Ugandan music legend and cultural powerhouse Bebe Cool has officially released his long-awaited album ‘Break the Chains’.

The album offers lush arrangements, rich melodies and genre-bending compositions that reflect his evolution while staying true to the artistry that made him a star.

Speaking at his album release party in Kampala ahead of the release, Bebe Cool said, “This is the beginning of a new journey for both African music and Ugandan music at large. With this album, I want to inspire, innovate and show that African artists can tell powerful stories while owning our digital space.”

This 17-track body of work represents a bold and refreshing chapter in Bebe Cool’s acclaimed career. Known for shaping the modern Ugandan sound and pioneering East Africa’s musical identity, Bebe Cool takes a leap forward with a sound that blends Afrobeats, Afropop, Afrotech and Afro-house, all anchored in his distinctive voice and emotive delivery. 

‘Break the Chains’ includes high-profile collaborations with Nigerian Afro-pop sensation Yemi Alade  in “African Love”, rising Ugandan star Joshua Baraka in “Cheque” and international Kenyan DJ and producer DJ Edu in “Games”. 

The album’s lead single “Circumference” produced by Nigerian hitmaker PhilKeyz, introduced a playful yet sonically rich anthem that blends Afrobeat rhythms with Bebe Cool’s signature flair.

The follow-up single, “Motivation” produced by Bushington and Melanin Boy, showcased a more romantic and inspirational side of Bebe Cool. The track was supported by a cinematic music video directed by South Africa’s Garrick Williams.

Bebe Cool’s musical journey has always been defined by reinvention. From his early days in Nairobi as one of the first artists signed to Ogopa Deejays, to his success with Necessary Noize as part of the award-winning East African Bashment Crew, he has never stopped pushing creative boundaries.

Hits like “Africa Unite” and “Fire Anthem” helped shape a generation of African music lovers.

Now, with ‘Break the Chains’, he is taking that legacy further—bridging cultures, genres and generations through music.

This album offers a compelling mix of dance anthems, love songs and thoughtful reflections that highlight Bebe Cool’s range and ability to evolve.

From the booming energy of Afrotech beats to tender ballads rooted in Afro-pop, it’s a celebration of sound, identity and artistic freedom.

Break the Chains is available now on all digital streaming platforms. Check it out on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music and all major streaming platforms.

Safaricom (NSE: SCOM), has today announced a nationwide campaign, dubbed the ‘M-PESA Sokoni Festival’, aimed at delighting its customers across the country with exciting product offers. The festival is part of the year-long celebrations to Safaricom’s 25^th anniversary in October this year.

The festival will bring together more than 150 local and national businesses from across the country, offering 'deals kuruka' that will see customers enjoy incredible discounts on devices, electronics, household items, beauty and fashion products, travel, and more.

“M-PESA Sokoni is more than just a marketplace; it is a unique family friendly event where we are offering our esteemed customers an opportunity to enjoy amazing deals on a variety of products, great entertainment, and business owners get an opportunity to showcase their products and services, connect with customers and grow their brands,” said Safaricom CEO, Dr. Peter Ndegwa.

The campaign kicks off in Mombasa with several activities lined up throughout the week, starting with Safire Connect - a forum that brings together like-minded individuals to exchange ideas on hustle, personal branding, opportunities within the community and financial wellness.

This will be followed by a programme by the M-PESA Foundation, dubbed Wezesha Mama, which will bring together women groups from the region for financial and digital literacy training as well as an opportunity to access seed capital to boost their business activities.

Safaricom will also host regional M-PESA Agents Awards to recognize and award M-PESA agent stores that have shown exemplary performance over the last year.

For businesses across the country, the Grow with Safaricom Business forums aim to empower SMEs with the knowledge and skills that can help them to sustainably accelerate their growth and overcome challenges such as digitization of their operations, limited access to markets, regulatory barriers, brand building, and a lack of digital marketing skills.

The coastal tour will culminate on Saturday, 7^th June at Mombasa Sports Club Grounds with the M-PESA Sokoni Festival.

“As Safaricom, we pride ourselves at being the biggest supporter of Kenyan passion points through music, sports and culture and the M-PESA Sokoni Festival is a great opportunity to showcase this. For those who will not manage to come physically, the offers will also be available on our e-commerce platform, Masoko.com,” Dr. Ndegwa added.

