Approximately 5,000 vulnerable Kenyan households will benefit from a donation of foodstuffs in a compassionate gesture by Bamburi Cement Plc in the Holy Month of Ramadhan.

The Bamburi Cement Food Drive Initiative launched by Amsons Group, the Pan African business conglomerate that recently acquired Bamburi Cement Plc, has kicked-off by providing an assortment of food stuff to 4000 families in Mombasa and 1,000 in Nairobi.

The initiative is expected to cushion roughly 30,000 less fortunate Muslim faithful in this year’s iftar and an ambition to scale across the country in the near-term.

Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramadhan in an endeavor to deepen their faith, but more than 600 million people—including women and children in Kenya— cannot break the fast because of food hardships during iftar.

According to Amsons group Managing Director Edha Nahdi this initiative reflects the company's commitment to social welfare for communities in which it operates.

“Providing these iftar food packs to our communities enables us to spread the blessings of Ramadhan throughout the communities while also fostering hope, unity, and solidarity within society. This is a significant step towards reviving and expanding our social impact programs throughout our value chain across the country,” said Nahdi.

In line with this commitment, Bamburi Cement Plc will host roughly 400 clients and various stakeholders of Islamic faith in Mombasa and Nairobi – as the Holy Month of Ramadhan unfolds.

Mr. Nahdi added “We believe that true change comes from constant and intimate engagement with our stakeholders in the spirit of social responsibility, inclusivity and diversity.

Bamburi Cement’s Commercial Director Martin Kariuki said that the company is keen to recommit its resources to the society across Kenya including in education, health, infrastructure, economic empowerment and environment.

“As a brand that places paramountcy in growing alongside communities and customers, we want to expand this initiatives across the country for the benefit of our communities,” said Kariuki.

Speaking during the event, which was graced by at least 50 religious’ leaders from across Mombasa County, Sheikh Zubeid Noor thanked Bamburi Cement Plc’s new leadership for resuscitating the company’s engagement with the Muslim community and leading on corporate giving during the Holy Month of Ramadhan.

Bamburi Cement social impact programs span the fields of education, health, infrastructure, economic empowerment and environment.

The programs, which cut across Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Kajiado, and Machakos Counties, have included free-to-public wellness clinics for cervical cancer screening for over 36,000 patients, Bamburi Cancer Centre’s infrastructure sponsorship and an annual full scholarship for 107 students. 

The host, Aga Khan Academy from Mombasa and Umoja Junior School from Changamwe were crowned the new champions of the M-PESA Jr. NBA Coast Regional finals, held yesterday at the prestigious Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa County.

The Aga Khan Academy boys, under the stewardship of Coach Eugine Auka, showcased their prowess in the boys’ finals, securing a hard-fought 25-19 victory over Kinango Junior School in a tightly contested showdown at the indoor court arena. Aga Khan executed a high-pressure defense, forcing turnovers and shutting down their opponents in both halves to clinch the regional title.

In the girls’ finals, Umoja Junior School from Changamwe stamped their authority over the host team, Aga Khan Academy, in a dominant and electrifying game to secure a 20-15 victory. Umoja set the tempo early in the first half, with Zuhura Suleiman’s quick-fire buckets propelling them to an 8-4 lead at halftime. Despite Aga Khan’s relentless effort to mount a second-half comeback, Umoja held their ground with strong offensive plays and solid defense, sealing the victory and the championship title.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Aga Khan head coach Eugine Auka expressed his excitement after his team’s remarkable performance in both categories. “I am really impressed by what my teams have achieved in this tournament. Winning the boys’ title and finishing second in the girls’ category is no easy feat, especially against such tough and well-prepared opponents. I want to commend the organizers, M-PESA and NBA Africa, for such a well-organized tournament. We need more of these high-quality competitions to help our young players develop and excel in this sport,” said Eugine Auka, Head Coach, Aga Khan Academy.

Both Aga Khan (Boys) and Umoja JSS (Girls) secured their spots in the finals after stella performances in the semifinals, where Aga Khan outplayed St. Mary’s JSS 18-10 and Umoja JSS edged out Tsagwa JSS 8-6 in morning matchups.

As part of their victory, players from both winning teams walked away with smartphones and airtime courtesy of Safaricom M-PESA.

Taking third place were Oshwal Academy and Tsagwa JSS in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively, after playoff victories against St. Mary’s and Mwanamunga.

