Exclusive

DJ Evolve's Father: Babu Owino is Catering for My Son's Home Treatment [VIDEO]

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino (left) and DJ Evolve hospitalised at Nairobi Hospital.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino (left) and DJ Evolve hospitalised at Nairobi Hospital.

John Orinda, father to Felix Orinda (DJ Evolve) on Thursday, July 2, spoke about the involvement of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino in his son's treatment after being discharged from hospital.

Speaking exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke, Orinda stated that the ODM legislator was still catering for the medical expenses incurred during his son's home treatment.

"Since he (DJ Evolve) left the hospital, we have seen some improvement, and currently the medication he receives, it is Babu Owino who buys them," he stated.

He further stated that since his son's condition required 24-hour-care, the MP had footed the bill for the healthcare professionals looking after the injured man.

"There is a day nurse and night nurse who, honestly speaking we cannot afford, so we are grateful that Babu is catering for the expense," he added.

Orinda added that even though he had not met Babu Owino in person, he was assured that the first-time MP was regretful of what happened as he had offered support when needed.

He noted that reports in the media about the shooting agitated his son who was afraid he would not get better as the reports would trigger flashbacks of the incident.

Orinda has on several occasions expressed his gratitude to the MP despite the fact that there was CCTV footage of the altercation between the legislator and his son at B Club in Nairobi on January 17, noting that Owino had paid his son's hospital bills.

"I thank Babu Owino for taking my son to Nairobi Hospital. I think he would have died had he taken him to a medical facility that has limited equipment. So far, the MP has paid Ksh 800, 000 for Felix’s treatment,” he stated on January 30.

A report aired by NTV on June 30, ignited anger against the MP as people noted that justice had not been served as the young man lay unable to do anything by himself.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino (left) and DJ Evolve hospitalised at Nairobi Hospital.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino (left) and DJ Evolve hospitalised at Nairobi Hospital.
Twitter

The MP in a demand letter moved to sue the media station claiming that the packaging of the news report was libelous and that it lowered his standards in the eyes of the right-thinking members of society.

Owino further demanded a written apology from the broadcaster.

EXCLUSIVE: Babu Owino Moves to Sue NTV Over DJ Evolve Story

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino (left) and DJ Evolve hospitalised at Nairobi Hospital.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino (left) and DJ Evolve hospitalised at Nairobi Hospital.
Twitter

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has issued a 2-day ultimatum to NTV following the airing of a story on Felix Orinda, alias DJ Evolve's health condition, on Monday, June 29.

In a demand letter obtained by Kenyans.co.ke dated Wednesday, July 1, the lawmaker, through his law firm, Okatch and Partners, demands an apology from the Nation Media Group aired on NTV and ran on the front page of Daily Nation newspaper.

The letter argues that the packaging of the news report was libellous and that it lowered his standards in the eyes of the right-thinking members of society.

It further pointed out that the CCTV footage that was used in the report by NTV was inadmissible in court and that he had taken a plea in regard to the matter.

The Nation Centre building in Nairobi's Kimathi Street where the Nation Media Group offices are located. Monday, October 21, 2019
The Nation Centre building located at Kimathi Street, Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD).
Photo
Kenyans.co.ke

"We have listened and watched the said story over and over and indeed at no point has the said Felix Orinda said that he was shot by our client. 

"In fact, even before your news item, the said Felix Orinda has never ever stated in any form whatsoever that he was shot by our client. The Directorate of Public Prosecutions has further confirmed that in fact, Mr Orinda has never recorded a statement on the matter," read the letter in part.

Owino further demanded a written apology from the broadcaster.

"Our instructions are to demand from you which hereby do that: You run an appropriate apology in the prime-time news on your television channel (and) you give an appropriate written apology to our client.

"You admit liability for the slanderous libellous statements following which we shall proceed to address you on damages," added the letter.

Failure to fulfilling the demands, Owino threatened to take the matter to court.

"Take notice that if we do not hear from you within two days from the date of this letter, we have strict and peremptory instructions to institute legal proceedings against you for slanderous and libellous defamation and also infringing on our client's Constitutional right to fair hearing and to be presumed innocent. 

"We shall seek appropriaste remedies which will include but not limited to aggravated and exemplary damages as well as costs of the action without any further reference to yourselves," continued the letter.

