Author: Nzula Nzyoka

Lake Ol’ Bolossat Cultural and Tourism Festival highlights culture as a strategy for tourism diversification

Since 2025 and in line with Kenya’s National Tourism Strategy, county governments have been encouraged to host cultural festivals to highlight Kenya’s rich, diverse and vibrant culture as one of the ways to diversify the country’s tourism products.

Through tourism product diversification, the country hopes to net 5 million tourists by 2027.

During the recent Lake Ol’ Bolossat Cultural and Tourism Festival held on July 12 and 13, Kenya Tourism Board CEO, Ms June Chepkemei, echoed the Government’s strategy.

“Festivals like the Lake Ol’ Bolossat Cultural and Tourism Festival are instrumental in unlocking new tourism attractions and diversifying our product portfolio.”

Speaking at the conclusion of the festival, on the shores of Lake Ol’ Bolossat, Ms Chepkemei emphasised the strategic importance of such events in expanding Kenya’s tourism offerings.

“Lake Ol’ Bolossat, with its unique ecosystem and cultural significance, represents a prime example of how we can grow our tourism products,” she said. “Furthermore, the commendable conservation efforts by the County government, Communities, the Kenya Wildlife Service, and the Wildlife Research Institute, in particular the Hippo relocation program and initiatives to restore the lake, are crucial for sustainable tourism development.”

The KTB CEO also added that the board would support counties in this endeavour and encouraged them to advertise their festivals early.

“As a board, we’ll continue to support such festivals by including them in our tourism offerings. We are in the process of developing a national cultural festival calendar, which we can announce at the beginning of every year, so that visitors can plan their travels early.”

Kenya’s rich tapestry of cultural festivals celebrated throughout the year includes the Lamu Cultural Festival, Tobong’u Lore Festival, Maa’ Festival, Ura Gate Festival, and the Rusinga Island Festival, among others.

These events celebrate Kenya’s heritage through traditional music, dance, crafts, sporting events, and local cuisines, drawing visitors keen to experience authentic cultural expressions.

The 2026 Lake Ol’ Bolossat festival highlighted the critical intersection of cultural celebration, community engagement, and vital conservation efforts.

The festival served as a vibrant platform to showcase the region’s rich heritage and burgeoning tourism potential, drawing visitors from across the nation and beyond.

Conservation was a central theme during the festival, with particular attention given to the ongoing hippo translocation program led by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Wildlife Research Institute (WRTI) at the Mukindu public dam, restoring safety to the community around the dam and providing the Hippos with a conducive environment for their survival.

Speaking during the visit to the dam, KWS Senior Assistant Director Conservation Mountain Area, Joseph Sarara, highlighted the county’s hippo relocation project.

Some of the Hippos to be translocated from the Mukindu Public Dam in Nyandarua County

“KWS is embarking on a Hippo translocation program from the Mukindu dam to enhance human-wildlife co-existence in the larger Nyandarua County area.

“The program is a vital undertaking aimed at ensuring the long-term survival and well-being of these magnificent animals, as well as ensuring the community thrives and uses this dam comfortably. Our efforts to relocate hippos from the dam to more suitable habitats are part of a broader commitment to wildlife conservation and ecological balance.”

Also in attendance was the Nyandarua County Director of Tourism, Bernard Mwai, who highlighted the festival’s role in regional promotion.

“This festival complements our efforts to showcase the unparalleled beauty and cultural richness of Nyandarua County, anchored by Lake Ol’ Bolossat, which is our crown jewel,” he said. “It provides an invaluable opportunity for both locals and tourists to experience our traditions, natural wonders, and the warm hospitality that defines our people. We are committed to making this an annual event that continues to put Nyandarua on the national and international tourism map.”

Beyond culture, the festival had a significant economic impact on Nyandarua County.

Attendees enjoy a boat ride during the 2026 Lake OL’Bolossat Cultural & Tourism Festival

Local businesses, artisans, and hospitality providers experienced a notable boost in activity, with the influx of visitors during the festival having a tangible and immediate positive effect on our local economy.

Speaking on the economic impact, the manager of Express Hotel and Lounge in Ol Kalau, Stephen Kamau, said the area had seen a rise in sales.

