DEVOLUTION: A PRELIMINARY ASSESMENT

 How do we assess whether devolution is headed for success rather than failure?
 The place to begin is Article 174 of the Constitution, which sets out the objectives of devolution. Looking at that Article and history (back to the CKRC) we can see that the main objectives were to: (a) break up the centralisation of state power; (b) inculcate a sense of Kenyan identity and strengthen national unity by recognising diversity; (c) equity in allocation of resources (d) justice for marginalised communities and regions; (d) enhance democracy: by dispersing and separating powers and developing participatory practices at local levels; and (f) promote local social and economic development and facilitate delivery of services.
 The people wanted a fundamental re-orientation and restructuring of state and society. Devolution was to be a major means for constitutional and political reform, a radical departure from past practice. It was based on ideas popular in literature by scholars and organisations like the World Bank of what devolution can achieve.
 But there are sceptics; one cynic has said that for every proposition in favour of devolution there is a counter-proposition.
Some fears and apprehensions have been: (a) counties, many dominated by one ethnic group, may threaten rather than strengthen national unity; (b) minorities in counties dominated by one group would be more vulnerable to discrimination than when authority is exercised at the centre; (c) the system would massively increase expenditure on government; (d) this would lead to worse rather than better services; (d) leadership at county levels is bound to be of lower quality than at the national level; (e) there are likely to be considerable tensions, even conflict, between institutions of the national and county governments; (f) this tendency would be reinforced by an unclear division of powers between the centre and counties; (g) the system of government would be more complex and harder to administer; and (h) the Kenyan political cultural of pomposity, tribalism, corruption, and waste of public resources would simply be devolved.
 The Constitution makers tried hard to rectify the failures of government at the national level: lack of accountability, of popular participation in national decision making, corruption, and of inclusion, and a general failure to deliver what the people needed, through the national values, participation requirements, Chapter 6 (integrity), changes to the electoral system etc. They also put in place new institutions to set new standards, hopefully uncontaminated by old, bad attitudes and practices. The Supreme Court is one of those institutions. Devolution, too, was supposed to be a new beginning: it was not supposed to be “business as usual” but just at a lower level – it was to be an improvement on the past.
 Discussing the reality so far
 In January 2014, the Katiba Institute organised a panel discussion on devolution at and with the Alliance Fran?aise in Nairobi. The panellists were Karuti Kanyinga, political scientist, Catherine Mumma Commissioner of the CIC, Micah Cheserem, Chair of the Commission on Revenue Allocation, and Yash Ghai.
The chair and interrogator was John Sibi-Okumu, actor, playwright and broadcaster. The views expressed on this occasion are woven into this section, but are not the only source for it.
 It turned out that all the panellists were in a sense believers – and optimists. None was prepared to rubbish the idea of devolution, and all believed that there was a good chance that, over time, it would turn out to be generally a success.
They recognised that there were “challenges” of various types, but felt that some of them at least may turn out to have been teething problems—after all the system came into effect only recently, a number of new institutions had to be established in a short time, and resistance to implementation by the national government was expected.
 So what did they feel were the positive aspects: in what ways is the glass “half-full” rather than “half-empty”? They could see signs in some counties of improvements in services, especially health.
One pointed out that over half of people recently surveyed thought that performance of the counties was all right, and even commented that now people in Mandera who used to ask “How is Kenya?” could feel part of the nation.
Another observed that discussion in the Council of Governors is focussed on issues not on party wrangling. And the county bodies are more inclusive, especially of women, than any past Kenyan elected bodies.
 Some have suggested that the promise of devolution was a factor in the relative peace during the 2013 elections: people felt that evolution offered other things to focus on than just whether “our person” get elected to the presidency. Of course, if these hopes are dashed, future voters may not care so much about the county level elections.
Some developments we have seen in the last year may portend improvements in accountability at least at the local level. A governor has been impeached (we don’t want to discuss the pros and cons of the particular case).
If it means that someone who has been in serious breach of obligations is removed from office that must be a good thing – and will hopefully be a warning to others. Removal for reasons of political disagreement, manoeuvring for ethnic advantage, or spite would be a very different matter. Impeachment is, as they say, something of a sledgehammer, and should not be used to crack nuts.
 Some developments have been less healthy. It was too much to hope that county governments would somehow be completely free of the besetting sins of Kenyan politics. We have seen extravagance, self-importance and self-interest, including Governors wanting to be “Their Excellencies”.
 Relations between national and county government institutions have been sometimes rather hostile (rather more hate than love at present– see Conrad Bosire’s article, the last “Katiba Corner”) , in total defiance of the Constitution’s admonitions about governments conducting their mutual relations “on the basis of consultation and cooperation”.
It is particularly unfortunate that the Senate, created to protect the interests of the counties and the system of devolution, should be wanting to “show [counties] that we have power” as an anonymous Senator was quoted, and be threatening that more Governors will be impeached – a process that they may conclude but they cannot begin. The elaborate mechanism for resolving disputes is of little use if the issues are misuse of the powers by self-seeking individuals.
Some of the difficulties, the Alliance Fran?aise panel thought, stemmed from ignorance at high levels, or confusion, or fear on the part of public servants.
These problems can be sorted out; more serious are signs of persistence of corruption, greed and patronage, and indeed what sometimes seems like a multiple assault on implementation of the Constitution.
There are unfortunate legacies of the past: a panellist thought it had been a mistake to think about the old councils and councillors as models. Overall, panellists agreed that leadership is a major issue.
 John Sibi-Okumu asked: were there weaknesses in the way the Constitution was drafted? The truth is there are. The case of the Senate versus National Assembly (about the role of the Senate in passing law about counties) revealed one weakness.
And the way powers are allocated to counties could have been clearer. Some misreadings of the Constitution seem wilful though: do counties really believe they have the power to tax (other than property rates and entertainments tax, which the Constitution clearly gives them)?
The constitution and legislation detail the structure and powers of counties, their entitlements, their authority, their responsibilities, and relationships with national government.
Neither national government and politicians nor county officials fully understand these matters. Familiarisation with the law and regulations is essential at all levels.
So are understanding, co-operation and co-ordination. The constitutional autonomy of counties must be respected by the national executive and legislature.
The mechanisms for settlement of disputes among counties and between them and the national government must be used, and the decision of these bodies (including the judiciary) respected. Participation of and accountability to the people must be effectively promoted.
 The media, too, needs to understand devolution better. People rely on them for information: especially because they neither expect nor receive accurate information from leaders. Freedom of the media, enshrined in the Constitution, is there to give them the ability to inform.
 Perhaps for the first time many people are seeing discussions about policy initiatives that affect their daily lives. Conflicts within counties are less about ethnicity than about general fairness and efficiency (because most people belong to one or two related communities), and livelier political debates are taking place at local levels.
National politics does not seem to focus much on issues, and the development issues that do attract attention must often seem remote to many people in the country.
And behaviour of county officers is subject to intense scrutiny, from within and without. Maybe it will be from within the counties that a rejuvenation of Kenyan politics and policies will come, and even of accountability, rather than from the national government, so mired in its old ways.

