The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Nairobi, in collaboration with AfricaCentric Entertainment, successfully launched Shanga Trails, a new cultural initiative highlighting the unique artistic and historical ties between Czechia and Kenya.

The launch took place on Saturday, 22 November 2025, at The Opportunity Factory in Karen, bringing together Kenyan and Czech partners to celebrate a shared legacy of craftsmanship, creativity and collaboration.

The launch of Shanga Trails brought together cultural leaders, artisans, designers, media, creatives and partners for a celebration of cultural connection, exchange and innovation, featuring artisan showcases and live demonstrations of beadwork, interactive storytelling on the centuries-long history of Czech glass beads in Kenya and East Africa.

Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Kenya, H.E. Mrs. Nicol Adamcová, shared, “Shanga Trails was more than a single event; it marked the beginning of a multi-year journey that celebrates sustainable creativity and deepens cross-cultural exchange between Czechia and Kenya. Through this initiative, we aimed to empower artisan communities, inspire young people to explore design, and promote both cultural and environmental awareness through collaborative art projects, exhibitions, and public installations,” adding, “By bringing together Czech glass artistry and Kenyan design and storytelling, Shanga Trails demonstrated the true strength of cultural diplomacy: the ability of art and creativity to transcend borders, connect people, and nurture shared values.”

The Shanga Trails launch was held in partnership with Raj Ushanga, the official distributors of Czech beads in Kenya and East Africa and a key figure in Kenya’s long-standing relationship with Czech glassmakers, having served as the country’s primary importer of Czech glass beads since 1976, dating back to the era of Czechoslovakia. Renowned glassmakers Anselm Kitengela Glass also joined as partners, installing their beloved decorative pieces at the event.

The event featured a blend of music and fashion. Mr. Judah Onesimus, a gifted Kenyan trumpet player with Chamber Music Kenya and a recent graduate of the Prague Conservatory, delivered a special live performance, symbolising the artistic exchange at the heart of Shanga Trails.

On the fashion front, the event showcased works from two leading Kenyan design houses that embody heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary innovation: Sandstorm Kenya and Studio Namnyak, led by international Kenyan designer Namyak Odupoy. Sandstorm Kenya presented its new line of glass-beaded suede leather bags, created in collaboration with designer Wini Awuondo and skilled beading communities across the country, blending Czech glassmaking tradition with Kenyan artisanal mastery.

Crafted using Czech glass beads supplied by Preciosa Ornela, the collection beautifully blends Czech glassmaking finesse with Kenyan artisanal heritage, paying tribute to tradition, celebrating while elevating craftsmanship. Studio Namnyak showcased new fashion pieces integrating beadwork in thoughtful, modern ways for the conscious consumer.

Guests also enjoyed curated tastings from Kenyan Originals’ Mara Gin and Bila Shaka’s Czech Mates, a collaboration brew developed with Budweiser Budvar, the national brewery of the Czech Republic– a spirited toast to the shared beer-making heritage of both nations.

Shanga Trails will in 2026 present a collaboration with Ol Pejeta Conservancy for the northern white rhino IVF fundraising campaign, adding a powerful conservation dimension to their mission. In the coming months, Shanga Trails will also introduce Shanga Kifaru, a nationwide series of artist- and community-beaded rhino sculptures that will culminate in a September 2026 charity auction in support of the northern white rhino IVF programme.

The unveiling of Sandstorm’s beaded leather collection, the debut of Czech Mates beer and the future launch of the Shanga Kifaru conservation initiative showcased the depth of collaboration between Kenya and the Czech Republic and the power of cultural heritage as a catalyst for creativity, innovation and shared purpose.

For centuries, Czech artisans have been renowned for their mastery of glass beadmaking, shaping tiny jewels with remarkable precision and artistry.

Across Kenya, communities such as the Maasai, Samburu, Turkana, Rendille and others have long used beadwork as a profound cultural language expressing identity, status, beauty, love and continuity. Shanga Trails brought these histories into conversation, tracing the largely forgotten routes through which Czech glass beads travelled across Africa and honouring how Kenyan artisans transformed them into powerful symbols of cultural identity. The project positioned beadwork as more than ornamentation: it became a shared narrative of craftsmanship, migration, creativity, and connection between two nations.

At its core, Shanga Trails honoured traditional knowledge systems while reimagining craft for global audiences. It highlighted the extraordinary journey of a humble bead and its ability to travel across continents, linking cultures in unexpected ways. Through this initiative, the centuries-old Czech tradition of glass beadmaking and Kenya’s rich heritage of bead artistry came together to illuminate a story of cultural dialogue, resilience and shared heritage.