“M-PESA Jr. NBA Coast Regional tournament has truly demonstrated the immense potential in our young basketball talents. That is why, as Safaricom, we are committed to supporting various sports in the country to nurture and develop these young athletes. We recognize that sports is not only a passion but a viable career path. Beyond supporting the competition, we are also equipping these young players with essential financial literacy skills through M-PESA Go,” said Evans Muga, Coast Regional Marketing Lead at Safaricom.

The two-day M-PESA Jr. NBA Coast Regional tournament saw 40 teams comprising 480 players from Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale take part in the event. Beyond the on-court action, Safaricom integrated financial literacy sessions through M-PESA Go, which saw the young players equipped with essential financial management skills.

“I never imagined we had such incredible basketball talent at the grassroots level. What I witnessed here today proves that Kenya is brimming with young talent. What we need now is the right structures to further develop these sports. Seeing 480 players take part in this tournament is a testament to the passion and potential we have,” said Michael Finley, NBA Africa - Kenya Country Lead.

With Nairobi and Coast regions done, the M-PESA Jr. NBA tournament now heads to Eldoret on March 15th – 16th, 2025, at Nova Pioneer School.

Journalist cum academician Bozo Jenje has released his second book.

The book titled 'Unmasked Wives' was launched on Saturday at a colorful event held at the little theatre club, attended by family members, colleagues and friends.

The book is about emotional fulfilment of women sexual desires with secret male lover partners in intimate relationships. The story revolves around dissatisfied women in marriage that explore new lovers for enjoyment, self-fulfillment, and thrill. 

Pwani fm Radio Presenter Gates Mgenge has been nominated for the African Golden Awards 2025.

The celebrated presenter is battling out with some of the big names in the 'Top Male Radio Presenter' category.

He is battling out with Willy Tuva, Maina Kageni, Alex Mwakideu, Millard Ayo (Tanzania), Lil Ommy (Tanzania), Zionfelix (Ghana), Thato Sikwane (South Africa), Robert Marawa (South Africa), Japhet Mazimpaka (Rwanda), IK Osakioduwa (Nigeria), Gaetano Kagwe (Uganda), Erskine Amo Whyte (Ghana), Dr Canin (Ghana), Africa Melane (South Africa), Sol Phenduka (South Africa).

The Africa Golden Awards honors top achievers driving Africa’s progress in entrepreneurship, innovation, arts, technology, humanitarian work, and beyond.

Winners will be unveiled on 3rd May 2025.

More than 400 juniors from the Coast region today benefited from a financial literacy session organized by M-PESA Go during the M-PESA Jr. NBA tournament held at Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa.

Speaking at the event, Kawira Mugambi, M-PESA Go Growth Manager noted that it is important to embrace financial literacy to young people as early as 10 years as this will help grow the future when it comes to managing their finances in future.

“Today, we have witnessed an incredible turnout of nearly 500 kids for the M-PESA Jr. NBA tournament here in Mombasa. Before the games began, we conducted financial literacy clinics to educate and empower them on key financial management principles such as saving and the importance of embracing healthy financial habits,” said Kawira Mugambi, M-PESA Go Growth Manager.

The financial literacy clinics took place in the morning before the basketball games officially kicked off.

The games featured 40 teams, with 480 players (boys and girls) competing in 5x5 matchups in the knockout stage.

The qualifiers from today's (Saturday) games will face off in the semis and finals for the regional title, on Sunday, at the same venue. (The Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa).

The regional champions will take home smartphones and airtime, courtesy of Safaricom M-PESA.

"I have participated in many tournaments, but the M-PESA Jr. NBA experience stands out. It has not only provided my players with a great sporting platform but also invaluable financial literacy knowledge through M-PESA Go. Learning about savings and investment at such a young age is crucial in shaping a financially responsible future generation,” said, Wholly Kawemba, coach and teacher, Umoja JSS Changamwe.

Britam has won multiple accolades at the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) Awards 2024, including the coveted Life Insurance Company of the Year for the 18th consecutive year.

Britam’s outstanding performance at the awards reflects its strong market position, driven by innovation, a highly skilled financial advisory network, and customer-centric solutions that simplify insurance. 

Now in their 23rd year, the AKI Awards are Kenya’s premier platform for recognizing excellence in the insurance sector, themed this year as “Growth in a Dynamic Environment.”

Britam recorded 324 qualifying agents in Life Insurance and 27 in General Insurance. Notably, 16 of the Top 50 Life Insurance Agents were from Britam, with six securing spots in the Top 10 for the Life Insurance Persistency Award.

