The Coca-Cola Company, through its Sprite brand in Kenya, has awarded winners of the Hook’d on Fresh user-generated content (UGC) challenge in a ceremony held in Nairobi on May 25, 2026, concluding Phase 1 of the “It’s That Fresh” campaign run in partnership with Safaricom.

According to the organisers, the campaign drew more than 1,300 verified creators from universities across the country and produced over 22 million views nationwide on TikTok and Instagram, alongside 2 million engagements, 52,592 shares and 55,910 saves.

The initiative also recognised 123 winners and allocated creator rewards worth KES 1.5 million, in addition to 600GB in data bundles “tracked for payout and fulfilment,” according to the statement.

The campaign invited young Kenyans to create and share short-form videos on TikTok and Instagram, with activations spanning campus events, creator sessions and basketball-themed experiences. The organisers said the campaign began with a Valentine’s Day event at the KICC COMESA Grounds that attracted more than 5,000 young people. They also said more than 3,000 students and creators attended the closing ceremony.

Juliana Kituma, Director, Frontline Marketing, Coca-Cola Kenya, said the campaign aimed to engage young people through the platforms and spaces where they create and socialise. “It’s That Fresh was created to meet young Kenyans where they live, play, create and express themselves,” Kituma said. She added that the campaign reflected “the incredible confidence, humour, originality and cultural influence” of young creators and that participants “shaped the campaign with their own voices.”

Safaricom linked the partnership to digital access and skills. “For Safaricom, this campaign has been about showing that connectivity is not just access to data; it is access to opportunity,” said Susan Muthoka, Youth Segment Lead, Safaricom. She said the campaign showed what could be achieved “when young people are given the tools, platforms and rewards to turn their talent into impact.”

As part of the partnership with Safaricom Hook, the companies ran the Hook’d on Fresh Masterclass Series, which the statement said was hosted by digital creators including Carrie Wahu, Tileh Pacbro, Charisma, Rono and Cluster KE. The masterclasses focused on content creation, virality, digital monetisation and audience building, the organisers said.

Performance metrics shared by the organisers showed TikTok led campaign reach with 19 million views and 1.7 million engagements, while Instagram contributed 4 million views and 500,000 engagements. The campaign platform recorded 50,000 total impressions, according to the statement.

Among the participants cited, Evans Githinji was highlighted by the organisers as one of the top performers, with more than 5.2 million video views. “For me, Hook’d on Fresh was more than a challenge, it was a chance to show my creativity and see how far one idea could go,” said Evans Githinji, a Hook’d on Fresh winner.

The campaign’s structure—combining brand-funded incentives, telco-supported data bundles and creator training—reflects a growing commercial interest in Kenya’s creator economy, where platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are increasingly used to build audiences and test monetisation models. For Safaricom, the partnership also positions youth-focused bundles and services around content creation and consumption, a segment that is competing for data spend.

Looking ahead, Sprite and Safaricom said the impact would continue beyond the awards through creators who gained new audiences and digital skills. Kituma said the organisers viewed the results as evidence of growth potential in the sector: “This campaign has shown that Kenya’s creator economy is vibrant, ambitious and ready for even bigger platforms.”

Samuel Chege Njoroge won the second leg of the PGK Equator Tour Second Edition at Thika Sports Club on Saturday, carding 278 (10 under par) over four days to top a field of Kenyan professional golfers.

In a statement dated May 24, 2026, Njoroge was described as a Safaricom-sponsored player and was said to have delivered consistent rounds to clinch the title. Dismas Indiza finished second with 279, while Karanga Michael placed third with 283, according to the same statement.

The result adds to Njoroge’s record in the series after he won his maiden PGK Equator Tour title during the first edition at Diamonds Leisure Golf Club in Diani, the statement said.

“I am very excited to win this tournament. The competition was tough, and every round was challenging, so I am happy with how I played throughout the week. Winning at Thika Sports Club is special to me, and this victory gives me confidence going into the next legs of the tour,” Samuel Chege Njoroge said.

Other players who finished in the top ten were Kennedy Abuto (288), Greg Snow and Edwin Mudanyi (tied at 289), John Lejirma (290), CJ Wangai (294), Mike Kisia (295) and Mohit Mediratta (296), the statement said.

