About 40 percent of Rabai sub-county, Kilifi County residents are food secure.
This is according to Rabai Deputy County Commissioner Maxwell Sokoine.
“About 40 percent of our residents are food secure, the remaining 60 percent are in dire need of relief food,” he explained.
He noted Jimba and Ruruma areas as the most affected areas.
“Our sub-county unlike Ganze is not as adversely affected by drought,” he said.
According to him, the Jimba area is semi-desert and therefore has no trees to attract rain.
He says the sub-county received 400 bags of rice 160 bags of beans and cartons of packed beef.
According to the DCC, Rabai ward received 140 bags of rice, 60 bags of beans, and 37 cartons of packed beef, Ruruma Ward, 117 bags of rice, 46 bags of beans, and 23 cartons of packed beef, Kambe Ribe Ward 67 bags of rice, 24 bags of beans and 20 cartons of packed beef while Mwawesa Ward, on the other hand, received 74 bags of rice, 30 bags of beans and 20 cartons of packed beef.
Mombasa Solid Waste Management CEC, Challenge Works' Gabriela Kisoi pose for a photo with Mombasa youth during a sensitization forum at Swahili Pot./COURTESY
Mombasa youth across the county are being urged to join a marine plastic waste management innovation challenge that will see to the reduction of plastic waste in the ocean.
The challenge, ‘Mombasa Plastics Prize’, aims to encourage innovation and awareness among aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders in Mombasa County, by inspiring the development of solutions that tackle the problem of marine plastic waste mismanagement within informal settlements.
While addressing the youth during a sensitization forum at Swahili Pot, Mombasa County Executive Member for Environment, Solid Waste and Energy, Godfrey Nato, said the County will support those who want to invest in plastic waste management.
“Waste management, especially plastic waste, is an industry that is growing very fast worldwide. Plastics are not bad, but how we dispose of them makes them bad, we have to find new ways to dispose of plastic waste that are good for our environment. The youth are very innovative and techno-savvy,” said Nato.
Nato urged the youth who complain of unemployment to venture into waste management saying there was a lot of money in the waste management industry.
“Almost 10 percent of our waste is plastic, and as a county, we will focus on a circular economy hence we will be able to support those who want to invest in plastic waste management,” he said.
In the first round, the participants will be judged in; interest in plastic waste; creativity and innovation; problem-solving; teamwork; and commitment to the program.
Mombasa Solid Waste Management CEC addressing the youth during the sensitization forum./COURTESY
“I want to encourage the youth that there are many jobs they can do, and jobs dealing with waste management are among the growing sectors in the world, so if they invest or venture into waste management, especially plastic waste management, they will get employment,” the Environment and Solid Waste Management CEC said.
“Waste is a must, we produce waste in our day-to-day activities so waste will always be there,” he added.
60 individual competitors will be selected as finalists, then grouped into teams to develop, test and ultimately deploy their ideas to tackle the plastic waste pollution problem.
“We are looking for 60 applicants, they will get a chance to be trained and be mentored. They will also, as the CEC said, get support from the County so that they can get a chance to share their innovation in preventing plastics from getting into our ocean,” said Mary Gitari from Brand Spark PR.
The 60 finalists will get free professional training and mentoring in entrepreneurship and business skills.
They will also; receive seed funding worth approximately sh.150,000 (approx. $1,200 USD) per team, to help develop the ideas submitted. Receive reimbursement for all relevant expenses and receive a stipend.
The prize, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Canada, is being managed by Challenge Works in collaboration with other organizations working across the innovation ecosystem in Mombasa.
“What we are aiming to do with the Mombasa Plastics Prize is to support young innovators across Mombasa County. The pace of innovation across Mombasa County is really accelerating, as Challenge Works, USAID and the Government of Canada, we want to utilize this innovation,” said Gabriela Kisoi, a Manager at Challenge Works.
“We want local solutions to our local challenges, that being plastic waste management, especially being right next to the Indian Ocean,” she added.
Speaking at the sensitization forum, Gabriella urged young women and girls to apply for the challenge.
“We know that women and girls are underserved and under-presented within the plastic waste management ecosystem, we want to change the narrative. We want women, who make major purchasing decisions in their homes to now take the lead and own their innovations,” she said.
The challenge is open for young youths aged 18-25 years living in Mombasa County, with an interest in tackling the problem of marine plastic waste management.
The deadline for submitting entries is Tuesday 8th November 2022.
The winner of the challenge will win sh.3.5 million, the first runners-up sh.2.5 million, and the second runners-up sh.1.2 million.
Members of African Tea Trade Association and Fairtrade Africa during a forum in Mombasa./Kibamba Victor
Tea Traders now want the government to review law that makes it mandatory to auction tea in Mombasa before exporting.
