Over the weekend, Waridi Foundation successfully hosted the 4th edition of the annual Lamu7s Rugby Tournament, continuing its mission to nurture sporting talent, promote sustainable tourism, and empower the youth of Lamu County.

The tournament attracted 12 registered teams, though 4 teams – Lamu7s, Mpeketoni Girls Rugby Team, Young Cubs Mpeketoni, and Malindi Turtles – competed due to logistical challenges. Malindi Turtles emerged victorious with a 12–0 win, defending their record as the most decorated champions in Waridi Foundation tournaments.

In a move to reward participation and nurture talent, the winners received Ksh. 20,000, while the other teams were awarded Ksh. 5,000 each.

This marked a shift from previous editions where only the winning team received a cash prize. The tournament, held at Tiger Ground, Lamu County, drew over 1,000 spectators, highlighting the growing passion for rugby in Lamu.

The event was graced by Lamu Deputy Governor Dr. Mubarak Bahjaj who pledged to support Lamu rugby clubs with jerseys and equipment.

Coinciding with World Tourism Day, the Lamu7s embraced the theme “Sustainable Tourism” through the Plant & Play initiative, where players and partners planted 5,000 mangroves along Lamu beaches, led a town clean-up initiative and promoted Lamu’s mainland and island tourism, including Pangani Forest, Lake Kenyatta, and the county’s 126+ bird species

Waridi Foundation founder and Women Representative aspirant for Lamu County , Jenniffer Waridi, noted:

"Lamu is a one-stop destination: from the island’s sandy beaches to the mainland’s wildlife and eco-tourism gems. Lamu7s blends sport, sustainability, and tourism to create opportunities for our youth.”

Launched in 2017 when Waridi was Miss Tourism Kenya – Lamu County, the Lamu7s Rugby Tournament has grown into a platform for youth empowerment, talent development, and the promotion of underrepresented sports in Kenya.

The tournament usually takes place at Tiger Ground, Mpeketoni, while Lamu Beach Rugby is held at Wiyoni, Lamu Island, showcasing sports tourism.

The next beach edition is scheduled for November 2025, featuring collaborations with Safaricom 7s, which helps expose local players to broader opportunities under Waridi Foundation’s sponsorship.

The Male Members of Parliament have been challenged to accelerate their support for Women MPs in advancing gender equity and strengthening governance structures.

In a meeting convened by the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) and the Institute of Public Finance (IPF), Male MPs were asked to embrace the allyship to Women MPs and address gender gaps whilst promoting women's legislative priorities.

The Lawmakers were equally called upon to leverage on their power that they have to challenge gender biases and strengthen stereotypes, build legitimacy for gender issues and use their influence to amplify women's voices. 

Speaking at the meeting, Marakwet West MP Hon. Timothy Toroitich urged KEWOPA and IPF to hold a robust engagement with the rest of Parliamentarians and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), noting that many leaders still misunderstand gender issues.

"A majority of MPs don't understand what gender means. Even during the election period, women are told the Constituency and Senator seats are for men and that theirs is the Woman Representative seat," Hon. Toroitich said.

Lauding the initiative on Male MPs empowerment on gender issues, Mukurweini MP Hon. John Kaguchia dispelled the misconceptions about KEWOPA.

"These interactions are enlightening. We thought KEWOPA cripples men, but now we are enriched. Train more male MPs if possible," Hon. Kaguchia said.

Other MPs also voiced their views during the meeting. Kesses MP Hon. Julius Ruto asked Women Leaders to reciprocate on support for Male MPs.

"Girls are now coming out strong. I feel the discussions about gender should come out in all aspects," Hon. Ruto said.

Tharaka Nithi County MP Hon. Susan Ndunge asked Male MPs to always support the Women agenda. 

"We don't need more justification to empower women. We want sincere support by male MPs," Hon. Ndunge said.

Supporting Women empowerment, Naivasha MP Hon. Jayne Kihara asked the conveners of the meeting to extend trainings to more women at the grass root level.

"An empowered woman empowers the whole world. Assuming you train 50 women in Naivasha, these women will empower more women. Women are the ones who run the economy of this country, and so they need to know where we are coming from including matters budget," Hon. Kihara said.

