Business leaders in Mombasa have called for stronger collaboration between the private sector and government to position the coastal city as a competitive regional and global business hub.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting bringing together members of the business community, Mombasa Chamber of Commerce Chairman Abud Jamal said there was a need for stakeholders to have candid conversations on the Africa they want to see and the kind of Mombasa they want to build.

Jamal said the city must position itself to compete beyond the region by strengthening its industries and producing products that meet global market standards.

“We are trying to create the Mombasa we want to see and position ourselves so that we can compete not only regionally but globally,” Jamal said.

The meeting also featured a speaker from Mauritius, who shared insights on opportunities for African businesses and the importance of building competitive economies.

Bamburi MCA Patrick Mbele said such forums were critical in strengthening industries and developing skills around the Port of Mombasa.

He stressed the importance of government involvement in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Juma Ahmed, Assistant Director of Port and Shipping Services at the Kenya Maritime Authority, said the discussions were important in positioning Mombasa as a strategic business destination, particularly given the opportunities presented by the port.

Ahmed said Mombasa must prepare for ongoing changes in the maritime sector and take advantage of the increasing volume of trade passing through the Port of Mombasa.

He identified logistics, investment and employment opportunities for young people among areas that could benefit from increased trade.

“This conversation has been very important towards placing Mombasa as a strategic place of business, especially with the port,” Ahmed said, adding that the meeting marked the beginning of a broader conversation on how the city can capitalize on emerging opportunities.

The stakeholders said sustained dialogue between government, businesses and other partners would be key to unlocking Mombasa’s economic potential and ensuring the city plays a greater role in regional and global trade.

Business leaders in Mombasa have called for stronger collaboration between the private sector and government to position the coastal city as a competitive regional and global business hub.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting bringing together members of the business community, Mombasa Chamber of Commerce Chairman Abud Jamal said there was a need for stakeholders to have candid conversations on the Africa they want to see and the kind of Mombasa they want to build.

Jamal said the city must position itself to compete beyond the region by strengthening its industries and producing products that meet global market standards.

“We are trying to create the Mombasa we want to see and position ourselves so that we can compete not only regionally but globally,” Jamal said.

The meeting also featured a speaker from Mauritius, who shared insights on opportunities for African businesses and the importance of building competitive economies.

Bamburi MCA Patrick Mbele said such forums were critical in strengthening industries and developing skills around the Port of Mombasa.

He stressed the importance of government involvement in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Juma Ahmed, Assistant Director of Port and Shipping Services at the Kenya Maritime Authority, said the discussions were important in positioning Mombasa as a strategic business destination, particularly given the opportunities presented by the port.

Ahmed said Mombasa must prepare for ongoing changes in the maritime sector and take advantage of the increasing volume of trade passing through the Port of Mombasa.

He identified logistics, investment and employment opportunities for young people among areas that could benefit from increased trade.

“This conversation has been very important towards placing Mombasa as a strategic place of business, especially with the port,” Ahmed said, adding that the meeting marked the beginning of a broader conversation on how the city can capitalize on emerging opportunities.

The stakeholders said sustained dialogue between government, businesses and other partners would be key to unlocking Mombasa’s economic potential and ensuring the city plays a greater role in regional and global trade.

The cast and creative team behind Tides, a new Kenyan music romance drama set along the Coast, on Saturday met fans in Mombasa during a special cast meet-and-greet held at Nyali Cinemax.

The event brought together film enthusiasts and members of the production team for an interactive session celebrating the locally produced feature film, which premiered in Kenyan cinemas earlier this month.

Tides is a feature film written and directed by Kenyan filmmaker Reuben Odanga and produced by Multan Production Limited. The film premiered nationally on August 8 and is now showing in cinemas. 

Set along the Kenyan Coast, the 120-minute film follows Salma and Biko, a musician couple whose livelihood is devastated by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. With beach hotels closed, live music opportunities disappearing and their daughter facing an urgent heart surgery, the couple is pushed into difficult choices to survive.

