CFAO Mobility Kenya on 17 August 2026 hosted Mercedes-Benz customers and partners in Nairobi to mark 140 years since the company traces the origins of the modern motor car, alongside the local unveiling of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class at Muthaiga Golf & Country Club.

According to CFAO Mobility Kenya, the event drew His Excellency Ambassador Sebastian Groth, Germany’s ambassador to Kenya, alongside business leaders, partners and automotive enthusiasts. The company said the anniversary milestone links back to 1886, when Carl Benz patented the Motorwagen.

The Nairobi event also served as Kenya’s stop on Mercedes-Benz’s global “140 Years. 140 Places” campaign, which the company said is taking three S-Class vehicles on a route spanning six continents. In the statement, CFAO Mobility Kenya said the vehicles are expected to travel more than 60,000 kilometres and visit 140 locations before the expedition returns to Stuttgart, Germany, in October 2026.

CFAO Mobility Kenya said the expedition had already visited more than 70 destinations, including European stops in Stuttgart, Brussels and Paris, routes through the Americas such as Buenos Aires, the Andes, New York and Miami, and multiple cities in China including Beijing, Jinan, Lianyungang, Suzhou and Shanghai. The company also listed additional stops across Asia and Southeast Asia, including Seoul, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Bhutan, as well as India.

For Kenya’s business landscape, the event underscores the continued focus by global automotive brands and their local distributors on the premium end of the market, as well as the importance of after-sales networks and customer service in sustaining demand. The stop also reflects the role of Nairobi as a regional hub for multinational brand activity and high-value consumer segments.

Arvinder Reel, Managing Director of CFAO Mobility Kenya, told attendees the anniversary was intended to highlight the brand’s history and ongoing evolution. “Tonight is not simply about celebrating a number, it is about celebrating legacy. A legacy that began in 1886, when Carl Benz patented the Motorwagen and fundamentally changed the way the world moves,” Reel said, according to the press release. He added that Mercedes-Benz’s 140-year journey demonstrated the importance of continually challenging what is possible in mobility.

Idrissa Diagne, General Manager for Mercedes Benz at CFAO Mobility Kenya, said the distributor would continue bringing new models and technologies to the market. “Together with our customers, enthusiasts, and communities, we are celebrating a historic milestone that honors the brand's enduring legacy of innovation, engineering excellence, and pioneering spirit,” Diagne said. “As the authorised Mercedes-Benz distributor in Kenya, we remain committed to bringing our customers the latest advancements in safety, performance, connectivity, and luxury,” he added.

CFAO Mobility Kenya linked the event to its corporate history in Kenya, noting that its predecessor DT Dobie has represented Mercedes-Benz in the country since 1949. The company added that after the 2023 integration of CFAO Motors (formerly Toyota Kenya) and DT Dobie, the businesses now operate under CFAO Mobility Kenya Limited.

The company said the local product highlight was the unveiling of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. While CFAO Mobility Kenya did not disclose pricing or specifications for the Kenyan market in the statement, it positioned the model as Mercedes-Benz’s flagship platform for introducing innovations that later influence the wider automotive industry.

CFAO Mobility Kenya said its current Mercedes-Benz line-up in Kenya includes the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class saloons; GLC, GLE, GLS and G-Class SUVs; and Vito, V-Class and Sprinter vans.

Looking ahead, the next milestone for the wider campaign is the expedition’s return to Stuttgart in October 2026, after completing the remaining locations on its 140-stop route. Locally, the launch signals CFAO Mobility Kenya’s continued effort to refresh its premium portfolio while leaning on its after-sales footprint as a differentiator in Kenya’s competitive vehicle distribution market.

Vihiga Cranes from Vihiga County and Lugari Progressive (Archbishop Njenga Girls) from Kakamega County won the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Western Region finals on August 16, 2026, at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, according to a statement from Safaricom. Each team received KES 250,000 and will represent the Western Region at the national finals scheduled for next year.

In the boys’ final, Vihiga Cranes beat Busia’s Musokoto Secondary School 1-0. Safaricom said the decisive goal came in the 61st minute when Tonny Omondi scored with a header from a corner delivered by Luke Ramsey.

The girls’ final ended 0-0 in regular time before Lugari Progressive defeated Busia’s Chakol Girls 5-4 on penalties, Safaricom said.

