Lynet Okumu

Dennis Milimo

Cross-dressing, the practice of wearing clothing typically associated with the opposite gender, has become increasingly commonplace in the 21st century. While it was once considered taboo, it is now viewed as a more ordinary occurrence.

Individuals engage in cross-dressing for various reasons, including self-expression, artistic expression, cultural exploration, entertainment, or even sexual expression. Comedians often use cross-dressing as a tool to effectively convey their messages and entertain audiences.

While some countries have embraced cross-dressing without much controversy, in Kenya, male celebrities who engage in cross-dressing often face societal backlash.

They are criticised for deviating from traditional gender norms and are sometimes accused of not conforming to masculine ideals.

Here is a list of Kenyan male celebrities who cross-dress.

<h3>1. Peter Nyongo</h3>

Peter Nyong'o Junior, Lupita's brother, embraces cross-dressing openly and without shame.

As a musician and model, he expresses himself through a unique and unconventional sense of fashion, often prompting discussions about his sexuality.

The son of the Kisumu Governor has been spotted in stunning dresses, some featuring front slits, along with items like thongs and crop tops.

List of Kenyan male celebrities who cross dress

Willis Austin Chimano, a member of Sauti Sol has a unique sense of fashion that some people sometimes term as ‘controversial’ dressing.

The singer has previously been spotted in nail polish, high waist flare pants, chokers, nose rings, brow bar (eyebrow piercing), and makeup.

The self-proclaimed president of African comedy, Eric Omondi, has frequently cross-dressed in his comedy skits, sparking discussions each time he shares a video of himself portraying a female character.

Eric dons glamorous dresses, wigs, and impeccably done makeup to suit the nature of his content.

Comedian Flaqo Raz is among Kenyan celebrities who cross-dressed in the quest to entertain Kenyans while playing the Mama Otis and Akoth Characters in his skits.

Currently, Flaqo is among the comedians doing very well when it comes to rib-cracking Kenyans with his skits that have at least five characters;&nbsp;Mama Otis, Otis, Uncle Bakari, Baba Otis, and Akoth.

<h3>5. Dennis Karuri</h3>

Denis Karuri, a renowned Kenyan makeup artist, has not only made waves in the world of makeup but also fashion.

His bold style statements often challenge societal norms, including cross-dressing.

Karuri has fearlessly embraced the cross-dressing trend, sharing pictures of himself looking fabulous in various outfits such as crop tops, dresses, and heels.

Similar to Flaqo, Crazy Kennar frequently takes on the persona of a female character in his comedy sketches.

He often dons a skirt and portrays roles such as a traditional wife or girlfriend.

Comedian Kevin Mwangi, popularly known as Shaniqwa who disguises himself as a lady has received love and hate in equal measure, for his feminine signature style.

He rose to fame playing the role of Shaniqwa in a local comedy show ‘Jameni’. His famous tagline ‘nitakumurder’ took the industry by storm.

Lawrence Macharia, widely known as Terrence Creative, fearlessly dons dresses and wigs while filming his comedy skits.

Terence gained immense popularity on social media for his Kamami persona, which resonates with women through its humor and relatability.

To portray characters like Aunty Terry and others effectively, Terence assumes the appearance of an everyday Kenyan woman on camera.

Muchiri, renowned for his skits embodying a quintessential dramatic Kenyan mom with his character, 'Mama Michael (pronounced Maiko with an accent),' has been spreading joy and laughter through his videos.

The gospel singer adopted the Mama Mike persona because he recognised its potential to generate numerous content ideas.

Content creator Kelvin Kinuthia has embraced the persona of a "baby girl," often donning skirts, dresses, and full makeup.

He believes that wearing women's clothing, despite being a man, is simply a fashion choice and shouldn't be a cause for concern or criticism from others.

From left: Dennis Karuri, Terence Creative, Shaniqwa & Kinuthia

Here is a list of Kenyan male celebrities who cross dress

List of male celebrities who cross dress

In May 2021, celebrated&nbsp;media personality Larry Madowo&nbsp;joined Cable News Network (CNN), as their Nairobi-based correspondent.