The two-month campaign is part of the ongoing M-PESA at 18 celebrations, marking M-PESA’s transformative role in Kenya’s digital and financial landscape and the positive impact it has had on the lives of millions of Kenyans.

Through the campaign, Safaricom customers will also learn about and be empowered by various Safaricom products and services, including Ziidi MMF, Taasi Till and Taasi Pochi, Fuliza ya Biashara, Pochi la Biashara, Lipa na M-PESA, Safaricom Hook, Safaricom Emerald, and Masoko.

Mombasa County Commissioner Mohammed Noor has challenged the youth to take an active role in environment conservation and climate change mitigation.

According Noor, the youth are better positioned to champion for environment conservation.

Addressing a youth gathering at a Pre World Environment Day forum organised by Manyata Kenya, at the little theatre club, Noor said the government is keen in engaging the youth in conserving the environemnt.

"As you have all been seeing, our president has always been advocating for environment conservation and he has been keen in working so I call upon you all here today to take up that challenge and work towards a better tomorrow."

The County Commissioner also noted that the government will employ over 18,000 youth in Mombasa under the Climate Worx project.

Climate WorX initiative is a flagship environmental and employment program aimed at rehabilitating critical ecosystems particularly urban river corridors while creating job opportunities for Kenyan youth.

"We are looking into employing 18,300 youth under the program." said Noor.

Adding " I encourage our young people to apply for this opportunity, to just sit and come to complain later."

On his part the head of solid waste management under the county department of environment Rogers Wangila called on the residents to ensure they work closely with the county government is conserving environment.

"All is needee is just behavioral change and more sensitization, it is not the Governor who throws waste in the streets , it is us as the residents and we are also the ones to suffer so please lets change our behaviour and keep our city clean." said Wangila.

Adding "Currently we generate 10047 tonnes of waste a day and this is mainly from our homes, the county has no capacity to handle this and this why we also have to be responsible as residents and also look into ways on how we can recycle some of this waste."

Safaricom-sponsored Adil Khawaja of Car No. 44 (AK44) has emerged as the top fundraiser in the 2025 edition of the Rhino Charge, raising KES 139.8 million in support of conservation efforts for Kenya’s critical water towers.

The second-highest fundraising team was Car No. 23, led by Peter Kinyua, which raised KES 13.5 million. Car No. 63, led by Tim Carstens, secured third place with KES 8.6 million.

“I want to thank all our sponsors, from corporates like Safaricom to the many individuals who supported my team and me in raising funds for this noble cause of environmental protection. We couldn’t have done it without your support,” said Adil Khawaja, Team Lead , AK44.

“While we didn’t hit our mark, we’re proud of what we achieved. We’re even more motivated to reach our goal next year. Overall, this year’s challenge was one of the best, featuring tough terrain and stunning landscapes.”

This year’s event was held in Saimo-Soi, Baringo county, and attracted 64 competing vehicles.

Participants navigated rugged terrain in a unique motorsport challenge that raises funds for the conservation of Kenya’s water towers. This year’s edition raised a total of KES 269.5 million.

In the competition results, Team Huzi (Car No. 33), led by Jeremy Holley, took top honors after successfully navigating all 13 checkpoints across the challenging 27.3 km course.

The Smiling Shenzis (Car No. 22), led by Gray Cullen, came in second, while 2023 champions Team 48 Glen (Car No. 48), led by Mark Glen, secured third place.

“As a team, we’re really proud to have won this year’s title. It’s our first time finishing at the top in the 15 years we’ve participated. Last year we came in third, and this year we were determined to do better. This event is very important to us, and we remain committed to supporting its purpose,” said Jeremy Holley.

Safaricom contributed a total of KES 25.8 million towards the event through Car No. 44 and the EV Explorers, marking the first time an electric vehicle participated in the competition.

In addition to financial support, Safaricom also provided 5G connectivity at the event and created an immersive “Emerald Experience” for attendees.

Fans and spectators were treated to an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment, including a rare opportunity to watch the UEFA Champions League Final live in the wilderness.

 The highly anticipated 2025 Rhino Charge is set for tomorrow, Saturday at Saimo Soi in Baringo North.

The annual event, now in its 36th edition, has attracted 64 cars, among them the EV Explorers. Sponsored by M-PESA, it is the first electric vehicle to take part in the Rhino Charge.

