Safaricom has announced KES 1 million sponsorship to support the Dr. Geoffrey Griffin Memorial Bike-A-Thon challenge.

The cycling event is organized by the students of Starehe Boys’ Centre and School to honour the legacy of Dr. Geoffrey W. Griffin, the visionary founder of the institution. 

The event features two legs. The first leg took place over the past week, from August 2nd to 11th, and ran from Busia to Nairobi, with stopovers in Bungoma, Eldoret, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, and Mai Mahiu.

The second leg, scheduled from August 18th to 24th, will take the cyclists from Nairobi to Mombasa, passing through Emali, Mtito Andei, Voi, and Samburu.

"We are proud to partner with Starehe for this inspiring event. Watching these young riders push themselves across towns and counties has been a powerful reminder of the values that unite us. Supporting it reflects our commitment to empowering youth and fostering positive change across Kenya.” Said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO.

The cycling team includes 10 Starehe students in Form 3, selected through a competitive process and trained in advance, alongside professional riders, alumni and mentors.

The teams have a dedicated support crew of nutritionists, medical staff, logistics experts, and media teams. Funds raised will go towards scholarships and infrastructure at Starehe Boys’ Centre, sustaining its mission of providing quality education to bright but needy students.

“I am truly inspired by Dr. Graffin’s legacy at our institution, which is why I took up the challenge to participate in this race. The first leg has pushed me beyond what I thought I could achieve, but it’s a powerful reminder that we are riding for a purpose. We are grateful to Safaricom for believing in us and making this journey possible through their sponsorship,” said Mohamed Mohamud, a cyclist and student at the Centre.

The sponsorship marks Safaricom’s latest investment in Kenya’s youth and sports, building on its long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility, talent development, and community-driven initiatives.

By partnering with the Dr. Geoffrey W. Griffin Memorial Bike-A-Thon, Safaricom is also contributing to the preservation of a legacy that has shaped generations of leaders through education and service.

Founded in 1959, the Starehe Boys’ Centre began as a rescue home for boys displaced by Kenya’s struggle for independence.

Established by Geoffrey Griffin, alongside Geoffrey Gatama Geturo and Joseph Kamiru Gikubu, the Centre provided shelter, education, and hope for homeless and vulnerable children.

Mary Osiany has officially been installed as the President, Rotary Club of Mombasa Downtown.

Mary, a marketer by profession was installed during a colourful denim & jerseys themed event held on Friday and attended by Rotarians from across the rotary clubs in Mombasa and beyond.

Vowing to champion sustainability and long-term impact, Mary laid out an ambitious, community-driven vision for her tenure.

"As we kick off this Rotary year, my game plan is clear,  Strengthen our teamwork — because no match is won alone. Push into new territory — even if it means taking a few bold shots at goal. Keep our focus on the scoreboard that matters most — the lives we change, the hope we inspire, and the communities we uplift." she said.

Mary also took the opportunity to introduce her new board.

She challenged the new board to work with unity towards achieving the goal of serving the community.

"There will be tough matches ahead. We may take a few knocks, and not every play will go as planned. But like any great team, we’ll regroup, adapt, and keep pushing forward. So my dearests let’s lace up, step out, and play with purpose. Let’s pass the ball, lift each other up, and make sure that every person we serve feels like they’ve just won gold."

Outgoing President Aaron Abuya who is also a member of the new board promised the new president his full support.

Three Kenyan design houses are set to showcase their designs at Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2025, scheduled for August 9–10, at Space House, London.  

Jamie Bryan Kimani, the founder of Sevaria, Sharon Wendo of Epica Jewellery, and Kevin Abwova of Kisero Nairobi will represent Kenya’s fashion and design industry at one of the world’s most prestigious runways under the auspices of the British Council.  

This international showcase will feature a dedicated British Council catwalk presentation and an exhibition pavilion, spotlighting some of Africa’s most innovative emerging designers.

The initiative provides these designers with new international connections and access to new markets while also creating opportunities for cross-cultural learning, collaboration, and business growth.  

The Kenyan cohort is presented as part of the British Council UK/Kenya Season 2025, a bilateral cultural programme celebrating creativity through arts, culture, and education in both the UK and Kenya. 

