Mombasa is mourning the death of Dr. Bwanaheri Omar Lali, a distinguished maritime expert whose decades of service left a lasting mark on the Port of Mombasa and the wider East African shipping industry.

Lali, who served as East Africa Port Captain and Operations Manager at Inchcape Shipping Services, was remembered by leaders across Mombasa as a highly respected professional whose expertise, integrity and commitment to the maritime sector earned him widespread recognition.

Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho described Lali as “a towering figure of Kenya’s maritime industry” whose name and legacy were inseparably linked to the history of the Port of Mombasa.

“Through his exceptional expertise, integrity, discipline and unwavering commitment to duty, he helped shape the standards and professionalism that continue to define our regional shipping industry,” Joho said.

Joho said Lali was more than a maritime professional, describing him as “an institution in his own right” whose deep knowledge of the port and selfless service earned him immense respect among colleagues, shipping agents, seafarers and the wider port community.

“Kenya’s maritime sector has lost a giant and Mombasa has lost one of its own,” Joho said, adding that Lali’s legacy would continue through the people he mentored, institutions he strengthened and standards he helped establish.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir also mourned Lali, describing his death as a profound loss to the county, the port community and the country.

Governor Nassir said Lali played an instrumental role in facilitating seamless vessel operations and fostering strong relationships across the regional maritime sector during his service at Inchcape Shipping Services.

“His vast experience, professionalism and profound knowledge of transport and logistics earned him the affectionate and well-deserved title of ‘Mr. Mombasa Port,’” Nassir said.

Senator Mohammed Faki said Lali’s death was “a big blow” to Mombasa, describing him as one of the best minds in the maritime industry.

“Mombasa has lost one of its best minds in the maritime industry, a distinguished professional whose immense contribution to the Port of Mombasa and Kenya’s shipping sector will be remembered for generations,” Faki said.

Faki said Lali’s expertise, integrity and dedication had earned him immense respect within the maritime and port fraternity.

“His passing leaves a deep void in our community,” he said, extending condolences to Lali’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider maritime fraternity.

Jomvu MP Badi Twalib also paid tribute to Lali, recalling their friendship dating back to his days in the clearing and forwarding industry.

“I knew Dr. Lali during my days in the clearing and forwarding industry, and our interactions grew into a genuine friendship that I will always cherish,” Twalib said.

The Kenya Ships Agents Association (KSAA) also paid tribute to Lali, describing him as “a true maritime champion, a gifted leader, and, above all, a genuinely warm and joyful soul.”

The association said Lali brought “light and infectious energy” into every room he entered, while his passion for the maritime industry was matched by his eagerness to share knowledge, mentor others and encourage continuous learning.

In a statement, KSAA said, Lali was a dedicated member of the association who generously shared his knowledge and experience while making a meaningful contribution to KSAA and the wider maritime community.

"His warmth, generosity and positive spirit left a lasting impression on all those who had the privilege of knowing him,” the association said.

The tributes highlighted Lali’s contribution to the development of shipping and port operations in Mombasa, as well as the relationships he built throughout his career.

As the maritime community comes to terms with his death, leaders have described his legacy as one that will continue to influence the sector and the generations of professionals who worked with and learnt from him.

Lali’s death comes as a major loss to Mombasa’s maritime fraternity, which regarded him as a highly knowledgeable and experienced figure in the region’s shipping industry.

He will be remembered not only for his professional contribution to the Port of Mombasa but also for the relationships, mentorship and service that defined his career.

May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Jannatul Firdaus and give his family, friends and colleagues strength and comfort during this difficult time.

Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un.

County and national government officials have called for stronger and inclusive governance systems to build resilient communities and prevent violent extremism.

Speaking during a high-level County Executive Conference at a Mombasa hotel, Mombasa County Public Service and Administration CEC Jonathan Wephekulu said sustainable development must go beyond infrastructure and economic development.

