East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Suleiman Shahbal has distanced himself from the politics of Lamu County, saying his political interests remain firmly rooted in Mombasa.

Speaking during an interview with a local podcast, Shahbal said he is closely following the ongoing divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) but warned that he would not tolerate what he described as a lack of democracy within the party.

"I have nothing to do with Lamu politics. My heart and interest is in Mombasa," Shahbal said.

He noted that while he is observing both factions within ODM, the party must uphold its democratic ideals if it hopes to retain the confidence of its members.

"I'm currently watching both sides of the factions in ODM, but I'm definitely not going to accept the lack of democracy that we have seen in the party. So it's either they live up to the ideals of the party or we will look for another option."

Shahbal said the people of Mombasa deserve a new political direction, citing unemployment and other long-standing socio-economic challenges facing the county.

"Change must come to Mombasa. We cannot let things continue the way they are currently, with lack of employment and other things. Change must come."

His remarks come at a time when internal debates over ODM's leadership and future direction continue to intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election, with several party leaders calling for reforms and greater internal democracy.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa Chapter on Saturday held the second edition of its annual golf tournament at Mombasa Golf Club.

The event brought more than 100 golfers alongside business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the Coast.

The tournament follows the successful inaugural edition held at Nyali Golf and Country Club in April 2025 and reflects the Chamber's efforts to use sport as a platform for business engagement.

Besides the competitive golf action, dozens of companies showcased their products and services, turning the tournament into a vibrant business exhibition and networking platform.

KNCCI Mombasa Chapter Chairman Abud Jamal said the increased turnout signals growing confidence from the business community.

"We are delighted to announce that we have over 100 entries this year, almost 120 to 130 participants. This is only our second edition, but the response has been overwhelming. We are humbled by the support we continue to receive from businesses in Mombasa and across the country," said Jamal.

Jamal noted that the tournament has evolved beyond competition, becoming a venue where companies build relationships, explore partnerships and create new business opportunities.

"The excitement around this event has shown us that golf is more than a sport. It is a platform that connects businesses, builds relationships and creates opportunities. We are already looking forward to an even bigger and better third edition next year," he added.

Mombasa Golf Club Captain Feisal Lasker welcomed the Chamber to the club, saying the partnership also supports efforts to market Mombasa as a golf destination.

"We appreciate KNCCI Mombasa Chapter for considering Mombasa Golf Club as the host venue. This is the only golf course located on an island next to the Indian Ocean, making it a unique golfing destination in the country," said Lasker.

Lasker said continued collaboration between the Chamber and the club would help attract more major tournaments to the Coast.

"With the support of the Chamber and the business community, we believe Mombasa will continue to grow as a preferred golfing destination capable of hosting major events."

KNCCI board member Elizabeth Mvoi said they were pleased to host the second edition of the tournament, noting the strong turnout of players.

"We are honoured to host the second edition here at Mombasa Golf Club. The response has been impressive, and we look forward to a successful day both on and off the course," she said.

Sponsors said the event has delivered measurable value to participating companies.

Adnan Sherif, Managing Director of Tamil Prime Apartment, commended the organisation of the tournament and expressed confidence in its future growth.

"The organisation has been excellent and everything has run smoothly. We look forward to supporting this tournament again next year," he said.

Ahmed Mohammed, Head of Sales and Marketing at Meghna Homes, said the company returned after seeing tangible business results from last year's event.

"We partnered with KNCCI during the inaugural tournament at Nyali Golf Club, and we gained clients from that event. That is why we came back this year, and we are optimistic this partnership will continue to create business opportunities for us," he said.

Becky Sangolo, has always made music feel like a love letter, and her newest single, "Pata Potea," might be her most personal one yet.

In the track, Becky collaborates with Fancy Fingers - Polycarp Otieno - who brings the guitar melody that anchors the single.

This is backed by an East African touch on a track recorded with violinist Bartosz Słatyński in Poland.

The former Band Beca member, now based in Poland and recording with Polish and Kenyan collaborators, says the song was sparked by the night she met her own partner.

