Safaricom (NSE: SCOM), has announced KES 3 million sponsorship to support four young Kenyan professional golfers through the Professional Golfers Association of Kenya programme (PGK).

The four include Mutahi Kibugu of Nyeri Golf Club, Mohit Mediratta of Sigona Golf Club, Samuel Njoroge of Railways Golf Course & Matthew Wahome of Nyali Golf Country Club.

The players will form Safaricom’s Corporate Team that will be participating in the Equator Tour events and other PGK-sanctioned events.

“At Safaricom, we believe in transforming lives by championing Kenyans passions. As we celebrate 25 years of impact, we are proud to partner with PGK and commit KES 3 million towards supporting four professional golfers through the Equator Tour and the Player Development Plan. Our goal is to create a sustainable pathway for aspiring golfers in Kenya, one that inspires, empowers, and equips them to compete at the highest level,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CBS, CEO, Safaricom PLC.

The sponsorship is part of Safaricom’s commitment to growing local talent and expanding opportunities for youth in sports. The four will represent the company in Equator Tour events and other PGK-sanctioned competitions under a three-year agreement that offers not just financial support but a long-term development framework.

“It’s exciting to be part of the Safaricom team. We are a group of four young and promising individuals who have already made history and are destined to achieve even more, both in Kenya and beyond. All players in our team are exceptional players and together, we are going to do great things to make our fans and sponsor proud." said, Mutahi Kibugu, professional golfer.

Adding "This programme is incredibly important to us as professional golfers in Kenya. It will give us the opportunity to sharpen our skills and compete and shine not just here in Kenya but even on a global stage,” 

The partnership is anchored on PGK’s Player Development Plan (PDP), a structured mentorship and training framework aimed at equipping emerging professional golfers with the skills, discipline and exposure needed to thrive in competitive golf.

Through the PDP, selected players will benefit from consistent support, access to professional circuits and a clear growth trajectory within the sport.

The selected players will receive tailored mentorship and regular performance assessments aimed at fostering their ongoing development and competitiveness in the professional arena.

This investment underscores Safaricom’s commitment to nurturing Kenyan talent and youth initiatives across various fields, aligning perfectly with its mission of Transforming Lives.

By Shakeel Jhazbhay, General Manager: Digital Business Solutions at Datacentrix

As organisations across Africa are starting to invest in Generative AI (GenAI), they must carefully assess its business impact, ensure strategic deployment and account for potential hidden costs.

The African GenAI market is on a rapid growth trajectory, with revenue projected to reach $1.54 billion in 2025. Forecasts indicate an annual growth rate of 41.52 percent expected between 2024 and 2030, resulting in a market volume of $8.75 billion by 2030.

This is according to Statista, which states that AI adoption is still at an early stage within Africa. However, these developments are being driven by rising demand for AI-powered chatbots in customer service and sales, due in turn to the increasing use of smartphones and internet penetration across the region. Statista further affirms that there is a growing focus on the use of AI for predictive maintenance in industries such as agriculture and manufacturing.

PwC’s recent report, entitled the ‘28^th Annual Global CEO Survey: Sub-Saharan perspective’, shows that, while AI adoption rates in the Sub-Saharan African region are slightly lower (75 percent) than the global figure of 83 percent, the impact data reveals encouraging signs of effective implementation, with 72 percent planning to adopt or expand their AI initiatives in the next 12 months (compared to 80 percent globally).

Critical success factors for GenAI deployment

To implement GenAI successfully, businesses should focus on several critical factors. Firstly, strategic alignment is important, as bringing GenAI initiatives in line with business goals ensures relevance and value creation. 

Next is data management. The success of GenAI projects is very much dependent on the availability of high-quality data. In addition, data security, privacy and governance must all be prioritised.

Talent and training are additional important factors. Building a skilled workforce capable of using and managing GenAI tools is critical, while upskilling existing employees and hiring specialised talent are additional key components.

Furthermore, the identification of high impact use cases that align with organisational priorities plays a significant role in ensuring focused deployment.