Two months later, Madowo was promoted to the Networks’ International correspondent and days later, he was handed the news anchor role at CNN, taking care of their weekly news bulletin program ‘One World'.

<h3>Larry Madowo's early life</h3>

Media Personality Larry Madowo was born on July 14, 1987, in Barding village in Siaya County.

He lost his father in 1994 when he was 7 years old. His mother, Treazer Anyango Madowo, was a primary school teacher and a divisional Knut official.

Madowo’s mother passed on in 2001 leaving Larry Madowo and his only sister Liz Madowo orphans. His sister Liz Madowo a graduate of Moi University, is a stylist as well as a fashion blogger.

<h3>Larry Madowo's education</h3>

Madowo attended Usingo and Karapul primary schools where he sat for his KCPE examination.

He later enrolled at Saint Gabriel’s Seminary in Kisumu where he undertook his O-Level education. He had dreamt of becoming a Catholic Priest.

However, after high school, Madowo changed his mind about joining the priesthood and instead enrolled for a Communications degree at Daystar University (Athi River Campus) in 2006.

Madowo eventually dropped out of college a year and a half down his degree course after he failed to raise the required school fees. He opted for freelance writing plus supermarket promotions to make a few coins from himself.

Larry Madowo returned to college and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree from Daystar University in June 2014.

In May 2021, the Media Personality graduated from Columbia University in New York with a Master’s in Business and Economics Journalism.

<h3>Larry Madowo's media career</h3>

Larry Madowo’s first attempt into the media industry flopped big time, after failing his first interview at Y-FM the now Hot96.

After failing the interview at Hot96, Larry went to sell tea and mandazi at his aunt’s kiosk in&nbsp;Gikomba Market to make ends meet.

“My first job straight out of high school was selling tea and mandazi at Gikomba. I was there for almost a year," he revealed in a past interview.

In 2007, Larry Madowo interned for a Naivasha-based vernacular radio station Bahasha FM reading news in English.

He was then laid off amidst the 2007/2008 post-election violence because the station was not making money. In a 2015 interview with Jeff Koinange Larry said that the station still owes him Sh60, 000.

Later on, he joined Kenya Television Network (KTN) as a trainee reporter.&nbsp;Afterward, he launched and anchored Kenya’s first daytime business program 'KTN Financial Markets Live' as well as 'KTN Business Today'.

He also pioneered the use of social media on Kenyan television and was responsible for the formation of the KTN Kenya Facebook and X pages before any other media house in the country had a social media presence.

After 3 years, he left KTN for NTV in October 2010. At NTV Madowo was a business news anchor, reporter, and editor. Here he launched the critically acclaimed 'PM Live' and hosted the weekly magazine show 'Money Matters'.

<h3>Larry's comeback on NTV </h3>

In May 2012, Larry joined the South African-based CNBC Africa as one of the main anchors and pioneered the show 'Eye on Kenya' which aired on prime time.

His stay at CNBC Africa only lasted a few months and in December 2012, he went back to NTV as the technology editor and news anchor.

During his second time at NTV Kenya, he also freelanced for various global news outlets including CNN International, France 24 English, the BBC, and Public Radio International. He also hosted the 'Trend' and 'Sider Bar'.

He was also a columnist with Daily Nation and in 2018 when the newspaper declined to publish a column critical of the Kenyan government's shutdown of four major private TV stations, the opinion piece was published on the CNN website.

He terminated his column and became a contributing columnist for the Washington Post's Global Opinions page.

<h3>Larry joins the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)&nbsp;</h3>

On 11 April 2018, Larry Madowo joined the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)&nbsp;as their Business Editor in Africa.

He was tasked to lead a team of business journalists based in Nairobi, London, Lagos, Dakar, and Johannesburg.

At that particular time, he appeared on BBC World TV, BBC World Service Radio, BBC News channel in the UK, and BBC Radio 4 as a reporter or commentator on African business.

On October 5, 2020, Madowo got the opportunity to anchor his first-ever BBC World News bulletin.

