Sunday, June 28, 2026
Google search engine
Home Blog Page 43

From Streams to Streets: How Africa Turned Spotify Wrapped into a Real-World Road Trip

LifeLately Reporter
-
0
From Streams to Streets: How Africa Turned Spotify Wrapped into a Real-World Road Trip
From Streams to Streets: How Africa Turned Spotify Wrapped into a Real-World Road Trip

Spotify Wrapped celebrates the audio that defined our year, and the annual global marketing campaign that accompanies it has become a cultural moment in its own right.

In 2025, Wrapped in Africa is a bold, dynamic experience that brings the story of your year in listening off your phone and into the real world – from amapiano and Afrobeats to gospel, hip hop, country and everything in between.

This year, Spotify is bringing back the fan-favourite features people already love, while adding new experiences that spotlight how listeners across Africa moved, prayed, worked, partied and rested with audio.

Wrapped Party invites fans to dive into their stories with friends and family, and 50 fan destinations worldwide give listeners a place to come together, celebrate their year in music and feel part of something truly global.

From design to in-person experiences and data stories rooted in local listening, this is how the 2025 Wrapped campaign comes to life across Africa.

A modern visual mixtape for Africa

Before streaming, mixtapes and burned CDs were the original playlists: handpicked, decorated and passed between friends, cousins and neighbours as deeply personal gifts.

The 2025 Wrapped design builds on that tradition, turning a year of listening into a bold, dynamic visual mixtape for more than 700 million fans around the world – including millions across Africa.

Every gradient and texture reflects that unpredictable mix of emotion and rhythm that makes listening so personal. With a reduced colour palette, bold imagery and a blend of analogue and digital aesthetics, 2025 becomes the most expressive and modern-feeling Wrapped yet.

From amapiano dance circles in Johannesburg to late-night studio sessions in Lagos and road-trip singalongs in Nairobi, the look and feel of Wrapped mirrors how African fans actually experience musiC, loud, layered and full of feeling.

From Streams to Streets: How Africa Turned Spotify Wrapped into a Real-World Road Trip
From Streams to Streets: How Africa Turned Spotify Wrapped into a Real-World Road Trip
Immersive real-world experiences – and an amagwinya road trip

The Wrapped creative campaign is live in more than 30 markets globally as Spotify moves beyond traditional billboards to create immersive experiences that celebrate the artists who defined 2025.

Across Africa, installations and pop-ups bring Wrapped’s digital storytelling into the real world with artist integrations, interactive photo moments and live performances for top listeners.

In South Africa, Wrapped quite literally hits the road. Inspired by the heartbreak of reaching the front of the line only to hear the gwinyas are finished and the way Darwin Rev turned that moment into a national mood with Amagwinya Aphelile, the Where Are the Gwinyas? fan destination sends a Wrapped-branded amagwinya kombi on a multi-city road trip.

The truck travels through Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria, serving up gwinya with a Wrapped twist – from fish fillet to bunny-chow-inspired curry fillings and classic snoek, atchar and polony.

At each stop, fans turn up their favourite Wrapped anthems, transforming the kombi from simple food truck into rolling street party.

“Wrapped has always been about reflecting fans’ stories back to them, and this year those stories from Sub-Saharan Africa are literally spilling into the streets. From the amagwinya road trip in South Africa to the data stories coming out of Nigeria and Kenya, we’re showing that the numbers behind Wrapped are really about how people here live, move and connect through music,” says Spotify’s Head of Marketing for Africa, Sithabile Kachisa.

How Africa listened in 2025

Wrapped is ultimately about turning listening data into stories fans can see themselves in – and nowhere is that more vivid than in Africa.

In South Africa, early mornings belonged to Ciza’s Isaka, with more than 46,000 fans pressing play at exactly 6:00 a.m., turning sunrise into a shared soundtrack. Mafikizolo’s Uyoncengwa Unyoko passed 14 million plays, proving some songs are built for repeat on both the dancefloor and in the taxi rank.

In Nigeria, Fido’s Joy is Coming found its way onto more than 700 playlists tagged as sad, as listeners reached for hope even when the mood was low. Davido’s With You amassed over 42 million streams, underlining the staying power of one of the country’s most beloved hitmakers.

In Kenya, Extra Pressure was added to fans’ gym playlists, turning workouts into high-stakes training montages, while Njerae’s Aki Sioni crossed 3.2 million streams, transforming vulnerability into a chart-ready strength.

Across the continent, these moments show how Wrapped transforms numbers into narratives. The stats reveal not just what Africa listened to in 2025, but how, when and why it mattered, from perfectly timed play buttons and weekday rituals to songs that travelled through communities as gifts, prayers, jokes and declarations.

