The M-PESA Jr. NBA tournament heads to Mombasa this weekend for its second regional showdown.

The 40 teams, comprising 480 boys and girls, are set to hit the court at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa battling for the top regional title.

The competition will feature 5x5 games, with winners in both the boys’ and girls’ categories walking away with smartphones and airtime courtesy of Safaricom’s M-PESA.

Outstanding players will be scouted to attend an elite basketball development camp for additional opportunities.

Ahead of the games, players will also participate in financial literacy clinics through M-PESA Go, reinforcing Safaricom’s commitment to empowering young people beyond the basketball court.

“This tournament signifies what we have been doing through M-PESA over the past 18 years in supporting talent across the country. Through our partnership with Jr. NBA, we are not only promoting sports but also empowering young people with financial literacy through our M-PESA Go product,” said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom.

The 2025 M-PESA Jr. NBA program kicked off with a Fit clinic in Nairobi engaging over 100 local coaches, with life-skills seminars and coaching capacity building.

This was followed by the first regional tournament in Nairobi that saw St. Johns’ from Korogocho and Olympic from Kibera claim the top titles in the boys’ and girls’ contests, respectively.

The M-PESA Jr. NBA program is designed to provide basketball development and financial literacy training more than 10,000 boys and girls across Kenya.

The tournament now heads to Mombasa this weekend followed by Eldoret and finally Kisumu.

The regional tournaments will culminate into a national tournament in collaboration with School games.

The top 50 boys and 50 girls will be scouted to attend Top 100 elite basketball development camp in April.

Rap heavyweights King Kaka and Scar Mkadinali  recently hosted an exclusive private listening party for their highly anticipated joint album, Fluent Trauma.

The event, held at Sarit Rooftop on Friday, February 28, was an intimate yet electric affair, drawing key industry players, corporate partners, and select fans who got the first taste of the duo’s latest masterpiece.

The listening party was more than just a showcase-it was an immersive experience. After each track, King Kaka and Scar Mkadinali engaged with the audience, breaking down the creative process, lyrical depth, and production elements.

The interactive nature of the event created a deeper connection between the artists and their audience, making for an unforgettable night of music and conversation.

"This album is a journey through our experiences, our wins, and our scars. Fluent Trauma is about resilience, truth, and the raw realities of our world. Seeing the audience vibe with our sound in real-time was surreal," said King Kaka.

The chemistry between King Kaka and Scar Mkadinali was undeniable throughout the night. Their energy, sharp lyricism, and distinct storytelling styles fused seamlessly, proving why Fluent Trauma is set to be one of the most impactful collaborations in recent years when it comes to Kenyan hip-hop, 

With an overwhelming response from those in attendance, Fluent Trauma is already generating buzz. Fans can expect the official release date and streaming details to be announced soon.

Co-working spaces are becoming a powerful catalyst for startups in Kenya, especially in cities like Mombasa, where the concept is still relatively new.

These flexible, cost-effective environments are transforming the way entrepreneurs operate by offering not just physical space, but also a supportive ecosystem that nurtures innovation, collaboration, and business growth.

A key player in this movement is the Westerwelle Foundation’s hub (WSHM), which has quickly established itself as a vital resource for entrepreneurs in Mombasa.

Among such entrepreneurs and businesses that are enjoying this resource, is She Social Ke, a social media consultancy business founded by Jamila Hassan.

Her journey tells a powerful tale of the transformative power of co-working spaces, which provide not just desks and Wi-Fi but a budding ecosystem of innovation, mentorship, and collaboration.

Jamila Hassan is no stranger to the digital landscape within and without the country.

Having spent over a decade in digital marketing space, communications, and business development, she identified a major gap: many small businesses, especially those owned by women in Mombasa, struggled with digital visibility.

This realization led to the launch of She Social Ke, a consultancy dedicated to empowering businesses with social media strategies, content creation, and influencer marketing.

"My journey in digital marketing started with my blog, Life in Mombasa, which showcased the city’s rich culture and lifestyle. Through this, I saw firsthand how businesses struggled with online visibility and lacked structured digital strategies. She Social Ke was born out of a need to bridge that gap,” says Jamila during an interview.

As she embarked on this mission, she faced common startup hurdles, just like any Kenyan startup: limited resources, isolation, and the challenge of structuring a business for scalability.