Larry Madowo joins CNN

In May 2021, Larry Madowo&nbsp;joined Cable News Network (CNN), as their Nairobi-based correspondent.

Two months later, Madowo was promoted to the Networks’ International correspondent, a role that saw him move back to Atlanta- Georgia, in the United States of America.

Days later, he was handed the News anchor role at CNN, taking care of their weekly news bulleting program ‘One World'.

Larry Madowo has interviewed the world's most prominent people including presidents, world-famous artists, global CEOs, and Sophia the Robot.

In September 2020, he excited Kenyans following his interview with World’s billionaire Bill Gates.

In March 2020, Madowo was named among 115 Young Global Leaders by the World Economic Forum under their tag the Forum of Young Global Leaders.

In October 20119, Larry Madowo was listed among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans by Africa Youth Awards.

In December 2020, Madowo, again added another fete to his name, after being voted among the Most Influential Africans by the New African Magazine.

On November 6, 2019, in London, a radio documentary Madowo presented on the Chinese-built railway in Kenya won the Daily Journalism, category at the Association of International Broadcasting Awards.

On April 9, 2019, he was named among the 2019–2020 Knight-Bagehot Fellows at Columbia University.

On 29 July 2019, Madowo took a sabbatical from the BBC for his fellowship at Columbia Journalism School.

He was also crowned the winner of the 2020 Philip Greer Award for his Financial Writing at the Columbia University (Journalism School) in New York.

Larry Madowo has managed to keep his relationship life out of the limelight.

However, the journalist and Edith Kimani could be dating if their actions are anything to go by.

CNN journalist Larry Madowo with DW News anchor Edith Kimani

CNN journalist Larry Madowo with DW News anchor Edith Kimani in photo which confirmed their relationship

The two left Kenyans talking in October 2021 after they posed together in very suggestive photos.

None of them has confirmed they are in a relationship, however.

Larry Madowo's biography, age, family, education, media career, awards & girlfriend

Larry Madowo's Biography: Age, family, education, media career, awards & girlfriend

Citizen TV’s Willis Raburu has penned down a powerful tribute to his late daughter <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/marya-prudes-heartfelt-message-to-her-late-daughter-adana/ckw90k3">Adana, who passed on two years ago.</a>

In his tribute, Raburu confessed that he misses and thinks about his late daughter daily.

“Happy 2nd birthday Adana. My angel. I think of you each time, I have. I miss you and your beautiful face. I will never forget it as I spent that time with you in the cold room and not even my kiss would bring you back! I guess that’s only in fairy tales.

“😔💔🥲 I should have been celebrating your milestones but instead I sit here jealous of the angels because they get to experience you each day,” reads Willis Raburu’s tribute in part.

He went on to state that it’s always hard for him to choose between mourning or celebrating her whenever a year passes.

“It’s always a tough day because I donno whether to celebrate a new year or mourn you. I know you would have wanted us to celebrate you and so here I am. Make a lot of noise in heaven today let them know who your parents are! 🤣😢 I love you. Mommy and daddy will love you forever and always! 🙏🏾💔❤️😇,” he added.

In August, Willis Raburu issued a statement requesting media outlets and blogs to address him as a father of two whenever they are making reference to the number of kids he has.

The 10/10 host made it clear that just because his daughter passed on, that doesn’t stop him from being a father of two. He noted that he has always been addressed as a new father or father of one, something he said is not factual.

“It has however come to my attention while reading some of them that I am constantly referred to as a “Father of One” This however is not the case. As many of you know I lost my daughter Adana. For those who have gone through such loss, you know that it Never leaves You”&nbsp;Raburu said.

<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/marya-prude-speaks-on-getting-married-again-after-failed-marriage-with-willis-raburu/lyyp5sn">Raburu and Marya Prude Ngami split up soon after the death&nbsp;</a>of their daughter, Adana, in January 2020, with his now ex-wife moving out of their marital home.

The two had gone through a tough time after they lost their daughter baby Adana after developing complications that led to a stillbirth.