Wrapped gathers all of that energy and hands it back to fans as a story only they could have written.

UN Launches International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026)

Kipkemboi Collins
-
0
UN Launches International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026)
UN Launches International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026)

The United Nations, together with the Government of Kenya and more than 20 national and international partners, has officially launched the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026).

The global launch marks a major milestone in recognizing volunteerism as a key force behind sustainable development.

The high-level ceremony took place on Friday, 5 December 2025, at the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON).

Kenya is a co-facilitator and signatory of UN General Assembly Resolution 78/127, which declared 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.

Positioning Volunteerism at the Center of Development

The declaration of IVY 2026 highlights the essential role that volunteers play in advancing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By anchoring the global launch during UNEA-7, Kenya offered a powerful platform linking volunteerism with environmental protection, peacebuilding, and humanitarian action.

The launch brought together government leaders, diplomatic missions, UN agencies, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector. The participation underscored volunteerism as a strategic enabler of sustainable development.

During the event, organizers outlined three core objectives for IVY 2026:

  • Officially launch the Year during UNEA-7.

  • Mobilize stakeholders across government, UN agencies, civil society, academia, and the private sector.

  • Position volunteerism as central to sustainable development and environmental solutions.

The day also saw the unveiling of the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report 2026, setting the tone for a global year focused on celebrating and expanding volunteer contributions.

UN Launches International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026)
UN Launches International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026)
Kenya’s Leadership in Advancing Volunteerism

As a co-facilitator of the UN resolution, Kenya has emerged as a regional model in elevating volunteerism. The national theme, “Volunteering for People and the Planet: Every Contribution Matters,” reinforced the idea that individual actions play a critical role in shaping sustainable futures.

Member States were encouraged to make concrete commitments, including integrating volunteerism into national development strategies and establishing national committees to drive IVY 2026 campaigns.

The launch featured two major components: a high-level morning session at UNON with keynote remarks, symbolic unveilings, Blue Room Talks, and Wall of Action pledges, followed by an afternoon volunteer activity at Karura Forest Reserve.

Building Momentum Toward and Beyond 2026

The event is expected to spark strong national and regional momentum for volunteer-driven initiatives. It also aims to strengthen partnerships, expand volunteer networks, and inspire countries to embed volunteer action in development planning.

With IVY 2026 now officially launched, Kenya and its partners have set an ambitious pace for a year that places people-powered action at the heart of sustainable development globally.

From Boardroom To Batter: Natasha Grace’s Leadership Meets Holiday Tradition

LifeLately Reporter
-
0
From Boardroom To Batter: Natasha Grace’s Leadership Meets Holiday Tradition
From Boardroom To Batter: Natasha Grace’s Leadership Meets Holiday Tradition

Christmas arrived early at Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport Hotel. At the hotel’s much-loved annual cake mixing ceremony, the celebrations carried extra sparkle after Natasha Grace Mwangi received the title of Best General Manager, Airport Hotels in Kenya from CEO Destinations 2025.

In an industry still dominated by men, Natasha stands out as one of Kenya’s few female hotel general managers.

She may even be the only woman leading an airport hotel in the country. Inside the high-pressure world of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, she is rewriting the rules with confidence and consistency.

A Recipe For Leadership

Speaking at the event, Natasha said the cake mixing tradition mirrors her leadership style.
“The annual cake mixing ceremony is the most beautiful metaphor for our success. Just like those diverse ingredients, the spices, the fruits, we, as a team, come together with unique skills. When we mix them with intention and consistency, we create something rich and spectacular. My award reflects a well-mixed, cohesive team. When everyone adds their best ingredient, the whole house wins.”

Under her guidance, Four Points has earned major accolades. The hotel has been named Kenya’s Best Airport Hotel for four consecutive years. It has also secured Kenya’s and Africa’s Leading Airport Hotel 2025 from the World Travel Awards, along with Best Airport Hotel 2025 from the International Property Awards.

From Boardroom To Batter: Natasha Grace’s Leadership Meets Holiday Tradition
From Boardroom To Batter: Natasha Grace’s Leadership Meets Holiday Tradition

Resilience, Heart, And Habit

When asked what it takes to earn such recognition, Natasha pointed to the human element.
“It takes an enormous amount of resilience and heart. Winning this award came down to small habits done consistently.”

Life around the airport rarely slows down. Flights land through the night, crews check in before sunrise, and travellers arrive from every time zone. In this constant motion, Four Points has become a calm, reliable hub. Its lights stay on, its service remains steady, and its hospitality always feels personal.

