Scientists Research 'Healing
Magic' Of Camel Milk
bright future for camel dairying as well as
the medical industry IF CLAIMS PROVE TRUE
SPECIAL REPORT BY XINHUA CORRESPONDENT MARTIN SHARDOW
NAIROBI (Xinhua) -- Scientists in Kenya are struggling to ascertain whether traditional believes that camel milk contains some healing properties are true or they are just myths.
Anti-infection, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes are some of the alleged healing properties of camel milk.
The claims, if proved true, could mean a bright future for camel dairying as well as the medical industry.
There are growing scientific and commercial interests in such claims that have long been made about the camel milk.
The milk is acclaimed to cure diabetes, tuberculosis, stomach ulcers, gastro-enteritis cancer and even autism.
Scientists have found that there appears to be some scientific basis for some of the healing magic.
However, the experimental design has not always been sound.
According to some scientists, there are two ways to test the curative capacity of camel milk.
First is to have a rigorous experimental procedure and, with humans, double blind trials.
The second is to have more information on the constituents of camel milk, specifically the components which could be responsible for the claimed medical properties.
Close analysis of camel milk does show some medicinal potential.
The milk protein, lactoferrin, which is present in large quantities (10 times higher than in cow milk), does have some anti- viral and anti-bacterial properties.
Richard Gichuhi, a clinician based in Nairobi, said fermented camel milk is high in lactic bacteria, which has been shown to be effective against pathogens including Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Salmonella and Escherichia.
Vitamin C content in camel milk is generally two times as that in cow’s milk.
"There are many examples of camel milk being prescribed to hospital patients to aid recovery from tuberculosis, Crohn’s disease and diabetes in some countries," he said.
He said as a natural component of cow and human milk, lactoferrin is also found throughout the human body; it occurs in all secretions that bathe mucous membranes, such as saliva, tears, bronchial and nasal secretions, hepatic bile and pancreatic fluids.
Exactly how lactoferrin functions is not entirely clear, but it is known to enhance the immune response, both directly and indirectly, in reaction to a wide range of immune challenges and it is an essential factor in the immune response in humans.
The health-promoting properties of camel milk are a strong boost for sales and, in certain regions such as the Middle East, they are the driver for intensification of camel dairying.
It is time for the camels to be managed well and probably have dairy camel operations in the future, just like the world has now with dairy cows.
Trials are also proceeding to increase milk yields through intensification and breeding.
But the big question remains:
Will this system be able to produce the quantities of camel milk required especially if a potentially large new customer appears on the scene?
There has been longstanding interest in the potential to harness the power of lactoferrin in treatments for certain illnesses, but now, a whole new constituent of camel milk is under scrutiny.
The medical sector is very interested in the immunoglobulin of camel milk.
This is the substance that contributes to immunity against infection.
The immunoglobulin of camels is quite unique in the animal world.
If successful, the research could lead to the development of a whole new family of vaccinations against some of the biggest killer diseases of our time, such as cancer.
Not surprisingly, a leading pharmaceutical company has camel milk on its agenda of research.
A medical breakthrough could bring about a huge leap in the respect shown for camels and those who keep them.
It could be a solution for camel development, but there is also a risk that the pharmaceutical industry could isolate the molecule they are interested in and synthesize it artificially.
coastweek.com
GiffGaff
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Monday, 25 January 2010
Africa tourism 'lifted by Obama and World Cup'
The "Obama effect" of a US president with African heritage and the 2010 World Cup are boosting tourism in Africa, industry experts say.
"There has been a shift in the way people look at Africa," says the head of the UN World Tourism Organisation.
"Africa is now considered a very serious destination for travellers from the major generating markets," Taleb Rifai told a conference in Madrid.
Last week UNWTO said Africa had "bucked the global trend" in tourism in 2009.
It was the only continent to see a rise in the number of international tourist arrivals last year - with travellers increasing by 5%.
That compared to fall of 4% worldwide, attributed to the economic crisis and the swine flu pandemic.