“Since the start of the festival, we have witnessed an influx of visitors to our premises, and we have doubled our sales during this period,” he said. “We usually have a staff complement of 200 staff, but we have had to increase that number to 250 to cater for the increased demand, having a direct impact on the community around us and a tangible and immediate positive effect on our local economy.

“Beyond this, we have seen great impact from accommodation and dining to local crafts and transport, the economic ripple effect is substantial, supporting livelihoods and fostering growth within the community.”

July 15, 2026
Hollywood writers union sues to block US Paramount deal

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) filed a lawsuit Tuesday to block Paramount Skydance’s proposed takeover of Hollywood studio Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the $110 billion (Kshs. 14.2T) acquisition would violate federal antitrust law and harm writers.

This latest hurdle comes a day after California and 11 other states launched separate suits to block the merger.

With Tuesday’s lawsuit, one of Hollywood’s powerful labour unions hopes to undo the US Department of Justice’s approval.

Many fear the merger will result in massive job cuts in an industry that has been under siege from consolidations and layoffs.

“The proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. merger threatens the economic and creative health of the American entertainment industry,” the WGA complaint said, adding the merger “would eliminate competition for buying film and television writing, resulting in suppressed compensation, worse deal terms, and reduced programming volume and diversity.”

The owners of Paramount Skydance, the Ellison family, are close to US President Donald Trump, and the deal would give them control of CBS News and CNN, along with film studios Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros., and streaming platforms Paramount+ and HBO Max.

“With fewer competitors, the merged Paramount-Warner Bros. entity would have both the incentive and the ability to lower costs by suppressing writers’ wages and reducing output. Writers will be paid less and have fewer employment opportunities,” the Writers Guild said in its complaint.

Paramount engaged in a bidding war against Netflix to land Warner Bros., and argues the deal will create a strong rival to Netflix, Amazon and Apple.

To win support, the conglomerate has pledged to release at least 30 films a year that will remain in theatres for a minimum of 45 days.

The US legal proceedings are being watched in the United Kingdom and the European Union, where regulators have yet to approve the deal.

July 15, 2026
Beyonce, Rihanna, Nas, Eminem join Jay-Z on stage for 3-night concert

Jay-Z has exploded back onto the stage after years away from performing for three spectacular concerts in front of an adoring crowd of hometown New Yorkers, the last of which was blighted by delays.

Yankee Stadium in the Bronx was full to bursting as the three nights saw a galaxy of stars join the rapper on stage, including his wife, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Eminem, Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys, Usher, Nas and Pusha T.

The third concert on Sunday was marred by hours-long delays.

Rap legend Eminem made an appearance for “Renegade”.

According to the organisers, hundreds of ticketless fans tried to sneak in, forcing security to close the entrances, only reopening them gradually.

Ticket-holders spent hours trying to get in, with some claiming they were not admitted.

Jay-Z did not appear until after midnight, visibly annoyed and apologising for the wait.

But once the chaos subsided, the crowd belted out the 56-year-old’s hits with gusto, finishing with mega-hit “Empire State of Mind.”

The 2009 single is the unofficial anthem of a city where each of his performances is hailed as a homecoming.

“Only a select few number of hip-hop artists could create sufficient demand to sell out a venue as large and iconic as Yankee Stadium. Even fewer could do so with music they released decades prior,” Timothy Welbeck, a scholar of African-American studies at Temple University, told AFP.

Jay-Z’s most recent album, “4:44”, dates back to 2017.

But for two of his three concerts, he chose to highlight albums released decades ago, 30 years ago for “Reasonable Doubt”, and 25 years ago for the second, “The Blueprint.”

Both left indelible marks on hip-hop history.

While Jay-Z has more or less stepped away from the studio, he has found global success with interests in sports, spirits, media, and fashion, making him the first billionaire rapper, according to Forbes.

His marriage to Beyoncé created a power couple to be reckoned with and further cemented his status as a cultural icon, with both among the entertainment world’s most influential figures.

Back in the Bronx, the artist returned to the roots of his craft, stripped down and sharp.

He ran through tracks, though not just hits, without once relinquishing the mic.

He bestrode the stage with delight, relishing the pared-back setup.

Thousands of voices echoed his, with much of the crowd knowing his lyrics by heart.

After selling out Yankee Stadium three times for around 140,000 people, Jay-Z will perform in September at the Stade de France, a not-yet-sold-out date, and at London’s Tottenham Stadium, concluding in LA.