“We have been part of this event for the past 23 years, but this is the first time we will be using an electric vehicle in the challenge. A historic moment for sustainable motorsport in Kenya. Climate change affects us all and it has a direct impact on conservation. That’s why we decided to take on this year’s Rhino Charge with an electric vehicle. We are embracing a more sustainable approach as we work to protect our environment and biodiversity. As a team, we are truly grateful to Safaricom and M-PESA for their significant support in helping us achieve this goal,” said Richard Kiplagat, EV Explorer Team Leader.

Safaricom-sponsored Adil Khawaja of Car No.44 who was last year’s top fundraiser is seeking a top  finish in the 2025 Rhino Charge. In 2024, Mr. Khawaja and the AK 44 team raised a total of KES. 175 million. Overall, the event set a historic record of KES. 325.8 million to support the Rhino Ark activities in environment conservation.

Other notable participants set for this year’s event include five-time winners Car No. 5, led by Graham McKittrick, 2023 champions Car No. 4, led by Mark Glen, Car No. 43  led by Peter Kinyua, Moto Moto led by Rajesh Maini, the bubbly Fat Rhinos, Smiling Shenzis, BATUK, Team Huzi, and Zambarau Heels on the Wheel.

“We have been charging for over 20 years now and it is something we are really passionate about. I do it with my family and we are glad for the impact the event creates to support the environment and the ecosystem. We are fully prepared for tomorrow, and the car is in good condition. We want to have fun even as we take part in the challenge. It is not easy, but again we thank the organizers and all sponsors for making it a success,” said Patrick Garner, Team Lead, Car No. 49.

The Rhino Charge aims to raise funds to support the activities of the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust. The Trust focuses on preserving ecosystems, biodiversity, and livelihoods through environmental conservation.

This year’s Rhino Charge received significant sponsorship of KES 25.8 million through Car No. 44 (AK 44) and EV Explorers (Car No. 29) as well as network connectivity from Safaricom PLC.

Safaricom has supported Rhino Charge for over a decade, helping raise more than KES 2.4 billion for conservation. The funds have supported electric fencing in areas like Mt. Kenya, the Aberdares, and Kakamega Forest, as well as the protection of water towers and natural habitats across Kenya.

As Kenyans prepare to mark the historical Madaraka day celebration, coca-cola company's 'Share a Coke'Campaign is spark joy and memorable experiences to travellers heading to different parts of the country and in Uganda.

In the activations,over 1000 passengers boarding Easy Coach buses to western Kenya and Kampala will receive two personalized coke cans-one for themselves and one to share with family.

The company  Senior Manager, Communications Coca-Cola East and Central Africa Franchise Paul Oloo says the Compaign is a way to turn ordinary trips to memorable journeys filled with smiles, stories and shared experiences.

At Jambo jet check in counters ,the company is also surprising passengers flying to Mombasa,Ukunda,Malindi and Kisumu with personalized cans of Coke sparking joy from take off to touch down.

"This Madaraka day,Coca-cola is taking the experience even further bringing joy directly to travellers on the move,"reads a statement shared with our news desk on Friday.

The surprise gesture is expected to bring a memorable excitement and cheer to the bus and airport terminals, turning ordinary journeys into memorable experiences

Coca-Cola Kenya continues to bring its 'Share a Coke' campaign to different parts of the coast region reminding Kenyans that sometimes, a simple bottle of soda with a familiar name is all it takes to make someone’s day.

Coca-Cola relaunched its global “Share a Coke” campaign in Kenya in April this year, bringing back personalized Coke bottles and cans featuring individual names.

The campaign, first introduced in 2011, replaces the brand’s logo with popular first names and encourages consumers to connect through shared experiences.

The initiative targets a new generation of consumers, particularly Gen Z, who are increasingly drawn to authentic, personalized experiences both online and offline.

Countrywide activations are also planned at malls, colleges, eateries, and other public spaces, where consumers can find personalized bottles and take part in various campaign activities.

In addition to in-person events, the campaign has also entered in digital presence on TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), with users encouraged to share their experiences using the hashtag #ShareaCoke.

The company says the campaign aims to highlight real-life social interactions at a time when traditional communal spaces are becoming less common. 

Personalized Coke bottles and cans are now available in stores, supermarkets, and entertainment venues countrywide.