In the NTV story compiled by Journalist Dan Mwangi, Orinda, while speaking for the first time since he was shot on January 17, 2020, stated that he was waiting on the justice system.

"I left that to God and I'm waiting for the justice system to see what will go through. Aside from that, I have nothing else to say about it.

"Generally, I am doing better as opposed to when it first happened. I was really traumatised at the beginning but I learnt to live with it. At least nowadays I can be able to sleep unlike before where I couldn't sleep at all. I kept having flashbacks of that fateful day and I needed medication to put me to sleep," he stated.

"I'm slightly able to move my limbs (hands) and that is the much I can do. I can't be able to move my arms. I haven't progressed as these were my tools of the trade. There's no way I can be able to work when I don't have them. I currently depend on people to do things with me," he painfully narrated.

DPP Noordin Haji has since urged the judiciary to prioritise the case.

Felix Orinda alias DJ Evolve.
Felix Orinda alias DJ Evolve.
File

Uhuru-led NEC Meeting to Seal Kositany's Fate - Murathe Reveals

President Uhuru Kenyatta signs into law the Finance Bill 2020 at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, June 30, 2020
President Uhuru Kenyatta signs into law the Finance Bill 2020 at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, June 30, 2020
PSCU

Jubilee Party Vice-Chair David Murathe on Wednesday, July 1, spoke to Kenyans.co.ke revealing details of a Jubilee National Executive Council (NEC) meeting set to seal Deputy Secretary-General Caleb Kositany's fate.

Kositany, an ally of Deputy President William Ruto, caused a stir on Sunday, June 28, after calling for the Auditor General to look into the party's books as he alleged massive corruption at the party's Pangani headquarters.

He claimed that Ksh7 million was being spent monthly on tea and snacks, stating it was part of a scheme to siphon funds.

Dismissing the allegations, Murathe claimed that Kositany was aware of his imminent ouster and was pre-empting it by pretending to be a whistle-blower.

Jubilee Vice Chairman David Murathe arrives at Nyayo Stadium ahead of  Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2019
Jubilee Vice Chairman David Murathe arrives at Nyayo Stadium ahead of Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2019
Twitter

He accused Kositany of coming up with the allegations as excuses to draw attention away from what he described as his gross misconduct and insubordination of Secretary-General Raphael Tuju.

Murathe revealed that the NEC meeting to be led by President Uhuru Kenyatta had already been scheduled before changes to the President's calendar disrupted the plan.

"Caleb knows that he will be kicked out of the party in the next NEC meeting for gross misconduct and insubordination. He's looking for an excuse.

"In fact, the NEC meeting was already supposed to have taken place but changes to the President's schedule meant we had to postpone it. It will happen very soon," he noted.

Murathe further disclosed that there was no basis to Kositany's allegations as officials like himself did not operate from the Party Headquarters, noting it was the mainstay of the Secretariat.

He advised Kositany to seek clarity on Jubilee's financial records from the Treasurer, Abraham Mutai, who also happens to be an ally of the Deputy President.

Murathe asserted that Kositany would be ousted from his position in the party due to multiple instances in which he countermanded Tuju.

"Caleb is on his way out for gross misconduct and insubordination. When the Secretary-General wrote to the Registrar of Political Parties, Kositany also wrote to the Registrar yet the SG is supposed to be the voice of the party.

"When Tuju wrote show-cause letters to an MCA in Kirinyaga County, Kositany wrote another letter to the same MCA telling them to ignore Tuju's letter.

"Surely, where in the world have you seen a deputy coming out to oppose and fight his boss?" Murathe posed.

Other than ousting Kositany, the NEC meeting will also validate decisions of other party organs including the disciplinary committee which recently grilled allies of Ruto who failed to attend a Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting.

"So, the NEC will validate these decisions. For example if the disciplinary committee decided that someone be expelled, we can look at the case and decide to suspend them, or uphold the decision," Murathe explained.

In addition, Murathe observed that the new leadership in place in the Senate and National Assembly was determined to deliver on the President's vision and legacy.

He noted that leaders such as former Majority Leader Aden Duale were ousted for failing to support the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) fronted by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.

"You need leaders who are aligned with the President's vision and I can tell you anything from now will be smooth sailing," he stated.