The film stars Sarah Hassan as Salma, Brian Kabugi as Biko, Dumisani Mbebe as Morgan and Minnie Kariuki Njuguna as Brenda. The production brings together Kenyan and South African talent in a story that explores love, poverty, survival, grief and the complicated relationships that can develop between tourists and locals at the Coast.

Odanga says the film seeks to explore the realities behind such relationships without passing easy judgment on the characters.

“Moral choices are rarely black and white,” the filmmaker says in his director’s statement, explaining that Tides examines the intersection of poverty, desire, power and survival.

Music is central to the film, with the soundtrack blending Afro-soul, jazz and coastal Swahili rhythms to reflect the emotional journey of the characters. Award-winning Kenyan singer-songwriter Silayio Kirisuah serves as music director and composer.

The Mombasa cast engagement comes as Tides continues its cinema run across Kenya. The film has also attracted attention for its attempt to explore new commercial opportunities for locally produced films, including cinema screenings, music streaming and special screenings for universities and private audiences.

A road in Mombasa has been named in honour of the late businessman and philanthropist Hasmukh K. Patel, in recognition of his contribution to the community and the city.

The road was unveiled earlier today in an event attended by businessman Abubakar Joho and members of the Hindu community, marking a lasting tribute to the renowned businessman who was widely remembered for his philanthropy and support for communities in the Coast region.

The newly named Hasmukh K. Patel Road connects Haile Selassie Avenue to Mwembe Tayari Road, passing via the Shree Cutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple.

The naming follows an earlier commitment by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir to honour Patel by naming a county road and an early childhood development centre after him.

Patel, who was associated with Mombasa Cement, died in August 2024, prompting widespread tributes from leaders and members of the business and religious communities. He was celebrated for his generosity and philanthropic work across the Coast.

The unveiling brings to fruition efforts to preserve the legacy of a businessman whose influence extended beyond commerce, with his philanthropic work touching many lives in Mombasa and beyond.

The new road is expected to serve as a permanent reminder of Patel's contribution to Mombasa and the spirit of giving for which he was known.

Al Shifaa were crowned champions of the Sisi Ni Dola Super Cup after edging Green Eagles 2–1 in an entertaining final played on Friday.

The closely contested final saw both sides create opportunities, but Al Shifaa showed greater composure in front of goal to secure the coveted title.

Green Eagles took the lead in the 24th minute through Daddy Lawrence, who found the back of the net from open play to give his side a 1–0 advantage.

Al Shifaa responded strongly after the break, with Mohammed Athman restoring parity in the 50th minute through another open-play goal.

The match remained tightly contested as both teams searched for the decisive goal. Al Shifaa eventually completed the comeback in the 74th minute when Swalehe Yanga converted from the penalty spot to make it 2–1.

Despite late pressure from Green Eagles, Al Shifaa held on to claim the championship.

The tournament also saw several individual players and coaches recognised for their outstanding performances.

Al Shifaa coach Nassir Hassan was named Best Coach of the Tournament, while his player Laurence Okoth was voted Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Green Eagles goalkeeper William Mandada earned the Best Goalkeeper award for his impressive performances throughout the competition.

The Top Scorer award was shared by Joshua Oyoo of Fayaz and Enock Lemeyian of Juve, who finished the tournament with five goals each.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Hussam, popularly known as Di Maria, of Mombasa Kings was recognised as the tournament’s Upcoming Player, highlighting his promising display during the competition.

The Sisi Ni Dola Super Cup final brought the tournament to an exciting conclusion, with Al Shifaa walking away as champions after a hard-fought comeback victory over Green Eagles.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has embarked on a grassroots mobilisation drive aimed at injecting new energy into the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Joho’s campaign begins this weekend at the Coast, where he is expected to engage party supporters and residents through grassroots dialogues and a series of mega rallies in Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa.

The mobilisation comes as ODM seeks to consolidate its structures and reconnect with supporters across the region ahead of the next General Election.

Joho will on Friday, August 14, lead engagements at the Karisa Maitha Grounds in Kilifi before moving to Vingujini Grounds in Kwale County on Saturday, August 15.

1The former governor has also kicked off the mobilisation in Taita Taveta County, where he was accompanied by Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, ODM officials and party leaders for a grassroots engagement in Chakareli, Rong’e Ward, Mwatate Sub-County.

