NBO Film Festival has announced its 2026 winners at Nairobi’s Prestige Cinema following a 10-day programme that awarded six industry prizes to four film projects.

The awards matter to Kenya’s film industry because they support projects across development, production, post-production and distribution.

“Cinema for Us means giving African films a place in our public life,” said festival co-founder and artistic director Mbithi Masya.

The organisers said the seventh edition introduced three dedicated juried competitions and screened 53 films across multiple Nairobi venues.

The programme added a downtown screening venue and expanded its industry activities to three days.

Tithes and Offerings received three of the six industry prizes awarded through the NBO Project Showcase.

The fiction feature won the Bigger Motion Distribution Award for fiction, the Same But Different Development Award and the Kenya Grips and Sparks Production Award.

Tony Koros wrote and directed the project while Tony Kamau and Louise Kamwangi produced it.

Second Term received the Africa Post Office Post Production Award.

Joan Njeri and Karanja Ng’endo directed the documentary while Njeri also produced it.

Amebakisha won the Bigger Motion Distribution Award for non-fiction.

Valentine Zikki directed the documentary and Eddah Kiruhi produced it.

The NBO Film Festival Development Award went to The One with the Tempered Flower.

Neema Ngelime directed the documentary and Ivy Kiru produced it.

The release did not disclose the monetary value or specific support attached to the six industry awards.

Rwandan film Ben’Imana won the Fiction Feature Jury Prize under director Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo.

The jury praised its examination of the legacy of the genocide against the Tutsi.

Lady received a Special Commendation for director Olive Nwosu’s artistic risk-taking.

The Women Who Poked the Leopard won the inaugural Nick Wambugu Documentary Award under director Patience Nitumwesiga.

The award honours the late Kenyan documentary filmmaker Nick Wambugu.

Crocodile received a Special Mention for the work of directors The Critics and Pietra Brettkelly.

God Sleeps on Sunday won the Short Film Jury Prize under director Naishe Nyamubaya.

The jury also awarded a Special Mention to Gift Kyansimire Oroni’s The Big Sad Nairobi 2 and recognised its use of animation.

The festival posthumously awarded its Vanguard Prize to Yahya Chavanga for his contribution to East African film production over more than three decades.

Chavanga worked as a location manager, assistant director and actor.

Senegalese filmmaker Alain Gomis attended the festival’s first filmmaker retrospective and delivered a masterclass with support from European Union National Institutes for Culture.

NBO Industry Days ran from 21 to 23 Oct 2026 and addressed financing, distribution, safer sets, intimacy coordination and post-production.

Founded in 2017, NBO Film Festival is a Nairobi-based platform that develops audiences for Kenyan, African and international films.

NBO Film Festival is screening 54 films across Nairobi during its seventh edition as an expanded industry programme offers filmmakers buyer meetings and development funding.

Organisers said in a release dated 22 Oct 2026 that the programme includes 33 features and 21 shorts.

NBO Film Festival artistic director Mbithi Masya said the event was about “building a deeper culture of cinema”.

The industry programme matters to Kenya’s film business because it connects selected projects with international buyers and festival scouts.

Organisers said participants in the NBO Project Showcase will pitch projects to industry professionals and attend one-on-one meetings.

Selected projects will also be eligible for the Ksh250,000 NBO Development Grant under the expanded industry programme.

The release did not specify the number of participating projects.

It also gave no announcement date for the grant recipient.

The festival opened on 15 Oct 2026 at Prestige Cinema in Nairobi with the Rwandan feature Ben’Imana.

Organisers said the screening marked the film’s African premiere and brought its cast together to watch it for the first time.

The Kenya and Germany production Call Me Queen screened as a special presentation on 17 Oct 2026.

This year’s theme is Cinema for Us.

The programme runs at Prestige Plaza, Unseen Cinema and Alliance Française Nairobi.

Free community screenings are also available at Kaloleni Social Hall through advance registration.

Organisers said single screening tickets start at Ksh1,000.

Lunchbox screenings cost Ksh750.

The Buddy Ticket costs Ksh4,000 for five tickets and the Box Set offers five different films at the same price.

A Golden Ticket covering the full festival programme costs Ksh20,000.

Tickets are available through Mookh.

The festival has three juried competitions covering 15 films across fiction features, documentaries and short fiction.

The returning Fiction Feature Film Competition is joined by the new Nick Wambugu Prize for Documentary and Short Film Fiction Competition.

Judy Kibinge chairs the fiction feature jury.

