible support systems. By the end of that year, more than 6,000 survivors had reached out to the helpline, compared to just over 1,400 in 2019.
Esther Passaris’ support to the 1195 GBV Call Centre is an important step in ensuring that survivors of GBV have the resources and assistance they need to rebuild their lives. The equipment provided will enhance the centre’s capacity to handle calls and offer more efficient services to those in distress.
The 1195 helpline remains a critical component of Kenya’s response to gender-based violence, and the donation will undoubtedly play a role in strengthening its reach and effectiveness. As efforts to combat GBV continue to grow, the collaboration between government representatives like Passaris, civil society organizations, and survivors remains crucial in making progress toward a safer, more supportive environment for all.
By John Kariuki
Githunguri MP Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba has raised concerns over the prolonged delay in appointing a Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Gender, a critical role that has remained vacant since July 5, 2024.
In a statement, Wamuchomba congratulated the newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries but expressed frustration over the continued absence of leadership in the Gender Ministry. “Congratulations to the newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries. However, we have been waiting for the appointment of the CS to be in charge of the Ministry of Gender since July 5, 2024. How can the newly established End Femicide Task Force function without a CS?” she questioned.
The End Femicide Task Force, created to address the rising cases of gender-based violence and femicide in the country, has faced operational challenges due to the leadership gap. Wamuchomba emphasized that the lack of a CS undermines the government’s commitment to addressing these pressing issues.
The MP also took note of the new appointees from Central Kenya, cryptically remarking, “Looking at the new faces from the Central region of Kenya, it’s evident mlima unateleza kweli (the mountain is indeed slippery).” Her comment appears to allude to perceived political shifts or declining representation of the region in key government positions.
Wamuchomba, a vocal advocate for women’s rights, has been at the forefront of calling out the government for failing to address rising cases of femicide and violence against women. Her latest remarks underscore the urgency of appointing a leader to spearhead efforts in combating gender-based violence and championing women’s rights.
The delay in filling the Gender Ministry position raises questions about the government’s priorities in addressing gender issues, leaving many Kenyans eagerly awaiting action.
By John Kariuki
The Director General of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Engineer Silas Kinoti, has confirmed ongoing discussions with officials from the Korean Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) to review the implementation of key road projects funded by the bank in Kenya.
Engineer Kinoti revealed that he joined a high-level meeting with the Principal Secretary for Roads, Engineer Joseph Mbugua, and senior management from various road agencies to assess the progress and challenges of the projects.
The visiting delegation from the Korean EXIM Bank was led by Mr. Jeon Yong-jun, Director for the Africa Team at the bank’s headquarters in Korea. Also in attendance was the Director General of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), Philemon Kandie, alongside other notable officials.
This collaboration underlines Kenya’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships for infrastructure development, particularly in enhancing road networks to support economic growth and connectivity across the country.
Engineer Kinoti expressed optimism about the meeting, highlighting it as a significant step in ensuring the timely delivery of the bank-funded projects, which are expected to play a transformative role in Kenya’s urban and rural road infrastructure.
The government continues to prioritize such partnerships to meet its infrastructural development goals, emphasizing transparency and efficiency in project implementation.
By Steve El Sabai
In a landmark event held at the Fairmont Hotel in Nairobi on December 19, 2024, Kenya marked two significant milestones in its quest for digital security and innovation.
Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, presided over the graduation ceremony for cybersecurity trainees and the signing of a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) and Huawei Technologies.The event underscored Kenya’s commitment to fortifying its digital landscape and addressing emerging cybersecurity threats.
Dr. Omollo lauded the graduates for their dedication, describing them as the “critical mass of vanguards” who will protect the country’s digital sovereignty.Dr. Omollo emphasized the transformative potential of the digital revolution, a vision championed by His Excellency President William Ruto.
He noted that digitization is not merely about enhancing service delivery but also about unlocking opportunities for job creation, income generation, and fostering economic inclusion. However, with these opportunities come significant risks. Recent cyberattacks targeting Kenya’s critical infrastructure, such as government platforms, electricity grids, and airport systems, have highlighted the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures.The partnership between NC4 and Huawei Technologies represents a major step forward in addressing these challenges. Huawei, a global leader in technology, has been instrumental in building Kenya’s cybersecurity capacity through training, policy development, and the sharing of best practices.
The newly signed MoU aims to deepen collaboration in areas such as emerging technologies and rapid response mechanisms.Kenya is also taking legislative strides by aligning with international conventions, including the Budapest and Malabo Conventions, to enhance its capacity for cybercrime investigations and prosecutions.The event highlighted the government’s proactive approach to cybersecurity. Dr. Omollo detailed Kenya’s ongoing initiatives, including the enactment of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act and its accompanying regulations. Plans are also underway to establish the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), the National Cybersecurity Operations Centre (NSOC), and a Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.