Chapa Dimba is a school-based football competition run by Safaricom and now in its fifth edition. For Safaricom, the tournament forms part of its broader youth engagement and community programmes and also acts as a regional platform for talent identification and progression to national-level competition.

Speaking after the boys’ final, Francis Muhambe, head coach of Vihiga Cranes, said the team’s attention would shift to the next stage. “First, I want to thank God for this victory and also Safaricom for putting together such an amazing tournament. We are delighted to win the Western Region title... But the job is not done yet; our focus now shifts to the national finals, where we hope to go all the way,” Muhambe said.

Fred Serenge, head coach of Lugari Progressive, said the girls’ final was decided by resilience and preparation. “It wasn’t an easy game, but I want to congratulate my girls for working hard, staying focused and fighting until the end to win the trophy... The girls are really excited to be going home with KES 250,000, along with other prizes, including smartphones and airtime,” Serenge said.

Safaricom said runners-up Musokoto Secondary School and Chakol Girls received KES 150,000 each, alongside smartphones and airtime.

Individual awards in both boys’ and girls’ categories included Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer prizes worth KES 30,000 each, Safaricom said. The Most Valuable Player (Golden Ball) also received KES 30,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme, according to the statement.

In the girls’ category, Safaricom said the Top Scorer award was shared by Hanisa Mashasha of Chakol Girls and Lugari Progressive’s Lydia Laura, Zipporah Wanyonyi, Delphine Mutirira and Viola Chepkorir. In the boys’ category, the Top Scorer award was shared by Mellon Omondi and Tonny Omondi of Vihiga Cranes alongside Rom Okitwi, Frankline Pual and Calvin Masai of Musokoto Secondary.

Safaricom said the boys’ MVP award went to Elvis Ogiro of Musokoto Secondary, while the girls’ MVP award went to Hanifa Mashasha of Chakol Girls. Best Goalkeeper awards went to Nabo Ochieng of Musokoto Secondary and Shamsy Pachanga of Lugari Progressive, the company said.

Beyond sport, corporate-backed school competitions have become a visible channel for community investment and youth development in Kenya, often linking prize money, scholarships and exposure to structured pathways for further education. For regions outside Nairobi, the travel, hosting and sponsorship spending tied to finals can also support local micro-business activity around venues, including transport, hospitality and retail trade.

Safaricom said the tournament will now move to the Central Region finals, scheduled for Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, at Wang’uru Stadium in Kirinyaga County. The remaining regional winners will then qualify for the national finals next year.

Musokoto Secondary School from Busia County will play Vihiga Cranes from Vihiga County in the boys’ Safaricom Chapa Dimba Western Region final on Sunday, August 16, at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, Bungoma, after both sides won their semi-finals on Saturday, August 15, organisers said in a press release.

In the girls’ final, Chakol Queens will face Lugari Progressive after the two teams recorded semi-final victories at the same venue, according to the statement.

The regional finals form part of Safaricom’s Chapa Dimba talent development tournament, which has become a key feeder platform for grassroots football across Kenya’s counties and a regular fixture in the country’s sports calendar. For Western Kenya, the event draws teams and spectators from counties including Busia, Vihiga, Kakamega and Bungoma, creating short-term activity for local vendors and host venues while providing exposure for youth players.

Musokoto booked their place in the boys’ final with a 3-0 win over Kakamega’s Green Buffaloes. The press release said Musokoto took an early lead in the second minute when Galvin Mukolwe scored from the penalty spot after Peter Franklin Pual was penalised for handball. Frankline Paul doubled the lead in the 52nd minute, and Tom Okitwi added a third in the 77th minute.

Green Buffaloes missed a penalty through Oliver Osinya, the organisers said.

“I am happy with today’s win. We played according to our game plan, and we hope to do the same when we meet Vihiga Cranes tomorrow in the final. This is our first time reaching the regional final, and we are determined to take the trophy back to Busia,” said Nicholas Okubala, head coach of Musokoto Secondary School, according to the press release.

Vihiga Cranes reached the final after edging Bungoma’s Terem 1-0, with Mellon Omondi scoring the match’s only goal, organisers said.

In the girls’ semi-finals, Lugari Progressive beat Bungoma’s Elgon Queens 4-0, with goals from Laura Lydia, Ziporah Wanyonyi, Delphine Mutirira and Viola Chepkorir, the statement said.