The tour could well lay the groundwork for new music.

“It is widely speculated that Jay-Z will release a new album at some point this year,” said Welbeck.

July 14, 2026
Nairobi youth top streaming in 3 African countries, new data reveals ahead of Greasy Tunes launch
New music data reveals that Nairobi youth, aged between 18 and 24, account for 53.7% of all streams in the city in the month of June 2026.

This data means Nairobi has the highest share of Gen Z listeners among the three African cities analysed. By comparison, 18–24 listeners made up 44.4% of streams in Lagos and 29.9% in Johannesburg, according to Spotify.

The new data comes ahead of the streamer’s event scheduled for Wednesday, dubbed the Greasy Tunes.

“Greasy Tunes Nairobi brings the data to life by showing how young Kenyans actually listen: across genres, across formats, and across the social moments that shape the city,” said Agnes Opondo, Artist and Label Partnerships, East Africa, Spotify. “ Over 12 days, we are creating space for artists, communities, food, conversation and sound to meet in one programme, reflecting Nairobi’s energy as a culture hub where music is not just streamed, but experienced together.”

Additionally, the newly released report also gives insight into the growth of specific genres such as Gospel, which grew 37% in Nairobi.

Other genres that showed growth in Nairobi include:
- Dancehall – 95% year on year, the fastest-growing genre in the dataset
- Bongo flava – 75%, reflecting accelerating cultural exchange between Kenya and Tanzania
- Gengetone, the genre born in Nairobi, grew 48%
- Amapiano – 34%, continuing its expansion from South Africa into East Africa
- Afrobeats (+25%)
- R&B (+28%)
- Afropop (+21%)
Addressing the average listening time, the company said Nairobi’s stream rate was the highest.

“Nairobi’s 18–24 listeners stream throughout the day, with listening strongest from midday into early evening. The highest hour for this age group is 12 pm, while 6 pm marks the peak for all age groups in the city,” the report said. “The work and focus window (10 am–4 pm) accounts for 39.7% of Gen Z’s daily listening, with the evening (5–10 pm) contributing another 30.5%. Even between 2 am and 5 am, 18–24 listeners account for 55% of all streams in the city.”

Spotify will officially launch Greasy Tunes from July 15 at 6 pm with an evening event before the 12-day programme continues through to July 26 with the aim of reflecting “the breadth of ways Nairobi’s Gen Z engages with culture and audio.”

The programme highlights include live music performances, the Fresh Finds emerging-artist showcase, the Nakili Sessions, a Gospel and Alt Night, and a football-adjacent watch party
July 13, 2026
“Almost every sexually active adult will encounter HPV ”, Janet Mbugua warns

Media personality Janet Mbugua is raising awareness about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and the importance of understanding sexual health.

Speaking in a recent social media post, Ms Mbugua urged parents to sit with the uncomfortable truth that their children were having sex.

“Almost every sexually active adult will run into HPV at some point in their life. Almost everyone,” Mbugua said. “Let’s talk about the uncomfortable part. Teenagers are having sex…sometimes with multiple partners.”

Ms Mbugua also said that it was better to acknowledge this uncomfortable truth than to ignore it and risk their children.

“Whether that sits well with us or not, whether it fits the timeline that you think it should, it’s already happening in our homes,” she added. “And instead of meeting that with information, we meet it with silence or shame or pretending that we didn’t hear.

“I am not telling you any of this to scare you or to make anyone feel dirty or ashamed. No one chooses to carry a virus.”

The media personality’s statement is supported by the World Health Organisation, which describes the virus as a sexually transmitted disease that can affect all sexually active individuals.

In 2019, HPV caused an estimated 620 000 cancer cases in women and 70 000 cancer cases in men, according to WHO stats.

Sharing the Kenya statistics, Ms Mbugua encouraged parents to consider the vaccine.

“In Kenya, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, and in estimates, we are losing 10 women every day from it; breast cancer affects women, but cervical kills.

“We need radical acceptance… but there’s fear that exists with the vaccine. I understand why that fear exists. We all learned to be suspicious of things injected into our bodies without a full explanation. But this vaccine has been available for close to a decade and is one of the most monitored vaccines.”