They will be joined by seven designers from Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe, all of whom are alumni or current participants of Creative DNA, the British Council’s fashion accelerator that has supported over 200 entrepreneurs across Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Nigeria and Malawi since 2020.

The programme fosters sustainable creative enterprise, economic inclusion, and international connections between Africa and the UK. 

"It’s great to see our Creative DNA designers taking part in Africa Fashion Week London through the UK Kenya Season 2025. This is not just about showcasing Kenyan talent. It is also an opportunity for the UK to learn from diverse approaches, ideas, and ways of working. Such exchanges are what make cultural collaboration meaningful’ stated Sandra Chege, Season Director, British Council, UK/Kenya Season 2025. 

Kimani, who founded Sevaria in 2018, draws inspiration from his upbringing in Kiserian, a town located in Kenya’s Rift Valley.

His designs mirror the garments worn by the Maasai community and sub-religious groups such as the Akorino from Central Kenya. Kimani’s life experiences and his drive to challenge gender stereotypes also influence his designs.  

Kevin and his father, Abwova, founded Kisero in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

This father-and-son luxury brand produces handcrafted, premium leather bags, shoes, and accessories that blend timeless African heritage with contemporary global elegance. From its humble beginnings as a shoe-repair workshop, Kisero has grown into a symbol of curated African luxury, collaborating with international brands, inspiring local artisans, and telling powerful stories through their work with leather. 

Wendo founded Epica in 2018 after participating in a government entrepreneurship programme.

Her brand celebrates the rich diversity of African cultures through wearable art. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, paying homage to the diverse traditions, symbols, and aesthetics of various African cultures. 

In addition to the runway and exhibition, the designers will participate in UK retail stockist and manufacturing tours, offering them direct insights into ethical production practices, global fashion standards, and the dynamics of the international retail market.

The cultural exchange component of the engagement provides designers a unique opportunity to explore the UK’s fashion ecosystem, encompassing supplier networks, sustainability models, and retail partnerships.  

This year’s British Council Pavilion will also look ahead to the future of fashion, showcasing where fashion meets technology.

The exhibition will showcase the work of African designers and fashion weeks that are collaborating with AI labs and robotics engineers from Ethiopia’s Guzo Technologies to explore tech-enabled storytelling and virtual reality runways on digital avatars, paving the way for cross-continental virtual fashion presentations.   

Tom Porter, Country Director, British Council Kenya, said, ‘The inclusion of our Creative DNA designers in Africa Fashion Week London, as part of the UK/Kenya Season 2025, highlights the strength of cultural collaboration between our two countries. This bilateral connection creates meaningful opportunities for Kenyan talent to engage globally, gain new perspectives, and build lasting networks. It’s a powerful example of how UK–Kenya partnerships can drive creative and economic impact across borders.’ 

The engagement reflects the British Council’s ongoing commitment to placing creativity, cultural exchange, and enterprise at the centre of inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa and the UK.  

Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Founder of Africa Fashion Week London, emphasised that, ‘This partnership with the British Council represents a bold step forward in our mission to elevate African fashion on the global stage. By showcasing these visionary designers in London, we’re not only celebrating their talents but also forging deeper cross-cultural connections within the global fashion ecosystem.’ 

Ahead of the upcoming AFRIMA 2025 Adjudication Process, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in partnership with the African Union has appointed new music experts to join its International Jury panel, even as excitement continues to build toward this year’s edition of the continent’s biggest music event.

The three new Jury members are: Marwane Fachane who represents Morocco (Northern Africa), Asma Lucy Ilado from Kenya (Eastern Africa), and Messie Mboukou sitting in for Congo Brazzaville (Central Africa).

Their appointment is in line with the operational model of the Jury structure as part of AFRIMA’s effort to make sure that the judging process remains professional, fair, and reflects Africa’s rich cultural diversity.

Fachabe, Ilado, and Mboukou bring years of experience in music, culture, and youth development to their role on the 14-Man AFRIMA Jury.

They will help choose the best musical talents from across Africa and the diaspora, ensuring that only the most deserving artists are nominated and awarded.

Marwane Fachane, Executive Director of the Hiba Foundation, leads the people and strategy at one of Morocco’s top creative and cultural organisations.

