Spotify has opened the Greasy Tunes Café Kitchen in Nairobi in partnership with The BAG, marking the start of a 12-day pop-up that runs from July 15 to July 26 at Heltz House, the company said in a media statement dated July 16, 2026.

According to Spotify, the Nairobi activation is the third edition of Greasy Tunes after Johannesburg in 2023 and Lagos in 2025. The company said the concept is built around curated food and community-led programming that links music discovery with local cultural experiences.

The opening night was co-led by The BAG, which Spotify described as a Nairobi events and nightlife platform. Spotify said the launch was designed around how young Nairobi residents gather “around food, sound, conversation and community,” with street food culture positioned as a central theme.

Spotify said the café kitchen was created in partnership with Jikoni Studio Nairobi, and that the menu was developed “alongside local Kenyan chefs.” The company added that the food offering is intended to reflect Kenyan street food culture within a venue built for music and community programming.

The programme includes collaborations with local creative communities and event brands, including Studio 18, The BAG, BluePrint, Fishermans Experience, Bambika TV, Assembly, Ongeza Volume, Standup Collective, Nakili Session and Strictly Soul. Spotify said the calendar will also feature two live podcast recordings from Mic Cheque Podcast and 30 Percent Podcast.

Spotify said its internal listening data informs the concept’s focus on food-related moments. “Spotify listening data from June 2026 shows that for Nairobi listeners aged 18 to 24, the dinner-adjacent window between 6pm and 9pm is the largest food-related listening period in the dataset, accounting for 20.9% of all daily Gen Z music listening in the city,” the company said.

Agnes Opondo, Artist and Label Partnerships, East Africa at Spotify, said the data points to a blended local-and-global listening pattern among young users. “What stands out in this data is not just that Kenyan artists dominate the dinner playlist, but that they sit naturally alongside names like Dave, Tems and Drake. That tells you something about how young Nairobians experience music. They are not choosing between local and global. They are moving between both in the same evening, and Kenyan artists are holding their own in that mix. For anyone working with East African talent, that is a powerful signal,” Ms Opondo said.

Spotify also disclosed that Kenyan artists appear on seven of the top ten tracks streamed by Nairobi’s 18–24 listeners during the 6pm to 9pm window, led by Ywaya Tajiri, and including Wakadinali, Mutoriah, Toxic Lyrikali, Sauti Sol and Njerae. The company added that regional collaboration also featured in the same listening mix, citing Alikiba and Bien, alongside international acts.

For Kenya’s creative economy, the activation signals continued competition among global platforms for mindshare in local music and youth culture—an audience segment that is increasingly central to marketing budgets across telecommunications, consumer goods, hospitality and live entertainment. Pop-up experiences that blend music, food and community events also reflect a wider trend among brands seeking offline engagement to complement digital consumption, particularly in Nairobi’s nightlife and events sector.

Spotify said it is working with 12 communities and partners to host 20 events over the 12 days, spanning “food and music to podcasts, comedy, sport, fashion and live cultural programming.” The company did not disclose financial terms or expected attendance figures.

The pop-up is scheduled to conclude on July 26, with Spotify indicating that Greasy Tunes is positioned as a multi-city series, following previous editions in South Africa and Nigeria.

TikTok has announced new initiatives aimed at improving transparency around AI-generated content, boosting AI literacy and strengthening protections against AI-generated spam across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya. The announcement was made on July 14 on the sidelines of the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, where the company said it is expanding tools, partnerships and safeguards to help users identify and use AI-generated content responsibly.

For Kenya’s digital economy—where social platforms are increasingly used for marketing, creator monetisation, news consumption and public education—the changes signal tighter governance around synthetic media at a time when businesses and regulators are paying closer attention to online trust and content authenticity.

TikTok said it is testing “enhanced detection systems” designed to identify accounts that are dedicated to posting AI-generated spam, which the company argues can crowd out original creators and reduce trust on the platform. It also disclosed that in the first quarter of 2026 it removed more than 86 million fake accounts globally, attributing the figure to its efforts to detect and remove spam at scale.