Mommy and daddy will love you forever and always! 🙏🏾💔- Willis

Willis Raburu pays tribute to late Adana daughter in emotional post

On Friday, President Uhuru Kenyatta received the booster dose of Moderna Covid-19 vaccine, at State House, Nairobi.

Chief Justice Martha Koome also received the booster Covid-19 injection at a brief event attended by Health CAS Dr Rashid Aman and Dr Willis Akhwale, the Chairman of the National Covid-19 Vaccines Taskforce.

“His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday at State House, Nairobi received the booster dose of Moderna Covid-19 vaccine” State House said in a statement.

The Government will effective tomorrow, 1st January 2022 roll-out the issuance of Covid-19 booster doses to eligible Kenyans who have completed the primary vaccination regime.

President Uhuru Kenyatta receives Moderna booster dose at State House [Photos]

The booster shots are part of measures put in place to strengthen the population’s immunity against the virus.

On Saturday, last week, the ministry of Health announced the rollout of Covid-19 vaccine booster shots to people who have already completed their primary doses of the life-saving jabs.

In a memo sent to all regional county directors for health, the ministry directed that persons who completed their doses should take the extra shot after six months.

"This population that has been fully vaccinated should be offered an additional dose of either AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer vaccine 6 months after the completion of the primary series (the same or different vaccine can be used for the additional dose)," the memo read in part.

CJ Martha Koome receiving the Covid-19 vaccine booster shot at  State House [Photos]

As of December 29th 2021, a total of&nbsp;9,849,459 vaccines have so far been administered across the country. Of these, 5,762,977 are partially vaccinated while those fully vaccinated are 4,086,482.

Receiving the Covid-19 booster shot at State house , Nairobi

Government to roll-out Covid-19 booster shots from January 1st 2022

President Uhuru receives Moderna booster shot at State House [Photos]

Singer Kevin Bahati’s baby mama Yvette Obura has been hospitalized.

On Friday, Diana Marua and her hubby Bahati shared Ms Obura’s photo and videos while in hospital, wishing her a quick recovery.

“Get well soon Mama Mueni&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/yvette_obura/">@yvette_obura</a>&nbsp;😘 Healing is your portion in Jesus Name.

“Thank you&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/komarockmodern/">@komarockmodern</a>&nbsp;healthcare.i know she's in good hands. 🙏,” wrote Diana Marua.

Bahati also put up a post asking Kenyans to pray for his baby mama.

&nbsp;“Join us in praying for Mama&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mueni_bahati/">@mueni_bahati</a>&nbsp;Quick Recovery 🙏. Thank You&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/komarockmodern/">@komarockmodern</a>&nbsp;for your Hospitality!,” Bahati said.

In a separate post, Yvette Obura said that she had received lots of love and messages from her fans.

“I have received a lot of love for the past 5 days. Thank you all for the love and message,”

“I need this thing out of my hand by tomorrow, it’s so uncomfortable… God needs to come through,” wrote Yvette Obura.

Bahati’s baby mama Yvette Obura hospitalized, Diana gives update

Despite the hospitalization, it’s not year clear what Yvette is suffering from.

Quick recovery Mama Mueni

YouTuber and rapper Diana Marua has finally pulled down the video where she was accusing musician Willy Paul of attempted rape.

A cross check on YouTube indicates that the video in question titled ‘My untold story, Willy Paul attempted to rape me’ is no longer available, after a Nairobi court ordered her to take it down.

According to the order issued by Senior Principal Magistrate D.W Mburu on December 29, 2021, Diana was also barred from making any more allegations about Willy Paul.

“It is hereby ordered that the defendant/respondent's video and social media post posted on her YouTube channel titled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/willy-paul-attempted-to-rape-me-diana-marua-speaks-out-video/2509yxh">My untold story, Willy Paul attempted to rape me</a>, be pulled down pending the hearing and determination of this suit as it is prejudicing the plaintiff/applicant and making him lose business opportunities and making him suffer health-wise.