"This conference comes at an important time when county governments are expected to address community stability, public trust and resilience,” Wephekulu said.

He said resilient communities are built on trust and responsive governance, noting that Mombasa County has several programmes designed to address the needs of its diverse population.

"Our diversity is our strength and thus the need for inclusive governance,” he said.

National Counter Terrorism Centre representative Joseph Kanyiri said the conference was part of efforts to strengthen implementation of strategies to prevent and counter violent extremism across the country.

“We are here to have an executive conference on the strategy of countering extremism. It will be rolled out to all counties,” Kanyiri said.

He said violent extremist recruitment had declined significantly but warned that young people continued to face attempts at recruitment, including through fake employment opportunities abroad.

“Recruitment has gone down drastically, but there are attempts and incidents where youth are being lured,” he said, urging parents to remain vigilant.

Kanyiri said the National County Terrorism and Extremism Strategy has so far been rolled out in 19 counties, with plans underway to extend it to all counties.

He added that the government was stepping up efforts to tackle online recruitment through public awareness, partnerships and engagement with universities.

"We are engaging universities and also training students on how to deal with online recruitment,” he said.

Kanyiri cautioned young people to be careful about their online activities, noting that digital platforms can leave permanent records.

"Our caution is that digital leaves trails and footprints, and we must be careful of what we do online,” he said.

The conference, themed “Beyond Visible Vulnerabilities: Advancing Community Stability, Resilience and Prevention through Governance Systems,” brought together county and national government officials, civil society, peacebuilding practitioners and other stakeholders to examine how governance can strengthen community stability and resilience.

The initiative seeks to integrate prevention, resilience and social cohesion into county planning, budgeting, service delivery and performance management, in line with Kenya’s National Strategy to Prevent and Counter Violent Extremism (NSPCVE) 2025–2030.

Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki has called on the County Government of Mombasa to ensure residents are fully involved in decisions surrounding the development of the proposed Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Jomvu.

Speaking in the Senate, Faki said the project has the potential to transform Mombasa’s economy by attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and driving economic growth.

The proposed SEZ is part of a Sh12 billion agreement involving the County Government of Mombasa, Mombasa Free Zone and DP World. The 535-acre project is expected to attract manufacturing, logistics and export-oriented businesses, with thousands of jobs projected in its first phase. 

Faki, however, stressed that the economic benefits of the project must be accompanied by transparency and meaningful public participation.

“The County Government must ensure that residents are fully involved in decisions concerning the project,” Faki said.

He called on the county administration to make public the agreement between the County Government and DP World, saying residents have a right to understand the terms and commitments surrounding a project of such magnitude.

The Senator further urged the county government to begin preparing local residents, particularly young people, to take advantage of employment opportunities expected to arise from the SEZ.

Faki said the county should establish clear mechanisms to train and equip Mombasa youth with the technical and professional skills required by industries that will set up operations within the zone.

“The opportunities created by this transformative project must benefit the people of Mombasa. We need to prepare our youth today so that they are ready for the jobs that will be created tomorrow,” he said.

The SEZ is expected to strengthen Mombasa’s position as a regional manufacturing, logistics and export hub, with the project also anticipated to create opportunities for traders, transport operators and other local businesses.

Political violence and the high cost of election campaigns are discouraging Kenyan women from seeking elective office, female legislators told a Commonwealth Parliamentary Forum in Cape Town, South Africa.

The legislators said that intimidation, harassment and inadequate financial resources continue to undermine women’s ability to compete effectively for political office and to build successful careers after elections.

The concerns emerged during a session of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) on the opening day of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, when female legislators from across the Commonwealth discussed ways to increase women’s participation in political leadership.

Vihiga Woman Representative Hon. Beatrice Adagala, Vice-Chairperson of the CWP Executive Committee, challenged women to remain resilient and to seek elective office despite the obstacles.

