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Baraza Media Lab, a leading hub for Kenya’s media practitioners, is set to revolutionize the art of storytelling with its highly anticipated two-day live production, Story Sosa. This groundbreaking program, created in collaboration with Catapult Agency and Gemini Pictures, promises to captivate audiences with an immersive and innovative blend of live performances, multimedia elements, and immersive experiences.

Story Sosa represents an audacious response to the challenges facing Kenya’s journalism ecosystem, including political pressures, declining revenues, and the rapid evolution of digital and social landscapes. Baraza Media Lab aims to redefine the creative boundaries of storytelling through this extraordinary project. Christine Mungai, Lead Curator at Baraza Media Lab, explains, “Story Sosa is not just a solution to these complex issues but a bold endeavour to experiment with new business models and formats within the media industry.”

Over the course of each evening, Story Sosa will showcase six meticulously curated stories akin to traditional magazine features. However, these narratives will come to life through a dynamic fusion of live performances, mesmerizing videos, captivating animations, and enchanting music. Director Mugambi Nthiga, renowned for his work in the theatre, film, and television industry, expresses his excitement, stating, “Story Sosa represents a thrilling indulgence in storytelling. Each story covers a vast range of subjects, brought to life through captivating animation and video. Our aim is to create a mesmerizing experience that will thrill and engage the audience, both live and through digital platforms.”

The inaugural edition of Story Sosa will take place on July 22nd and 23rd, 2023, at the prestigious Louis Leakey Auditorium within the Nairobi National Museum. This iconic venue, known for its celebration of Art and culture, serves as the perfect backdrop for this unprecedented storytelling extravaganza. Tickets for Story Sosa are available for purchase exclusively on mookh.com, offering a variety of options for individuals and groups, including enticing early bird and advance offers.

Angeline Musira, the producer of Story Sosa and the founder of Gemini Pictures, invites audiences to embark on an unforgettable journey of imagination and discovery, stating, “Story Sosa is tailor-made for those with a deep appreciation for theatre, T.E.D. Talks enthusiasts and fans of captivating YouTube explainers. This unique offering promises to captivate and engage audiences, delivering intriguing narratives that entertain and enlighten them. Prepare to have your perspectives transformed as even the most ordinary things, like monkeys or samosas, take on a whole new significance in this awe-inspiring audio-visual feast.”

In a groundbreaking move to support storytellers, Story Sosa ensures fair compensation by providing upfront payment for their work. Additionally, the storytellers will grant a two-year license to Shahara, a renowned video-on-demand platform, allowing their stories to be monetized. This experimental approach in media business models enables storytellers to earn royalties from the generated revenue. Barrack Bukusi, Founder of Catapult Agency, emphasizes the project’s commitment to empowering storytellers and content creators within the industry.

Don’t miss this extraordinary fusion of storytelling, technology, and live performances. We call on the Public to secure tickets to Story Sosa now and be prepared to begin a journey that will transform their understanding of the world we inhabit.

By Tum David

Kenyas top brand supermarket, Naivas, the leading Food Chain retailer in the country and the greater East African region inches closer to making history in the industry.
Naivas which unveiled its 95th store in Karen on Friday of June16th, 2023 at the busy intersection of Langata and Langata South roads opened its doors at the New One Stop Arcade Karen, occupies a 10,000sq ft of trading space putting more thrill to the countdown to the historic 100th mark before the year ends.
The undisputed local supermarket giant, seems on course in keeping up with its calculated and strategic expansion plan and thus its entry into the upscale Karen suburb for the second time running after its first successful opening of their store at the Waterfront Mall in 2020.
The new branch puts Naivas brand store countdown at 95. The One Stop Karen Arcade is the 2nd to have an elevated Foodmarket model after the first one was introduced at Naivas Greenspan Mall last year.
Speaking during the launch, Willy Kimani the Naivas Chief Commercial Officer said they were excited to return back to Karen following their first debut which saw their brands register good success in the area.

” As we celebrate the opening of the 95th branch, we are also officially kicking off the count down to our 100th outlet” he said, adding that all this was in line with their theme: #RoadTo100.
Mr Kimani also said that as a home grown brand in Kenya, Naivas is elated to reach heights earlier unprecedented in the retail industry.

” We are about to make history” said the Chief Commercial Officer.
He said the New branch has 25% of store space of fresh products that will guarantee customers excellent satisfaction in that when they make their first stop at the Karen One Stop Arcade it will be their last stop. And all this will be to live up to Naivas promise of Saves You Money.