Lastly, monitoring and feedback loops are important, so businesses must look at establishing dashboards to track costs, performance and outcomes, enabling continuous improvement.

Measuring the true business impact of GenAI

While GenAI does hold transformational potential, companies must quantify where its actual value lies. This requires a combination of traditional business metrics and tailored AI-specific measures. This requires a mix of key performance indicators (KPIs) such as:

• Standard business metrics: Revenue growth, cost savings, customer satisfaction and operational efficiency are important gauges here. For example, measuring time saved in content creation or personalised customer interactions can help to quantify ROI.
• KPIs for accuracy: Metrics such as accuracy in meeting business needs can be used to evaluate GenAI’s utility, as well as quality of information, which affects the customer experience.
• Customer and employee experience: Improvements in customer experience (faster response times, for instance) or employee efficiency can also serve as measurable outcomes.

By leveraging these metrics, organisations can move beyond the hype to make data-driven decisions about their AI investments.

Beware of the hidden costs of GenAI implementation

Finally, businesses should also remain mindful of hidden costs that could impact on their AI-related ROI.

The first of these is infrastructure costs, as high computational requirements for training and running models can lead to significant cloud or hardware expenses.

Additionally, fine-tuning and maintaining AI models can become costly, particularly when customising them for specific use cases or keeping them updated over time.

Talent acquisition and retention also requires substantial financial investment, whether it be the hiring of AI experts or the training of existing staff. In addition, data preparation – the cleaning and organising of data for model training - can be resource-intensive and thus costly.

Moving forward with GenAI in Africa

Organisations that take a strategic, measured approach to GenAI will be able to take advantage of its full potential - driving efficiency, innovation and sustainable growth in Africa’s evolving digital landscape.

Swift Capital Limited, a leading non-bank financial services provider in Kenya, has today announced the appointment of celebrated Kenyan music icon Wyre as its official Brand Ambassador.

The announcement was made during a press conference and official contract signing ceremony held at DoubleTree by Hilton, Nairobi.

The event was attended by Swift Capital’s Chief Executive Officer, company executives, members of the media, and special guests.

This partnership marks a bold and exciting new direction for both parties, bringing together Swift Capital’s commitment to financial empowerment with Wyre’s influential presence and cultural reach.

Speaking at the event, SamJim Mwanyasi, CEO of Swift Capital Limited, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:

“Wyre is a respected and influential figure whose career has been built on authenticity, consistency, and impact, which are values we strongly identify with at Swift Capital. Through this partnership, we aim to reach more Kenyans with financial solutions that are innovative, flexible, and accessible.”

Wyre shared his vision for the partnership and its potential to spark transformation in the financial and creative spaces:

“I am truly honoured to join the Swift Capital family as their new brand ambassador. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to venture into the tech and entrepreneurship space; training young innovators and creatives on how to build sustainable ventures. This experience has given me valuable insights that I’m excited to bring into this new partnership.”

“More importantly, I’m passionate about unlocking opportunities for the creative sector. We envision developing financial products and facilities tailored specifically for creatives such as musicians, producers, actors, video directors, and more. This is a bold step toward economic empowerment for the arts and culture industry.”

The ambassadorship will see Wyre take a leading role in upcoming campaigns to promote Swift Capital’s diverse product offerings, including SME working capital loans, asset financing, and salary advance services.

The collaboration will also feature a series of digital campaigns, on-ground activations, and community outreach initiatives aimed at youth, entrepreneurs, and underserved populations.

The initiative is part of Swift Capital’s broader strategy to redefine financial engagement by using culture, music, and storytelling to spark conversations around responsible borrowing, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth.

Afrobeats superstar Kizz Daniel is back with a new EP titled “Lemon Chase”. 

This seven-track project is more than just a teaser for his upcoming album “Uncle K”, it’s a deeply personal body of work that captures everything from love and loss to peace and a good time which every listener can relate to.

Each track on the EP reflects a different piece of that emotional puzzle.

