Air France has increased capacity on its Paris-Nairobi route by about 12 per cent as rising visitor arrivals strengthen Kenya’s tourism demand.

Air France-KLM General Manager for East and Southern Africa Joris Holtus said the airline deployed larger aircraft in May.

The expansion matters to Kenya because international aviation supports businesses that depend on visitor spending, Holtus said in an opinion article.

“It also enhances trade and investment by connecting Kenya to markets beyond tourism,” Holtus said.

Holtus cited Kenya National Bureau of Statistics data showing 584,825 visitor arrivals between February and April 2026 against 539,044 during the same period in 2025.

That represented an increase of 8.5 per cent over the comparable period, according to the figures cited in his article.

European destinations including Paris, Amsterdam and London accounted for 217,633 arrivals or 37.2 per cent of the total in the cited data.

Holtus also cited a Central Bank of Kenya survey showing forward bookings for August through November rose to 56.25 per cent.

The comparable figure a year earlier was 49.5 per cent, according to the survey figures presented in the article.

Tourism earnings reached Ksh564 billion after an 18.7 per cent increase, Holtus said without specifying the reporting period.

Average spending per tourist reached Ksh204,300 and stood at its highest level in five years, according to Holtus.

He said these indicators pointed to greater economic value from each arrival and an opportunity for airlines to improve access to Kenya.

Holtus said more direct routes and greater frequency could make Kenya accessible to markets previously difficult or expensive to reach.

He said additional capacity could also encourage repeat visits and support travellers combining several destinations within a single trip.

The argument links airline investment to changing traveller preferences, with Holtus saying convenience increasingly matters alongside the destination itself.

Holtus said the benefits extended beyond Nairobi to other tourism hubs in East Africa through the distribution of international visitors.

He identified hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transport providers and retailers among businesses supported by international aviation and visitor spending.

Holtus said continued demand growth would require airlines to respond through additional capacity and networks over the longer term.

Air France resumed flights to Kenya eight years ago after an 18-year break, according to Holtus.

The airline has also added Nairobi flights and will maintain the increased capacity throughout the 2026 summer season, he said.

Air France-KLM has repurposed flight amenity kits into bags for 40 learners at Special Unity School in Nguruman as part of its anniversary community project.

In a release dated 8 Oct 2026, the airline group said the contribution formed part of its 107th anniversary celebrations.

Joris Holtus is Air France-KLM’s General Manager for East and Southern Africa.

Holtus said: “For more than a century, we have believed that every journey should have a purpose.”

“We want to create an experience that brings our people together while delivering something meaningful and lasting,” Holtus said.

Holtus said the initiative brought employees together to support the school.

The project links the reuse of airline materials with support for education and daily care for children with special needs in Kenya.

Air France-KLM said the repurposed bags were sturdy and waterproof and would give used flight amenity kits a second use.

The wider contribution included reusable sanitary pads for girls, clothes and bedding alongside a solar energy system installed at the school.

The airline group said the solar installation would provide more reliable energy for education, accommodation and day-to-day operations at the facility.

The system comprises four Tier 1 solar panels, lithium battery storage and a hybrid inverter according to the release.

Air France-KLM said its contribution also covered installation, commissioning and user training for the solar equipment supplied to the school.

According to the release, Special Unity School supports 19 girls and 21 boys aged between eight and 17 from the Nguruman community.

The school provides education, accommodation and daily care but continues to face challenges meeting some basic operational needs.

10 Air France-KLM cyclists travelled from Nairobi to Nguruman over two days before handing over the community support project.

The release places Nguruman about 164.7 kilometres southwest of Nairobi and identifies the expedition as part of the Cycling for Good initiative.

The ride took place under the theme “Ride to Light” and brought airline employees and partners together around the school’s needs.

Air France-KLM said Cycling for Good uses targeted rides to draw attention to disadvantaged communities and the role businesses can play in supporting them.

The group said the initiative also promotes wellness and environmental awareness through cycling while building connections between employees and local communities.

The expedition began with a flag-off on 5 Oct 2026 before the main cycling ride on 6 Oct 2026.

The handover ended with an anniversary celebration involving the school’s learners, Air France-KLM employees, cyclists and members of the local community.