The PGK Equator Tour is part of Kenya’s domestic professional golf calendar and is played across multiple venues, offering tournament competition for local golfers seeking ranking points, prize earnings and visibility with sponsors. According to the statement, this year’s tour is scheduled across 11 courses around the country, with players also targeting slots tied to major events including the Magical Kenya Open and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The tour’s corporate backers include Safaricom, NCBA, Betika, Kenya Airways, Visa, Britam and Johnnie Walker, the statement said. Sponsorship of local sports properties has become an increasingly important channel for brands seeking consumer engagement, while also supporting event logistics, media coverage and player development in Kenya’s sports economy.

For Safaricom, sports sponsorship sits alongside its wider brand and corporate profile as a Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed company. In the same statement’s company profile, Safaricom said it had annual revenues of KES 400 billion as at March 2026, and that M-PESA generated KES 182.7 billion in revenue as at FY26. The company also cited an estimated KES 1.1 trillion total economic value (KES 1.1 trillion; $8.5 billion) for the 12 months through March 2025 and said it supports 1.13 million jobs directly and indirectly.

Attention now shifts to Limuru Country Club, where the third leg of the tour will be staged following the conclusion of the Thika event, according to the statement. The remaining legs are expected to continue across the tour’s 11-course schedule as players build form ahead of key regional and international competitions.

Eastern Produce Kenya (EPK), in partnership with the County Government of Nandi and private-sector partners Taylors of Harrogate and Infre, has opened an integrated Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health (GBVMH) Clinic at Nandi Hills County Hospital. The facility was launched on May 22, 2026, in Nandi Hills and is aimed at improving coordinated support for survivors of gender-based violence by combining medical, psychosocial and referral services in one location.

According to the announcement, the clinic is designed as an integrated centre to offer survivors what EPK described as dignified, coordinated and comprehensive care within a single safe environment. The model brings together healthcare providers, counsellors, social workers and links to law enforcement to improve reporting and case follow-up.

The clinic adds to existing GBV-related infrastructure supported by EPK in the area. EPK said it previously built and equipped a GBV Gender Desk at the Nandi Hills Police Station, and that the new hospital-based clinic is intended to strengthen reporting and referral pathways between the police and the healthcare system.

During the launch ceremony, Noel Lindsay-Smith, Operations Director at Eastern Produce Kenya, said the centre was designed to prioritise survivor privacy and holistic care. “Gender-based violence is not only a health issue; it is a human right and community issue. Survivors deserve spaces that protect their dignity, safeguard their privacy, and support their healing journey in a holistic way,” Lindsay-Smith said. He added, “This clinic was designed with that in mind. It will help create an environment where survivors are less likely to feel alone, ashamed or unsupported when seeking help.”

EPK said the clinic includes consultation rooms, counselling and therapy spaces, separate male and female observation rooms, child-friendly support areas, a reception and referral coordination unit, and integrated systems for case documentation and follow-up. The company added that mental health services have been integrated into the clinic’s care model to address psychological and emotional effects that can accompany gender-based violence.

Survivors can seek help by dialling 1195, according to the statement. EPK said a County Gender Based Violence Coordinator will receive complaints and support survivors with reporting, referrals and case management to help ensure timely and continuous care.

Nandi County officials said the project reflects a broader need for multi-agency collaboration to address gender-based violence and mental health challenges. “This facility demonstrates the power of partnership between government, private sector and community stakeholders in strengthening our health and social support systems. Gender-based violence and mental health challenges require coordinated responses, and this center brings these services closer to the people who need them most,” said Dr. Francis Sang, County Secretary, Nandi County.

The opening comes as Kenya continues to intensify national conversations on gender-based violence and femicide, including the need for stronger prevention measures and survivor protection systems, according to EPK’s statement. For businesses with large workforces and community footprints—particularly in agriculture and manufacturing—workplace and community safety programmes are increasingly intersecting with employee wellbeing, retention and community relations.

In the near term, the clinic’s impact will depend on utilisation, staffing, inter-agency coordination and sustained funding for counselling, documentation and follow-up services. The partners did not disclose the project’s cost or operational budget. EPK said it will continue supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening community safety and resilience for women, children and families.