Natasha’s leadership systems make that possible. Each day, she sets a simple goal: speak to one hundred people.
“Every morning, I make it a point to greet at least one hundred people in the hotel. It sets the tone for the day,” she explained.

A Career Built From The Ground Up

Natasha started her journey at a front desk in the UK while studying Criminal Justice. She worked part-time shifts, learning the rhythm of hospitality from the ground up. By the time she returned to Kenya in 2012, she had experienced nearly every hotel department.

At Four Points, she rose quickly. She joined as Front Office Manager in 2017 and worked her way to General Manager through what she calls her need to be “where the action is.”

A Hotel Rooted In Kenyan Identity

Four Points JKIA mirrors the spirit of the country. The Tazama Rooftop showcases vibrant local art. The hotel’s pan-African dining highlights regional flavours. Its Aeropils craft beer and Kenyan coffee give travellers an authentic taste of the culture.

During a fireside chat, Natasha spoke about leading as one of the few women in her position.
“There is increased scrutiny, yes, but there is an even greater privilege of visibility. I didn’t have female mentors to light the path ahead of me. My hope is that my journey creates a brighter path for someone coming after me.”

Her message to young women in hospitality was clear:
“Bet on yourself, fiercely. Many rooms you walk into won’t look like you, but your perspective is your power.”

Eight Years Of Growth And Gratitude

The event also marked the hotel’s eighth anniversary, a milestone Natasha reflected on deeply.
“Leading this hotel for a significant part of its life feels like watching a child grow. Our eighth anniversary, combined with this award, shows that perseverance pays off.”

A large part of the hotel’s success comes from Natasha’s approach to her young, energetic team.
“Feedback, all the time. That means private coaching when guidance is needed and immediate public recognition when they earn it. Praise is the most powerful currency we have.”

A Constant In A World Of Movement

Airports represent motion, transition, and constant change. Yet Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport has become a steady, comforting presence largely because of Natasha’s leadership.

So the next time you travel through JKIA, walk into the Four Points lobby and ask for Natasha.
She’ll be there, ready to welcome you home.

 

A Fairer Festive Season: Why Your Christmas Gifting Should Start With Fairtrade

LifeLately Reporter
-
0
A Fairer Festive Season: Why Your Christmas Gifting Should Start With Fairtrade
A Fairer Festive Season: Why Your Christmas Gifting Should Start With Fairtrade

There’s something about December that nudges us to look outward, to gather, to give, and to remember that our choices ripple far beyond the shopping cart. This year, that ripple feels even more urgent. Climate change is squeezing farmers.

Global markets are shifting. And somewhere between our holiday playlists and gift wrapping, a quiet question rises: who made the things we’re giving?

Fairtrade Africa explored that question during the launch of their Be Fair Right Now campaign. The conversation revealed what it truly means to buy better and why simple, everyday purchases can transform lives in ways we rarely imagine.

The surprising gap in what we think we know

When Fairtrade Africa asked consumers how familiar they were with the movement, most people said they were “somewhat aware.” But when asked why they don’t choose Fairtrade products, more than 75 percent pointed to one reason: lack of information.

People care deeply but they don’t know where to begin. So let’s start here.

The heart of Fairtrade: real farmers, real families

On the slopes of Mount Kenya, the Mutira Coffee Cooperative, home to 7,500 smallholder farmers, is rewriting Kenya’s coffee story. Martin, their manager, explained how they’ve shifted from traditional practices to value addition, earning their place as one of Kenya’s most certified cooperatives.

Last year, their local coffee consumption program brought in more than 10 million shillings in premiums through Fairtrade certification. The money helped them purchase new machines to meet the rising demand for Kenyan coffee. Drinking local coffee has changed farmers’ lives in real, tangible ways.

Across the mountain, the Gatunguru Tea Factory shows that small scale does not mean small impact. With over 10,000 micro-plot farmers — many with less than half an acre — they protect riverbanks, sustain Kenya’s water towers, diversify into avocado farming, empower youth, and train women for leadership. Their next step is Fairtrade certified honey.

Yes, soon you’ll be drizzling Fairtrade honey from the Aberdares onto your Christmas scones.

A Fairer Festive Season: Why Your Christmas Gifting Should Start With Fairtrade
A Fairer Festive Season: Why Your Christmas Gifting Should Start With Fairtrade
Brands that walk the talk

Kericho Gold was one of the earliest adopters of Fairtrade certification in Kenya. Today, the brand exports to Europe, the Middle East, and Australia, driven by consumers who want products rooted in fairness from farm to shelf.

Fairtrade certification has strengthened their reputation and opened up global markets. As Mary from Kericho Gold explained, “Consumers now come to us saying we want this because we know what you stand for.”