Sam Soko chairs the documentary jury.

Lydia Matata chairs the short fiction jury alongside a panel of filmmakers and industry professionals.

Kenyan titles elsewhere in the programme include Cards on the Table, Kamĩrĩĩthũ Afterlives, Stero and Tracks.

The festival is also presenting its first filmmaker retrospective dedicated to Senegalese director Alain Gomis.

The European Union National Institutes for Culture supports the retrospective featuring Félicité, Rewind & Play, Tey, L’Afrance and Andalucia.

Organisers said Gomis would attend audience and industry events during the festival.

The wider industry programme includes labs and professional exchanges alongside filmmaker conversations and City Dialogues.

The festival closes on 25 Oct 2026.

Call Me Queen begins its East African theatrical release on 30 Oct 2026.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANZA MMA said all eight professional fights ended in the first round at its third Pro Nights event at Village Market in Nairobi on 19 Sep.

Kenyan bantamweight George “The Maverick” Itumo defeated Angola’s Jorge Correia by armbar submission at the event’s first staging on the venue’s rooftop.

“Tonight is another important step for ANZA MMA and for the growth of professional MMA in Africa,” ANZA MMA founder Peng Chen said.

The event matters to Kenya’s sports and entertainment economy through its combination of live ticketing, sponsorship and digital distribution.

ANZA MMA published the results and its plans for championship belts in a press release dated 21 Sep 2026.

The promotion said athletes represented six African countries: Kenya, Angola, Uganda, Tanzania, Madagascar and South Sudan.

ANZA MMA said the bouts were livestreamed on YouTube for global audiences.

Digital distribution gives the promotion a way to reach viewers beyond the venue.

Organisers said Angola’s Demarte Pena “The Wolf” attended as a special guest and served as a referee.

Pena is a former EFC and ARES world champion whom ANZA MMA said was an influential figure in African MMA.

ANZA MMA said the card included multiple technical knockout (TKO) stoppages and submissions.

Tanzania’s Rashid Mlegelo defeated Uganda’s Kennedy Serunyange by TKO in a featherweight bout.

Kenya’s Brian Munyi stopped Uganda’s Cyplian Katumba by TKO in another featherweight contest.

Kenya’s Kevin Odongo beat Uganda’s Kasozi Umaru by TKO in the heavyweight division.

South Sudan’s Alhassan Mosala defeated Uganda’s Michael Olara by TKO in a middleweight bout.

Madagascar’s Tsinjo Rakotomaria defeated Uganda’s Lawrence Mukiibi by TKO at lightweight.

Angola’s Daniela Mandanji submitted Uganda’s Rebecca Amongi by rear-naked choke in the women’s flyweight division.

ANZA MMA said this was Mandanji’s professional debut and that she won gold at the 2025 IMMAF Amateur World Championships.

Tanzania’s Chris Tibenda submitted Uganda’s Farouk Ogwal by rear-naked choke in a flyweight bout.

The promotion named Rakotomaria “Fight of the Night” and Odongo “KO of the Night” in its performance recognitions.

Itumo received “Submission of the Night” for his first-round armbar victory in the closing bout.

Chen said the promotion will introduce official branded championship belts at its next planned Pro Fight Nights event in December.

“We are building a platform where fighters can compete, develop and be seen,” Chen said.

Chen said “the introduction of our branded belts is another step in building the identity and legacy of the Pro Fight Nights”.

“We look forward to bringing them to the cage at our next event in December,” Chen said.

The event’s commercial model points towards revenue opportunities from professionally staged live events backed by sponsorships and content rights.

ANZA MMA said CHEZA CHEZA presented the event.

Its supporters included HustleSasa, Cashless, Trademark and Village Market.

Other supporters included VMX, Anyiko Public Relations, Acai Oasis, YouC1000 and Otto Rentals.

ANZA MMA said it is Kenya’s first licensed MMA promotion under the Kenya Oriental Combat Sports Federation.

The promotion said it hosted Kenya’s first professionally sanctioned MMA event in 2025.

It said it has since produced multiple amateur events and three professional events featuring fighters from several African countries.

The promotion did not disclose dates, ticketing details or the venue for the December card in the press release.

International Kenyan film Call Me Queen will premiere in Nairobi on October 17, 2026 at the NBO Film Festival, ahead of a wider cinema release across Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda from October 30, 2026, according to a press release dated September 16, 2026.