It was WSHM that provided the perfect launchpad for her vision.There is no doubt that for many entrepreneurs, not just in Kenya but around the world, the decision to work from home, lease an office, or join a co-working space is crucial.

For Jamila, the choice was clear. She chose WSHM.

"Working in a co-working space is a game-changer compared to working from home. The structured environment boosts focus and productivity, while the opportunity to interact with other entrepreneurs brings fresh ideas and potential collaborations,” she added.

According to Jamila, co-working spaces like WSHM address key startup challenges such as:They provide cost-effective solutions whereas traditional office spaces come with hefty rental fees and maintenance costs. Co-working spaces provide flexible membership options that make it easier for startups to manage operational expenses.

This makes the running of a business easier. There is no better place to network and meet mentors than at a co-working space.

At WSHM, Jamila has tapped into a valuable network of like-minded entrepreneurs and industry experts. The mentorship and business training she’s received have helped her refine her strategies and expand her reach.

What about access to infrastructure? This is something many can only dream of in a traditional office setup or home.

Jamila says high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a professional working environment have enhanced her productivity and brand positioning.

There is no doubt that entrepreneurship can be isolating, but being part of a co-working space creates a sense of belonging and motivation.

“The presence of other driven entrepreneurs pushes me to stay accountable and continuously improve my business,” Jamila shares.

Since joining WSHM through the DigiTalents program, Jamila has seen remarkable progress in her life as an entrepreneur and in her business as well.

“The training I’ve received has been instrumental in refining my approach to social media consultancy. I’ve gained insights into financial management, business growth strategies, and customer relations—all critical for scaling my business,” she says.

She has also formed valuable collaborations with fellow entrepreneurs at the hub, leading to new projects and expanded business opportunities.

“The visibility and credibility that come with being part of an entrepreneurial hub have helped me connect with potential clients and partners.”

Jamila’s story and entrepreneurial journey are just a tip of the growing and boiling new front that Kenya’s startup ecosystem is rapidly growing, fueled by fintech, e-commerce, and the rise of digital nomads. In this dynamic landscape, co-working spaces are playing a pivotal role in fostering innovation and business growth.

Spaces like WSHM are incubators for ideas, collaborations, and long-term business success.

They provide the flexibility and resources that startups need to scale without the burden of heavy operational costs.

“Co-working spaces like WSHM create an ecosystem where entrepreneurs can share resources, learn from each other, and accelerate business growth,” says Jamila.

“For any entrepreneur looking to scale their business, a co-working space can be a great launchpad.”

Jamila’s goals for She Social Ke are ambitious.

Over the next year, she aims to establish a dedicated office at WSHM and grow her client base significantly.

She also hopes to see more structured mentorship programs and networking events with investors at co-working spaces like WSHM to further support startups.

Her journey is a compelling case study on how the right environment can fuel entrepreneurial success.

As Kenya’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive, co-working spaces will remain at the heart of innovation—offering more than just a place to work but a community that drives dreams into reality.

As Jamila puts it, “WSHM is more than just a workspace; it’s a thriving entrepreneurial community that fuels innovation, collaboration, and business growth.”

International South-Sudanese entertainer Emmanuel Jal releases “Bilebile” - a new single featuring Shammalee and Nyadollar. This release comes ahead of Emmanuel Jal’s anticipated showcase at the 2025 Coachella festival alongside Haitian DJ Francis Mercier—marking the first time a South Sudanese artist takes the stage.

The catchy, uplifting song released under Sondela Recordings, celebrates the spirit of a hardworking lady whose determination inspires. The title, meaning ‘shine, shine’ in Nuer, encapsulates its radiant energy and calls on everyone to glow and be a light regardless of their circumstances.

On the magical chemistry with the duo, Jal says “It comes down to their distinct vocals. Nyadollar has a high-pitched, traditional sound influenced by Nuer culture, while Shamma’s voice is bold and modern in its delivery. They are both South Sudanese and former refugees who grew up in Kenya and I want to share my platform with them to ensure their voices are heard,” adding, “This is a crucial aspect of my music, helping it retain authenticity and strengthen the messaging behind it.”

The standout vocal contributions from Shammalee and Nyadollar on “Bilebile” offer an infectious flow, joyful rhythm and empowering message—inviting listeners to embrace their inner shine and pursue their dream. Emmanuel crafted the track by balancing authenticity with a contemporary sound - creating a song that resonates deeply while staying fresh and relevant through a compelling narrative and captivating melody.

