Blankets and Wine slated for November 4th at Mamba Village

Blankets and Wine XXXIX presents contemporary R&B singer/songwriter/producer and multiple Grammy nominee Dwele.

Venue: Leisure Gardens, Mamba Village

Date: November 4^th, 2012

Time: 1.00pm – 7:00pm

The lineup has Mzungu Kichaa(Tanzania), Kidum (Burundi) and Kagwe Mungai (Kenya).  

Get tickets here at sh1,500 TicketSasa or for sh2,000 at the gate.

Sponsored by Keringet 

NIC Bank Scoops Overall 2012 FIRe Awards

NIC Bank was named the overall winner of the 11^th edition of the Financial Reporting (FIRe) Awards at an awards ceremony held at Safari Park Hotel on Friday.

The bank, which had a 238 percent oversubscription of its rights issue, also bagged other awards in the Bank, Listed Companies, and IFRSs Category as well as Kenya’s winner in the country category.

Eldoret Sergoit Golf and Wildlife Resorts Commissioned

‘The Jewel of the North-Rift’

Approved Gate House Design
Image courtesy of www.sergoit.co.ke

Kenya has recently experienced ambitious projects including Tatu City, Thika Greens, and Migaa in Kiambu County; now another groundbreaking project is set to kick off in Kenya’s North-Rift. Known as the Sergoit Golf and Wildlife Resorts, the 40billion-shilling leisure and property development plan will be located 15 km northeast of Kenya’s fifth largest town, Eldoret in Uasin Gishu County.

Kenyans Shine at All African Business Leaders Awards

Kenya’s Captains of Industry were among African leaders who were honored at the 2012 All African Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) held in Midrand, South Africa on Thursday 25 October.

Equity Bank Chief Executive Officer James Mwangi who was recently awarded Africa’s Innovation Leader of the Year Prize by the AfricanInvestor (Ai) scooped the Business Leader of AABLA 2012.

Kenya Actors Guild to be launched on Friday

The Kenya Actors Guild (KAG) will be launched on 26^th October 2012 at the Kenya National Theatre. The event starts at 9am and all Kenyan actors are being requested to meet for this historic day in the industry timeline.

Here is the Agenda for the day:

1.       Introduce the Guild to actors

2.       Go through the guild constitution (facilitated by a lawyer - Here is a copy of the guild) 

3.        Recruitment of members to the Guild and its process.

4.       Chart the way forward for the guild and its members.

5.       Remarks (Kenya Film Commission Representative, Kenya Film and Television Producers Association Representative)  

6.       AOB

For more details visit http://www.actors.co.ke or email info@actors.co.ke

KCB National Cross Country Championships Launched

Ezekiel Kemboi dances after winning gold at the just concluded Summer Olympics in London

Athletics Kenya (AK) has unveiled the 2012/2013 Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) National Cross Country Championships that will take kick off on November 3^rd in Nyahururu town.

Speaking during the presentation of a 10.6 million sponsorship from the Kenya Commercial Bank, AK’s Chairman Isaiah Kiplagat said that athletes will have to go through doping tests and part of the sponsorship money will go into purchasing an anti-doping kit.

“Foreign coaches, agents and journalists seeking to engage our local athletes will have to seek clearance with the federation and the Ministry of Sports,” Kiplagat added.

Kiplagat also emphasized that all athletes must honor at least 3 of the 7 weekend meetings for them to be liable for selection for the 2013 World Cross Country Championship in Poland.

The jackpot winners will walk away with Sh1.2 million while series winners will bag Sh20,000 each.

2012 KIFF Film Screening Schedule

‘World Classics’

The schedule of films to be screened across the country during the 7^th edition of the Kenya Film Festival (KIFF) has been released.

The event which runs from 24 October – 2^nd November 2012 will have daily Free Public Screenings starting at 10am to 9pm in Nairobi and Kisumu.  

In Nairobi, the National Museum, Alliance Francaise, Goethe Insitut and Starflix Cinema will serve as the venues while in Kisumu, the Mega City Starflix will be used.