“That the defendant/respondent herein either by herself, her servants, agents, assigns or any other person spreading the video circulating the same is hereby restrained by an interim injunctive order of the court from defaming, spreading and continuing to defame the plaintiff/applicant pending the hearing and determination of the suit,” read the magistrate’s orders.

Pozze has sued Diana for defamation and character assassination. He claims that his longtime nemesis Bahati is using his wife to settle scores with him.

He went on to insist that he has never assaulted or engaged in non-consensual sex with anyone.

“We shall go to Court and get Justice. Every Human has a right to dignity and dignity must be protected. If we were to be charged for sexually assaulting out ex’s with who things did not turn out as expected, who among us boy child would still have their freedom?

I have the messages of all the evidence that I need in court. I seek the assistance of the Inspector General of Police and other authorities in investigating all these allegations labelled against me. Even as I seek the redress of the court in the defamation claims,”&nbsp;said Willy Paul.

Diana Marua takes down the video after court order

Diana Marua forced to delete video accusing Willy Paul of attempted rape

Comedian<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/konshens-rocks-maasai-attire-minutes-after-landing-in-kenya-video/r8mbqgb"> Eric Omondi finally met Jamaican dancehall artiste</a> Konshens after weeks of beefing and throwing jibes on social media.

In a video seen by this writer, Omondi is seen having a chat with the dancehall star at Carnivore grounds where he had gone to do sound check for his concert.

According to Omondi he was invited to Carnivore to meet Konshens where they discussed issues affecting the music industry both locally and internationally.

“NRG Invited me to Carnivore to meet Mr.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/konshens/">@konshens</a>&nbsp;we met, we discussed both Local and International matters about the Industry. I'll give an official statement tomorrow,” said Omondi.

The meetup comes at a time Omondi had promised to ensure Konshens performs before Sauti Sol at the NRG Wave scheduled for December 31, 2021.

“NRG are being very slippery and shifty!!! I dont trust anyone at this point. I want my PEOPLE there...I want to buy 600 Tickets for 600 of my people na wananiambia ati tickets zimeisha, Aje Sasa??? Kwani Carnivore imekua Bed Sitter all over Sudden. Nahitaji MBOGI hapo juu tomorrow is a HISTORIC DAY!!,” lamented Omondi.

Konshens landed in the country on Tuesday night and he was accorded a heroic welcome. He was quickly dressed up in Maasai attires after his touchdown by organizers of his concert led by NRG Radio’s Mwalimu Rachel.

He was also accorded a red carpet treatment complete with champagne and a few dancers to spice the night up.

The ‘NRGWAVE’&nbsp;will feature Kenya’s top a de top artistes including&nbsp;Sauti Sol, Fena Gitu, Benzema and Khaligraph Jones&nbsp;in a fire combo geared to keep revelers on their feet as they celebrate the dawn of a new era after the crazy year that has been.

Omondi meets Konshens to iron out their differences

Eric Omondi finally meets Konshens after weeks of  beefing [Video]

WCB signee <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/zuchu-makes-history-as-sukari-becomes-the-most-watched-song-in-sub-saharan-africa-in/c4lwneq">Zuchu has clapped back at Comedian</a> Eric Omondi after claiming that Amapiano has killed Bongo Flava.

In a post, Omondi alleged that majority of Tanzanian artistes have shifted to Amapiano hence destroying their own genre ‘Bongo Flava’.

"East Africa I am sad!!! I weep for my people. Nina huzuni moyoni😥. Bongo flava has always been East Africa's pride ila kwa sasa imekufaa. Kila Tanzania artist kwa sasa anaimba amapiano. We have lost our culture, killed our own!!! tumekaribisha, tumeiga, tumeichukua tabia na mwenendo zake jirani tukajisahau wenyewe. We are losing our identity, our pride!!! naomba ndugu zangu wa bongo turejee kwa upesi before it's too late!!! wakenya wamelala, wa tanzania wamejipotezaa. mungu tuhurumie, turehemu,” shared Omondi.

However, in a quick rejoinder, Zuchu differed sharply with the funny man with an explanation that doing Amapiano for them is just being diverse.

