The MTV Staying Alive Foundation (MTV SAF) has greenlit the second season of MTV Shuga Mashariki and today confirms that the new season is set to hit screens early 2026.

This announcement comes on the back of a landmark comeback season in 2025, that captivated millions across Kenya and beyond, while captivating young audiences.

Broadcasting in Kenya and internationally on BET, the recently aired season of MTV Shuga Mashariki carried on the franchise’s legacy and proved not just entertaining but transformative while blending bold storytelling with authentic Kenyan voices to spark real world dialogue for lasting impact. 

Mitchelle Kimathi, Country Manager (Kenya) at MTV SAF, says, “The return of MTV Shuga Mashariki was more than a relaunch, it was a revival of authentic Kenyan storytelling that speaks directly to youth and some of the challenges that they face."

Adding ''We are excited to continue engaging in bold storytelling that will allow traditionally uncomfortable conversations to happen as we challenge restrictive norms by tapping into creative content to amplify the voices, realities and ambitions of young Kenyans through powerful and relatable narratives told through homegrown creators.”

The first season brought together a stellar Kenyan cast including Serah Wanjiru, Basil Mungai, Matthew Ngugi, Fatuma Gichuru, Julie Brenda, Fridah Mumbe, Mariam Bishar, Makena Kahuha and Wilson Muchemi – cementing MTV Shuga Mashariki as both a showpiece for fresh talent and a defining cultural force.

On top of being broadcasted nationally and globally via BET, the series has so far garnered over 2.8 million YouTube views and significant engagement on social media platforms, with more than 81,000 interactions on Instagram and TikTok, a testament to MTV Shuga Mashariki’s strength in connecting with youth on digital platforms, where they already spend most of their time.

MTV Shuga Mashariki, produced by MTV SAF, is part of the Surround Sound Kenya Programme which is seeking to open up conversations on gender norms and how they affect the outcomes and livelihoods of young people. 

At the same time, MTV SAF has unveiled 25Flow music program that is looking for young and fresh Kenyan music talent, to send in their musical works for consideration to be part of the creation of original soundtracks for season 2 of MTV Shuga Mashariki.

This collaboration with So Fresh (one of Kenya’s leading local music producers) will seek to give emerging musical talent an opportunity to undergo a mentorship program prior to their music being featured on season 2 of the show.

Wame Jallow, Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, says, “ Through the MTV Shuga franchise, we’re not just entertaining but igniting conversations that lead to real, lasting impact,” adding,“We’re proud to once again feature an exceptional Kenyan-led team of directors, cast, crew and producers in the upcoming season, reaffirming our commitment to stories that reflect the truths, challenges and hopes of young people as they navigate their unique and often complex journeys.” 

After more than a decade away, MTV Shuga’s 2025 relaunch in Kenya as MTV Shuga Mashariki proved to be a cultural moment, reigniting conversations on love, ambition, peer pressure, sexual health, consent, mental health well-being and gender based violence. The show continues to tackle the issues that matter most that are rooted in the lived realities of young people. 

MTV Shuga Mashariki has become a vital platform for educating and empowering young people, while sparking crucial conversations on health, justice and sexual reproductive rights. Grounded in youth-led insights and authentic storytelling, its Kenyan-driven production offers a replicable model for catalyzing positive change.

Season two will once again be produced entirely in Kenya, showcasing real stories created by and for Kenyan youth, while delivering MTV Shuga’s signature gripping drama and bold themes.

In recent months, fans have been revisiting season one, eagerly speculating about which cast members and directors will return. Closed auditions are currently underway to fill a select number of roles, with production scheduled to begin later this year. Stay tuned for updates as MTV Shuga Mashariki prepares to make its highly anticipated return to the screen.

The Mombasa Suppliers Association has voiced strong support for the government’s recent decision to allocate KSh 41 billion for expanding the Port of Mombasa, calling it a vital move to address mounting trade pressure and congestion at Kenya’s key maritime gateway.

According to the association Chairman Evans Momanyi, the expansion will improve efficiency, reduce delays in cargo handling, and lower costs for importers and exporters. 