Muslim leaders criticise security swoop as Coast remains calm

A section of leaders from the Somali community have opposed the police operation in Mombasa and Nairobi’s Eastleigh estate, which they say is unfairly targeting Muslims.

The leaders who were drawn from various political, business and religious circles accused the governments of profiling Muslims in general and Somalis in particular following a spate of security incidents.

“The government has sent security agencies in Eastleigh and they are killing and robbing residents,” said former deputy speaker of the National Assembly Farah Maalim.

The leaders spoke in Nairobi as Nyali MP Hezron Awiti supported the government’s security operation saying terrorists and criminals should be given the same treatment they mete out to their victims. Police on the other hand stepped up their operations and said they would not relent.

The MP said investors were keeping away from Mombasa County due to the ongoing terror attacks warning that if they were left to continue tourism would be adversely affected.

Mr Awiti also urged the government to investigate and punish those involved in the murder of the fiery Muslim cleric Sheikh Abubakar Shariff alias Makaburi. 

He condemned Sheikh Makaburi’s death, but also warned the youths against engaging in protests whenever clerics were killed, maintaining that this will only divide Kenyans.    

“Even if my child is an Al Qaeda member let him be gunned down.  Religious differences are emerging: why is it when Christians were killed in a Likoni church youths never demonstrated but when a Muslim cleric is killed youths take to the street?” he said.

The MP added: “We have been patient, but this must stop. We want peace. Citizens, you have an obligation to report any criminal and terrorist among us, and even suspicious foreigners.”