Additionally, Kenya will host key events such as Cyber Week Africa and the African Forum on Cybercrime to foster collaboration and innovation.Dr. Omollo urged stakeholders across the public and private sectors to prioritize cybersecurity, allocate resources, and integrate it into boardroom discussions. He expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility requiring collective effort.As Kenya accelerates its digital transformation, the collaboration between NC4 and Huawei sets a strong foundation for a secure and innovative digital ecosystem. The government’s strategic investments and international partnerships signal a bold commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s digital future as Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility.
President William Ruto’s Administration recently announced the regime’s commitment to clean cooking by limiting the consumption of traditional polluting fuel like firewood and charcoal. According to His Excellency The President, this move will cut carbon emissionsand realize the dream to grow 15 billion trees by 2032.
The Kenya Private Sector Alliance Energy Sector Chair Eng. James Mwangi who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Kurrent Technologies Ltd welcomed the move terming it progressive.
“Sustainable energy solutions are critical for global climate action. Globally, 2.6 billion people still lack access to clean cooking solutions. This has dramatic consequences on the environment, economic development, and public health. Schools are large contributors to inefficient cooking as they prepare high volumes of meals. As KEPSA we are welcoming the move and embrace the opportunity to scale up this effort and to introduce clean and modern cooking solutions which uses less fuel, limits smoke emissions, and reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted.
By John Kariuki
The Kenyan government has unveiled a bold initiative to tackle the country’s housing deficit through the launch of nationwide open days for its Affordable Housing Program (AHP). Spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, the program offers Kenyans an opportunity to own one of 4,888 housing units, with an emphasis on accessibility, sustainability, and affordability.Principal Secretary Charles Hinga highlighted the transformative potential of these open days, describing them as a gateway for Kenyans to explore housing options, register on the BomaYangu platform, and learn about flexible payment plans. “This initiative is about ensuring Kenyans can access dignified and affordable homes,” PS Hinga emphasized, noting the government’s commitment to low- and middle-income earners.The AHP is a flagship government program aimed at addressing the stark disparity between the annual housing demand of 250,000 units and a market supply of only 50,000 units. To close this gap, the government has rolled out 100 housing projects across 45 counties, expected to yield 135,515 units. These projects not only provide affordable housing but also generate over 200,000 job opportunities, stimulate growth in the manufacturing sector, and inject more than Ksh.4 billion into the Jua Kali industry.One of the program’s standout features is the rent-to-own model, allowing homeowners to make monthly payments equivalent to rent over a 25-year period. This innovative approach eases financial burdens while enabling Kenyans to transition seamlessly from tenants to homeowners.The BomaYangu platform, a key component of the program, streamlines the registration process for prospective homeowners. With 550,000 Kenyans already registered, the platform will facilitate the allocation process as housing projects near completion. The government plans to commission, allocate, and occupy some of the completed housing units starting January 2025.The Affordable Housing Program reflects the government’s broader agenda to provide decent, safe, and affordable housing while driving economic growth. In addition to housing, the ongoing projects have created demand for cement, steel, and other construction materials, further boosting local industries.As open days commence across 24 AHP sites nationwide, Kenyans are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to inspect housing units, understand payment options, and begin their journey toward homeownership.This initiative is not just about providing shelter—it’s about transforming lives, creating jobs, and building a brighter future for thousands of Kenyans. The dream of homeownership is now closer than ever.
By John Kariuki
Nairobi, Kenya – The festive season has officially kicked off with a heartwarming ceremony led by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, EGH. The iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) tower was illuminated this evening, symbolizing hope, unity, and the spirit of celebration that defines this joyous time of the year.
Speaking during the event, CS Miano emphasized the importance of coming together as a community during the festive season. “This evening, together with the tourism fraternity and friends, we lit up the KICC tower—a beacon of hope and unity as we celebrate this special season,” she said.
The event was graced by children from Baby Blessings Children’s Home in Umoja, whose smiles and laughter were the highlight of the evening. Attendees were also treated to vibrant performances showcasing the immense talent of Kenya’s youth, reinforcing the nation’s rich cultural heritage and the essence of community.
“These moments remind us of the true essence of this season—coming together to uplift and celebrate one another,” CS Miano added, reflecting on the spirit of giving and togetherness that characterizes this time of year.
As the KICC tower glows against the Nairobi skyline, it serves as a reminder of the power of unity and the promise of a brighter future. The festive season has begun in earnest, and Kenyans are invited to embrace its joy and togetherness.
Let this season be a time of love, sharing, and celebration for all.