However Mr Rifai said Africa's share of the tourist market was still only 5% - or around 50 million tourists from a total of nearly 900 million.
Kenya's tourist board says that the fact that President Obama's father was from Kenya has led to an increase in Americans visiting the country.
Meanwhile the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) says this year's World Cup, which takes place in South Africa, will have an "enormous effect".
"The World Cup is certainly the most exciting thing to happen to Africa, not just southern Africa, all Africans are very proud that it's going to be there," the ATTA's head, Nigel Vere Nicoll, told the AFP news agency.
BBC News - Africa tourism 'lifted by Obama and World Cup'
"There has been a shift in the way people look at Africa," says the head of the UN World Tourism Organisation.
"Africa is now considered a very serious destination for travellers from the major generating markets," Taleb Rifai told a conference in Madrid.
Last week UNWTO said Africa had "bucked the global trend" in tourism in 2009.
It was the only continent to see a rise in the number of international tourist arrivals last year - with travellers increasing by 5%.
That compared to fall of 4% worldwide, attributed to the economic crisis and the swine flu pandemic.
However Mr Rifai said Africa's share of the tourist market was still only 5% - or around 50 million tourists from a total of nearly 900 million.
Kenya's tourist board says that the fact that President Obama's father was from Kenya has led to an increase in Americans visiting the country.
Meanwhile the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) says this year's World Cup, which takes place in South Africa, will have an "enormous effect".
"The World Cup is certainly the most exciting thing to happen to Africa, not just southern Africa, all Africans are very proud that it's going to be there," the ATTA's head, Nigel Vere Nicoll, told the AFP news agency.
BBC News - Africa tourism 'lifted by Obama and World Cup'
Ethiopian Airlines jet crashes into sea off Beirut
BBC News - Ethiopian Airlines jet crashes into sea off Beirut
An Ethiopian Airlines passenger plane with 90 people on board has crashed into the Mediterranean Sea shortly after take-off from Beirut airport.
Eyewitnesses say they saw a ball of fire in the sky before Addis Ababa-bound Flight ET409 fell into the sea after taking off in stormy weather.
At least 21 bodies have been found, and the airline's chief executive said there was no word of survivors.
Most of those on board were Lebanese or Ethiopian. There were also two Britons.
The UK Foreign Office said one of the Britons had dual nationality.
The other passengers included citizens of Turkey, France, Russia, Canada, Syria and Iraq, Ethiopian Airlines said in a statement on its website.
Among them was the wife of the French ambassador in Beirut, Marla Pietton.
Some of the foreign passengers are reported to be of Lebanese origin.
The plane, a Boeing 737-800, was carrying 82 passengers, including small children, and eight crew, Ethiopian Airlines said. This model can seat 189 passengers.
It disappeared from radar screens some five minutes after take-off in stormy weather at about 0200 local time, near the village of Naameh, about 3.5km (2 miles) from the coast.
An Ethiopian Airlines passenger plane with 90 people on board has crashed into the Mediterranean Sea shortly after take-off from Beirut airport.
Eyewitnesses say they saw a ball of fire in the sky before Addis Ababa-bound Flight ET409 fell into the sea after taking off in stormy weather.
At least 21 bodies have been found, and the airline's chief executive said there was no word of survivors.
Most of those on board were Lebanese or Ethiopian. There were also two Britons.
The UK Foreign Office said one of the Britons had dual nationality.
The other passengers included citizens of Turkey, France, Russia, Canada, Syria and Iraq, Ethiopian Airlines said in a statement on its website.
Among them was the wife of the French ambassador in Beirut, Marla Pietton.
Some of the foreign passengers are reported to be of Lebanese origin.
The plane, a Boeing 737-800, was carrying 82 passengers, including small children, and eight crew, Ethiopian Airlines said. This model can seat 189 passengers.