Here is the screening schedule at Starflix Cinema (Prestige Mall along Ngong Road), 24 October:

10:00 Castle of Love 24’ (Kenya) Dir: Betty Kathungu Furet

10:25 Normal People 24’ (Poland) dir: Piotr Zlotorowicz

11:00 I Won’t Be There Tomorrow 28’ (Poland) Dir: Julia Kolberger

11:10 Family Meals 50’ (Croatia) Dir: Dana Budisavljevic

11:30 Marcel Barelli 7’ (Italy)

12:00 Jeans & Marto 52’ Dir: Claudia Palazzi and Clio Sozzani

14:00 Penalty Kick – Animation (Canada) Dir: Carlo Ghioni

14:30 Sauti Vita Muhimu Voices (Kenya) Dir: Khamis Ramadhan

15:00 La Macina 52’ (Poland) Dir: Thierry Poladino

-----

Get the Full Festival Schedule Courtesy of Nairobi Now 

President Kibaki honored with the 2012 Lifetime Africa Achievement Award

President Mwai Kibaki has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Africa Achievement Award for his efforts towards national cohesion and stability in the country.

Ghana-based Millennium Excellence Foundation (MEF) named the president alongside two other African leaders, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and the former president John Atta Mills of Ghana. 

President Museveni will receive the Prize for Nation Building and African Leadership while the Late John Atta Mills was honored with the Prize for Democratic Governance and Development in Africa.
Sudan-born telecom billionaire Dr Mohammed Mo Ibrahim will join the three, picking the Action for Africa prize for his dedication towards democratic governance in Africa.

Other recipients include: Kenyan businessman Kamlesh Pattni, Nigeria Tycoon Aliko Dangote, Egyptian opposition leader Mohammed El Baradei, Nigerian Governor Godswil Apkabio , Congolese businessman and politician Katumbi Chapwe, Laureate Isabel Dos Santos and Multichoice CEO Nolo Letele.

The awards ceremony which will be broadcasted live worldwide will be hosted at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi on December 15, 2012.

Former recipients of the prestigious award include Wole Soyinka (Nigeria), Archibishop Desmond Tutu (South Africa), Kofi Annan (former Secretary General of the UN), Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), and James Wolfensohn (former President of The World Bank).  

NSE Introduces Virtual Stock Trading

The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has opened up a new avenue for individuals wishing to trade at the bourse using a simulated online trading platform.  

The initiative, which is supported by the Kenya Association of Stockbrokers and Investment Banks (KASIB), will have interested individuals go through basic train before they acquire virtual accounts to explore the world of stock markets.   

Chebet defends Amsterdam Marathon Title & Sets Record

Wilson Chebet retained his title at the 37^th edition of the TCS Amsterdam Marathon in Netherland’s capital on Sunday.

The 27 year-old  finished in a time of 2:05.41 to break the course record of 2:05.44 set by Ethiopia’s Getu Feleke in 2010. Bentayehu Assefa and Abrha Gebretsadik from Ethiopia came in second and third, both posting a time of 2:06.22.

In the women race, it was an Ethiopian 1-2 finish led by Meseret Hailu (2:21.09) and Genet Ketani leaving Kenya’s Diana Chepkemoi to settle for third place.  

Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2013 Deadline extended

A Call to producers to make their submissions

The deadline for the inaugural Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCAs) has been pushed from October 31^st to Thursday, 09 November 2012 at 21:00 (CAT).

Organized by Africa Magic in association with Multi-Choice, the awards seek to celebrate African film and television talent, both in front of and the behind cameras.

The awards will be presented at 2 separate events to be held in March, next year in Lagos. The first event will be dedicated to standout technical accomplishments while the main event will be a gala night. Both events will be screened to DSTV audiences across the continent with the gala being screened live.           

Nominees will be made public in early December after which voting will kick off.  

For more details visit http://africamagic.tv

Nondies win 2012 Impala Floodlit Tournament

Nondescripts ‘Nondies’ RFC are the 2012 Impala Floodlights champions after beating defending  champions Mean Machine 17-12 in a thrilling finale played at the Impala grounds on Saturday evening.

Calvins Biko’s try in sudden death made the two-time champions lift the title after a 10 years drought.

In the quarterfinals Nondies defeated KCB 21-18 to reach the semifinals where they met Nakuru RFC, beating them 28-10 to book a finals date against Mean Machine.

Mean Machine’s journey to the finals started by beating Strathmore 29-6 in the quarters and Impala RFC 17-15 in the semifinals.

Nondies were the winners of the inaugural Impala Floodlit tournament back in 1983 while Machine remains the most successful club in the tournament having won it a record 9 times.

Nakuru beat hosts Impala RFC 36-5 in the third place playoffs.  

In the University Finals, USIU beat Mean Machine II 16-15 to win in a highly contested match.

In the School Finals, Mangu High School made it three wins in a row after beating Lenana School 3-0 to lift the school title.  

