Month: March 2024

During the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan entire streets in the coastal city of Mombasa turn into open air Iftar (breaking the fast) buffets.

The streets are taken over by food vendors during the Ramadhan season and transformed into a vibrant food bazaar but faithfuls have to wait until dusk to partake in the mouthwatering myriad delicacies on display.

Whenever the holy month of Ramadhan arrives the traditional iftar market in the tourist resort city turns into a bustling street food hub.

When the sun sets Mombasa’s Muslims break their fast with iftar which is often a large community event.

The food bazaars provide veritable delectable treats that satisfy even the most fervent appetites.

During the Ramadhan period almost all hotels and restaurants are closed as owners and patrons observe the fast and hotel owners usually take advantage of the fasting season to embark on renovation works.

Tourists and non-Muslims have nowhere to eat out and are forced to adopt the old adage If you go to Rome do as
the Romans do as during the day Mombasa is virtually in a state of limbo partially due to the oppressive heat.

In the streets of Mombasa markets are bustling with people as residents engage in cultural, religious, and social activities especially at night.

The holy month of Ramadhan which is currently underway is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, devotion and reflection.

Muslims are required to fast during the month of Ramadhan which entails abstaining from food, drink, sexual relations and displeasing speech and behaviour from dawn until dusk.

In Mombasa Ramadhan turns into a month-long festival as it is a time when street vendors across the city set up irresistible makeshift food stalls colloquially known as the ‘Taj Mahal’.

The open air eateries in the island flanking the streets come to live in the evenings and are popular with Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

As in previous years, residents from different parts of the city flock to the
bustling makeshift diverse range of food stalls in the streets to buy varied delicious items for iftar.

Muslims prefer to break their fast with dishes that will be gentle on their stomach following the long daylight hours without food and drinks.

The food bazaars not only make it convenient for Muslims observing the fast to buy food at economical prices but have attracted non-Muslims to buy delicacies even though they are not observing or breaking any religious fast.

Fasting during Ramadhan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of the faith, five daily prayers, giving Zakah (charity) and performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Fasting is compulsory upon every Muslim male or female but exemptions include children under the age of puberty, insane people, men and women who are too old to undertake the obligation of fasting.

Others include sick people whose health is likely to be severely affected by the observance of fast, pregnant and breast-feeding women and
women in the period of menstruation.

Throughout the month, people throng the many crowded Ramadhan food bazaars specially set up for the faithful to buy Swahili cuisine to break the fast.

The mushrooming street food bazaars during the fasting month have become a sort of an annual tourist phenomenon.

Mombasa’s vibrant street food bazaar showcases an array of delectable treats that tantalizes the taste buds.

Some of the Swahili delicacies sold in the open include dates, pancakes, Mkate wa sinia (flat bread), kebab, Shewerma, samosas, mahamri (Swahili doughnut), Kaimati (sweet dumplings) and Viazi karai (fried potatoes), Vibibi (rice and coconut pancake), Bhajia (delectable Swahili fritters) among other array of delicacies.

Swahili dishes are a diverse mix of Indian, Arab and Portuguese food and a spot check by KNA on the open air eateries show people arriving as early as 4 pm to buy their favorite delicacies to be used to break the fast at around 6.30 pm.

Mombasa’s centuries-long lengthy history of migrat
ion and trade has influenced its cuisine.

The rise in popularity of Ramadhan bazaars may be directly attributed to the wide range of food sold and the opportunities afforded to the many stallholders.

Regarding the sales of iftar items, traders complained that it has become difficult to buy ingredients for iftar this year due to the increase in commodity prices.

Aboud Athman, a food vendor says prices of various products have gone up slightly forcing them to compromise with the portions of some other items.

‘It is difficult to cope with the soaring prices of essential items while preparing culinary wonders of Ramadhan food and it was not possible for us to maintain the previous prices for many items this year,’ he lamented.

Athman says the government should take measures to drive down the prices of staple foods that are worsening the cost of living crisis.