She felt that instant connection that felt quite like home and this inspires a melody and lyrics that tell a story and excite the parts of the heart longing for love.

That mix of Kenyan roots and European production is the point for Becky. Living away from Nairobi has not pulled her from her sound, it has sharpened it.

She credits her father with the harmonies and grooves that shaped her ear since childhood, instincts she carried through Band Beca and still leans on as a solo artist finding her own lane.

Ask Becky about Kenyan music and entertainment today, and her answer is not about choosing between home and abroad. Being a Kenyan musician in the diaspora means carrying the culture wherever the work takes her and trusting the world to meet her there.

There is plenty on the way. Another single arrives in July, and Becky’s album lands in August, packed with more rawness, more harmonies, and more storytelling. A long awaited homecoming show in Nairobi tops her wish list.

Until then, “Pata Potea” is the soundtrack: play it on a sunset drive, with someone you are not ready to let become the one that got away.

The County Government of Mombasa has announced an immediate countywide enforcement operation targeting all ongoing developments that fail to comply with approved building plans and statutory development requirements.

In a public notice issued by the Department of Lands, Urban Planning, Housing and Serikali Mtaani, the county said the crackdown is aimed at enhancing public safety, promoting orderly urban development, and protecting the environment following a rise in unauthorized and non-compliant construction projects.  

According to the notice, the county is mandated under the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the County Governments Act 2012, and the Physical and Land Use Planning Act 2019 to regulate and control all development activities within its jurisdiction.

The county noted that despite previous warnings and enforcement notices issued to developers and property owners, several projects continue to violate conditions of approval and other legal requirements.

County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Urban Planning, Housing and Serikali Mtaani, Mohamed Hussein, said the enforcement exercise will be immediate and countywide.

“The County Government has noted a significant increase in ongoing developments that do not comply with the conditions of approval and other development requirements, thereby posing risks to public safety, orderly urban development, and the environment,” Hussein said.

He warned that developers found flouting the law would face firm enforcement measures.

“Developers and property owners whose projects are found to be non-compliant with conditions of approval and other statutory requirements shall be subjected to the appropriate enforcement measures, including legal action,” he stated.

The county has urged all developers to ensure they possess the necessary approvals and fully adhere to all conditions attached to their development permits before proceeding with construction.

“All developers are therefore advised to ensure that their developments have the requisite approvals and comply fully with conditions of approval and all other statutory requirements,” Hussein added.

The latest directive is part of the county’s broader efforts to tighten oversight of construction activities and improve compliance with planning regulations. In recent months, Mombasa has intensified enforcement on development approvals, building safety, and land use compliance as part of efforts to create a safer and better-planned urban environment.  

The County Government reaffirmed its commitment to promoting “a safe, orderly, sustainable and well-planned built environment for all residents of Mombasa County,” while warning that enforcement officers will move against any ongoing development found to be operating outside the law.

Members of the Luo community drawn from various wards in Nyali Constituency have endorsed Chief Pauline Oginga for the Nyali parliamentary seat, citing her distinguished public service record, leadership credentials, and commitment to community development.

The endorsement was made during a luncheon meeting held in Nyali, where community leaders, elders, youth representatives, and professionals gathered to express their condolences following the recent loss ODM Party leader Raila Amolo Odinga.

While the meeting began as a condolence gathering, it quickly evolved into a discussion on the political future of Nyali Constituency, with participants unanimously expressing their support for Chief Oginga to seek elective leadership.

Speaking during the event, the leaders described Chief Oginga as a tested and capable leader whose years in public administration have demonstrated her ability to serve communities effectively and deliver tangible results.

"We believe Nyali deserves a leader with integrity, experience, and a proven record of service. Chief Pauline Oginga has consistently demonstrated these qualities, and we are convinced she has what it takes to represent the people of Nyali in Parliament," said one of the community leaders.

The leaders noted that since 2020, Chief Oginga has served in various capacities within the national government, earning recognition for her professionalism, dedication, and commitment to public service.

According to the leaders, her leadership style has promoted inclusivity, unity, and community empowerment, qualities they said are necessary for effective representation in Parliament.