From the opener, “Black Girl Magic” to the last track on the EP, “Police” which features Mavin’s Johnny Drille and five-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo, the Afrobeats sensation made sure to evoke several emotions through his music.

For the “Lemon Chase EP”, Kizz Daniel brings together a powerful lineup of well-known artists, each adding their own unique style.

The soulful voices of Johnny Drille and Angelique Kidjo blend beautifully with the raw, street-inspired energy of Bella Shmurda, Odumodu Blvck, and Zlatan and Fola, who previously teamed up with Kizz Daniel on the hit singles “Lost” bring emotion and depth that perfectly complement his versatility. Together, they create a rich, dynamic sound that defines the spirit of the project.

Production credits include Reward Beatz, Blaise Beatz, Magic Sticks, Bando, and Ayzed who all have previously created chart topping records with the artiste and is a testament of what’s to be expected from the EP.

Reward Beatz produced “Eyo” and “Black Girl Magic” (alongside Bando and Blaise Beatz), Blaise Beatz led production on “Secure” and “Peace I Chose”, and “Titi” was produced by Magic Sticks and co-produced by Reward Beatz, and Blaise Beatz while “Al Jannah” was shaped by Ayzed’s touch.

On the EP, Kizz Daniel says “when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade out of it, I wanted this project to feel like real life; sweet, sour, confusing, beautiful. This is music for your heart, for when you're healing, or hoping, or remembering. I just wanted it to be honest, authentic and true to self.”

With “Lemon Chase”, Kizz Daniel continues to grow, not just as a hitmaker, but as a storyteller unafraid to touch uncomfortable spots. The EP sets the tone for “Uncle K” and reminds us the name Kizz Daniel would always be remembered.

By Faith Waithaka, Cloud and Service Provider Segment Sales Lead: Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric

AI technologies are pushing the boundaries of what is possible which, in turn, is presenting data centres with a whole new set of challenges. Enterprises, colocation providers, and tech giants are now scrambling to rethink their data centre strategies.

Indeed, how can an industry undergoing such transformation, also shift gears at full speed? Fortunately, as data centres research, plan, and implement change, several options are emerging which include optimising design and infrastructure for efficiency, cooling as well as management systems.

Rising energy demand

AI is increasingly vital in streamlining tech-driven tasks, but its well-known that the energy trade-off is immense. The Electric Power Research Institute reports that a typical AI query consumes ten times the electricity of a traditional internet search, with AI-generated music, photos, and videos demanding even more power.

With 5.45 billion Internet Users, AI adoption is driving power consumption to unprecedented levels. AI’s computing capacity is expected to double every 100 days, increasing global energy consumption linked to AI by 26% to 36% annually.

This extreme demand necessitates innovation which has seen data centre executives working hard to adjust and modify strategies and identify solutions to improve efficiency while maintaining reliability.

Data centres for the future

The rise of AI compels data centres to upgrade rack configurations, cooling systems, software management, and power optimisation technologies:

Rack configuration

AI workloads require thoughtful space planning to accommodate advanced cooling systems and increased infrastructure footprints.

Here, large AI training models are driving a shift towards higher rack power densities. High-density racks house more servers in a smaller area, enhancing computing power without increasing space.

Modular rack systems enable scalability, allowing rapid adaptation to evolving AI power requirements without costly overhauls. However, as computing demands rise, traditional cooling methods struggle to maintain optimal temperatures.

Integration of liquid cooling

AI-driven hardware generates significant heat, necessitating more efficient cooling systems. Traditional air cooling often fails to manage these thermal demands effectively

Liquid cooling offers a viable alternative, improving thermal management and extending equipment lifespan. Hybrid cooling solutions that combine air and liquid cooling are also gaining traction, ensuring flexibility and performance optimisation.

Flexible power distribution

Higher-density workloads require more robust power distribution. Data centres are adopting advanced uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and scalable power solutions for reliable energy delivery.