"This is a great move from our government, this will not only create jobs and other opportunities to our people including suppliers but also continue positioning our port at the international level." said Momanyi.

Adding " All that we are requesting for now from our president is to please make sure that the tenure of the current Managing Director Captain William Ruto is extended so as to ensure that he sees through this plan and continue implementing the good projects as he has been doing."

On his part Julius Musyoki,a representative of persons with disabilities at the association lauded the government for implementing several developement projects in Mombasa especially the newly launched Mombasa commuter rail service.

"In the past we used to face alot of difficulties on how to access the standard gauge railway station in Miritini but thank God that the government has now listened to our cry." said Musyoki.

Concerning the port expansion plan Kamau noted "We pray that this will also be another opportunity for persons living with disabilities to get jobs through the different opportunities that will come up from the expansion."

Speaking on Wednesday during the official launch of the Mombasa commuter rail service, President William Ruto said that the government has allocated Sh41 billion to expand the port of Mombasa in a bid to ease congestion and accommodate rising cargo volumes driven by growing trade.

The President also revealed that a new yard would be constructed before the end of the year to manage additional cargo.

"The government has committed Ksh41 billion to expand the Port of Mombasa, making it more efficient, bigger, and better,” the President stated.

Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) has marked yet another major milestone in its mission to be the premier Centre of Excellence in Shipping, Maritime, and Blue Economy education and training. 

The Academy has officially been accredited as an examination centre for the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), United Kingdom a globally recognized professional body for commercial shipping practitioners.

This accreditation opens new doors for Maritime professionals and students in Kenya and the wider East African region to pursue internationally recognized qualifications in shipbroking, chartering, Maritime law, logistics, and other critical areas of the shipping industry all while sitting their examinations locally at Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa.

Acknowledging the announcement, BMA CEO Dr. Eric Katana hailed the accreditation as a game-changer for Kenya’s maritime and logistics sector.

“This recognition by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers positions BMA as a gateway to world-class Maritime education and professional growth. It will greatly reduce the cost and logistical challenges for students and industry practitioners who previously had to travel abroad to sit for their examinations,” said Dr. Katana.

The ICS qualification is widely regarded as the “gold standard” in commercial shipping, with members enjoying global recognition and credibility in the shipping and logistics industry. By becoming an accredited centre, Bandari Maritime Academy strengthens its role in building a skilled workforce to support Kenya’s growing Blue Economy ambitions and position the country as a competitive Maritime hub.

President William Ruto has officially commissioned the Mombasa commuter rail service.

The new rail service connects Mombasa central business district (CBD) to the Standard gauge railway station in Miritini.

With strategic stops at Miritini, Changamwe West, Changamwe East, Shimanzi, Mazeras, and Mombasa CBD, the service is expected to transport up to 4,000 passengers daily.

It is designed to not only decongest the city’s roads but also provide a safer, more affordable, and time-saving alternative for commuters and tourists alike.

Speaking during the commissioning, Ruto termed this as a  vital solution some of the city’s most pressing challenges.

"For too long, passengers commuting between the Mombasa central business district and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus at Miritini have endured congestion, delays, and the burden of unreliable road traffic." said Ruto.

Adding " With this new service, journeys will be faster, safer, and more predictable. It will cut commuting time between Mombasa town and the SGR terminal, reduce road gridlocks, lower accidents and costs, and provide residents and visitors with a modern, affordable, and reliable travel option."

Passengers will be required to pay a 50 Shillings fare charge to use the train

Ruto noted "The cost of a matatu ride from the terminus to the city is about Sh400 per person, while a taxi costs approximately Sh1,000. This new service charges only Sh50, making a huge price difference."

The new service will offer a “Park and Ride” or “Drop and Ride” options.

The event was was also attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir ,Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho and his sports counterpart Salim Mvurya, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, local Mps among other leaders.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/4191-give-mombasa-youth-jobs-at-new-railway-station-machele-tells-ruto

Mvita MP Mohammed Machele has urged President William Ruto to prioritize the employment of youth from Mvita and Mombasa at large in the newly commissioned Mombasa Railway Commuter Station.