The HPV vaccine is available in Kenya for girls aged 10 to 14, following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The vaccine is provided free of charge at public health facilities, while private clinics charge between Kshs. 7,700 and Kshs 17,000 per dose depending on the vaccine type.

The Inua Dada founder also urged parents to avoid the common gender misconceptions about the virus, asking parents to instead protect their children and themselves.

“HPV is not a girl’s infection…men can carry HPV related cancers too. Yet the entire public conversation forgot boys exist. If you have kids, get them vaccinated, girls and boys, ideally before they become sexually active.

“If you’re an adult, ask your doctor about catch-up doses. They exist. If you’re sexually active, get screened.”

July 13, 2026
‘Jurassic Park’ actor Sam Neill dead at 78

New Zealand actor Sam Neill, best known for his role in the 1993 film Jurassic Park, has died at the age of 78.

Announcing the news on Monday morning, Neill’s family said his death was “sudden and unexpected”.

“It is with immense sadness that the whānau [extended family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia,” the statement said. “Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.”

The family said that at the time of his death, Mr Neil had stayed cancer-free. The actor had revealed his cancer diagnosis in March 2023, describing it as “a ferocious type of aggressive” non-Hodgkin lymphoma.”

However, in April, in an interview, the actor had revealed he had “no cancer.”

“We’ve just had a scan just now, and there is no cancer in my body, that’s an extraordinary thing,” Neill told Australian outlet 7 News.

In their statement, the family reiterated this.

“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free,” the statement continued. “They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care.”

Following the news of his death, tributes have started pouring in.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has mourned Sam Neill, writing on X that he “starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts”.

The New Zealand actor was regarded as an honorary Australian by many due to his connections to the country and he died in a hospital in Sydney surrounded by family.

“Wry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and conviction that gave strength to his every performance,” Albanese added. “He will be much mourned and long remembered. May he rest in peace.”

To conclude, the family asked for privacy with a promise to share more information later.

“More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss.”

July 13, 2026
Kenya Tourism Board joins Africa PR Week as lead destination partner

Kenya will be one of the main highlights at this year’s Africa PR Week, scheduled for August 26 to 28. Through the Kenya Tourism Board and its Magical Kenya campaign, the forum will focus on the origins and success of Kenya’s travel marketing.

“Our theme this year is Redefining Africa: Africa as a Brand, and few institutions live that mission like the team behind Magical Kenya, one of the continent’s most recognised nation brands,” organisers said.

As part of the collaboration, KTB will co‑host the Destination Pavilion, curating immersive cultural showcases and tourism experiences.

Delegates from over 40 countries are expected to participate both in person and online will be invited to explore Kenya’s diverse offerings through curated pre‑ and post‑event packages, including the Great Wildebeest Migration, Nairobi city tours, and cultural circuits designed to extend visitor stays and boost the local economy.

Speaking about the partnership, June Chepkemei, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Tourism Board said the opportunity was invaluable.

“We are thrilled to partner with Africa Global PR Week 2026. This collaboration underscores the critical role PR practitioners play as storytellers in showcasing Kenya as a leading tourism destination,” Ms Chepkemei said. “Their expertise is invaluable in designing compelling narratives that highlight our diverse attractions. Furthermore, this partnership provides an excellent platform to emphasise the growing importance of MICE tourism, which is pivotal in diversifying our destination’s offering and attracting a new segment of visitors to experience wonder.”

The Africa Global PR Week event is an annual gathering that began in 2025 to bring together communicators, PR practitioners, strategists and more in a bid to reshape the global African narrative.

“This partnership with KTB ensures that Africa Global PR Week 2026 is not only a summit of ideas, but also a celebration of Kenya’s tourism excellence and Africa’s collective narrative,” said Mary Njoki, Chair of AGPRW.

July 13, 2026
Kate Kamau discusses her vision of Kenya’s future, addresses US backlash

Kenyan Actress Catherine Kamau, also known as “Kate Actress,” has shared her vision for a new political era.

In a recent interview, she said that she would someday like to read the headline: “Kenya elects its first woman president; a new era begins”.

Kate Actress discussed her hopes for women in leadership and expressed her desire to witness a historic shift in the country’s governance.

“I hope we live to see it because we are capable.”

Her remarks come at a time when conversations about the future of Kenya’s leadership continue to attract public interest. While the country has never elected a female president, several women have contested for senior positions, reflecting the gradual growth of women’s participation in national politics.