Chakol Queens beat Vihiga’s Blue Commandos 3-1 to seal the other girls’ final spot. The organisers said Michel Nasimiyu scored twice, Hanifa Mashasha added a third for the Busia side, and Mitchel Chepteek scored Blue Commandos’ consolation.

“Last season, we were knocked out in the semi-finals. This year, we are glad to have made it to the final. I know Lugari Progressive is a tough team, but we will play our game just as we did today. The girls are determined to lift this trophy for the first time and represent the region at the national championship,” said Abraham Muleme, head coach of Chakol Queens, according to the press release.

Organisers said the winning teams in the boys’ and girls’ finals will each receive KES 250,000 and qualify for the national finals, while the runners-up will each receive KES 150,000. Individual awards for best goalkeeper and top scorer in both categories will each earn KES 30,000, while the most valuable player (Golden Ball) will receive KES 30,000 and “an additional fully funded tertiary education scholarships under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme,” according to the statement.

The outcome of the Western regional finals will determine the teams that represent the region at the national championship, with organisers expected to confirm the next stage’s fixtures and dates after the Bungoma event.

Listed agribusiness firm Kakuzi Plc has stepped up its agricultural technology (Ag-Tech) adoption strategy and created a new Digital Agricultural Transformation Department to drive technology rollout across its operations, Managing Director Chris Flowers said in a statement dated August 14.

According to the company, the department will be headed by a Digital Agricultural Transformation Manager and is intended to accelerate Ag-Tech initiatives supporting Kakuzi’s shift toward climate-smart agriculture.

The announcement comes as Kenyan agribusinesses increasingly explore technology-led approaches to manage operational efficiency and climate variability, which continue to affect yields and input costs across key value chains. As a Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed company, Kakuzi’s investment direction is watched closely by investors and suppliers in the agriculture and food-processing ecosystem, including macadamia and other export-oriented crops.

Flowers said the department will coordinate technology adoption “across its operating fronts,” positioning digital tools as part of the firm’s broader sustainability and agronomy agenda.

“The Kakuzi Ag-Tech journey is firmly on course and is anchored on several sustainability initiatives and resilient agronomy practices that we continue to embed across all operations,” said Chris Flowers, Managing Director, Kakuzi Plc. “As we face more and more uncertainty and unpredictability in our traditional climatic patterns, it is essential that agriculture adapts and adopts new technology.”

Kakuzi said it is implementing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and data analytics solutions to improve decision-making and operational performance. Flowers cited the Kakuzi Macadamia Processing Plant as one example, saying it already incorporates an AI-powered Intelligent Optical Sorting system that automates macadamia nut grading to improve production quality.

The company also said it is deploying new Ag-Tech tools in the field and has enhanced drone-based security surveillance systems, according to Flowers.

For Kenya’s agricultural sector, where productivity pressures intersect with climate risk and increasingly stringent quality requirements in export markets, wider uptake of data-led crop management and automation could influence competitiveness and traceability expectations in supply chains. In processing, tools such as optical sorting can reduce reliance on manual inspection and improve consistency, potentially affecting throughput and cost structures for processors.

However, the broader impact will depend on execution, including staff capability, integration with legacy systems and whether the technology deployments translate into measurable gains in yields, quality outcomes, and reduced losses. Kakuzi did not disclose capital expenditure or timelines for the department’s rollout in the statement.

Next steps are expected to include appointing the Digital Agricultural Transformation Manager and expanding implementation of AI, analytics and field technologies across the company’s operations as it pursues climate-smart agriculture goals, Kakuzi said.

Safaricom will stage the Western Regional Finals of its Chapa Dimba Season 5 youth football tournament in Bungoma on August 15 and 16 at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, with eight teams set to compete for the regional title and National Finals qualification.

In a statement dated August 13, 2026, the telecoms operator said four boys’ teams and four girls’ teams drawn from Busia, Vihiga, Bungoma and Kakamega counties will take part in the first regional finals of the season. The participating teams are Chakol Queens and Musokoto Secondary School (Busia), Vihiga Cranes and Blue Commandos (Vihiga), Terem FC and Elgon Queens (Bungoma), and Lugari Progressive and Green Buffaloes (Kakamega).

Safaricom said each winning boys’ and girls’ team will receive KES 250,000 and secure a slot at the National Finals. Runners-up in each category will receive KES 150,000, according to the company.