On transparency, TikTok said more than three billion videos have been labelled as AI-generated content using a mix of Content Credentials, creator disclosure tools and invisible watermarking technology. The company did not provide a country-by-country breakdown for Sub-Saharan Africa or Kenya.

“We believe people should have context, confidence and control over their experiences with AI on TikTok. We continue to invest in technologies, partnerships and educational resources that help people spot AI-generated content, understand how it’s created, and use these tools creatively and responsibly,” said Tom Varghese, AI Lead for TikTok’s Global Public Policy team, in the statement.

TikTok also said it has joined the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) Steering Committee, positioning the company within an industry group focused on standards for content authenticity and AI transparency. According to TikTok, the move is intended to support wider adoption of Content Credentials across the digital ecosystem.

In a push that directly affects Kenyan users, TikTok said it is launching a new in-app AI literacy hub for users in markets including South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya. The company said the hub will provide educational resources to help users recognise AI-generated content and understand how AI tools are used on the platform.

The company added that it has committed more than KES 517.2 million (US$4 million) to its AI Literacy Fund to date. TikTok said that since launching the initiative in November 2025, it has partnered with organisations including Eveminet and Mtoto News in Kenya; Moxi Africa in South Africa; and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Africa Check and Paradigm Initiative in Nigeria. TikTok attributed more than 200 million views to content produced through these partnerships, saying the performance indicates growing demand for AI education content.

The announcement comes as Kenyan brands and agencies increasingly use short-form video for customer acquisition and influencer marketing, while policymakers and civil society groups raise concerns about misinformation, deepfakes and manipulated media. Improved labelling and provenance standards could make it easier for advertisers and audiences to assess content credibility, though enforcement consistency and local language coverage remain key questions for platforms operating in diverse markets.

Separately, TikTok said it will continue to support creators experimenting with AI features and tools, citing products such as Smart Split and AI Outline, as well as “Manage Topics,” which it said gives users more control over how much AI-generated content they see. It named Kenyan creators Tonnee Ndungu and Nyandia Gachago among those using AI-driven formats on the platform, alongside creators from Nigeria and South Africa.

Looking ahead, TikTok said it will continue expanding its AI literacy programme and partnerships, while further developing detection systems to curb AI-generated spam and scaling transparency tools such as Content Credentials. The company did not provide a timeline for Kenya-specific rollouts beyond the announcement of the in-app hub.

Dennis Chebitwey won the inaugural Iseme Kamau and Maema Advocates (IKM) and Oxygène Golf Tournament on Friday at Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club in Nairobi after returning 43 Stableford points, organisers said in a statement dated July 11, 2026.

Chebitwey, playing off handicap 16, beat Yusuf Omari (handicap 23) by one point after Omari posted 42 points. The tournament attracted 145 golfers, including corporate executives, legal professionals, club members and business leaders from across Kenya, according to the organisers.

Speaking after the win, Chebitwey said the competition came down to the dynamics within his group. “It was an incredible day on the course. I had a fantastic four-ball, and we really pushed each other throughout the round,” he said. Chebitwey also credited Larry Ngala for introducing him to golf. “I also want to thank Larry Ngala for introducing me to golf 26 years ago… it is special to win a tournament like this,” he added.

In other categories, Martin Gatheca (handicap 18) finished as Men’s Runner-up. Aggie Konde (handicap 18) won the Lady Winner title with 37 Stableford points, while Bernadette Irungu (handicap 27) finished as Lady Runner-up after returning 35 points.

The sponsor category featured senior executives from two of Kenya’s most prominent listed and regulated corporates. NCBA Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer John Gachora won the Sponsor Winner award after carding 37 points while playing off handicap 18. East African Breweries Limited (EABL) Group Managing Director and CEO Jane Karuku was Sponsor Runner-up with 32 points, organisers said.

Special prizes went to Fidhelis Kimanzi (Men’s Longest Drive) and Kate Murima (Ladies’ Longest Drive). Alex Mwangi won the Men’s Nearest-to-the-Pin prize, while Rebecca Gathumbi won the Ladies’ category.