Safaricom brought dairy farmers and agricultural partners together in Githunguri through its Safire Connect forum to discuss farm productivity, financial management and digital services.

In a release dated 7 Oct 2026 the company said the forum connected farmers and agripreneurs with experts and service providers.

“Farmers are at the heart of Kenya’s economy,” Safaricom Chief Consumer Business Officer Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi said.

The discussions addressed business needs among Kenyan farmers whose household incomes depend on agriculture and access to markets.

Safaricom said the sessions covered services anchored on Bundle ya Wakulima and explored ways to apply technology to agricultural businesses.

The company organised discussions under three themes it called Grow, Protect and Connect.

Ali-Kimanthi said technology could help farmers access information and financial services to make better decisions about their enterprises.

The productivity session covered access to quality inputs and better farming practices alongside ways to improve yields.

Safaricom said agricultural experts discussed farm management and participants learnt about services supporting different stages of the agricultural value chain.

The financial management session addressed income and cash flow alongside savings and responsible borrowing.

Farmers were encouraged to separate personal and business finances to improve planning and gain a clearer picture of their enterprises’ performance.

Participants also discussed access to digital financial services as part of efforts to strengthen the financial foundations of agricultural businesses.

The technology session explored how digital tools and artificial intelligence could support business decisions and improve access to information and services.

Safaricom said demonstrations covered ways farmers could use these tools to improve productivity and connect with markets.

Digital marketing discussions focused on helping farmers and small businesses reach customers and increase their visibility.

Participants interacted directly with agricultural experts and service providers to explore how the services could fit into their daily operations.

Safaricom said its DigiFarm platform provides farming information, inputs and financing to support agricultural enterprises.

The forum linked farm production discussions with financial planning and market access rather than treating productivity as a separate business concern.

The release did not give attendance figures or report measurable changes in farm output or income following the discussions.

Safaricom said agriculture largely drives Githunguri’s economy and dairy farming plays an important role in household incomes and livelihoods.

The local dairy value chain includes the Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society that produces Fresha dairy products.

Farmers in the area also grow coffee and tea alongside horticultural crops for local and surrounding markets.

They also grow maize and beans alongside potatoes and leafy vegetables for these markets.

Safaricom said the Githunguri forum forms part of its ongoing Safire Connect engagement with farmers and businesses across the country.

Safaricom has committed Ksh2 million through M-PESA to support connectivity and digital services at Nyayo National Stadium for the upcoming 2026 Safari 7s tournament.

The company announced the sponsorship in Nairobi on 7 Oct 2026 ahead of the tournament running from 9 to 11 Oct 2026.

“We wish Shujaa and the Lionesses success as they defend their titles,” said Safaricom chief executive Peter Ndegwa.

The sponsorship matters to Kenya’s business sector because it brings mobile payments and connectivity services to fans and businesses at a national sporting event.

Safaricom said it would increase network capacity at the stadium to help spectators follow matches and share content during the three-day competition.

The company said dedicated connectivity would also support the tournament’s live broadcast.

Beyond network services, Safaricom said it would provide access to ticketing and streaming bundles through My OneApp during the event.

Fans will be able to access matchday tickets through the Tikohub MiniApp within My OneApp according to the company.

Safaricom said visitors would also be able to use M-PESA GlobalPay as a payment option during the tournament.

The announcement places the company’s payment and digital services alongside its sports sponsorship rather than limiting its involvement to financial support.

Safaricom said the latest commitment builds on its two-year partnership with the Kenya Rugby Union valued at more than Ksh100 million.

That partnership supports the national sevens teams Shujaa and Kenya Lionesses through M-PESA according to the company.

Safaricom said the arrangement provides monthly allowances for players and officials alongside medical insurance, airtime allowances and financial literacy programmes.

Kenya Rugby Union chairperson Harriet Okach said the connectivity investment would help fans follow the tournament and welcomed the continued support for women’s rugby.

“We look forward to delivering an exciting Safari 7s,” said Okach.

The sponsorship also gives Safaricom another setting to present services from a payments business that contributes substantially to its reported revenue.

In its background information, Safaricom said M-PESA generated more than Ksh182.7 billion in revenue for the financial year ending in March 2026.

