Car & General, one of East Africa’s leading suppliers of power equipment, automotive, and engineering products, has announced a strategic partnership with NCBA.

This marks a significant milestone in NBCA’s mission to deliver innovative and customer-centric asset finance solutions to the Kenyan market.

Customers will now have access of up to 90 per cent financing, with flexible repayment terms of up to 60 months.

Additionally, any individual purchasing an asset will benefit from a 60-day grace period after the equipment is released, allowing them to use the equipment without making payments.

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony, NCBA Group Director Asset Finance and Business Solutions, Mr. Lennox Mugambi, said, “In today’s highly competitive asset finance landscape, customers have access to a wide range of options. "

Adding" As Kenya's leading asset finance provider, what sets NCBA apart is not just the availability of financing, but the quality partnerships, ease of access and customer-focused competitive financial solutions.”

Kenya’s plant and machinery sector has witnessed robust growth, driven by expanding construction, agribusiness, transport, and manufacturing industries.

Recent data indicates a surge in demand for equipment, with the sector expected to grow by over 10% annually as businesses modernize and scale operations.

However, many SMEs and commercial enterprises face significant barriers in accessing affordable financing due to high upfront costs and stringent collateral requirements.

“The construction sector is under pressure, with cement output falling from 9.19 million tonnes in 2023 to 8.5 million tonnes in 2024, and credit to the sector falling from KES 602.7 billion to KES 528 billion," noted Mr. Mugambi.

"But approved private building plans value in Nairobi rose to KES 221.6 billion in 2024, from KES 220 billion; showing investor appetite is strong. Our collaboration to fund construction equipment is well-timed, offering developers and contractors more convenient access to up-to-date equipment to maintain pace even under tightening conditions."

For SMEs and commercial businesses, which form the backbone of Kenya’s economy, the partnership means improved access to critical tools needed for growth and competitiveness.

Many of these businesses have struggled with limited access to traditional loans, often hindered by complex documentation and high collateral demands.

By requiring no additional collateral beyond the equipment itself, this partnership removes a major barrier, making asset acquisition more accessible and affordable.

This collaboration reaffirms the continued commitment of both NCBA and Car & General to enable individuals and businesses across Kenya to access the tools they need to thrive, grow and remain resilient in an increasingly competitive market.

Rap powerhouse Femi One has just dropped her latest single titled “Valentina Shevchenko”, a raw, unfiltered hip hop anthem that cements her place at the top of the game.

Named after the legendary UFC fighter, the track is an ode to grit, fearlessness, and dominance qualities Femi One lives and breathes.

From the opening bar, “Valentina Shevchenko” pulls no punches.

It is a reminder to fans and critics alike that Femi does not settle -not for mediocrity, not for industry politics, and certainly not for silence.

The beat is grimy, the flow is relentless, and the message is clear! 

“Rap and raw hip-hop has always been my arena,” says Femi One. “This track is a statement that I have never been here to play it safe. I am here to dominate.”

Fresh off the momentum of major performances and high profile collaborations, “Valentina Shevchenko” marks a return to Femi’s gritty roots ,reminding us why she is the voice of multiple generations and a fierce standard bearer for African hip hop.

Studio Can-V has officially launched its first portable music hub in Nairobi, transforming once-derelict shipping containers into a cool fully equipped creative playground for Kenya’s next generation of DJs and music makers.

Designed and founded by Kenyan DJ, architect and sustainable design advocate Jesse Mwenda, the brand-new Studio Can-V has opened its doors at the Kuona Artists Collective.

The launch event, held on July 2, 2025, celebrated the unveiling of Studio Can-V’s first studio project—made possible with support from Jägermeister’s global Save the Night Fund.

The event gathered leading figures from Kenya’s nightlife community, Kenyan Feierstarters campus ambassadors, local Meisters, Meera Karia - Director Business Development from distributor Viva Global,  media partners and the Jägermeister global team including Kai Deschling (Jägermeister Director Global Experiential and Culture Marketing), Lewis Jones (Jägermeister Vice President Middle East & Africa) and Kea Kleihauer (Jägermeister Global).

