KCB Bank Kenya has launched a mortgage financing product aimed at expanding home ownership access for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and workers in Kenya’s informal economy, the lender said in a press release dated April 29, 2026.

The bank said the product offers a single-digit interest rate and is designed for borrowers such as artisans, boda boda operators, gig economy workers and digital content creators, whose income streams may be irregular but can be evidenced through transaction patterns. The facility targets applicants who have operated a business for at least two years.

According to KCB, the mortgage loans will range from KES 1 million to KES 4 million, with a maximum repayment period of 15 years.

The announcement comes amid persistent constraints in Kenya’s housing market, where formal mortgage access has historically been limited to salaried borrowers and higher-income segments. KCB linked the new product to the country’s affordable housing agenda, while pointing to structural barriers such as credit assessment models that rely on formal employment documentation.

Speaking during the launch, Caroline Wanjeri, Director of Mortgage Business at KCB Bank Kenya, said mortgage uptake has remained concentrated among formally employed Kenyans. “For years, Kenya’s mortgage uptake has been concentrated among formally employed and middle to high income earners, a scenario that has kept the mortgage penetration levels at around 3%,” Wanjeri said.

Wanjeri added that the target market is significant given the structure of Kenya’s labour market. “With more than 80% of Kenya’s workforce operating in the informal sector, the new mortgage solution seeks to increase financial inclusion, ease the rigid credit assessment mortgage models and enable an increase in homeownership for Kenyans,” she said.

KCB said the product will use non-traditional data points to assess affordability, rather than the conventional reliance on payslips and employer contracts. The bank said it will consider transactional history, mobile money flows, business records, savings patterns and other alternative data to determine repayment capacity.

“This solution acknowledges that Kenya’s economy runs on enterprise. By combining alternative credit assessment and financial discipline we are making mortgage financing accessible by redefining eligibility through consistency in business performance as a credible pathway to dignified home ownership,” Wanjeri said.

The move highlights a broader push by lenders to design credit products for borrowers outside formal payroll systems, as competition intensifies in retail banking and as digitised transaction trails make underwriting more data-driven. For Kenya’s banking sector, such models could deepen mortgage penetration if risks are properly priced and borrowers are supported to maintain stable repayment behaviour.

KCB cited housing demand pressures as part of the backdrop for the product’s launch, pointing to an annual urban growth rate of 4.4% and a housing backlog affecting low-income households. The bank also referenced Kenya’s Vision 2030 Third Medium Term Plan (MTP III) 2018–2022, which identifies affordable housing as a pillar for inclusive growth.

However, KCB noted that progress has been constrained by limited investment finance into housing, rising construction costs and affordability challenges along the housing value chain. The bank described the new product as an intervention intended to improve access to longer-term credit for prospective homeowners.

Going forward, the scale of uptake will likely depend on how quickly the bank can operationalise alternative credit scoring across customer segments and how the product is aligned with property supply in the targeted price bands. KCB did not disclose expected disbursement volumes or portfolio targets in the press release.

BYD by CFAO Mobility Kenya has delivered a fleet of five plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to Avenue Lease & Rentals E.A for leasing to SBM Bank Kenya, in what the companies described as an early corporate deployment of the models in the local market. The handover took place in Nairobi on April 2, 2026, according to a joint statement.

The delivery includes one BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid pickup and four BYD Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid SUVs. BYD by CFAO Mobility Kenya said the fleet represents “the first significant corporate fleet deployment” of these specific models in Kenya, reflecting interest in hybrid options for fleet operations.

The transaction links three players in the emerging e-mobility ecosystem: vehicle distribution by BYD via CFAO Mobility, leasing by Avenue Lease & Rentals E.A, and corporate adoption by SBM Bank Kenya. Leasing has increasingly been positioned by fleet operators as a way to access new vehicle technologies while reducing upfront capital requirements.

Nicolas Ruffier des Aimes, General Manager at BYD by CFAO Mobility Kenya, said the partnership signals a shift in how organisations approach cleaner mobility. “We are proud to see leading institutions like SBM Bank and Avenue Lease & Rentals E.A embrace the future of the automotive industry,” he said during the handover ceremony. He added: “We look forward to more opportunities to make sustainability a daily endeavor of our partners.”