Carrefour, operated in Kenya by Majid Al Futtaim, is marking its 10-year anniversary in the country, reporting that it has grown to 34 stores nationwide and created more than 3,000 direct jobs since entering the market in 2016.

In a press release dated 22 May 2026 in Nairobi, the retailer said it now works with more than 690 Kenyan suppliers and sources 99% of its products locally. Carrefour also said it has strengthened its e-commerce offering over the period and built a modern retail supply chain as part of its expansion strategy.

The anniversary comes as Kenya’s formal retail sector continues to evolve following years of disruption and consolidation, including the exit or restructuring of several local supermarket chains. Carrefour’s decade-long buildout is being watched by suppliers, mall developers and competitors as an indicator of how international retailers can scale in Kenya while maintaining local procurement.

To commemorate the milestone, Carrefour has launched a nationwide customer appreciation campaign dubbed ‘10 Years, 10 Million Stories’, running from 22 May to 11 June across all stores and the Carrefour App. The company said the campaign includes rewards valued at over KES 20 million (KES 20 million stated), including 10 vehicles, school fee vouchers, home appliances, paid holiday trips and discounts of up to 50%.

Christophe Orcet, Regional Director – East Africa at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, said the anniversary reflected what he described as a sustained partnership with the local market. “Reaching this 10-year milestone reflects the strength of our partnership with the Kenyan market. Our focus has been on building a resilient retail ecosystem, working closely with local suppliers, empowering our people and continuously enhancing the customer experience,” Orcet said.

He added that the group expects further growth. “As we look ahead, we see significant opportunities to scale this model further, deepening our contribution to the economy while delivering sustained, long-term growth,” Orcet said.

The company’s update also referenced broader industry indicators. Citing the Boston Consulting Group, the statement said modern retail is expected to increase its market share by around five percentage points by 2030. It also cited Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) data indicating that wholesale and retail trade contributed 5.4% of GDP in the first quarter of 2025, and that employment in the sector grew by approximately 2% between 2023 and 2024.

For Kenyan suppliers, a retail chain that says it sources 99% of its products locally implies a large and relatively structured route to market, particularly for packaged food, fresh produce and household goods. However, supplier development often requires meeting stricter quality, packaging and delivery standards, and maintaining consistent volumes—factors that can reshape how SMEs and agribusinesses invest in production and logistics.

Carrefour’s continued store rollout and app-driven promotions also point to increased competition in urban retail nodes, where location strategy, last-mile delivery partnerships and pricing discipline remain central to winning market share. The growing role of loyalty and reward campaigns may further raise customer acquisition costs across the sector.

Looking ahead, Carrefour said it remains committed to investing in local communities, strengthening supply chains and expanding retail access as it enters its next decade in Kenya. The immediate milestone for customers will be the conclusion of the anniversary campaign on 11 June.

Safaricom Plc and the M-PESA Foundation have committed KES 114 million to support the 2026 Rhino Charge Challenge scheduled for Saturday, May 30, in Samburu, with the bulk of the funding earmarked for Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust’s conservation work, according to a company press release issued in May 2026.

Safaricom said KES 94 million of the total will be channelled through the M-PESA Foundation to support Rhino Ark activities, including fencing and protection of Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block) and restoration efforts in the Mau Forest Complex across Narok, Kericho and Bomet counties. The company said the support will also extend to the Mount Kenya Forest Rehabilitation and Protection Project in Tharaka Nithi County.

The remaining KES 20 million will be provided by Safaricom Plc to support participation by three entry cars and to provide connectivity during the event. Safaricom said KES 17 million of its allocation will support Car No. 44 led by Adil Khawaja, the EV Explorers team led by Richard Kiplagat, and the all-ladies team Zambarau Heels on the Wheel led by Agnes Mwangi. The balance of KES 3 million will be used for network connectivity during the competition.

Speaking during a cheque handover ceremony at Safaricom headquarters in Nairobi, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa linked the sponsorship to the company’s sustainability priorities. “This year, we are proud to commit KES 114 million through the M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom. As a company, sustainability remains central to how we create long-term value for our customers, communities, and the environment. Our support for the Rhino Charge reflects our commitment to practical conservation efforts that protect Kenya’s natural heritage while driving innovation and resilience,” Mr Ndegwa said, according to the press release.