It disappeared from radar screens some five minutes after take-off in stormy weather at about 0200 local time, near the village of Naameh, about 3.5km (2 miles) from the coast.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Greenpark, mombasa road nairobi kenya
Greenpark
The Site for Greenpark was chosen for its close proximity to the main road and its natural beauty as well as the vegetation and the tranquility. The trees, the gently sloping ground and the fresh air coming off the Lukenya hills all combine to make Greenpark a most relaxing place to live, a fact confirmed by residents and visitors.
Following extensive field visits to Kenya, the master planning and key design work was carried out by a world class architectural practice based in the United Kingdom. The design uses the natural beauty of the Site and combines international features while factoring in local requirements. The roads within the development blend with the terrain and the large plot sizes provide residents with an abundance of space.
Greenpark has been designed with nursery and primary schools, shopping precinct, health centre, police post and leisure facilities. In addition to local amenities plans are in hand for the construction of a four star hotel and a supermarket to provide regional facilities for surrounding developments on Mombasa Road as well as visitors to Kenya.
All house buyers sign up to a set of rules and regulation and Greenpark Estate Management Services, a company owned by residents, will ensure that the estate is well managed and sustainable over the long term.
Address:
Stoney Athi,
Mombasa Road,
Nairobi
P.O. Box 15992-00100
Telephone: +254 (0)20 3579100/1
Fax: +25420 3740721 / +25420 3740754
Mobile Phone Number: +254 (0)20 3579102
ask for catherine (friendly and vey helpful lady)
The Buying Process
The Site for Greenpark was chosen for its close proximity to the main road and its natural beauty as well as the vegetation and the tranquility. The trees, the gently sloping ground and the fresh air coming off the Lukenya hills all combine to make Greenpark a most relaxing place to live, a fact confirmed by residents and visitors.
Following extensive field visits to Kenya, the master planning and key design work was carried out by a world class architectural practice based in the United Kingdom. The design uses the natural beauty of the Site and combines international features while factoring in local requirements. The roads within the development blend with the terrain and the large plot sizes provide residents with an abundance of space.
Greenpark has been designed with nursery and primary schools, shopping precinct, health centre, police post and leisure facilities. In addition to local amenities plans are in hand for the construction of a four star hotel and a supermarket to provide regional facilities for surrounding developments on Mombasa Road as well as visitors to Kenya.
All house buyers sign up to a set of rules and regulation and Greenpark Estate Management Services, a company owned by residents, will ensure that the estate is well managed and sustainable over the long term.
Address:
Stoney Athi,
Mombasa Road,
Nairobi
P.O. Box 15992-00100
Telephone: +254 (0)20 3579100/1
Fax: +25420 3740721 / +25420 3740754
Mobile Phone Number: +254 (0)20 3579102
ask for catherine (friendly and vey helpful lady)
The Buying Process
Monday, 18 January 2010
Isinya’s potential bubbling to burst
The Nairobi-Namanga Highway winds along the plains that shimmer in the blazing heat. Farther ahead, contractors sweat under the sun as they repair a bridge over a dry riverbed that turns into a roaring river in the rainy season.
A few kilometers before you get to Kajiado is Isinya. The shopping centre springs upon you from the middle of the plains. The tallest buildings are two floors up.
Although Isinya is sandwiched between Kitengela and Kajiado, it is not as vibrant as its counterparts.
Fair land prices
Like in many other small towns, the most elaborate buildings here are churches. The secular pride of Isinya is the Miami Riverside Hotel, which is strategically built on the banks of a stream. There is a feeling of increasing development in Isinya. Construction is evident all over the town. All around buildings are coming up fast, a testimony that enterprising residents and investors have began to appreciate the value of being strategically located on a relatively busy highway.
Property investors will be glad to know that land prices are not very high. An acre sells between Sh100,000 and Sh250,000.
The farther away you move from the highway the cheaper the land gets and it is possible to get an acre for Sh50,000 inland.
In the town, rents for commercial spaces range from Sh4,000 to Sh5,000 per month while residential rooms go for Sh2,000 per month.
The Isinya Multipurpose Training Hall, Moi Girls School and Isinya Youth Polytechnic stand out as education and development icons.