Speaking during a forum in Mombasa to discuss the trading of sustainable teas from East and Central Africa, East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA) and Fairtrade Africa asked the government to reverse the law that makes it mandatory for all tea to pass through the Mombasa auction market before reaching the buyers.
The traders want the government to allow sellers to sell directly to the buyers saying the law has restricted the product from reaching the buyers in time.
According to Fairtrade Africa Senior Tea Program Officer Bernard Njoroge, more than six million kilograms of tea have not been sold because of that law.
“Farmers have not yet sold in fair trade and the income of the premium has decreased,” said Njoroge.
However, Njoroge thanked the government for reducing the price of fertilizers saying that some tea farmers have already received the Fertilizers and they are using it in their various farms.
American rapper, record producer and fashion designer Ye formerly known as Kanye West has been the center of controversies in recent weeks.
The rapper’s series of remarks in different platforms has made him lose partnership with giant companies he was collaborating with and even lost his billionaire status.
But what did he exactly say or do to make him on the L side?
It all started in France during Paris Fashion week where he together with other black models wore t-shirts with the phrase ‘White Lives Matter’,a hate speech term used by white supremacists to counter the Black Lives Matter movement fighting against police brutality.
The t-shirt had a photo of Pope John Paul II on the front. This incident created a storm on social media with celebrities and key figures quickly condemning the move.
The 45 year old rapper had posted comments on Instagram that were considered by many to be “anti-Jewish,” and the social media platform restricted his account as a violation of company’s rules and guidelines.
He then took to twitter where he aired his grievances with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg over the suspension.
He posted saying; “I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE. The funny thing is I actually can’t be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda.”
Despite the tweet being taken down by twitter ‘death con 3’ was a likely reference to US military term Defcon 3, a defence readiness condition alert system used by US armed forces and West was accused of misusing the term to “declare metaphorical war on Jewish people.”
In a podcast episode the rapper boasted that he could make hateful remarks without any repercussions as well as insinuating Gorge Floyd was not killed by the police but rather a drug overdose.
Sportswear maker Adidas, fashion brand Balenciaga, Vogue, The Gap have cut ties with the 24 times Grammy winner and consequently making him lose the billionaire status.
Forbes magazine said it had valued Ye’s share of the Adidas deal at $1.5bn (Ksh.181.7) The end of that partnership deal means his net worth shrank to $400m equivalent to sh.48.4 billion.
His financial streams now come from real estate, liquid cash, his music catalog and a less than 5% stake in his ex-wife Kim Kardashian’s skims brand.
Former Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua./COURTESY
BY>> YAYRA MIGYIKRA
Former Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua has officially handed over authority to his replacement Felix Kosgei.
During the Cabinet Secretaries swearing-in ceremony on Thursday at State House, Kinyua gave Kosgei the reins as the first item of business, allowing him to direct the day’s schedule.
Kinyua delivered the oath of office to the new chief of staff Kosgei.
Kinyua served in multiple administrations including the late Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel Moi’s eras.
“I thank you and your predecessors for according me privilege to serve in four successful administrations. It has been a profound honour and humbling journey. I’m immensely grateful to be accorded the rare opportunity to serve Kenyans and the great men chosen to be president,” he said.
On October 14, 2022, Kosgei was appointed to serve as a member of President Ruto’s Executive Office.
The event was presided over by President William Ruto.
EU Go Blue Maritime Security project to strengthen capacity of Kenya Coast Guard in maritime security./COURTESY
The European Union has launched a Go Blue Maritime Security project that aims to improve Kenya’s Blue Economy.
Speaking in Mombasa during the opening of Go Blue and Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani offices, Irene Giribaldi, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Kenya, said the €5m (sh.603m) project will help in dealing with maritime security challenges.
“Kenya’s waters provide significant economic opportunities, such as fishing, aquaculture, coastal and marine tourism, as well as research activities,” Irene Giribaldi said.
However, she says these prospects are undermined by a wide range of challenges including marine pollution and illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.
“While focusing on the Blue Economy growth, Kenya is seeking to ensure optimal use of its resources to prevent over-exploitation of maritime resources with a view to ensure new wealth creation opportunities and possibilities for the coastal communities,” she added.
Coast governors with the EU partners and Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani CEO during the opening of the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani offices in Mombasa./COURTESY
The project is part of the overall Go Blue program that is funded by the EU with implementing partners from Germany, Italy, Portugal, and France, and two United Nations agencies i.e UN-Habitat and UNEP.
“Fighting against illicit activities at sea requires a multi-stakeholder approach,” said Rima Le Coguic, the Deputy CEO in charge of operations at Expertise France.