Jal is also set to release an Afrohouse EP through Diplo’s label, The Higher Ground, which previously released “Gorah” and “Hustla”. Additionally, he has major international collaborations lined up, to be announced throughout the year. He is no stranger to the scene, with hits like “Kuar” (remixed by Henrik Schwarz & FNX Omar), “Gorah” with Nitefreak and more recently, “Chaak” with Bun Xapa under his belt. You might also recognise Nyadollar’s iconic vocals on one of 2024’s biggest House songs “Yuma” specifically Francis Mercier’s remix. 

The release of “Bilebile” embodies Emmanuel Jal’s artistic innovation and a timeless celebration of resilience bridging cultural boundaries. It aligns with his exciting projects for this year, including a historic performance with Francis Mercier at the 2025 Coachella festival—marking the first time a South Sudanese artist takes the stage. The 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will take place April 11–13 and April 18–20 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. 

Kenya’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community has firmly established its place on the global map, thanks to a remarkable performance at the AJP Tour Africa Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025 in Cairo, Egypt (February 21 - 22, 2025).

A combined team of athletes from Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy and One Tribe BJJ competed fiercely and brought home 13 medals, including 6 golds.

Among the standout performers were Ouhsummer Ali Abad, James Nganga and Daniel Crank, each of whom captured double gold medals in both the GI and NO-GI categories. Their exceptional achievements highlight Kenya’s growing strength and competitiveness on the world stage. GI is the white jacket worn in Jiu-Jitsu. Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy’s Ouhsummer Ali Abad aka “Ninja Turtle” also won in his mixed martial arts debut at the Blood Warriors Championship in Kampala, Uganda in November of 2024. 

With 10 athletes representing Kenya, the Nairobi team secured 4th place overall out of 49 participating teams. Additionally, Kenya ranked an impressive 5th among 15 countries in the professional category, demonstrating the nation's rising prominence in international Jiu-Jitsu. The athletes’ success would not have been possible without the vital support of the strength and conditioning coaches, Schola Muchiri and Mary Kagi, who meticulously prepared the team for the competition and provided unwavering support throughout.

Tomas Maule from Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy who also went to Cairo and fought alongside other athletes says, “Our performance in Cairo is a direct result of years of commitment, and we’re thrilled to see Kenya’s Jiu-Jitsu community gaining recognition. This success reflects the dedication and hard work of our athletes, coaches and supporters,” adding, “A special thank you to all the sponsors and supporters whose financial contributions helped make the team’s participation and this milestone possible.”

Kenya’s remarkable performance in this prestigious tournament places Kenya on the map of international Jiu-Jitsu while setting the stage for further growth and success in the future. Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy and One Tribe BJJ are two of Kenya’s premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu institutions, dedicated to fostering skill, discipline and sportsmanship. Through their combined efforts, they have produced top-tier athletes who are excelling on the international stage.

Savings and Credit Cooperatives (Saccos) have been encouraged to adopt digital solutions to enhance seamless and efficient management while improving service delivery to their customers.

Speaking during an interview with journalists in Mombasa, Safaricom’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Cynthia Kropac, emphasised the need for Saccos to embrace digital transformation by adopting platforms such as MySacco, which enables Saccos to efficiently manage a growing and diverse membership base.

According to a 2019 survey conducted by Saccos Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA), the average age limit for SACCO members is 40 years.  

"At Safaricom, we recognise that Kenyans, especially young people, continue to seek solutions that cater for their needs at different life stages, wherever they are, and most importantly, on digital platforms. That is why we recently developed MySacco platform to drive financial inclusion and sustainability in the Sacco sector,” she said.

In October last year, Safaricom introduced the MySacco platform, a multi-tenant digital platform that streamlines Sacco operations and addresses challenges related to membership management.

The platform simplifies key services, including opening savings accounts and managing loans, making these processes fully digital, trackable, and highly user-friendly.

“With statistics showing that only 5% of Saccos in Kenya are fully digitised, and less than 1% can afford the existing core banking platform systems in the market, we continue to encourage Saccos to enhance not only their customer interactions but also their internal processes and operational systems,” Kropac added.

With the MySacco platform, Saccos benefit from affordability, accessibility, and scalability by subscribing to cloud-based solutions without the burden of heavy infrastructure costs.