SBM Bank Kenya said the move aligns with its internal sustainability goals, particularly around emissions reductions from operations and logistics. “We are excited to take this significant step towards achieving our sustainability goals. Our commitment to reducing direct emissions is a dedication to creating positive environmental change,” said Bhartesh Shah, Chief Executive Officer of SBM Bank Kenya. He added that adopting hybrid technology would help the lender “modernise our logistics while significantly cutting down our CO2 emissions.”

For Avenue Lease & Rentals E.A, the deal positions the firm within a developing market for EV and hybrid leasing services in Kenya. The company’s Chief Operating Officer said the partnership would allow customers to shift to cleaner vehicles without immediate large capital outlays. “Our decision to actively enter the electric vehicle leasing market through our partnership with CFAO Mobility reflects both our commitment to environmental stewardship and the evolving needs of our clients,” the COO said. “Leasing EVs allows organizations to transition to clean transportation solutions without the heavy upfront capital requirements traditionally associated with fleet replacement.”

The COO also framed plug-in hybrids as a transitional technology for organisations that may not yet be ready to go fully electric due to infrastructure or operational constraints. “Leasing plug-in hybrid vehicles allows organizations like SBM Bank Kenya to lower emissions today, while gradually transitioning toward full electric mobility,” the COO said, citing “reduced fuel consumption, lower CO2 output, and improved operational efficiency” as expected outcomes.

The announcement comes as Kenya’s transport and energy stakeholders evaluate the pace of electrification amid infrastructure build-out, vehicle availability and total cost-of-ownership considerations. The statement referenced Kenya’s national climate action plan target of a 32% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, positioning corporate fleet decisions as part of the broader transition to lower-emission transport.

Looking ahead, Avenue Lease & Rentals E.A said the partnership could expand into related services that support fleet electrification. “This collaboration sets the stage for future EV fleet transactions, expanded adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, and the development of supporting services such as charging solutions, fleet management, and lifecycle optimisation,” the COO said.

KCB Group has announced the winners of the Revvvisha na KCB National Consumer Promotion, closing a four-month campaign that ran from December 26, 2025 to April 26, 2026, according to a company press release dated April 29, 2026.

The lender said the grand prize—a one-bedroom apartment at Tatu City—was awarded to Scholastica Syokau Musau, with the unit provided by Unity Homes. KCB also named John Mburu & Associates among the winners, saying the firm received KES 500,000 to be deposited into its KCB Money Market Fund through KCB Investment Bank.

The campaign was structured around encouraging customers to grow balances, maintain savings, and invest in selected products to qualify for monthly prizes and a final grand draw, the bank said.

Deposit mobilisation campaigns have remained a key tool for Kenyan lenders as competition for retail savings intensifies and banks seek stable funding alongside a growing push for savings and investment products. KCB said the promotion was timed to coincide with interest around the WRC Safari Rally, linking participation in the campaign to broader national attention on the event.

Rosalind Gichuru, KCB Group Director of Marketing and Communications, said the campaign reflected the bank’s focus on customer financial behaviour and longer-term planning.

“Revvvisha na KCB reflects our focus on empowering customers to build financial discipline through practical and rewarding solutions. The strong uptake we have seen shows that customers are increasingly prioritising savings and investments as part of their financial goals,” Gichuru said.

KCB positioned the campaign as tied to homeownership messaging through its partnership with Unity Homes and its marketing around the 2026 WRC Safari Rally. Caroline Wanjeri, Director of Mortgage Business at KCB, said the campaign targeted customers at different stages of saving towards housing.

“At KCB, we have always believed that homeownership is not just a privilege but an achievable goal for every Kenyan who is intentional about saving. Through our partnership with Unity Homes and our involvement in the 2026 WRC Safari Rally, we have made the message louder and more exciting than ever before,” Wanjeri said.

She added: “The Revvvisha na KCB campaign was designed to meet Kenyans where they are, whether they are just beginning their savings journey or already working towards owning their first home. Our KCB goal savings account, backed by our mortgage solutions, provides the runway to get there.”

