Siaya’s Indomitable Soldiers and Migori’s Awendo Football Academy have advanced to the boys’ final of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza regional games after recording 1-0 wins in the semi-finals played on September 12, 2026 at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Mamboleo, in Kisumu, Safaricom said in a press release.

Indomitable Soldiers, students of Wagai Mixed Secondary School, eliminated regional and national defending champions Obunga FC 1-0, with Nelson Warambo scoring in the 28th minute, according to the statement. In the other semi-final, Awendo Football Academy edged Kendu Muslim 1-0 to book a place in the final for the second consecutive year. Safaricom said Kevin Mukaramoja scored the winner after receiving a cross from Shaban Quimba.

In the girls’ category, Plateau Queens will face Homa Bay’s Hedso Queens in the regional final. Safaricom said Plateau Queens, described as two-time regional and national champions, are seeking a third regional title after beating Nyamira’s Masosa Starlets 8-0 in their semi-final. Emily Adhiambo scored a hat-trick, Beryl Awuor scored twice, while Melda Akinyi, Joan Agola and Elizabeth Alpine added one goal each, according to the press release.

Hedso Queens secured their place in the final after defeating Kisii’s Otendo Comprehensive Starlets 4-0. Safaricom said Khadija Furaha scored twice, with Michele Achieng and Saumu Chizi also on the scoresheet.

The outcomes come as corporate-backed youth sports programmes continue to play a growing role in talent development and community engagement across Kenya, often combining competition with education and welfare components. Safaricom positions Chapa Dimba as part of its wider community initiatives, while the regional finals also act as qualifiers for the national stage.

Indomitable Soldiers head coach Nicholas Owende said the team’s victory over Obunga FC marked a milestone. “Beating the defending champions is not easy. We stuck to our game plan, and we are happy that, for the first time, we have made it to the final. We know it won’t be an easy game, but we are determined to lift this trophy and take it back to Siaya,” Owende said, according to the press release.

Safaricom said winners in both the boys’ and girls’ categories will each receive KES 250,000 and qualify for the national finals, while runners-up will take home KES 150,000. The company also announced individual awards: best goalkeeper and top scorer in both categories will each receive KES 30,000, and the most valuable player (Golden Ball) will receive KES 30,000 plus a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.

Beyond match results, Safaricom said it held clinics for coaches and players at the venue covering football and additional themes including mental health, data privacy and personal branding—an approach that reflects the increasing integration of life-skills training in youth competitions.

Safaricom added that the regional finals will be preceded by an exhibition match between Safaricom staff and Kisumu-based media, with KES 40,000 for the winning team.

The Nyanza regional finals are expected to determine the teams that will represent the region at the national finals, where additional exposure could attract interest from academies and scouts within Kenya’s football development ecosystem.

Eight teams have qualified for the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza Regional semifinals following inter-county playoffs held on September 11, 2026 across four venues in Kisumu County, according to a statement from Safaricom. The semifinals will be played on September 12 at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu County.

The qualified teams are defending champions Obunga FC, Kendu Muslim, Awendo Football Academy, Indomitable Soldiers, Plateau Queens, Masosa Starlets, Hedso Queens and Otendo Comprehensive Starlets, the statement said.

The tournament results set up a weekend of matches that will culminate in Sunday’s finals, with the organisers indicating prize money of KES 250,000 for champions and KES 150,000 for runners-up, alongside other individual prizes including smartphones.

Results from the inter-county playoffs

In the boys’ category, Pool A matches at Kasagam School Playground saw Kisumu-based Obunga FC finish top with four points. Obunga beat Nyaguku FC 2–1, then drew 2–2 with Kendu Muslim of Homa Bay. Kendu Muslim and Nyaguku FC drew 1–1, eliminating Nyaguku.

In Pool B at Railways Ground, Awendo Football Academy secured top spot. Awendo drew 0–0 with Siaya’s Indomitable Soldiers in the opening match, then beat Sameta High School of Kisii 1–0. Earlier, Indomitable Soldiers and Sameta had drawn 2–2, a result that contributed to Sameta’s exit.

In the girls’ category, Pool A matches at Kisumu Boys High School saw Plateau Queens qualify after beating Nyamira Starlets-Bondo 1–0 and Otendo Comprehensive Starlets 2–0. Otendo then beat Nyamira Starlets-Bondo 1–0, eliminating Nyamira.