Stanbic Bank Kenya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Premier Solar Solutions Limited to expand access to affordable and reliable solar energy solutions for businesses across the country.

The partnership strengthens the Bank’s renewable energy proposition and supports Kenya’s transition to clean and stable power.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Priscilla Were, Head of Sustainability at Stanbic Bank Kenya, said the partnership reflects the Bank’s commitment to supporting sustainable growth. 

“Renewable energy is a strategic priority for Stanbic Bank because it supports Kenya’s economic resilience and long-term prosperity. Access to stable and affordable power is essential for businesses. Through this partnership with Premier Solar, we are removing barriers that have slowed the adoption of clean energy,” said Ms Were. 

“We have redesigned our renewable energy financing so that more clients can transition to solar with ease. With loan tenors of up to ten years, up to 100% financing, simplified credit checks for SMEs and no additional collateral for eligible customers, we are making renewable energy more accessible and more affordable,” added Ms Were.

Under the collaboration, clients will receive free energy audits, streamlined documentation, a moratorium on principal repayments during installation, discounted interest rates, and NIL processing fees for enterprise clients.

All installations funded under the partnership will use Tier 1 solar panels, batteries and inverters sourced through accredited EPC partners.

 “Our goal is to support our clients throughout the transition, from sourcing equipment to installation and financing. Together with Premier Solar, we will help businesses reduce energy costs, improve reliability and contribute to Kenya’s clean energy goals,” said Ms Were.

Premier Solar Solutions CEO, Rupesh Hindocha, welcomed the agreement, noting that the partnership strengthens the company’s mission to deliver high-quality solar solutions. 

"Premier Solar is committed to providing clean, affordable and reliable power to businesses in Kenya. Working with Stanbic Bank enables more enterprises to adopt high-performing solar systems through flexible and accessible financing,” said Hindocha.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced its full readiness for the upcoming Magarini by-election, assuring residents and stakeholders that all logistical and operational plans are in place.

The commission said it has deployed trained personnel and finalized the distribution of election materials across the constituency.

Addressing the media in Magarini, IEBC Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana said security has been reinforced, with standby officers positioned to respond swiftly to any eventualities that may arise during the voting exercise.

“We have tightened our security arrangements to guarantee a peaceful and credible by-election,” Dr. Mukhwana said, adding that the commission is working closely with security agencies to maintain order throughout the process.

The by-election, slated to fill the vacant Magarini parliamentary seat, has drawn heightened interest from political parties and voters in the region. 

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has announced a fresh round of job vacancies as it seeks to strengthen its workforce across various departments.

In the notice released today, the Authority encouraged qualified and interested candidates to submit their applications within the stipulated timelines.

KPA says the recruitment drive is part of its ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and support the growing demand for port services in the region.

"Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is seeking to recruit highly motivated individuals to fill various positions( Laboratory Technologist , Technician, Artisan, Graduate Trainee ,Assistant Ferry Master, Coxswain II, Pharmaceutical Technologist, Pharmacy Attendant, and Administrative assistant ). Deadline: December 20th, 2025." read the notice from KPA.

Members of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) have commenced efforts to champion the abolishment of the death sentence for women in the country with commensurate charges that are deterrent.

This call for gender justice comes ahead of the 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) with the Women MPs advocating for the adoption of the African Union's draft Protocol on the abolition of the death penalty. 

During a round table breakfast meeting with the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), Kenya section, the women MPs expressed their concerns as human rights champions, justice advocates and as women who understand the complex vulnerabilities that shape the lives of women in the criminal justice system.

peaking on behalf of the KEWOPA chairperson, Senator Beth Syengo reaffirmed the Women MPs' dedication to advocacy on legal reforms and gender responsive justice systems for women.

“We stand ready to work with ICJ Kenya, the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, development partners, and fellow parliamentarians to ensure that no woman is further victimised by a system meant to protect her,” Sen Syengo said.

While highlighting the lived realities of women facing death row charges, Sen. Syengo noted the structural challenges that they encounter in their pursuit of justice.

"When a woman is sentenced to death, she is not only punished for a crime, she is often punished again for her gender, for systemic inequities, and for the failures in structures meant to protect her,” she said.

Calling for the enhancement of human dignity and the progressive development of human rights, the chairperson for ICJ Kenya, Ms. Christine Alai affirmed that the death penalty is still handed down to the offenders.