The premiere is scheduled to take place at Prestige Ngong Road from 6pm, with members of the film’s Kenyan and international cast and crew expected to attend, the statement said. The release adds that tickets for the “exclusive Africa red-carpet premiere” are available via YAKWETU at KES 2,500, with the ticket package including a welcome cocktail, screening, cast and crew Q&A and networking.

The announcement is the latest example of a Kenyan-rooted production using regional theatrical distribution and local digital platforms as part of its release strategy, at a time when cinema exhibition in East Africa is increasingly shaped by partnerships between distributors, festival platforms and streaming services. The multi-country rollout may also support box-office performance by expanding the addressable audience beyond Kenya’s major urban markets.

Call Me Queen was filmed in Kenya and is directed by French-Iranian filmmaker Emily Atef. According to the press release, it features a cast that includes Eliane Umuhire, Denise Gough, Charlie Carrick, Dominic West, Laurent Lafitte and Danny Sapani, alongside Kenyan actors Michelle Tiren, Nice Githinji, Lwanda Jawar, Helen Keli, Peter Kawa and Eddie Kimani.

The screenplay is based on veteran foreign correspondent Lara Santoro’s novel Mercy and was written by Emily Atef, Kenyan-Ghanaian author Hawa Essuman, German filmmaker Josune Hahnheiser and British writer Jeannine Dominy, the release said.

The film is set in Nairobi in 1999 during the HIV/AIDS epidemic and follows Queen Achungo (played by Umuhire), described in the statement as a Rwandan refugee and single mother living in Korogocho, and Anna (played by Gough), an international journalist newly arrived in Kenya. The story centres on their relationship and their efforts to address unequal access to HIV medication, according to the press release.

Speaking in the statement, director Emily Atef said: “Queen is the undisputed heroine of the film, a woman whose resilience and natural leadership emerge as her personal struggle grows into a fight for her community. Her strength, humour and fearlessness and innate intelligence is what makes her a born leader. Queen and the people around her take control of their own struggle and fight for change on their own terms.”

The East Africa distribution is being handled by Crimson Multimedia and YAKWETU. Their joint CEO, Trushna Buddhdev-Patel, said the film will reach cinemas across the region from October 30 and later be available online via YAKWETU. “We are also inviting Partnerships for Impact Screenings on the critical Issues raised of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Detection & Treatment (amidst its current Resurgence); Equal Access to Healthcare, Information & Medicine for all Diseases; Women Empowerment & Activism for Social Justice; and the Importance of Community and Friendship,” Buddhdev-Patel said in the release.

In its editor’s notes, the statement describes Call Me Queen as an international production involving Ringel Film, Les Films Pelléas, Cowboy Films and Streetcar Productions, with co-production partners including Zischlermann Filmproduktion, Construction Film and Ascent Films. The press release also notes the film has been selected for international festivals, including the Hamburg Film Festival in Germany.

For Kenya’s film and creative economy, the combination of festival premiere, multi-territory theatrical release and subsequent streaming availability reflects a hybrid distribution approach that could help locally shot productions maximise revenues and visibility across East Africa.

The next milestone is the Nairobi premiere on October 17, followed by the regional cinema release on October 30, the statement said.

LG Electronics has taken its WashTower laundry appliance to Nairobi’s streets through a series of public showcases at key commuter hubs, in a move the company said was aimed at giving consumers hands-on exposure to the product outside conventional retail spaces.

According to a company press release dated September 14, 2026, the activations were held at the Sarit Centre Ring Road Roundabout, Kenyatta National Hospital Roundabout and St. Austin’s Roundabout. LG said the installations drew the attention of motorists, commuters and pedestrians, and enabled “thousands of people” to see the all-in-one washer-and-dryer unit up close.

The company said the showcases focused on the WashTower’s vertical configuration, integrated washer and dryer and a central control panel designed to place both washer and dryer controls within easy reach. LG also said the appliance is powered by its AI Direct Drive technology, which it said detects fabric weight and softness to optimise washing performance and reduce unnecessary wear on clothes.

The street activations come as appliance makers increasingly rely on experiential marketing to differentiate products in an urban market where space constraints and convenience are major purchase drivers. In Nairobi, rising apartment living and smaller utility areas have pushed demand for compact home solutions, particularly among middle-income households in dense neighbourhoods and new residential developments.

LG positioned the WashTower’s compact footprint as a response to these housing trends. “Modern living spaces, especially in urban areas tend to be compact and it therefore makes sense to reduce the footprint of domestic appliances and equipment. We want our customers to enjoy the full benefits of our products, regardless of the size of space they have,” said Donghun Lee, President of LG East Africa, in the press release.