Outstanding club players of the tournament 

Most Valuable Player – Fielden Sinei, Nondies RFC

Most Promising Player – Kelvin Karani, Impala RFC

Top Point Scorer – Martin Muita, Nakuru

Top Try Scorer – Kelvin Gacheru, Mean Machine

  

Kenyan Heroes Remembered at Mashujaa Day

Dedan Kimathi Statue along Kimathi Street

President Mwai Kibaki led Kenyans in celebrating the third Mashujaa Day at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

Mashujaa Day replaced the previous Kenyatta Day after the promulgation of the new constitution on 24^th August 2010.The day celebrates Kenyan heroes and heroines’ who have made outstanding contributions to the country.

Special mentions this year went to eminent Kenyans who have passed away recently. Among them were Veteran politician Martin Shikuku; Business man and politician Njenga Karume; Former Internal Security Minister Prof. George Saitioti, Former Environment Minister John Michuki; Former Internal Security Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode; Civil servants Geoffrey Kareithi, and David Nalo.

The president also commended our athletes for the spectacular performance at the just concluded 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics Games. Kenya’s team captain David Rudisha, Samuel Muchai, Abel Tarbei was also honored for winning gold medals and breaking world records

Other great Kenyans who have been honored at past events include

Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi and his comrade.

 The Kapenguria Six:  Jomo Kenyatta, Bildad Kagia, Paul Ngei, Achieng Oneko, Fred Kubai,and  Kungu Karumba.  

Pre-independence heroes, Mekatilili wa Menza, Harry Thuku, Koitalel Arap Samoei, Harry Thuku, and Muindi Mbingu.  

Liberation leaders, the Late Oginga Odinga, Ronald Ngala, Masinde Muliro, Pio Gama Pinto, Bernard Mate, and Tom Mboya.   

Political leaders, Lawrence G. Sagini, Jean Marie Seroney, James Gichuru and Retired President Daniel Arap Moi.

Sports Personalities, Kipchoge Keino, Naftali Temu, Catherin Nderaba, and Tegla Loroupe.

Historian Bethuel Ogot, Author Ngugi Wa Thiongo, Scientist Thomas Odhiambo, Scholar Al Mazrui Health Specialist Miriam Were and the Late Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai.   

The Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Speaker Kenneth Marende and Chief Justice Willy Mutunga were among the leaders who graced this year’s celebrations.

'What is a society without a heroic dimension?' - Baudrillard Jean 

Scientist Samuel Kariuki wins Royal Society Pfizer Award 2012

Dr. Samuel Kariuki, a senior director at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and Chief Research Scientist and Head of Department, Centre of the Microbiology Research has bagged the Royal Society Pfizer Award 2012 for his outstanding research in invasive Non-Typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) infections in Kenya.

Fully-sponsored: Digital Media Training for Youths

Image Courtesy of alvinology.com 

A call for Kenyan youths with interests in digital creative media to seize a fully funded training opportunity from GESCI.

GESCI in collaboration with a team of tutors from Nairobi and the Irish School of Animation at Ballyfermot College of Further Education is introducing an innovative training program focused on the development of digital creative media skills.

The training program which runs from 1^st November 2012 to 8^th February 2013 will cover four areas of digital media production including;

J        Animation

J        Graphics new imagery

J        Development of games and mobile apps

J        Creative sounds production

Deadline: 25^th October

For more details visit Gesci.org 

GESCI in Kenya

The Global eSchools Community Initiative (GESCI) that was founded by the UN ICT Task Force back in 2003 was unveiled in Kenya last year.

The independent non-governmental organization (NGO) is working with the Ministry of Education to support its integration of ICT in learning, teaching, research, and innovation.  

     

Gospel Stand Up Comedy at NPC

Biggest Gospel Laughs/ Clean Humor

The Nairobi Pentecostal Church (NPC), Valley Road will play host to the first ever Gospel Stand Up comedy show on Sunday 28^th October.

Dubbed ‘gospel laughs n worship’ the event has an interesting line up of popular international and local comedians with South Africa’s Christian Comedian The Napsta among those expected to perform.

Other comedians for the afternoon include Dr. Ofweneke, Pastor Marvelous, Eric Omondi, Energetic Joey from the United States and Funny Man Dr. Shogo from Nigeria.   

The emcee for the event will be the one and only MC Jesse.

Charges: Sh299 (Advance tickets available at all Naivas Supermarkets countrywide)

Time: 2pm 

2012/2013 Kenya Cup Rugby Season starts this October

The 2012/2013 Kenya Cup fixtures have been released by the Kenya Rugby Union. The premier 15s tournament will kick off on 27^th October 2012 and the finals will be held on 3^rd February 2013.