The organisers positioned the tournament as part of relationship-building and client engagement among professional services and corporate leaders. Oxygène Chairman Linus Gitahi said the partnership was driven by overlapping networks. “Oxygène and IKM share common values and, importantly, many common clients. That is what inspired us to organize this tournament; not just as a day of golf, but as a platform to bring together our clients and potential clients, strengthen existing relationships and create meaningful networking opportunities in a relaxed environment,” Gitahi said.

IKM Chairman Senior Counsel James Kamau said the event’s turnout reflected the role such forums play in convening decision-makers across sectors. “Golf has a unique way of bringing people together. We are delighted by the overwhelming turnout for this inaugural tournament, which has provided an excellent opportunity for leaders across different sectors to connect, build relationships and create new partnerships. We look forward to growing this event even further,” Kamau said.

The tournament highlights how corporate Kenya increasingly uses sports and lifestyle events—particularly golf—to support networking among executives, professional advisers and clients. With participation from leaders in banking, aviation, consumer goods and legal services, the event also underscores golf’s continued relevance as a relationship channel in Kenya’s dealmaking ecosystem.

IKM, also known as DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates), described itself in the statement as a full-service law firm and the Kenyan member firm of DLA Piper Africa, a network of 20 member firms. The firm said it operates across corporate and commercial law, dispute resolution, projects and infrastructure, real estate, banking and tax.

The organisers did not disclose sponsorship amounts or the tournament’s financial targets. They said the event was inaugural, with plans to expand it in subsequent editions.

SanlamAllianz Kenya has launched the Proud Moments Initiative, a campaign running from July to October 2026 that aims to highlight Kenyan achievement stories and encourage individuals and businesses to protect milestones through financial planning and insurance, the company said in a media release issued in Nairobi on Tuesday, July 8, 2026.

According to SanlamAllianz, the initiative will showcase two existing products: Flexi Educator Plus, offered by Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance (Kenya) Limited, and SME 360 Insurance, offered by Sanlam Allianz General Insurance (Kenya) Limited. The company said the campaign is positioned as part of a broader pan-African effort.

The insurer said Flexi Educator Plus is designed for parents and guardians planning for education expenses through long-term savings combined with life protection. In the media release, SanlamAllianz said the product includes critical illness benefits, guaranteed maturity benefits and a waiver-of-premium feature intended to keep education savings on track when policyholders face disruptions.

SME 360 Insurance targets micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with what the firm described as broad business-risk coverage. SanlamAllianz said the cover includes protection against risks such as property damage, floods, employee injuries and third-party liabilities. The company added that the product is integrated with an emergency response application, SanlamAllianz Emergency Assist (SAZ-Assist), which it said connects customers to vetted private security, ambulance or roadside rescue services and dispatches responders using GPS location.

The campaign taps into a segment that remains central to Kenya’s economy. SanlamAllianz cited the 2022 Central Bank of Kenya MSME Survey, saying the sector employs more than 14.9 million people.

George Kuria, Chief Executive Officer of Sanlam Allianz General Insurance (Kenya) Limited, said the initiative is intended to link customer milestones with risk protection. “At SanlamAllianz Kenya, we understand that every proud moment is the result of dedication, resilience and the courage to pursue a dream. Whether it is raising a family, investing in a child's education or growing a business, these milestones deserve to be celebrated and protected,” Kuria said. He added that the campaign will demonstrate how the firm’s existing solutions, including Flexi Educator Plus and SME 360 Insurance, are used to safeguard those milestones.

Jacqueline Karasha, Chief Executive Officer of Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance Kenya, said the firm views insurance as part of long-term financial confidence and planning, not only claims response. “Insurance should not only respond when things go wrong; it should also help people plan ahead, protect their progress and pursue new opportunities with confidence,” Karasha said.

For Kenya’s insurance market, the campaign underscores insurers’ push to grow uptake by packaging covers around everyday needs such as school fees planning and SME risk management. Education-linked savings products and MSME covers have become a focus area as households face cost pressures and businesses contend with climate-related events and operational risks. SanlamAllianz said both solutions are offered “across different price points,” positioning the products for wider accessibility, though it did not disclose premiums or target volumes.