Unity Homes said the partnership aligns developers and financiers in efforts to expand access to housing. “We are proud to partner with KCB to make homeownership more accessible. This collaboration demonstrates how financial institutions and developers can come together to create real impact for customers,” said Mina Stiernblad, Commercial Director at Unity Homes.

KCB said the winners’ draw was conducted in the presence of representatives from KCB, Unity Homes and the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), which the bank said was aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness.

For Kenya’s banking and housing markets, promotions tied to savings and investment products can influence short-term deposit growth and customer acquisition, while partnerships with real estate developers highlight how lenders continue to use housing-related incentives to support mortgage pipelines. KCB did not disclose the number of participants, total deposits mobilised, or the value of the apartment prize.

KCB said the promotion has concluded, with the winners now announced. The bank and its partners have not provided details on whether the campaign will be renewed or expanded in a subsequent edition.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has transported four critically endangered mountain bongos from the Czech Republic to Kenya on a special conservation charter flight, with the animals received in Nairobi on April 29, 2026, as part of a structured rewilding programme.

In a press release, KLM said the four male bongos were moved in custom-built travel stalls to the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) in central Kenya. The airline said the operation was coordinated with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), MKWC and international conservation partners including the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA).

The mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) is listed as critically endangered. According to the press release, an estimated 66 individuals remained in the wild as of 2025, down from 150 in 2021. KLM said the translocation is intended to strengthen Kenya’s wild population through the introduction of animals bred in European zoological institutions that were selected for age, health and genetic suitability.

The initiative, titled “Return of the Bongos to Kenya,” is the first time mountain bongos have been returned from European zoological populations to Kenya as part of a structured rewilding programme, according to KLM. The airline said MKWC has set a target of establishing a population of 750 fully rewilded bongos by 2050.

The delivery places aviation logistics at the centre of a broader conservation value chain that has direct relevance for Kenya’s tourism economy and biodiversity-linked investment, including conservancy operations, veterinary services, security and habitat management. Wildlife tourism remains a key foreign-exchange earner for Kenya, and species recovery programmes can influence destination competitiveness and conservation funding flows across the Mount Kenya ecosystem.

Pier Luigi Vigada, Air France–KLM Martinair Cargo Regional Director for East & Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, said the flight illustrated how transport providers can support conservation efforts. “This operation demonstrates what is possible when aviation and conservation work hand in hand. We are proud to support a mission that contributes directly to the survival of one of Africa’s most iconic and endangered species,” Vigada said.

Joris Holtus, Air France-KLM’s General Manager for East and Southern Africa, Nigeria and Ghana, said the group responds to conservation transport requests when approached. “As an airline group, we are vividly aware of the greater purpose that global connectivity serves. That’s why, whenever we receive a call to support conservation initiatives like the transfer of the mountain bongos and lions, we do respond without hesitation,” Holtus said.

KLM said the operation required detailed planning to address logistical and geopolitical considerations alongside animal welfare monitoring. The airline added that Air France–KLM Martinair Cargo supported the effort as the group’s air cargo unit, noting that the group serves 295 destinations in 110 countries.

For Kenya’s air cargo and logistics sector, specialised wildlife movements are a niche segment but one that requires high compliance standards, coordination with regulators and specialised handling capacity at airports. Such operations can also reinforce Nairobi’s role as a regional logistics hub for time-sensitive and high-care shipments, including live animals, pharmaceuticals and horticulture exports.

Looking ahead, the conservation programme’s next milestones will be at MKWC, where the animals are expected to enter ongoing management processes aimed at eventual rewilding, alongside continued collaboration between Kenyan agencies and European breeding programmes, according to the press release.

Policymakers and technology industry leaders on Monday convened in Nairobi for the 15th annual Connected Africa Summit and called for the removal of structural and regulatory frictions to enable seamless connectivity across Africa.

According to a statement issued from the summit at the Edge Convention Centre on April 28, 2026, participants said Africa’s push toward a unified digital market will require greater policy alignment and collaboration among governments, regulators and private-sector players.