The town has immense untapped potential, which indications point will burst forth once the Nairobi-Namanga-Arusha Highway is completed.
for plots contact
Hassconsult
Tysons Kenya
I have no relationship with the agents mentioned
I have dealt with Hassconsult in the past.They are very proffesional and reliable.Highly recommend them.
Address:
First Floor ABC Place Waiyaki Way,
P.O. Box 14090 - 00800
Nairobi, Kenya
E-mail: info@hassconsult.co.ke
Telephone: (254 020) 4446914
Fax: (254 020) 4447200
Mobile Phone Number: 0722 204765 / 0733 629786
A few kilometers before you get to Kajiado is Isinya. The shopping centre springs upon you from the middle of the plains. The tallest buildings are two floors up.
Although Isinya is sandwiched between Kitengela and Kajiado, it is not as vibrant as its counterparts.
Fair land prices
Like in many other small towns, the most elaborate buildings here are churches. The secular pride of Isinya is the Miami Riverside Hotel, which is strategically built on the banks of a stream. There is a feeling of increasing development in Isinya. Construction is evident all over the town. All around buildings are coming up fast, a testimony that enterprising residents and investors have began to appreciate the value of being strategically located on a relatively busy highway.
Property investors will be glad to know that land prices are not very high. An acre sells between Sh100,000 and Sh250,000.
The farther away you move from the highway the cheaper the land gets and it is possible to get an acre for Sh50,000 inland.
In the town, rents for commercial spaces range from Sh4,000 to Sh5,000 per month while residential rooms go for Sh2,000 per month.
The Isinya Multipurpose Training Hall, Moi Girls School and Isinya Youth Polytechnic stand out as education and development icons.
The town has immense untapped potential, which indications point will burst forth once the Nairobi-Namanga-Arusha Highway is completed.
for plots contact
Hassconsult
Tysons Kenya
I have no relationship with the agents mentioned
I have dealt with Hassconsult in the past.They are very proffesional and reliable.Highly recommend them.
Address:
First Floor ABC Place Waiyaki Way,
P.O. Box 14090 - 00800
Nairobi, Kenya
E-mail: info@hassconsult.co.ke
Telephone: (254 020) 4446914
Fax: (254 020) 4447200
Mobile Phone Number: 0722 204765 / 0733 629786
Thursday, 14 January 2010
$14.3 Million For Abu Dhabi Car Number Plate "1
A man named Said Abdul Ghafour Khouri has agreed to pay AED 52.2 Million (US $14.3 Million) for Abu Dhabi license plate labeled "1" at an auction at the 7-star Emirates Palace Hotel here, making it the world's most expensive license plate .
The previous record was held by Abu Dhabi plate number 5 , bought at auction for $6.8 million by stock broker Talal Khouri last year.
http://uaecommunity.blogspot.com/2010/01/143-million-for-abu-dhabi-car-number.html
The previous record was held by Abu Dhabi plate number 5 , bought at auction for $6.8 million by stock broker Talal Khouri last year.
http://uaecommunity.blogspot.com/2010/01/143-million-for-abu-dhabi-car-number.html
mombasa swahili festival's Photos - kutuza washindi
Mombasa swahili festival is a yearly event organised by Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa in conjuction with local community to celebrate and showcase swahili heritage at the fortjesus museum.
Website:
http://www.swahilifestival.com
The Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa working in conjuction with local community elders in Mombasa and Coast in general are organising the 2nd Mombasa Swahili Festival that will be held at Fort Jesus Museum from the 18th -20th December 2009.This year's theme is "Culture for Peace"The official launching ceremony will be held inside the fort on the evening of 18th December,2009 from 7.00pm.
This Year's festival is supported by Seacom,Radio Salaam, Friends of Fort Jesus ,The Anjuman-E-Burhani community. (read less)
The Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa working in conjuction with local community elders in Mombasa and Coast in general are organising the 2nd Mombasa Swahili Festival that will be held at Fort Jesus Museum from the 18th -20th December 2009.This year's theme is "Culture for Peace"The official launching ceremony will be held inside the fort on the evening of 18th December,2009 from 7.00pm.