“This weekend, we are all heading to Bungoma for our first Chapa Dimba Regional Final of the season. We have eight teams competing, and we expect a packed weekend of exciting action,” said Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO. “I call on football fans across Western Kenya and beyond to turn up in large numbers, enjoy the action, and cheer on our talented young boys and girls.”

The girls’ semi-finals will open the weekend programme, with hosts Elgon Queens facing Lugari Progressive in the first match. The second girls’ semi-final will pit Blue Commandos against defending champions Chakol Queens, Safaricom said.

Fred Serenge, head coach of Lugari Progressive, said the team is targeting the regional title after falling short last season. “Last season, we lost 2-1 to Brenda Girls in the final, but this year we are determined to win both the regional and national titles,” Serenge said. He added that the tournament will, for the first time, provide Kenyan players an opportunity to participate in the Gothia Cup in Sweden through selection to the Season 5 All-Star team.

The boys’ semi-finals will feature hosts Terem FC against Vihiga Cranes, followed by Musokoto Secondary School versus Green Buffaloes, according to Safaricom.

Francis Muhambe, head coach of Vihiga Cranes, said the team is looking to repeat past success. “Last season, I led Ebwali Boys to the regional championship in the boys’ category, and this year, I am hoping to achieve the same with Vihiga Cranes after winning the Vihiga County title,” Muhambe said.

Beyond prize money for teams, Safaricom said it will issue individual awards: Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer in both boys’ and girls’ categories will each receive KES 30,000, while the Most Valuable Player (Golden Ball) will also receive KES 30,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.

The company said the Western Region segment attracted 521 teams across the four counties—340 boys’ teams and 181 girls’ teams—with Kakamega recording the highest participation at 214 teams, followed by Bungoma (160), Busia (79) and Vihiga (68). Nationwide, Safaricom said 3,178 teams registered for Season 5, comprising 2,367 boys’ teams and 811 girls’ teams.

For Kenya’s business landscape, Safaricom’s continued funding of grassroots sports programmes is part of broader corporate spending that supports talent pipelines, community engagement and local event-driven trade, particularly in host towns where match-day footfall can lift small business activity around venues. The tournament also aligns with a growing focus by corporates on youth development initiatives that link to education outcomes through scholarships, which can be positioned as long-term human capital investment.

The Western Regional Finals will culminate in category finals on Sunday, with the winners advancing to represent the region at the National Finals. Safaricom said the Season 5 All-Star team will represent Kenya at the Gothia Cup in Sweden.

Spotify has named Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist, songwriter and playwright Somi as its EQUAL Africa Artist for August, the audio streaming company said in a press release dated August 10, 2026 in Nairobi.

The company said the selection coincides with the release of Somi’s 13-track album, What Does It Take to Bloom?, which it said was released on August 7 on Salon Africana. Spotify said the project was co-produced by Somi and Benjamin James of Nigerian Highlife duo The Cavemen, and includes guest appearances by The Cavemen and jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin. According to the statement, the album was recorded across Dakar, Lagos, Paris and New York City, and is led by the single We’re All Falling.

The announcement adds to Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme, which the company said is designed to spotlight women artists on the continent and connect them with broader audiences. For Kenya’s music and creative economy, Spotify’s editorial programmes are among the distribution channels that can influence discovery and streaming-driven revenues, particularly as more local listeners adopt subscription and ad-supported streaming as their primary listening mode.

Spotify said Somi, who was born in Illinois to parents from Rwanda and Uganda, is “the first African woman ever nominated in a Grammy jazz category,” citing her nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album for her live album Holy Room.

Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, said the company viewed Somi’s selection as aligned with the EQUAL initiative. “Somi's artistry is a powerful testament to the rich, transcendent legacy of African jazz and storytelling,” Okumu said. “As a barrier-breaking artist who continues to carve out space for African women on international stages, she perfectly embodies the spirit of the EQUAL programme.”

Somi said the programme’s focus on women in the industry reflected structural barriers she has experienced. “To make music as a woman to lead bands, build a label, and hold onto your own voice, is to work in rooms that weren't designed for you. That work is often invisible and rarely without cost,” she said. “EQUAL matters to me because it insists that women's voices don't just belong here; they shape what this industry becomes.”

In an accompanying Q&A included in the press release, Somi said she is also a playwright and actor who has worked on Broadway. She described her sound as “story-based songs framed by modern jazz, pan-African grooves and soulful intimacy.”