From right Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and Mvita MP Mohamed Machele strolling the streets of Momb
asa to partake in the evening iftar street meal.

Photos by Andrew Hinga

He says each Ramadhan season Mombasa comes to life with street food festivals highlighting its heritage shaped by centuries of interaction with visitors from Persia, Arabia, China, India and Europe in a carnival atmosphere.

‘The various food items on sale are genuinely home-cooked and freshly made to be sold only in the evenings for consumers to buy as a takeaway to break the fast,’ says Ali Mahmoud, another street food vendor.

Mahmoud, a veteran street food vendor says the delicacies are homemade and follows authentic recipes, something that are rarely found in ordinary restaurants.

He says apart from being sites to buy traditional Ramadhan foods the street food bazaar has become lively gathering places for food exploration and socializing as they offer a veritable wonderland of flavours and scents waiting to be experienced for those who love street cuisine.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has been strolling the streets
in the evenings during this auspicious month of Ramadhan interacting with the people and breaking fast with the Muslim faithful.

Governor Nassir says he is delighted in sharing the moment with fellow Muslim faithful in partaking in the evening street meal to break the fast with other worshippers.

He noted that the evening street visits were meant to demonstrate the need for leaders to show responsibility and empathy for the people around them.

Nassir says Ramadhan is a month where Muslims from all walks of life come together and make immense sacrifices whilst also carrying out charitable acts such as generosity, empathy and community support.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A section of church and political leaders in Embu have called on President William Ruto to crack the whip on crooks involved in the distribution of fake fertilizer.

They said the revelation that fake fertilizer was in supply in Government NCPB silos was a cause for concern at a time when food production ranks among top priorities for Ruto’s administration.

Led by Father Nicholas Makau of Makima Catholic Parish in Mbeere South Constituency, Embu, during Easter Sunday marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the leaders said circulation of substandard fertilizer will sabotage the government’s effort in making the country food secure.

‘Fake fertilizer will lead to poor yields and overall reduction in food production in the country,’ Fr. Makau said.

He said circulation of substandard fertilizer was a big blow to farmers who were gearing up for a good harvest this long rainy season with forecasts from the weatherman indicating many parts of the country will record good rainfall performance.

He said it was th
e responsibility of the Government to protect farmers from being exploited by unscrupulous traders and suppliers of fake inputs.

‘Today we are talking of fake fertilizer, who knows, maybe in the coming days we will be talking of fake seeds, chemicals and pesticides,’ Father Makau added.

His sentiments were echoed by Makima Ward MCA Philip Nzangi who called for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the racket.

‘We strongly condemn those behind the distribution of fake fertilizer and we are calling on the president to take stern action against them,’ the Ward Rep said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Muslim fasting holy month of Ramadhan enters the last crucial ten days this week in which Muslims believe it’s the period that conceals the Night of Power when the holy Quran (Koran) was first revealed to prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him).

Ramadhan is one of the five pillars of Islam in which Muslims abstain from food, drinks and bodily pleasures between dawn to dusk for a 30-day period and this year the fast started on Monday, March 11 and end on Tuesday April, 9, 2024 ending in the celebratory Eid al-Fitr prayers.

‘And what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months,’ (Koran 97:2-3).

The Night of Power is an honour and special gift to the Muslim community and the prophet’s mission began in the month of Ramadhan on that Night.

Muslims further belief that the Power implies measurement, that all the events of the year will occur in accordance to the exact measurement of what is in the knowledge of Allah as stated in the holy Koran ‘Verily, al
l things have We created in proportion and measure.’ Koran,54:49).

Muslim faithful stream to the mosques at night in the last crucial ten days to devote themselves to special deeds and say special Ramadhan nightly prayer (Qiyam-ul- Lail or Tahajjud).

Tahajjud is a voluntary prayer performed by Muslims and it is not one of the five obligatory prayers required of all faithful although the Prophet Muhammad was recorded as performing the Tahajjud prayer regularly himself and encouraging his companions to do the same.