Jane Kariuki, Head of Marketing at LG Electronics East Africa, said the company chose public locations to increase consumer access to product information and demonstrations. “We brought the LG WashTower into public spaces to give Kenyans the opportunity to experience its thoughtful design and smart features firsthand. This is one way in which we are making innovative technologies more accessible and helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions,” Kariuki said.

LG said members of the public engaged with company representatives during the activation to learn about AI-powered laundry capabilities and features intended to improve efficiency and garment care.

For Kenya’s consumer electronics and home appliances market, the campaign highlights the continued push by international brands to expand visibility and influence purchasing decisions in high-traffic urban zones, where footfall can substitute for the limited reach of showroom-only marketing. The emphasis on space-saving design also reflects a broader shift toward compact appliances as city living becomes more common across Nairobi and other fast-growing towns.

LG did not disclose the cost of the activation, the number of units showcased, or sales targets tied to the campaign. The company also did not announce any changes to distribution, pricing or retail partnerships in Kenya.

LG said the public showcases form part of its ongoing efforts to enable consumers to experience home technologies beyond retail environments. Further activations or retail roll-outs were not detailed in the statement.

NBO Film Festival has announced its seventh edition across four Nairobi venues from 15 to 25 Oct 2026 with an expanded competition programme.

The festival announced the dates in a press release dated 2 Sep 2026.

NBO Film Festival Artistic Director Mbithi Masya said the theme aims to centre local audiences in African cinema’s growth.

“Cinema for us means creating a space where audiences can discover, celebrate and engage with the stories being made across Africa and beyond,” Masya said.

“We want this festival to be part of Nairobi’s public life and a place where people come together to experience cinema, exchange ideas, recognise excellence and imagine what comes next.”

Screenings will take place at Prestige Plaza, Unseen Cinema, Kaloleni Social Hall and Alliance Française Nairobi.

The organisers said the festival will combine public screenings with community programmes, “City Dialogues” and filmmaker conversations as part of Nairobi’s broader cultural calendar.

The festival said its theme “Cinema for Us” calls for African audiences to access and experience African films locally.

The announcement comes as Kenya’s film and creative economy continues to broaden.

Festivals and industry platforms increasingly serve as routes for distribution, networking and project development.

The format matters to Kenya because it can bring visitors to host venues and give local filmmakers additional routes to audiences.

It can also connect Nairobi filmmakers with potential partners including regional and international industry players.

The festival said it will expand its competitive slate to three juried competitions.

It will retain the Fiction Feature Film Competition and add the Nick Wambugu Prize for Documentary and a Short Film Fiction competition.

The festival said it will announce competition jury chairs on 4 Sep and competition selections on 7 Sep.

The festival will also present its first filmmaker retrospective dedicated to Senegalese filmmaker Alain Gomis.

Gomis is expected to attend both audience and industry events.

The organisers said EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) supports the retrospective.

The full retrospective line-up is scheduled for release on 9 Sep.

The festival will announce its opening film and major Special Presentations on 10 Sep.

The festival said its expanded industry programme aims to connect filmmakers and professionals through the NBO Project Showcase, creative labs and professional exchanges.

Such platforms can influence deal-making and co-production pipelines in East Africa by giving projects visibility earlier in development.

They can also widen access to mentors, financiers and commissioning editors.

The organisers have not disclosed ticket prices, sponsorship figures or projected attendance in the press release.

The organisers said the festival trailer and ticket sales will launch on 12 Sep.

The complete programme and screening schedule are expected on 14 Sep ahead of the October event.

Jägermeister will bring its Haus of Kühl cultural platform to Sk8City in Nairobi on 26 Sep 2026 for its first East African edition.

The company said the event will run from 6pm to 4am at Diamond Plaza 2 in its press release dated 31 Aug 2026.

Ephraim Manana Snr is Jägermeister’s Culture & Experiential Marketing Manager.

Manana said “As a Culture Brand, bringing Haus of Kühl to Nairobi for the first time is an exciting milestone for us”.

He said Nairobi appealed “because Nairobi is a city with such a powerful and constantly evolving creative pulse”.

He said the concept extends beyond music to incorporate “music and dance to fashion, art, discovery and community.”

The event matters to Kenya’s creative economy because it brings international bookings alongside work for local performers and event services.

Jägermeister said South African acts KMAT and MfanaTouchLine will perform alongside more than 36 Kenyan performers.