SanlamAllianz operates in Kenya through Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance (Kenya) Limited and Sanlam Allianz General Insurance (Kenya) Limited. The company said SanlamAllianz is a joint venture between Sanlam and Allianz and operates across 25 African countries, including Kenya.

Looking ahead, the next milestone will be execution of the campaign through October 2026, with the insurer using the initiative to drive awareness of education planning and MSME protection as it competes for retail and small-business customers in Kenya’s insurance sector.

KCB Bank Kenya has launched the ‘KCB Partner kwa Ground Kwa Mtaa’ activation, a three-month campaign running from July to September that it says is aimed at deepening financial inclusion by taking banking services closer to communities across the country.

In a media note shared with newsrooms, the lender said the campaign targets MSMEs, traders, entrepreneurs, women-led enterprises, youth-owned businesses and informal sector operators—segments that play a significant role in Kenya’s economy but often face barriers in accessing affordable and convenient financial services.

The activation will be rolled out across key regions including Nairobi, Central, Eastern, North-eastern, Rift Valley and Nyanza, according to KCB. The bank described the campaign as part of its approach to support business resilience and long-term growth among small businesses and everyday customers.

“KCB Bank Kenya has launched the KCB Partner kwa Ground Kwa Mtaa activation, an initiative aimed at deepening financial inclusion across Kenya by bringing accessible financial solutions closer to the people,” the statement said.

According to KCB, customers reached through the campaign will have an opportunity to access business financing, convenient payment solutions, tailored banking products and financial advisory services. The bank did not disclose a budget for the activation, expected customer numbers, or specific financing terms that will be offered under the campaign.

The roadshow-style approach comes as banks and fintechs intensify competition for MSME customers, who typically require a mix of working capital, payments, and merchant services. In Kenya, the informal sector and micro-businesses account for a substantial share of employment and daily commerce, making last-mile distribution of financial services a key battleground for lenders.

For KCB, the campaign may help increase customer acquisition and transaction volumes, particularly in regions where brick-and-mortar branch access is limited or where entrepreneurs rely heavily on mobile money and agent banking. It may also support cross-selling of payments and credit products if advisory services translate into more formalised business banking relationships.

Over the July–September period, the bank is expected to continue the regional roll-out and engage MSMEs and traders through its ‘KCB Mtaani Roadshows’, as referenced in the media note. Further details—such as county-level schedules, partner participation and product-specific terms—were not provided in the statement.

M-PESA Foundation and Proximie Limited have established a Digital Operating Room at Kilifi County Referral Hospital to support emergency obstetric and neonatal care, targeting reductions in maternal and newborn deaths in Kilifi County.

In a statement dated July 8, 2026, the organisations said the digitised operating room will be implemented as a pilot for the next year under the Uzazi Salama Programme. The facility is intended to enable timely surgical interventions supported by technology, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances or be referred to other hospitals for specialised procedures.

The initiative comes as counties continue to invest in health infrastructure and digital solutions to improve outcomes, amid persistent gaps in access to specialist services, particularly in maternity and newborn care. Kilifi, a fast-growing coastal economy with a mix of rural and urban populations, has faced challenges related to 24-hour maternity coverage in some facilities, which can delay emergency interventions.

Patricia Ithau, Trustee, M-PESA Foundation, said the partnership is designed to extend specialised services closer to communities and relies on network connectivity to support remote collaboration during procedures. “Our collaboration with Proximie through this technology will strengthen the Uzazi Salama Programme by bringing communities closer to specialised health services. As M-Pesa Foundation, our commitment is to provide reliable network through our strong 4G and 5G technology by Safaricom which will power this tele-surgery solution and ensure seamless procedures without interruptions,” Ithau said.

According to the statement, the tele-surgery solution is expected to limit referrals by enabling “complex and specialised live procedures” while connecting surgeons at Kilifi County Referral Hospital with other practitioners in Kenya and internationally for skills transfer and case support.