The company said its annual revenue stood at Ksh400 billion as at March 2026.

Safaricom said M-PESA serves 41 million customers who use their phones to transact, save or borrow money.

The company said the 28th Safari 7s would feature 18 teams across the men’s and women’s competitions.

Kenya Shujaa and Kenya Morans will join international and invitational sides in the men’s competition according to the release.

The women’s competition will feature Kenya Lionesses, Kenya Cubs, Shibli and teams from Uganda, Tunisia and Spain.

Defending champions Shujaa and Kenya Lionesses return to Nyayo National Stadium when the tournament opens on 9 Oct 2026.

LULUBELL Group founder Lulu Shabell has become the first Tanzanian named to the global BoF 500 following selections announced on 2 Oct 2026.

In a release dated 7 Oct 2026 the company said she joined 100 new members in The Business of Fashion's Class of 2026.

“I'm deeply honoured to join the BoF 500,” Lulu Shabell, founder and chief executive of LULUBELL Group said.

For Kenya's fashion businesses the recognition draws attention to international market access and cultural ownership within East Africa's creative economy.

The company said Shabell was born in Kenya and identifies as Tanzanian through her identity and heritage.

She has Ethiopian and Somali roots and has lived in the diaspora including Switzerland, according to the release.

LULUBELL Group said her work connects African fashion businesses with commercial opportunities through brand strategy, storytelling, market access and partnerships.

The company said she has supported more than 200 designers over more than two decades across international fashion weeks and trade platforms.

Those platforms include CANEX Presents Africa at Portugal Fashion and TRANOÏ events in Paris and Tokyo, according to the release.

The company said CANEX Presents Africa at Portugal Fashion was developed with Afreximbank's Creative Africa Nexus.

Her focus includes production readiness, buyer relationships, investment and long-term business growth for African fashion enterprises.

“African designers and makers deserve to build lasting businesses from their talent and knowledge,” Shabell said.

Her comments place business development alongside recognition for creative work rather than treating international exposure as the sole objective.

The release presents production capacity and buyer relationships as priorities for turning access to fashion platforms into lasting businesses.

These priorities frame her work around commercial growth and ownership of the cultural knowledge behind African fashion.

LULUBELL Group said Shabell is also building ÀLKÉ as a pan-African cultural and economic institution.

The initiative centres on Art, Legacy, Knowledge and Enterprise and seeks to protect African cultural knowledge and intellectual property.

The company said its purpose includes strengthening the economic value of that knowledge and retaining value within African institutions.

Shabell previously worked for the United Nations and has a background in hospitality and luxury across Africa and Europe.

She has advised organisations on creativity, sustainability and economic diversification and writes for Robb Report Africa, according to the release.

The release said BoF selections draw on nominations from existing members and worldwide research reviewed by its editors.

Established in 2013 the index now comprises 1,713 people representing 104 nationalities, according to LULUBELL Group.

MAFA Academy and MCF Starlets received Ksh250,000 each after winning the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region football finals at Moi Stadium in Embu.

Safaricom said in a press release dated 4 Oct 2026 that both teams also qualified for the national finals.

The tournament links youth football in Kenya to cash awards and tertiary education scholarships through Safaricom’s Citizens of the Future Programme.

MAFA Academy head coach Ibrahim Abdisalan said, “Our focus now immediately shifts to the National Finals.”

The company said individual prizes included smartphones and airtime alongside the cash awards for the winning teams.

Runners-up Mikinduri Rock-Star FC and Manyatta Royal Queens Academy received Ksh150,000 each.

Cecilia Wanjiku of MCF Starlets and Hussein Edin of MAFA Academy won the Most Valuable Player awards.

Safaricom said each received Ksh30,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under its Citizens of the Future Programme.

The education awards extend the tournament’s rewards beyond football by supporting further study for the two individual winners.

MAFA Academy from Isiolo beat Mikinduri Rock-Star FC eight goals to nil to secure their first regional boys’ title.

Zakar Mohamed scored a hat-trick after opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the seventh minute.

Hussein Edin and Abduba Daud also scored before half-time to give MAFA a three-goal advantage.

Abdizak Ali added another goal after the break before Mohamed and Wako Dabaso each scored twice to complete the victory.