What your purchase actually does

Every Fairtrade product carries a premium an additional sum that goes directly back to farmers. This premium has supported early childhood education, scholarships, school fees, environmental conservation, youth employment, women’s leadership training, mental health support, fair working conditions, modern beehives built by local youth, and even one of Kenya’s largest coffee nurseries.

This is only a fraction of what Fairtrade certification can do for local producers. It is rewriting the story for men and women who have farmed for generations and are finally receiving a fair return.

So what does this mean for Christmas?

Your festive gifting can do more than delight a loved one. It can build classrooms. It can protect forests. It can help a young woman step into leadership. It can give a coffee-growing grandmother confidence that her work matters beyond her hills.

So as you prepare gift hampers, Secret Santa bags, or New Year breakfast baskets, here are thoughtful swaps to consider:

Swap 1: Regular coffee to Fairtrade Kenyan coffee from Dormans
Swap 2: Tea bags to Kericho Gold Fairtrade tea
Swap 3: Honey to Fairtrade honey from Aberdare youth producers (coming soon)
Swap 4: Chocolate, flowers, spices to always look for the Fairtrade mark

Each small choice creates a ripple that carries far beyond your home.

The gift that outlives the holidays

In a season where many purchases are forgotten by February, choosing Fairtrade lets your gift keep living. It plants trees, educates children, empowers women, and dignifies the hands that grew it.

As Paul Colditz, Director of Fairtrade Africa, said, the Fairtrade mark is not just a symbol.
“It is a person with a superpower and the superpower is yours.”

So go on. Wrap something this Christmas that wraps someone else in possibility.

The Silent Wall: Confronting Gender Based Violence

Kipkemboi Collins
-
0
The Silent Wall: Confronting Gender Based Violence
The Silent Wall: Confronting Gender Based Violence

In Kenya’s busy cities and peaceful communities, countless women and girls bear unseen scars bruises concealed by long sleeves, anguish concealed by false smiles.

Every day, new accounts of assault, domestic violence, and femicide emerge from police records and social media feeds, yet justice remains frustratingly out of reach for many. Gender-based violence has become a secret epidemic, flourishing in the shadows of cultural silence, ineffective legal enforcement, and societal shame.

GBV against women is an act of violence that results in, or is likely to result in, bodily, sexual, or psychological injury or suffering for women, including threats of such acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in private or public life.

Every year from November 25th to December 10 activists around the world gather to commemorate the days against Gender Based Violence. The dates highlights that violence against violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights that occurs globally.

According to survey, about a third of all women ages 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence since age of 15 and 13% have experienced sexual violence at some point.

Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to be one of the most persistent human rights issues in Kenya and across Africa, affecting people of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and cultures.

The battle against GBV involves more than simply regulations; it necessitates the collaborative efforts of institutions and society to prevent abuse, protect survivors, and promote justice for everyone.

The Silent Wall: Confronting Gender Based Violence
The Silent Wall: Confronting Gender Based Violence
The Roles of Institutions
Law enforcement and justice: Enforce legislation such as the Sexual Offences Act (2006) and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act and ensuring perpetrators are prosecuted.

Health & psychological support: Provide medical treatment, trauma counselling, and PEP to survivors through centres like as the Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC), which has helped a lot of victims.

Data collection: Real-time data is collected by systems. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), 10.4% of women (15-49) have experienced sexual violence and 41% have experienced physical violence.

Education and awareness: Schools and ministries run campaigns on gender equality, consent, and human rights.

Partnerships: Work with NGOs, faith-based organisations, and international organisations ( UN Women, UNFPA) to reach vulnerable populations.

Roles in Society
Cultural change: Challenge harmful norms including patriarchy, silence, and victim-blaming; encourage open debates on gender equality.
Community support: Local leaders and organisations offer safe places, counselling, and referrals.

Reporting and accountability: Through activism and public outrage, citizens report abuse, encourage survivors, and put pressure on authorities to take action.

Media and advocacy: The media increases awareness, exposes injustices, and drives initiatives like #StopFemicideKenya and #EndGBV.

Male involvement: Men and boys work together to promote good masculinity through projects such as HeForShe.

Collaboration
Institutions enforce laws and offer services, while society promotes reform and supports survivors. Joint initiatives, such as county GBV response centres and awareness campaigns, guarantee that survivors receive justice and treatment.

In the battle against gender-based violence, every voice, action, and decision is important. Empowering women, holding offenders responsible, and cultivating a culture of respect are more than simply moral obligations, they are the building blocks of a just society.

True change begins when we stand up, speak out, and guarantee that no woman lives in fear, but rather in freedom and dignity.