The summit discussions framed connectivity as a prerequisite for digital public services, private innovation and cross-border trade. Speakers cited Africa’s youthful population, growing digital adoption and expanding infrastructure as foundations, but said fragmentation in rules and implementation continues to slow progress.

Safaricom Plc’s Group Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa used a panel session to argue that governments and the private sector must coordinate more closely on infrastructure and digitisation priorities.

“To unlock Africa's full potential, we must deepen collaboration between governments and the private sector. By working together, we can create enabling policies, invest in the right infrastructure and accelerate public sector digitisation in a way that is inclusive, scalable and impactful for millions of Africans,” Mr Ndegwa said.

Safaricom said it used the summit to showcase what it described as the digital capabilities of its “converged services” model, bringing together its enterprise unit, financial services, public sector digitisation and transformation team and technology functions. The company said the approach is meant to support governments with what it termed secure and scalable digital solutions.

Kenya’s Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki also called for public-private partnerships and greater citizen involvement in digital transformation programmes.

“The public sector does not have a monopoly on resources. In order to achieve inclusion in the digital market, we must collaborate with the private sector and the citizens themselves,” Prof. Kindiki said.

The summit’s focus on harmonisation matters for Kenya’s business environment because local telecoms, fintechs and enterprise technology firms increasingly build products that must operate across multiple jurisdictions, each with different licensing, data protection, spectrum and consumer rules. Regulatory alignment can lower compliance costs and reduce friction for services such as mobile money, cross-border payments, digital identity and e-government platforms.

For listed firms such as Safaricom, policy direction around public sector digitisation and regional interoperability can influence future investment decisions and growth opportunities in enterprise services and fintech. In its statement, Safaricom said it serves more than 60 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 close to KES 388 billion as at March 2025 and said its networks cover more than 99% of Kenya’s population.

Safaricom further reported that M-PESA generated over KES 161 billion in revenue in FY25 and that financial inclusion in Kenya reached 84.8% in 2024, up from 26.7% in 2006, attributing the shift to mobile money adoption.

The summit is set to continue into a third day on April 29, 2026, with organisers and participants calling for renewed commitments and coordinated action. The discussions are expected to continue centring on policy alignment, infrastructure investment and governance frameworks intended to support Africa’s digital market ambitions.

ANZA MMA held its Amateur Fight Night 008 on April 26, 2026 at The Alchemist in Westlands, Nairobi, drawing amateur mixed martial arts fighters from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Italy in a nine-fight card, according to a statement issued by the organiser on April 27, 2026.

The event featured athletes representing gyms and teams including Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Mombasa Sharks, GAMMA Rwanda, Kigali BJJ, Guardian Uganda, Hardcore Gym, Tristar Gym Nairobi, Shadow Strikers and the Kenya Wrestling Team, ANZA MMA said.

ANZA MMA also said the audience included representatives from Kenya’s Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports—named as Joel Atuti, Deputy Director of Sports, and Mr. Muriithi—as well as PFL Africa’s Daniel Kijo, Director of Marketing and Operations. The statement added that Kenyan fighter Felista Mugo attended the event, describing her as having recently won in Pretoria under the Professional Fighters League (PFL) banner.

In results highlighted by the organiser, Kenya’s Samuel Laurian of Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy won the featherweight main event by submission against Rwanda’s Jonathan Ntakirutimana of GAMMA Rwanda. In the welterweight co-main event, Italy’s Lorenzo Cardanelli, representing Kigali BJJ, defeated Kenya’s Amos Eboso by submission in what ANZA MMA described as a rematch; the statement said the two previously fought at ANZA MMA’s first event in June 2025, where Cardanelli also won by submission.

ANZA MMA said eight of the nine fights ended by submission, technical knockout (TKO) or knockout (KO), with only one contest going to the judges. Among the quickest finishes cited was Shadrack Otieno’s 30-second rear-naked choke submission win over Aman Niyigena in a lightweight bout.

Other results on the main card included Uganda’s Shaffik Assuma defeating Kenya’s Jared Otieno by disqualification in a flyweight bout, according to the organiser.

On the preliminary card, ANZA MMA listed Martin Mwanza defeating Djibril Binego by TKO, Steve Munyi defeating Kamya Pison by TKO, and Matthew Lwano defeating Maina Morgan by judges’ decision. The organiser also listed Eric Ngari defeating KO Gordon Juma, and Kennedy Adaki defeating Eugine Oyugi by submission.