Supporting Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) initiatives, Mwea MP Hon. Mary Maingi asked legislators to pick on areas that demand economic intervention for women and empower them.

Speaking of targeted engagement, Bungoma County MP Hon. Catherine Wambilianga called on facilitators to sensitize more women especially and bring them on board so as to champion the women's agenda with ease.

"We need to speak for each other. For instance, the funding allocated to County MPs is a mockery. Being allocated Ksh. 6M to run programs in each constituency is technically chaotic," Hon. Wambilianga said. 

Teso South MP Hon. Mary Emaase praised KEWOPA and IPF for the continuous trainings on capacity building.

"The trainings have impacted positively on the legislators. Train more male MPs for sustained impact to help demystify gender issues," Hon. Emaase said.

She added, "Having interacted with female MCAs in most counties, they feel KEWOPA should be expanded to accommodate them so that they may benefit from the trainings as well". 

Reflecting on the journey that KEWOPA and IPF has had, Ms. Mercy Mwangi, KEWOPA Executive Director, challenged both the Male and Women MPs to articulate gender issues in their campaigns.

"Are you incorporating gender issues in your campaign Manifestos? When talking to Women, do you just campaign or also push for the women's agenda?" Ms. Mwangi posed.

On her part, IPF's Programme Officer Ms. Victoria Wausi affirmed the vital role of a woman in leadership.

"From our research analysis, it has been demonstrated that Women leadership is a driver for fiscal and policy reforms," Ms. Wausi said.

Other Members of Parliament present in the meeting were: Baringo County MP. Hon. Jematiah Sergon, Nandi Hills MP Hon. Bernard Kitur, Moiben MP Hon. Phylis Bartoo, Mandera County MP Hon. Umul Ker Kassim, Ol Jororok MP Hon. Michael Machira, Kitui West MP Hon. Edith Nyenze and Yatta MP Hon. Basil Ngui.

Also present were Kenya Young Parliamentary Association CEO Mr. Anthony Buluma and Gender Mainstreaming Consultant, Mr. Anyona Gichuru.

A bold new short film series, Nya Uriri (Pek Chi Liel) – The Widow’s Burden, has been released and is already generating a buzz across Kenyan social media.

Blending satire, humor, and hard-hitting truths, the project tackles the controversial subject of widow inheritance and women’s economic empowerment in African culture.

The story unfolds during the funeral of a young man where grief quickly gives way to chaos as brothers, uncles, and mourners fight openly over the future of the widow and her children.

Inheritance, gender roles, and cultural traditions clash in a heated mix of drama and comedy that has left audiences both laughing and reflecting.

The video is also accompanied by a catchy soundtrack by Gabiro Mtu Necessary, crafted in a humorous Luo-English blend that perfectly matches the satire and energy of the series.

The production brings together an impressive cast and crew:

Actress Phelicia as the widow “Nya Uriri”

Ogutu Frank as Bongisa

Raazy Junior as Otiato

Gabiro Mtu Necessary as Obuogo, the scholar

Professor Aduol as Mang’ang’a

Savallah as Okong’o

Blakangel as the Elder

The film was written by Grammy-recognized musician and comedian Gabiro Mtu Necessary and directed by Valentine Chelluegt, with cinematography by Gold Silver, and music by Blakangel.

Executive produced by Gabriel “Gabiro” Washington, the project reflects a collective effort to bring gender-equitable storytelling to the forefront.

"This is not just a story about a widow—it’s about all of us,” explains Gabiro

“We wanted to capture the humor, the tension, and the resilience that defines our communities when culture and modernity collide.”

Since its release, the video has gained strong traction on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, with viewers applauding the cast’s powerful performances and the project’s bold engagement with cultural taboos.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has handed over fish value-addition equipment, including cold chain facilities, fish processing, and vending equipment to the Diani Pastors’ Fellowship Self-Help Group in Ukunda Ward, Msambweni Sub-County.

The equipment includes freezers, chillers, cooler boxes, energy-saving cooking jikos, frying pans, display boxes, solar-powered systems, lamps, and umbrellas, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses, increase incomes for fishermen, and improve access to markets.

This support is part of a project by the County Government of Kwale through the Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-economic Development (KEMFSED) Project, funded by the World Bank.