This Year's festival is supported by Seacom,Radio Salaam, Friends of Fort... (read more)
Mission:
Culture for peace
mombasa swahili festival's Photos - kutuza washindi
mombasa swahili festival's Photo
Website:
http://www.swahilifestival.com
The Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa working in conjuction with local community elders in Mombasa and Coast in general are organising the 2nd Mombasa Swahili Festival that will be held at Fort Jesus Museum from the 18th -20th December 2009.This year's theme is "Culture for Peace"The official launching ceremony will be held inside the fort on the evening of 18th December,2009 from 7.00pm.
This Year's festival is supported by Seacom,Radio Salaam, Friends of Fort Jesus ,The Anjuman-E-Burhani community. (read less)
The Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa working in conjuction with local community elders in Mombasa and Coast in general are organising the 2nd Mombasa Swahili Festival that will be held at Fort Jesus Museum from the 18th -20th December 2009.This year's theme is "Culture for Peace"The official launching ceremony will be held inside the fort on the evening of 18th December,2009 from 7.00pm.
This Year's festival is supported by Seacom,Radio Salaam, Friends of Fort... (read more)
Mission:
Culture for peace
mombasa swahili festival's Photos - kutuza washindi
mombasa swahili festival's Photo
Kitengela Glass Studios
Kitengela Glass Studios - Contact
Kitengela Glass is located opposite the Nairobi National Park, at the end of a rough road. Despite this, the constant stream of visitors from all over the world never stops. The magical ambience of the place is peppered with sculptures, animals and secret mosaic pathways which lead to niches of busy artisans all transforming recycled glass and scraps of other materials into beautiful artworks, jewellery and home ware.
They try to help their locale as much as possible – over fifty people have been trained and work in the various disciplines, a local orphanage is being supported, >> scholarships awarded, school fees loaned, roads repaired and security improved, a thousand trees planted, raw materials and fuel recycled, and all the packaging is second hand.
Everything is unique – nothing is wasted.
Kitengela Glass is located opposite the Nairobi National Park, at the end of a rough road. Despite this, the constant stream of visitors from all over the world never stops. The magical ambience of the place is peppered with sculptures, animals and secret mosaic pathways which lead to niches of busy artisans all transforming recycled glass and scraps of other materials into beautiful artworks, jewellery and home ware.
They try to help their locale as much as possible – over fifty people have been trained and work in the various disciplines, a local orphanage is being supported, >> scholarships awarded, school fees loaned, roads repaired and security improved, a thousand trees planted, raw materials and fuel recycled, and all the packaging is second hand.
Everything is unique – nothing is wasted.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Mazagan Beach Resort,El Jadida : holidaysmorocco
Mazagan Beach Resort,El Jadida : holidaysmorocco
Cheaper than other North African countries, Morocco offers excellent value. Marrakech, with its minarets and bazaar, is big on atmosphere, while the nearby Atlas mountains provide an insight into village life.
Or follow in the footsteps of Jimi Hendrix and enjoy the more relaxed vibe of Essaouira, a fishing port on the Atlantic coast where the windy climate has made it a mecca for windsurfers and water sports fans. June is a good time to visit to catch the Gnawas Music Festival, a celebration of the music played by people in the south of the country, and the town is a haunt for local artists.
If you're Naomi Campbell or equally minted, why not check in to the Kerzner Mazagan Beach Resort (www.mazaganbeachresort.com) 90km south of Casablanca, opened by the supermodel last year and an oasis of pampering and golf.
Cheaper than other North African countries, Morocco offers excellent value. Marrakech, with its minarets and bazaar, is big on atmosphere, while the nearby Atlas mountains provide an insight into village life.
Or follow in the footsteps of Jimi Hendrix and enjoy the more relaxed vibe of Essaouira, a fishing port on the Atlantic coast where the windy climate has made it a mecca for windsurfers and water sports fans. June is a good time to visit to catch the Gnawas Music Festival, a celebration of the music played by people in the south of the country, and the town is a haunt for local artists.