The statement also included Spotify’s latest global user metrics, which provide context for the scale at which playlisting and programme-based promotion can impact listening behaviour. Spotify said it has 751 million monthly active users and 290 million premium subscribers across 184 markets, and that its catalogue includes more than 100 million tracks and more than 7 million podcast titles.

For East African artists and labels, industry observers note that platform-led initiatives such as EQUAL can contribute to cross-border discovery, particularly when paired with touring, radio syndication and social media distribution. However, sustained commercial impact typically depends on consistent releases, rights management and audience development beyond a single campaign window.

Spotify did not disclose the commercial terms of Somi’s inclusion in EQUAL Africa or provide market-specific streaming data for Kenya or the wider region in the statement. The company said Somi would be featured as its EQUAL Africa Artist for August.

Spotify has named Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist, songwriter and playwright Somi as its EQUAL Africa Artist for August, the streaming company said in a media statement dated August 7, 2026, in Nairobi.

The announcement coincides with the release of Somi’s 13-track album, What Does It Take to Bloom?, which Spotify said was released on August 7 under Salon Africana. The project is co-produced by Somi and Benjamin James of Nigerian highlife duo The Cavemen., and includes guest appearances by The Cavemen. and jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, according to the statement.

Spotify said the album was recorded across Dakar, Lagos, Paris and New York City. The company also cited “We’re All Falling” as the project’s lead single.

The selection places Somi—born in Illinois to parents from Rwanda and Uganda—within Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme, a platform the company says is aimed at highlighting women artists from the continent. In the statement, Spotify described Somi’s music as blending pan-African rhythms with contemporary jazz and noted that she became “the first African woman ever nominated in a Grammy jazz category,” with a nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album for her live album Holy Room.

Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, said the artist’s recognition aligns with the programme’s focus. “Somi's artistry is a powerful testament to the rich, transcendent legacy of African jazz and storytelling,” Okumu said. “As a barrier-breaking artist who continues to carve out space for African women on international stages, she perfectly embodies the spirit of the EQUAL programme.”

Somi said the programme’s focus on women creators reflects industry realities. “To make music as a woman to lead bands, build a label, and hold onto your own voice, is to work in rooms that weren't designed for you. That work is often invisible and rarely without cost,” she said. “EQUAL matters to me because it insists that women's voices don't just belong here; they shape what this industry becomes.”

Why it matters for Kenya’s music and streaming economy

Spotify’s Africa-facing initiatives are increasingly relevant to Kenya’s creative economy, where artists and labels are seeking wider distribution and improved monetisation through digital platforms. While the company did not provide Kenya-specific metrics in the statement, it positioned the EQUAL Africa programme as a route to “connecting” women artists with audiences “across the continent and beyond.”

For Kenyan music businesses—artists, managers, publishers and event promoters—such platform-led editorial programming can influence discovery and streaming performance, which in turn can shape touring demand, brand partnerships and cross-border collaborations. Somi’s album production credits and multi-city recording footprint also reflect the growing regional and global networks that African artists tap into as streaming platforms expand their playlists and artist-marketing programmes.

Spotify’s scale

Spotify said it has 751 million monthly active users globally, including 290 million Premium subscribers, and is available in 184 markets. The company attributed these figures to its own corporate information included in the statement.

What comes next

Spotify indicated it conducted an interview and Q&A with Somi as part of the EQUAL Africa feature for August. The company and the artist did not disclose any financial terms linked to the selection, nor did the statement outline additional campaign dates beyond the August programme window.

Shuga Global premiered its new Shuga Mashariki Shorts anthology on Saturday, 25 July 2026, at Siaya County Club in Siaya County, launching a national rollout of three original Kenyan short films, according to a media statement issued on 31 July 2026.

The premiere opened with The Test, the first film in the series, directed by Trevor Sudi. Shuga Global said the Siaya event brought together its team, the cast and crew, partners, stakeholders and community members for a first public screening.

The organisation said the premiere also included a panel discussion featuring Zilper Imbuye, County PMTCT Coordinator, and Maida Nyawade, Director, Youth Affairs, Gender & Social Services at the County Government of Siaya, among others. According to the statement, the conversation addressed harmful gender norms, encouraged young men to share experiences and emotions, and examined how these attitudes can contribute to gender-based violence.