Speaking during the event, Governor Achani said the equipment will not only improve the quality of fish products but also create job opportunities, especially for youth and women.

“This is not just an investment in equipment; it’s an investment in our people, especially our women and youths. By reducing fish waste and adding value to what we produce, we are building better livelihoods and growing the coastal economy,” said Governor Achani.

She also restated her administration’s commitment to growing the fisheries sector in Kwale.

"Our coastal communities have great untapped potential. By promoting sustainable fishing and providing modern tools, we can improve many lives and grow the blue economy,” she added.

Achani expressed her gratitude to President William Ruto's administration, noting that the implementation of the State Department of Blue Economy has helped in changing the livelihood of the residents.

Under the KEMFSED project, Kwale County has already distributed 48 modern fishing boats, 8 eco-tourism boats, and 6 seaweed farming boats to support the local blue economy.

Each boat comes fully equipped with fishing gear, safety tools, GPS, and fish finders to help fishermen work more safely and effectively.

The County has also built nine modern fish landing sites in areas like Shimoni, Vanga, Gasi, Chale, and Tsunza. These sites include cold storage and proper handling facilities to keep fish fresh and reduce losses after harvesting.

Chairman of the Diani Pastors, Danny Nganyi, thanked the County for the support stating that the project will enable them enhance their livelihood.

"This support means a lot to us. With proper storage and processing equipment, we can now sell our fish at better prices and reduce the waste we used to experience,” said Nganyi. 

This distribution marks an important step in empowering coastal communities and strengthening the local economy.

With continued support and responsible use of the equipment, the people of Kwale have a great opportunity to improve their livelihoods and build a more sustainable future.

Mombasa County has officially launched celebrations to mark World Tourism Week, drawing stakeholders from across the hospitality and travel industry.

The event aims to showcase the county’s rich cultural heritage, scenic coastline, and unique attractions that continue to position Mombasa as one of Kenya’s premier tourist destinations.

Speaking during a media briefing, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir  emphasized the importance of tourism as a key driver of Mombasa’s economy, creating jobs and boosting investment opportunities. 

Nassir reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to working with industry players to promote sustainable tourism and ensure Mombasa remains a top choice for both domestic and international visitors.

"This is an opportunity for us to promote our county and the tourism sector. We have seen an increase in number of tourists but that does mean we have reached the peak, we still have the potential and need to do more" said Nassir.

Adding " Good news is Fly Dubai is increaisng its daily flights to Mombasa. We expect more flights to land in Mombasa with more visitors and tourists"

With this year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the global tourism festival will position Mombasa as a leading destination for eco-friendly travel, cultural heritage, and coastal tourism experiences.

The County Government of Mombasa, through the Mombasa Tourism Council (MTC), has lined up an exciting programme starting September 25.

On the 26th September, a festival dubbed FishMish will be held at the Mama Ngina Waterfront. FishMish is a portmanteau of Fish and Mishkaki. It will showcase Mombasa’s rich food heritage.

World Tourism Day will kick off with a procession that will start at the iconic Elephant Tusks along Moi Avenue and end at the Mama Ngina Waterfront. Participants will plant trees at the Uhuru Garden.

Mombasa detectives have finally arrested Abdallah Suleiman, aka Asuu, a notorious drink-spiker who has been on the police radar for a while. 

Detectives have been on his trail after a series of stupefying and stealing cases were reported at Mombasa Central Police Station. 

"Asuu is the mastermind behind drugging unsuspecting passengers travelling to Mombasa, Kisumu, Tanzania and beyond, then robbing them of their hard-earned cash and valuables while they snooze." reads a statement from DCIoze.

Adding "But his luck ran out at the Mariakani Weighbridge, where sharp-eyed detectives boarded a Nairobi-bound bus and ended his drugged-up heist spree. Inside his bag of tricks, detectives found Lorivan 2 tablets, soft drinks, and snacks believed to be laced with sedatives, all ready for his next unsuspecting victims."

ACTOM Kenya, a leading provider of engineered solutions in the energy sector, recently completed an order to supply electrical distribution panels to a newly constructed Electric Vehicle (EV) charging site in Nairobi.

This is the third such order that ACTOM Kenya has fulfilled for BasiGo, a leading provider of electric bus solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Kelvin Ageng’o Oriwo, General Manager at ACTOM Kenya, explains that these installations are designed to handle huge electrical loads, with incoming ratings of up to 1 600 amps.

