Safaricom PLC has once again cemented its position as a leading force in the continent’s brand landscape, after it was named the Most Admired Brand in Africa at the 2025 Annual Brand Africa Awards.

Established in 2010, Brand Africa set to inspire a brand-led African renaissance to drive Africa’s competitiveness.

The awards initiative uses research and consumer surveys to rank and celebrate leading brands in Africa.

The telco has won the award for the second consecutive year while also bagging four different awards in other categories underscoring its leadership in mobile money, internet services and voice and data communications.

The awards include:

1. Most Admired African Brand,
2. Most Admired Brand – Telecommunications,
3. Most Admired African Brand – Contributing to a Better Africa,
4. Most Admired African Brand – Doing Good for Society and the Environment and
5. Grand Prix Winner - For exceptional purpose led brand excellence and steadfast commitment to sustainability, social impact and building better Africa.

“These awards are a true reflection of what Safaricom stands for, putting purpose at the heart of everything we do. From transforming lives through technology to championing sustainability and empowering communities, we are proud to be part of Africa’s journey toward shared prosperity. " said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CBS, CEO, Safaricom PLC.

Adding "We dedicate this recognition to our customers, employees and partners who continue to inspire our mission every day and for the last 25 years,” 

The 2025 Brand Africa Awards come as Safaricom celebrates its 25th anniversary.

This milestone year underscores its unwavering commitment to innovation, customer obsession and building a more inclusive digital future for Africa.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) over the weekend busted an illegal LPG refilling plant in the Majengo area of Mombasa County.

According to EPRA, the facility which has now been shut down was found refilling and rebranding LPG cylinders from multiple licensed brands owners without the written consent from the rightful owners in violation of Section 99(1)(m) of the Petroleum Act, CAP 308

"Our ever-alert Surveillance and Enforcement team from the Coastal region over the weekend busted an illegal LPG refilling plant in the Majengo area of Mombasa County. The raid was coordinated by our Coast Regional Manager Mr. Francis Keri in collaboration with officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the National Police Service (NPS), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA)." reads a statement from EPRA.

Adding "Investigations also revealed that the facility had gone a step further by tampering with brand identities by removing valves, defacing cylinders, and altering logos. These actions breach Regulation 15 of the Petroleum (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Regulations, 2019, and pose serious safety risks."

Cummins C&G Limited organized a training dubbed ‘Cummins Power Train Kenya Symposium’ on Friday, June 20, 2025.

The training, conducted by a team from Cummins Africa and Middle East PowerGen specialised technical leaders, was meant for engineers and consultants from the entire East African region.

The attendees included the Cummins C&G appropriate staff and key clients, including banks, data centres and oil companies, consulting engineers and service teams. 

The training offered valuable knowledge on how to handle the Cummins equipment from generator set settings and transient performance, genset paralleling, installation layout and design, data center power systems design considerations, alternator and generator acoustic closures.

The Power Train Kenya Symposium was also used to introduce BESS, Battery Energy Storage System that stores excess energy generated during periods of low demand and released during demand periods.

Speaking after the symposium, Erick Sangoro, the Cummins C&G Managing Director said, “This is very important to us. BESS, apart from enhancing energy efficiency, it also improves the stability and reliability of the grid.”

Car & General became a distributor of Cummins products in 2007. In 2017, Cummins C&G was formed as a 50:50 joint venture between C&G and Cummins Inc.

In 2023, Car & General bought back the Cummins Inc shares and fully acquired Cummins CG from the joint venture.

It is now owned 100% by C&G and is the Cummins distributor for generators, engines and power solutions in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Somalia.

Car & General is a diversified distributor of Cummins generators, TVS motorcycles, Piaggio three wheelers, Kubota tractors, Toyota forklifts, Develon earthmovers among other equipment in East Africa. 

Car & General held its 85th Annual General Meeting on Thursday, June 19, 2025 for the year ending 31 December 2024.

During the virtual meeting, shareholders approved the recommended dividend of Shs 64,165,293 which is equal to Shs 0.80 per share.

Shareholders approved the retirement of Madabhushi Soundararajan as a member of the Board. Soundararajan joined the Board in 2008.

They also approved the appointment of Nikhil Rustam Hira as an Independent Non-Executive Director. 

Car & General saw various challenges during the period due to constraints in the Kenyan market, especially the boda boda business. Operational sustainability was achieved by the company’s transition to other business lines.

As a result, turnover for the twelve-month period ending 31 December 2024 was Shs 21 billion against Shs 27 billion achieved in the fifteen-month period ending 31 December 2023 compared to Shs 2.1 billion in prior year.

EBITDA (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) was Shs 1.5 billon and the Group made a profit before tax of Shs 526 million against a loss of Kshs 273 million in the previous year.

The Company believes that uncertainty will persist in 2025 given the challenging global geo-politics although East Africa will see less turbulence.