Abdisalan said the academy had prepared for the tournament for two years before securing the regional title.

MCF Starlets from Machakos defeated hosts Manyatta Royal Queens Academy three goals to one in the girls’ final.

The Machakos side scored in the 17th and 62nd minutes before Justa Mwende pulled a goal back for Royal Queens.

Jacinta Nzuna scored MCF Starlets’ third goal in the 90th minute to settle the contest.

MCF Starlets head coach Abednego Matata said, “Nothing makes us happier than winning the Chapa Dimba Regional Trophy.”

Matata said his side would represent the entire Eastern Region rather than Machakos alone at the national finals.

Redemptah Mutanu of MCF Starlets and Abdullahi Muhammed of MAFA Academy received the Best Goalkeeper awards.

The Eastern winners join Nyanza qualifiers Awendo Football Academy and Plateau Queens in the national finals.

Central Region teams St. Joseph Starlets and LYSA have also qualified alongside Western Region’s Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive.

Safaricom said Chapa Dimba targets young people aged 14 to 17 across Kenya.

The tournament moves next to the Nairobi Region following the conclusion of the Eastern finals.

Safaricom said eight teams reached its Chapa Dimba Eastern semifinals in Embu after winning quarterfinal matches on 2 Oct 2026.

The competition links corporate support for Kenyan football with cash awards and financial literacy training for participating players and coaches.

Mbuthani Secondary School from Makueni secured a boys’ semifinal place after beating Embu hosts Black Cats Football Academy 2-1.

“Our aim is to lift the trophy as we proceed to the semifinals set for tomorrow,” said Mbuthani Secondary School head coach Geoffrey Mwendwa.

Safaricom said regional champions will receive Ksh250,000 and runners-up Ksh150,000 alongside individual prizes including smartphones.

The quarterfinal matches took place at Kairuri, Nembure, Kamiu and Embu Showground according to the company’s press release.

In the girls’ competition Royal Queens Academy from Embu defeated regional defending champions Syomunyu Queens from Kitui 2-0 at Kairuri Grounds.

Royal Queens Academy head coach Muka Protus said an early goal reduced pressure on his team against the defending champions.

Dakabaricha Secondary School from Marsabit advanced after beating Bridge Starlets from Isiolo 2-1 to secure another girls’ semifinal place.

AIC Sultan Queens from Makueni beat Mugona Girls from Tharaka Nithi 5-1 to progress to the next round.

MCF Starlets from Machakos completed the girls’ semifinal line-up after a 1-0 victory over Akuune Queens from Meru.

In the boys’ competition Golden Football Academy from Machakos beat Marsabit’s Abdary FC 3-2 on penalties after a 4-4 draw.

MAFA Academy from Isiolo defeated Kajiunduthu High School from Tharaka Nithi 4-2 on penalties after the teams drew 1-1.

Kitui’s academy side secured the remaining boys’ semifinal place with a 2-1 win against Mikinduri Rock-Star FC.

Safaricom said players and coaches attended clinics at Moi Stadium after the quarterfinal matches.

The sessions covered financial literacy, data privacy, mental health and AI-powered vests among other topics.

The financial and technology sessions place the tournament within Safaricom’s wider business interests in connectivity and mobile financial services.

Safaricom said it serves more than 71.6 million customers across Kenya and Ethiopia through its telecommunications operations.

The Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed company reported annual revenues of Ksh400 billion as at Mar 2026 in the release.

The semifinals will take place at Moi Stadium in Embu on 3 Oct 2026.

AIC Sultan Queens will face MCF Starlets in the opening girls’ semifinal before Royal Queens Academy play Dakabaricha Secondary School.

Golden Football Academy will meet the Kitui side in the first boys’ semifinal before MAFA Academy face Mbuthani Secondary School.

The semifinal winners will advance to the regional finals on 4 Oct 2026.

Musician and entrepreneur Mr Eazi has released “Comfort”, a single and accompanying video featuring Ghanaian singer Moliy, according to a press statement dated October 2, 2026. Recorded in London during the summer, the track adds to his 2026 catalogue and updates the Banku Music sound associated with his career.

The statement says the single is available on all major streaming platforms. It does not disclose the release’s budget, distribution arrangements or commercial targets, and provides no Kenya-specific streaming figures or local performance dates.