"Her track record speaks for itself. She understands the challenges facing ordinary wananchi because she has worked closely with communities. We are therefore endorsing her as our preferred candidate for the Nyali parliamentary seat," said another speaker.

The gathering further resolved to mobilize support across the constituency to rally behind Chief Oginga's potential candidature, describing her as a leader capable of advancing development, youth empowerment, women's inclusion, and economic opportunities for residents.

The leaders also linked their endorsement to the political ideals championed by ODM leader Raila Odinga, saying Chief Oginga embodies the values of social justice, empowerment, and people-centered leadership.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Pauline Oginga expressed gratitude for the confidence shown in her by members of the community.

"I am deeply humbled by your support and encouragement. My focus has always been serving the people diligently and contributing to the growth and development of our communities. I appreciate your trust and will continue working for the benefit of all residents," she said.

She called on residents to remain united and work together towards the development and prosperity of Nyali Constituency.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has called on education leaders to strengthen support systems for learners in order to curb extreme behaviour and build a safer, more supportive school environment.

Speaking earlier today at the 49th Annual National Conference of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) in Mombasa, Governor Nassir urged Members of Parliament and other stakeholders in the education sector to create an environment where every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

The Governor underscored the importance of collaborative leadership between teachers, parents and all education stakeholders, saying meaningful progress in schools will only be achieved through a united and proactive approach.

He stressed the need to champion teacher empowerment and place greater focus on students’ mental health, noting that interventions must be preventive rather than reactive.

It is our duty to provide a learning environment that is ideal for both the current and future generations,” said Governor Nassir.

Nassir also highlighted the County Government of Mombasa’s commitment to improving student welfare through its flagship “No Child Left Behind” programme, which provides meals to secondary school learners across the county.

He revealed that 76.9 per cent of students in Mombasa have already benefited from the initiative, with the county now working towards achieving 100 per cent coverage.

The Governor added that the county is continuously analysing data to strengthen engagement with learners and improve interventions that support their wellbeing, discipline and academic success.

“We are dissecting the data to see how we can improve our engagement with our students,” he added.

He reaffirmed that investing in learners through nutrition, mental wellness and supportive school systems remains key to shaping a stronger generation and a more resilient education sector.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has renewed his call for the implementation of an Open Skies policy, arguing that enhanced international air connectivity is critical to unlocking the full economic potential of the coastal city and positioning it as a leading hub for trade, tourism, logistics, and the Blue Economy.

Speaking at the Omani Association Conference organized by the Istiqama Muslim Charitable Association with the support of the Oman Embassy, Governor Nassir said Mombasa cannot achieve its economic ambitions without significantly expanding direct international flight connections.

The Governor, who has been a vocal advocate for increased international access through Moi International Airport, noted that despite Mombasa's strategic position as East and Central Africa's gateway to global trade, the city remains underserved in terms of direct international flights.

"Mombasa is the economic gateway to East and Central Africa, home to the region's largest seaport and one of the continent's most strategic coastal economies. Yet while Zanzibar enjoys direct air connections to approximately 35 destinations across 20 countries, Mombasa is connected to only about 18 destinations in nine countries," Nassir said.

He pointed out that Zanzibar currently records more than 100 scheduled passenger flights daily compared to Mombasa's approximately 31 flights, a gap he said translates into lost economic opportunities for the county.

"This disparity represents thousands of tourists, investors, conference delegates and business travellers who could be landing directly in our city every week. These are opportunities that we must aggressively pursue if we are to grow our economy and create jobs for our people," he added.

Governor Nassir emphasized that his push for an Open Skies policy is rooted in the need to attract more investment, increase tourism arrivals, and strengthen Mombasa's role as a regional commercial hub.

"An Open Skies policy is not merely an aviation matter; it is an economic imperative. Every additional direct flight creates opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and employment," he said.

The Governor noted that Mombasa's future growth depends on its ability to attract direct flights from key markets across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, saying improved connectivity would complement ongoing investments in infrastructure, logistics, and the Blue Economy.

"As we position Mombasa as the premier Blue Economy, logistics and tourism hub of the Western Indian Ocean, we must aggressively expand direct international connectivity. If we can open our ports to the world, we must also open our skies," Nassir stated.