The Foundation supports young people in the creative industry and helps them build careers in music, film, and other art forms. Speaking about his new role, Fachane said, “I’m honoured to be part of AFRIMA’s jury.

This platform is key to celebrating African talent and showing the world what our continent can offer.” He also noted that African creativity is growing fast and deserves to be supported and promoted on global platforms.

Young and vibrant, Messie Mboukou is a well-known executive in music communication, events, and digital media, and has supported several African artistes in the diaspora and on the continent through his France-based consulting agency.

He has also helped organise over 1,000 events around the world.

Mboukou said, “It’s a privilege to be part of AFRIMA. I believe Africa’s greatest wealth is in its youth and culture. If we support young talent and work together, the future will be even brighter.” He promised to contribute to a fair judging process that strengthens the beauty of African music.

Asma Lucy Ilado, a respected journalist and cultural development consultant, also labels herself as a culture advocate.

In her remarks upon her appointment, Ilado paid glowing tributes to former AFRIMA Juror and fellow Kenyan, the legendary producer Tabu Osusa. She also paid tributes to the late Ghanaian Music Executive, Rab Bakari, who served on the AFRIMA Jury (2014-2016). Ilado stated she was looking forward excitedly to discovering new voices and talents across the continent during the Adjudication Process.

It is her belief that ‘although African music is full of energy and promise, more investment is still needed in key areas like distribution, production, training, and rights protection’.

The Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC  (KenGen), has commissioned a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to supply  uninterrupted renewable power to its modular data center, marking a new frontier in Kenya’s long-term green energy strategy. 

As Kenya accelerates its adoption of clean technologies, KenGen’s investment in battery  storage positions the state utility at the forefront of Africa’s energy transition, merging  legacy infrastructure with next-generation solutions to meet emerging national and  rregional needs. 

The newly installed 1.16 megawatt-hour (MWh) BESS will serve the company’s 52 kilowatt Modular Data Center (MDC) at its head offices in Nairobi, a facility comprising 356 U-spaces, purpose-built to support KenGen’s growing digital infrastructure.

The storage system is designed to guarantee stable electricity even during periods of low  grid demand, underscoring the role of battery technology in enhancing energy  resilience. 

The launch is a cornerstone of KenGen’s Good to Great (G2G) 2034 strategic blueprint,  which targets the rollout of 500MWh of energy storage capacity over the next decade. 

“This commissioning marks a crucial step in our journey toward a low-carbon, digitally  resilient future,” said Eng. Peter Njenga, KenGen’s Managing Director and CEO during the ceremony at the company’s Nairobi headquarters.

“By integrating battery storage into our data infrastructure, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also showcasing how energy utilities can lead in sustainable innovation.” 

The MDC and accompanying storage system represent a shift in how energy producers  support the country’s digital transformation and energy security.

The facility is expected to serve internal operations while providing a model for how utilities can use  renewable storage to meet rising computing and connectivity demands. 

KenGen executives emphasized that the BESS offers multiple advantages, including improved grid stability, energy independence, cost efficiencies, and seamless backup  capabilities. 

"This initiative is more than a technological upgrade,” Eng. Njenga added. “It is a  commitment to Kenya’s green transition and to ensuring that our digital economy is powered by sustainable, reliable energy.” 

Bungoma Media FC emerged victorious in the Safaricom 5-Aside Greater Western Regional Tournament after beating Kakamega A FC 3-2 in a thrilling showdown held on Sunday at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

For their efforts, Bungoma Media FC walked away with the tournament’s top prize of KES 50,000, while Kakamega A FC, the runners-up, earned KES 30,000. Both teams also received exciting giveaways including power banks and shopping vouchers.

The tournament was part of Safaricom’s regional media engagement initiative and also served as a curtain-raiser for the M-PESA Sokoni Caravan Tour in the Greater Western region, which kicks off today in Migori.

The week-long activation is part of M-PESA @ 18 celebrations, meant to delight customers while giving back to the communities for their continued support.

“This was an excellent engagement and networking platform, full of fun and excitement. As journalists from this region, we truly appreciate what Safaricom has done by bringing together media teams from across the Greater Western region. We encourage them to continue with this initiative and even expand it further to have a national tournament for the journalists,” said Mourice Alal, a journalist from Kisumu.