Dr. Shannon Shibata-Germanos, Head of Global Health at Proximie, said Kilifi was selected based on maternal health indicators in the county and that the implementation has drawn in sector stakeholders. “The maternal health indicators in Kilifi are what led us to choose this county for the Digital Operating Room to curb instances of maternal and infant mortality. Uzazi Salama is an opportunity for us to plug in with innovative solutions at scale. We have garnered the support of key stakeholders such as the Surgical Society of Kenya to implement this programme. Our assurance is that patient data remains confidential with data protection a key aspect of this project,” she said.

The statement cited mortality indicators for Kilifi County, reporting a maternal mortality rate of 532 per 100,000 live births, attributed to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS). It also reported neonatal mortality at approximately 24 per 1,000 live births, infant mortality at 34 per 1,000, and under-five mortality at 40 per 1,000. The organisations said limited access to 24-hour maternity services in some facilities contributes to delays in emergency care.

For Kenya’s healthcare market, the project illustrates how private-sector and philanthropic funding is increasingly being paired with digital health infrastructure to address specialist shortages and improve service quality outside major urban centres. If the pilot demonstrates reduced referrals and improved clinical outcomes, it could strengthen the case for similar deployments in other counties, while raising questions on long-term operating costs, workforce training, and data governance as digital systems scale.

Uzazi Salama, according to the statement, was launched in 2024 and expanded from Kilifi South and Magarini to all sub-counties in Kilifi County. The partners said the digital operating room is intended to expand access to reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health services supported by the programme.

Proximie describes itself as a health technology company that digitises operating rooms using artificial intelligence, cloud-based software and augmented reality, connecting surgical teams to support operations remotely. The partners did not disclose the cost of the digital operating room or the funding structure for the pilot.

LG Electronics East Africa, in partnership with Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI), has awarded a combined KSh2 million to two community initiatives in Nandi and Makueni counties after naming them winners of the 2026 LG Ambassador Challenge.

According to a statement dated July 8, 2026, the Sisia Village Sustainable Beekeeping and Economic Empowerment Initiative in Nandi County and the “Laboratory Equipment and Computers for Syiluni Primary/Junior Secondary School” project in Makueni County each received KSh1 million to implement their proposals.

The announcement was made in Nairobi, with the organisers saying the seventh edition of the programme is aimed at supporting locally developed solutions that address social and economic challenges in Kenya.

In Nandi County, the beekeeping initiative will train 40 youth and women in modern beekeeping practices and is expected to support 30 households—about 120 people—through honey production, the organisers said. The project has an annual production target of 1,500 kilograms of honey and also includes a market access component as part of what the statement described as an agribusiness model.

In Makueni County, Syiluni Primary/Junior Secondary School will receive support to establish a science laboratory and acquire 10 computers, which the organisers said is intended to improve access to practical science learning and build digital literacy in the rural community.

“The LG Ambassador Challenge continues to demonstrate that some of the most transformative solutions are those designed by communities for their own communities,” said Donghun Lee, President of LG Electronics East Africa.

Lee added: “This year's winners reflect the power of innovation to create lasting economic opportunities and improve educational outcomes.”

The organisers said the 2026 winners build on projects supported in the previous year—Decipe Children's Home and Rebirth of a Queen—which, according to the statement, focused on improving living conditions for vulnerable children and creating economic opportunities for survivors of gender-based violence through vocational training.

For Kenya’s business landscape, the Nandi beekeeping project aligns with broader efforts to diversify rural incomes and expand agribusiness value chains beyond staple crops. If implemented as described, the training and production targets could contribute to household cash flows and create opportunities for local aggregation and retail of honey products, while also supporting environmental outcomes linked to pollination, as cited in the statement.

The Makueni school project underscores growing demand for STEM facilities and digital tools in public education, particularly in underserved areas. Improved access to laboratories and computers may strengthen foundational skills that ultimately feed into Kenya’s technical workforce pipeline, a priority often cited by policymakers and private-sector employers.