The 12 teams playing this year have been dawned into 2 pools.

Pool ‘A’ has Defending champions Kenya Harlequins, Mwamba RFC, Mean Machine, Strathmore, Homeboyz, and Western Bulls.

Pool ‘B’ has KCB, Impala, Nondies, Nakuru, Blak Blad, and Kisumu.

Action on 27^th October

Quins vs. Western Bulls

KCB vs. Kisumu

Strathmore vs. Mean Machine

Mwamba RFC vs. Homeboyz

Nakuru vs. Blak Blad

Impala vs. Nondies

The tourney will be played on a home and away basis.

In other rugby news: The finals of the 2012 Airtel Impala Floodlits will be held this Saturday 20^th October  with defending champions Mean Machine taking on Nondies in the club finals at 7:30pm.

In the school finals, Lenana School will play against Mangu High School with the match starting at 2:20pm.

In the university category, Mean Machine II will face USIU, the match kicking off at 3:30pm.  

Other matches:  

Impala vs. Nakuru – 6.00pm

Kriss Darlin vs. Dub – 10:00pm

TPL-Puma footballs deal to benefit the league

Tusker Premier League (TPL) and sports firm Puma through their representatives Nairobi Sports House have signed a three and a half year sponsorship deal worth Sh10 million to supply match day and training balls to the 16 clubs  in the league.

The clubs will benefit as challenges of low quality, fake balls and lack of money to purchase balls has greatly affected their progress. Puma is also set to benefit from branding and advertising rights alongside official league sponsors.

The Kenyan Premier League recently bagged a three-year deal worth 170 million-sponsorship deal from East Breweries Limited, resulting to the change of its name to the Tusker Premier League. 

The league also enjoys another sponsorship from Supersport who broadcast the live matches.

Nairobi Sports House and FKF are also working on a deal that will see it distribute all TPL merchandise in the country.

In other Football news: Kenya is set to play more international friendlies with Cameroon, Angola, and Zambia, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Chairman Sam Nyamweya announced on Wednesday.

Harambee Stars who lost to Bafana Bafana 2-1 on Tuesday showed a lot of improvement under the new coach Henri Michel and Nyamweya has assured he will remain at the helm.  

FastJet introduces low-cost airline in East Africa

'Changing the Landscape of Aviation in Africa’

Flying may become cheaper with a yet to be introduced low-cost airline by FastJet, a Pan-African discount airline start-up.

FastJet backed by EasyJet Plc, the world’s second largest budget airline is first planning to start operations in Tanzania before commencing in Kenya where approval to operate is not complete.

League of Young Professionals 2012 Gala slated for November 17th

The League of Young Professionals (LYP) annual Gala Night will take place on Saturday, November 17^th  at The Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi.  

The theme for the event will be ‘winning the future and leaving the mark.’

Charges: Sh2500 (Members -advance)

Sh3000 (Entrance) Sh3500 (Non-members)

Guest Speaker at the gala night will be the CEO of Nairobi Hospital, Dr. Cleopa Mailyu.

About LYP

LYP is a platform for young professionals from all over the country to interact, network & share and to collectively pursue ventures & initiatives that will meet social, financial, and professional needs while having fun & giving back to the community.

Juliani & Ringtone feted at Golden Mic Awards

Gospel artistes Juliani and Ringtone were on Saturday honored at the 3^rd edition of the Golden Mic Awards held at Florida 2000 club, Nairobi.

The annual Golden Mic Awards celebrate personalities who have made outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry after starting their careers at Florida 2000 (F2) Nightclub’s jam session shows.

Other personalities who were honored at the event sponsored by the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) include Kenzo, Kingsting, DNA, and Emmanuel Banda of Ogopa Djs.

In 2011, rapper CMB Prezzo, Wyre, P-Unit, Size 8, Jimw@t, Trapee, and Collo were honored.

F2 is credited with the launch of careers of top artistes in the region including Kalamashaka, Gidi Gidi Maji Maji, Chameleone, the late Poxy Presha, Redsan, Bebe cool, Jaguar, Hardstone, Kanda King, Kriss Darlin, Dj Kariz, Dj Mdosi, Dj Kay Dee, Dj Babu, choreographer Edu, and comedian Fred Omondi.

1st Petroleum Institute of East Africa Upstream Summit slated for October 25th

The inaugural Petroleum Institute of East Africa Upstream Summit will take place from Thursday, 25^th to Friday, 26^th at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.

The event is hosted and organized by Petroleum Institute of East Africa in collaboration with the Kenyan Ministry of Energy.