The tournament brought together fourteen media teams from across the region, including Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga, and Kisumu counties.

This week, Safaricom has organised numerous customer engagement initiatives in the region geared towards capacity building, business growth and community empowerment.

These include Safaricom Safire Connect - bringing together farmers, Agri-entrepreneurs, and stakeholders for a day of learning, empowerment, and networking, Safaricom Hook- A two-day event that aims to empower the youth in the areas of financial literacy, tech-forward upskilling, career readiness and culture as a form of expression and income for the youth, Grow with Safaricom Business – targeting Large, Medium and Small businesses with innovative tools and credit facilities to enable them unlock growth opportunities and thrive in today's digital world. Others include, Wezesha Mama, M-PESA Agents Awards and customer delights through a road caravan.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called for a national paradigm shift and for the country to engage in a conversation with the youth.

Mudavadi observed that the young people at the age of 35 years and below were over 35 million, which is about 75 percent of Kenya's population, and that called for robust engagement with them and their involvement in the decision-making.

Speaking during a fundraising dinner hosted by the A-Kili Foundation in Nairobi, Mudavadi said the shift should be on how the country approaches youth empowerment, and advocating for intellectual investment as the most sustainable tool for building Kenya’s future.

He rallied support for initiatives focused on equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to transform not only their own lives but also the communities around them.

"Let us embrace the journey ahead with courage, compassion, and a shared commitment to the Foundation’s mission,” Mudavadi, also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said.

Mudavadi urged fellow politicians and leaders to change how they engage with the youth, saying the biggest challenge in national discourse is the lack of respectful and inclusive communication.

"We, the politicians, are the biggest culprits. We have been talking down to young people instead of engaging them in meaningful conversations,” he said.

He called for a more deliberate effort to listen to the youth and include them in decision-making processes, rather than merely lecturing or sidelining them.

To affirm the capability of young people, the PCS cited several examples from history. He mentioned William Pitt, who became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at the age of 24, and Jesus Christ, who lived and spread the gospel before he died at 33.

"I became a Cabinet Minister at 28, and Minister for Finance at 33. I think I can exercise some bragging rights, I was at the centre of opening and liberalising the economy of this country. Many of the benefits we enjoy today, including services like Safaricom, emerged from those reforms,” he said.

Mudavadi noted that the time had come for Kenya to recognize its youth not merely as dependents but as strategic assets who must be nurtured and entrusted with national development.

"Let us change the narrative. Let us stop portraying young people as a problem. They are the solution. They will be the ones to define and build Kenya’s future,” he said.

Recalling his earlier years in public life, the Premier shared an encounter with a former Member of Parliament from Aldai Constituency, whom he described as one of the towering political figures of his youth. He narrated how, during a harambee event, the MP introduced a new concept called “BSS,” the Brain Settlement Scheme.

“He told us, land is becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. At independence, there were settlement schemes that allowed families to move and acquire land. But today, the only viable settlement scheme for young people is BSS,” said Mudavadi.

He elaborated that this scheme, unlike land, is in unlimited supply, affordable, can be distributed democratically, and is free of tax. Most importantly, it offers every young person an opportunity to succeed through intellectual effort and personal initiative.

“If you fail to plough, you cannot blame the hoe. To me, that’s what the A-Kili Foundation is doing in empowering young people to till their minds and move forward,” he said.

He, however, cautioned the youth against the growing misuse of digital platforms and emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, warning that they are increasingly being used to distort reality and mislead the youth.

"There are hard truths we must confront. Artificial Intelligence is now being used to spread falsehoods and manipulate facts. Let us not fall into the trap of allowing our youth to be swayed by lies or illusions,” he said.

Mudavadi also warned against attempts to glorify violence or militarism as a form of alternative leadership.

"Let us not mislead our young people into believing that someone with a pistol around their waist is providing better leadership. That path leads to instability,” he said.

He stressed that despite its imperfections, civilian and constitutional governance is always superior to military regimes. He reminded the audience that Kenya’s Constitution, passed by 70 percent of voters in a national referendum, guarantees regular elections and orderly governance.