In Nairobi Mr Maalim accused police of planting evidence on some of those arrested.

“The government is using the threat of terrorism as a scapegoat to seek Western validation and support,” Mr Maalim said.

Lagdera MP Mohammed Shidiye accused the government of violating the Constitution by arresting and detaining people without cause.

“The Somali community occupies the largest area in the country and yet it is treated the worst. The innocent are being arrested and their identity cards mutilated,” Mr Shidiye said.

The MP further condemned the actions of al-Shabaab and said that radicalism would work against the community’s interests.

“When non-Somali al-Shabaab members were found to be behind terror activities no security activities were conducted against their counties or tribes. Why is the government collectively victimising the Somali community?” he asked.

Mr Hassan Ali, a member of the Somali business community, said that the country risked religious war and could go the way of the Central African Republic if the government continued targeting Muslims.

In Mombasa, a human rights lobby, Haki Africa, lodged a complaint against the Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa saying his recent utterance on dealing ruthlessly with terrorists was a threat to its staff.

Accompanied by Haki Africa lawyer Yusuf Mahmoud Aboubakar, Mr Khaled visited the Central Police Station at about 10.35a.m. to make his formal complaint before being issued with an OB number.

“We have come here to make a formal complaint about the commissioner’s public utterances which we construe as a threat to the civil society,” Mr Aboubakar said outside the station.

The lawyer said they would file a court case to have the administrator arrested and prosecuted for his statement that could be misused by trigger-happy security personnel.

Muslim for Human Rights director Khalef Khalifa alleged the attack and killing of eight people at Masjid Mussa in early February was “pre-mediated and pre-planned” by the security apparatus.

“We cannot continue like this and this should stop. That is why on Monday we will be seeking court intervention,” he said.

At the same time, an uneasy calm returned to sections of the vast Majengo area with small-scale traders, garages and cafes around Masjid Musa (now renamed Shuhadaa) opening for business.

Contacted on phone, Mr Marwa stuck to his guns and accused some human rights bodies of doublespeak to secure funds from international donors for their activities.

Kenya orders all refugees into designated camps

Kenya on Tuesday restricted all refugees on its soil to two designated camps in the wake of a weekend attack on a church near Mombasa that claimed six lives.

Kenyans were asked to report any refugees or illegal immigrants outside the overcrowded camps - Dadaab in the east and Kakuma in the northwest - to the police.

"Any refugee found flouting this directive will be dealt with in accordance with the law," Interior Minister Joseph Ole Lenku said in a statement.

Sunday's attack, in the Likoni district near Mombasa, came amid heightened warnings of a threat of Islamist violence in Kenya despite boosted security in major cities.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but Kenya has been hit by a series of attacks since sending troops into southern Somalia in October 2011 to battle the Al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab insurgents.

The latest attack also came just days after police arrested two men with a vehicle stashed full of large quantities of powerful explosives prepared in pipe bombs, which experts said would have been strong enough to bring down a major building.

Ole Lenku said 500 extra police would be deployed in the capital Nairobi as well as Mombasa, Kenya's second city.

Refugee registration centres in main cities will be closed, the statement said.

The two camps are known for being remote and overrun with refugees.

Dadaab, where people often live in appalling conditions, is home to more than 400,000 mainly Somali refugees.

Kakuma, a vast desert settlement, is home to more than 125,000 refugees from across the region, including Somalia.

Kenya, where Islamist commandos attacked Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall last September, leaving 67 dead, stepped up defences around the capital's airport in February amid "increased threats of radicalisation" from homegrown Islamist extremists.

The country had previously ordered all asylum seekers and refugees to report to the Dadaab and Kakuma camps in December 2012, after a spate of attacks in the northeast and in Nairobi that included several blasts in the capital's largely ethnic-Somali Eastleigh neighbourhood.

Somalia remains riven by war but some areas are more stable, with a 17,000-strong African Union force -- including Kenyan troops -- wresting a series of towns from the Shabaab in recent years.

Meanwhile in Kenya, rights groups have accused police in the past of a brutal campaign against Somali refugees, following a string of grenade attacks and shootings blamed on supporters or members of the Shabaab.

Senators accuse government of laxity in war on terror

Senators Tuesday condemned Sunday’s gun attack on a church in Mombasa and challenged the national government to tighten security surveillance at the Coast.