The “Share a Coke” campaign will run in all parts of the country as Kenya celebrated the Madaraka day celebration.

The Connected Africa Summit 2025 officially opened on Monday in Diani, bringing together over 1200 delegates from 24 countries in a powerful show of global commitment to advancing Africa’s digital transformation. The four-day summit, running until Thursday, has drawn top government officials, private sector leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore the next frontier of the continent’s digital future.

The high-level gathering began with a strong emphasis on follow-through and implementation, particularly of the Nairobi Declaration, which emerged from last year’s summit. In his opening remarks, Stanley Kamanguya, CEO, ICT Authority of Kenya, underscored the significance of the summit’s return and the weight of the conversations ahead.

“This is the second time we are converging at a continental level. The Connected Africa Summit has kicked off in a big way,” said Kamanguya. “When you look at the attendance, it tells you that we are attracting a lot of attention from around the world. This year, we are following up on the Nairobi Declaration to assess progress, challenges, and opportunities for implementation.”

Key areas of focus during the summit include youth empowerment, given that 70 per cent of Africa’s population is under 30 years old, scaling local innovations, harmonizing ICT policies across African nations, and promoting digital inclusivity by addressing the internet access gap. Kamanguya highlighted that the summit is not only expected to produce actionable policy recommendations but also explore alternative financing strategies to drive digital infrastructure development across the continent.

On her part, Cynthia Kropac - Safaricom’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, reiterated the company’s focus on delivering seamless, intelligent, and inclusive digital experiences for people across Africa,

“At Safaricom Business, we remain firmly committed to driving Africa’s digital future—through bold investments in connectivity, strategic partnerships, and the transformative power of artificial intelligence. By fostering innovation and enabling access to digital solutions, the Business continues to play a central role in unlocking socio-economic growth and empowering communities across the continent.”

Another key highlight of the opening day was a keynote presentation by Eng. John Tanui, CBS Principal Secretary, State Department for ICT and Digital Economy. His address, themed “Positioning Kenya as Africa’s Next Hub for Outsourcing IT-Enabled Services (ITES),” explored Kenya’s ambition to become a regional leader in digital services.

The first day also featured robust discussions on the future of work, artificial intelligence, the gig economy, 5G and connectivity, climate tech solutions, and the critical need for digital public infrastructure. These conversations are laying the groundwork for cross-sector collaborations that could redefine Africa’s digital agenda.

Beyond the plenary sessions, the summit is showcasing African innovation through an Innovation Village, where local startups and developers are displaying tech-driven solutions for real-world challenges. A Smart Government Zone is also featured, highlighting digital transformation projects from public sector institutions across Africa.

The summit is further amplifying inclusion efforts through a special Women in Tech session, aimed at empowering African women to actively participate and lead in the digital economy.

With more than 2,000 participants expected by the end of the week, the Connected Africa Summit 2025 is positioned to be a milestone event in the continent’s pursuit of a digitally inclusive, innovative, and interconnected future.

Nairobi is on Wednesday set to witness the first ever public drone light show powered by Jay Pyrotechnics.

The dazzling drone shows to light up Nairobi night sky will, according to organizers,bring residents and visitors a new experience, a combination of modernity, realistic art show and light show with laser mapping technology.

The first drone light show in the capital city will be a high impact artistic infusion of innovation and tradition in a digital age.

The groundbreaking event will be spearheaded by Jay Pyrotechnics, a leading brand in fireworks and visual experiences across the African continent.

A drone light show involves multiple aerial vehicles equipped with LED lights flying in synchronized formations to create patterns and images in the sky.

The company, a leader in drone light shows in the country, is working overdrive to deliver the first ever drone show in Kenya that will not only be visually satisfying but environmentally friendly.

Industry stakeholders contend that drone lights are the perfect substitutes for fireworks display as they are noiseless and less pollutant.

They are a more friendly and more interactive display without pollution with Jay Pyrotechnics promising a spectacle that will ‘illuminate the skyline and the hearts of the people’.

Jay Pyrotechnics Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jayshree Suchak says Nairobi will be set blaze with light music and wonder and expressed optimism that city dwellers will embrace the show wholeheartedly.

The CEO says the nighttime display will take place during the inauguration of a newly completed green-certified tower along Mombasa Road where hundreds of drones fitted with lights will create moving formations in the sky.