Britam Life Assurance also emerged as 1st runner-up for the Most Innovative Company award. Additionally, Lakki Kariuki won the Youngest Top Agent Award, while Ruth Mumbe was third in the Life Agent of the Year – New Business Category.

Still in the life insurance segment, Ezekiel Njuguna was the 1st runner-up, while Tabitha Macharia secured third place in the Highest Number of Policies Sold award.

In the General Insurance category, Britam’s Patrick Juma won the Professional Indemnity Insurance Premium Volume Award, Tabitha Kabura clinched the Contractors All Risk Award, and Ezekiel Njuguna secured the SME Business Combined Insurance Premium Volume Award.

"These wins reflect our commitment to innovation, top-tier financial advisors, and exceptional customer service," said Britam Group Managing Director & CEO Tom Gitogo.

Britam’s leadership is also evident in its fast and efficient claims processing. Recently, it swiftly settled Ksh 71 million fire claim for Limuru Country Club in under a month, showing timely and reliable payouts.

The company continues to invest in building a best-in-class distribution network, providing ongoing training and professional development to its financial advisors to maintain industry leadership.

According to the latest Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) data, Britam remains the market leader in life insurance and the second-largest player in general insurance.

As at June 2024, Britam holds a 25.1% share of the life insurance market which includes pensions, life assurance, and investments.

In general insurance – which includes motor and health – Britam is the second-largest insurer in Kenya, with a 9.7% market share, and remains among the few consistently profitable firms in the sector.

The M-PESA Jr. NBA tournament heads to Mombasa this weekend for its second regional showdown.

The 40 teams, comprising 480 boys and girls, are set to hit the court at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa battling for the top regional title.

The competition will feature 5x5 games, with winners in both the boys’ and girls’ categories walking away with smartphones and airtime courtesy of Safaricom’s M-PESA.

Outstanding players will be scouted to attend an elite basketball development camp for additional opportunities.

Ahead of the games, players will also participate in financial literacy clinics through M-PESA Go, reinforcing Safaricom’s commitment to empowering young people beyond the basketball court.

“This tournament signifies what we have been doing through M-PESA over the past 18 years in supporting talent across the country. Through our partnership with Jr. NBA, we are not only promoting sports but also empowering young people with financial literacy through our M-PESA Go product,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom.

The 2025 M-PESA Jr. NBA program kicked off with a Fit clinic in Nairobi engaging over 100 local coaches, with life-skills seminars and coaching capacity building.

This was followed by the first regional tournament in Nairobi that saw St. Johns’ from Korogocho and Olympic from Kibera claim the top titles in the boys’ and girls’ contests, respectively.

The M-PESA Jr. NBA program is designed to provide basketball development and financial literacy training more than 10,000 boys and girls across Kenya.

The tournament now heads to Mombasa this weekend followed by Eldoret and finally Kisumu.

The regional tournaments will culminate into a national tournament in collaboration with School games.

The top 50 boys and 50 girls will be scouted to attend Top 100 elite basketball development camp in April.

Rap heavyweights King Kaka and Scar Mkadinali  recently hosted an exclusive private listening party for their highly anticipated joint album, Fluent Trauma.

The event, held at Sarit Rooftop on Friday, February 28, was an intimate yet electric affair, drawing key industry players, corporate partners, and select fans who got the first taste of the duo’s latest masterpiece.

The listening party was more than just a showcase-it was an immersive experience. After each track, King Kaka and Scar Mkadinali engaged with the audience, breaking down the creative process, lyrical depth, and production elements.

The interactive nature of the event created a deeper connection between the artists and their audience, making for an unforgettable night of music and conversation.

"This album is a journey through our experiences, our wins, and our scars. Fluent Trauma is about resilience, truth, and the raw realities of our world. Seeing the audience vibe with our sound in real-time was surreal," said King Kaka.

The chemistry between King Kaka and Scar Mkadinali was undeniable throughout the night. Their energy, sharp lyricism, and distinct storytelling styles fused seamlessly, proving why Fluent Trauma is set to be one of the most impactful collaborations in recent years when it comes to Kenyan hip-hop, 

With an overwhelming response from those in attendance, Fluent Trauma is already generating buzz. Fans can expect the official release date and streaming details to be announced soon.

Co-working spaces are becoming a powerful catalyst for startups in Kenya, especially in cities like Mombasa, where the concept is still relatively new.