Over the years, the Governor has repeatedly urged national authorities and aviation stakeholders to prioritize policies that make it easier for international airlines to operate direct routes to Mombasa, arguing that the city's economic potential cannot be fully realized while travellers continue to rely heavily on Nairobi as the primary gateway into Kenya.

He maintained that increasing direct international flights would not only benefit the tourism sector but would also attract multinational businesses, conference tourism, investors, and exporters seeking easier access to the coastal region.

"The future prosperity of Mombasa depends on our ability to connect directly with the world. Better connectivity means more visitors, more business, more jobs and greater economic growth for our people," he said.

His latest remarks come as Mombasa County continues to market itself as a leading destination for tourism, maritime trade, investment, and the Blue Economy, while seeking stronger economic

Car & General (Kenya) PLC today held its 86th Annual General Meeting for the financial year ended 31 December 2025, where shareholders approved key resolutions reflecting the Group’s strong financial performance and strategic direction.

Shareholders approved a final dividend of KSh 3.12 per share, payable in June 2026, bringing total dividends for the year to KSh 3.42 per share, including the interim dividend.

The meeting also approved the discontinuation of the Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) following a comprehensive review.

The Company will now explore more effective and modern employee reward frameworks better aligned with its performance strategy, talent retention priorities, and evolving workforce needs.

The Group reported a robust financial performance, with turnover increasing by 21% to KSh 25 billion, supported by improved market conditions and growth across product lines.

In Kenya, the motorcycle (boda boda) segment rebounded strongly, with average monthly sales rising to 8,000 units, up from 4,600 in 2024. Profit after tax increased to KSh 2.4 billion, while EBITDA grew by 153% to KSh 3.8 billion.

Commenting on the results, Group CEO Vijay Gidoomal said, “Our regional footprint continues to strengthen, with Uganda and Tanzania accounting for over 56% of total Group sales. At the same time, our commitment to sustainable mobility is gaining momentum, including the rollout of electric two-wheelers supported by over 350 battery swap stations in Kenya and Uganda through strategic partnerships.”

He added, “As we mark 90 years of Car & General in 2026, we remain focused on strong fundamentals - driving efficiency, protecting market leadership, investing in digital transformation, and creating long-term value guided by our Triple P bottom line: People, Planet and Profit. We are accelerating our focus on electric two and three-wheelers, as well as CNG and LPG three-wheelers in Kenya and Tanzania.”

Liboi doesn't just write pretty songs about pretty places. "Nairobi," her new single out today, is something harder and more honest than that - a reckoning with what it means to live, hustle, cope, and still find fragile moments of hope in one of Africa's most electric and demanding cities.

"Nairobi honestly was a cry," she says. "Without even realizing it, our priorities begin shifting. We become more individualistic, more disconnected, more exhausted. This song came from sitting with that grief."

That grief has texture. Built on Liboi's signature contemporary production, "Nairobi" pulls listeners into the emotional undercurrent of a city running at full speed -capitalism, corruption, inequality, and the slow erosion of freedom of expression.

This is a song about what it costs to keep moving when the system wasn't built for you to rest.

The single serves as the opening statement of her forthcoming album, Hatua, and it lands like a mission brief: here is the world we're entering. Here is what's at stake.

For producers and writers, Liboi is the rare artist who operates at the intersection of personal confession and social portraiture. Raised in Kenya's informal settlements, she brings lived authority to the subjects she explores -systemic injustice, collective grief, and the fragile hope of community.

Her catalogue, including State of Being, Safari, Uhambo, and Nani Alisema, alongside her acclaimed multidisciplinary production Whispers of Power, has established her as one of East Africa's most creatively ambitious voices — a songwriter with range, specificity, and something real to say.

She has performed across Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, and Pakistan. She plays what she means. She means everything she plays.

"'Nairobi' welcomes reflection on identity, growth, and collective healing," she says. "It highlights what many of us are experiencing right now."

"Nairobi" is just the beginning. Hatua is coming -be among the first to experience the journey.