The company said Mariah and Sameer Bry will host the event across multiple stages and themed spaces.

Kenyan performers listed by the company include singer Iyanah and dancers Ian Tico and Thee Iconic.

The DJ line-up includes Basthma, Burugu, Calvin The Curator, Coco Kahi and DJ Lyta.

DJ Mani, DJ Rayma, Hiribae, Jayeda and JM1 also feature in the line-up.

It also includes Kamz, Kaneda, Kiptala, Kurtiss E and Love.

Mani, Monzo, Mura, Mtu Solo, Mr. Arkitech and N!k are also listed.

Other listed acts are Njeri wa Baaba & Santa Currie, Safari Oontz Collective, Selekta V, Selo, Shi and Sir M & Mista C.

Suraj, The Vibe Initiator, Tinashe The DJ, Wembe Waves and Zhai complete the company’s list.

Jägermeister said it introduced the platform in South Africa in 2023 and previously held editions across Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

The Nairobi launch brings the beverage brand’s live-event marketing approach into Kenya’s nightlife market.

Such events can create demand for production, venue operations, security and creative services as brands seek closer consumer engagement.

The company said programming will include a Main Stage and a Dance Stage focused on underground sounds.

Studio Can-V will curate a Silent Disco featuring emerging DJs through head-to-head battles according to the press release.

The company said a “Manifest Speakeasy” space will offer tarot readings.

A “Meister Market” streetwear pop-up will feature brands Pesos and HAGT according to the company.

The company said a gaming zone will offer activities including giant Jenga and console games.

Jägermeister said its “Safe Now Zone” will provide a wellbeing and support area as part of responsible enjoyment measures.

Guests can “pause, hydrate, recharge and access support from the event team when needed,” the company said.

The platform could create opportunities for cross-border bookings and higher production budgets in Kenya.

Local DJs, dancers, fashion labels and visual artists could gain commercial opportunities from the event format.

Brand-owned events with selected line-ups and on-site merchandising could also increase competition among venues and promoters for marketing budgets.

Jägermeister said tickets are available through Hustle Sasa.

The press release does not disclose ticket prices, expected attendance or local partners involved in delivering the event.

Operational details including gate arrangements and security remain outstanding alongside confirmation of the full performance schedule ahead of Saturday 26 Sep 2026.

CFAO Mobility Kenya unveiled the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Nairobi on 17 Aug 2026 during a global expedition marking 140 years of the motor car.

The company said customers and partners attended the event at Muthaiga Golf & Country Club alongside business leaders and automotive enthusiasts.

CFAO Mobility Kenya Managing Director Arvinder Reel said the anniversary celebrated the brand’s history and ongoing evolution.

Reel said “Tonight is not simply about celebrating a number, it is about celebrating legacy.”

Reel said that legacy began in 1886 when Carl Benz patented the Motorwagen and fundamentally changed how the world moves.

He said Mercedes-Benz’s 140-year journey demonstrated the importance of continually challenging what is possible in mobility.

The company said Germany’s ambassador to Kenya His Excellency Ambassador Sebastian Groth also attended.

For Kenya’s business landscape, the event reflects global automotive brands’ continued focus on premium vehicles and the importance of after-sales networks and customer service.

The Nairobi event served as Kenya’s stop on Mercedes-Benz’s global “140 Years. 140 Places” campaign.

CFAO Mobility Kenya said the campaign takes three S-Class vehicles across six continents.

The company said the vehicles would travel more than 60,000 kilometres and visit 140 locations before returning to Stuttgart in Germany in October 2026.

According to CFAO Mobility Kenya, the expedition had already visited more than 70 destinations.

The company listed Stuttgart, Brussels and Paris among its European stops.

Its routes through the Americas included Buenos Aires, the Andes, New York and Miami.

The company also listed Chinese destinations including Beijing, Jinan, Lianyungang, Suzhou and Shanghai.

Additional stops across Asia and Southeast Asia included Seoul, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore.

The expedition also visited Malaysia, Japan, Bhutan and India.

The Nairobi stop also reflects the city’s role as a regional hub for multinational brand activity and high-value consumer segments.

Idrissa Diagne is General Manager for Mercedes Benz at CFAO Mobility Kenya.

Diagne said the distributor would continue bringing new models and technologies to the market.

He said customers and communities were celebrating a “historic milestone that honors the brand's enduring legacy of innovation”.

Diagne also described that legacy through the words “engineering excellence” and “pioneering spirit”.