Racks are being equipped with power distribution units (PDUs) that handle higher wattages and allow dynamic power allocation. Collaboration with utility companies is also increasing, helping data centres implement demand response programmes and leverage renewable energy options.

Leveraging waste heat

As data centres expand to support AI, they are also repurposing waste heat to improve efficiency. Waste heat can be used to warm nearby buildings, such as homes, offices, and public spaces. Examples include:

• Google’s data centre in Hamina, Finland, which supplies excess heat to a nearby paper mill, improving efficiency.
• Equinix’s Paris data centre, which directs waste heat to warm the Olympic swimming pools at the Paris Olympic Aquatic Centre.
• Multiple data centres are implementing initiatives to make use of excess heat for indoor agriculture or greenhouses that require warm air to grow crops in a wide variety of areas.

Rising above the AI surge

As AI adoption accelerates, data centres must remain agile. Strategic changes in facility design, power efficiency, cooling systems, and management practices are essential to maintaining peak performance.

Every data centre operator must ask, “Is our infrastructure future-ready?” Before implementing major changes, a thorough evaluation of existing infrastructure, tools, and processes is necessary to identify key areas for improvement. High-impact zones should be prioritised to maximise efficiency gains.

Investing in scalable, future-proof solutions ensures long-term adaptability. Engaging stakeholders and industry experts early in the process helps align strategies with business objectives.

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Susan Mang’eni, has lauded the Absa Business Credit Card, a joint initiative between Absa Bank, as a powerful collaboration towards unlocking financing for MSMEs in Kenya.

The credit card will provide access to working capital, flexible repayment options, detailed expense tracking, enhanced security features, and global acceptance.

PS Susan Mang’eni said, “The MSME sector contributes over 40% of the country’s GDP and employs a substantial portion of the population, particularly women and young people. This business credit card supports the bold reforms being undertaken by the Government towards creating a supportive environment for the MSME sector.”

Speaking at the forum, John Njoroge, Country Manager of Visa Kenya, acknowledged the daily challenges that SMEs face, including limited access to finance and navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape.

However, he emphasised that it is through innovation, mindset change, and partnerships that these challenges can be transformed into opportunities. 

Absa Bank Kenya’s Director of Business Banking, Elizabeth Wasunna, emphasised that Absa’s ongoing commitment to MSMEs goes beyond providing financial empowerment.

“We endeavour to be a long-term strategic partner in business development and sustainability by offering tailored financial products, capacity building and market access for MSMEs through strategic partnerships,” she added.

PS Susan Mang’eni reiterated the Government's readiness to co-create programs, support research, and shape policy dialogues with the private sector for the benefit of MSMEs. Let us innovate, collaborate, and grow together to drive enterprise growth.

Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has been elected as the Vice President of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3).

Joho broke the news through his social media page, describing  his election as a significant milestone for both the country and the African continent.

"Being elected as the Vice President of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) which kicked off today in Nice, France, inspires me as it places us in a pivotal position to advance the interests of Kenya and Africa on the global stage," he said.

Adding "As Vice-President of this esteemed global organization, I will have the opportunity to advocate for our country's interests and deliver interventions on behalf of specific groups, including the African Group, at the 3rd Ocean Action. I will also represent our continent at High-Level events related to the conference,” 

As Vice President of the global conference, Joho will play a key role in shaping the agenda and facilitating discussions among member states and international stakeholders. 

MPs drawn from Nyanza region led by Hon. James Nyikal (Seme) have condemned the alleged killing of Albert Omondi Ojwang’. 

In a press briefing on Monday 9th June, 2025, Hon. Nyikal stated that one has a right to arrest, murder, or kill a person merely because he or she disagrees with their views.

"The death of Albert Omondi Ojwang’, who was arrested in Homa Bay County on Saturday 7th June 2025, and turned up dead the next morning at Central Police Station in Nairobi, is a stark reminder that the question of police brutality is one whose answers we are yet to find,” Hon. Nyikal said.