Spotify Wrapped 2025: Njerae, Toxic Lyrikali & Watendawili Break Into Kenya’s Top 10 Most-Streamed Local Artists 

LifeLately Reporter
-
0
Spotify Wrapped 2025: Njerae, Toxic Lyrikali & Watendawili Break Into Kenya’s Top 10 Most-Streamed Local Artists 

Spotify Wrapped 2025: Njerae, Toxic Lyrikali & Watendawili Break Into Kenya’s Top 10 Most-Streamed Local Artists 


For the past two years, Bien, Sauti Sol, and Wakadinali have been the flagbearers of Kenyan music, consistently appearing in Spotify’s Top 10 most-streamed local artists.

They’ve held their own alongside global heavyweights like Drake, who continues to dominate Kenya’s younger generation (18–24) as their most-streamed artist, and Kendrick Lamar, who remains hugely popular. They are respectively ranked as the first and third most-streamed artists in Kenya in 2025.

This year, however, the playing field has shifted. Kenyans spent more than 180 million hours on Spotify in 2025, and that time has increasingly gone into championing a new wave of homegrown talent.

New wave, new visibility

Spotify Wrapped 2025 for Kenya highlights an exciting evolution as emerging local musicians gain visibility across multiple charts. Njerae, Toxic Lyrikali, and Watendawili have all broken into Kenya’s Top 10 most-streamed songs on Spotify for the first time – a milestone strengthened by the strong performance of their albums.

The top songs Kenyans streamed on Spotify this year

The clearest proof of this new moment lies in the homegrown track sitting at the very top. Njerae’s Aki Sioni has outpaced every international and local contender to become Kenya’s most-streamed song of 2025, with 18-24 year-olds pressing play more than any other age group.

Only three of the top 10 most-streamed songs in Kenya this year are not from Kenyan musicians. International acts include Kendrick Lamar, with his song Luther, Shalipopi’s Laho and Chella’s My Darling in at number 10.

This new wave’s depth is further underscored by Watendawili, who secured four spots on Spotify’s local streaming chart with Inakuballika, Matata, Cham Thum( Atoti) and Hadi Kesho.

Equally striking is the rise of Toxic Lyrikali who is also the top discovered artist in Kenya on Spotify in 2025. His unfiltered sound has secured two spots on Spotify’s local streaming chart, with Chinje and Backbencher landing at numbers 6 and 7, respectively.

This double achievement underlines the diverse appeal and momentum of the new wave, proving that Kenyan artists are not just participating in culture, they are actively defining the nation’s contemporary soundtrack.

Spotify Wrapped 2025: Njerae, Toxic Lyrikali & Watendawili Break Into Kenya’s Top 10 Most-Streamed Local Artists 
Spotify Wrapped 2025: Njerae, Toxic Lyrikali & Watendawili Break Into Kenya’s Top 10 Most-Streamed Local Artists
The top genres Kenyans are listening to

Streaming data from 2025 shows that Kenya’s listening habits are overwhelmingly driven by four main music categories:

  • Rap
  • Hip Hop
  • Afropop
  • Afrobeats

Alongside R&B, these genres form the core of Kenya’s dynamic 2025 streaming landscape, leaving a lasting imprint on the modern Kenyan sound and continuing trends seen over previous years.

Interestingly, Spotify’s new Listening Age data in this year’s Wrapped experience shows that Kenya’s average listening age sits at 28.

Export Titans and chart-topping songs

At the forefront of this new era stand the titans of export, Idd Aziz, the twin forces of Karun and Bien, the legendary Sauti Sol, and the rising star Zum. They have been the ambassadors for the Kenyan sound, with their music travelling further this year.

Karun, in particular, dominated the charts with her exported hits like “Maharani” and “Mrignaini,” battling for global airtime alongside Zum’s infectious “Rebel” and Francis Mercier’s collaboration “Kamili.” Even Marioo and Bien’s track “Nairobi” carried the city’s pulse to every corner of the earth.

Celebrating history: Top songs across the last five decades

Kenyan listeners continued to explore music across the past five decades. A mix of modern hits and nostalgic classics features here, while throwbacks remain a vital part of the listening experience over the years.

Top songs by decade:

“Kenya’s 2025 Wrapped reveals a music scene that’s more vibrant than ever. It’s inspiring to see how strongly Kenyans have streamed their own homegrown talent this year, championing rising voices while still celebrating the artists who’ve shaped the culture,” said Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of music Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ultimately, 2025 showcased Kenya’s music scene as a vibrant, evolving ecosystem where variety reigns. Marked by a surge in local listening and global-infused genres like Tecnobrega and 3 Step, the country is now boldly remixing, reclaiming, and broadcasting a new sonic identity to the world, pointing toward an exciting, unpredictable future.