If you're Naomi Campbell or equally minted, why not check in to the Kerzner Mazagan Beach Resort (www.mazaganbeachresort.com) 90km south of Casablanca, opened by the supermodel last year and an oasis of pampering and golf.
bestkenyahotels - Voyager Beach Hotel Mombasa
bestkenyahotels - Voyager Beach Hotel Mombasa
Set on the North Coast of Mombasa, the Voyager Beach Resort is a prime beachfront property that is perfect for travelers who are holidaying in Kenya on a budget and want to spend some time enjoying the sun, the sea and the sand at the Coast. Placed on landscaped tropical gardens, the Voyager has 233 ‘cabins’, all of which overlook either the magnificent gardens or the turquoise waters.
The Voyager is the ideal hotel is you want to take in a bit of the culture and history of Mombasa. The staff is very friendly: they do their best to sort you out in any situation. It is ideal for family holidays, with interconnecting cabins as well as junior suites for the little ones.
Each cabin has a private balcony if you’d like to spend some time relaxing and enjoying the terrific backdrops of the hotel. The cabins are also equipped with a direct dial telephone, air conditioning and an electronic safe for the security of your documents.
Activities of interest at the Voyager include watersports such as sailing, snorkeling in the majestic coral reefs and windsurfing as well as golf at the nearby Nyali Golf and Counrty club. Guests can either relax with a romp in the different swimming pools or via playing indoor games such as pool, table tennis and darts. For the health conscious, Voyager Beach Resort has the Modern Health Centre with new gym equipment.
Set on the North Coast of Mombasa, the Voyager Beach Resort is a prime beachfront property that is perfect for travelers who are holidaying in Kenya on a budget and want to spend some time enjoying the sun, the sea and the sand at the Coast. Placed on landscaped tropical gardens, the Voyager has 233 ‘cabins’, all of which overlook either the magnificent gardens or the turquoise waters.
The Voyager is the ideal hotel is you want to take in a bit of the culture and history of Mombasa. The staff is very friendly: they do their best to sort you out in any situation. It is ideal for family holidays, with interconnecting cabins as well as junior suites for the little ones.
Each cabin has a private balcony if you’d like to spend some time relaxing and enjoying the terrific backdrops of the hotel. The cabins are also equipped with a direct dial telephone, air conditioning and an electronic safe for the security of your documents.
Activities of interest at the Voyager include watersports such as sailing, snorkeling in the majestic coral reefs and windsurfing as well as golf at the nearby Nyali Golf and Counrty club. Guests can either relax with a romp in the different swimming pools or via playing indoor games such as pool, table tennis and darts. For the health conscious, Voyager Beach Resort has the Modern Health Centre with new gym equipment.
Monday, 11 January 2010
YouTube - Sarah Hilwat Lamu Kenya
YouTube - Sarah Hilwat Lamu Kenya
Sarah Hilwat Lamu Kenya
anaongea swa vipoa
amazing swahili speaker after just 1 year learning and living in kenya
Sarah Hilwat Lamu Kenya
anaongea swa vipoa
amazing swahili speaker after just 1 year learning and living in kenya
Saturday, 9 January 2010
Monday, 4 January 2010
British firms slash airfares to Kenya
British firms slash airfares to Kenya
y PAUL REDFERN, SUNDAY NATION Correspondent, London Posted Saturday, January 2 2010 at 22:30
y PAUL REDFERN, SUNDAY NATION Correspondent, London Posted Saturday, January 2 2010 at 22:30
A number of key British holiday companies and airlines that fly regularly to Nairobi and Mombasa have slashed their new year prices in a bid to attract new customers.
Kenyan specialists Kuoni are offering up to 30 per cent of their major safaris to the Masai Mara and other safari destinations this year while Hayes and Jarvis are offering four-star all-inclusive holidays for 15 days for about £1,150 (Sh141,000).