The exact date of the Night is however concealed thus Muslims double up their efforts in the last days but there is evidence that the night comes on the odd nights.

In a Hadith (Sayings) of the Prophet quotes ‘Seek it on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan.’ (Vol.3:1290).

The Prophet said: ‘Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven,’. (Bukhari and Muslim).

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to single the
se nights out for worship and the performance of good deeds such as charity and Quran recitation.

During the last ten days of Ramadan some worshipers commit themselves to Itikaf (seclusion) in the mosque.

They detach themselves from the materialistic world and dedicate all their time to get closer to Allah.

Itikaf can only be observed in a mosque and not in a prayer room in a house as it is not considered a mosque.

Sections of Mombasa residents who wish to offer the night special prayers in mosques told KNA in an interview that they want enhanced security for those venturing out at night.

They contend that those wishing to offer the late-night prayers fear being attacked by roaming vicious gangs who usually waylay faithful heading to or leaving the mosques.

Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Nur has assured Muslim worshipers the fullest security during the month of fasting saying security has been beefed up across the coastal city for the entire duration of Ramadhan.

Commissioner Nur says more securit
y officers will be deployed to carry out night patrols in residential areas and near mosques to ensure faithful attend special night prayers unhindered.

‘Police officers will be carrying out intensified night patrols to ensure faithful attend prayers without hitches,’ he said.

On his part Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir says they have agreed with Commissioner Nur on a joint operation to preserve security within the communities during the last ten days of Ramadhan.

‘We will continue to work together with the security agencies for the safety and welfare of the residents of Mombasa in general,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The detailed site maps for six locations planned for slum upgrade under the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Programme II (KISIP) have been completed.

Under the support of the World Bank through KISIP II program implementation consultants, the maps provide comprehensive details including plot layouts, road networks, passageways, and sanitation facilities.

The County Government Officials have initiated a public engagement campaign targeting residents of the designated areas to raise awareness and gather suggestions for further improvement.

The Chief Officer for Urban Areas Management, Marian Nakaale, emphasized the clarity of the maps and urged the public to participate in the ongoing public forum for feedback.

The engagement process has commenced in Nginokakim, Turkana South sub-county, with similar meetings planned for Nabute, Ngitakito, Napetet, and Soweto in Turkana Central, as well as Lopiding in Lokichoggio Sub- County.

CCO Nakaale highlighted the program’s aim as to secure land tenure for bene
ficiaries and improve the appearance of Lodwar Municipality areas through upgrades in Nabute, Napetet, Soweto, and Ngitakito.

According to her, the program is further expected to catalyze trade value chains and facilitate urbanization.

The Deputy Manager Simon Nangiro of Lodwar Municipality was also in attendance.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Over 400 widows at Majengo estate in Narok town have a reason to smile after a peace organization gave them food stuff as an Easter holiday gift.

The food was given by Narok County Peace Ambassador Dr. Joshua Kaputa, who called on all Christians to share food and clothing to the needy and vulnerable families during this Easter holiday.

‘It is our time to make a smile on someone’s face. I ask my fellow brethren to support the needy people in our society as we commemorate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ,’ he said.

He reiterated that he will continue supporting the needy in the society and fighting for their needs so that they too can feel appreciated and contribute meaningfully to the development of the county.

‘I know widows and orphans face a lot of challenges in life. We decided to celebrate with them so that they too can feel appreciated. I want to assure them that I will always stand with them to defend their rights,’ he said.

Mary Mutheu, one of the beneficiaries said many familie
s were spending the night on an empty stomach because they cannot afford to buy food.

She said the foodstuff given will last for at least one week calling on other well-wishers to volunteer to support the vulnerable and needy in the society.

Esther Pachenya, another beneficiary, thanked the peace organization for remembering the less fortunate people in the society and prayed that God would continue increasing their gallery.

‘This is unusual love; we did not expect such great support during this Easter holiday. Thank you to the organizing committee,’ she said.

