Base to Billboardz (B2B) has named Muringi Matheri, Manasseh Shalom, Zawadi Mukami, Chris Barr, Peter Njuguna and Ras Amor as the six finalists for its inaugural six-month artist development programme, the organisers said on March 27 in Nairobi.

According to the press release, the programme was launched in February and is backed by Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) through its Tusker brand, in partnership with musician Bien, who will serve as the principal mentor. The finalists were selected from a shortlist of 30 artists through voting by members of the public and industry experts during a live showcase event held at the Tusker Brew House, the organisers said.

The announcement places a spotlight on the growing role of corporate-backed programmes in Kenya’s creative economy, where music is increasingly viewed as both a cultural product and a commercial sector linked to streaming revenues, live events, brand partnerships and intellectual property earnings. For Kenya’s beverage and consumer brands, such platforms can also serve as marketing channels, while for artists they can offer structured access to skills, networks and industry knowledge that are often fragmented.

Christine Kariuki, Head of Mainstream Beer at KBL, said the company plans to follow the artists’ progress through the programme. “Since the launch, we have been eager to witness the six artists in action, and we look forward to tracking the impact of this initiative on their growth and development,” Kariuki said. “We want to support them every step of the way as they elevate their careers.”

The press release identified each finalist with a song associated with their recent visibility: Muringi Matheri for Managī, Manasseh Shalom for Dark Brown Eyes, Zawadi Mukami for Jua Tua, Chris Barr for Hamu, Peter Njuguna for Delulu, and Ras Amor for Hawa Wasichana.

B2B said it is structured as a career accelerator rather than a music competition, and does not offer a cash prize. The organisers said eligibility focused on semi-established artists who had already released bodies of work such as an album or EP, had live performance experience, had at least one million career streams, and an online audience of more than 10,000.

Over the next six months, the finalists will participate in weekly workshops covering vocals, songwriting and movement, as well as monthly masterclasses focused on the business of music, including branding, publishing, distribution, contracts, monetisation and international expansion, according to the press release. The programme will involve Bien and five additional coaches.

Bien said the cohort reflects the breadth of Kenya’s music output and argued that structured support can help artists sustain careers. “I am quite optimistic about the level of talent and originality we are seeing from the artists in this programme,” Bien said. “Each of them brings a unique sound and perspective that reflects the richness of Kenya’s music scene.”

For Kenya’s music industry, programmes that prioritise publishing, contracts and distribution can influence how emerging acts approach rights ownership and revenue streams in an era dominated by digital platforms. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly pointed to gaps in mentorship and commercial backing as barriers that prevent artists from converting short-term attention into sustainable income—an issue B2B says it intends to address.

The organisers said the programme will culminate in the six artists forming a new collective and releasing a joint album, which will be presented at a launch event. Key milestones to watch will include the rollout timeline for the workshops and masterclasses, details of the additional coaches, and the release schedule and distribution plan for the joint album.

Base to Billboardz (B2B) has named Muringi Matheri, Manasseh Shalom, Zawadi Mukami, Chris Barr, Peter Njuguna and Ras Amor as the six finalists for its inaugural six-month artist development programme, backed by Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) through its Tusker brand and mentored by musician Bien.

The announcement was made on March 27, 2026 in Nairobi, following a live showcase at the Tusker Brew House where the finalists were selected from an initial shortlist of 30 through a combination of public voting and input from industry experts, according to the organisers.

B2B was launched in February and is positioned by its backers as a career accelerator rather than a conventional music competition. The programme does not provide a single “winner-takes-all” cash prize, and instead focuses on training and industry readiness for artists who already have market traction, the statement said.

Christine Kariuki, Head of Mainstream Beer at KBL, said Tusker will track the artistes’ progress through the programme. “Since the launch, we have been eager to witness the six artists in action, and we look forward to tracking the impact of this initiative on their growth and development. We want to support them every step of the way as they elevate their careers,” Kariuki said. She added that the brand’s aim is to contribute to Kenya’s music and cultural scene.

The organisers identified each finalist with a track associated with their growing profile: Muringi Matheri (“Managī”), Manasseh Shalom (“Dark Brown Eyes”), Zawadi Mukami (“Jua Tua”), Chris Barr (“Hamu”), Peter Njuguna (“Delulu”) and Ras Amor (“Hawa Wasichana”).