These flexible, cost-effective environments are transforming the way entrepreneurs operate by offering not just physical space, but also a supportive ecosystem that nurtures innovation, collaboration, and business growth.

A key player in this movement is the Westerwelle Foundation’s hub (WSHM), which has quickly established itself as a vital resource for entrepreneurs in Mombasa.

Among such entrepreneurs and businesses that are enjoying this resource, is She Social Ke, a social media consultancy business founded by Jamila Hassan.

Her journey tells a powerful tale of the transformative power of co-working spaces, which provide not just desks and Wi-Fi but a budding ecosystem of innovation, mentorship, and collaboration.

Jamila Hassan is no stranger to the digital landscape within and without the country.

Having spent over a decade in digital marketing space, communications, and business development, she identified a major gap: many small businesses, especially those owned by women in Mombasa, struggled with digital visibility.

This realization led to the launch of She Social Ke, a consultancy dedicated to empowering businesses with social media strategies, content creation, and influencer marketing.

"My journey in digital marketing started with my blog, Life in Mombasa, which showcased the city’s rich culture and lifestyle. Through this, I saw firsthand how businesses struggled with online visibility and lacked structured digital strategies. She Social Ke was born out of a need to bridge that gap,” says Jamila during an interview.

As she embarked on this mission, she faced common startup hurdles, just like any Kenyan startup: limited resources, isolation, and the challenge of structuring a business for scalability.

It was WSHM that provided the perfect launchpad for her vision.There is no doubt that for many entrepreneurs, not just in Kenya but around the world, the decision to work from home, lease an office, or join a co-working space is crucial.

For Jamila, the choice was clear. She chose WSHM.

"Working in a co-working space is a game-changer compared to working from home. The structured environment boosts focus and productivity, while the opportunity to interact with other entrepreneurs brings fresh ideas and potential collaborations,” she added.

According to Jamila, co-working spaces like WSHM address key startup challenges such as:They provide cost-effective solutions whereas traditional office spaces come with hefty rental fees and maintenance costs. Co-working spaces provide flexible membership options that make it easier for startups to manage operational expenses.

This makes the running of a business easier. There is no better place to network and meet mentors than at a co-working space.

At WSHM, Jamila has tapped into a valuable network of like-minded entrepreneurs and industry experts. The mentorship and business training she’s received have helped her refine her strategies and expand her reach.

What about access to infrastructure? This is something many can only dream of in a traditional office setup or home.

Jamila says high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a professional working environment have enhanced her productivity and brand positioning.

There is no doubt that entrepreneurship can be isolating, but being part of a co-working space creates a sense of belonging and motivation.

“The presence of other driven entrepreneurs pushes me to stay accountable and continuously improve my business,” Jamila shares.

Since joining WSHM through the DigiTalents program, Jamila has seen remarkable progress in her life as an entrepreneur and in her business as well.

“The training I’ve received has been instrumental in refining my approach to social media consultancy. I’ve gained insights into financial management, business growth strategies, and customer relations—all critical for scaling my business,” she says.

She has also formed valuable collaborations with fellow entrepreneurs at the hub, leading to new projects and expanded business opportunities.

“The visibility and credibility that come with being part of an entrepreneurial hub have helped me connect with potential clients and partners.”

Jamila’s story and entrepreneurial journey are just a tip of the growing and boiling new front that Kenya’s startup ecosystem is rapidly growing, fueled by fintech, e-commerce, and the rise of digital nomads. In this dynamic landscape, co-working spaces are playing a pivotal role in fostering innovation and business growth.

Spaces like WSHM are incubators for ideas, collaborations, and long-term business success.

They provide the flexibility and resources that startups need to scale without the burden of heavy operational costs.

“Co-working spaces like WSHM create an ecosystem where entrepreneurs can share resources, learn from each other, and accelerate business growth,” says Jamila.

“For any entrepreneur looking to scale their business, a co-working space can be a great launchpad.”

Jamila’s goals for She Social Ke are ambitious.

Over the next year, she aims to establish a dedicated office at WSHM and grow her client base significantly.

She also hopes to see more structured mentorship programs and networking events with investors at co-working spaces like WSHM to further support startups.

Her journey is a compelling case study on how the right environment can fuel entrepreneurial success.

As Kenya’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive, co-working spaces will remain at the heart of innovation—offering more than just a place to work but a community that drives dreams into reality.

As Jamila puts it, “WSHM is more than just a workspace; it’s a thriving entrepreneurial community that fuels innovation, collaboration, and business growth.”