Why it matters

While MMA remains a niche sport compared with football and athletics in Kenya, regular fight nights and structured amateur-to-professional pathways can support a growing combat-sports economy—spanning gyms, coaching, event production, venue partnerships and sponsorship—particularly in Nairobi’s entertainment circuit. The Alchemist has increasingly hosted sports and lifestyle events, underlining the link between nightlife venues and ticketed sports programming.

The attendance of officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, as cited by ANZA MMA, also points to continued interest in how emerging sports fit within Kenya’s broader creative and sports economy agenda, including athlete development and event-hosting opportunities.

Next steps

ANZA MMA announced its next professional event is scheduled for June 6, 2026 at The Broadwalk Mall in Nairobi. The promotion said the card will include Kenyan fighters Ouhsummer Ali Abad, Kevin Odongo, Georgi Itumo and Alhassan Mosala, and that it expects regional participation from Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan.

Mohit Mediratta, a professional golfer sponsored by Safaricom, won the opening leg of the PGK Equator Tour Second Edition at Vetlab Sports Club in Nairobi, organisers said on April 27, 2026. Mediratta finished on 284 (four under par) and sealed the title with a hole-in-one during the four-day tournament.

According to the press release, Mediratta topped what was described as a “tightly contested corporate leaderboard,” finishing three shots clear of the nearest challengers. Fellow Safaricom-backed golfers Mutahi Kibugu and Samuel Chege finished joint second on 287, alongside Jastas Madoya, who also posted 287.

The PGK Equator Tour is a multi-leg series staged across Kenyan golf courses and supported by corporate sponsors. The organisers said the tour will feature 11 courses countrywide this year, with the second leg scheduled for Thika Sports Club following the Vetlab event.

Mediratta said the win was a confidence boost ahead of the remaining legs. “I am excited to have won the first leg. The hole-in-one came as a complete surprise, it’s a rare moment for any golfer, and I am truly happy about it. The course was quite challenging and the competition was tight, but I managed to stay focused,” Mediratta said in the statement.

He added that the time between events had helped his preparation for the tour. “The break has given me valuable time to practice and prepare, and I am hopeful for a strong rest of the season as I aim to finish top together with my team. This win gives me great confidence, and I am really looking forward to the next legs. I hope to maintain this form throughout the season,” he said.

Rounding out the top 10 were Greg Snow and C.J. Wangai on 289; Robinson Owiti and debutant John Lejirma on 290; Dismas Indiza on 291; and Njoroge Kibugu, Daniel Nduva and David Wakhu on 292, according to the organisers.

The tournament attracted 52 of Kenya’s top professionals, including six debutants, while three women participated after transitioning from the amateur ranks, the press release said. The organisers positioned the series as part of a wider effort to deepen the competitive calendar for local professionals and increase exposure to higher-level tournament conditions.

For Kenya’s sports business and sponsorship market, the tour highlights how large corporates are continuing to finance domestic sporting properties as brand platforms and as talent-development pipelines. The organisers said the tour is backed by several sponsors, including Safaricom, NCBA, Betika, Kenya Airways, Visa, Britam and Johnnie Walker.

The press release linked the tour’s competitive pathway to larger events, saying it is intended to help prepare Kenyan players for international competitions such as the Magical Kenya Open and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. With the first leg completed, attention turns to how standings points from successive legs will shape the “road to the Magical Kenya Open qualification,” as described by the organisers.

The next milestone for players will be the second leg at Thika Sports Club, where early leaders will seek to consolidate their positions while challengers attempt to close the points gap.

Smart Applications International, a Nairobi-headquartered healthcare technology company, has won the Product and Service Innovation of the Year award at the 3i International Conference 2026, the firm said in a press release dated April 27, 2026.

According to the company, the award was presented at the 3i International Conference 2026, a global forum convened by the Insurers Association of Mauritius focused on the future of insurance and healthcare, including the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and insurer–provider collaboration.