The MPs called on the President to take charge and restore order in the security apparatus of the nation arguing that Article 33 of the Constitution guarantees the freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information.

“It is time for the President to deploy the big broom and sweep away characters in the regime who abrogate themselves the power to determine the level of freedom enjoyed by citizens, and who play judge, jury and executioners, in perpetuating the growth of rogue culture in the country,” the MPs said.

According to the MPs, the rise of social media as a tool of expression for especially young people, has created the space for expression of views and ideas that may not necessarily be popular with all, however, no one has a right to kill anyone but can sue for libel or slander.

“The death of Albert Ojwang’ must not joint the statistics, as one more young person killed in vain. A red line must be drawn this time, upon which the investigation and prosecutions of those found culpable must be firm and swift,” Ho. Nyikal said.

Hon. Millie Odhiambo Mabona (Suba North) who was also present during the briefing called on the investigating agencies to move with swiftness and unearth what indeed killed the young man.

According to Hon. Odhiambo, the level of intolerance has spiraled in the country and no one should take someone’s life just because they differ or attack them in social media platforms.

"We first want to know who gave order for the young man to be arrested. We are also calling on for swiftness in the investigation into this just like we saw in Hon. Were’s case. Killing of people is non-negotiable, if you differ there is a block button. So, we are calling on the government to crack the whip on these people who are violating human rights,” she said.

Thousands of Mombasa residents were treated to amazing product deals and a concert like no other on Saturday at the first-ever M-PESA Sokoni Festival, held at the Mombasa Sports Club in Mombasa County.

The festival which brought together both local and national service providers and merchants in a vibrant market-style setting to celebrate M-PESA @ 18, offered “deals kuruka” to the large crowd that turned out to enjoy the incredible discounts on devices, electronics, household items, beauty and fashion products, travel packages, and more.

“It has been an amazing week interacting with our customers in this region, as we appreciate them for walking with us for the last 18 years. We are extremely happy with the turnout, our customers have come out in large numbers with their families to shop and enjoy incredible offers on various products including smartphones, electronics, household items among others. They have also been treated to electrifying entertainment from our DJs and artists,” said Safaricom’s Chief Financial Services Officer, Esther Waititu.

The festival also saw customers win various prizes, including shopping vouchers, electronics and cash rewards through the popular game show “M-PESA or the Box.” Among the winners was Elizabeth Makokha from Changamwe, our grand finale winner who walked away with KES 180,000.

“I am still in disbelief that I have won KES 180,000. I didn’t expect to win, I just came here to celebrate 18 years of M-PESA and enjoy myself, as they had announced the event would be held here at Mombasa Sports Club today. I plan to use this money to expand and grow my shoe business which I run here in Mombasa,” said Elizabeth Makokha.

The two-month campaign is part of the ongoing M-PESA at 18 celebrations, marking M-PESA’s transformative role in Kenya’s digital and financial landscape and the positive impact it has had on the lives of millions of Kenyans.

The campaign kicked off on Tuesday with several activities lined up throughout the week, including a caravan tour across major coastal towns and vibrant market activations that delighted customers with gifts and cash prizes.

Safire Connect, a forum that brought together like-minded individuals to exchange ideas on entrepreneurship, personal branding, community opportunities, and financial wellness, started the weeklong activities.

The week also witnessed the launch of Wezesha Mama, a programme by the M-PESA Foundation that brought together women’s groups from the region for financial and digital literacy training, along with access to seed capital to help boost their business ventures.

Safaricom also hosted the Regional M-PESA Agents Awards to recognize and reward agent stores that have demonstrated exemplary performance over the past year.

Enterprises in the region were not left out. They participated in the Grow with Safaricom Business Forum, which aimed to empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to sustainably grow their businesses and overcome challenges such as digitizing operations, limited market access, regulatory hurdles, brand development, and a lack of digital marketing expertise.

With the Coast Region done, the M-PESA Sokoni Festival now heads to Nairobi, with the caravan tour set to run from Monday, 16th June 2025.