Pool B fixtures at Kisumu Day saw Hedso Queens of Homa Bay advance after beating Masosa Starlets of Nyamira County 4–2 and Oyugi Ogango Girls 4–1. The match between Oyugi Ogango and Masosa ended 1–1, which, according to the statement, resulted in both Hedso Queens and Masosa Starlets progressing to the semifinals.

Coaches’ reactions

Isaac Odhiambo, Assistant Coach of Indomitable Soldiers, said the team expects a stronger showing after reaching the last four. “First, I am happy to have reached this far. It wasn’t easy considering how competitive the region is in terms of football… this year we are determined to get to the finals and take home the regional trophy,” Odhiambo said.

He added the team will address mistakes after drawing both matches. “My boys really displayed a good game, though we drew both our matches… tomorrow, we hope to give our best and rectify the mistakes,” Odhiambo said.

Moses Atego, Assistant Coach of Plateau Queens, said the defending champions are taking a cautious approach. “We are taking it one game at a time. Every team here is a champion from their respective counties… we are determined to defend our title,” Atego said.

Why it matters

Safaricom’s continued backing of youth football through Chapa Dimba positions the tournament as a regular pipeline for talent identification while drawing activity to host counties through matchday logistics, local venues and associated services. For Safaricom, the programme also remains part of its wider brand and community engagement strategy in Kenya’s sports ecosystem.

Next matches

The girls’ semifinals will feature Plateau Queens vs Masosa Starlets, followed by Hedso Queens vs Otendo Comprehensive Starlets. In the boys’ semifinals, Awendo Football Academy will play Kendu Muslim before Obunga FC face Indomitable Soldiers, with winners advancing to Sunday’s finals, according to the statement.

M-KOPA has financed more than 10,000 electric motorbikes in Kenya and is expanding its electric mobility financing to include electric tuk-tuks, the company said in a media statement dated 7 September 2026 in Nairobi.

The milestone signals growing adoption of electric two-wheelers among riders seeking lower operating costs compared with petrol-powered motorcycles, while the tuk-tuk expansion targets another large segment of Kenya’s public and commercial transport ecosystem that often faces limited access to affordable vehicle financing.

M-KOPA said its pay-as-you-go financing model allows riders and operators to spread the cost of electric vehicles over time, reducing the upfront capital required to acquire income-generating transport assets.

According to M-KOPA customer data, financed riders save an average of KSh530 per day due to lower energy and maintenance costs and access to battery-swapping infrastructure. Across more than 10,000 financed motorcycles, the company estimates this equates to about KSh5.3 million in daily savings, or approximately KSh1 billion annually, assuming regular daily use.

“Reaching 10,000 financed electric motorbikes reflects growing demand from riders looking to lower operating costs and improve their earnings,” said Brian Njao, General Manager, Mobility, M-KOPA. “We are now applying the same financing approach to electric tuk-tuks, helping operators access cleaner, lower-cost vehicles without the burden of a large upfront payment.”

The expansion comes as tuk-tuks remain a major feature of last-mile transport and small business logistics in urban and peri-urban areas. M-KOPA cited estimates by the Kenya Tuk Tuk Operators Network of more than 250,000 registered tuk-tuks, 750,000 active drivers, and 250,000 owners and investors. The operator network says access to affordable finance is a key challenge for those seeking to acquire or upgrade vehicles.

For Kenya’s business landscape, the move underscores a broader shift toward asset-backed credit models tailored to informal and semi-formal earners, particularly within transport. Electric vehicles (EVs) in commercial use cases such as boda boda and tuk-tuk operations are increasingly evaluated through total cost of ownership—energy, maintenance, and downtime—rather than purchase price alone. Financing structures and charging or swapping networks are likely to determine the pace of adoption.

M-KOPA also linked its expansion to Kenya’s National Electric Mobility Policy, which provides a framework for investment and private-sector participation in electric mobility. The company noted that incentives under the policy include zero-rated VAT on electric buses, bicycles, motorcycles and lithium-ion batteries, as well as zero excise duty on electric bicycles, motorcycles and lithium-ion batteries.