The newest site has five dedicated charging lines rated at 250 amps each, specifically for electric buses, along with an additional 100-amp line to support general site usage.

"ACTOM’s panels connect the chargers to the electrical grid, ensuring safe, reliable and efficient power distribution. Our role is to help BasiGo translate its vision into operational reality by delivering infrastructure that is not only technically sound but future-ready,” says Oriwo.

Uptick in activity and investment

Support for EV infrastructure in Kenya is still in its early stages, but recently there has been a noticeable uptick in activity and investment.

A private sector company is currently planning a nationwide rollout of EV charging stations, strategically alongside their existing petrol stations.

At the same time, state-owned utility Kenya Power and Lighting Company is also showing a strong interest.

Initially, its push was framed around climate goals and sustainability, however, they are now also viewing EV charging as a strategic opportunity to diversify revenue streams.

"Private sector players like BasiGo are already operational. Due to limited public infrastructure, many are building private charging stations tailored to their own standards, filling critical gaps and accelerating ecosystem growth,” says Oriwo.

"ACTOM sees EV charging as a natural extension of our renewable energy strategy and a key pillar in our contribution to the global Net Zero and climate conservation agenda. Our work with clients like BasiGo, including residential EV charging deployments, aligns directly with this mission.”

Addressing public transport challenge

Additionally, Oriwo says that electric mobility is a way to introduce a more formal structure to Kenya’s public transport sector, which has been characterised by various disruptions since privatisation in the 1990s.

"The instability within the sector needs to be addressed, and one of the most promising ways to restore order is through the adoption of e-mobility, which, by its very nature, introduces structure. With structure comes not only standards, rhythms and operational discipline, but also heightened safety, service quality and environmental responsibility.”

However, Oriwo notes that some technical and operational challenges do exist in terms of deploying EV charging stations in Kenya, especially as it is a new industry, with no set playbook to follow.

Each installation a learning curve

"Unlike petrol stations, offices or roads, where standards are well-established, EV infrastructure is being defined as we build it. Every installation is a learning curve, and every rollout demands close collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders,” he says.

"The EV space is full of moving parts, and that is where the complexity lies. But it is also where the opportunity lives, because every challenge we solve becomes part of the foundation for a more structured, reliable and sustainable future.”

Philip Gorman, the Head of Charging Infrastructure at BasiGo, emphasised that the successful rollout of electric buses in Kenya depends on strong collaboration across the ecosystem.

“We are glad to work with companies such as ACTOM Kenya to lay the foundation of charging infrastructure in the country and accelerate the transition to clean, reliable, and sustainable electric mobility for all.”

The Kenya Ports Asuthoriy (KPA) has unveiled the artistic impression of the new ferry terminal.

The new design shows a blending of modern function with timeless coastal heritage. 

The arches and geometric motifs borrow from Swahili-Islamic architecture, a style rooted in East Africa’s shorelines.

Last week, KPA hosted a stakeholders engagement on the proposed new terminal.

Among those present at the forum was Likoni Member of Parliament Mishi Mboko who termed the project as timely.

" If we ha this before we would not have faced the current safety challenges being experienced at the ferry" said Mboko.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Ferry Services General Manager Bakari Gowa, KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto need the new terminal will restore dignity to daily movement and provide a safer space

Over 400,000 people and 6,000 vehicles depend on the channel each day, yet for years, the sheds, ramps, and safety systems have been stretched to the limit.

The upgrades will see passenger holding bays expanded and rebuilt, while landing ramps will be widened to ease the constant pressure of vehicles moving in and out of the ferries. 

Pedestrian skybridges and safer waiting sheds will be added to protect commuters from the daily scramble, while the bus terminal will be relocated and formalized to end the chaos of uncoordinated boarding.

The plan also integrates economic opportunities by creating more than 900 stalls for informal traders, ensuring small businesses remain part of the ferry ecosystem. 

Construction is set to begin in a month on the mainland Likoni side and will run over 24 months. 

Bandari Maritime Academy Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Eric Katana, officially received and honored four cadets set to begin their Global Onboarding Training (GOBT) program under the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology (KIMFT).