Newly elected Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President Dr. Eric Rutto has continued to receive heaps of congrats after his Thursday evening well-deserved win.
Dr. Rutto clinched the seat after garnering 291 votes against the outgoing President Richard Ngatia who managed 208 votes.
KNCCI Nairobi Chapter Chairman James Wanjohi congratulated and wish him well
In his congratulatory message, Mr. Wanjohi, an astute businessman noted:
“Congratulations Dr. Eric Rutto on your election as the new KNCCI President. Am looking forward to working with you and you can count on my support and input as a director KNCCI. Let us serve our members and our nation in togetherness Unity if purpose a d oneness. Once again hongera our new Chambers’ President.”
Rutto, who has been the chamber’s vice president, will be deputised by Mustapha Ramadhan. While unveiling his manifesto on Tuesday, Rutto pledged more inclusivity within the chambers including plans to increase participation by women and youth owned businesses.
This, he said, will also apply to businesses ran by persons living with disabilities.
Rutto also said he was going to create a business conducive environment if he won the seat.
His plan is to be achieved through advocacy, networking and collaboration, economic diplomacy, strengthening governance and leadership at the chamber and market linkages and diplomacy.

In commemoration of the 2023 World Food Safety Day (WFSD), the African Union Commission, East African Community, the Government of Kenya, TradeMark Africa, MESPT, and Partners organized an event from 5 to 7 June 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya to raise awareness on food safety. The meeting was held under the theme “Food Standards Save Lives”.
The Summit brought together 220 participants from 30 African Union member states, 2 RECs (EAC, ECOWAS), AUC, and Development Partners (EU, USAID, DANIDA).
Speaking at the event one of the delegates noted that “WE the Member States of the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, Development Partners, Food Producers, Processors, Marketers and Consumers.”
RECALLING the momentum created from the previous World Food Safety Day celebrations, and desirous of collaborating in unison to focus efforts on reaching state and non-state actors as well as those directly involved in food systems on the continent in order to raise the profile of food safety.
RECOGNIZING that foodborne diseases make 91 million people ill and cause 137,000 premature deaths annually in Africa the meeting noted that this translated into productivity losses of US$95 billion a year in developing countries alone;
The three day summit also noted that the application of, and compliance with, food standards is a critical factor to promoting safe food value chains and reducing the public health and socio-economic impacts of the high foodborne disease burden in Africa.
And in aware of the need to promote safe trade in food to realize the continental objectives of ending hunger and tripling intra-African trade in agricultural commodities and services by 2025 the summit assured ttbe world that they will put this into effect.
Further the summit also noted the importance of food standards and risk-based food safety measures in assuring the safety and quality of food products for public health protection and trade facilitation.

Noordin Haji’s nomination as the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) continues to get support from various organisations.

Speaking today in Eastleigh, Nairobi, the Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA) voiced their support 8n endorsing Haji as the new spy master.

“Throughout hid illustrious career, he has made remarkable contributions, including his exemplary work at the Attorney General’s office and his previous position as the Deputy Director of the Counter Organised Crime Unit at the NIS,” said Ahmed Yare, the EBDA chairman.

The community noted that the DPP in his public service demonstrated loyalty, dedication and goodwill in delivering and serving all Kenyans.

“Haji’s progressive review of policies and guidelines in the prosecution sector has disrupted the outdated and corrupt system of the past, earning him adversaries amongst those who benefited from it.”

Yare stated that the DPP’s return as the NIS Director General is not strange considering his extensive experience in law enforcement and the justice system which equip him in dealing with national security challenges facing the country.

“We unreservedly support his appointment and have utmost confidence in his ability to lead the NIS effectively, ensure the security of our nation, and steadfastly uphold the rule of law,” the community asserted.

In his tenure as the DPP, Haji oversaw the establishment of nine regional offices around the country as well as the deployment of electronic filing system, significantly enhancing service delivery and the establishment of the Prosecution Training Institute.

Kwale Woman leader Nimusimu Mwasina has taken a moment to share with us thoughts on disco Matanga

“Let the Government through the Office of the County Commissioner, Kwale County, engage the people of Kwale to hear their voices on the whole matter. This will be very key especially if the Ministry of Interior Coordination and National Administration will be developing a practical framework to regulate Disco Matanga without the associated risks. The voice of the people is very important before any ban is imposed.”

On Tuesday Sen. Chimera Mwinzago sought a Statement from the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations regarding the complete ban on night discos during funerals, commonly know as Disco Matanga in Kwale County.

The Senator wanted the Committee to:

1. State the reasons for the complete ban of Disco Matanga by government in Kwale County without a proper working framework.
2. Clarify the legal basis for the complete banning of Disco Matanga in Kwale County since January, 2022.
3. Direct the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to develop a practical framework to regulate Disco Matanga without the associated risks.
   4.State measures, if any, by the government to ensure that the ban is lifted with immediate effect.

By Bruno Aero
The largest Panafric Climate Alliance Justice Alliance today organised has met with climate action stakeholders including leaders of Parliament committees and senate to discuss Climate Change amendment bill in Nairobi.

The Climate bill covers seven priority areas in the NCCAP namely disaster risk management, food and nutrition security,water and the blue economy; forestry, wildlife and tourism, health, sanitation and human settlements, manufacturing, and energy and transport.

Speaking during the stakeholders meeting Mbeere Mp Hon.Geofrey North, Member of rhe environmental management committee in Parliament has said that communities should be engaged fully to understand the effects of climate change because there has been lack of clarity of constitution therefore their’s a need strengthen civil society participation across communities.