An image of Caleb Kositany
Former Soy Member of Parliament Caleb Kositany speaking at a past event.
Twitter

Most Popular Radio Breakfast Shows in Kenya Ranked

Classic FM radio presenter Maina Kageni during a show at the station.
Classic FM radio presenter Maina Kageni during a show at the station.
Facebook

Maina and King'ang'i Show on Classic FM has been ranked the fifth most popular breakfast show in the lastest data released by GeoPoll.

The show, hosted by Maina Kageni and Daniel 'Churchill' Ndambuki, aka Mwalimu King'ang'i, was edged out after dropping in its listenership for the months of March, April and May 2020.

Radio Citizen's Jambo Kenya, hosted by Inspekta Mwala and Vincent Ateya, took the top spot with a general listenership of 1.4 million daily listeners from 6 a.m to 10 a.m from Monday to Friday, followed by Milele FM's Milele Breakfast by Alex Mwakideu and Jalang'o (who quit has since quit) with 1.1 million.

Radio Citizen presenters Inspekta Mwala (right), Beki Mwamburi (centre) and Vincent Ateya (left).
Radio Citizen presenters Inspekta Mwala (right), Beki Mwamburi (centre) and Vincent Ateya (left).
Instagram

Gidi and Ghost show on Radio Jambo wrapped up the top three positions with 1.09 million average daily listeners.

Radio Maisha's Billy Miya and MCA Tricky came in fourth with 948,000 daily listeners.

All the top positions were snatched by Swahili stations due to their large audience numbers.

Maina and Kinga'ng'was the most popular English show with an average listenership of 854,000 followed by Kiss FM's Kamene and Kibe which has been gaining audiences through the three months.

Radio presenters Kamene Goro (right) and Andrew Kibe (Left) in the studio on April 28, 2020.
Radio presenters Kamene Goro (right) and Andrew Kibe (Left) in the studio on April 28, 2020.

Vernacular stations also proved to be popular among the morning audiences with Inooro FM, Kameme FM and Ramogi FM clinching the seventh, eighth and ninth spots respectively.

NRG's Breakfast club hosted by Charlie Karumi, Natalie Githinji and Deejay Shawn rounded up the top ten most popular morning shows.

NRG's Breakfast club hosted by Charlie Karumi, Natalie Githinji and Deejay Shawn.
NRG's Breakfast club hosted by Charlie Karumi, Natalie Githinji and Deejay Shawn.

GeoPoll observed that even with the Covid-19 pandemic, radio consumption across the day and night had continued to rise.

"Altogether, with consumers spending more time at home, their listenership and viewership attention is being split across the traditional media of TV and radio, as well as other media platforms including social media. 

"Seeing as the Government of Kenya has issued further directives of restricted movement, we anticipate a further increase in TV viewership and recognise that sustained dips in radio listenership are possible," an April 2020 report by the company disclosed.

NTV's Dann Mwangi Discloses Inspiration Behind Gospel Music Career

Dann Mwangi (right) with fellow anchors Olive Burrows (centre) and Dennis Okari (left).
Dann Mwangi (right) with fellow anchors Olive Burrows (centre) and Dennis Okari (left).
File

NTV"s Dann Mwangi is a man of many talents, away from gracing the screens as the business anchor on Prime Time news, the seasoned journalist is also actively involved in the Gospel Ministry.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Dann who also serves as the Innovation and Training editor at Nation Media Group opened up on how he got into making gospel music under his stage name Number8, the Poet.

Dann who grew up in a strict Christian family also actively took part in the drama club while in high school. He later joined Kenyatta University where he became a member of a music group referred to as Mission Driven.

"My inspiration was and is the gospel. I interacted with people who desire to know God but the message us not been delivered in a way they can identify with. Guys - who like me - felt that there is a need for connecting life issues with the Word of God," he stated.

NTV anchor Dann Mwangi performing a Spoken Word piece on Cross Over 101 show.
NTV anchor Dann Mwangi performing a spoken-word piece on Cross Over 101 Show.

In the group Mission Driven, Dann was a professional dancer and a stand-in rapper. He was in the group with Nairobi Senator John Sakaja who was a rapper and bass guitarist in the group.

He explained that the they met through the church AIC Ngong Road where they rapped together. The group was able to release a song titled, "Save Me Saviour" in 2006.

Eventually, the group members went on to pursue solo projects which Dann observes runs concurrently with his work in Mission Driven and the Ministry of Mouth. 