Some holidays in Kenya are being offered to British holidaymakers for as little as £399 (Sh49,000) as tour operators try “loss leaders” to kick-start the long haul market, which has been badly hit by the British government’s introduction of increased airport tax duties on long haul flights.
The market feeling is mixed on the potential for tourism growth in Kenya and Africa as a whole in 2010, with some believing that the continent will benefit from South Africa hosting the Fifa World Cup and price reductions in many national parks, while others fear the economic recession will see long haul destinations missing out this year.
Last year saw a dramatic recovery in the tourism sector in Kenya and from January to August the number of tourists who arrived by air was 611,000, only 11 per cent behind the 2007 record. But the jury is still out for 2010.
Two key UK-based airlines that fly most days to Nairobi have slashed their economy fares for flights. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are both charging as little as £399 (Sh49,000) return for some flights.
Kenya continues to benefit from the Obama effect, with African Americans and Britons of African descent travelling to Kenya to see the US president’s family background.
Fort Jesus to host three-day Swahili festival
Breaking News, Kenya, Africa, Politics, Business, Sports, Blogs, Photos, Videos - Fort Jesus to host three-day Swahili festival
A three-day festival to celebrate the rich Swahili culture was recently held in Mombasa
There will also be a street carnival
A three-day festival to celebrate the rich Swahili culture was recently held in Mombasa
Organisers of the second Mombasa Swahili Cultural Festival, the Research Institute of Swahili Studies of Eastern Africa (Rissea), lined up a number of activities, among them traditional dances and displays of Swahili cultural artefacts.
The festival came a month after the Lamu Cultural Festival and will be held at Fort Jesus Museum.
Rissea’s acting director, Mr Kassim Omar, on Wednesday said his team was working with local community elders to showcase the region’s unique cultural heritage, which spans hundreds of years.
“One of the major objectives of the festival is to depict the rich and living Coastal cultures and talents. The official launching ceremony will be held inside the fort on December 18 from 7 pm,” Mr Omar said.
On Saturday, the fort is expected to host several cultural dances. Renowned Swahili scholar, Prof Sheikh Ahmed Nabahany, will be on hand to interpret these dances to the audience.
According to the programme, Sunday night is known as “Swahili ladies night”, and will provide an opportunity to learn about adornment with henna.
BBC News - Kenya to deport convicted race hate Muslim cleric
BBC News - Kenya to deport convicted race hate Muslim cleric
Kenya is set to deport a Jamaican-born Muslim cleric, who was expelled from Britain in 2007 after serving a jail term for inciting racial hatred.
Sheikh Abdullah al-Faisal was arrested after attending evening prayers at a mosque in Mombasa last Thursday.
Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang said he was being deported because of his "terrorist history" and not because he is a Muslim.
Muslim campaigners in Kenya claimed Islamic clerics were being targeted.
"It is wrong for this government to allow other scholars to come in the country and accept them and deport other scholars without any reason so far," one protester said.
 |  We are deporting him because of his terrorist history and the fact that he is on the international watch-list  Otieno Kajwang Immigration Minister |
Mr Kajwang was quoted by Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper as saying that Sheikh al-Faisal was on an international watch-list of terrorists and would not have been allowed in had he entered through one of the country's main entry points.
BBC News - Kenyans stranded by matatu minibus-taxi strike
BBC News - Kenyans stranded by matatu minibus-taxi strike
Tens of thousands of Kenyan commuters have been left stranded or forced to walk long distances because of a strike by minibus-taxis known as matatus.
Tens of thousands of Kenyan commuters have been left stranded or forced to walk long distances because of a strike by minibus-taxis known as matatus.
The matatu operators say they are protesting against harassment and extortion by police.
But the police have accused the operators of refusing to comply with traffic laws.
Matatus are the main mode of transport in towns across the country. The strike is planned to last until Wednesday.
The matatus last went on strike in 2003 in protest at new safety rules but their protest fizzled out as the measures had strong public backing.
But the BBC's Josphat Makori in Nairobi say implementation of the measures lapsed until a new police boss took over, sparking the latest protest.
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