“Bongo flavor can never be destroyed. Artists are doing out of their comfort zones. It’s called diversity. Trying new sounds has never destroyed any industry, the music industry is big so let artistes try out new things ndo mabadiliko hayo,” Zuchu said.

Zuchu sentiments were echoed by Uganda TV Personality Sheilah Carol Gashumba who said that Omondi was disrespecting and belittling fellow East Africans with his unfounded claims.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ericomondi/">@ericomondi</a>&nbsp;talking about Uganda like that is hitting below the belt!! You are better than that!! Everyone has their own time to shine!! Today it’s Nigeria, it could be Ghana next or Kenya or Tanzania or Uganda!! Trust the process!!

“Also please stop belittling your fellow East Africans!! It doesn’t look good on you and neither on us!! How will the other African artists look at us with these kind of posts you are making!! You want them to respect us but how will they do that when you make such posts!!,” said Sheilah Carol Gashumba.

Zuchu hits back at Omondi

Zuchu claps back at Eric Omondi after saying Amapiano destroyed Bongo Flava [Screenshot]

Deputy President William Ruto has given a detailed update on his digital Strategist and Hustler&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/deputy-president-william-rutos-message-after-visiting-dennis-itumbi-in-hospital/vswqv22">Nation Spokesman Dennis Itumbi&nbsp;</a>after visiting him at the Nairobi West Hospital.

In a tweet, DP Ruto disclosed that Itumbi will be confined to his bed for a month, as per the doctor’s recommendations.

The second in command also pointed out that Itumbi’s abductors wanted to kill his spirit but unfortunately that was not successful.

“They wanted to kill his spirit but DI is strong and in very high spirits though doctors say he will be confined to bed for a month. Like Denis,we all must be strong knowing that in a few months we will defeat impunity, entitlement, kiburi na madharau and free our nation for good,” said DP Ruto in a tweet

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">They wanted to kill his spirit but DI is strong and in very high spirits though doctors say he will be confined to bed for a month. Like Denis,we all must be strong knowing that in a few months we will defeat impunity, entitlement, kiburi na madharau and free our nation for good.&mdash; William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) <a href="https://twitter.com/WilliamsRuto/status/1476101254363455490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Itumbi's Abduction

He went on to insinuate that Itumbi was abducted by people who are supposed to protect him and other Kenyans.

“Spent time with Comrade DI last evening, saw his heavily bandaged arm and legs, the result of torture by people who should have been there to protect him and us all. They have now turned violent &amp; fatalistic after all the negative narratives,threats and blackmail against us failed,” Ruto tweeted.

On Tuesday, (Night) Ruto put up another tweet that reads; "Pole Dennis. Get well soon. God is the Almighty,”.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Spent time with Comrade DI last evening,saw his heavily bandaged arm and legs,the result of torture by people who should have been there to protect him and us all.They have now turned violent &amp; fatalistic after all the negative narratives,threats and blackmail against us failed.&mdash; William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) <a href="https://twitter.com/WilliamsRuto/status/1476110035151372291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Also Read: <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/dennis-itumbis-message-to-his-abductors-from-his-icu-bed/fn6blds">Dennis Itumbi’s message to his abductors from his ICU bed</a>

Dennis Itumbi is currently recuperating at Nairobi West Hospital after he was alleged beaten up and toured by his abductors a few days ago.

Itumbi who sustained injuries from the ordeal, was allegedly found naked in Lucky Summer area, Kasarani, Nairobi by a taxi driver.

Just the other day, her sent a message to his adductors, asking God to forgiven them.

“Forgive them Lord because they do not know what they are doing,”&nbsp;said Itumbi from his Hospital bed.

Deputy President William Ruto’s message after visiting Dennis Itumbi in Hospital [Photos]

They wanted to kill his spirit...but we will defeat entitlement, kiburi na madharau - Ruto declares

DP Ruto reveals little known details about Dennis Itumbi after hospital visit

In 2016, the UN declared internet access a human right. Five years on however, only 39% of Africans have internet access and many have yet to experience the benefits of connectivity.