According to the press release, eligibility for B2B targets semi-established Kenyan artists who have released an album or EP, have live performance experience, at least one million career streams, and an online audience of more than 10,000 followers. The programme’s curriculum includes weekly workshops on vocals, songwriting and dance or movement, plus monthly masterclasses on the business side of music such as branding, publishing, distribution, contracts, monetisation and international expansion.

Bien, named as the principal mentor, said the selected artists show originality and promise. “I am quite optimistic about the level of talent and originality we are seeing from the artists in this programme. Each of them brings a unique sound and perspective that reflects the richness of Kenya’s music scene,” he said. “I am excited about what lies ahead because with the right mentorship, structure, and commitment to the craft, they have the potential to grow into artists who can compete and thrive on bigger stages, both locally and globally.”

The initiative adds to a growing trend of corporate-backed creative economy programmes in Kenya, where brands increasingly invest in music platforms as both cultural sponsorship and a route to audience engagement. For the music sector, structured mentorship and business training address persistent gaps that often prevent artists from converting online popularity into durable income, including weak contract literacy, limited publishing knowledge, fragmented distribution strategies and inconsistent access to professional networks.

The organisers said the programme will culminate with the six finalists forming a collective and releasing a joint album, which will be introduced at a launch event. They argue that the approach responds to challenges faced by semi-established artists, including limited mentorship and insufficient commercial backing, even as demand for Kenyan music grows.

Tusker has previously supported Kenyan music through platforms such as Tusker Project Fame, Nexters and Oktoberfest, and the company said B2B shifts emphasis toward longer-term artist development.

Kenyan rugby player Andy Cole Omolo is set to relocate to Japan to join Tenri University’s rugby programme in Osaka, in a move that will see him combine academics with competitive sport, according to a statement issued by KCB. The 21-year-old lock, who turns 22 on May 2, will pursue a degree in International Relations while playing for the university.

Omolo is currently attached to KCB Rugby Club and is part of the Kenya Simbas setup, the statement said. His switch adds to a growing trend of Kenyan athletes using education-linked pathways to access overseas playing opportunities, particularly in markets where university rugby serves as a feeder system into professional leagues.

“This is a big step for me and the first step towards becoming a professional rugby player. I am excited about the opportunity to grow both academically and on the pitch in Japan. I extend gratitude to Wazi Wazi and DBA Africa for their relentless pursuit of this chance,” Omolo said in the statement.

Omolo’s development has been closely tied to western Kenya’s school rugby pipeline. He was born and raised in Chavakali and attended Walodeya Primary School, where he started playing rugby in Class 7.

“I grew up in Chavakali and went to Walodeya Primary School. I started playing rugby in Class 7, but I wasn’t very serious at the time; I was still focused on football,” he said.

His commitment to rugby deepened at Chavakali High School from 2019, where he trained with the Kabras age-grade team, played for Western Chipu while still in school, and captained the school side for two years, according to the statement.

“When I joined Chavakali High School, that’s when I really focused on rugby. I trained with the Kabras age-grade team, played for Western Chipu while still in high school, and had the privilege of captaining Chavakali for two years,” Omolo said.

After high school, he joined Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), where he featured in three Kenya Cup matches before the team’s relegation, KCB said. The statement added that his performances earned him a call-up to the national Under-20 side in 2023. He later moved to KCB Rugby Club.

KCB Rugby Club head coach Andrew Amonde said the Japan opportunity reflects Omolo’s development since joining the club.

“Andy has shown tremendous discipline and work ethic since joining KCB. His progression has been impressive, and this opportunity in Japan is well deserved. We believe this move will expose him to a higher level of competition and help him reach his full potential,” Amonde said.

For Kenya’s sports business landscape, the move underscores how local club structures and sponsorship ecosystems are increasingly linked to international player pathways. While the statement did not disclose financial terms of the move, overseas placements can raise player valuation, broaden talent exposure, and strengthen the profile of Kenyan rugby institutions among foreign recruiters.

KCB also positioned the transfer as an example of how education and sport can be paired to unlock cross-border opportunities for athletes. The bank maintains sports assets across several disciplines, including KCB Rugby Football Club, KCB Football Club and KCB Women Volleyball Club, it said.