Mung’aro, who is the ODM Kilifi County Chairperson, said the engagement was focused on strengthening the party while advancing the interests of the Coast region.

"Our strength lies in a united and organised Coast that speaks with one voice on the issues that matter most to our people,” Mung’aro said.

He identified economic opportunities, employment, land, education, healthcare and sustainable development as some of the key issues that should remain at the centre of the region’s political and development agenda.

Mung’aro said he remained committed to strengthening ODM’s presence and structures across Kilifi and the wider Coast region while championing development and a better future for local communities.

The grassroots engagements are expected to provide ODM leaders with an opportunity to listen to residents, assess the party’s support base and mobilise members as the political environment gradually shifts towards the 2027 elections.

Joho’s return to grassroots mobilisation also places the Coast at the centre of ODM’s efforts to rebuild and strengthen its support networks, with the region remaining an important political base for the party.

The weekend rallies in Kilifi and Kwale are expected to attract ODM supporters, party officials, elected leaders and other political actors as the party seeks to build momentum ahead of the 2027 political contest.

Car & General (C&G) has reported a strong financial performance for the six months ended June 30, 2026, with turnover rising by 30 per cent to Ksh15.6 billion, compared with the same period last year.

“Despite a challenging operating environment, we are encouraged by the resilience and growth demonstrated across our markets,” said Car & General Chairman Nicholas Ng’ang’a.

The company’s profit after tax surged to Ksh2.6 billion, up from Ksh637 million recorded during the previous comparable period, reflecting strong performance across its businesses in East Africa and other markets.

“This performance reflects the strength of our diversified portfolio and the continued execution of our regional growth strategy,” Ng’ang’a said.

According to the Car & General half-year results statement, sales grew by 40 per cent in Kenya, 35 per cent in Uganda and 22 per cent in Tanzania. Poultry sales in Tanzania also increased by 3.5 per cent during the period.

The company attributed the improved performance to positive operations across the region, including significant growth from its associate, Watu, which was driven by increased mobile-phone financing and strong performance in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, South Africa and Sierra Leone.

Kenya’s motorcycle business was among the key drivers of growth, with sales averaging 12,000 units per month in 2026, compared with 7,000 units per month in 2025.

Car & General said the growth represents a significant opportunity going forward, with exchange-rate stability also helping the company maintain greater control over its margins.

In Tanzania, the company recorded modest growth in two-wheeler and three-wheeler sales, while its poultry operation stabilised during the period. Production of day-old chicks and demand remained stable, with the company expecting production to increase in the second half of the year.

The company’s investment property portfolio also remained stable. Nairobi Mega on Uhuru Highway maintained steady footfall, while Car & General continued efforts to partially reduce its property holding in Shanzu.

The company currently holds 22.5 acres in Shanzu, having sold 1.5 acres in 2026. It expects the completion of the Mombasa–Malindi highway, scheduled for 2027, to further enhance the value of the property.

Car & General also reported continued progress in its investment in Watu, which has expanded its operations across several African markets. The company has opened operations in Rwanda and South Africa as it continues its strategy of supporting the digitisation of Africa.

Its helmet-manufacturing subsidiary, Boda Plus, has also turned profitable and is currently exporting to Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi.

The company is further positioning itself in the transition to cleaner mobility through investments in electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, LPG-powered three-wheelers in Kenya and CNG-powered three-wheelers in Tanzania.

Car & General said the response to these products has been positive, although it noted that infrastructure for electric charging and gas supply needs to be accelerated to support faster growth in the sector.

The company said more than five million customers are currently using its products and services across its markets.

Looking ahead, Car & General expects economic conditions in East Africa to remain stable in terms of inflation, foreign exchange and liquidity for the remainder of the year, despite unpredictable global geopolitical developments.

“We remain cautiously optimistic about the outlook and are focused on strengthening operational efficiency while expanding our market presence,” Ng’ang’a said.

The company said it will continue driving growth across its product lines and businesses, with a focus on increasing market share, improving Group profitability and optimising its balance sheet.

As part of the half-year results, the Board approved an interim dividend of Ksh1 per share, which will be payable on or about September 10, 2026, to shareholders on the register of members as at September 3, 2026.