The pandemic has thrown into focus that for many people, internet access is not a luxury but a lifeline. It enables life to carry on: families to spend time together, school to continue, people to log on and work, businesses to adapt and keep economies afloat. Perhaps most importantly, it enables the spread of vital public health information to keep communities safe.

Unfortunately, where you live is a huge factor in whether you have access to the internet or not. In sub-Saharan Africa, the price of mobile data is the most expensive in the world, on average costing <a href="https://www.cable.co.uk/mobiles/worldwide-data-pricing/">$6.44 per gigabyte (GB) of data</a>: three times more than in Western Europe.

In Kenya, you can expect to pay 3 US dollars per GB: 50% more than in Nigeria, twice as much as in Ghana, and ten times more than in India. For some in Africa, 1 GB of data can cost up to a staggering <a href="https://www.ecobank.com/upload/publication/20180910054643018QJEBKEVZKD/20180910054635730h.pdf">16% of monthly income</a>. These regional disparities in the cost of data are making access to the internet impossible for some.

Democratizing data is even more important when you consider its future potential. Eight-hundred million Africans are still without internet access, yet in sub-Saharan Africa, mobile usage is more<a href="https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2017/11/08/in-much-of-sub-saharan-africa-mobile-phones-are-more-common-than-access-to-electricity"> widespread than electricity</a>.<a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/africa-has-the-highest-percentage-of-entrepreneurs-among-working-age-adults-of-any/4xv050s"> The African continent hosts the highest percentage of entrepreneurs</a> among working-age adults and the youngest population of any region in the world.

If data were made affordable, there would be no limits for Kenya’s&nbsp;tech-savvy movers and shakers. It would create jobs and spur new businesses. It would provide new routes to education and enable under-resourced schools to provide students with affordable or free online content. All of this would inspire the change makers and spur the home-grown technical innovation necessary to realize the full potential of some of the world’s highest-growth economies.

At Opera, we know that it’s only through connecting that people learn, innovate, and create the bold solutions that make the world a better place. That's why, as we celebrate fifteen years of Opera Mini in Africa, we’re launching a data giveaway competition, in which Opera will award 150 people with 150 GB of free data.

To get involved, we’re asking Opera users to share their experiences of how Opera Mini has helped them reach new levels of connection, from setting up a business, speaking with loved ones, or starting a new educational journey. Like and comment on Opera’s post on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Opera/posts/10160192492794973"> Facebook</a> or<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXiZcEfL4kV/"> Instagram</a>, using #CelebrateWithOpera, and explain why Opera is important to you.

Share your story and Win 150 GB free data

The competition marks Opera’s sustained commitment to getting more people in Africa online. Whether it’s through up to 3 GB of monthly data for Opera Mini users, the investment in long-term local infrastructure to drive down the costs of data, or the rolling-out of free data campaigns – we’re proud to continue helping millions of people overcome connectivity barriers with our free apps and initiatives.

While we’ve operated in Africa for more than fifteen years, the acceleration of our strategic investments in the region started in 2017, when Opera announced the plan to invest $100 million USD over the following two years. Through these investments we’ve helped to speed internet adoption in Africa, strengthen the internet ecosystem with local partners and foster new start-ups. Opera has never invested more on the continent than we are right now as part of our Africa First strategy.&nbsp;

Next year, we have ambitious plans to roll out a series of impact projects to address data inequity. We recognize that sustained growth in digital inclusion requires a dialogue between the private sector, policymakers and citizens to better understand the barriers to and benefits of connectivity. The goal of democratizing data is still far from achieved, and we look forward to connecting even more people in 2022.

Competition terms &amp; conditions for participation are available<a href="https://www.opera.com/browsers/opera-mini/celebrate-with-opera-competition"> here</a>.

Instructions on how to log into the campaign and take part in the 15th Anniversary Opera Mini

We are here to reduce data inequality and unlock Africa’s potential

American rapper and Producer Andre Romelle Young alias Dr Dre and his ex-wife Nicole Young have struck a deal over his vast estate.

Dennis Milimo

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