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"We are believers of the ideology that being in a group should not deny you the freedom to do solo projects. You still have your own person, identity, specific mission field that may not always have a group context. But, we support each other even in these," he stated.

In 2011, Dann produced a spoken word piece titled, Flush It which addressed the culture of people engaging in casual sex and its real impact with the Scripture.

"We need to learn what sexuality is about from scripture and act responsibly, considering the effects of our actions both in the short-term and in the long-term. Not that we should act in fear of negative happenings, but in reverence for truth, uprightness and honouring God with our sexuality," Dann explains in the description of the video.

While in the Ministry of Mouth, Dann released a number of projects including Rebuilding which he scripted, directed and edited.

In 2016, the group has also produced a beatbox cover of urban gospel songs.

The anchor explained that the group has been a consistent support system in his life noting that they even performed at his wedding.

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6 Stations Offer Jalang'o Radio Jobs After Milele FM Exit-EXCLUSIVE

File image of Milele FM presenter Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o/Heavy J Baba)
File image of former Milele FM presenter Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o/Heavy J Baba)
File

Comedian Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o) has disclosed that he is contemplating his next move after exiting Mediamax Network Limited which also fired almost its entire newsroom staff at K24 TV.

Speaking exclusively with Kenyans.co.ke, Jalang'o who quit Milele FM on Monday night, June 22, stated that he had received six lucrative job offers in one day.

The endeared emcee has now become one of the most sought after radio presenters having propelled Milele FM to greater heights.

In front: Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o) with Milele FM co-host Alex Mwakideu at MediaMax studios on Friday, April 17, 2020
In front: former Milele FM presenter Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o) with Milele FM show host Alex Mwakideu at MediaMax studios on Friday, April 17, 2020
Instagram

"I have received calls from six radio stations who want to hire my services. 

"However, I will take a step back and see how the progress develops," Jalango stated.

Having ventured into media, the Chief Executive Officer of Arena Media added that he would focus on his company and YouTube page Bonga na Jalas during his time off.

"Right now I am focused on Arena Media and I am looking forward to driving it to further success.

 "I also have my youTube channel which is growing. Digital is the next move and therein lies an opportunity to generate income, a lot of money," Jalang'o detailed.

While quitting Milele FM, the self-proclaimed Heavy J Baba revealed that he failed to agree on employment terms with Mediamax which fired almost its entire newsroom at K24 TV.

"I was not at work today (Monday, June 22) because we had not agreed on terms of employment. So just like today (Monday, June 22), I won't be at work tomorrow or any other day. In short last Friday (June  19) was my last day at Milele Fm," the comedian posted on his social media pages.

 I want to thank the Mediamax management for the opportunity they gave me and I will forever be grateful. To my brother and co-host Alex Mwakideu, I love you to my last blood. To all my colleagues at Mediamax both at Milele, K24, Kameme, Emoo, Maiyan, and Meru Fm. I'll forever love you. To my fans and every listener, thank you for tuning in," he added. 

Jalang'o has also hosted radio morning shows at Standard's Radio Maisha and Royal Media Services’ Hot 96.

Alex Mwakideu (left) and Felix Odiwour, Jalango, (right) at Milele FM studios on Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Alex Mwakideu (left) and Felix Odiwour, Jalango, (right) at Milele FM studios on Tuesday, March 3, 2020
File

EXCLUSIVE: Inside Life of Kobi & Tobi, Maria Series Inseparable Twins

Belinda Joanna/Kobi (left) and her identical sister Linda Alexette/Tobi (right) pose for a photo in Nairobi in 2020
Belinda Joanna/Kobi (left) and her identical sister Linda Alexette/Tobi (right) pose for a photo in Nairobi in 2020
Instagram

Belinda Joanna (Kobi) and Linda Alexette (Tobi) are one of the most unique sets of actors in Kenya's film industry since they are identical twins in both real life and on-screen. 

The two are currently starring in Citizen TV's Maria drama, where it is hard to distinguish between the sisters who also share a number of similarities both on and offset. 

In the series, Kobi and Tobi reside in the slums and portray the life of struggling youth. Kobi (Belinda) strives to live a calm life whereas her sister Tobi (Linda) is problematic and mischievous.

Speaking exclusively with Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday, June 18, the twins shared an insight into their life from childhood to adulthood, acting career, side hustles and dating life.

