Shisha ban: Kenya outlaws water-pipe tobacco consumption

Kenya has placed a total ban on the consumption and use of water-pipe tobacco popularly known as ‘shisha,’ citing the health hazards associated with it.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Cloepa Mailu, in accordance with the Public Health Act subsequently banned the product across the national territory.

According to the statement issued on December 28, “No person shall import, manufacture, sell, offer to sale, use, advertise, promote or distribute Shisha in Kenya”.

Nigeria, U.S. agree $593m fighter plane deal to fight Boko Haram

The United States has formally agreed to sell 12 Super Tucano A-29 planes and weapons to Nigeria, the West African country’s air force said, confirming the resurrection of a deal frozen by the Obama administration over rights concerns.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama delayed the sale in one of his last decisions in office after the Nigerian Air Force bombed a refugee camp in January.

Scot-Ghanaian couple inspire diversity conversation on Twitter

The Honorary Consul for Ethiopia in Scotland, Professor John Struthers has sparked a ‘warm’ diversity conversation on the internet after sharing a personal photograph with a powerful message.

In the photograph, Professor Struthers stands in the left of the shot dressed in full kilt complimented with African ‘Kente’ bowtie and scarf while his wife of 40 years, stands next to him wearing an African ‘Kente’ blouse and skirt complete with a matching head wrap.

South Africa's top court to deliver ruling on impeachment of Pres. Zuma

South Africa’s top court will rule on Friday on a bid to compel the country’s parliament to launch impeachment proceedings against President Jacob Zuma over a scandal related to state-funded upgrades to his private home.

The Constitutional Court application brought by the EFF, UDM and Congress of the People (Cope) seeks to compel the Speaker of Parliament, Baleka Mbete, to convene a Committee of Parliament or other independent bodies to investigate President Zuma’s conduct and determine whether he is guilty of breaching his oath of office.

Kenya's Kenyatta, Burundi's Nkurunziza congratulate Weah

Following the provisional results which showed that George Weah has an unassailable lead of 61.5% after 98 percent of votes cast had been tallied, Kenya’s president Uhuru Kenyatta and Burundi’s president Pierre Nkurunziza have taken to social media to congratulate the president-elect.

From Kenyatta who himself won a hugely contested presidential election this year.