The recognition adds to the profile of Kenyan health-tech in regional and international markets at a time when insurers and healthcare providers are investing in digitised claims management, fraud detection, identity systems and data-driven oversight. In Kenya, these themes mirror broader sector priorities such as reducing claims leakage, improving turnaround times and strengthening accountability across provider networks.

Smart Applications International said this year’s conference discussions centred on “the growing role of artificial intelligence, the need for stronger insurer–provider collaboration, and the importance of unlocking value through integrated digital ecosystems.”

The company said it was represented at the Mauritius forum by Harrison Muiru, Group Managing Director; Esther Muiruri, Group Director, Insurance Business; and Yan Jouan, Country Manager, Mauritius. It said its delegation contributed to discussions on AI adoption in healthcare and the role of digital platforms in improving efficiency within insurance value chains.

“This recognition is a strong validation of our commitment to delivering meaningful, technology-led transformation in healthcare and insurance. As systems grow in complexity, the need for intelligent, integrated platforms becomes even more critical,” Harrison Muiru, Group Managing Director, Smart Applications International, said in the statement.

Muiru added that the company’s focus is on “building solutions that not only improve efficiency, but also strengthen trust, transparency, and collaboration across the entire ecosystem,” according to the press release.

Yan Jouan, Country Manager, Mauritius, said resilient healthcare systems require “a combination of intelligent digital infrastructure and strong local expertise,” and pointed to MediSmart and SmartInsure as tools that can help insurers automate processes while maintaining human oversight, the company said.

Smart Applications International said the award reflects its “growing footprint in international markets” and its work supporting “seamless service delivery,” improved claims management and data-led decision-making through platforms including MediSmart and Smart Insure.

For Kenya’s insurance and healthcare sectors, the company’s emphasis on integrated digital ecosystems aligns with increasing pressure on insurers to manage medical costs and improve customer experience, while providers face demands for faster approvals, better data quality and stronger compliance controls. Industry players in East Africa have also been testing AI-driven tools to address operational bottlenecks, though adoption often depends on interoperability with existing systems and regulatory expectations around data privacy and clinical governance.

In its company backgrounder, Smart Applications International described itself as an ISO-certified healthcare technology company headquartered in Nairobi, delivering digital health, biometric identity and analytics platforms across Africa. It said it works with governments, healthcare providers, insurers and development organisations to improve service delivery and expand access to essential services.

The company did not disclose financial terms linked to the award or provide metrics on adoption of its platforms. It also did not announce new contracts or market expansion timelines in the statement.

Smart Applications International said it expects continued focus globally on practical applications of AI and digital technologies in insurance and healthcare, positioning integrated platforms as central to future system improvements.

Betika has paid out KES 50 million in its Must Be Won Jackpot, splitting the guaranteed prize among eight winners after the second eight-week cycle ended on April 24, 2026, the company said in a press release issued in Nairobi.

According to Betika, the Must Be Won Jackpot is structured so the KES 50 million grand prize is awarded at the end of each eight-week cycle even if no player correctly predicts all 15 matches. The firm said the latest cycle ended without a perfect score, and the prize was shared among the top-performing entries that managed 13 correct picks out of 15.

The company named the eight winners as Beatrice Njoki Ngari from Kirinyaga County (whose son Joseph Mwai used her mobile line to place the bet), Joseph Muchangi Mwai from Njoro in Nakuru County, Chebii Musa Chepchieng from Nakuru, Duncan Ouma Oliech from Kibera in Nairobi, Joseph Mutua Wambua from Kasarani in Nairobi, Raphael Moi Pambo from Kisii, Zachayo Kanyaru Njogu from Nyeri, and Royford Gitonga Mutuerandu from Meru.

Betika said each winner received about KES 6.3 million from the shared payout.

One of the winners, Joseph Muchangi Mwai, said the winnings would support his family. “I could hardly believe it when I heard the news,” said Joseph Muchangi Mwai. “I was just doing my usual routine in Njoro when the call came. This win is for my son, Myles, and my wife. It’s a blessing that will change how we live and how we plan for the future.”