Jesse started out as a DJ who spun his very first set at Nairobi’s Carnivore aged just 14. In 2023 Jesse’s concept won a €50,000 grant from Jägermeister’s global Save the Night Fund, beating hundreds of submissions worldwide.

The result is Studio Can-V—a modular container-studio fitted with turntables, mixers, streaming cameras and acoustic treatment.

By day, it functions as a classroom and rehearsal pod; by night it morphs into an intimate showcase venue with sessions that will be streamed and archived on YouTube and social media, building a living library and a showcase of Kenyan DJ talent.

Speaking at the launch event, Jesse said, “Today is a beautiful collision of many things. It’s the launch of a dream I have been nurturing for a long time and a vision born from my love for architecture, music and sustainable design. That vision comes to life in the form of Studio One.”

Inspired by his own circumstances and past experience, Jesse says, “Back then I had to borrow gear and sneak into a friend’s house to practice.When conceptualizing Studio Can-V, I thought about what support I needed back then and  Studio Can-V is my answer to that struggle: a space where anyone, regardless of background, can learn, rehearse and share their sound with the world.”

Speaking at the Studio Can-V launch event, Kea Kleihauer, Global Culture & Experiential Manager at Jägermeister said, “No matter what you want to do, it’s important to have people like Jesse who make it possible for everyone to take part and feel included. That’s what Safe Zone is all about: bringing people together, creating night spaces where everyone can have fun, enjoy their night out and feel a true sense of connection. It’s such a beautiful thing and we are genuinely happy that we all get to share this moment together.”

Studio Can-V is not a one studio project but looks at sustainability and longevity among its core values, Jesse states.

The first studio launch is poised to respond to DJs needs and will offer DJ lessons and livestream sets. Jesse confirms that studio 2, set to launch later this year, will be geared towards production for music producers and sound-engineers.

Jesse concludes, “From safety to sustainability, nightlife is under pressure everywhere but young Kenyans still need stages and Studio Can-V puts those stages back in their hands, free of charge, as a non-profit,” adding, “Thanks to the support of Jägermeister Save the Night Fund, we’re recycling containers to recycle opportunities.”

The Port of Lamu is steadily emerging as a key maritime gateway, attracting a growing number of vessels and building confidence among international shipping lines.

The latest vessel to dock at the port s the CMA CGM ship MV Ubena, which arrived on a maiden voyage from Mombasa.

The vessel is offloading 860 full containers, set to be transferred to the Onego Buran for transshipment to Zanzibar.

CMA CGM East Africa Managing Director Naveen Prabhu and the newly appointed Lamu Port General Manager Captain Abdulaziz Mzee were at the berth to receive the ship.

"Their meeting signaled continued interest by CMA CGM in making Lamu a regular stop." reads a statement from KPA.

"With its strategic location, Lamu is drawing attention from global carriers eager to tap into regional trade routes."

Captain Abdulaziz said efforts are underway to enhance operations and address any challenges, underscoring KPA’s focus on keeping the port efficient. Later this week, MV Mahmoud is expected to dock to load livestock exports, to the middle East adding to the port’s growing activity.

Erick Sangoro has been installed as the President of the Rotary Club of Nairobi Langata for 2025/2026 period on June 28, 2025, succeeding Serah Njoroge who has held the office for the 2024/25 period. Erick Sangoro is the Managing Director of Cummins C&G Limited.

Speaking at the event, Erick Sangoro said, “I re-affirm my dedication to leading impactful community initiatives in line with Rotary’s values, while also continuing to drive Car & General’s mission of making customers smile through initiatives that empower lives. Rotary Club of Nairobi Langata is one of Kenya’s most vibrant and impactful Rotary clubs.”

The Rotary Club implements impact service projects in education, youth empowerment and health among others achieved through the provision of clean water, promotion of basic education and eradication of polio in partnership with local and international organizations. It is a global humanitarian organization that brings together people of action who are committed to creating lasting change in their communities, across the world and among themselves.