Citizen TV's Maria series cast post for a photo in 2019
Citizen TV's Maria series cast post for a photo in 2019
Instagram

Who is Linda and Belinda? Describe yourselves.

Linda/Tobi: Tobi is very caring but, hyper, cunning and evil. She is always up to something. Linda, on the other hand, is quite reserved. I am an introvert, confident and soft-spoken. 

Belinda/Kobi: Kobi and Belinda actually share quite a few things in common. They are both calm, non-problematic, hardworking and a people's person. 

How can one differentiate between the two of you?

Linda/Tobi: (Laughs) If I am being honest, I can't pinpoint any difference between us. You have to spend some time with us to notice any visible difference. 

Although, most people say Belinda has a deeper voice than I and I am lighter than her

How did you land you roles in Maria?

Linda/Tobi: It was by a miracle. We didn't know Citizen TV's Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdalla were conducting auditions. 

One of our friends (and an actor too) Kevin Ogola was familiar with Belinda and he asked us to avail ourselves at the auditions. 

We first took a digital interview where we sent our photos and recorded videos in Sheng and Swahili. I remember that was when we met Yasmin Said (Maria) and other actors like Fally and Pupa who we thought were random people like us. 

Belinda Joanna (left) Yasmin Said (centre) and Linda Alexette (right) pose for a photo in May 2020
Linda Alexette (left) Yasmin Said (centre) and Belinda Joanna (right) pose for a photo in May 2020
Instagram

Have you ever acted before?

Belinda/Kobi: Yes starred in Jela 5 Star aired on Maisha Magic. However, the roles were minor. Once again shout out to Kevin Ogola who aided us to land the roles.

How do the two of you relate off script? Are you that close away from the show?

Linda/Tobi: Yes, we are actually the best of friends. Our personalities differ in a way which works as an advantage for us because we get to compliment each other.

What similarities do you share?

Belinda/Kobi: We both enjoy fashion, watching investigative documentaries and trying out new recipes among others.

Are you two really inseparable?

Linda/Tobi: I can't necessarily say we are inseparable but we do have a strong tight bond.

How do you avoid conflict with each other now that you are best friends, sisters and colleagues?

Linda/Tobi: Now that we are colleagues, there is barely room for conflicts. Onset we are Kobi and Tobi and offset we are Belinda and Linda. There is only one room to balance the two lives.

Did you attend the same schools since childhood? 

Belinda/Kobi: We attended the same schools up until high school then we enrolled at different universities. I specialised in fashion and design and graduated in 2018 while Tobi studied Business Administration and works at a law firm. She graduated in 2019. 

Have you ever had an incident where someone mistook one of you for the other?

Linda/Tobi: (Laughs) The incidents are quite a few. Even for us, while growing up we could look at our baby pictures sometimes we get it all mixed up.

Belinda/Kobi: I remember when we were about to receive holy communion (as we are Catholics) there is an exam we had to sit. If you fail it, you will not receive the holy communion. We sat it and unfortunately I didn't pass. Tobi and everyone else felt so sad for me. Those who failed were given a second chance 

Guess what! We decided that Tobi should sit the exam for me. Luckily they were not able to differentiate us because we used to wear the same clothes, shoes and do the same hairstyles. 

Our mother kept on reminding her to write my name and not hers (Laughs). She passed it. We both received the holy communion together. It's something that will forever be in my heart. 

What are your long term goals in acting?

Belinda/Kobi: (Laughs) We would love to have our own show like Tia and Tamera Mowry.

(Tia Dashon Mowry-Hardrict is an American actress. She first gained recognition for her starring role as Tia Landry in the sitcom Sister, Sister, opposite her identical twin sister Tamera Mowry between 1994 and 1999. The sisters then starred together in the Disney Channel Original Movie Twitches and its sequel.)

Do you have siblings?

Belinda/Kobi: Yes we do. One sister and one brother. 

Are both of you dating? 

Belinda/Kobi: Yes I am dating. 

Linda/Tobi: (Laughs) Next question, please.

What can you say to your fans who adore both of you?

Belinda/Kobi: We are grateful for their love and support. We love Maria fans and may God bless their sweet souls. We are also thankful for the directors and producers and our fellow cast who bring the best out of us. 