Safaricom said the connectivity support will include deployment of 5G at the event site to improve communications for participants and spectators.

Under the team support allocation, Safaricom said Car No. 44 will receive KES 15 million, while EV Explorers and Zambarau Heels on the Wheel will each receive KES 1 million.

The Rhino Charge is an annual off-road 4×4 competition that raises funds for Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, which focuses on conservation and protection of Kenya’s mountain ecosystems—often referred to as “water towers.” The event’s fundraising model has become a significant funding stream for conservation infrastructure, particularly electric fencing that aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect key catchment areas.

Safaricom’s announcement comes as corporates continue to increase visibility around climate adaptation and water-tower protection, issues that have direct economic implications for Kenya’s agriculture, hydropower generation, and tourism value chains. Funding directed to fencing and rehabilitation can also influence local livelihoods by reducing crop losses and security risks associated with wildlife incursions, while enabling more predictable land use around protected areas.

Participants also framed the support as enabling greater competitiveness and representation. “As Team Zambarau, we are grateful for Safaricom’s support… This support not only empowers our team but also reinforces our shared mission of advancing conservation and protecting Kenya’s natural heritage through the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust,” said Elizabeth Wanjiku, a team member at Zambarau Heels on the Wheel, according to the statement.

Richard Kiplagat, team lead for EV Explorers, said the sponsorship will support the team’s second consecutive year in the competition. “As the only EV team in the competition, we are highly motivated not only to complete the challenge but also to emerge among the best, building on lessons from last year’s mechanical challenges as we champion the future of electric mobility and environmental conservation,” Mr Kiplagat said.

Safaricom cited Rhino Charge’s 2025 fundraising performance as a benchmark for the scale of giving the event attracts. According to the press release, the 2025 edition in Saimo Soi, Baringo County, raised KES 269.5 million. Safaricom said Adil Khawaja was the top fundraiser for the third consecutive year after raising KES 139.8 million, followed by Car No. 23 led by Peter Kinyua at KES 13.5 million and Car No. 63 led by Tim Carstens at KES 8.6 million.

Looking ahead to the 2026 event, Safaricom said the 37th edition is expected to attract 55 entries, including the 2025 overall winners Team Huzi (Car No. 33) and Team Zambarau. Separately, Rhino Ark Executive Director Christian Lambrechts said preparations were ongoing and projected higher participation. “This year’s preparations for the Rhino Charge Challenge are in full swing, and we expect a total of 65 entries to take part in the challenge and fundraising effort,” Mr Lambrechts said, according to the statement.

Sigona Golf Club’s Mohit Mediratta will seek to extend his early lead in the second edition of the PGK Equator Tour when the series moves to Thika Sports Club for its second leg running from Thursday, May 21 to Sunday, May 24, 2026, organisers said in a statement issued in Nairobi on May 21.

Mediratta, who is backed by Safaricom, enters the Thika event after winning the opening leg held in April at Vet Lab Sports Club, where his victory included a hole-in-one, according to the press release.

The tournament at the par-72 Thika Sports Club is expected to draw more than 50 professional golfers competing for overall honours as well as a corporate category title, the statement said.

The series matters for Kenya’s professional golf pipeline because, according to the organisers, the PGK Equator Tour acts as a competitive platform linked to international ambitions, including a pathway “on the road to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.” The tour also serves as a pre-qualifier for Kenyan professionals targeting slots at the Magical Kenya Open, the country’s flagship international golf event.

Speaking during a training session ahead of the Thika leg, Mediratta said he expected tougher competition as he tries to defend his standing at the top of the leaderboard.

“I am keen to continue with the strong performance as we head to the second leg of the PGK Tour this week. The pressure is there, but I am looking forward to the challenge. As part of the corporate team supported by Safaricom, I am hopeful that we will retain the top corporate title,” Mediratta said.

Safaricom said other players under its backing who will be competing in Thika include Mutahi Kibugu, Samuel Njoroge and Matthew Wahome.