“The interim dividend reflects our commitment to delivering consistent value to shareholders while maintaining a strong balance sheet for future growth,” Ng’ang’a said.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has challenged young people in the county to embrace discipline, responsibility and hard work if they are to take advantage of opportunities available to them.

Speaking on Wednesday during celebrations to mark International Youth Day at Tononoka Social Hall, where he addressed hundreds of youths, Governor Nassir said lack of discipline could undermine even the best youth empowerment programmes.

The Governor cited the county’s “Mombasa Ni Yangu” programme as an example, saying the initiative had shown great potential but was forced to discontinue after some beneficiaries failed to honour their work commitments.

“Discipline is very key. You will not achieve anything as a youth if you lack discipline,” Nassir told the gathering.

He said some beneficiaries failed to report to work, gave excuses or displayed laziness despite being given opportunities to gain experience and earn a livelihood.

Nassir urged young people to take opportunities seriously, noting that empowerment programmes can only succeed when beneficiaries demonstrate commitment and a willingness to work.

The Governor also warned youths against being manipulated along tribal and political lines as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.

He urged young people to carefully scrutinise politicians seeking their support and demand clear answers on their development agenda.

“We are in a season of politics and many politicians will want to use your emotions and divide you along tribal lines. You need to be vigilant and careful,” he cautioned.

Nassir challenged the youth to listen to political leaders but ask critical questions about what they intend to deliver, particularly on issues affecting young people.

He said youths should demand to know how political agendas would translate into employment, business opportunities, skills development, infrastructure and other forms of development.

“Let them tell you their agenda and how you, as the youth, will benefit in terms of development and other opportunities,” he said.

The Governor further cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, recalling the loss of many young lives during previous periods of political unrest.

“We have lost so many youth due to political violence, and we should not allow this to happen again,” he said.

Nassir’s remarks come at a time when the county and national government are rolling out various initiatives targeting youth skills development, employment and entrepreneurship. Mombasa has recently expanded vocational and skills-training opportunities, including the Skills Mitaani programme targeting more than 10,000 young people. 

The Governor called on the youth to focus on building their skills, creating businesses and pursuing opportunities rather than allowing political differences to divide them.

He said young people have a critical role to play in shaping the future of Mombasa and Kenya and should use their numbers and influence to demand accountable leadership and meaningful development.

Azzam United have booked their place in the semifinals of the SISI NI DOLA Cup after edging defending champions Fayaz Bakers 2-1 in a closely contested quarter-final played on Sunday.

The result brings Fayaz Bakers’ title defence to an end, while Azzam United continue their impressive run in the competition and will now face Alshifaa FC in the semifinal.

Azzam United took control of the match early, scoring twice in the first half to establish a 2-0 lead.

Harith Mshamanga opened the scoring in the 20th minute after being set up by Juma Bwengo, before Ali Cheusi doubled the advantage eight minutes later following an assist from Salim Mzala.

Fayaz Bakers came back strongly after the break and their efforts paid off in the 52nd minute when Rashid Nzao found the back of the net to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Despite mounting pressure from the defending champions, Azzam United held on to their advantage until the final whistle to secure a place in the last four.

The match was played in a competitive but fair manner, with no major incidents reported during or after the encounter.

Fayaz Bakers received three yellow cards, with Mohammed Kenga booked in the 57th minute, Abdallah Abdallah in the 58th minute and goalscorer Rashid Nzao in the 83rd minute.

Azzam United had one caution, with Said Tuwa receiving a yellow card in the 67th minute.

Azzam United’s Hassan Kizianda was named the Man of the Match (MVP) following his impressive performance.

The victory sees Azzam United advance to the semifinals, where they will face Alshifaa FC in what promises to be another exciting encounter.

The other semifinal will see Nyundo FC take on Green Eagles, with the two sides also battling for a place in the SISI NI DOLA Cup final.

The SISI NI DOLA Cup has entered its decisive stage, with the remaining teams now eyeing a place in the final and the coveted championship. The tournament has brought together teams from across the region and continues to provide a platform for emerging football talent.