The platform provides a one-stop-shop experience that integrates connectivity, cybersecurity, and a digital-first approach, enabling Saccos to expand their reach and better serve their members.

To ensure maximum accessibility, MySacco is available across multiple digital channels, including Android and iOS mobile apps for on-the-go access, a web portal for advanced functionality, and USSD support for members without smartphones.

Old stereotypes, structural barriers, and a limited awareness regarding gender policies still remain major challenges facing Women in Africa.

Speaking during the official opening of the Training Program for THE Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Female Staff on Leadership in Kwale, Kenya. IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu called more efforts in tackling the challenges from stakeholders.

"Old stereotypes, structural barriers, and a limited awareness regarding gender policies are challenges that continue to hold us back. That is why this programme matters so much. It is not merely about training; it is about providing you, our remarkable female staff, with the practical skills, the confidence, and the tools to overcome those obstacles. When you succeed, IGAD succeeds, and so does our capacity to serve this region with heart and impact." said Dr Gebeyehu.

Adding " The IGAD region has its share of storms, conflict, displacement, climate change and socio-economic uncertainties. And yet, who feels these the most? Women. You carry the weight, yet too often, your voices are missing from the tables where solutions are shaped. This isn’t just unfair; it is a
missed opportunity."

Dr. Gebeyehu argued that the responsibility of addressing the challenges facing Women should be taken up by all stakeholders.

"And let us be honest, gender equality does not rest solely on women’s shoulders. It is a responsibility for all of us. It involves rethinking how we act, how we think, and how we construct our systems. It requires challenging outdated biases and creating space for everyone to thrive. As
we prepare for International Women’s Day, let us view this as our commitment to invest in women—in you—and witness the progress unfold." he charged.

"With International Women’s Day 2025 just around the corner on March 8th, this training feels like a perfect way to live out this year’s theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” By investing in you, we’re speeding up change for all of us."

Africa’s Afro-soul sensation Atemi Oyungu has released her highly anticipated third album, Mahaba Hewani.

The album a celebration the major milestone in  er incredible 25-year music journey.

This album is a heartfelt celebration of love, blending soulful melodies with rich African sounds.

Featuring collaborations with Kagwe Mungai, Wambura Mitaru, Fjay, and H_art The Band, Mahaba Hewani showcases Atemi’s evolution as one of Kenya’s most celebrated soul music voices.

Experience the magic of Mahaba Hewani! The album is now available on all streaming platforms—immerse yourself in the soulful melodies and timeless storytelling.

Listen now and let the music take you on a journey: Mahaba Hewani

By Ifeanyi Odoh, Country President, Schneider Electric East Africa

East Africa is region known for its rich cultural heritage landscape and vibrant economies. From the rolling savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania to the magnificent peaks of Ethiopia and the pristine beaches of Seychelles, it is a land like no other.

2024 was year that was marked by exciting growth in key industries such as ICT. In fact, East Africa’s data centre marketplace is poised to become a major force in the coming years with Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia emerging as hubs for digital innovation, driven by investments in cloud services, AI, and e-commerce.

Moreover, the region’s is not limited to technology with countries such as Kenya key infrastructure challenges and grid infrastructure development, meeting the needs its rapidly urbanising population.

Growing the region’s youthful population

In a recent meeting by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the organisation emphasised the youth’s central role in shaping the continent’s future.  Held in New York, US, the "Transforming Africa with Youth-Driven Solutions" meeting saw the ECA calling for concerted efforts to unlock the potential of Africa’s youth for sustainable growth.

“Africa’s youth are not just the future; they are the present driving force of our continent, and they must have a decisive role in shaping our pact for the future,” said the ECA.

It is undoubtedly a strong sentiment, and re-emphasises why, with one of the youngest populations globally, East Africa has the demographic advantage that can fuel its economic engine.

Indeed, by 2035, a significant percentage of the global workforce will come from Africa. This youthful workforce is undoubtedly an important asset which is why unlocking its potential requires targets skilling and preparation.

Meeting digital and other skills requirements

As mentioned, East Africa is undergoing significant technological advancement driven by developments such as AI. To keep pace, the region must equip its youth with the skills needed to thrive in this growing marketplace. Here, skills development and training programmes are essential to ensure the workforce is ready for the continent's next evolutionary phase, if you will.