"Women have always faced barriers that hinder them from achieving their political dreams. This conference should help identify practical ways to free aspiring female candidates from these challenges,” Hon. Adagala said.

With Kenya set to hold its General Election next year, Hon. Adagala urged women to contest seats at all levels rather than be discouraged by the hostile political environment.

“I encourage women never to give up the struggle. In Kenya, we are facing elections next year, and I urge women to contest all the political seats,” she said.

Hon. Adagala also announced her intention to seek the Vihiga gubernatorial seat, expressing confidence she would win.

Machakos Senator Hon. Agnes Kavindu said that political hostility had personally affected her political career, but that resilience had enabled her to secure a second term

"I am a victim of political hostility, but my thick skin has helped me win my second term,” Senator Kavindu said.

She said women candidates were particularly vulnerable to violence, intimidation and harassment during campaigns, making it difficult for them to compete on equal terms with men.

But the Senator said the challenge went beyond election-day politics, pointing to the substantial financial demands of running successful campaigns.

Women, she said, often lacked the resources needed to mobilise supporters, communicate with voters and meet the logistical costs of campaigns.

“The financial burden does not end once women are elected. They also need resources to build effective networks, participate in political activities and maintain visibility among their constituents,” she said.

Senator Kavindu also criticised the failure to enact the Two-Thirds Gender Rule, saying that resistance from some male legislators had frustrated efforts to increase women’s representation in Parliament.

“Our male colleagues are not willing to support the Two-Thirds Gender Rule that will increase the number of women in Parliament and enhance their legislative responsibilities,” she said.

She called for concerted efforts across Commonwealth countries to tackle political violence, financial constraints and other structural barriers that limit women’s participation in democratic processes.

CWP Network Chairperson Catherine Fife, an Ontario MP in Canada, said creating a safe and supportive political environment was critical to achieving greater representation of women in leadership.

“Empowering women to participate fully and safely in political life would not only strengthen gender equality but also contribute to stronger and more representative democratic institutions across the Commonwealth,” Ms. Fife said.

She welcomed the proposals emerging from the session, saying they demonstrated the commitment of women legislators across the Commonwealth to creating opportunities for more women to pursue political leadership.

The discussions come as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, with women leaders continuing to push for greater representation in elective and decision-making positions.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko has challenged young people in the constituency to register as voters, saying the Coast region can only strengthen its political voice if more residents participate in the electoral process.

Mboko claimed that an estimated 80,000 young people in Likoni have not registered as voters, urging them to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise.

“You cannot say you support a leader yet you have no vote because you are not registered as a voter. Go and register,” Mboko said.

The Likoni legislator said voter registration should be treated as a priority across the Coast, calling for an aggressive campaign to mobilise young people and other eligible residents to register.

She noted that the region has significant political potential but cannot effectively influence leadership and development decisions if a large section of its population does not participate in elections.

Mboko also declared her support for Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki, saying she would stand with him as part of efforts to strengthen the region’s political voice.

“As Likoni MP, I will stand with Senator Mohamed Faki,” Mboko said.

She urged Coast residents to move beyond verbal political support and translate their numbers into actual votes by ensuring they are registered.

Mboko’s remarks come as political leaders across the Coast intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with voter registration expected to play a key role in determining the region’s influence in national and county politics.

Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki has hit back at critics questioning his performance, insisting that his record in Parliament speaks for itself through oversight, community empowerment and the protection of residents’ land rights.

Speaking in Likoni, Faki dismissed claims that he had failed to deliver tangible results for the people of Mombasa, saying those making such assertions appeared disconnected from developments in the county.

“Some people have been going round saying that we have not done anything tangible. It seems they are not in this county,” Faki said.

The Senator said his focus had been on using his position in the Senate to address issues affecting Mombasa residents, particularly through oversight and initiatives aimed at empowering communities.

Faki challenged his political opponents to concentrate on presenting their own plans to the electorate instead of making him the centre of their campaigns.