Omolo is expected to transition to Tenri University ahead of his academic and rugby schedule in Japan. His progress in Osaka will be watched by local clubs and the national team setup as Kenya continues to build depth in forward positions and expand player export routes beyond traditional destinations.

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on March 26, 2026 issued a press statement denying media reports that it had imposed tax debts on former Cabinet minister Raphael Tuju, saying the reports were “incorrect and misleading to the public.” The statement followed a television interview aired by a local TV station that discussed Tuju’s tax status.

In the statement, the tax authority said it had “noted with concern recent media reports alleging that it has imposed tax debts on Hon. Raphael Tuju.” KRA added that the reports did not reflect its position on the matter.

The clarification comes amid heightened public scrutiny around tax compliance of high-profile individuals, an issue that often triggers reputational, regulatory and political ramifications. For businesses and investors, tax disputes—whether involving corporates or prominent individuals—can also influence public confidence in enforcement processes, transparency and the broader operating environment.

KRA said the reports were inaccurate. “The Authority wishes to clarify that Hon. Tuju is a compliant and valued taxpayer. The information is therefore incorrect and misleading to the public,” KRA said in the press statement.

The Authority also restated its mandate and operational posture. “KRA reiterates that its mandate is to collect and account for revenue on behalf of the Government of Kenya. In executing this mandate, the Authority remains committed to ensuring that taxpayers are treated with fairness and professionalism,” the statement said.

While KRA did not provide additional detail on the TV interview, the nature of the alleged claims, or any specific tax assessment figures, the agency’s response underscores the sensitivity of public commentary around tax administration and compliance. In Kenya’s current fiscal environment—where the government continues to pursue stronger revenue performance—tax enforcement remains a central policy and business issue, affecting household consumption, corporate cash flows and sector profitability.

KRA urged tighter verification to curb misinformation. “We urge the public and media to verify information with the Authority to avoid the spread of inaccurate reports,” the statement said.

The press statement was signed off under the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Citizen Relations and Communication. The content was shared with media by James Kariuki, identified in the email signature as Editorial and Media Relations Lead at Apex Porter Novelli.

Looking ahead, the statement signals KRA’s intent to actively rebut reports it considers inaccurate, particularly on matters that can affect taxpayer reputations and public trust in revenue administration. It also places renewed emphasis on direct verification with the Authority as tax-related stories continue to attract public attention and market interest.

Kenya Airways said global aviation supply-chain disruptions and aircraft maintenance constraints significantly impacted its full-year performance for the period ended 31 December 2025, even as demand for travel remained firm and the airline pursued capacity recovery and diversification.

During the results announcement, Kenya Airways Chairman Kiprono Kittony said the carrier’s performance should be viewed against an industry backdrop of “unprecedented operational constraints”, including supply-chain delays and reduced aircraft availability, rather than a collapse in passenger demand.

“While our financial performance reflects a challenging year, it is important to recognise that this was driven primarily by global supply chain disruptions and not a lack of demand. The appetite for travel remains strong, and the strategic relevance of Kenya Airways has never been more evident,” Kittony said.

Maintenance, groundings and operating shocks

According to a results backgrounder shared with media, Kenya Airways said maintenance and grounded aircraft were the main drag on 2025 performance, with additional cost pressures stemming from engine shortages, bird-strike damage in Nairobi, longer routings due to airspace closures, and higher fuel burn on rerouted flights to Europe.

The airline estimated that bird strikes have, over roughly seven years, resulted in at least eight engines being on the ground at one point and two engines becoming “beyond economic repair,” according to the backgrounder.

Management also noted that passenger operations remain low-margin, describing passenger unit contribution as “very thin,” which increases the financial impact of disruptions. The airline cited further constraints including supply-chain delays for parts, a global shortage of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capacity, and the cost of keeping aircraft and employees on the ground while awaiting engines, repairs or scheduled maintenance.

Kenya Airways also pointed to operational constraints at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), including baggage and processing bottlenecks, and to regulatory and tax conditions that, it said, leave African carriers structurally disadvantaged compared with better-supported competitors.