The Member of Parliament said that the mainstreaming of climate change adaptation into the Government’s planning processes should be a priority.

He added that the amendment bill should also includes the carbon credit,proper regulation and should benefit from carbon market funding.

The bill has also set out initiatives that foster movement towards the achievement of Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), under the Paris Agreement, aiming at greenhouse gas emission reductions of 30% by 2030.

The group is planning to training communities,capacity building as well as participation before the bill is taken to the floor of Parliament and senate fro discussions.

By Tum David

The Naivas Supermarket chain has continued to stamp its authority as the country’s food chain store of choice.
With the 9th outlet opening its doors at Bombolulu, Naivas now expands its outlet strength in the coastal region with the newest branch at Bombolulu suburban of Mombasa city.
The new store will be the 9th outlet by Naivas in the coastal region and 94th branch countywide. This is an indicator that the retailer is inching closer into being the first supermarket chain in the country’s history to hit a tripple digit in branch network.
The Bombolulu branch is housed at Petrocity along the Mombasa-Malindi road with a trading capacity covering 5000 square ft.

” We’re making a grand return to the coastal region thanks to the overwhelming support from the local community who have seen the success of the 8 branches we already have in the region.” Said Mr Willy Kimani the Naivas Chief Commercial Officer.

Mr. Kimani while addressing the media after the grand opening of the 9th outlet said that the unveiling of this new outlet is a milestone and very significant to the Supermarket’s chain as it heralds Naivas expansion plan for the coastal region.

” As always, our commitment to the Kenyan people is evident through this new development, and therefore our sensitive resolve is informed by the needs of the Bombolulu shoppers hence our informed research and insights in the region.” Willy Kimani said.
He said that the new outlet through an express store formart is as a result of a thought out product range promising a world class shopping experience that resonates well with Naivas brand.

It could now be said that the Naivas Supermarket draws its success story on its expansion spree which bears fruits through its study, research and understanding of the needs of its customers with an unmistakable Kenyan hospitality.

” We’re in our 2nd busy quarter this year and our next move is to open two more outlets in Karen and in Kisii”. Mr Kimani told the media.

BY NJOKI KARANJA

Maybelline New York has officially unveiled popular Nigerian hitmaker Ayra Starr in Nairobi as its brand spokesperson for Sub-Saharan Africa. Starr will represent the brand across the region, and will be involved in initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment and self-expression. 

As a young African musician, Starr’s appointment allows Maybelline access to an influential target market in a country with over 70% of its population under 35. Maybelline said Ayra is an international music artist with hits all across the world, has amazing style, with millions of fans in Kenya who look up to her.

“The synergies between the brand and Ayra Starr’s unwavering passion for originality and individuality form the inspiration behind our partnership as we seek to empower our youthful population with the confidence that they can go for what they want,” said L’Oréal East Africa MD Yassine Bakkari.
The musician joins the list of an impressive lineup of international stars who have helped shape the identity of the Maybelline brand.

“L’Oréal’s presence in Kenya will continue to grow and this is part of our efforts to create beauty that moves the world.Working with personalities like Ayra plays an important role in attracting and connecting with our young consumers,” said L’Oréal Consumer Products Division General Manager Victoria Karanja.

Bahati Member of Parliament The Honorable Irene Njoki has clinched the number five position among the best performing Legislators countrywide, according to an independent pollster Politrack Africa.

This makes her among the Best Performing Members of Parliament In Kenya. The
Number one position went to Kiharu Member of parliament Ndindi Nyoro who was ranked as the top performing member of parliament in Kenya.

Politrack Africa is a political research company that published the top 20 best performing members of parliament on Wednesday.

According to the pollster, the performance of the MP’s was accumulated from a satisfaction ranking by the electorates of the constituencies in a scale of 1-10. Ndindi Nyoro is said to accumulate a 73.7% approval rating from his electorates. Embakasi East Mp, Hon. Babu Owino came at second place with 72.1% approval rating. Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, came at third position with 70.6%. in a tie with Mavoko MP, Patrick Makau.

At the fourth position came Kiminini MP Hon. Maurice Kakau with 69.8% approval rating in a tie with Westlands Member of Parliament, Hon. Tim Wanyonyi.

Despite being a first time member of parliament Bahati MP Irene Njoki emerged position five. She is also the leading female member of parliament among the women MPs who made it to the top 20 including her Rangwe counterpart Lilian Gogo and Kisumu West MP Roza Buyu.

The pollster indicated various reasons which the electorates provided for rating the performance of their Mps such as management of CDF kitty, bursary allocations and initiation of development projects.

The electorates also looked at how vocal their Mps were in articulating issues that affected them and also how accessible they were when needed by the voters.
This is in spite of the fact that she is serving her first term.

Hon Irene Njoki is undertaking her duties diligently, with zeal, charisma and strong will. Her ultimate goal is to make Bahati the leading constituency in Kenya in terms of development and to make it the constituency to benchmark with.