Other activities will also be set as part of the Go Blue project, such as a community on water watch program including fishermen safety courses and the development of a mobile phone application to enhance safety and security at sea, as well as support and improve the search and rescue chain across the coastal counties.
“A safe and secure Kenyan maritime territory is key for the further development and expansion of our thriving Blue Economy,” said Brigadier (rtd) Loonena Naisho, Director General at the Coast Guard Service.
Kilifi Governor elected JKP Chair
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro is the new Chair of the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP) Economic Bloc.
Mung’aro became the third Chairperson of the bloc, taking over from former Taita Taveta Governor Granton Samboja.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro giving a speech during the official opening of the Go Blue Secretariat Office in Nyali, Mombasa County./COURTESY
“I am humbled and honored for the trust and faith that my colleagues have in me, thus allowing me to serve the @JumuiyaBloc as The Chairperson. Together we will make this leg of devolution an astounding and transformative success to the coastal people,” said Governor Mung’aro.
The Kilifi Governor was elected to the position following the official opening of JKP offices in Nyali, Mombasa County.
Pirates beach clean-up that took place on Wednesday./JOYCE JURA
Close to two tonnes of plastic and glass waste were collected at the Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach in on Wednesday.
The 1.7 tonnes of waste were collected by members of the public during a beach clean-up exercise organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Go Blue team in conjunction with Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP) and the Kenya Wildlife Service at Pirates beach.
Speaking before launching the clean-up exercise, Oumar Sylla from the UN-Habitat said the cleaning exercise will be carried out across all the coastal counties in order to boost Blue Economy.
“It aims to raise awareness on plastic pollution and to stimulate debate and collaboration between stakeholders and the wider ocean community to act against marine litter,” said Oumar.
Members of thE Go Blue team and UNEP during the clean-up exercise at Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach in Mombasa./JOYCE JURA
Mombasa Marine Park Deputy Park Warden Salim Makomba said the clean-up activity was one way to ensure that the oceans are healthy for animals and the health of people using them.
“When we dump things in the oceans, it affects the creatures that live in the ocean like turtles, fish, and coral. Turtles end up eating plastic and fish end up eating gum wrappers thinking they are food. Such items do not get digested and later end up killing them,” said Salim.
Salim urged those going to the beach to relax and have fun not to carry along single-use plastics as they are among the contributors to the pollution witnessed in the ocean.
Pupils from Nyota Ing’arayo primary school take part in clean-up exerciseClimate care team that took part in the cleaning exercise./JOYCE JURA
“We will make this clean-up activity a daily thing. We have scouts who do the cleaning and later on the waste is collected and taken to the main dumping site in Kibarani,” the Deputy Warden said.
Sacks of trash collected during the beach clean up exercise at the Jomo Kenyatta public beach./COURTESY
“Let those coming to beach find the beach clean and ensure that when they are leaving, they leave the ocean and beach as clean as they found them,” he added.
Different stakeholders were involved in the Wednesday morning exercise.
A section of Ganahola village. Image used for illustrations only. photo :courtesy
More than 10 families in Ganahola village in Jomvu Constituency, Mombasa County are crying for justice after the Methodist Church allegedly claimed the land they live in.
Led by Ganahola village elder Mr. Chai Jefa, they said the area MCA Jacton Madialo and deputy county commissioner for Jomvu informed them of an impending eviction.
According to Jefa, the two leaders warned them that the Methodist church wants the land as it has its title deed.
“For three days, we have received threats at night from our MCA that people from Methodist church in Meru want us out of this land because they are the bona fide owners. We appeal to the government to come to our aid”, he said.
The residents have now asked the leadership of the church and the local MP’s office to intervene.
“We urge our Mp Badi Twalib to help us. Where will we go with our children?” they posed.
The said area has seen massive developments in recent times despite the tussle between the Methodist church and locals.
“The law says that if you stay on a particular land for 12 years, that land belongs to you and you should not be evicted”, said another resident.
However, the area MCA could not be reached for comment at the time of publishing this story.
Former Real Madrid tactician Zinedine Zidane has hinted that he is willing to return in managerial career after his long-term break.
The 50-year old has been out of active football for 17 months but he said the wait is over and he will be back soon.
Speaking after revealing his own statue at the Grévin museum in Paris, the French man said the plans are set for him to take a new position soon.
Zidane was recently linked with PSG and the French national team manager job but he denied the rumours saying he was happy to wait for the right job at the right time and it seems like a moment may have come based on what he stated.
The Real Madrid legend is one of the modern successful managers having won three consecutive Champions League trophies with the Spanish giants from 2015-2018.
In May 2021, Zidane left his role as Los Blancos head coach for the second time after claiming that there was a disconnection between the club’s board and himself.
His next step may land in Italy following his heavy links with Juventus who were eliminated from Champions League in group stage on Tuesday.