Stabilisation strategy and engineering capability

Kenya Airways said it is entering a second phase of its turnaround centred on stabilisation, capacity recovery and diversification. The airline’s immediate priorities include restoring aircraft availability, protecting cash and reducing the cost burden of an ageing fleet entering heavy maintenance cycles.

Management said several aircraft have been released back to service, with more undergoing A-checks and C-checks between January and June in order to return in time for the June-to-October peak season.

The airline highlighted what it described as its first in-house heavy check on a Boeing 787 as a milestone for its engineering capability. It also said it has regained unrestricted EASA Part 145 certification, including approval for the Boeing 777, which it said strengthens its ability to serve other carriers.

Cargo expansion and market-share targets

Cargo is becoming a larger part of the business model, with management positioning it as a growth engine alongside passenger operations. Kenya Airways said thin passenger margins—estimated at US$1.30–US$1.40 per seat (about KES 168–181, using an indicative rate of KES 129 per US dollar)—make cargo and belly-hold capacity important for resilience.

The airline said it has expanded cargo capacity from 70 tonnes daily (across four 737 freighters) to 180 tonnes, and is targeting a larger share of the market. Kenya Airways said it is handling 28% of Kenya’s cargo market and cited a recent capacity purchase agreement involving a Boeing 747 freighter that moved nearly 100 tonnes inbound from Sharjah and dispatched over 110 tonnes of perishables outbound to the UAE.

Looking ahead, Kenya Airways said two additional 777 freighters, each with 100 tonnes capacity, are planned—one in four months and another by November 2026—targeting over 40% Kenyan market share and 15% African share, subject to partnerships and operating conditions outlined in the backgrounder.

Why it matters for Kenya

The airline argued that its performance and capacity have outsized implications for exporters, tourism, and Nairobi’s position as a regional hub. The backgrounder stated that aviation and tourism drive 40% of Kenya’s services exports, contribute US$3.3 billion to GDP (about KES 426 billion), and support 21,000 direct jobs plus 500,000 indirect jobs. It also said Kenya Airways carries 5.2 million of JKIA’s roughly 9 million annual passengers, or about 60% of total traffic.

For Kenya’s business landscape, the cargo push could support horticulture and other time-sensitive exports, while expanded maintenance capability could reduce reliance on foreign MRO capacity and create new revenue streams from third-party servicing. However, the airline’s outlook remains tied to global supply chains, fleet availability and airport infrastructure performance.

Outlook

Kenya Airways said the outlook is “cautiously positive,” contingent on continued improvement in maintenance recovery, supply-chain access and policy support. The airline expects more aircraft to return to service, stronger cargo contribution and improved unit economics as peak season demand comes through and heavy checks are completed ahead of the busy months.

HACO Industries Limited has partnered with Mama Fua App Kenya to conduct a training programme for cleaning and laundry professionals in Eldoret, in a move the company says is intended to improve skills and standards in the informal homecare services sector.

In the press statement, HACO said the programme targets individuals working in cleaning and laundry services—often referred to as “Mama Fua”—and focuses on practical competencies including modern laundry techniques, effective homecare practices, and fabric care and protection.

The initiative comes as Kenya’s household services market continues to formalise gradually through digital platforms and aggregators connecting workers with clients. For manufacturers and distributors of homecare products, the sector’s growth and standardisation can influence product adoption, usage patterns and customer loyalty, especially in urban and peri-urban markets.

HACO said the Eldoret training is designed to help participants deliver higher quality services and improve their earning prospects. “The initiative is designed to support individuals working in the cleaning and laundry sector, popularly known as Mama Fua, by providing professionals training in modern laundry techniques, effective homecare practices, and proper use of cleaning and laundry fabric care and protection,” the company said in the release.

Joan Chege, Home care Category Manager at HACO Industries, said the partnership aligns with the firm’s broader focus on supporting communities and the local microenterprise ecosystem around homecare services. “At HACO Industries, we recognize the important role that cleaning and laundry professionals play in households. Through our partnership with Mama Fua App Kenya and our ACE brand, we aim to improve practices, provide practical training and tools to empower professionals to improve their service, grow their business and create their economic opportunities,” Ms Chege said.