LG said the programme has now awarded more than KSh15 million in total since inception. The next milestone will be the rollout of the two funded projects in Nandi and Makueni counties, including delivery of equipment and the start of training activities, as outlined in the organisers’ project plans.

LG Electronics East Africa and its regional distribution partner Opalnet have unveiled a new portfolio of commercial technology solutions targeting enterprises across East Africa, the companies said on July 8, 2026 in Nairobi.

According to the press release, the offering is aimed at operational needs in sectors including commercial real estate, logistics, hospitality and public sector infrastructure, as the companies seek to expand their business-to-business (B2B) footprint in the region.

The portfolio includes built-in kitchen appliances, commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, commercial laundry equipment, cold-chain and retail storage products, and large-format commercial displays. LG said the HVAC line-up features Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, Multi V™ technologies and intelligent building climate management tools that are designed to reduce energy consumption. The release also cited high-capacity washers and dryers intended for hotels, hospitals, serviced apartments and institutional facilities, as well as high-efficiency chest freezers for large-scale retail and cold-chain operations. The display range mentioned in the release includes a 100-inch QNED commercial screen.

The launch was introduced to developers, engineers, B2B product distributors and other professionals during what the company described as a dinner showcase in Nairobi.

Jane Kariuki, Marketing Lead at LG Electronics East Africa, said the company is positioning its enterprise offering around partnerships and support for corporate buyers. “We are trying to help our B2B partners grow their businesses. We totally understand that some of them may not have the financial capability, but we want them to know that, with Opalnet, they have good financial partnerships with key players in the industry,” Kariuki said, according to the press release.

She added that LG intends to support customers beyond procurement. “We also want them to understand that we have the technology to back them up in terms of after-sales training and that we will walk with them and grow together,” Kariuki said.

Opalnet Managing Director Rakesh Singh said product performance in commercial settings depends on local execution and support. “The integration of LG’s engineering capabilities with Opalnet’s regional distribution network reflects a broader trend across East African markets, where corporate buyers are increasingly prioritizing long-term life-cycle support and operational reliability over baseline procurement costs,” Singh said. He added that “most of LG’s latest products are AI integrated” and that Opalnet is working with LG “to make sure that these technologies are available to Kenyans.”

Under the partnership, Opalnet will provide technical consultation, installation support, preventive maintenance and after-sales service, the companies said. The release stated that the local support model is expected to accelerate adoption among businesses building new facilities or upgrading existing ones.

The announcement comes as Kenyan property developers, hospitality operators and logistics firms increasingly prioritise energy management and maintenance reliability to manage operating costs, particularly in large facilities such as hotels, hospitals, warehouses and retail chains. For suppliers, the ability to offer installation capacity, spare parts availability and service coverage has become a key differentiator in winning enterprise contracts—often alongside financing arrangements that help spread upfront capital expenditure.

Looking ahead, LG and Opalnet indicated that the focus will be on deployment and support, including addressing “last-mile logistical and technical support challenges” that can slow the adoption of advanced hardware, according to the press release.

Six artists in Tusker’s Base to Billboardz (B2B) programme performed original music publicly for the first time on July 7 at Nairobi’s K1 Klub House, as they prepare to release a collective album later in August.

According to the press release, the jam session featured Muringi Matheri, Manasseh Shalom, Zawadi, Chris Barr, Njuguna and Ras Amor, and was positioned as a preview of music produced during a mentorship and recording process that began in February. The event drew music fans and industry stakeholders, the statement said.

The milestone comes as Kenyan brands increasingly deploy music platforms as part of broader youth and culture-facing marketing strategies, while the country’s creative economy continues to attract corporate sponsorship and structured talent development models. For Kenya’s music sector, programmes that bundle training, production support and performance slots can influence how quickly emerging acts professionalise and monetise their work through streaming, live shows and brand partnerships.

Brigid Wambua, Senior Brand Manager for Tusker at Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), said the showcase demonstrated the impact of mentorship and practical training on artists’ readiness to perform original work in front of audiences.