Kate Actress, who is known for her work in the entertainment industry, has often used her platform to advocate for social issues and spark conversations about the future of the country.

In the same interview, she addressed the backlash she received during her 2024 trip to the Tyler Perry studios, which had been at the invitation of the US Embassy.

Kate, who was pictured alongside President Ruto’s entourage, drew backlash at the time as Kenyans accused her of touring the US on the taxpayer’s dime. At the time, she clarified that she funded the trip herself.

“My invitation was courtesy of the US Embassy in Nairobi, and this trip is completely self-funded, just in case you thought my brand was beans,” Kate had said at the time. “Breathe, my beloved, I have only just begun.”

Addressing the same in her recent interview, she said: “I almost got cancelled; I think people don’t understand the nature of the partnership. I was able to learn from my peers in Atlanta; I was surprised that so many people didn’t understand the film industry’s capability and how much we can contribute to the GDP.”

Kate has starred in several award-winning films, including Netflix’s “Disconnect” and “Plan B”.

July 9, 2026
‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ singer Bonnie Tyler dies aged 75

Singer Bonnie Tyler, known for hits including “Total Eclipse of the Heart”, “Holding Out for a Hero” and “It’s a Heartache”, has died at the age of 75.

A message posted on the official website for the hugely popular Welsh power ballad diva read: “Bonnie’s family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for.”

In May, the performer, from Skewen in south Wales, was placed into an induced coma after having emergency intestinal surgery in Portugal.

Last month, her spokesperson said she was out of the coma but remained “very unwell and in intensive care”.

The official statement, released on Thursday morning, continued: “We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy.”

Tyler, born Gaynor Hopkins, grew up in a council house in Neath.

She was discovered by talent scout Roger Bell in a club in Swansea, and released her first single Lost in France in 1977.

“It’s a Heartache”, her country-pop ballad released the same year, reached number four on the UK singles chart and number three on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Her biggest hit, the rockier “Total Eclipse of the Heart”, arrived six years later in 1983 – this time topping the charts on both sides of the Atlantic.

In doing so, she became the first Welsh person to score a number one hit in the US.

The dramatic track, penned by Meat Loaf’s lyricist Jim Steinman, was originally titled “Vampires in Love”, as it had been written for a musical version of Nosferatu.

“I never get tired of singing it,” she recently told BBC News. “I love it because everyone can’t wait to sing it.”

She received a Grammy nomination for the hit, and two further nominations for the album Faster Than the Speed of Night and the single Here She Comes.

Steinman also wrote her other major 1980s pop-rock anthem, the lustful and bombastic “Holding Out for a Hero”, which was recorded for the Footloose film soundtrack and later appeared in Shrek 2.

Tyler represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013, finishing 19th out of 26 acts, and was made an MBE for her services to music in 2023.

Last year, she released a club version of “Total Eclipse of the Heart”, produced by David Guetta and Hypaton, called “Together”.

And this year – 43 years after its release – the original song passed the billion streams mark on Spotify.

“I’m really happy, when you think about it, there’s only 8.3 billion people in the world,” she said.

The singer previously performed her aptly titled track on board a cruise ship in the Caribbean as the solar event swept the US in 2017.

She is survived by her husband of more than 50 years, Robert Sullivan.

July 9, 2026
“In Love” is about feelings you can’t control,” says Keemlyf of new visuals

Afropop musician Keemlyf has described the new visuals for his song “In Love” about uncontrollable feelings, specifically love.

The singer says the visuals bring to life the emotional struggle at the heart of the song.

Speaking about the video, Keemlyf said: “The audio was the confession, but the video shows the story. ‘In Love’ is about feelings you try to control but can’t, and I wanted the visuals to bring that emotional struggle to life.”

The visuals follow the release of the audio version of the track on June 12, giving the song “a deeper visual dimension” according to the release statement seen exclusively by KBC Digital. The video captures the tension of wanting someone you know you should stay away from, yet finding it impossible to let go.

Released through Universal Music Group, forms part of Keemlyf’s “In Love” campaign.

“The release of the official video marks the next phase of the “In Love” campaign, following a rollout built around short-form storytelling, fan confession prompts, creator-led POV content, campus engagement, behind-the-scenes clips and emotional visual teasers,” the statement said in part.

July 9, 2026