“While the application of capital punishment has been restricted by the abolition of the mandatory death sentence for murder in 2017 and by occasional mass commutations of death sentences to reduce numbers on death row, Courts continue to sentence defendants to death for murder, robbery with violence, attempted robbery with violence, and treason. 

Ms. Alai urged Women lawmakers to pay attention to the plight of women facing capital punishment, noting that their unique needs and challenges are overlooked by the criminal legal systems historically created by men for men, failing to consider the pathways to female incarceration and their mitigation.

The Women MPs underscored the need for leaders to engage women prisoners to understand their grievances, noting that many women facing death charges are victims of domestic violence. They stressed that Judges should consider such when making judgments against women.

Members of KEWOPA reiterated that the country's conversation on the death penalty must include a gender lens underscoring that, “ justice that is blind to gender is not justice at all."

Legendary rapper Collo and Nviiri the Storyteller are set to headline the second edition of AfroLatin Tamasha scheduled for Saturday 29th November at REDROOM, Adlife Plaza, Kilimani.

Attendees will have the privilege to watch Collo perform his new song ‘Rematch’ and other legacy tracks including Girl Like You and Floss na Wewe as well as Nviiri’s hit songs like Pombe Sigara among others.

The performances will be enhanced by East African collective Ritmo Connexion, which is a mélange of artists who masterfully blend Afro-Latin beats for live stage experience.

The band is made up of Mike Jozee, Sanchez Salvador, Niyo Boi, Shirleen Ishenyi, Keisha Harris, Moses Karanja, among others.

The event whose theme is Celebrating Rhythm, Culture and Connection, will feature acts from across 8 countries including Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, South Africa, Ghana, France, Tunisia, and Kenya. It will also feature Malindi dance troupe Kikwetu dancers.

AfroLatin Tamasha is a Pan-African cultural showcase that celebrates the fusion between African and Latin American sounds.

It brings together over 7000 enthusiasts including dancers, music lovers, and cultural enthusiasts from eight countries, including Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, South Africa, Ghana, France, Tunisia, and Kenya.

Attendees can look forward to an immersive experience that blends the spectacle of live music fusing salsa, kizomba, bachata, semba, and afrobeats with the melange of social dance, showcasing the energy of Africa’s top performers.

The on stage talent will be supported by top Nairobi DJs such as Jam Mixmaster Dan the DJ, and DJ D'Cure, ensuring the dance floor remains alive with Afrobeat, Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, Merengue, Kizomba, and Kompa. High-energy Afrobeat dancers will also electrify the stage with visual performances.

AfroLatin Tamasha aims to connect artists and audiences across East and Southern Africa, as well as reinforce Nairobi as a regional hub for Afro-Latin culture.

Furthermore, it seeks foster artistic expression that contributes to the development of Kenya's creative economy.

The festival is positioned to attract young professionals, creatives, and trendsetters, driving cultural exchange and promoting the value of dance for wellness and belonging.

Robert Munene, Founder of AfroLatin Tamasha, highlighted that, "AfroLatin Tamasha 2.0 is an essential step towards our larger vision: connecting artists across East and Southern Africa, promoting wellness through dance, and turning rhythm into livelihood. We've curated an evening that promises even more excitement and showcases the vibrant fusion of African and Latin cultures through music and dance, reinforcing Nairobi as a regional hub for this movement."

"This event is about creating regular opportunities for our community to connect, celebrate, and experience the richness of Afro-Latin culture. We invite everyone, from seasoned dancers to those simply curious, to join us for a night of unforgettable music and dance." he added

Safaricom PLC has unveiled four new millionaires in the ongoing Shangwe @25 consumer promotion, bringing the total number of winners to five since the campaign launched two weeks ago.

The newly announced winners, Josephine Waswa from Bungoma, Bernice Mumo from Makueni, Abdi Dahir from Garissa, and Josephat Mwilaria from Athi River, join 20-year-old Yvonne Wanjiku Kang’ara from Ngeu, Kiambu County, who was unveiled as the first millionaire.

Each winner will receive KSh 1 million, along with an additional KSh 250,000 to support a community project of their choice, as part of Safaricom’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

During the award ceremony in Bungoma, 36-year-old sugarcane farmer Josephine Waswa expressed disbelief and joy while receiving her cheque, terming the moment a great blessing and truly life-changing.