The Senate adjourned the day’s business to discuss the state of security in the coastal town blaming the government for not taking the serious the rise of insecurity in the region.

They want the Government to reveal what it was doing to ensure safety of all Kenyans.

The lawmakers said persistent attacks on churches and other places of worship was worrying and a trick to scare away Kenyans from enjoying the freedom of worship enshrined in the Constitution.

Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar moved the motion saying he was worried by the deteriorating safety of citizens in the county.

“We are greatly concerned by what is happening in Mombasa. The last one month we have seen increased insecurity. This state of affairs is untenable and unacceptable,” said Mr Omar.

He said the national government should take responsibility for failing to prevent such persistent attacks.

“The attack in Likoni was set to create discord and disunity between the two religious groups but leaders have stood up against this intention. It is a very heavy load to be constantly addressing the issue of insecurity in Mombasa. The national government should take responsibility of ensuring the county is secure,” the Senator told the House.

Minority Leader Moses Wetangula seconded the motion condemning the two attackers who aimed their guns at worshippers at Joy of Jesus church killing six people last Sunday.

“Attacking places of worship is unacceptable. It must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. Why are we having ruthless youths and extremists in our society? Is this a spillover from Somalia or is it an internal problem? We must ask ourselves these questions in dealing with the situation in Mombasa,” said Mr Wetangula, also Bungoma Senator.

The legislators expressed concern at the laxity in pursuing suspected past attackers saying they were yet to be apprehended months later.

“What profits a man to kill innocent people or someone who has not hurt you? We need to restructure our security system to involve the counties. We need to rethink our policing to enable ordinary people easily report such suspicious people,” said Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen.

Facebook bets big on mobile with Sh1.6 trillion WhatsApp deal

Facebook is betting huge on mobile with an eye-popping cash-and-stock deal worth up to Sh1.6 trillion ($19 billion) for Internet Age smartphone messaging service WhatsApp.

The surprise mega-deal announced Wednesday bolsters the world's biggest social network -- which has more than 1.2 billion members -- with the 450-million-strong WhatsApp, which will be operated independently with its own board.

It fits with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's focus on being at the centre of lifestyles in which billions of people around the world share whatever they wish over the Internet using smartphones or tablets.

"Facebook works harder than any other social site to keep people coming back," said Forrester analyst Nate Elliott.

"In the past year, they've focused much of that effort on mobile -- introducing Home and Paper, and upgrading both their Facebook and Messenger apps -- and this is another step towards keeping people engaged no matter where they are."

Facebook promised that WhatsApp would remain independent and said it served a real-time communication need, while Messenger was used more in the style of email between members of the social network.

WhatsApp is ideally suited to young people who increasingly prefer rapid-fire smartphone messaging to making calls or churning out email. Facebook has been eager to keep the devotion of young users who set trends and carry tech habits into the future.

It is Facebook's biggest acquisition and comes less than two years after the California-based Internet star raised Sh1.37 trillion ($16 billion) in the richest tech sector public stock offering.

Zuckerberg said that WhatsApp -- a cross-platform mobile app that allows users to exchange messages without having to pay telecom charges -- was worth the steep price because its blistering growth around the globe has it on a clear path to hit a billion users and beyond.

"Services with a billion people using them are all incredibly valuable," Zuckerberg said while discussing the purchase price during a conference call with analysts.

The deal came from a chat Zuckerberg had with WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum, whom he described as a "valuable thought partner" and friend of many years.

"Last Sunday evening, about 11 days ago, I proposed if we joined together that would help us really connect the rest of the world," Zuckerberg said.

"He thought about it over the course of the week, came back and said he was interested."

Silicon Valley-based WhatsApp started the year with 50 employees, most of them engineers, and the startup said that all of its stakeholders have approved the take-over.

The purchase includes $12 billion in Facebook shares and $4 billion in cash. It calls for an additional $3 billion in restricted stock units to be granted to WhatsApp founders and employees that will vest over four years.

- 'Powerful capabilities' -

Koum, who joins Facebook's board under the deal, said: "WhatsApp's extremely high user engagement and rapid growth are driven by the simple, powerful and instantaneous messaging capabilities we provide."

The tie-up gives WhatsApp "the flexibility to grow and expand," he added.

Zuckerberg and Koum, who both took part in the conference call, did not discuss details about WhatsApp revenue, saying the focus for the foreseeable future would be on growth, not making money.