According to the statement, the programme was carried out in partnership with the Mama Fua App Kenya platform, which connects cleaners and laundry workers with clients. HACO said the training also covered best practices around hygiene standards and workplace safety, alongside cleaning solutions.

For Kenya’s broader business landscape, the partnership reflects the increasing overlap between consumer goods companies and platform-based service providers, particularly in segments where product performance and correct usage can affect customer satisfaction. Industry players have increasingly used skills programmes and community training to influence product literacy while also addressing service quality gaps in fragmented markets.

The press release did not disclose the number of participants trained, the duration of the programme, or the financial commitment by either party.

HACO said it plans to continue working with stakeholders in the cleaning and laundry sector, positioning the Eldoret programme as part of a wider effort to strengthen standards and support livelihoods.

Tusk and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on March 24, 2026 launched the 26th edition of the Lewa Safari Marathon in Nairobi, opening entries for the June 27 race at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and setting a fundraising target of more than KSh15 million, according to organisers.

In a statement issued at the launch, the organisers said proceeds will be directed to wildlife protection as well as community needs such as health and schools. International entries are already open, with entries for Kenya and East Africa scheduled to open on March 27.

The Lewa Safari Marathon has raised KSh1.3 billion since its first edition in 2000, according to the organisers. They said funds have supported conservation initiatives linked to improved outcomes for species including Hawksbill turtles, Grevy’s zebras, rhinos and mountain bongos, and have also financed community programmes including more than 40,000 clinic visits and multiple school initiatives. The statement did not provide a breakdown of the KSh1.3 billion by year or beneficiary.

Mike Watson, CEO of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, said the event’s contributions extend across conservation and livelihoods. “Every step taken at the Lewa Safari Marathon powers real, measurable conservation impact. Through the commitment of every runner and supporter, we are securing critical habitats, protecting endangered species, and building resilient communities with sustainable livelihoods,” Watson said, adding that sponsors remain central to delivering the programme.

Chantal Migongo-Bake, Tusk’s Chief Conservation Officer, said the marathon is designed to mobilise international and local support for conservation and community programmes. “The Lewa Safari Marathon is more than just a race, it’s a running challenge with purpose… This incredible event continues to raise vital funds that innovate conservation efforts, protect critical landscapes and threatened species, and uplift livelihoods,” she said.

Safaricom, the event’s main sponsor since inception, said it will provide KSh10 million in support for the 2026 edition. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, said: “As part of our continued commitment, we will this year support the event to the tune of KES 10 million… we are equally proud to enable conservation through connectivity, ensuring that Lewa remains digitally empowered to protect wildlife more effectively.”

Huawei Kenya said it will also continue its sponsorship, which the organisers said has run for more than a decade. Gao Fei, CEO of Huawei Kenya, said: “Huawei is delighted to have been a long-standing supporter of the Lewa Safari Marathon.”

Beyond Safaricom and Huawei, the organisers listed additional 2026 partners as National Bank of Kenya, ICEA Lion, Tropical Heat, Safarilink, AMREF, Elewana and Land and Life. They said partner contributions provide core financial support used for conservation and community initiatives.

The race has full marathon, half marathon, 10K and a children’s race. Organisers said more than 25,000 runners from over 40 countries have participated over the years, including Kenyan athletes Eliud Kipchoge, Paul Tergat and Catherine Ndereba. They also cited Runner’s World recognition of the race among top amateur events globally.

For Kenya’s business landscape, the marathon illustrates a recurring model of corporate-backed conservation financing, linking brand partnerships to measurable funding for protected areas and adjacent communities. With the tourism value chain closely tied to wildlife assets, such events can influence conservation budgets, local enterprise activity and destination visibility in the wider Mount Kenya–Laikipia ecosystem.

Organisers said the 2026 race will be held at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with proceeds supporting a range of Kenyan conservation organisations including Borana Conservancy, Grevy’s Zebra Trust, Lamu Marine Conservation Trust and Tsavo Trust, among others. The next milestone is the opening of Kenya and East Africa entries on March 27 ahead of the June 27 event.

KCB Rugby has turned its attention to the Kenya Cup playoffs following an 11-10 defeat to Uganda’s Black Pirates in an Enterprise Cup quarter-final played at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku, according to a statement shared by the club. The narrow loss ends KCB’s Enterprise Cup campaign at the quarter-final stage and shifts the team’s immediate competitive focus to domestic league ambitions.