Speaking after the AGM, Car & General CEO said, “Key to success will be maintaining strict fundamentals in terms of higher efficiency levels in all areas of business, maintaining market share in core products and achieving productivity across all business."

Adding "We have a balanced business with five distinct business lines; automotive and equipment distribution, real estate investment, financial services, poultry and helmet manufacturing. This diversity, coupled with a broader geographical reach is the backbone of our sustainability.”

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.

This past Saturday, award-winning rapper and philanthropist Femi One visited Kiambu Men’s Prison as part of the Kiambu Edition of her One For One Foundation’s Men’s Mental Health Month campaign.

The event, held within the correctional facility, brought together inmates, officers, and guests for an afternoon focused on mental health awareness, dignity, and brotherhood.

Femi One spent time engaging with the inmates, encouraging them to open up about their struggles and reminding them that healing is possible,even behind bars.

“It was an emotional and powerful experience,” Femi One shared. “Our men are carrying so much silently. This month is about reminding them that their pain is valid, their healing is important, and that as a society, we see them.”

A highlight of the day was the crowning of Mr. Kiambu, where inmates showcased their talents, leadership, and confidence. Femi One, who had the honor of crowning the winner, emphasized the importance of self-expression and second chances.

She also gave a heartfelt talk to the guests and inmates, focusing on the need for mental wellness support among men and the role of community in reducing stigma around mental health.

The visit is part of the One For One Foundation’s ongoing mission to create safe spaces and platforms for underrepresented communities; particularly youth and men in overlooked environments-to be seen, heard, and supported.

Development partners have been urged to enhance their support for female legislators to strengthen their advocacy for women’s land rights and climate resilience.

Nominated Member of Parliament, Sabina Chege  acknowledged the support already extended to women leaders but called for greater investment to build their capacity.

“We appreciate and value the support of development partners who work with lawmakers, but more can be done to better equip female legislators to fight for women’s land rights,” said Hon. Chege.

She made the remarks during a high-level National Dialogue on Gender, Land, and Climate Resilience, convened by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), where she represented National Assembly Deputy Speaker Hon. Gladys Boss.  

“As female lawmakers, we are better placed to spearhead the land equality campaign, since it affects us directly and those we represent,” she added.

IGAD’s Head of Mission to Kenya, Dr. Fatouma Aden, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to empowering women in land governance and climate action.

"I wish to reaffirm IGAD’s unwavering commitment to building women’s leadership on land and climate justice, guided by the vision of our Executive Secretary and the work of the Land Governance Programme. Together, we must continue shaping a more equitable and climate-resilient IGAD region,” said Dr. Aden.

The two-day forum which started today was organised by IGAD in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the State Department of Gender, among others. 

Members of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) participated in the event, including Hon. Phylis Bartoo (Moiben), Hon. Lilian Gogo (Rangwe), Hon. Janet Sitienei (Turbo), and Hon. Fatuma Jehow (Wajir).

The legislators emphasized the importance of leveraging on the voice and leadership of female parliamentarians to drive the women’s land rights and climate resilience agenda.

Innovative, AI-driven technology brand TECNO announced extension of its partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), becoming the Official Global Partner of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 and TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, KE- UG - TA 2027, to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

This strengthened alliance brings TECNO’s bold “Stop at Nothing” spirit to millions of fans across the continent. The announcement follows TECNO’s successful involvement as the exclusive smartphone sponsor of the 2023 tournament.

The Vice President of Transsion Holdings, Benjamin Jiang said: “This renewed partnership is a testament to the deep trust and shared success we’ve built with CAF. In our previous collaboration, we witnessed how football ignited passion and inspired dreams, and how AI-powered smart technologies became powerful tools to connect and empower millions across Africa. "

Adding "That’s why this partnership goes beyond the game, it stands as a symbol of ambition and a platform where young people can shine, united by an unstoppable spirit of progress. It reflects our shared vision of harnessing AI-driven innovation to shape a brighter future for Africa. This renewed collaboration marks a significant milestone in TECNO’s journey forward.”

In addition, TECNO will continue its Dream on the Field Renovation Campaign in cooperation with CAF, launched in 2024. The philanthropic initiative aims to bring more empowerment to African football through technology and to foster youth engagement by improving access to quality playing fields in underserved communities, reflecting TECNO’s enduring “Stop at Nothing” ethos.

Véron Mosengo-Omba, CAF General Secretary, said: “ As the highest-profile football tournament on the continent, the Africa Cup of Nations symbolizes passion and the achievement of life-long dreams, resonating with young people’s hope for the future and spirit of exploration. Deepening this partnership will help to ensure that AFCON 2025 and 2027 reach new heights of excitement to delight football fans.”

The partnership represents a milestone for TECNO in further strengthening its emotional bond with younger generations by empowering them to achieve more possibilities, building on its position as a leading brand among the entire African continent through its imaging technology, product performance and design aesthetics.

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.