Furthermore, the integration of technology into traditional industries, alongside the development of labour-intensive activities, will help reduce unemployment and drive inclusive economic growth. Here are some important considerations for the coming years:

• Skills development: The World Economic Forum (WEF) notes that up to 50% of Africa's future jobs will require digital skills. Initiatives like the Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Digital Masterplan. and Ethiopia's Digital Ethiopia 2025 aim to close the skills gap.
• Labour-intensive industries - focusing on sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and construction can absorb large segments of the workforce. For instance, agro- processing has the potential to create millions of jobs while enhancing food security.
• Addressing youth unemployment - in East Africa, youth unemployment rates vary significantly; encouraging entrepreneurship, supported by access to capital and training, can drive job creation and economic diversification.

 Human sustainability

Sustainability is often seen as an exclusively environmental endeavour; however, true sustainability also focusses on people.  East Africa’s growth must ensure that individuals remain at the centre, fostering opportunities across the economy and prioritising social equity.

A prime example is Schneider Electric’s Access to Education program which aims to develop careers in the Energy field through partnerships with TVET Institutions deploying up to date equipment and curricula. Such programs have seen employers seeking qualified, skilled and market ready students hired and immediately deployed for work assignments.

The output from such training programs is also evident in the recently launched laboratory at the PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute where students from the institution were able to develop a 10kVA solar-biogas hybrid renewable energy system. This system will be used by the institution converting waste to energy promoting energy saving while promoting impact learning to the students.

Ugandan music icon Bebe Cool has officially released “Motivation”, the second single off his highly anticipated album, ‘Break the Chains’. Stream it today. 

 “Motivation” is a deeply personal and emotionally charged track that highlights Bebe Cool’s versatility. Unlike his previous releases, where he leaned on reggae and dancehall influences, this song taps into the Afrobeats wave, delivering smooth vocals and an irresistible melody that lingers long after the song ends.

The new single produced by Ugandan music producer-duo Bushington (George Kagoda) and Melanin Boy, showcases Bebe Cool’s evolving sound, blending mellow Afrobeats rhythms with heartfelt lyrics about love, inspiration and devotion.

It has a smooth, minimalistic production, with the chorus celebrating love and devotion, highlighting Bebe Cool’s signature husky vocals and infectious Afrobeats melodies.

Its accompanying music video, directed by South Africa’s Garrick Williams, explores the depth of love beyond appearances or material wealth. The visuals elegantly portray Bebe Cool and his love interest as equal partners, highlighting their deep connection and shared journey in both love and business.

Watch “Motivation” video

Bebe Cool launched Motivation Week in Uganda, a new annual initiative held in the week following Valentine’s Day.

The initiative aims to celebrate motivators across different fields and create meaningful conversations around inspiration and resilience. During a roundtable discussion featuring various media personalities, Bebe Cool spoke about his journey in music and what keeps him pushing forward.

He shared personal stories, including how his motivation led him to travel to Nairobi in pursuit of his dream of becoming a global artist.

He shared, “Motivation is key to success no matter your age and level in life. For instance I have children who are growing up and my peers and I still have more to grow.”

Bebe Cool’s musical journey began in 1997 when he made a bold move to Nairobi, where he quickly became one of the first artists to sign with Ogopa Deejays, a pioneering record label in the East African music scene.

Bebe was instrumental in establishing Uganda’s modern sound and significantly elevated the social scene in the early 2000s with his captivating voice and sometimes polarizing performances. In 2004, he joined forces with Kenyan reggae and Hip Hop group Necessary Noize, comprising Wyre and Nazizi, to form the award-winning East African Bashment Crew. 

The supergroup achieved continental success with hits like “Africa Unite”, “Kube”, “This Tune” and “Fire Anthem” off their debut album ‘Fire’. Bebe Cool’s career continues to evolve and his legacy as a groundbreaking artist remains firmly entrenched in the fabric of Uganda and African music.

“Motivation” follows the success of “Circumference” —the first single from Bebe Cool’s highly anticipated album , ‘Break the Chains’. The album is expected to push the boundaries of African music, showcasing a dynamic fusion of sounds and storytelling.

Bebe Cool shared, “I can’t wait for everyone to experience the full spectrum of this album and the stories it tells.” With Break the Chains set for release in 2025, Bebe Cool continues to solidify his legacy as a powerhouse in African music.