Car & General is a diversified distributor of TVS motorcycles, Piaggio three wheelers, Kubota tractors, Toyota forklifts, Cummins generators, Develon earthmovers among other equipment in East Africa. Car & General was the pioneered the use of two and three wheelers as taxis in Kenya over two decades ago.

Communities in Kilifi County today received over KSh 60 million in compensation for losses linked to human–wildlife conflict, marking a significant step in restoring trust and dignity among the affected families. 

This was payment from 2014 to October 2020, clearing part payments for human deaths. In the meantime, the government is committed to clearing all pending compensation claims. 

Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano, accompanied by KWS Board of Trustees Chairman Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Walter Raria Koipaton and KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga, led the cheque issuance ceremony in Marafa.

Also present were Kilifi Deputy Governor Hon. Florah Mbetsa, Woman Representative Hon. Gertrude Mbeyu, National Assembly Deputy Leader of Majority and Kilifi North MP Hon Owen Baya, other Kilifi County Members of Parliament, MCAs, and national government officers led by the Kilifi County Commissioner Josephat Biwot.  

CS Miano stressed that compensation is a constitutional right under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, not a favour.

She stressed the government’s resolve to translate policy into tangible benefits for citizens, highlighting more than 1,300 human–wildlife conflict cases reported in Kilifi since 2021.

Nationwide, the current administration has already disbursed KSh 2.8 billion in compensation, with an additional KSh 1.36 billion under processing — a demonstration of sustained government goodwill to ease the burden on affected communities.

Beyond compensation, she outlined a six-pillar prevention strategy, including corridor fencing, modern early warning systems, and enhanced ranger presence, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to community upliftment through Corporate Social Investment projects such as building classrooms, distributing water tanks, and supporting local development.

KWS Board Chairman Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Koipaton reinforced the Board’s pledge to guide KWS towards becoming a more community-oriented, solution-driven institution anchored in transparency, partnership, and innovation.

He assured the community that the Board is actively engaged in reviewing and supporting stronger measures to protect both people and wildlife, adding that inclusive, people-led conservation remains central to KWS’s mission.

Prof. Kanga acknowledged the hardship caused by recurring wildlife incursions in Ganze, Magarini, and Vitengeni, pledging KWS’s unwavering commitment to protect communities while conserving Kenya’s natural heritage. 

He confirmed the deployment of a fully equipped Problem Animal Management Unit (PAMU) in Kilifi to improve rapid response and reduce fear among residents.

These interventions, anchored in the KWS Strategic Plan 2024–2028 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, reflect a shared vision: a future where communities and wildlife not only coexist, but flourish together in safety, harmony, and mutual benefit.

The Kenya Ports Authority has completed construction of the Shimoni fish port.

The completion of the Sh2.6 Billion project marks a significant milestone in the efforts to harness the potential of the Blue Economy.

The modern port dedicated solely to fish production, processing and value addition will transform the local economy, increasing opportunities for the exportation of the finished products to the region as well as local consumption.

Key infrastructure under the project includes a jetty measuring 75-meter by 30-meter and a 135-meter causeway capable of berthing two fishing vessels simultaneously.

Additional critical facilities at the port include a dedicated fish processing plant, cold storage units, reefer stations, a power substation, an ice-making plant, a bio-digester, and wastewater management system.

"The Shimoni Fish Port is poised to transform the region’s fishing industry by improving efficiency, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating new economic opportunities." reads a statement from KPA.

Speaking during an earlier tour of the project, to assess the construction progress, KPA Managing Director noted that the project underscores government’s commitment to improving livelihoods in the Shimoni community and the surrounding region. 

“This project is a testament to the government's dedication to ensuring that the coastal communities benefit directly from marine resources,” Capt. Ruto said.

George Rubiri has been elected the Chairperson of the Motorcycle Sub-sector of the Kenya Manufacturers Association (KAM).

He succeeds Alvin Mageto, former Director at Kibo Africa Limited, who has held the position since 2021. George Rubiri is the General Manager of Car & General (Trading) Limited.