The match was decided by fine margins, with KCB failing to convert tries in a game where points from the tee ultimately separated the sides. Black Pirates took a 6-0 halftime lead after Mukore Wayne converted two penalties, while KCB’s scoring only came in the second half.

KCB got on the scoreboard through a try by Sheldon Kahi, narrowing the deficit to 6-5, but a missed conversion by Levy Amunga kept the Kenyan side behind. Black Pirates responded with a try by Okelo to extend their advantage to 11-5. KCB then closed the gap when Michael Wekesa scored, bringing the score to 11-10, but another missed conversion—this time by Wahinya—meant KCB could not take the lead.

KCB Forwards Coach Brian Nyikuli said the team would use the loss as a learning point as it prepares for the playoffs. “We lost a tight one, and credit to Pirates for taking their chances. For us, the focus now shifts fully to the Kenya Cup playoffs. That is where our season will be defined, and we have to be sharper in those key moments,” Nyikuli said.

KCB Rugby captain Bob Muhati also framed the result as a setback that would inform preparations for the next phase of the season. “It is a tough loss, especially in a game decided by such small margins. But we take the lessons and move forward. Our focus is now on the Kenya Cup playoffs, and we believe we have what it takes to compete and finish strong,” Muhati said.

The result comes as Kenyan clubs increasingly measure performance across multiple competitions, balancing league priorities with knockout tournaments that carry regional exposure. For KCB—backed by KCB Bank’s wider sports sponsorship portfolio—results in high-profile fixtures can influence brand visibility and fan engagement, while also shaping the club’s competitive standing ahead of decisive domestic matches.

In its background note, KCB said its sports sponsorship footprint spans several disciplines, listing KCB Women Volleyball Club, KCB Football Club and KCB Rugby Football Club among its owned sports assets, alongside support for other sports including chess, athletics and golf. The bank added that it has invested “millions of shillings” in sponsorships over the years, though it did not provide a specific figure in the statement.

For Kenyan rugby, the shift to the Kenya Cup playoffs places greater weight on squad depth, discipline and goal-kicking efficiency—areas highlighted by KCB’s missed conversions in the Uganda fixture. With playoff matches typically decided by narrow scorelines, execution in set pieces and accuracy off the tee can be the difference between elimination and progression.

KCB did not provide dates for its Kenya Cup playoff fixtures in the statement. The club said further information could be obtained through Peter Mwaura Kimani, Group Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Relations at KCB Group.

The Kenya Dental Association (KDA), working with Mars Wrigley Kenya, Gemsmiles Foundation and other partners, provided free dental consultations and treatment to more than 7,000 people during World Oral Health Day activities in Nairobi, the organisations said in a statement dated March 21, 2026.

The annual event, marked globally on March 20, included a series of dental camps and an oral health awareness walk in Nairobi. KDA said the outreach offered screenings and services such as extractions, cleaning, fillings and root canal treatments.

The initiative comes as Kenya’s oral healthcare system continues to face staffing and access gaps, especially outside major urban centres. KDA said the current dentist-to-population ratio stands at 1:37,800, compared with the World Health Organization’s recommended benchmark of 1:7,000, limiting access to care for many households.

KDA said it used the commemoration to press for policy and investment measures aimed at reducing regional disparities in service availability. The association called for “investment in equitable deployment of oral health professionals including dentists and community oral health officers to address gaps across counties and underserved communities,” noting what it described as disproportionate distribution of dental professionals and facilities between urban and rural areas.

“Oral health remains one of the most overlooked components of overall health, yet the burden of untreated dental disease is significant and often preventable,” said Dr. Kahura Mundia, President of the Kenya Dental Association. “Beyond providing services and education as part of celebrating World Oral Health Day, we are also spotlighting systemic challenges that keep care out of reach for many families.”

In the statement, KDA also pointed to affordability constraints, arguing that the cost of neglected dental conditions, combined with limited benefits for oral health under both public and private insurance schemes, can place treatment out of reach for many patients.