Topics to be discussed include:

1.      Outlook of East Africa Countries Oil and Gas Exploration Status

2.      East Africa Oil and Gas Potential

3.      Oil Discovery to Oil Marketing

4.      Investment opportunities

5.      East Africa Oil and Gas Infrastructure

6.      Harnessing East Africa Oil and Gas Discoveries For Growth and Development

7.      Marketing discovered oil and gas - Best Practices

8.      Legal and Regulatory Requirements

9.      Local content requirements

10.   Revenue Management Models

11.   Status of the Regions Training and Capacity Building Agenda

12.   Environmental Issues

13.   Financing the Upstream Business Activities

14.   Insurance in Upstream Business Activities

15.   Technology and Solutions for oil and gas exploration and development

For more details contact accounts@petroleum.co.ke  

Kenya bags 15 points at the Gold Coast IRB Series

Kenya playing against Australia
Photo Courtesy of irbsevens.com 

Kenya bagged 15 points at the Gold Coast leg of IRB Sevens Series, the best start in the series so far. The team however, lost an extra 2 points after a 41-7 defeat to South Africa in a third place play-off on Sunday.

Earlier on Sunday, Kenya beat hosts Australia 21-14 in a thrilling quarterfinal to advance to the main cup semis. However, the dream to get to the finals was dashed by the reigning series champions New Zealand who beat them 15-5 in the semis.  

Spectacular Dennis Ombachi was named in the Gold Coast 7s dream team.

The team is now preparing for the Dubai leg slated for November 30^th to December 1^st where they are drawn in Pool A with Spain, Scotland and Fiji.

Fiji successfully defended the Gold Coast title by beating New Zealand 32-14 in the Cup Final.

Here is the Series Standing:

1.       Fiji – 22 points

2.       New Zealand – 19 points

3.       South Africa – 17 points

4.       Kenya – 15 points

5.       Argentina – 13 points  

Privatization of the port of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam

The Port of Mombasa 

Photo courtesy of kenyaengineer.co.ke

The Kenyan government issued a Gazette notice in 2009 stating it would privatize the port of Mombasa in order to enhance Kenya’s regional competitiveness and facilitate investment and economic growth. This was however met with much opposition with Members of Parliament from the coast being on the forefront.

Dockworkers who held demonstrations last year opposed the move to privatize the facility citing that they would lose their jobs.  The former Government spokesperson Dr. Alfred Mutua later announced that the government would not privatize the port and would continue operating as it was.

Creatives Garage slated for October 19th

The October Edition of the of the Creatives Garage Portfolio Review will take place on 19^th October 2012 at Pawa Hub, starting from 5pm.  

The event offers creatives a platform to share ideas, learn, network, form projects, and market themselves to potential clients.

Creatives sharing their portfolios are:

J        Manciny Migwi (Fashion designer)

J        Gerald Lingiri (Actor)

J        Lydia Wahito of Tunda (Farmer)

J        Daisy Busolo (Producer at wholesome Entertainment)

J        Feysal Nair (Digital Artist)

Atlas Plumbers named Top 100 Mid-sized Company

‘Kenya has about 1.6 million registered SMEs that makes 60 percent of all businesses in the country.’

This year’s Top 100 mid-sized company is Atlas Plumbers & Builders (K) Ltd. The company was named the winner at an award gala held at the Carnivore Restaurant on Friday night.

In attendance was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Roads Michael Kamau who urged SMEs to form a lobby group through which to engage with the government.

Dr. Mwangi, KCB & Java feted at African Investor Awards

Image courtesy of africainvestor.com

Equity Bank Chief Executive Officer James Mwangi was named Africa’s Innovation Leader of the Year Prize by the African Investor (Ai), a leading international investment and communications group during a World Bank Annual Meeting held in Tokyo, Japan.

Mwangi who was recently appointed to the Global Agenda Council on New Economic Thinking (a council of the World Economic Forum) and received an invitation to be a council member at the G8 New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition, was earlier in the year named the 2012 Ernest and Young World Entrepreneur of the Year.

2012 KISIMA Awards Nominees list Released

The nominees for the 10^th edition of the KISIMA Music Awards were announced on Thursday night at a ceremony held in Nairobi.

Gospel artiste Daddy Owen and Rapper Nonini lead the pack with 4 nominations each. Nonini has been nominated in the ‘Artiste of the Year’, ‘Video of the Year’, ‘Hip Hop Artiste of the Year’ and ‘Urban Artiste or Group’ category while Owen has been nominated in the ‘Artiste of the Year’, ‘Video of the Year’, ‘Gospel Artiste of the Year’ and ‘Reggae/Ragga' category.