WhatsApp software is available for free, but after a year, users are asked to pay annual subscriptions of 99 cents each.

- Bubble fears -

The acquisition represents likely the biggest-ever price for a tech startup, trumping the Sh731 billion ($8.5 billion) paid for Skype -- which allows users to make voice and video calls over the Internet -- by Microsoft in 2011.

"The size of this deal is really massive and it will get people talking about a bubble," Greg Sterling at Opus Research told AFP.

Sterling said the deal is a risk for Facebook because "in social media, you have a flavour of the month, and next year we might have another app with extremely rapid growth."

"I think (the high price tag) comes from the frustration of not being able to buy Snapchat, and then there is the youth factor," Sterling added.

It remained unclear how Facebook planned to eventually make money from WhatsApp.

Roger Kay at Endpoint Technologies said WhatsApp has become one of the most popular mobile applications worldwide "because it allows you to message anybody anywhere for free."

"It's not obvious how they can get $12 billion out of this but it's been clear for a while that WhatsApp is very interesting. It reminds me a little bit of Skype," Kay said

8 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Date a Journalist

Someone very sexy once told me, "Journalism is a sexy profession."
Indeed, it is.
We interview good looking people, we drink expensive champagne, we get to stay "two nights and three days" in luxurious island resorts and we get it all for free. Sexy (and smug) on all grounds, damn straight!
While it's bursting off its seams with sexiness, there's also a very dangerous side to journalism that very few are aware of. Well, apart from all the sleepless nights from unforgiving deadlines that make them crazy delirious, there's another alarming factor.
There are many reasons why journalists make the best partner one can ever have; but there are also reasons why they can be your absolute nightmare. Taking optimism by its balls, I'm here to talk you through -- and warn you -- of the latter.

1. They will make money off your life: Not the gold digger way, absolutely not. Sure they earn peanuts for 70-hour working weeks, but they'll never date you for the money. If you do end up with someone who doesn't write about finance or sports all day, aspects of your life will appear in a newspaper, magazine or website. Your height, profession or skin color might be altered, otherwise it's you. And on most occasions, you won't be asked for permission, because they will counteract your argument by calling their article a piece of 'fictional' writing that's 'inspired by real events'. What, you think Bridget Jones was all pulled out of a donkey's arse? Don't stress though, this just means you are interesting enough to have left an impact in their life -- congratulations!
2. Deadlines > Sex: One pays and the other doesn't (unless you're Belle de Jour), need I say more? Pulling an all-nighter for a hot date with MS Word and an avalanche of scribbled paperwork is much more lucrative than a sweaty session on your black satin sheets. Because someone needs to pay for those sheets, and that free bottle of Moët from a press event, sitting on the kitchen cabinet will definitely not do that. Sorry, but not sorry.
3. They are ridiculously observant: They know when you're lying, when you're speaking from your heart and when you're goddam bored. They're trained to sense the tone of an interviewee through the phone -- they're like guard dogs at an airport -- so never think you've said or done something that's gone under the table. Chances are, it'll come back to haunt you about four months and 18 days later, with a proper reference to the original scenario. Plus, some journos even come with photographic memory -- that's a whole new level of freak show!
4. They will remember your words: Whether you say it in writing or over the phone, journos don't forget words. They will remember whatever you say -- in lust or disgust -- and remind you of it. They are programmed to remember events and interviews, so to do follow-up stories, and they are fast-learners (hence amazing at their job), so be careful with what comes out of your mouth around these fellas. And while you're at it, know that they can manipulate the thesaurus a little too well; they will say words that mean one thing on face value and a crazy level of WTF when really read into.
5. They will correct your grammar and spellings, all the time: A snobby trait that is really difficult to let go of -- journalists are trained writers and English language is part of their DNA. Ensure your punctuations and spellings are under a vigil eye when you text or email them, because they will pick it within seconds, and won't be afraid to correct you. On the flip side, they will be the first ones to notice if your vocabulary is better than theirs, and just quietly, that's a big turn-on!
6. They are social media addicts: Just like your spreadsheet dramas at midnight, being constantly on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest is part of their job. Being a "social media expert" does not equal "liking" Mean Girls memes on Facebook (don't ever say that to them, for the sake of your pretty nose). This job is rather tedious and stressful. If you don't understand terms like SEO, boost post, organic reach and retweets -- it's best you stay shut, or walk away.
7. They will be picky with the bar or restaurant you choose: Journos are a little bit smug when it comes to where you take them out, especially if you end up with a lifestyle or travel journalist. If you take them for a kebab at that corner shop or Starbucks for a coffee date (eeeek!), forget about date #2. You don't have to go all Michelin star on them, but show that you made an effort in researching the venue; a quick search on Time Out is all they ask.
8. They need their me-time: Due to all the small-talk with colleagues and clients at work events, journalists are suckers for moments of isolation. That much-needed time to clear their headspace and filter the army of thoughts doing the dance of agony. When they come back to the "real" world, they want to be left alone, preferably by the beach or a lake, sans any technological device. This is their time to recharge and come back with more story ideas and intellectually stimulating conversations. No amount of cuddles or spooning can replace this.