The company said it finances electric motorcycles from manufacturers including Ampersand, Roam and Spiro, and has partnered with Bolt to expand access through financing and rider incentives. It added that customers receive M-KOPA Cares, which includes flexible repayments, insurance, GPS tracking, security features and warranty protection.

Looking ahead, M-KOPA said the next phase of its mobility strategy will focus on expanding customer access, partnerships and financing across Kenya’s growing electric transport ecosystem, as the market tests how quickly EV financing can scale beyond motorcycles into higher-capacity commercial vehicles such as tuk-tuks.

Twelve football teams from across the Nyanza region have qualified for the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Nyanza Regional Finals set for Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Mamboleo, in Kisumu, after winning their respective county competitions over the weekend.

According to a Safaricom statement dated September 6, 2026, county champions took home KES 75,000 each, while runners-up received KES 30,000, alongside additional individual prizes.

The qualifiers include Obunga FC and Plateau Queens from Kisumu County, Awendo Academy from Migori County, and Sameta High School from Kisii County.

The regional finals are part of Safaricom’s Chapa Dimba tournament series, which has become a recurring platform for youth football talent identification and competition across Kenya’s counties. The event also draws local spectators and requires logistics and venue operations that typically benefit host towns through accommodation, transport and small-scale trade around match venues.

In Kisumu County, Obunga FC defended their county title by beating Julu Nyambugu 4-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regular time. Evans Oketch, head coach of Obunga FC, said the team expects a tougher contest at the regional stage.

“It was not an easy game. Our opponents were tough and pushed us to penalties. I thank my players and the fans for their support in helping us retain the county title,” Oketch said. “The experience I have gained through Chapa Dimba and our visit to Spain last year helped us stay focused and get the job done. There will be pressure at the regionals as defending champions, but we are ready to fight for the regional crown.”

In the girls’ category in Kisumu, Plateau Queens (Nyakach Girls) retained their county crown for a third consecutive time after defeating Victoria Soccer Academy 4-0. Joan Ogola scored in the 13th minute, while Emily Adhiambo scored a hat-trick, Safaricom said.

“I am really excited to retain this title for the third time. We dominated the game and made sure that we won,” said Chrispine Odindo, head coach of Plateau Queens. “For the regionals, we are going for nothing but the trophy.”

Other county results highlighted in the statement include Siaya County, where Indomitable Soldiers beat Real Talent Academy 10-9 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to win the boys’ title, while Nyamira Starlets beat Lwak Starlets 6-5 on penalties to win the girls’ title.

In Migori County, Awendo Academy beat Korwa Secondary School 1-0 to retain the boys’ title for a second time, while Oyugi Ogango Girls won the girls’ category after edging Mukuyu Queens 3-2.

In Nyamira County, Nyaguku FC retained the boys’ county title after beating Global Junior 4-1 on penalties following a 0-0 draw. Masosa Starlets won the girls’ category after a 1-0 win over the season four champions, Safaricom said.

In Kisii County, Sameta High School beat The Mighty FC 1-0 to claim the boys’ title, while Otendo Comprehensive Starlets won the girls’ trophy after a 2-0 win against Omogwa Comprehensive.

In Homa Bay County, Kendu Muslim won the boys’ title after beating Kokwanyo Youth Soccer Academy 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw, while Hedso Queens (Saye Secondary School) won the girls’ title by beating Kachar Queens of Rangwe 3-2 on penalties.

Safaricom said the Nyanza Regional Finals will begin with an inter-county playoff, followed by coaches’ and players’ clinics, before proceeding to the semi-finals and finals at the Kisumu venue.

For Safaricom, the tournament sits alongside its wider brand and community initiatives and keeps the firm visible in regional markets beyond Nairobi, while offering structured competition for youth teams drawn from schools and community clubs. The regional finals are expected to determine which teams advance to subsequent stages of the Chapa Dimba competition.

NBO Film Festival has announced its seventh edition, set to run from October 15 to 25, 2026, across four venues in Nairobi—Prestige Plaza, Unseen Cinema, Kaloleni Social Hall and Alliance Française Nairobi—according to a press release dated September 2, 2026.

The organisers said the 2026 festival will combine public screenings with community programmes, “City Dialogues” and filmmaker conversations, positioning the event as part of Nairobi’s broader cultural calendar. The programme will operate under the theme “Cinema for Us,” which the festival describes as a push for African audiences to access and experience African films locally.