“Instead of you going round telling people about me, tell them what you will do for them. I should not be your agenda,” he said.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources, Faki said he had used the position to push for the protection of residents facing threats of eviction and land-related challenges.

“I should not be your agenda. As the chairman of the Senate Lands Committee, I have fought so hard to ensure that our people are not evicted from their land,” he said.

Faki maintained that oversight was an important part of his mandate as Senator, arguing that his work should be measured not only through physical development projects but also through interventions that safeguard the interests and rights of Mombasa residents.

His comments come as political activity intensifies in Mombasa ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders increasingly seeking to demonstrate their record and outline their vision for the county.

The Senate’s Lands, Environment and Natural Resources Committee is mandated to consider matters relating to lands and settlement, among other areas. (parliament.go.ke⁠)

TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya has launched the New Generation TotalEnergies Card, a mobility and payment solution designed to give businesses, fleet managers and individual motorists greater control, convenience, security and visibility of their mobility-related expenses.

For over 25 years, the TotalEnergies card has been a key tool for fleet managers and individual customers in Kenya. Introduced as the Bon Voyage Fuel Card, it was Kenya’s first fuel card and the first in the country to offer chip technology for enhanced security. It has since undergone improvements over time, transitioning from a fuel card to a mobility solution.

"Businesses today need greater visibility and control over their fuel expenditure than traditional payment methods can provide. Kenyan businesses are thus increasingly seeking digital tools to improve financial cost oversight and operational efficiency to manage rising operating costs and maintain profitability.

The New Generation TotalEnergies Card responds to this need by combining secure digital payments, real-time transaction monitoring and simplified tax compliance in a single platform for better decision making and improved oversight of one of their largest operating expenses’ said TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya Managing Director, Thibault Flichy

It also provides enriched customer experience for businesses of all sizes and individuals with new value-added features that include:

Two new digital payment options: Anew mobile application ((Mobility Pay) and a virtual card (OTP) designed for phones without internet connectivity.
Realtime Alerts: Instant SMS and email transactions and anomaly Alerts.
Advanced Customer portal: Real-time account visibility and monitoring with limit controls.
Pre-Authorization Mode: Accurate and controlled fuel dispensing at stations.
Enhanced security: Secured transactions with PIN codes, RFID vehicle tags, and one time password (OTP) for the App & Virtual Card.
Compliant invoicing: Simplified tax compliant invoicing.
Wide network: Accepted across entire TotalEnergies station network for products and services.

With these robust features, the New TotalEnergies Card provides faster and easier payments, greater control and clearer visibility into usage for a more seamless mobility experience.

Customers who adopt any of the two new cardless options, Mobile app & Virtual card can reduce their reliance on physical plastic cards while benefiting from the flexibility and efficiency of a fully digital payment experience.

TotalEnergies through The New Generation TotalEnergies Card sets a new benchmark for mobility solutions and represents a smarter, more secure way to manage payments and fleet operations. It reflects TotalEnergies’ continued commitment to delivering innovative, technology-driven solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Customers can apply for the new Generation TotalEnergies Card through the TotalEnergies website (totalenergies.ke ). Matatu and Boda Boda customers can also apply conveniently at TotalEnergies service stations countrywide.

The New Generation TotalEnergies Card reinforces TotalEnergies’ vision of enhancing the mobility experience of Kenyans through reliable, secure, and future-ready solutions that support both business operators and everyday consumers.

People’s Renaissance Movement (PM) party leader and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi is set to take his party’s grassroots mobilisation campaign to the Coast region, with a three-day tour covering Kilifi, Mombasa and Taita Taveta counties.w

According to a programme released by the party, Amisi will begin the Coastal Region Tour in Kilifi County on Friday, September 11, before proceeding to Mombasa on Saturday, September 12, and concluding the tour in Taita Taveta County on Sunday, September 13.

