Food critic Grace Dent is to host the next series of Celebrity MasterChef, after Gregg Wallace stepped back from presenting the show after allegations against him. Author and podcaster Dent has appeared regularly as a guest on MasterChef, and last year was a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics. In a statement, Dent said hosting the show was “more than a dream to me” and said she felt “very lucky” to be taking the reins. John Torode, who will remain on the show and host alongside Dent, said he had “loved” working with her over the years, describing her…
Author: David Wafula
KFC’s “finger lickin’ good” slogan usually refers to chicken, but it’s taking on different meaning at its newest location. Sauce and dips are the star at “Saucy,” a prototype opening Friday in Orlando. The restaurant, which ditches the chain’s familiar red for pink, is centered around 11 new dips and chicken tenders — both favorites of Gen-Z eaters who crave adventurous flavors and boneless chicken. The launch of Saucy comes amid challenging times for the Yum Brands-owned chain, which has posted several consecutive quarters of declines for its US restaurants. KFC’s attempts at value meals and limited time offerings haven’t resonated with…
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that more than 550,000 Kenyans have registered for homeownership through the government’s Affordable Housing programme, specifically the Boma Yangu platform. The announcement was made after a status update on the ongoing housing projects at the DP’s Karen residence on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Kindiki highlighted that the Affordable Housing Programme is a key government initiative aimed at providing citizens with access to decent, safe, and affordable homes. He pointed out that Kenya’s national housing demand stands at 250,000 units annually, while only 50,000 units are produced each year. To address this gap, the government…
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Olivia Ponton are reportedly in a casual relationship. An insider told People on Tuesday that the two have been seeing each other since early fall, though they are keeping things low-key. Rumors about their romance gained traction last week after Ponton, 22, was linked to a robbery at Burrow’s Ohio home. On December 9, as Burrow played against the Dallas Cowboys, Ponton reportedly contacted police around 8:15 p.m. local time, stating she discovered a “shattered bedroom window” and the room had been “ransacked.” In a separate call, she allegedly claimed…
Kirsten Corley, wife of rapper Chance the Rapper, has officially filed for divorce just two weeks before their sixth wedding anniversary. The filing, which occurred on Friday, marks the end of their marriage after six years. The couple, both 31, share two daughters: Kensli, 9, and Marli, 5. It is unclear whether Corley is requesting spousal or child support, as the court documents have not been made public. Chance, whose real name is Chancelor Bennett, and Corley first announced their separation in April. Corley shared a message on her Instagram Story at the time, saying, “After a period of separation,…
David and Victoria Beckham had a luxurious date night at the world-famous Eleven Madison Park in New York City, enjoying a $365-per-person vegan tasting menu. The couple, who were seen at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, shared their experience on social media, with David, 49, calling it a “spectacular” evening. The Beckhams savored the 10-course meal, which included vegan dishes such as rice with Thai basil, marinated leek salad, and creamy avocado with fava bean puree. David expressed his delight with each dish, even joking about being “blown away” by the meal, particularly the tofu dish and the various mushroom preparations. “Bread…
Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee has accused his estranged wife, Mireddys González, of withdrawing $100 million from two corporate bank accounts without his knowledge or approval. In court documents filed in San Juan last week, Daddy Yankee (born Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez) claimed that González took $80 million from his El Cartel Records account and $20 million from his Los Cangris account. González, who served as CEO of the record labels, and her sister Ayeicha González Castellanos, who served as secretary/treasurer, allegedly made the withdrawals after Daddy Yankee had revoked their authority to manage the businesses. The rapper, who is…
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has unveiled 1,000 job openings for drivers in Saudi Arabia, offering an average monthly salary of Ksh50,000. In a statement shared on his official X account on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Mutua announced that interviews for the positions will commence on Thursday, December 19, at Lang’ata National Polytechnic. “A reputable Saudi company is urgently seeking drivers for small vehicles, buses, and trucks. Interviews begin tomorrow at Lang’ata National Polytechnic and will also take place in Nyeri and Mombasa,” Mutua stated. The recruitment exercise will start at Lang’ata National Polytechnic on December 18…
The government has announced a 62% reduction in cattle rustling incidents across the North Rift region, attributing the improvement to the ongoing Maliza Uhalifu North Rift security operation. According to the Ministry of Interior, the operation has recovered 172 illegal firearms and 10,173 livestock, marking significant progress in curbing banditry and violence in the affected areas. Launched in February 2023, Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift targets banditry and cattle rustling in nine counties: Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru. Certain hotspots in these counties were designated as “Disturbed” and “Dangerous,” prompting joint efforts by…
Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa has announced that Phase II of the Nairobi Rivers Rehabilitation and Restoration Program: Sewerage Improvement Project (NaRSIP II) is 87% complete. In a statement on Tuesday, Mugaa highlighted the project’s significant progress, which has received more than Sh5.7 billion in funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the primary financier. “For the AfDB components, the disbursement to date stands at €38.9 million, representing a 62% disbursement rate,” he stated. The Kenyan government has also contributed Sh514 million towards VAT payments for the project. For the 2024/2025 financial year, the government allocated Sh100…
John Mwendwa has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest). The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in a statement by the KenInvest Board of Directors. Mwendwa is set to officially assume office in January 2025. With over 20 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors, Mwendwa is celebrated for his instrumental role in advancing Kenya’s Ease of Doing Business agenda. His efforts saw Kenya’s global ranking improve significantly, from 136 in 2013 to 56 in 2019. In the past nine years, Mwendwa has spearheaded numerous legal and regulatory…
The Judiciary has announced the transfer of 33 High Court judges in a reshuffle aimed at enhancing efficiency in the delivery of justice. Most of those affected by the changes are presiding judges. A presiding judge serves as the administrative head of a court, overseeing critical duties such as budgeting, case assignments, and managing dockets. They are also tasked with directing court administrators to prepare statistical data and studies, ensuring the smooth functioning of their respective courts. In a letter dated December 16, 2024, Principal Judge Justice Eric Ogola informed all High Court judges of the new transfers. “This is…
The government has amended the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act to strengthen regulations surrounding work permits for foreigners. In a gazette notice, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Interior CS Musalia Mudavadi announced the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2024, highlighting the government’s aim to promote national interests while maintaining Kenya’s status as an international hub. “The proposed amendments aim to strengthen the current regulations on work permits, promoting our national interests through enhanced digital jobs, smooth regional integration, fairness, and increased foreign exchange for the government while ensuring Kenya remains an attractive international and financial hub,” Mudavadi stated. One of the…
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has raised concerns over minors accessing alcohol from dispensing outlets located within petrol stations in Nairobi. In a statement on Tuesday, NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa expressed concern over reports of underage individuals purchasing alcoholic beverages in areas such as Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, and Ngong Road. “National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug (NACADA) is deeply concerned by reports of minors accessing alcoholic beverages, particularly from dispensing outlets located in petrol stations within Nairobi’s Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, and Ngong Road estates,” Omerikwa stated. He linked the trend…
Former Citizen TV journalist Kimani Mbugua and ex-NTV journalist Eunice Omollo have secured new jobs following their recovery after undergoing rehabilitation. During an interview on Monday, December 16, media personality Steve Thompson Maghana, popularly known as Oga Obinna, announced that Kimani Mbugua would join Obinna TV as a show host starting January 2025. Obinna praised Mbugua’s skills and resilience, stating that he would lead a specific show and department. “There is a show and a department that I would like you (Kimani) to spearhead. You have a job in January. We shall reconvene in mid-January or early February to see…