TOP STREAMED KENYAN ARTISTS TOP STREAMED ARTISTS TOP STREAMED KENYAN SONGS
  1. Bien
  2. Sauti Sol
  3. Wakadinali
  4. Toxic Lyrikali
  5. Bensoul
  6. Watendawili
  7. Njerae
  8. Nyashinski
  9. Lil Maina
  10. Okello Max
  1. Drake
  2. Bien
  3. Kendrick Lamar
  4. Future
  5. Chris Brown
  6. Travis Scott
  7. Gunna
  8. The Weeknd
  9. Vybz Kartel
  10. Sauti Sol
  1. Njerae – Aki Sioni
  2. Mutoriah – Beta
  3. Charisma– Sina Noma
  4. Matata, Watendawili – Inakubalika
  5. Bensoul, Bien – Extra Pressure
  6. Toxic Lyrikali, County Hype – Backbencher
  7. Toxic Lyrikali – Chinje
  8. Watendawili – Cham Thum
  9. Watendawili – Hadi Kesho
  10. Savara – Show You Off

 

 

 

 

TOP STREAMED SONGS TOP STREAMED KENYAN ALBUMS TOP STREAMED ALBUMS
  1. Njerae – Aki Sioni
  2. Mutoriah – Beta
  3. Charisma –Sina Noma
  4. Matata – Inakubalika
  5. Bensoul, Bien – Extra Pressure
  6. Toxic Lyrikali, Country Hype– Backbencher
  7. Kendrick Lamar – Luther (with SZA)
  8. Shallipopi – Laho
  9. Toxic Lyrikali – Chinje
  10. Chella – My Darling

 
  1. Bien – Alusa Why Are You Topless?
  2. Sauti Sol – Midnight Train
  3. Njerae – Unintentional
  4. Watendawili – En Route
  5. Charisma – The Motions
  6. Sauti Sol – Afrikan Sauce
  7. KODONGKLAN–Disko
  8. Sauti Sol – Live And Die In Afrika
  9. Bensoul – The Party & The After Party
  10. Wakadinali – Ndani Ya Cockpit 3
  1. Bien – Alusa Why Are You Topless?
  2. SZA – (SOS Deluxe LANA)
  3. Sauti Sol – Midnight Train
  4. Playboi Carti – Music
  5. Kendrick Lamar – GNX
  6. SZA–SOS
  7. PARTYNEXT DOOR – $ome $exy $ongs 4 U
  8. Chris Brown – 11:11
  9. Njerae – Unintentional
  10. Tyla – TYLA

 

 

 

IHRM Recognises HR Innovation at 2025 Awards

LifeLately Reporter
-
0
IHRM Recognises HR Innovation at 2025 Awards
IHRM Recognises HR Innovation at 2025 Awards

The Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) hosted the 6th edition of the HR Circle of Excellence Awards 2025, an event that brought together industry leaders, government representatives, and HR professionals to honour institutions and individuals shaping Kenya’s people-management landscape.

Held in Nairobi, the gala celebrated the achievements of HR practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing the profession.

The event was graced by Principal Secretary for Public Service, Dr. Jane Kere Imbunya, alongside Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Salaries and Remuneration Commission Chairperson Sammy Chepkwony, and senior representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Celebrating Leadership That Shapes Kenya’s Workforce

In his remarks, IHRM National Chairman CHRP Odero Philip Dalmas reflected on the transformative journey the awards have taken since their inception.

He noted that the Circle of Excellence platform has grown into one of Kenya’s most respected HR recognitions, spotlighting practitioners and organizations that are redefining workplace culture and professional standards.

“These awards have consistently shown that HR excellence is not an aspiration, it is a catalyst for stronger institutions and thriving teams,” Dalmas said.

“We honour leaders who are shaping a people-first workforce anchored in ethics, innovation, and resilience.”

The finalists were celebrated for advancing HR pillars such as digital transformation, diversity and inclusion, employee wellness, ethical leadership, and talent development. According to Dalmas, the practices showcased each year have influenced nationwide trends, inspiring more organizations to embrace progressive HR models.

A Major Announcement: Six-Month Waiver of Membership Arrears

One of the evening’s biggest highlights was the announcement of a sweeping policy change affecting members of the institution.

In a bid to support HR practitioners facing economic pressure, the IHRM Council approved a full waiver of all membership arrears accumulated up to and including 2024.

“This decision is meant to support member welfare and enhance compliance,” Dalmas revealed. “Your slate is wiped clean, regardless of the amount owed. Members will only need to settle subscriptions for 2025 and 2026 to regain full compliance.”