Shuga Global described The Test as a story of a young couple navigating relationship trust and communication when the male partner agrees to take an STI test with his girlfriend, including pre-test counselling that surfaces “fear, shame and lies.” The film, the organisation said, is intended to prompt reflection on shared responsibility and healthier relationship conversations.

In the same statement, Shuga Global positioned the anthology as part of its organisational transition from its former identity, MTV Staying Alive Foundation, while maintaining its focus on youth health and rights communication through storytelling.

“Shuga Mashariki Shorts embodies the future of Shuga Global, demonstrating our commitment not only to telling powerful stories but also to investing in the storytellers who will shape Africa’s creative future,” said Mitchelle Kimathi, Kenya Country Manager at Shuga Global. “Through authentic Kenyan stories, emerging filmmakers and community conversations, we envision that these stories will inspire young people to reflect, connect and make informed choices while reminding them that every meaningful conversation has the power to change a life.”

Shuga Global said the anthology will continue with Unwrapped, premiering in Nakuru on 12 August to align with International Youth Day, before concluding with Butterflies in Nairobi on 25 August. Beyond the public premieres, the organisation said it will conduct campus and student-housing screenings, each accompanied by moderated discussions intended to deepen engagement with themes such as gender norms, masculinity and emotional wellbeing, and pathways to support services.

The series also marks a milestone for Shuga Global’s Talent Accelerator Programme (TAP), which the organisation described as a hands-on initiative to identify, mentor and equip emerging filmmakers in Kenya. Shuga Global said the three films are directed by TAP graduates Trevor Sudi, Lynn Gitau and Juliet “Koi” Muiruri, who previously supported earlier Shuga productions before moving into lead directing roles.

In a collective statement quoted in the release, the directors said: “As alumni of the Shuga Global’s TAP Programme, we are honoured and proud to bring Shuga Mashariki Shorts to life as a collective project and as individual original stories… we are challenging harmful gender norms and encouraging open conversations.” They added: “This anthology is a testament to how mentorship and hands-on experience can empower young creatives to tell authentic stories that inspire social change across our communities.”

Shuga Global said the films were produced in collaboration with AR Films under the leadership of Daudi Anguka, and developed under mentorship from Voline Ogutu, Eric Mdagaya and Brian Munene. The release also linked the projects to research insights from Surround Sound Kenya, which it described as a collaborative initiative between Shuga Global, Shujaaz Inc and PATH focused on understanding social norms affecting young people’s wellbeing and opportunities.

For Kenya’s creative economy, the rollout underscores a growing model in which film and digital content are paired with structured talent development and community engagement. The scheduled screenings in Siaya, Nakuru and Nairobi also point to deliberate regional activation beyond the capital, a strategy that can widen access and audiences for locally produced screen content.

Shuga Global said the next milestones for the anthology are the Nakuru premiere on 12 August and the Nairobi premiere on 25 August, alongside campus screenings that will run in parallel with the public events.

Onafriq has partnered with Privy, a stablecoin wallet infrastructure provider, to develop regulated stablecoin-enabled payment services for business customers across Africa, the companies said on 29 July 2026 in a statement issued in Nairobi.

Under the partnership, Onafriq said it will integrate Privy’s infrastructure to support cross-chain stablecoin transfers, and to streamline treasury and settlement workflows. The companies said the initiative is intended to address what they described as slow and fragmented cross-border settlement processes across African markets, with implementation subject to regulatory approval.

The announcement comes as African payment providers and financial institutions look for faster settlement options for regional trade and treasury operations. Cross-border transfers in Africa often involve multiple intermediaries and longer settlement cycles, raising costs and tying up liquidity for businesses. Onafriq said stablecoin-based rails can provide an alternative route for settlement and liquidity management where regulations allow.

Onafriq said the partnership is part of its broader strategy to modernise pan-African payment infrastructure, including development of multi-modal wallets and more efficient movement of value across borders. The firm operates a payments network spanning 43 African markets, connecting more than one billion mobile money wallets and 500 million bank accounts, according to the company.

“At Onafriq, we keep investing in technology that makes payments faster and more accessible,” said Luke Kyohere, Group Chief Product and Innovation Officer at Onafriq. “Privy gives us a building block for faster settlement and better liquidity management. As demand for digital asset services grows, our goal is to ensure Africa's payment ecosystem benefits securely and in line with regulatory frameworks.”