Mars Wrigley Kenya said its support focused on prevention and early action through community-based interventions. “Preventive oral care habits and regular check-ups are among the most effective ways to reduce the burden of oral disease,” said Victoria Macharia, Corporate Affairs Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Mars Wrigley. “Through this collaboration with KDA and partners, we are supporting community-based interventions that create awareness, encourage early action, and expand access, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations.”

The World Oral Health Day programme in Nairobi included an awareness walk flagged off from Ulinzi Stadium, bringing together oral health professionals, community partners and advocates, according to the organisers. KDA said the walk was complemented by a dental camp in Kibra that provided free consultations and treatment, including screening, cleaning, fluoride application, emergency care and procedures such as extractions and root canal treatments.

For Kenya’s healthcare sector, the staffing figures and financing constraints cited by KDA underscore a broader challenge for county health systems: scaling preventive services and specialised care while expanding coverage mechanisms that reduce out-of-pocket spending. Expanded insurance benefits for dental care could also increase patient demand for services, with implications for private clinics and suppliers, while also raising the need for workforce growth and distribution across counties.

Looking ahead, KDA said it wants policymakers, healthcare providers and partners to strengthen policies that support universal access to oral healthcare, and to expand insurance coverage for essential dental services. Mars Wrigley said its current support builds on earlier community dental camps in Lamu, Narok, Makueni and Nairobi that provided screenings, education and basic treatment services.

KCB Rugby will face Uganda’s Black Pirates on March 21 at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku in an Enterprise Cup quarterfinal, as the Kenyan club seeks to advance in the region’s knockout competition.

The tie comes as KCB build on domestic momentum after a 57-17 win over Daystar Falcons in the Kenya Cup, a match the club said was played at the Falcons’ home ground. KCB are five-time winners of the Enterprise Cup, according to the statement.

The match adds a cross-border dimension to the club’s season and underscores the increasing interlinkage of East African rugby competitions, which often serve as platforms for player development, fan engagement and brand visibility for corporate-backed teams. For Kenyan corporates with sports properties, regional fixtures can extend reach beyond the local market while testing squad depth amid national team call-ups.

KCB Rugby Assistant Coach Jacob Ojee said the team expects a tougher contest in knockout rugby, particularly away from home. “We are coming off a strong performance against Daystar Falcons, and that gives us confidence, but knockout rugby is a different challenge. Pirates are a quality side, especially at home, and we are not underestimating the threat they pose. We have prepared well, and the boys understand what is at stake,” Ojee said.

KCB said it will be without head coach Andrew Amonde and players Vincent Onyala, George Ooro, Samuel Asati, Floyd Wabwire and Festus Shiasi, who are away on national duty at the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Rio de Janeiro. The absences are expected to place additional emphasis on squad rotation and leadership from the remaining core of the team.

In their place, the club said it will rely on players including Miheso Eric, Andy Cole Omolo, Tyson Maina, Emmanuel Silungi, Brian Wahinya, Elvis Olukusi and Jenkins Kipruto to step up for the quarterfinal.

Separately, KCB-affiliated side KCB Kobs will play Nondescripts at the ASK Showground in Nakuru in another Enterprise Cup fixture, according to the statement. KCB Kobs assistant coach Keith Sseruyange said the team is preparing for the demands of an away match. “It is always tough playing away from home, but the boys are ready for the challenge. We respect Nondescripts, but we are focused on our structures and execution. If we stay disciplined and take our chances, we believe we can get a positive result,” Sseruyange said.

The fixtures come against the backdrop of KCB Bank’s wider sports sponsorship portfolio in Kenya, which the bank says includes KCB Women Volleyball Club, KCB Football Club and KCB Rugby Football Club, as well as support for other sports such as chess, athletics and golf. The bank said it has spent “millions of shillings” on sponsorships over the years, without providing a specific figure in the statement.

For Kenyan rugby, the immediate implication is that KCB’s Enterprise Cup run will be shaped by how effectively the club manages player availability during international windows and maintains performance levels in away matches. Strong results in regional competitions can also support the competitiveness of Kenyan clubs relative to their Ugandan counterparts.

Next, KCB Rugby and KCB Kobs will seek to translate their preparations into wins to keep their Enterprise Cup campaigns on track, with progression in the knockout tournament expected to be determined by depth and execution amid a congested calendar.