The announcement comes as Kenya’s film and creative economy continues to broaden, with festivals and industry platforms increasingly serving as routes for distribution, networking and project development. For Nairobi, a multi-venue festival format can drive foot traffic for host sites and offer local filmmakers additional routes to reach audiences and engage potential partners, including regional and international industry players.

According to the press release, the festival will expand its competitive slate to three juried competitions. It will retain the Fiction Feature Film Competition and add two new categories: the Nick Wambugu Prize for Documentary and a Short Film Fiction competition.

The festival said it will announce the competition jury chairs on September 4, followed by competition selections on September 7.

Mbithi Masya, Artistic Director of NBO Film Festival, said the theme is designed to centre local audiences in African cinema’s growth. “Cinema for us means creating a space where audiences can discover, celebrate and engage with the stories being made across Africa and beyond,” Masya said. “We want this festival to be part of Nairobi’s public life and a place where people come together to experience cinema, exchange ideas, recognise excellence and imagine what comes next.”

For the first time, the festival will also mount a filmmaker retrospective, dedicated to Senegalese filmmaker Alain Gomis, with Gomis expected to attend both audience and industry events. The retrospective is supported by EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture), the organisers said. The full retrospective line-up is scheduled to be revealed on September 9, followed by the announcement of the festival’s opening film and major Special Presentations on September 10.

Beyond programming for audiences, the festival said it will expand its industry programme, aimed at connecting filmmakers and professionals through the NBO Project Showcase, creative labs and professional exchanges. Such platforms can influence deal-making and co-production pipelines in East Africa by giving projects visibility earlier in development and widening access to mentors, financiers and commissioning editors.

In a timeline shared by the organisers, the festival trailer and ticket sales are set to launch on September 12, with the complete programme and screening schedule expected on September 14.

The organisers have not disclosed ticket prices, sponsorship figures or projected attendance in the press release. Key near-term milestones include the publication of competition selections, retrospective details and the opening-film announcement ahead of the October event.

Kenyan artists Calvo Mistari and Naiboi on September 2, 2026 released two singles—“Nataka Nikujue” featuring Nessa DeDiva and “Give Me Your Love” featuring Nessa DeDiva and Sydney 125—under their publishing imprint Room 308, as they build momentum toward a forthcoming joint album titled 308.

In a media statement dated September 2, 2026, the duo said producer Jegede handled production for both songs, with Musyoka credited for mixing and mastering. The release package also includes official video links for both tracks, according to the statement.

The move adds to a growing trend of Kenyan musicians building in-house publishing and release structures to manage rights and distribution as streaming becomes central to music consumption. While the statement did not disclose the commercial terms of Room 308 or distribution arrangements, it frames the imprint as the vehicle through which the duo will roll out additional material from the album.

Calvo Mistari and Naiboi positioned the two singles thematically around dating and new connections. “Nataka Nikujue” focuses on “the excitement of meeting someone new and making a connection,” while “Give Me Your Love” “explores love, attraction and the confidence to put yourself out there,” the statement said.

Speaking on the release, the duo said the tracks are intended to reflect the early stages of romantic connection. ““Nataka Nikujue” and “Give Me Your Love” captures the spark of meeting someone new and wanting to truly connect. It’s about bringing back the essence of dating: real connection, attraction and the courage to make the first move. Both songs have a vibe you can dance to and enjoy,” Calvo Mistari and Naiboi said in the statement.

The statement also detailed how Nessa DeDiva came to feature on both songs. “Nessa DeDiva came in the studio to initially work on ‘Give Me Your Love’ but after hearing ‘Nataka Nikujue’ track she felt her vocals would be a great fit for the track. She joined the session and added her touch to the song,” the statement said, describing the collaboration as a spontaneous studio decision.

The duo has been releasing singles together in recent years, citing earlier songs including “Rudisha”, “All My Dreams”, “Zama”, “The Prize” and “Baddest” as part of the run-up to the album. They first teamed up on the 2021 track “Situation,” according to the statement.