In Kilifi, Amisi is scheduled to attend an engagement at Sokoke Ward in Ganze Constituency at 9am, followed by a meeting in Mtwapa at 3:30pm.

The Mombasa programme will begin with a 9am SDA Church service at Kona Chaani in Changamwe, followed by a Changamwe rally at noon.

The tour will conclude in Taita Taveta on Sunday, where Amisi is scheduled to attend a 9am church service in Voi, hold an aspirants and stakeholders meeting at noon, and later address a 2pm rally at Voi Stage.

The Coast tour comes as the newly launched PM Party moves to expand its grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 General Election. The party has positioned itself around economic liberation, justice and national renewal. 

Amisi formally took over the leadership of the People’s Renaissance Movement during the party’s National Delegates Convention in Nairobi in August, where he outlined an agenda centred on economic renaissance and greater political participation by young Kenyans. 

The party has since embarked on grassroots mobilisation, with Amisi previously announcing plans to tour several counties, including Taita Taveta, Kilifi and Mombasa, as it seeks to establish structures and engage voters ahead of the 2027 polls. 

The Coastal Region Tour is therefore expected to provide the party with an opportunity to engage local residents, aspirants and political stakeholders as it seeks to build its support base in the region.

Mombasa businessman and politician Said Abdallah, has visited Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to convey his condolences following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan.

Hafidh, who served as Tanzania’s First Gentleman after President Samia assumed office in 2021, died on Monday while undergoing treatment for a heart condition at a hospital in Zanzibar. 

During the visit, Said Abdallah expressed his sympathy to President Samia and the family, describing the loss as a difficult moment that has affected not only the family but also the people of Tanzania.

He offered prayers for the departed and wished President Samia and her family strength and comfort as they come to terms with the loss.

The visit comes as messages of condolence continue to pour in from across the region, with Kenyan President William Ruto among leaders who have mourned the passing of Hafidh. 

Said’s engagement with President Samia also highlights the longstanding social, cultural and economic ties between the Kenyan Coast and Tanzania, particularly Zanzibar and Mombasa, which share deep historical and people-to-people connections.

The Nyali aspirant has increasingly positioned himself in public engagements ahead of the 2027 elections, as he seeks to build his political profile in Mombasa.

Mombasa businessman and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Suleiman Shahbal has firmly declared that he will contest for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, despite President William Ruto urging him to abandon the race and concentrate on business.

Speaking during a joint media interview with local radio stations in Mombasa, Shahbal said his political ambitions were driven by what he described as the interests of the people of Mombasa.

"President William Ruto, you are my friend and I respect you, but Your Excellency, you will have to forgive me because the interests of the people of Mombasa come first,” Shahbal said.

Shahbal said he would be on the ballot in 2027, making it clear that the President's appeal would not change his decision to seek the county's top seat.

"2027, whether they like it or not, I will be on the ballot for Mombasa Governor,” he declared.

The announcement comes just days after President Ruto publicly said he had advised Shahbal against running for governor, arguing that his experience as a businessman and investor could make a greater contribution to Mombasa and the country through investment, industrialisation and job creation.

But Shahbal maintained that his priority was transforming Mombasa and said he was ready to take on the political challenge.

"We must transform Mombasa. The people of Mombasa deserve better, and that is why I have decided to offer myself for the governorship,” he said.

Shahbal also sought to reassure politicians and aspirants who may want to work with him, saying past political divisions would not be repeated.

He alleged that in previous political contests, some aspirants were denied party tickets because of their association with him, but promised that such circumstances would not recur if he takes charge of the political process.

“What happened in the past, where some aspirants were denied party tickets simply because they were on my side, will not happen again,” Shahbal said.

His declaration is expected to reshape the political landscape in Mombasa ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly as the race begins to attract heightened attention from national political players.

Shahbal has previously contested the Mombasa governorship and has remained a prominent figure in Coast politics and business. His latest declaration sets the stage for another closely watched gubernatorial contest in the county.