Belinda Joanna (left) enjoys a light moment with her identical twin Linda Alexette (right) in May 2020
Linda Alexette (left) enjoys a light moment with her identical twin Belinda Joanna (right) in May 2020
Instagram

Top Radio Stations in May 2020 Ranking - GeoPoll

Jalang'o and Alex Mwakideu in Milele FM studios during a show.
Media personalities Jalang'o and Alex Mwakideu in Milele FM studios during a show.

Radio Citizen under the Royal Media Services (RMS) continues to lead the radio rankings in Kenya, a GeoPoll report for the month of May 2020 revealed.

At the same time, Mediamax's Milele FM  registered a stable climb to take the second position edging out Standard Media Group's Radio Maisha which placed third. Radio Jambo was placed fourth.

"Swahili stations take the lead in the first four slots. However, of the four Swahili stations, only Milele FM has shown steady growth for the 3 months growing from below the 1 million mark unto the 1 million mark.

"This made Milele FM move to position two in May 2020 displacing Radio Maisha," the research company noted.

In front: Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o) with Milele FM co-host Alex Mwakideu at MediaMax studios on Friday, April 17, 2020
In front: former Milele FM presenter Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o) with Milele FM show host Alex Mwakideu at MediaMax studios on Friday, April 17, 2020
Instagram

The station reported good numbers especially in the weekday morning show between (6 a.m and 10 a.m) hosted by media personalities Jalang'o and Alex Mwakideu recording average numbers between 1- 1.4 million listeners on average.

In the May 2020 ranking, Kiss FM in the first English station placing fifth in the overall ranking. The station displaced Classic FM under the same Radio Africa group. Classic FM that hosts the Maina and Kingangi morning show has been gradually losing audiences to Kiss FM.

A number of vernacular stations have also featured on the top overall ranking with Inooro FM, Kameme FM and Ramogi FM placing seventh, eighth and ninth respectively.

Hot 96 FM completes the top 10 list with NRG Radio at eleventh.

Radio Rankings by GEO Poll for the month of May 2020.
Radio Rankings by GEO Poll for the month of May 2020.

The research company observed that even with the Covid-19 pandemic, radio consumption across the day and night has continued to rise.

"Altogether, with consumers spending more time at home, their listenership and viewership attention is being split across the traditional media of TV and radio, as well as other media platforms including social media. 

"Seeing as the Government of Kenya has issued further directives of restricted movement, we anticipate a further increase in TV viewership and recognize that sustained dips in radio listenership are possible," an April 2020 report by the company disclosed.

Data is specific to persons aged above 15 years old nationally, both males and females. The data analysed was from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. Additional analysis is available by specific times of the day and further by location and key demographics. 

A control station at a radio studio.
A control station at a radio studio.
File

 

K24 TV Drops KTN Deal, Opts to Hire New Team

A photo of K24 TV studios.
K24 TV studios.
Facebook

Kenyans.co.ke can confirm that the expected partnership between K24TV and KTN News will not be proceeding after the former opted to go in another direction.

Highly placed sources with good knowledge about the situation revealed that K24 TV's management had instead opted to boost their newsgathering and delivering capabilities.

There were reports that the station would source for content from KTN in a package deal with meetings held to that effect -but no conclusion was reached.

However, in its new strategy, K24 TV will hire three female and three male anchors. This is after the exit of journalists whose positions were declared redundant.

A set at K24 studios in Nairobi
A set at K24 studios in Nairobi
Twitter

Editors, producers, directors, camera teams will also be put in place to facilitate the media station's new direction in terms of content.

K24 is also said to have introduced a lot of new entertainment content since June 1, 2020, to remain competitive.

Mediamax the group company is also looking at heavy investment in radio stations for the Luo and Kamba audience as well as it's print and digital platforms. 

Through the recent restructuring process in the company, K24 has managed to optimise it's operating costs giving the shareholders a reason to invest.

Earlier in the week, some staff members who had remained in the court process consented and requested to be declared redundant by the Company.

"With no orders on costs and with further orders that the contract of service between parties is preserved with no pay cuts but affected staff may go on redundancy along with prevailing contracts," High court Judge Byram Ongaya ruled on June 11.

Since Betty Kyallo announced her departure from the Mediamax owned station on May 30, rising anchor Shiksha Arora has been filling in for the Friday night bulletin.

K24 TV is considered to be among the top TV stations in terms of viewership. A February 2020 ranking by GEOPoll put the station at position five with Citizen TV, KTN, KTN News and NTV taking the top spots of the national viewership ratings.