Privy said the collaboration will focus on building infrastructure that financial institutions and payment firms can integrate without having to manage blockchain complexity directly. The company became a Stripe company in 2025, according to the statement.

“Stablecoins will play an increasingly important role in the future of global payments, but real-world adoption depends on infrastructure that is secure, scalable and simple to implement,” said Henri Stern, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Privy. “Working with Onafriq allows us to help build that foundation across Africa and beyond.”

While the companies did not disclose commercial terms, timelines, or transaction volumes, they said the partnership is expected to support institutional use cases including stablecoin-enabled settlement, treasury management and liquidity services. Onafriq also said the offering will target banks, fintechs and mobile money operators across its network, with roll-out dependent on regulatory approval in relevant markets.

For Kenya and East Africa, the move reflects growing interest among payments firms in regulated digital asset infrastructure to reduce cross-border settlement friction for B2B transactions, regional suppliers and treasury functions. However, adoption will likely hinge on country-level regulatory clarity around stablecoins, licensing, consumer protection and anti-money laundering controls. Industry observers expect early deployments to focus on back-end settlement and treasury rather than retail-facing products, as firms test compliance and operational risk frameworks.

Onafriq and Privy said next steps include building out the initial phase covering cross-chain transfers and settlement workflows, and expanding to additional liquidity and payment solutions over time “where regulation allows.”

Britam, through Britam Connect, has launched a new medical insurance product dubbed Bima ya Wafanyikazi targeting domestic and informal sector workers, with monthly premiums starting at KSh336, the company said on July 28, 2026 in Nairobi. The cover will be distributed by Minet Kenya and is aimed at expanding access to health insurance for workers whose incomes and employment arrangements often make traditional medical covers difficult to sustain.

According to the press release, the product is available to individual domestic workers, their employers, and registered worker associations. Britam said the cover provides inpatient, outpatient, maternity, dental and optical benefits, alongside last-expense benefits, and will be accessible through Britam’s network of 600 partner facilities across Kenya.

The launch comes amid heightened focus on financial inclusion and the challenge of insuring workers in Kenya’s largely informal economy. The statement cited international and local sources indicating the country has “nearly 2 million” domestic workers and “over 15 million” people employed in the informal sector, groups that often work without written contracts and without employer-provided benefits.

Britam Connect CEO and Principal Officer Evah Kimani said the insurer designed the cover around the income patterns and risks faced by workers outside formal employment. “For many domestic and informal workers, there is very little room for life's disruptions. An illness, injury or even a few days away from work can quickly place pressure on household finances,” Kimani said.

Kimani added that the product bundles multiple benefit categories to reduce out-of-pocket spending and encourage early care-seeking. “Bima Ya Wafanyikazi is anchored on holistic healthcare, bringing together outpatient and inpatient care, maternity, dental and optical benefits, as well as annual health check-ups, so workers can seek care earlier, stay healthier and face fewer financial shocks when illness strikes,” she said.

Minet Kenya Deputy Director – Commercial Gideon Bii said the partners developed the product after identifying what he described as a gap in healthcare protection for informal workers. “Insurance should solve real problems. We spent a great deal of time listening to our customers and understanding their evolving needs. One message came through clearly: there is a significant gap in healthcare protection for Kenya's informal workforce, and it is a gap that demands innovative solutions,” Bii said.

Bii said the partnership combines Minet’s distribution capabilities with Britam Connect’s inclusive insurance expertise. “Together with Britam, we have combined our strengths to create a solution that not only expands access to affordable healthcare, but also advances financial inclusion by protecting workers from the financial impact of unexpected medical expenses,” he said.

For Kenya’s insurance industry, the product launch underlines the market push toward lower-premium, high-volume covers that can be sold to individuals and groups within the informal economy. The press release also referenced industry data indicating insurance penetration in Kenya “hovers around 2.4%,” compared with “over 11.5%” in South Africa, highlighting the growth opportunity insurers see in mass-market segments. The cited figures were attributed in the press materials to external media and research sources linked in the release.

Looking ahead, uptake will likely depend on distribution effectiveness through employers and associations, as well as claims experience at the facility level. Britam and Minet Kenya did not disclose target policy numbers, premium volumes, or timelines for expanding benefits beyond those listed, but said the cover is now active across Kenya.