For Safaricom, the sponsorship links the listed telecommunications firm to a sports property that runs through the 2026/2027 season and reaches multiple venues, offering recurring brand exposure and stakeholder engagement opportunities across Kenya’s golf circuit. In the statement, Safaricom also outlined its business footprint, saying it serves 71.6 million customers across Kenya and Ethiopia and reported annual revenues of KES 400 billion as at March 2026. The company further stated that its total economic value was estimated at KES 1.1 trillion (US$8.5 billion) for the 12 months through March 2025.

The broader industry implication is that structured domestic tours can strengthen athlete development and deepen the sports events economy—supporting club venues, hospitality, logistics and related services in host towns such as Thika. A consistent calendar also provides playing opportunities for professionals who rely on competitive rounds to build form and ranking points ahead of higher-profile events.

According to the press release, the second edition of the PGK Equator Tour began in April 2026 and will run until February 2027, when the season will culminate in a grand finale. The Thika leg will be one of the key checkpoints in that schedule as players chase points, prize positions and qualification opportunities tied to the Magical Kenya Open pathway.

SanlamAllianz Kenya has sponsored seven Kenyan runners to participate in the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, as the South African race enters what organisers describe as an “Evaluation Year” on its path to becoming the 8th Abbott World Marathon Major and the first on the African continent.

In a media release dated May 24, 2026, the insurer said it will provide a full sponsorship package for the athletes to compete in Cape Town. The company named the sponsored runners as Japheth Kiplagat, James Munga, Fridah Chepkite Lodepa, Josephat Kipkoech, Dixon Marende, Meshack Shivina and Emily Chepkor.

The development comes as the Cape Town Marathon seeks to join the global World Marathon Majors series, a list that currently includes races such as London, Berlin, Boston and Tokyo. Organisers say that once the event attains Major status, runners who complete the race will receive an official Abbott World Marathon Major star, with finishers in the candidacy period earning a “provisional star” that will later be upgraded.

According to the media release, the 2026 edition is expected to host more than 27,000 runners, including 8,500 international participants from 102 countries and runners from more than 25 African nations. Sanlam is listed as the title sponsor of the event.

SanlamAllianz Kenya said its sponsorship follows a nationwide challenge run on Strava, a fitness tracking platform, under its “African Champions Unite” campaign. The company said it partnered with running clubs and opened participation to recreational and professional runners.

“At SanlamAllianz Kenya, we stand firmly beside our athletes at every stage of their journey,” said Dr. Nyamemba Patrick Tumbo, Group CEO of Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC, in the media release. He added: “Beyond sponsorships to professional elite runners, we designed the African Champions Unite Campaign to give back to our community by partnering with running clubs and inviting every Kenyan citizen to take part in the challenge, nurturing the dreams of Kenyan runners.”

The insurer said the campaign ran from April 20 to May 10, 2026 and that winners received a fully sponsored trip to Cape Town. According to the media release, the sponsorship package includes return flights, airport transfers, accommodation, marathon entry, travel insurance, food and beverages, and a race kit.

For Kenya’s corporate sector, the sponsorship highlights the continued role of private companies in financing sports participation and athlete mobility, particularly in events that offer global visibility. It also reflects how consumer fitness platforms such as Strava are increasingly being used to run nationwide engagement campaigns, linking brand activity to measurable participation.

The media release also points to increased competition incentives at the Cape Town Marathon. Organisers have set the 2026 winner’s prize at USD 35,000 (about KES 4.5 million), up from USD 25,000 (about KES 3.2 million) in 2025, according to SanlamAllianz Kenya. The higher purse may attract more elite runners and strengthen the event’s case as it seeks Major status.

Looking ahead, the key milestone will be whether the Cape Town Marathon secures Abbott World Marathon Major recognition following the evaluation period. For Kenyan runners and sponsors, the decision will determine whether the race becomes a permanent top-tier marathon destination within Africa’s time zone and travel radius, potentially opening more opportunities for participation and commercial partnerships in the region.

Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC has sponsored seven elite Kenyan runners to participate in the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, as the South African race enters what organisers describe as an “Evaluation Year” in its bid to become the eighth Abbott World Marathon Major.