If you can handle all this, in addition to the stained cups of tea, half-eaten pieces of toast, a big pile of books and magazines on their bedside table and more bad-hair days than good, then... call me!
Ha ha. Totally kidding.
Go find yourself a journalist; it's a sexy profession aka they are sexy. A jackpot is staring at you in the face.

Mara ‘best Valentine getaway’

A leading travel website has recommended the Maasai Mara Game Reserve as one of the world’s top Valentine getaway destinations.

JoGuru, the travel website describes it as “the first step any one should take before taking a vacation”. It says that the Maasai Mara provides a “wild getaway” where all one needs is to “charge a camera and grab a hat this Valentine to treat oneself”.

It states: “Check in at the Maasai Mara National Reserve Park, spot the Big Five and have an African experience to call your own”.

Czech republic’s Prague, Croatia’s Dubrovnik, Canada’s Montreal, New York City, Bali (Indonesia), Jamaica, Victor Harbour in Australia, Agra in India and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) also featured among the most preferred getaway spots where one is assured of an experience of a life time.

Without mentioning any specific establishment, the Indian based travel website said Kenya was endowed with multiple world class exclusive resorts where one can enjoy a peaceful ‘‘wild’’ weekend in the most serene environment in the world.

And on Prague, the capital of the Czech republic, the website said: “Nothing says ‘I love you’ better than a romantic weekend in a European capital — Prague with its many romantic hotels and then set out into the city with your beloved. A walk across the Gothic bridge, a ride in the boat and some local booze, will make you fall in love all over again — with your Valentine and the city.”

IDEAL GETAWAY

Croatia which has produced some of the world’s best lawn tennis players is said to be an ideal getaway for anyone looking for some “quality couple time”.

Its highlights are listed as; its clean beaches, locally squeezed wines and its ageless Old Town that provides a beautiful city “which has romance spilling out from every nook and cranny, making a Valentine weekend all the more special”.

The site also ranked Canada’s Montreal city as arguably the most under-rated romantic city on Earth.

“Montreal is a treasure-chest for couples looking to maintain or rekindle their romance. Kick-start the occasion with a French-Canadian candlelight dinner and a carriage ride through the old city. Plan a sunset cruise or go ice skating,” it said.

Though a great and famous city, the report mourns that the romantic appeal of New York City is overshadowed by the hustle-bustle that dictates the city’s life. It said the city has panoramic views from ‘Top of the Rock’ or the Empire State Building that re-create some iconic scenes from many ‘a-romcoms’ (romantic soap operas).

“Round off your day on a musical note by strolling down to the Ambassador Theatre for a Broadway show and remember there is just so much to see in NYC that one weekend getaway will not do it justice but on this occasion (Valentine) it is not the place but the person that matters,” its authors said.

Despite the unfortunate incident in which over 200 tourists died in a disco hall, Bali city in Indonesia is featured at Number 5. It is described as a star-struck city where movies are made.

Reggae-music mad Kingston city in Jamaica comes at number six for its secluded resorts inside forests where one can while away the day watching birds.

“Going on a historic tour will grow on one like a second skin,” the site said.

Victor Harbour in Australia is famous for Penguin spotting while India’s Agra city is the home of the world famous Taj Mahal Hotel, a symbol of eternal love.

Rio de Janeiro closes in the best top 10 destinations where a tour on Valentine Day is described as ‘sensual’ with its streets alive with the rhythm of samba drums.

JoGuru website helps travellers plan itineraries and search for interesting places to visit.

It also helps tourists to find and book the best hotels and travel experiences worldwide.