The Purple Tower, a 14-storey building located along Mombasa Road will be unveiled on Wednesday with rare spectacle.

"We are set to execute a groundbreaking 300 drone light show for the official launch of Purple Dot Tower in Nairobi,” she said.

She added that it will be Nairobi’s first ever drone show of its kind marking a significant milestone in the city’s entertainment and even production landscape.

Jay Pyrotechnics, formed in 1993 is a globally-renowned creative events company in the field of fireworks, special effects and visual experience and has presence in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Nigeria, Ghana and Egypt.

Suchak says drone light shows and aerial performances are redefining the future of entertainment on a large scale in Kenya and across Africa.

She says Nairobi’s inaugural 300-drone display promises to be a night of enchantment and splendor as her company showcases Kenya’s growing drone industry.

“We will illuminate Nairobi’s skyline with its first ever drone light show and it would be a memorable and experiential occasion,” said Suchak in an interview.

She went further ‘Kenyans will witness an unprecedented aerial spectacle as drones take to the sky’s’.

Suchak says the record setting show represents the future of live entertainment that combines technology, artistry and innovation in a way that has never been seen before in Kenya.

She said the company is leaving ‘no stone unturned’ to ensure an unforgettable experience and grand celebration with the main feature being a laser show and multimedia projections.

Suchak says drone light shows are becoming increasingly popular for events, festivals and celebrations.

She says the highlight will be a light show as 300 hundred drones take off in the night sky that promises a spectacle of dancing lights in the night sky, synchronized to music, leaving people in awe and wonder.

Drone light shows are a combination of drones programmed to fly in 3D space to make identifiable visual forms and create a stunning visual spectacle for events.

Suchak says the innovative aerial performance with the combination of movement and colour will redefine celebrations on the local scene seemingly blending artistry and cutting-edge technologies.

"We look forward to creating more awe-inspiring experiences in the near future, a paradigm shift in celebrations, as drone shows visually appeal to diverse audiences,” she said.

^{Two of Kenya’s top mixed martial arts  (MMA) athletes, Ouhsummer Ali Abad, known as “Ninja Turtle” and George “The Maverick” Itumo — have officially signed with AFRICAN KNOCKOUT (AKO).}

^{The duo will make their highly anticipated debut on June 13, 2025, at 6 PM at the Pistis Conference Center in Lagos, Nigeria.}

AKO, Africa’s leading mixed martial arts promotion co-owned by Nigerian UFC legend Kamaru Usman, stands as the continent’s premier MMA platform, captivating audiences across Africa and beyond.

The upcoming debut of Ouhsummer Ali Abad and George Itumo marks a major milestone for Kenyan and East African combat sports.

With all formalities now complete, both fighters are currently in intensive training camp in Nairobi, preparing for their highly anticipated AKO debut.

Ouhsummer Ali Abad says, “Signing with AKO is a great opportunity to show Africa and the world the level east african MMA reached in the past few years.”

George Itumo adds on their aspiration, “The plan is to dominate the African MMA scene before moving into the biggest world leagues like PFL and UFC.”

This highly anticipated event will showcase 18 fighters from across Africa, also representing countries such as Nigeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo and Egypt — all eager to assert their dominance in the competitive AKO arena.

"AKO9 is more than just an event; it's a bold declaration of the future of African MMA. With unparalleled energy, elite athletes, and top-tier production, we’re not merely putting on a show — we’re igniting a movement,” stated Rayan Fayad, COO of AKO.

Historically, no East African fighter has claimed victory inside the AKO cage — that narrative is about to change. George and Ouhsummer are not just entering the arena to compete; they are poised to make history, representing Kenya and East Africa with pride and aiming to dominate on one of the most prestigious platforms in African MMA.

Kenya’s martial arts scene has seen a remarkable rise in 2025, driven by a dedicated team of fighters from Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy and One Tribe BJJ.

The team has delivered standout performances across Uganda, Egypt, and Qatar. At the AJP Tour Africa Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship held in Cairo in February, Team Kenya emerged as the top-ranked African team, securing an impressive 13 medals — including six golds.

Leading the charge was Ouhsummer Ali Abad, who delivered a dominant performance with double gold.

He continued his winning streak at the AJP World Tour in Qatar in April, clinching back-to-back double victories.

These achievements have propelled him to #7 in the AJP global professional rankings — the highest ever for a Kenyan athlete in the sport.