In a media release dated May 21, 2026, SanlamAllianz Kenya said it had backed Japheth Kiplagat, James Munga, Fridah Chepkite Lodepa, Josephat Kipkoech, Dixon Marende, Meshack Shivina and Emily Chepkor to represent Kenya at the event.

The insurer said the 2026 marathon is expected to draw more than 27,000 runners, including 8,500 international participants from 102 countries and athletes from more than 25 African nations. According to the statement, finishers will receive a provisional Abbott World Marathon Major star that would be upgraded if the Cape Town Marathon attains Major status.

The announcement places Kenyan participation within a broader push by African cities and sponsors to elevate flagship sporting events to global recognition. For Kenya—home to some of the world’s most successful distance runners—corporate-backed participation in high-profile international races is also a branding and market-positioning tool for firms seeking stronger consumer visibility, particularly in retail-facing sectors such as insurance.

Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC Group CEO Dr. Nyamemba Patrick Tumbo linked the sponsorship to the company’s community engagement through running clubs and open challenges.

“At SanlamAllianz Kenya, we stand firmly beside our athletes at every stage of their journey,” Dr. Tumbo said. “Beyond sponsorships to professional elite runners, we designed the African Champions Unite Campaign to give back to our community by partnering with running clubs and inviting every Kenyan citizen to take part in the challenge, nurturing the dreams of Kenyan runners.”

SanlamAllianz Kenya said the “African Champions Unite” campaign ran from April 20 to May 10, 2026, and was monitored on Strava. The company said the programme invited running enthusiasts across the country to compete for a fully sponsored trip to Cape Town.

According to the media release, the sponsorship package included return flights to Cape Town, airport transfers, accommodation, marathon entry, travel insurance, food and beverages, and a race kit.

The statement also highlighted an increase in the marathon’s winner prize. The 2026 edition will offer a first prize of USD 35,000 (about KES 4.5 million), up from USD 25,000 (about KES 3.2 million) in 2025, according to the company. Higher prize money typically increases elite-field competitiveness and can strengthen a race’s case for inclusion among global majors, which in turn drives sports tourism, broadcast interest and sponsorship activity.

For Kenyan athletes, an expanded international calendar with better-funded African races could provide more nearby, high-paying competition without the travel demands associated with Europe and North America. For Kenyan corporates, it signals an opportunity to attach brand visibility to endurance sports—an area with strong public resonance—while aligning with wellness and community initiatives.

Looking ahead, the Cape Town Marathon’s Major-status decision will be a key milestone for the region’s sports economy. For SanlamAllianz Kenya, the next test will be the on-road performance of its selected runners and whether the campaign model becomes a recurring sponsorship pathway tied to mass-participation sports.

Sigona Golf Club’s Mohit Mediratta will headline the second leg of the PGK Equator Tour at Thika Sports Club from Thursday, May 21 to Sunday, May 24, after winning the opening leg in April at Vet Lab Sports Club, according to a statement issued in Nairobi on May 20, 2026.

Mediratta, who is backed by Safaricom, said he expects increased pressure at Thika’s par-72 course as other players target the top positions in the tour’s second edition, which runs from April 2026 to February 2027.

The tour stop in Thika is expected to attract more than 50 professional golfers competing for overall honours and the corporate category title, the statement said. Safaricom-backed players Mutahi Kibugu, Samuel Njoroge and Matthew Wahome are among those listed as contenders seeking to challenge Mediratta’s position on the leaderboard.

The tournament matters to Kenya’s sports and events economy because it provides competitive platforms that can help develop professional golf talent and sustain corporate sponsorship in local sport. The organisers say the PGK Equator Tour is part of the pathway to international competition and also serves as a pre-qualifier for Kenyan professional golfers seeking to play at the Magical Kenya Open.

In the statement, Mediratta linked his approach to the second leg to maintaining form after the first event, where he was the overall winner. “I am keen to continue with the strong performance as we head to the second leg of the PGK Tour this week. The pressure is there, but I am looking forward to the challenge. As part of the corporate team supported by Safaricom, I am hopeful that we will retain the top corporate title,” he said.