For Kenya’s music business, the release under a dedicated publishing imprint highlights how established acts are increasingly packaging music projects with clearer ownership structures—an approach that can influence royalty collection, licensing opportunities and cross-border monetisation, especially as artists seek audiences beyond the domestic market. Calvo Mistari and Naiboi said they are splitting time between Kenya and the US while exploring “new ventures and opportunities,” though they did not provide specifics.

Next steps are expected to include additional singles and collaborations ahead of the full album release. The statement said the project will include more collaborations as the duo prepares to “unveil more music” from 308.

Jägermeister will debut its Haus of Kühl experiential cultural platform in Nairobi on Saturday, September 26, 2026, taking over Sk8City at Diamond Plaza 2 from 6pm to 4am, the company said in a press release dated August 31, 2026. The event is positioned as the brand’s first entry into the East African market and will feature two South African acts—KMAT and MfanaTouchLine—alongside more than 36 Kenyan performers.

The company said Mariah and Sameer Bry will host the event, which is set to run across multiple stages and themed spaces. Jägermeister also listed Kenyan acts expected to appear, including singer Iyanah, dancers Ian Tico and Thee Iconic, and a DJ line-up that includes Basthma, Burugu, Calvin The Curator, Coco Kahi, DJ Lyta, DJ Mani, DJ Rayma, Hiribae, Jayeda, JM1, Kamz, Kaneda, Kiptala, Kurtiss E, Love, Mani, Monzo, Mura, Mtu Solo, Mr. Arkitech, N!k, Njeri wa Baaba & Santa Currie, Safari Oontz Collective, Selekta V, Selo, Shi, Sir M & Mista C, Suraj, The Vibe Initiator, Tinashe The DJ, Wembe Waves and Zhai.

The Nairobi edition expands a platform the company said it introduced in South Africa in 2023, with previous editions held across Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. The launch in Kenya comes as global beverage brands increasingly invest in live events and experiential marketing to build consumer engagement, a trend that has helped grow Nairobi’s nightlife economy and demand for event production, venue operations, security and creative services.

Ephraim Manana Snr, Culture & Experiential Marketing Manager at Jägermeister, said the company viewed Nairobi as a key creative market. “As a Culture Brand, bringing Haus of Kühl to Nairobi for the first time is an exciting milestone for us because Nairobi is a city with such a powerful and constantly evolving creative pulse,” Manana said. He added that the concept aims to extend beyond music by incorporating “music and dance to fashion, art, discovery and community.”

According to the press release, programming will be split across a Main Stage, a Dance Stage focused on underground sounds, and a Silent Disco curated by Studio Can-V featuring emerging DJs through head-to-head battles. The company also outlined additional areas, including a “Manifest Speakeasy” space offering tarot readings, a “Meister Market” streetwear pop-up featuring brands Pesos and HAGT, and a gaming zone with activities such as giant Jenga and console games.

The company said the event will also include a “Safe Now Zone,” described as a wellbeing and support area for guests to “pause, hydrate, recharge and access support from the event team when needed,” framing it as part of responsible enjoyment measures.

For Kenya’s creative economy, the arrival of a structured international brand platform signals potential for more cross-border bookings, higher production budgets and new commercial opportunities for local DJs, dancers, fashion labels and visual artists. It may also increase competition among venues and promoters as brands shift spend toward owned events with tightly curated line-ups and on-site merchandising.

Jägermeister said tickets are available via Hustle Sasa. The company has not disclosed ticket prices, expected attendance, or local partners involved in event delivery in the press release. The next milestone will be the release of additional operational details—such as gates and security arrangements—and confirmation of the full performance schedule ahead of the September 26 date.

ANZA MMA will stage its third professional mixed martial arts event, ANZA MMA Pro Nights 3, on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Village Market in Nairobi, bringing together fighters from Kenya, Angola, Uganda, Tanzania, Madagascar and South Sudan, according to a press release dated August 31, 2026.

The promotion said the event will feature eight bouts across the main card and preliminaries, headlined by Kenyan bantamweight George Itumo against Angolan Jorge Correia. The line-up also includes an announced professional debut for Angolan amateur world champion Daniela Mandanji, who is scheduled to face Uganda’s Rebecca Amongi in a flyweight bout.

The announcement comes as combat sports promoters in Kenya continue to test demand for ticketed live events that blend sport and entertainment. Village Market has increasingly hosted such events, benefiting from established foot traffic and proximity to Nairobi’s higher-spending consumer segments.