The foods given include maize floor, beans, sugar, cooking oil, rice and wheat flour.

Easter holiday is celebrated by Christians to commemorate the crucification, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A shootout between National Police Service (NPS) Officers from Loima and suspected bandits at Kangalita in Kalemnyang left three of the suspects dead.

According to the national police service statement to the press, one of the suspects, Simon Egielan Lopongorei, 37, a notorious bandit and gang leader had three pending court cases of robbery with violence, gang-rape and threatening to kill.

Lopongorei has been under investigation for a series of unresolved violent crimes, including highway robberies stock-theft and possession of illicit firearms for hire within Loima Sub-County.

The second suspect, Lokucha Ngeruk a.k.a sharpshooter, 39, a close associate and aide to Egielan. has been on the run after the killing of a police officer at Kangalita 3yrs ago.

He is also accused of laying an ambush on Lorugum OCS on the 28/12/2023 occassioning him actual bodily harm.

The third suspect is Tiya Logumo aged, 21 who is an accomplice to the two.

Recovered from the scene was an AK 47 Rifle with a magazine containing
3 rounds of ammunitions together with spent cartridges.

Their bodies were moved to Lodwar County Referral Hospital pending post mortem examination.

‘The National Police Service would like to thank members of public for their continued cooperation in the ongoing Government efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the ‘Dangerous and Disturbed Zones’ within the North Rift Region,’ said NPS.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Ministry of cooperatives has asked coffee cooperative societies to list and verify their debts so as to help the government factor in funds to waive the owed arrears.

The Ministry’s cabinet secretary, Simon Chelugui, noted that listing the debts will give the government the right information on the amount needed to clear the debts.

Speaking in Murang’a on Friday, Chelugui said the government is committed to revitalize the coffee sector noting one way of doing so is to waive debts owed by farmers through their cooperative societies.

He explained that after getting the right figure of the total debts, they will seek approval in the national assembly to have the money factored in the budget to clear the debts.

‘In the dairy sector, debts were waived, currently debts in the sugar industry are being worked on and now the government is committed to clear the debts owed by coffee farmers,’ he said,

‘I appeal to county governments where coffee is grown to help in listing and verifying the debts so as to hast
en the process,’ he added.

Chelugui stressed on the need to revive the coffee industry saying by doing so farmers’ income will grow as well as boost the country’s economic growth.

‘Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world after oil. The cash crop earns more than 625 billion US dollars annually but unfortunately what goes to farmers is less than 25 percent.’ he said,

‘As the government, we are working to remove the 26 intermediaries and brokers who are between the producers and consumers of coffee,’ added the CS.

The intermediaries, he said have seen loss of coffee value by 90 percent leaving farmers to earn peanuts.

‘In the near future, we want to remove all brokers and close the gap between the producer and consumer. This will see farmers’ earnings increase by a huge margin,’ he added.

Chelugui appealed to county governments in the coffee growing zones to assist farmers with seedlings of the high yield producing coffee varieties so as to increase coffee production.

‘Our target is to inc
rease coffee production to more than 200,000 metric tonnes annually. Currently the production is about 100,000 metric tonnes and high production can be attained by availing extension services to farmers. This will be done by county administrations,’ he said.

The CS continued, ‘the farmers also need high quality farm inputs and finances to increase production and the government has set aside Sh. 8 billion cherry advance fund which can easily be accessed by farmers to increase production.’

On avocado farming, the CS lauded Murang’a county for leading in production of avocado meant for export.

He highlighted among the 130,000 metric tonnes of avocado produced in the country, 100,000 metric tonnes are exported to overseas markets.

‘Last year, Murang’a county produced 21,000 metric tonnes of avocado which were exported.’ He said noting that the fruit is becoming the county’s major foreign exchange earner and as the government they are committed to support avocado production not only in Murang’a but in other co
unties.

‘With support from farmers to produce quality fruits and avoid post-harvest losses, farmers’ income will go up and the country will become a leading exporter of avocado,’ he added.

Source: Kenya News Agency