The cadets Aisha Mueke (Engine), Belinda Adhiambo (Deck), Gene Kipchumba (Deck), and Mahmoud Daudi (Engine) will undergo the intensive three-month program designed to equip them with world-class practical skills for seafaring careers.

In the spirit of East African regional unity and cooperation, Dr. Katana also welcomed students from the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI), Tanzania, who are joining the training program alongside their Kenyan counterparts.

In his acknowledgement of the program, Dr. Katana lauded the opportunity as a milestone for the Academy and the region, noting that international exposure sharpens cadets’ competencies and strengthens Kenya’s position in the global Blue Economy workforce.

Also present was Deputy Director of Maritime Education and Training, Chief Engineer Titus Kilonzi, who emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building to align Maritime professionals with international standards.

Samsung Electronics East Africa has unveiled the 2025 NEO QLED 100-inch AI TV (S-QA100QN80FUXKE), its most advanced flagship television yet, setting a new benchmark in large-screen home entertainment.

The launch event, held at the Glee Hotel in Nairobi, showcased Samsung’s latest innovation under the bold tagline: “Vision AI is here, The Next Big Thing in Television.”

Crafted for ultimate immersion, the Samsung NEO QLED 100-inch AI TV combines cutting-edge display and audio technologies with the power of Samsung’s Vision AI platform.

“Kenya deserves nothing less than the very best in television technology,” said Rahul Kochhar, Business Head, Consumer Electronics Division, Samsung Electronics East Africa.

“With Vision AI, we are not just making pictures more vivid or sound more immersive; we are rethinking how TV interacts with the home, how it learns, adapts, and becomes part of daily life. This 100-inch AI TV flagship is the strongest expression of that vision.”

Key Features and Specifications

100-inch NEO QLED Display: Expansive screen engineered for cinematic viewing at home or in commercial spaces.

NQ AI Processor: Intelligent processor that dynamically adjusts picture and sound based on content type and room conditions.

Quantum Matrix Mini LED Technology: Provides precise backlight control for superior contrast, deep blacks, and peak brightness levels.

4K UHD Resolution with AI Upscaling: Enhances lower-resolution content to near-4K quality.

HDR10+ and Auto HDR Remastering: Frame-by-frame optimisation for vibrant, lifelike colours.

Anti-Glare and Ultra-Viewing Angle Technology: Ensures clarity and colour accuracy even in bright rooms.

Dolby Atmos and OTS (Object Tracking Sound): Immersive, three-dimensional audio with dialogue clarity enhancements.

Smart Hub with Vision AI: Unified access to streaming apps, cloud gaming, live TV, and smart home controls.

Samsung Gaming Hub: Supports 4K 120Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro, and cloud gaming platforms.

Tizen OS with 7-Year Upgrade Programme: Guaranteed long-term support for software, security, and new features.

Design: Ultra-slim profile with a near bezel-less frame and clean cable management for premium aesthetics.

Designed for the Kenyan Market

The Samsung NEO QLED 100-inch AI TV is positioned for households, premium apartments, and high-end commercial venues across Kenya.

With the rapid growth of streaming services, improved broadband access, and a rising middle and upper-income consumer base, demand for intelligent, large-screen televisions is at an all-time high.

Kenyan consumers increasingly seek TVs that go beyond screen size, delivering intelligence, durability, and smart home integration.

Samsung is committed to providing premium customers with premium care. The new 100-inch NEO QLED AI TV comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty when purchased through authorised dealers.

Customers also benefit from professional installation by certified technicians, priority servicing in major cities, and access to Samsung’s nationwide service network.

Support is available through Samsung’s 24/7 call centre, the Samsung Members app, and authorised service partners, ensuring peace of mind throughout the ownership journey.

"As Samsung, we believe innovation must serve the people,” said Sam Odhiambo, Head of Consumer Electronics Business Kenya.

“We have designed this television for discerning Kenyan customers who seek something beyond the ordinary: premium craftsmanship, intelligent features, local support, and long-term value. We are excited to bring this next big thing in television to the Kenyan market.”

The Samsung NEO QLED 100-inch AI TV will be available through Samsung’s authorised dealers, flagship stores, and selected retail partners. The recommended retail Price (RPP) is KES 699,000.