"I can’t believe that the small KSh 19 airtime I bought on M-PESA has turned me into a millionaire. My plan is to expand my farming business and buy land to build a home. For the community project, I will support Kasosi Primary School in Mabanga by making desks for Grade 1, 2, and 3 pupils, easing the shortage that currently forces up to six learners to share one desk.

For 26-year-old Bernice Mumo, a frequent user of M-PESA, the win came at a defining moment as she continues to search for employment after completing her course in cosmetology.

She had bought airtime and paid for her Wi-Fi using M-PESA, simple transactions that ended up turning her into a millionaire.

“I am still in shock. I always see people winning, but I never imagined I would one day be one of them. I will channel my community project funds into constructing and equipping a laboratory at Mwalano Dispensary in Mukaa, Makueni County, to reduce the long distances residents walk for diagnostic services. I believe this will be a huge relief for the people in my community”.

25-year-old Abdi Dahir, a turn boy from Garissa and the firstborn supporting his entire family was overwhelmed with gratitude as he received the news of his win.

"Everyone in our family depends on me. I really don’t know what to say or how best to thank Safaricom for locating me. I can’t believe that the small credit I always buy to make calls to customers has made me a young millionaire. This win is life-changing for my family, as it will help me support them and also build my mum a house back in Garissa. For the community, I want to support Sangailu Primary School here in Garissa with water tanks and desks,” said Abdi Dahir.

Meanwhile, 51-year-old Josephat Mwilaria, a businessman from Athi River, initially doubted the win due to a past experience with fraud.

He only believed it after visiting a Safaricom shop for confirmation. Joseph says he conducts all his transactions, including paying bills, through M-PESA because it is convenient and secure, which is ultimately what led to his win.

He plans to reinvest in his business and use the community funds to support Pillars of Hope Children’s Home through food donations and school fees for selected children.

Since its launch, Shangwe @25 has been rewarding thousands of customers daily and weekly with cash prizes, data bundles, devices, and business support tools.

Each week, over 800 customers win amounts of KSh 10,000, KSh 50,000, and KSh 100,000, contributing to more than 50,000 weekly winners. More than 5 million customers are expected to win prizes worth KSh 250 million over the promotion period.

Safaricom PLC has unveiled four new millionaires in the ongoing Shangwe @25 consumer promotion, bringing the total number of winners to five since the campaign launched two weeks ago.

The newly announced winners, Josephine Waswa from Bungoma, Bernice Mumo from Makueni, Abdi Dahir from Garissa, and Josephat Mwilaria from Athi River, join 20-year-old Yvonne Wanjiku Kang’ara from Ngeu, Kiambu County, who was unveiled as the first millionaire.

Each winner will receive KSh 1 million, along with an additional KSh 250,000 to support a community project of their choice, as part of Safaricom’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

During the award ceremony in Bungoma, 36-year-old sugarcane farmer Josephine Waswa expressed disbelief and joy while receiving her cheque, terming the moment a great blessing and truly life-changing.

"I can’t believe that the small KSh 19 airtime I bought on M-PESA has turned me into a millionaire. My plan is to expand my farming business and buy land to build a home. For the community project, I will support Kasosi Primary School in Mabanga by making desks for Grade 1, 2, and 3 pupils, easing the shortage that currently forces up to six learners to share one desk.

For 26-year-old Bernice Mumo, a frequent user of M-PESA, the win came at a defining moment as she continues to search for employment after completing her course in cosmetology.

She had bought airtime and paid for her Wi-Fi using M-PESA, simple transactions that ended up turning her into a millionaire.

“I am still in shock. I always see people winning, but I never imagined I would one day be one of them. I will channel my community project funds into constructing and equipping a laboratory at Mwalano Dispensary in Mukaa, Makueni County, to reduce the long distances residents walk for diagnostic services. I believe this will be a huge relief for the people in my community”.

25-year-old Abdi Dahir, a turn boy from Garissa and the firstborn supporting his entire family was overwhelmed with gratitude as he received the news of his win.

"Everyone in our family depends on me. I really don’t know what to say or how best to thank Safaricom for locating me. I can’t believe that the small credit I always buy to make calls to customers has made me a young millionaire. This win is life-changing for my family, as it will help me support them and also build my mum a house back in Garissa. For the community, I want to support Sangailu Primary School here in Garissa with water tanks and desks,” said Abdi Dahir.

Meanwhile, 51-year-old Josephat Mwilaria, a businessman from Athi River, initially doubted the win due to a past experience with fraud.