Safaricom’s continued sponsorship of golfers and related events places the listed telecommunications firm among corporates supporting Kenyan sport as part of broader brand and community engagement strategies. In an “About Safaricom” section included with the release, the company said it has more than 71.6 million customers across Kenya and Ethiopia and estimated its total economic value at KES 1.1 trillion (US$8.5 billion) for the 12 months through March 2025. The company also reported annual revenues of KES 400 billion as at March 2026.

Safaricom further said its M-PESA business generated KES 182.7 billion in revenue as at FY26 and that mobile money has contributed to financial inclusion in Kenya rising to 84.8% of the adult population in 2024 from 26.7% in 2006. Business News Kenya could not independently verify the figures; they were presented in the company’s statement.

For the local golf calendar, the tour’s schedule through February 2027 provides a multi-stop competitive series that can influence player rankings and visibility, while also strengthening host venues’ ability to attract spectators, sponsors and hospitality spending. The release said the PGK Equator Tour also plays “a key role on the road” to qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, underscoring the strategic importance of consistent domestic competition for Kenyan professionals.

The second edition of the tour began in April 2026 and is set to conclude with a grand finale in February 2027, the statement said. The Thika leg is the next test for leading players as they pursue points, prize placements and corporate category honours in the months ahead.

ANZA MMA will hold its second professional mixed martial arts event, ANZA MMA Pro Nights 002, on Saturday, June 6 at Broadwalk Mall on Ojijo Road in Nairobi, with bouts set to start from 5pm, according to a media statement dated May 19, 2026.

The promotion said the event will feature fighters from across East Africa, listing Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan among the participating countries. The fight night follows ANZA MMA’s inaugural professional event held in December 2025.

The main event is set to pit Kenyan featherweight Ouhsummer Ali Abad, nicknamed “Ninja Turtle,” against South Sudan’s Peter Bushak. ANZA MMA said Ali Abad delivered a “first-round technical finish” during the December 2025 event and will face Bushak in a featherweight bout.

On the main card, Kenya’s George Itumo, known as “The Maverick,” is scheduled to face DR Congo’s Ken Boton in a bantamweight contest. ANZA MMA said Itumo won his December bout in the first round, while Boton comes off a win over Uganda’s Josiah Lumunya at Impact Championship.

Kenyan heavyweight Kevin Odongo is also listed to return, against Congolese heavyweight Romain Kasase. The statement also referenced rapper Octopizzo entering the cage with Odongo after his December fight.

The main card is completed by a featherweight bout between Tanzania’s Rashid Mlegelo of Dar MMA and a Zambian fighter identified as Chilufya.

On the preliminary card, ANZA MMA listed a middleweight bout between Alhassan Mosala of Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy and William Odino, both from Kenya. Other preliminaries named in the statement include Zambia’s Mende against DR Congo’s Angtenda; Kenya’s Brian Munyi of Chanuka Self Defense against Uganda’s Farouk Ogwal; South Sudan’s Thon against Uganda’s Mukiibi; and Kenya’s Leslie Masiga against Uganda’s Justin Okot.

While the event is primarily a sports property, recurring fight nights have become part of Nairobi’s wider entertainment economy, generating demand for venue space, ticketing, security services, brand partnerships and adjacent hospitality spending, particularly for malls and mixed-use developments that host large crowds during weekend hours. Broadwalk Mall, located along Ojijo Road, is among the city’s established retail and leisure venues.

ANZA MMA also used the statement to position the event as a continuation of its December 2025 debut, saying “the first ANZA MMA pro event… completely [sold] out the venue,” and that “demand far exceeded capacity, with many spectators… turned away at the doors due to the packed arena.” The organisation did not disclose ticket prices, attendance figures, or revenue from the previous event.

The promoter also cited the entertainment crossover around the inaugural event, stating that attendees included public figures such as Nviiri the Storyteller, Boutross, Chiki Kuruka and Savara, as well as Kenyan MMA fighter Felista Mugo.

Tickets for the June 6 event are being sold via HustleSasa, according to the statement. ANZA MMA said further event materials, including posters and images from the first event, are available for download through links provided to media.

Next, attention will turn to whether the second event matches the December 2025 turnout and whether ANZA MMA can maintain a regular calendar of professional fight nights in Nairobi, a key factor in building sustainable athlete pathways and attracting regional participation.