Beyond recording, Mr Eazi founded emPawa Africa, a music business spanning label services, distribution and publishing. According to his representatives, the company has supported artists including Joeboy, Fave and J.Derobie. That business background places his latest release within a broader involvement in the production and commercial distribution of African music.

His representatives put his global streaming total at more than two billion. The statement does not identify the platforms, measurement period or reporting source behind that figure, limiting its usefulness in assessing the commercial performance of the new single.

“This is an updated version of my signature sound,” Mr Eazi said in the statement. “I am making gyal dem music—sweet, easy, flattering gyal dem music. It’s about keeping things light, fun and feel-good, while still giving people that familiar Mr Eazi sound they know and love.”

Producer Ragee worked on “Comfort”, which the release describes as combining Afrobeats, dancehall and R&B. It also credits him with production work on Davido’s “Unavailable” and Ayra Starr’s “Hot Body” and “Who’s Dat Girl”. Moliy joins the collaboration following her track “Shake it To The Max”, cited in the statement as a viral hit.

Ademola Falomo directed the accompanying video. Its visual references include 1980s telephone hotline advertisements, laser-grid graphics, shopping-mall photography backdrops and oversized mobile phones, according to the release.

The single follows several other Mr Eazi releases this year. His representatives list collaborations with US-based dancehall producer Dre Skull including “Lambo”, featuring Vybz Kartel, “Hide Your Love” and “Remember That”, featuring Cham. He also released “See What We’ve Done”, a collaborative album with Ghanaian musician King Promise.

For Kenya’s music business, the release offers an example of artists pairing cross-border collaborations with streaming distribution and video content. However, the statement provides no audience or revenue data from which to assess demand in Kenya or the wider East African market.

Mr Eazi’s representatives indicate that he will continue releasing music through 2026, but have not announced a timetable for the next project. The immediate rollout centres on streaming availability and the accompanying video.

Jägermeister will host its first “Haus of Kühl” event in Nairobi on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Sk8City in Diamond Plaza 2, with organisers integrating the SafeNow personal safety app and an on-site safety and wellness space for attendees. The event is scheduled to run from 6pm to 4am, according to a press release dated September 23, 2026.

The company said the Nairobi edition will include performances by South African acts KMAT and MfanaTouchLine, alongside “more than 36” Kenyan performers, DJs, dancers and fashion and art creatives. Hosts Mariah and Sameer Bry will lead the programme, which will also include appearances by singer Iyanah and dancers Ian Tico and Thee Iconic, the statement said.

The event format, as described by Jägermeister, spans multiple areas including a main stage, dance stage, silent disco, a “Manifest Speakeasy,” “Meister Market” and a gaming zone. Tickets are being sold via Hustle Sasa, according to the release, though ticket prices were not disclosed.

In addition to the performance lineup, Jägermeister said fashion will be part of the programme through limited-edition collaborations with streetwear brands Have A Good Trip and Pesos, which are expected to debut at the event. The company did not disclose expected sales volumes or the size of the merchandise run.

Safety measures are a core element of this edition, with organisers asking guests to download the SafeNow app before arriving. Jägermeister described SafeNow as a platform that allows users to set up a trusted network of contacts and send rapid alerts if assistance is needed, including while travelling to and from the venue.

Ephraim Manana Snr, Culture & Experiential Marketing Manager at Jägermeister, said the company is using the partnership to extend safety coverage beyond the venue. “Great nightlife starts with creating spaces where people feel safe, supported and free to enjoy the moment. With SafeNow, we're giving our guests another layer of support, from the moment they leave home, throughout the event and as they make their way home. We want people to come ready to experience Haus of Kühl, knowing that their wellbeing is part of the experience,” Manana said in the press release.

The company said the venue will include a “Safe Now Zone” designed as a quiet space with phone charging, free Wi‑Fi, water and silent-disco headphones playing “calming ambient immersive soundscapes.” The intention, according to the statement, is to provide a designated area where guests can take breaks away from the main event.

The Nairobi event adds to a growing pipeline of branded experiences tied to entertainment, hospitality and lifestyle spending in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi’s night-time economy. While organisers did not disclose investment figures, the scale of programming—international acts, dozens of local creatives and multiple themed areas—signals increasing competition for consumer attention in the city’s events market, as brands seek direct engagement with audiences.