In its statement, ANZA MMA positioned the September event as a regional showcase, with Kenyan fighters matched against opponents from across the continent. “ANZA MMA Pro Nights is back, returning to Nairobi on Saturday, September 19, as ANZA MMA Pro Nights 3 bringing some of Africa’s most exciting Mixed Martial Arts talent to Village Market for an international 8-fight showcase featuring fighters from Kenya, Angola, Uganda, Tanzania, Madagascar and South Sudan,” the organisation said.

At the top of the bill, the promotion said Itumo’s match-up carries an added narrative tied to his record. “There is also an intriguing subplot to the matchup: his only professional defeat to date came against another Angolan fighter, giving him an opportunity to put together a statement performance against Angolan opposition,” the press release said.

ANZA MMA listed four bouts on the main card: George Itumo (Kenya) vs Jorge Correia (Angola) at bantamweight; Rashid Mlegelo (Tanzania) vs Kennedy Serunyange (Uganda) at featherweight; Brian Munyi (Kenya) vs Cyplian Katumba (Uganda) at featherweight; and Kevin Odongo (Kenya) vs Kasozi Umaru (Uganda) at heavyweight.

The preliminary card, according to the release, adds Alhassan Mosala (South Sudan) vs Michael Olara (Uganda) at middleweight; Lawrence Mukiibi (Uganda) vs Tsinjo Rakotomaria (Madagascar) at lightweight; Daniela Mandanji (Angola) vs Rebecca Amongi (Uganda) at flyweight; and Chris Tibenda (Tanzania) vs Farouk Ogwal (Uganda) at flyweight.

The promotion also referenced past event performance as a driver of interest for the Nairobi market, particularly local fighters who appeared at its earlier Pro 002 event. “Joining Itumo on the main card are Kenyan standouts Munyi and Odongo, both coming off spectacular performances at ANZA Pro 002,” the statement said, adding that Munyi “knocked his opponent out after a breathtaking throw,” while Odongo stopped a heavyweight opponent late in the third round.

For Kenya’s sports business ecosystem, the ability of local promotions to attract athletes from multiple countries can influence sponsorship demand, venue partnerships and media rights discussions, particularly as combat sports compete with football, rugby and athletics for corporate marketing budgets. Cross-border cards can also expand audience reach beyond Kenya through streaming and social platforms, though ANZA MMA did not disclose expected attendance, pricing, or broadcast arrangements.

In an “About” section, ANZA MMA said it is “Kenya’s first licensed MMA promotion under the Kenya Oriental Combat Sports Federation” and claimed its events have drawn “more than 1,000 fans,” without providing independent verification or event-by-event breakdown.

ANZA MMA said Pro Nights 3 is scheduled for September 19 at Village Market, Nairobi, and noted the event is presented by Cheza Cheza. The promotion did not provide financial details on event investment or projected revenue, but the card signals continued efforts to formalise professional MMA event operations in Kenya ahead of future editions.

Cancer patients in Mombasa County and the wider Coast region are set to access dedicated therapy and wellness services after M-PESA Foundation and Faraja Cancer Support Trust began construction of a two-storey cancer therapy support centre at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH), the organisations said in a statement dated August 18, 2026.

The partners said the KES 63 million facility will add supportive services that sit alongside clinical oncology treatment, including counselling rooms for children and individual patients, family therapy rooms and other social amenities intended to support patients and caregivers.

The project comes as CGTRH remains the only public facility at the Coast offering oncology services, serving more than 3,000 patients monthly, according to the statement. The two organisations said the new space is intended to address rising demand for oncology services and the need for therapy support as part of recovery.

Celestine Munda, Trustee at M-PESA Foundation, said the investment targets patient flow and waiting times at the facility. “Our investment in infrastructure looks to address the delays of reaching, seeking and receiving health care, enabling Kenyans access health care when they need it, with dignity. Beyond availing clinical efficiency to patients with this additional space, it will also help reduce turn-around time given the huge numbers that visit this facility seeking treatment,” Ms Munda said.

The statement also cited national cancer care gaps, saying that “at least 80% of cancer patients lack access to comprehensive care with only a paltry 20% receiving sufficient care to manage the disease,” and that Kenya records about 48,000 cancer cases diagnosed annually. The organisations did not cite the source of these figures.