"With civilian government, you can predict when elections will be held. That predictability is the strength of democracy. Let us protect our Constitution, reform our institutions, and strengthen them to serve the people more effectively,” he said.

Mudavadi noted that the collapse of public institutions poses the greatest threat to any nation, and urged Kenyans to work towards institutional accountability, transparency, and reform, not abandonment.

The fundraising dinner, organised by the A-Kili Foundation, brought together a cross-section of national and county leaders, development partners, civil society organisations, and private sector players committed to youth development and social innovation.

Mudavadi encouraged Kenyans to support such initiatives and avoid complacency in the face of growing social and economic challenges facing the youth.

"Take a deep breath, take one step backward, and then move forward. But let us never allow ourselves to create the wrong perception or lose direction,” he said.

He expressed his appreciation to the Akili Foundation for its impactful work since 2011, and to all who contributed, not just through pledges, but through a heartfelt commitment to real change.

"A special word of gratitude to Dr. Hosea Kili, Founder, Chairman, and Trustee of the Foundation, whose unwavering dedication to philanthropy has been transformative.

Alongside his wife, Mama Secilia, Dr. Kili has led countless initiatives that continue to touch lives across our nation, with passion, resolve, and an enduring Since its establishment, the A-Kili Foundation has reached over 5,000 young people across Kenya through structured mentorship programmes, digital skills training, entrepreneurship incubation, and community leadership development.

The Foundation continues to expand its partnerships and programmes, with a vision to create a generation of conscious, capable, and future-ready citizens.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula says Kenya must be stabilized economically including through diaspora forex exchange.

Speaking today during the Women Empowerment forum at the Nyamache grounds organized by the County Women MP, Dorice Donya in Kisii County, the Speaker cautioned Kenyans living and working abroad especially those in the U. S. A to reject malice advice from visionless leaders.

Speaker Wetangula said individuals asking Kenyans living abroad not to build their country had lost direction.

"Kenya is home and the money received from abroad in dollars is used to stabilize the economy through foreign exchange. The Kisii people mean business and this is clear from what our Sons and Daughters abroad have done at home."

He said Gusii region is richly blessed with fertile lands and consistent rainfall making it ideal for banana, avocado, sugarcane farming among other crops.

"Some of these farming and businesses thrive because of what families receive from the Diaspora. The start-up capital for most of the activities here is from our children living in different Countries abroad."

He assured the residents of Kisii County that Tea Bonuses will be reviewed to reflect other regions. "What goes out into the market is a mirror of what Kenya produces. No region should be discriminated when it comes to earnings."

Wetangula commended the leadership in the county who have ensured that the Abagusii Community has a presence in each and every sector of the Economy; right from transport, Agriculture and housing.

"Together we join hands to build our great nation, Kenya."

The Speaker was accompanied by several national and local leaders who are equally committed to advancing the empowerment agenda and supporting grassroots development initiatives.

Host Kisii Woman Rep Dorice Donya said the idea to empower Kenyans through structured groups is part of the Bottomo Up Economic Economy that the Kenya Kwanza Government promise Kenyans.

"The idea is unstoppable, we are not giving you money to go share amongst yourself. Use it to empower yourself collectively."

National Assembly Chief Whip Slyvanous Osoro said the Country is headed to the right direction.

"I will continue to speak my mind. We stand to gain as a community when we support those other political groupings." he noted.

Kericho Senator Aron Cheruyoit has rallied on the Gusii Community to join other Kenyans in the development of the Nation saying there are those who have mastered the art of political wave in every general election.

"There are those whose interest is to support one of you just to get elected. No single tribal in this Country can win an election. We need to form partnerships if indeed our aim is to offer good leadership."noted Hon. Aaron.

Migori Senator Eddy Oketch called on Kenyans to shun tribal leaders. "We must call out on those leaders whose main agenda is to polarize this on tribal outfits."

Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi says the Country is ripe for politics anchored on ideas and not rhetoric.

"The Kenya Kwanza leadership has done what its leadership had promised. Am sure President William Ruto is determined to deliver the Government agenda."

The Speaker emphasized that Kenya must be built through unity and not hatred and tribal alignments.

He said that leaders are determined to move across the country to uplift business terming them the backbone of the Kenyan economy.