Meera Karia, Director Business Development at Viva Global Kenya, said the company is partnering with Jägermeister in Kenya and urged attendees to plan safe transport. “At Viva Global, we are super proud to partner with Jägermeister in Kenya and are excited to bring this first-of-its-kind Haus of Kühl experience to Nairobi. We look forward to welcoming guests to an unforgettable celebration of music, culture and creativity. As always, we encourage everyone to enjoy the experience responsibly by planning a safe journey home, using ride-hailing services and never drinking and driving,” Karia said.

Jägermeister said “Haus of Kühl” was first introduced in South Africa in 2023 and has since run in multiple cities including Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. The Nairobi event will be the platform’s first edition in Kenya, with organisers indicating that updates will be shared on the brand’s social channels ahead of Saturday’s show.

Kenya Airways has partnered with Sabre Corporation and Branchspace to replace its core reservations and ticketing system as the airline modernises its digital retailing operations.

The airline announced the partnerships in a statement dated 22 Sep 2026 and identified Sabre as a Nasdaq-listed company trading under SABR.

Kenya Airways’ Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu said the programme would strengthen customer experience and staff tools as the airline modernises its retailing model.

“This is an important transformation of Kenya Airways' technology and digital retailing capabilities.” Thairu said.

According to the release, Sabre will replace the platform that has handled Kenya Airways’ bookings, inventory and airport check-in for more than two decades.

Travel technology firm Branchspace will build the customer-facing digital commerce layer for joint delivery with the Sabre platform.

The companies said the changes would support more tailored fares and ancillary options alongside easier bundling of trip components.

They also said passengers would get a smoother mobile and digital booking experience and faster airport check-in.

For Kenya’s aviation market, booking and servicing upgrades can affect conversion rates and distribution costs as competition for regional and intercontinental traffic intensifies.

These systems also affect airlines’ ability to sell higher-margin extras such as seat selection and additional baggage.

The upgrade includes Sabre Mosaic as the airline’s new operational and commercial backbone.

The release said Mosaic Offer Optimisation would use continuous learning and dynamic pricing to match offers to traveller demand.

Branchspace’s Triplake platform will become Kenya Airways’ primary digital touchpoint “from day one” according to the release.

Commercial teams will gain direct control over personalised offers across booking channels as the airline moves towards an offer-and-order infrastructure.

The shift reflects a broader global trend towards modernising passenger service systems (PSS) and retailing tools.

Carriers are seeking to increase direct sales and improve self-service alongside better handling of operational disruptions.

Thairu said combining digital commerce with a new PSS foundation would create a more flexible and personalised experience for customers and staff.

He said the combination would also support a smooth transition towards the future of airline retailing.

Sabre’s Chief Commercial Officer for Airline Technology Niklas Andréen said the agreement reflected demand for modular technology that airlines can introduce in stages.

“I'm incredibly proud that Kenya Airways has chosen Sabre as its strategic technology partner” Andréen said.

He said Kenya Airways was upgrading its core systems and advancing towards the next generation of travel retailing.

Andréen said the decision reflected growing confidence in modular technology that delivers value today while supporting an offer-and-order future.

Branchspace Chief Technology Officer David Turton said Triplake would give the airline more control over offer creation and retailing across channels.

Turton said technology could give airlines control over their commercial direction when supported by technical knowledge and continuous innovation.

“Kenya Airways is taking a bold step in their transformation to a modern retailer” Turton said.

He said Branchspace was proud that its capabilities would play a central role in that transition from the first day.

Kenya Airways said the move aligned it with the International Air Transport Association’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) standards.

Those standards support richer airline content and more flexible retailing through modern distribution.

The release said Sabre’s modular approach would allow Kenya Airways to modernise in stages rather than through a single cutover.

The airline did not disclose the contracts’ value or an implementation timeline.

Kenya Airways said the partnerships supported its ambitions to expand its network and increase direct sales and ancillary revenue.

Expected milestones include phased deployment of reservations, ticketing, digital commerce and airport servicing capabilities as the airline moves towards an offer-and-order operating model.