Shaira Adamali, Founding Trustee at Faraja Cancer Support Trust, said the centre is designed to respond to non-clinical needs that affect outcomes for patients and families. “Beyond its impact on health, Cancer affects the whole person. Their emotional wellbeing, families, livelihoods and their ability to cope, making it an incredibly difficult journey. Faraja was created to provide complementary support such as counselling, nutritional advice, physical therapy as well as financial assistance for patients who are struggling to access treatment, easing the challenges that cancer brings,” Ms Adamali said.

Faraja said it has provided supportive cancer care services in Nairobi for 16 years and expects the new Mombasa facility to reduce travel and related logistical costs for patients who previously relied on services in the capital. The trust said the new site will expand its reach to more patients and families along the Coast once operational.

For Kenya’s health sector, the move underlines growing reliance on public-private and philanthropic funding to expand specialised services within county referral hospitals, particularly in areas such as oncology where infrastructure and patient support services remain limited. If delivered as planned, the facility could help CGTRH manage patient volumes and provide structured psychosocial support that is often scarce within public hospital settings.

Separately, M-PESA Foundation said it has invested KES 208 million in health projects in Mombasa County, including upgrades at Likoni Sub-County, Mbungoni Health Centre, Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital and Railways Dispensary.

The partners did not disclose a construction timeline or an expected commissioning date for the new therapy centre, but said the project is intended to expand supportive care services beyond routine medical treatment at CGTRH.

The National Youth Service (NYS) has partnered with Uber and GreenWheels to train 342 NYS servicemen and servicewomen in e-mobility skills and connect some graduates to electric motorcycle driving opportunities, the organisations said in a joint news release dated 18 August 2026.

According to the statement, the first cohort completed a two-week E-Mobility Driver Training Program at the NYS Camp MTB in Nairobi and received certification in e-mobility-related skills. The milestone was marked at a graduation ceremony at NYS Headquarters, presided over by NYS Deputy Commandant General, Operations and Logistics, Nicholas J. Makokha, HSC.

The partners said 110 graduates from the first cohort are transitioning to become GreenWheels drivers on a lease-to-own model, with Uber supporting their onboarding onto the platform. The statement added that Uber and GreenWheels have co-funded 50% of initial onboarding costs for the inaugural class, splitting the support equally, in an effort to reduce barriers created by upfront compliance and onboarding fees.

The initiative comes as Kenya’s transport and logistics sectors increasingly test electrification, particularly in two- and three-wheeler segments where operating costs and urban pollution concerns are shaping business decisions. Electric boda deployments have also drawn interest from financiers and fleet operators exploring asset-backed models, including leasing structures that can help riders access vehicles without full upfront payments.

In the release, Imran Manji, General Manager for Uber East Africa, said the partnership is aimed at bridging the gap between training and income generation. “Young people need more than skills; they need pathways to turn those skills into meaningful economic opportunities. By working with NYS and GreenWheels, we are helping graduates move from training into practical earning opportunities while also supporting the growth of electric mobility in Kenya,” Manji said.

Makokha urged graduates to apply the newly acquired skills to support livelihoods as they leave the Service. He “congratulated the graduates for successfully completing the program and encouraged them to use the skills acquired to build sustainable livelihoods, embrace available opportunities and work towards financial independence as they exit the Service,” the statement said.

Beyond driver placement, the organisations said their collaboration has expanded to cover recruitment and placement of EV drivers; technical staffing for EV assembly, servicing, maintenance and compliance; industrial attachment and apprenticeship opportunities; EV technical training and certification; and capacity building for trainers and technical personnel.

The partners said the programme is expected to run until the end of the year, with approximately 100 NYS graduates projected to transition into GreenWheels driving opportunities every three months.

For the Kenyan market, the announcement signals a growing focus on workforce readiness for electric mobility as firms move from pilot projects to scaled operations. If the transition targets are met, the pipeline could help fleet operators address two common constraints in e-mobility rollouts: the availability of trained riders and technicians, and the affordability of onboarding and compliance costs for young entrants.

Next milestones will likely include the onboarding progress of the first 110 graduates onto Uber through GreenWheels and the cadence of subsequent cohorts as the programme approaches its year-end timeline, as outlined in the statement.