Acting Nairobi governor meets Etana (Photos)

ELIZABETH NGIGI Lifestyle, Entertainment Journalist

28 October 2021

Nairobi Governor Ann Kananu has asked the county employees to do more to market the City as the festive season nears.

Kananu was speaking after meeting Jamaican dancehall star Shauna McKenzie popularly known by her stage name as Etana.

Etana will be the major attraction at the much anticipated Pamoja Festival at the Ngong Racecourse on October 30.

The concert is sponsored by The Kulture.

Kananu said since the county has been hitting headlines for its beauty, it is time to take advantage of the fame to showcase other sides of the city.

“Our county has been hitting headlines for its beauty especially in investment and business. It’s high time we took it a notch higher and show what else we can offer as we near the festive season," she said.

Kananu said despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Nairobi, which is also known as the "Green City in the Sun", continues to be a magnet for international celebrities because of its friendly people, rich culture, national parks as well as being a major commercial, transport and communications hub of Africa.

“The concert will promote the youth's businesses. Local vendors will be able to market and sell their products during the duration of the event. I fully support youth empowerment and self sustenance," she said.

Several artistes are lined up for performances including Wyre, Double Trouble, Dj Mash Kenya, Kiss Darlin, DJ Moh, DJ Vybrant among others.

In June, Etana released her album that featured various artists from Africa among them Wyre, Naiboi and Michael Bundi, Nandy from Tanzania, Wrxi from Zambia and Ghana's Stonebwoy. Other artistes featured in the album are king Vybz Kartel and Yahsha.

The album also features her cover version of Fadhili Williams classic song Malaika.

The acting Governor also lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta for lifting the curfew and providing a platform for youth businesses to thrive.

She called upon Nairobi residents to ensure that they are vaccinated against Covid-19 and turn out in large numbers in the ongoing voters registration.

“We’re very happy with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s new directives. Let’s make sure we work tirelessly to revive our economy," she said.

During her tour at City Hall, Etana lauded Kananu's leadership saying she is the epitome of the strength of a woman.

“The city is clean. Actually when I landed, the very nicely lit city kept me wondering. I might prolong my stay in Nairobi to enjoy its beauty. Keep up the good work madam Governor,” Etana mused.

The "Walking Away" hitmaker's visit to the capital city will be the first major arrival and performance by an international celebrity in Kenya since March 2020 when the country was hit by the Covid- 19 pandemic.

Among the county executive members who were present included Winnie Gathagu (trade and tourism), Newton Munene (ICT and E-government), Hiten Majevdia (Health), Charles Kerich ( Lands, Urban Renewal).

Several MCAs were also present.

Gathugu said she will do what it takes to ensure the tourism sector in Nairobi is revamped.

“We are working around the clock to ensure that this festive season will be one of its kind. We want to experience a bigger number of holiday-makers and international tourists than the previous years,” she said.