However, Daddy Owen has opted out of the awards saying he doesn’t want to participate in any awards this year.

Grandpa Records has also declined their nomination. Here is the press release posted on their official Facebook page – “We as Grandpa Records hereby withdraw our participation from the upcoming Kisima Awards, and request that the nominations we have received for Grandpa Family and DNA be removed.”    

Here is the complete list of 2012 KISIMA Music Awards Nominees

Artiste / Group of the Year

Nonini

Octopizzo

Nameless

Daddy Owen*

Camp Mulla

Gospel Artiste of the Year

Daddy Owen*

Eko Dydda

Eunice Njeri

Mastar Piece

Emmy Kosgei

Willy Paul

Video of the Year

‘Colour Kwa Face’  - Nonini

‘Coming Home’ - Nameless

‘Mbona’ – Daddy Owen*

‘Exponential Potential’ - Juliani

‘Swahili Shakespeare’ - Rabbit

Collabo of the Year

Alicio & Juliana

P-Unit & Sauti Sol

Daddy Owen & Denno

Longombas & Mr. Vegas

Keko & Madtraxx

Boomba Artiste

Avril

Amileena

DNA*

GrandPa Records*

Habida

Size 8

Prince Davis

Q Tasi

Mejja

Urban Artiste/Group

Just a Band & Nonini

Camp Mulla

Boneless

Muthoni (the Drummer Queen)

Yvonne Darko

Nariki

Hip Hop

Nonini

Juliani

Octopizzo

Ragga/Reggae 

Longombas

Fireson

Kevo Yout

Wyre

Daddy Owen*

Fusion Artistes

Wahu

Anto Neosoul

Dan ‘Chizi’ Aceda

Judith Bwire

Sanaipei

Juliet

Benga Artiste of the Year

Judith Bwire

Kamande wa Kioi

Wa Kahalf

Otieno Aloka

Vincent Ongidi

Wa Othaya

Upcoming Artiste of the Year

Anto Neosoul

Camp Mulla

Yvonne Darko

Alicio

Nariki

Xtatic

East African Recognition

Chameleone

Jackie Chandiru

Professor Jay

TMK

Diamond

Lady Jay Dee & Mr. Blue

Dynamiq

About KISIMA Awards

Established in 1994 by producer Tedd Josiah, KISIMA Music  Awards is the longest running awards in the region. The awards recognize and celebrate outstanding artistes in Kenya and East Africa as a whole.

The gala ceremony is slated for 2^nd of November at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC).

Rudisha shortlisted for 2012 IAAF World Athlete Athlete of the Year Award

Olympic and 800m world record holder David Rudisha is among top athletes shortlisted for the prestigious 2012 IAAF World Athlete of the Year Award.

The 23-year old who won the award in 2010, is the only male African athlete in the list of 10 men and will face other great athletes including Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt and Somali-born Brit Mo Farah.

Reigning Olympic 10,000m champion Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia is also the only female African athlete shortlisted out of 10 women in the world.

After an email-based voting process conducted by the World Athletics Fraternity, 3 male and female finalists will be selected.

Winners will then be selected by the Council of the International Athletic Foundation and announced in a ceremony to be held in Barcelona, Spain at the 2012 Centenary Celebrations slated for 24^th of November.

Here is the list

Men

·         David Rudisha (Kenya)

·         Usain Bolt (Jamaica)

·         Yohan Blake (Jamaica)

·         Ashton Eaton (USA)

·         Mohamed Farah (GBR)

·         Robert Harting (Germany)

·         Kirani James (GRN)

·         Renaud Lavillenie (France)

·         Aries Merritt (USA)

·         Christian Taylor (USA)

Women

·         Tirunesh Dibaba (Ethiopia)

·         Jessica Ennis (GBR)

·         Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica)

·         Valerie Adams (New Zealand)

·         Yelena Lashmanova (Russia)

·         Sally Pearson (Australia)

·         Brittney Reese (USA)

·         Sanya Richards-Ross (USA)

·         Allyson Felix (USA)

Kenya through to Gold Coast Main Cup Quarters

Photo Courtesy of rugbykenya.blogspot.com

The Kenya Rugby Sevens squad advanced to the Main Cup Quarters of the IRB Gold Coast Sevens in Australia on Saturday after finishing second in group C.

In his first IRB World Series in charge of Kenya, Mike Friday's team started the campaign with a 14-14 draw against former side England. A defeat to England looked eminent but a try from a stunning Ombachi revived Kenya hopes.