“These artists have challenged themselves creatively, refined their craft and gained the practical skills needed to build sustainable careers. Seeing them perform their own music before a live audience is a powerful reminder of what can happen when talent is matched with the right support, mentorship, and platform. This is only the beginning of their journey, and we are excited to see how they continue to grow beyond the album launch,” Wambua said.

KBL said B2B is not structured as a traditional music competition, describing it instead as a career accelerator for artists who already have released music, live performance experience, a growing fan base and “at least one million career streams.” The company said the programme aims to bridge the gap between emerging talent and mainstream reach through mentorship, industry exposure and professional development.

In the selection process, the six artists were picked from an initial pool of 30 musicians, the press release said. The shortlist was developed by musician Bien working with a panel of industry experts, after which public participation and further evaluation produced the inaugural collective.

KBL said the cohort has received coaching led by Bien and other industry professionals in areas including vocals, songwriting, dance, performance and the business side of music. The statement also cited access to professional recording sessions, master classes and “curated industry exposure.”

For Kenya’s entertainment and advertising markets, structured programmes such as B2B can deepen the pipeline of commercially viable talent, while providing brands with content and live-event formats that can be scaled nationally. If the planned album and performance circuit gain traction, it could add to the growing calendar of ticketed events and brand-sponsored tours that support venues, promoters and service providers across the live music value chain.

Next, KBL said momentum from the jam session will feed into the group’s collective album launch in August, after which the artists are expected to continue performing as part of the Oktobafest 2026 artist lineup “across the country.”

KCB Bank has committed KES 20 million to sponsor the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term Two Games, positioning itself as title and kit sponsor for the 2026 competitions, according to a media statement issued after a cheque handover ceremony in Nairobi.

Under the arrangement, KES 12 million will be paid directly to KSSSA for the purchase of kits and trophies, while KES 8 million will be allocated to “activations” during the regional and national finals scheduled between July 6 and August 1, 2026, the statement said.

The bank said it will also use the school games platform to promote environmental conservation and “educate students and communities on sustainable practices” aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving learning environments.

The sponsorship ties a major Kenyan lender to one of the largest school sports calendars in the country, which draws participation from secondary schools across all eight regions. Beyond sport, such partnerships often influence supply chains for sportswear and event services, as well as local hospitality activity in host towns during regional competitions.

Speaking at the cheque handover in Nairobi, Faith Basiye, KCB Group Chief Risk Officer, said the bank views school sports as a pathway for talent development. “The sponsorship underscores KCB's long-standing commitment to developing sports as a catalyst for nurturing future champions while creating opportunities for them to showcase their talent, build lifelong values and pursue excellence. As a Bank, we are proud to be part of this rich legacy,” Basiye said.

David Ngugi, Secretary General of the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association, said the funding will support learner participation and competition standards. “The Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association appreciates KCB Bank for its continued commitment to the growth of school sports in Kenya. This sponsorship is a significant investment in our learners, providing them with an opportunity to compete, develop their talents and build values such as discipline, teamwork and resilience,” Ngugi said.

According to the statement, the regional competitions begin in the Rift Valley Region at Narok High School from July 6–11, 2026. Nyanza Region finals will be held at Homa Bay High School, while Nairobi Region finals take place at Jamhuri High School, both from July 7–11, 2026.

The Coast, Eastern and Western regional finals are scheduled for July 8–11, 2026, hosted at Kwale High School, Makueni High School and Bungoma High School, respectively. Central Region finals will be held at MPESA Academy from July 9–11, 2026. The North Eastern Region finals are scheduled for July 20–22, 2026 in Tabaka, Mandera, the statement added.

The competitions will culminate in the National Finals at MPESA Academy from July 28 to August 1, 2026.

The Term Two Games cover a wide range of disciplines, including football, volleyball, netball, basketball 3x3, rugby sevens, badminton, table tennis, lawn tennis, chess, scrabble, cricket, lacrosse, beach volleyball and baseball, according to KSSSA and KCB.

Looking ahead, the key milestone for organisers and sponsors will be the rollout of kits and trophies procurement ahead of the regional kick-off, alongside execution of regional activations before the national finals at MPESA Academy at the end of July 2026.