The Chairperson of the sub-sector serves of voluntary terms for two years, as may serve for a further two years if re-elected. Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of KAM, Tobias Alando said, “Key to success will be offering strategic leadership to the sector. George will annually review the sector’s performance and reporting it to the Board through the Secretariat. He will also represent the sector in various forums and escalate any relevant issues to the advisory committee for final arbitration when needed.”

Established in 1959 as a private sector body, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has evolved into a dynamic, vibrant, credible and respected business association that unites industrialists and offers a common voice for businesses.

In his acceptance speech, George Rubiri said, “First, I want to thank Alvin Mageto for his dedication and commitment during his tenure. I believe I will fit in his shoes and move the sector forward. The motorcycle industry is very important to the Kenyan economy and cannot be wished away. We will work as a team and ensure it plays its vital role.”

Car & General is a diversified distributor of TVS motorcycles, Piaggio three wheelers, Kubota tractors, Toyota forklifts, Cummins generators, Develon earthmovers among other equipment in East Africa. Car & General was the pioneered the use of two and three wheelers as taxis in Kenya over two decades ago.

By Wojtek Piorko, Managing Director, Africa at Vertiv

Kenya is entering a new digital era, one defined by accelerated connectivity, data growth and the move towards artificial intelligence (AI).

But to fully make use of these opportunities, the country must address the infrastructure demands driving tomorrow’s digital economy.

Across Africa - and notably in Kenya - connectivity has surged. The country is home to some of the continent’s fastest-growing mobile and internet penetration rates, and with 4G already dominant, 5G is poised to accelerate that trajectory.

The Communications Authority of Kenya’s (CA) recently released quarterly Sector Statistics report covering July to September 2024 that stated that the country’s mobile data subscriptions grew to a record 53.7 million by the end of the quarter, with 4G constituting 58.1 percent. It noted that the adoption of 4G and 5G technologies has continued to grow, mainly driven by the growing demand for high-speed Internet for activities such as streaming, online learning, remote work, and e-commerce.

In addition, the CA’s report said that the total data/Internet subscriptions rose by 4.9 percent to 1.57 million from 1.50 million recorded as of the end of June 2024.

Satellite Internet subscriptions also recorded a significant increase of 104.7 percent during the reference period.

The evolution of networks, however, is only part of the story. Kenya’s digital potential now hinges on the infrastructure that supports data-intensive applications like artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing.

According to some analysts, data centre capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to triple between 2021 and 2026, with Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria contributing the lion’s share.

For Kenya, the focus goes beyond capacity and extends to readiness. The rise of AI workloads brings with it unparalleled demands on power, cooling and data throughput.

Data centres are now expected to handle unprecedented power densities. All of these factors contribute to traditional IT setups no longer sufficing.

Kenyan enterprises, telcos and service providers must now prepare for higher rack densities, hybrid energy models and real-time compute at the edge.

With AI workloads pushing beyond 80kW per rack in some environments, next-generation data centre architecture, featuring liquid cooling, battery energy storage and modular scalability, is essential.

At the same time, sustainability isn’t optional. As energy efficiency becomes a global priority, operators in Kenya face several pressures: supporting growing digital demand while keeping environmental footprints low and combatting power grid constraints. 

All-in- solutions like VertivTM 360AI, fast-deployable prefab builds, battery energy storage systems (BESS), liquid cooling and hybrid solar-power integration can help strike that balance, especially in a region where grid reliability varies.

With many reference sites in eastern Africa, where these solutions have been successfully installed and support local businesses, Vertiv is the first choice of providers for many regional and global customers.

Liquid cooling and hybrid solar-power integration can help strike that balance, especially in a region where grid reliability varies.

With many reference sites in eastern Africa, where these solutions have been successfully installed and support local businesses, Vertiv is the first choice of providers for many regional and global customers. 

Vertiv’s approach, which is backed by global R&D, local expertise and a broad portfolio of edge-to-core solutions, is designed to help Kenyan organisations navigate this journey.

The organisation’s Kenyan office serves not only as a sales hub, but also provides comprehensive technical and service support, as well as access to a Customer Experience Centre offering pre-sales, sales and service certification training.

The road to 2030 is digital, intelligent and interconnected. Let’s ensure Kenya is ready.