Betika Group Head of Brand Eric Mwiti said the payout was tied to the guaranteed structure of the cycle. “By delivering on our promise of a guaranteed KES 50 million payout through this eight-week cycle, we have reached a historic milestone,” said Eric Mwiti, Betika Group Head of Brand. He added that the company urges customers “to continue playing responsibly.”

The payout highlights how betting firms in Kenya are using jackpot formats and time-bound cycles to sustain engagement in a competitive gaming market. Unlike progressive jackpots that roll over until a perfect result is hit, Betika’s “Must Be Won” structure sets a deadline for disbursement, which can increase payout predictability for players while creating recurring high-value settlement events for operators.

For Kenya’s business landscape, such large payouts also underscore the sector’s scale and its link to mobile payments and mass-market consumer spending patterns, particularly as winners are often drawn from varied income groups and counties. However, the same model continues to draw attention to responsible gaming practices, an issue operators increasingly address publicly as part of compliance and reputational management.

Betika did not disclose the total number of participants in the cycle or the total stakes collected during the period. The company said the second eight-week cycle has now concluded, implying future cycles are expected to continue under the same guaranteed payout structure.

KCB Volleyball Ladies finished runner-up at the 2026 Africa Clubs Championship in Cairo, Egypt, after losing 3-1 to Al Ahly Volleyball Club in the final, according to a press release issued on April 23, 2026.

KCB won the opening set 25-22 before Al Ahly took the next three sets 25-15, 25-20 and 25-16 to secure the title. The match marked KCB’s only defeat of the tournament, following an unbeaten run from the group stage through to the semi-finals, KCB said.

The result represents an improvement for the Kenyan side, which finished fifth at the same competition in Nigeria last year, according to the press release. For Kenya’s sports and corporate sponsorship landscape, the club’s performance is closely watched given KCB’s position as one of the country’s major bank-backed teams and a consistent contender in regional competitions.

In the individual awards, Merlyn Terry Tata was named Best Opposite Attacker, while Juliana Namutira won Best Outside Hitter and Sharon Cherono was awarded Best Middle Blocker, KCB said.

Team captain Mercy Moim attributed the run to resilience, while acknowledging the missed opportunity in the final. “First of all, my appreciation goes to everyone on the team for not giving up, even when things got tough. We fought to the end and gave our best. While we did not get the result we wanted, we are proud of how far we have come and how we represented Kenya. This experience will only make us stronger. We will take the lessons from this tournament and come back even better,” Moim said.

KCB Volleyball patron Judith Sidi Odhiambo said the club intends to build on the continental campaign in domestic competitions. “I am very proud of the team. They have shown great determination throughout the tournament. Finishing second in Africa is no small feat. We will carry this momentum into our local competitions, keep our heads high and win all that is there,” Odhiambo said.

The final also added to a long-running rivalry between KCB and Al Ahly, whom the Kenyan side has faced in the championship match several times. KCB said it had previously met Al Ahly—described in the statement as 11-time winners—in three earlier finals, winning twice. The club said KCB beat Al Ahly 3-2 in the 2006 final in Vacoas, Mauritius, after a group-stage loss; Al Ahly won 3-1 in Nairobi in 2009; and KCB won 3-1 in the 2022 final in Kelibia, Tunisia, ending what the press release described as a nine-year title drought for Kenya.

According to KCB, the club topped Pool D with straight-sets wins over Nigeria’s Vipers and Partners (25-19, 25-19, 25-19), Seychelles’ ARSU Ladies (25-09, 25-14, 25-17) and Cameroon’s Litto Team Volleyball (25-13, 25-22, 25-23), finishing the preliminary stage with maximum points.

In the knockout rounds, KCB said it beat Burundi’s GLC 3-0 (25-13, 25-07, 25-14) in the Round of 16 and Cameroon’s Mayo Kani Evolution 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-21) in the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, KCB rallied to defeat Kenya Pipeline Volleyball Club 3-1 (16-25, 25-10, 25-15, 25-19) to reach the final, while Al Ahly overcame Tunisia’s CF Carthage 3-1 to set up the title match, according to the press release.

Going into the next phase of the season, KCB’s stated focus will be translating continental form into results in local competitions, while also maintaining a core that delivered individual honours and a deep run in Cairo.