After a 14-12 defeat to group winners Samoa, Kenya picked up itself to down Spain 19-0 to advance to the final eight. Biko Adema’s try and conversion in the last minute of the first period ensured Kenya sealed its gallant win. Kenya will now face hosts Australia in the Cup quarterfinals.

Samoa will play against their Pacific rivals Fiji while England will battle it out with Scotland in the Bowl quarters.  

Mobile Subscriptions in Kenya stands at 29.7million – CCK

According to the latest statistics released by Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK), there has been increase in usage of mobile phones and internet in the country.

Mobile subscribers have grown by 1.7 per cent between March 30^th and June 30^th of this year, raising the number of mobile phone users in Kenya to 29.7million from 25.2million recorded in the previous period.

The quarterly sector statistics report shows that prepaid users are still the largest subscribers with 29.4 million subscriptions (99.1%) while postpaid subscriptions have grown by 18.3 per cent to bring the total postpaid subscribers to 273,367 as at 30^th June 2012.

Internet usage jumps to 18.5%

Internet subscription in Kenya has increased by 19.2 per cent from 6.4 million recorded in the previous quarter to 7.7million during the quarter under CCK’s review.

On the other hand, the number of Internet users rose by 18.5 per cent to stand at 14 million users during the quarter from a year ago.

Mobile data continued to dominate the internet market contributing to about 99 per cent of the total Internet/data subscriptions.

CCK has attributed the sharp rise to international connectivity bandwidth that expanded by 58 per cent to 264,584Mbps.

Mobile money transfer service increases by 2.73%

Mobile money transfer service had a 2.73 per cent raise bringing the total of registered subscribers to 19.5million while the deposits handled during that quarter was recorded at 192.73billion representing a 4 per cent growth from 185.36billion posted in the previous one.

To get a pdf copy of the CCK’s Statistics go to Sector Statistics Report Q4 

East African Breweries Limited ranks as Best Company To Work For in 2012

A survey done by leading accounting firm Deloitte East Africa has ranked East African Breweries Limited (EABL) as the Best Company To Work For in 2012.

Dubbed 'Best Company To Work For in 2012', the survey placed EABL ahead of the Kenya Women Finance Trust (KWFT).

The survey which was done amongst 16 companies involved a sample of employees in the companies speaking out if they enjoyed working in the firms or not, and why.

During the survey, it was noted that biggest reason for employee turnover in most companies is due to bad work relations and communication between the workers and their line managers.

Speaking in Nairobi, David Conradie, a director at Deloitte Consultancy South Africa said there is need for employers to focus more on personal welfare of their employees and improve their productivity and loyalty to the company.

To read the original article go to: EABL the best firm to work for– survey by Margaret Wahito

Adapted from Capitalfm.co.ke

Mbugua and Madila win Wahome Mutahi Literary Prize

Kenyan writer and journalist, Ng’ang’a Mbugua and Jeff Madila are the winners of the sixth edition of Wahome Mutahi Literary Prize.

Mbugua’s book, ‘Different Colours’ emerged the winner in the English category of the bi-annual award after facing stiff competition from Dr Yusuf Dawood’s ‘Eye of the Storm’ and David Mulwa’s ‘We Come in Peace’.

This is the second time in a row; the 38-year-old who works with the Business Daily has bagged the prestigious writers’ award after winning back in 2010 through his novella, ‘Terrorists of the Aberdare’.

The book, which is published by Big Books, took four years of work and six revisions before being published last year.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport bags Best African Airport Award

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Image Courtesy of airport-technology.com

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) took the coveted Routes Airport Marketing Award – African category at the 18^thWorld Route Airport Marketing awards 2012 held in Abu Dhabi UAE.

This was the fourth time the biggest airport in East and Central Africa has bagged the prestigious award. In second place was Accra Kotoka International Airport while Entebbe International Airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport, and Mombasa International Airport followed.
The Routes Award winners are picked by the airlines themselves following a voting system per region. In voting, the airlines consider the efforts airports make to develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with them and special consideration in areas of customer service, marketing, and business development.

Brussels Airport scooped the Best in Europe as well as the overall Routes Airport Marketing Award. Other winners included Dallas Fort/Worth International Airport from the Americas, Ekaterinburg Koltsovo International Airport from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) category and Singapore Changi for Asia.  

Alice Nderitu named Woman Peace-Maker of the Year in US

Alice Nderitu at a Past NCIC meeting

National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Commissioner Alice Nderitu has been named among the 2012 Women Peace-Maker of the Year by the Joan Kroc Institute of the University of San Diego in the United States of America.