File image of K24 news anchor Shiksha Arora
File image of K24 news anchor Shiksha Arora
Twitter

 

Meet Moses Mbai: Kenyan Taking the US Coffee Industry by Storm

5th Generation Coffee  CEO Moses Mbai at the Afrimma Awards in October 16, 2019.
5th Generation Coffee CEO Moses Mbai at the Afrimma Awards in October 16, 2019.

When 28-year-old Moses Mbai, chartered his journey into entrepreneurship, he got more than he bargained for with lessons along the way especially when it came to establishing his business in the United States.

Mbai, founded the 5th Generation Coffee, an online coffee supply company in his current residence in Dallas Well Fort Worth Arlington area in 2018.

In his second year of business, he was faced with the Covid-19 pandemic that ground many sectors of the American economy to a halt.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, the Texas Southern University Business Management graduate disclosed that despite the gloomy economic outlook, the month of May had been the best for his business.

Moses Mbai (28), founder of 5th Generation Coffee
Moses Mbai (28) is the founder of 5th Generation Coffee based in Dallas, Texas in the US.

In addition to recording additional sales in the coffee products offered on his platform, he launched a new product, coffee soap with different flavours which he says are selling out fast.

"We just launched our Coffee Soaps which are handcrafted and naturally made with shea butter with organic essential oils on the site and during a pandemic, I kept the faith, and this has been the best month in business. I learned to stay focused and give consumers something that could benefit them at a time like this.

"We are thankful for all our customers supporting our black-owned small business during this difficult time. We sold out this week. We're restocking our Coffee Soap later this week," he stated.

5th Generation Coffee's Lemon Coffee Soap that was launched on April 27, 2020
5th Generation Coffee's Lemon Coffee Soap that was launched on April 27, 2020

Mbai revealed that even though other coffee brands were already established in the US, he had adopted a unique marketing strategy to ensure he stays in business despite Covid-19.

"Our customers make orders online via our website, where they can get a variety of products on offer," he noted.

Narrating how his grandparents inspired the founding of the company, the businessman stated that he sources his produce from his family farm in Kiambu, Kenya.

"We own a farm in Kiambu, Kenya I would see how hard my family worked on this coffee farm day in and day out. A year or two after graduating from college, I’m sitting a job I hate and realized I wanted more out of my life. I want to be my own boss. I’m tired of being controlled and told what to do in corporate America.

"As I was drinking coffee the idea hit me. Like a ton of bricks to sell coffee from my company here in the states. It had never been done before, so I decided to take a chance and here I am today," he conveyed.

Starting with a team of two in the US, Mbai had to travel to Kiambu where he visited the farm and learnt the coffee business so as to be hands-on from the planting to the packaging and shipping.

Moses Mbai, the CEO of the 5th Generation Coffee during a training in Kenya in 2019.
Moses Mbai, the CEO of the 5th Generation Coffee during a training in Kenya in 2019.

"Our coffee farm is Grade A sustainable. Every order is roasted fresh before being mailed out," he added.

He added that sustainability was an important part of their business model.

"The majority of our staff is African Americans within this industry there is little to no diversity so that’s something unique about 5G Coffee. We are in a time where people want to support Black Owned Businesses and Small Businesses so that strategy of identifying who we are and really have our customers follow our journey as we grow sets us apart from well-known brands," he disclosed.

Mbai, who was named The Trailblazer of Dallas at AODI Influencer Ceremony in January describes his normal day as one inspired by prayer before handling his business.

"On a typical day, I pray first, post my content, pack orders, strategize the next product release. Make sure I’ve done everything on my calendar from the day prior. I speak with my team throughout the day," he disclosed.

He further addressed misconceptions he's had to overcome as a young black businessman in the US.

"One thing I've had to fight is that Black-owned businesses don’t value customer service. I pride myself on listening to the customer. Apologizing and fixing issues. Customer service is everything to me and my company," he stated. 

Moses Mbai, the CEO of 5th Generation on September 24, 2019
Moses Mbai, the CEO of 5th Generation on September 24, 2019.
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To any young person thinking of going into business, Mbai advises, "Don’t be afraid to fail. Its. Better to take that chance at 20 than it is at 30. You have so much more freedom and less responsibility when you’re getting older. Believe in yourself more.