The waiver will be valid for six months, giving practitioners a limited but meaningful window to regularize their membership.

IHRM Recognises HR Innovation at 2025 Awards
IHRM Recognises HR Innovation at 2025 Awards
Strengthening the Profession for the Future of Work

Dalmas reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to professional development, policy leadership, and platforms that promote excellence throughout Kenya’s HR community.

He emphasized that IHRM will continue equipping practitioners to lead within an evolving employment landscape shaped by technology, shifting workforce expectations, and national development priorities.

To the nominees and winners, he offered words of encouragement: “Your work elevates our entire profession. You have set benchmarks that push us to aim higher.”

As the year draws to a close, Dalmas also extended warm holiday wishes to industry leaders, partners, and HR professionals, expressing optimism for the year ahead.

White Cap Elevates F1 Excitement with a Prestigious Qatar Grand Prix Watch Party

Kipkemboi Collins
-
0
White Cap Elevates F1 Excitement with a Prestigious Qatar Grand Prix Watch Party
White Cap Brings F1 Thrill to Nairobi with an Exclusive Qatar Grand Prix Watch Party

White Cap Draught delivered a premium mix of sport, flavour, and community as it hosted an exclusive Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix watch party at Kengeles Lavington Green on Sunday.

The event treated F1 enthusiasts to an immersive blend of world-class racing and the purest taste of White Cap Draught.

A Night Where Racing Passion Met Premium Craft

Formula One fans filled the venue, turning it into a vibrant hub of speed, precision, and celebration. The air buzzed with anticipation as guests followed every overtake, pit stop, and podium battle while enjoying White Cap Draught poured to perfection.

“Formula One represents engineering excellence and premium performance,” said Wanjiru Murage, Marketing Manager for Beer Expansions & Projects (EABL). “We mirrored that with the perfect pour of our White Cap Draught. The intensity on screen was matched by the experience in the glass.”

Guests enjoyed a unique beer experience through self-pour taps, offering the freshest, smoothest sip of White Cap Draught. To complement the brew, the culinary team served beef and vegetable mishkakis, expertly paired with the crisp, refreshing profile of the beer.

White Cap Brings F1 Thrill to Nairobi with an Exclusive Qatar Grand Prix Watch Party
White Cap Brings F1 Thrill to Nairobi with an Exclusive Qatar Grand Prix Watch Party

A Grand Prix Worth Watching Together

On track, the Qatar Grand Prix delivered a thrilling show. Max Verstappen dominated the 57-lap race to secure victory, with Oscar Piastri finishing second and Carlos Sainz Jr. coming in third. Strategic duels and bold overtakes kept fans glued to every moment, their reactions echoing through the lively venue.

Wanjiru noted the strong reception: “The turnout and feedback reinforce our commitment to being part of the Formula One community.”

Where Craftsmanship Meets Community

The event demonstrated White Cap Draught’s ability to bring people together through shared passion whether for the precision of F1 engineering or the craftsmanship behind the perfect pour. By blending a global sport with a premium, community-driven experience, White Cap reaffirmed its place as a brand that celebrates excellence in all its forms.

AERC Summit 2025: A New Vision for Africa’s Economic Future

LifeLately Reporter
-
0
AERC Summit 2025: A New Vision for Africa’s Economic Future
AERC Summit 2025: A New Vision for Africa’s Economic Future

Africa’s top economists, policy leaders, and development experts have gathered in Nairobi for the 2025 AERC Research and Policy Summit—an event already shaping up to be one of the most influential conversations on the continent’s economic direction.

Hosted by the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), the three-day summit brings together a diverse community of scholars, central bank leaders, private sector players, and international partners united by a shared goal: redefining Africa’s development priorities for the next decade.

A New Era of Economic Thinking

Opening the summit, AERC Executive Director Prof. Victor Murinde emphasized that Africa is at a turning point. He described the gathering as an essential space for clear thinking and bold conversations about the continent’s economic future.

“This summit gives us a space to rethink how African economies can grow sustainably and inclusively,” he said.

Representing the National Treasury, Economic Planning Principal Secretary Bonface Barasa Makokha delivered remarks from Treasury CS John Mbadi who challenged Africa to tell its own economic story.

“For years, others have defined our development agenda. That must end,” Mbadi said. “Africa’s future depends on courageous ideas that prioritize dignity, resilience, and shared prosperity.”

He urged African countries to reduce reliance on foreign aid and instead maximize local talent, innovation, and resources.