The award recognizes her human rights and peace-building work in Kenya and the region as well as her efforts in spearheading the UWIANO platform in 2010. This platform she initiated is currently being used as an alert system for the country during the forthcoming general elections in 2013.

Mrs. Nderitu, who before being appointed as a NCIC Commissioner in 2003 worked as as a prison officer, a teacher and reporter, has been in the forefront of preventing and transforming conflict in Kenya.

In the aftermath of Kenya’s notorious 2007-2008 post-election violence, Nderitu joined the newly created NCIC to mediate ethnic and race-related conflict and promote peaceful coexistence. As a mediator and a human rights and ethnic relations specialist for NCIC, Nderitu has led and built mediation teams in Kenya’s conflict hot-spots. 

Other women who were named Women Peace-Makers of the Year include:

Radha Paudel of Nepal, the Founder and President of Action Works Nepal (AWON).

Ludmila Popovici of Moldova, the Founder of the Rehabilitation Center of Torture Victims Memoria (RCTV Memoria) in Moldova.

Nancy Sánchez of Colombia, a gallant journalist who has documented human rights abuses and the survival strategies of everyday women and men for over two decades in the more than 40-year-long conflict in Colombia.

Read more on the 2012 Women PeaceMakers 

“I am a child of these two worlds and the need to bring the two together is urgent.” – Alice Nderitu

Kenya finishes behind Eriteria and Ethiopia at the World Half Marathon Championships

Kenya bagged two bronze medals at the 20^th IAAF World Half Marathon Championships held in Kavarna on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, Saturday.

Eriteria’s Zersenay Tadese displayed his dominance in the World Half Marathon with a record fifth gold medal in a time of 60 min 19 sec. Second place went to Deressa Chimsa from Ethiopia while Kenya’s John Mwangangi came in third for a bronze medal.

However, Kenya bagged the team race as it had four runners in the top six.

Lesser-Known Hailu upsets favourite Chepkorir

In the women’s division, Meseret Hailu posted a personal best of 68 min 55 sec to lead compatriot Feyse Tadese (68:56) in an Ethiopian 1-2 while Kenya’s Pascalia Chepkorir (69:04) who is the winner of the Sao Paolo Half Marathon came in third to bag the first bronze medal for Kenya.

Lydia Cheromei finished in fourth place in a time of 69 min 13 sec to ensure Kenya claimed second place in the team race.

Here are top 6 results

Men

1.       Zersenay Tadese ERI 1:00:19

2.       Deressa Chimsa ETH 1:00:51 (PB)

3.       John Nzau Mwangangi KEN 1:01:01

4.       Pius Maiyo Kirop KEN 1:01:11

5.       Stephen Kosgei Kibet KEN 1:01:40

6.       Eliud Kipchoge KEN 1:01:52

Women

1.       Meseret Hailu ETH 1:08:55 (PB)

2.       Feyse Tadese ETH 1:08:56 (SB)

3.       Paskalia Chepkorir KEN 1:09:04

4.       Lydia Cheromei KEN 1:09:13

5.       Emebt Etea ETH 1:10:01 (PB)

6.       Pauline Njeri KEN 1:10:22

Image credit: iaaf.org

Send Money For Free with Airtel Money

Airtel Kenya through its money transfer service Airtel Money has unveiled a new tariff charge that will see its subscribers send money at no cost to any network in Kenya.

According to a statement by Airtel Kenya MD Shivan Bhargava, the zero-transaction charge will apply to any amount sent to recipients on any network in the country.

Manchester United targeting Celtic’s Victor Wanyama

Manchester are weighing up a January move for Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama. Sir Alex Ferguson's brother Martin - who works as one of United's team of scouts - has watched Wanyama several times this season.

United are in the market for a defensive midfielder and Kenya international Wanyama is one of the names on their radar following his impressive form north of the border.

The 21-year-old joined Celtic for £900,000 from Belgian side Beerscho AC in July 2011 and has emerged as a key member of Neil Lennon's side.

Martin Ferguson has watched him in Celtic's Champions League games this season, to assess his merits against stronger opposition than he meets in the Scottish Premier League.

Wanyama is a robust, tough-tackling midfielder in the style of Newcastle's Cheick Tiote, who United have also been monitoring.

Source: Mirror.co.uk 

However, the bid for the Kenyan defensive midfielder will not be anything far from £10 million according to Celtic who bought him for only £900,000 from Beerscho AC last summer while United are ready for a £7 million bid.