He only believed it after visiting a Safaricom shop for confirmation. Joseph says he conducts all his transactions, including paying bills, through M-PESA because it is convenient and secure, which is ultimately what led to his win.

He plans to reinvest in his business and use the community funds to support Pillars of Hope Children’s Home through food donations and school fees for selected children.

Since its launch, Shangwe @25 has been rewarding thousands of customers daily and weekly with cash prizes, data bundles, devices, and business support tools.

Each week, over 800 customers win amounts of KSh 10,000, KSh 50,000, and KSh 100,000, contributing to more than 50,000 weekly winners. More than 5 million customers are expected to win prizes worth KSh 250 million over the promotion period.

 Effective leadership that champions evidence-based road policing and builds public trust through procedurally fair policing is essential for strengthening enforcement and reducing traffic deaths and injuries.

This week, 51 senior police leaders from five African countries and Jamaica have gathered in Mombasa, Kenya, for the 2025 Road Policing Executive Leadership Course (RPELC) — a flagship capacity-strengthening initiative supported by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), with additional support from the FIA Foundation and the Anglo-American Foundation.

The week-long course, hosted and co-delivered by the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) and the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit (JH-IIRU), is taking place at the Pride Inn Hotel.

The program brings together a diverse group of high-level participants, including Deputy Commissioners of Police, Department Directors, and other senior law enforcement leaders committed to strengthening road policing systems across their countries.

The RPELC provides an intensive platform for sharing global best practices in enforcement, with a strong focus on addressing key road safety risk factors such as speeding, drink-driving, and non-use of seatbelts and helmets.

Through interactive sessions and peer learning, participants enhanced their capacity to apply evidence-based, intelligence-led enforcement strategies aimed at reducing road traffic injuries and fatalities.

“Every day in Africa, approximately 620 lives are lost in crashes, and police have an enormously important role in preventing these needless tragedies,” said Dave Cliff, CEO of the Global Road Safety Partnership.

Adding “The strong engagement of this group of high-ranking officers demonstrates the deep commitment across Africa and Jamaica to keeping people safe on the roads.”

Through BIGRS, Bloomberg Philanthropies continues to support enforcement agencies with implementing proven interventions and strengthening leadership capacity to prevent road traffic crashes and save lives in low- and middle-income countries.

The Wine Fair, East Africa’s leading wine discovery event, is thrilled to announce its much-anticipated return to the coast.

After three years since the last coastal edition in 2022, The Wine Fair – Mombasa Edition 2025 will take place on 13th December 2025 at the iconic English Point Marina.

Now in its 6th Edition, The Wine Fair continues to champion wine culture, appreciation and education in Kenya by bringing together top wineries, importers, sommeliers and consumers for an unforgettable tasting experience.

This year marks a special milestone as the event returns to Mombasa bigger, better and more immersive than ever.

What to expect

Guests can look forward to:

100+ wine brands from across the world Exclusive wine masterclasses led by experts and certified wine educators

A seaside tasting experience like no other blending wine, culture and coastal charm

Live entertainment, curated pairings, and lifestyle experiences

A premium mix of regional and international wine brands including new showcases and returning favorites

Special Pre-Event Activities

Ahead of the main festival, The Wine Fair will host:

An exclusive Winemakers & Media Dinner on the eve of The Wine Fair.

An Influencer Welcome lunch hosted by Wines of South Africa (WoSA), our featured partner

These intimate gatherings aim to spotlight the growing wine landscape in Kenya and create deeper connections between brands, media and content creators.

A Celebration of Culture, Coast and Community

“Returning to Mombasa feels like coming home,” says the Wine Fair team. “Wine deserves to be celebrated in every corner of Kenya

and the coast brings a unique energy—sunshine, ocean breeze and a vibrant community ready to explore world-class wines. This edition is all about elevating that experience.”

Ticket Information

Advance tickets are now available on mtickets.com:

Ksh 2,500 per person | Ksh 8,000 for a group of four

Early Bird tickets sold out fast, with strong demand from wine enthusiasts across the region.

Event Details

Date: 13th December 2025

Venue: English Point Marina, Mombasa

Time: 3 PM- 10PM | After party till late

About The Wine Fair

Founded by four Kenyan sommeliers and importers passionate about growing the wine culture in Kenya, the Wine Fair has established itself as a catalyst for the industry.

By bringing together importers, distributors and consumers, it accelerates brand visibility and builds lasting connections that help shape the future of wine appreciation in the region.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the Wine Fair promises an unforgettable experience , one sip at a time.