AERC Summit 2025: A New Vision for Africa’s Economic Future
AERC Summit 2025: A New Vision for Africa’s Economic Future
Top Minds in Finance and Policy Converge

The summit has drawn an impressive lineup of leaders, including:

  • Prof. Ernest Aryeetey – AERC Board Chair

  • Dr. Lesetja Kganyago – Governor, Reserve Bank of South Africa

  • Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego – Governor, Bank of Uganda

  • Michel Dzombala – Vice Governor, Bank of Central African States

  • Dr. Francis Chipimo – Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Zambia

These leaders are expected to unpack Africa’s biggest economic challenges—from debt pressures and currency volatility to climate change and digital transformation.

AERC Unveils New Private Sector Platform

One of the biggest announcements at the summit is the launch of the African Private Sector Platform (APSP). The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between policy researchers and businesses across the continent.

AERC Board Chair Prof. Ernest Aryeetey noted that the platform will help ensure that policy discussions are grounded in real economic activity.

“Businesses are at the heart of Africa’s growth story. This platform gives them a stronger voice in shaping policy,” he said.

Driving Research That Matters

Throughout the summit, scholars will present new research on key themes such as:

  • Macroeconomic stability

  • Regional trade and integration

  • Human capital and labour markets

  • Climate resilience

  • Financial sector and digital transformation

The sessions include peer review, debate, and policy interpretation—ensuring that the research produced directly supports decision-making across African governments.

Shaping Africa’s Next Development Chapter

As Africa faces global economic uncertainty, the AERC Summit arrives at a time when bold ideas and strong policy collaboration are essential.

For AERC, an institution with nearly four decades of shaping economic research in Africa the summit is both a reflection point and a launchpad. The organization is rolling out its 2025–2035 Strategic Plan, which focuses on deeper regional impact, stronger economic research capacity, and more influence in global policy spaces.

If the conversations in Nairobi are anything to go by, Africa’s economic future will be shaped by Africans and the 2025 AERC Summit is making that vision a reality.

Superior Homes Unveils The Orchards at Northlands

LifeLately Reporter
-
0
Superior Homes Unveils The Orchards at Northlands
Superior Homes Unveils The Orchards at Northlands

Superior Homes Kenya has unveiled its latest master-planned gated community, The Orchards at Northlands, within the expansive Northlands City. The launch marks another milestone in Kenya’s fast-evolving residential market.

A New Residential Community for Modern Living
Set on 25 acres, The Orchards at Northlands will feature 130 units, including 3-, 4-, and 5-bedroom townhouses and villas. Each home is designed to offer privacy, comfort, and long-term value.d
The development sits within the wider Northlands City project near Ruiru and benefits from excellent access via the Eastern Bypass and Thika Superhighway. Its proximity to major commercial and lifestyle hubs makes it attractive to homeowners and institutional investors seeking sustainable returns.
A Market Backed by Strong Demand
According to Knight Frank’s H1 2025 report, rent in Nairobi’s prime residential areas rose by 8 percent year-on-year. The trend signals continued demand for developments that combine thoughtful design, strong infrastructure, and accessibility.
Satellite towns such as Ruiru and Kiambu also continue to show steady land price appreciation due to infrastructure upgrades and rising middle-class demand.

During the launch, Superior Homes Kenya Managing Director Ian Henderson said the project responds directly to shifting market needs.

“Homebuyers today want more than a house. They want a complete lifestyle with security, amenities, and reliable connectivity. This development blends strong infrastructure with a location that offers long-term growth. It is well suited for modern families and forward-looking investors,” he said.

Superior Homes Unveils The Orchards at Northlands
Superior Homes Unveils The Orchards at Northlands
Why Master-Planned Communities Continue to Outperform
Across Nairobi’s metropolitan region, master-planned communities consistently outperform standalone projects in occupancy and resale value. Their appeal lies in reliable security, well-planned infrastructure, and cohesive design.

The Orchards at Northlands builds on these strengths. The community includes townhouses and villas tailored for families, alongside amenities such as a gym, shopping facilities, children’s play areas, schools, and nearby health services. These features create a convenient and secure environment where residents can work, live, and unwind.

Financing Options to Support Buyers
The development also includes structured mortgage options and developer-backed financing. These initiatives aim to make homeownership more accessible and to boost investor confidence by improving liquidity in the real estate market.
Shaping the Future of Residential Development
As Kenya’s property sector continues to expand, The Orchards at Northlands highlights the growing shift toward integrated, well-planned communities. With modern design, sound infrastructure, and strong appreciation potential, the project reflects the future of sustainable living and investment in the country.
1...424344...50Page 43 of 50

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

LifeLately is a fresh take on modern living, capturing the rhythm of our everyday lives through wellness, travel, fashion, food, culture, relationships, and creativity.

FOLLOW US

Contact us: contact@yoursite.com

© Life Lately 2025