He said CFAO Mobility Kenya remained committed to offering advances in safety, performance, connectivity and luxury as Kenya’s authorised Mercedes-Benz distributor.

CFAO Mobility Kenya said its predecessor DT Dobie had represented Mercedes-Benz in Kenya since 1949.

The company said CFAO Motors and DT Dobie integrated in 2023 and now operate under CFAO Mobility Kenya Limited.

CFAO Motors was formerly Toyota Kenya.

The company said the new S-Class was the event’s main product unveiling but did not disclose Kenyan pricing or specifications.

It described the model as Mercedes-Benz’s flagship platform for innovations that later influence the wider automotive industry.

CFAO Mobility Kenya said its local Mercedes-Benz saloon range includes the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class.

Its SUV range includes the GLC, GLE, GLS and G-Class.

The company said its van range includes the Vito, V-Class and Sprinter.

The expedition’s next milestone is its return to Stuttgart in October 2026 after completing the remaining locations on its 140-stop route.

Spotify has concluded its 12-day Greasy Tunes Nairobi programme, held from 15 to 26 July at Heltz House in Nairobi, after two weeks of events spanning food, fashion, podcasts, workshops, live performances and a closing party. The audio streaming company said the activation was designed as a physical gathering space for young listeners, artists and creative communities, using its own listening data to shape the schedule.

In a media statement dated 28 July 2026, Spotify said its internal June 2026 listening data for Nairobi showed users aged 18 to 24 accounted for 53.7% of music streams, which it described as the highest Gen Z share among Nairobi, Lagos and Johannesburg. The company added that listening in Nairobi peaked at 18:00 and that its “evening and unwind” window represented 30.5% of daily listening among its 18–24 audience. Spotify also reported that “dinner-adjacent hours” from 18:00 to 21:00 made up 20.9% of daily music listening for the same age group, generating 25.3 million streams, according to the statement.

The programme’s first week was themed “Starters” and, according to Spotify, aimed to illustrate how music intersects with broader urban culture in Nairobi, including food, fashion, podcasts, faith and sport. Activities included a Greasy Tunes Café and Hotspot set-up intended as a daytime hub, a “Kitchen Opening Party with The BAG,” and “Karibu Night,” hosted by Studio 18, which Spotify linked to its “Made In Kenya” playlist.

Spotify said “Karibu Night” combined music and fashion, with Studio 18 designing a Greasy Tunes jersey and scarf and designers from its community styling the items. The company also said artists associated with the “Made In Kenya” playlist were present, including Buruklyn Boyz. Spotify added that during the programme it changed the “Made In Kenya” playlist cover daily to reflect artists connected to each day’s events, featuring Buruklyn Boyz on day two and Coster Ojwang on day three, according to the statement.

Podcast-led sessions also featured in week one, including a Culture Club recording with Eric Musyoka and The 30% Podcast. Spotify said its Kenya-wide podcast data for 18–24 listeners showed Arts, Society & Culture and Comedy among leading categories, which it framed as consistent with the event’s emphasis on conversation-driven formats.

“Greasy Tunes brings the energy people experience on Spotify into a shared physical space. The programme reflects how music already connects Nairobi’s young listeners, whether through food, conversation, creativity or community,” said Agnes Opondo, Artists & Labels Partnerships Lead, Spotify East Africa, in the statement.

The second week, themed “The Mains” and running from 20 to 26 July, expanded into poetry, workshops, comedy and fan-focused events, according to Spotify. The company listed sessions including “Gufy’s Room: Poetry, Music & Storytelling,” a “Blueprint Workshop with Kasi Flavour,” a Studio 18 pop-up, a premium fan event with Nyashinski, an EQUAL workshop and showcase with Ongeza Volume, The Standup Collective, Fresh Finds/Nakili Sessions, a MIC Chequ podcast recording, “Brunch with Citizen Digital,” and a “Strictly Soul Closing Party.”

For Kenya’s music and creator economy, the programme signals intensifying competition among global platforms to deepen local cultural relevance beyond digital distribution. Offline activations that link streaming behaviour to live, community-led programming can strengthen artist discovery pipelines, expand partnerships with local media and creative collectives, and support monetisation opportunities around events, merchandise and brand collaborations, even as the underlying market remains sensitive to disposable incomes and data costs.

Spotify said the programme’s continuation would be reflected through its “Made in Kenya” editorial playlist, which it described as focused on Kenyan music. The company did not disclose attendance figures, budgets or commercial partnerships for the Nairobi activation in the statement.