Speaking during the official launch of the facility, Machele emphasized that local youth deserve first consideration for available opportunities.

"Mr. President, there are many offices and job opportunities within this station that require personnel. My humble request is that priority be given to the youth of Mvita and Mombasa," he said.

The legislator also lauded the government for actualizing the project, noting its impact on easing transport costs for residents.

https://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/4192-president-ruto-commissions-mombasa-commuter-rail-service

"Our people will no longer need to spend Kshs 1,000 on taxi fare. With just Kshs 50, they can now travel from town to the SGR terminus in Miritini. This is a huge relief, and we are grateful," Machele remarked.

He further appreciated ongoing development projects in Mombasa, pledging continued support President Ruto.

"We are truly thankful for the many projects you have initiated in Mombasa. To us, this is a debt of gratitude, and we promise to walk with you on your 2027 journey. You can count on our support," he added.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Capt. William K. Ruto has assured investors of the Authority’s commitment to supporting infrastructure that underpins Special Economic Zones (SEZs), singling out the Dongo Kundu project as a game-changer for industrialization.

Speaking during the ARISE IIP–Kenya Investment Forum at Vipingo Ridge, Capt. Ruto said SEZs are central to the country’s strategy of attracting large-scale foreign and domestic investment, boosting exports, and creating jobs under Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

"The government’s goal is to use these zones to attract investment, boost exports, and create jobs—all of which are central to its long-term development agenda,” Capt. Ruto said.

He noted that without robust infrastructure, tax incentives and regulatory reforms tied to SEZs would be ineffective. “Infrastructure is the main catalyst for investors, enabling them to operate efficiently, competitively, and profitably,” he added.

Ruto said several investors have expressed interest in the Mombasa Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) and the adjacent Dongo Kundu Port (DK1), which the government has identified as a key base to spur Kenya’s industrialization.

KPA has positioned itself as a key facilitator of the SEZ agenda, highlighting the Dongo Kundu project as a major link between port efficiency and industrial growth.

Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), a pan-African infrastructure developer and operator, is hosting the inaugural Kenya Investment Forum on 15 and 16 September 2025, in Kilifi County.

The forum, powered by ARISE IIP, spotlights the company’s pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s industrial transformation through Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

At the heart of ARISE IIP’s strategy in Kenya is the revitalization of the cotton and textile value chain. Since 2023, the company has distributed over 1,560 tonnes of certified cotton seeds to farmers and played a central role in shaping Kenya’s Cotton, Textile, and Apparel Policy.

Building on this foundation, ARISE IIP is pursuing modernizing existing textile plants while also preparing to launch a new state-of-the-art garment and industrial textile facility at the Vipingo SEZ. These investments are expected to create thousands of jobs, expand export opportunities, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a competitive textile hub on the continent.

Beyond textiles, ARISE IIP is targeting other high-impact industries in Kenya.

These include renewable energy, with projects in solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass; automobile assembly and EV production to drive the country’s mobility future; pharmaceuticals, including local drug manufacturing and health tech innovation; heavy and light manufacturing in agro-processing, consumer goods, and industrial equipment; logistics and warehousing with integrated supply chain and port-adjacent solutions; recycling and circular economy initiatives to address waste management; and minerals, through value addition for resources such as titanium and limestone. 

George Olaka, Group Chief Financial Officer of ARISE IIP and CEO of ARISE IIP Kenya, affirmed the company’s long-term vision: “At ARISE, our core mandate is transformation. Transformation of raw materials into finished goods. Transformation of unemployment into opportunities. Transformation of Africa’s narrative—from a continent that exports commodities, to one that exports finished products.”

The company’s success in Gabon, Benin, and Togo, where ARISE IIP has developed thriving SEZs that have attracted billions in investment and created hundreds of thousands of jobs, provides a proven blueprint for Kenya. The upcoming Vipingo Special Economic Zone, a partnership with Centum, will replicate this model, transforming Kilifi County into a world-class industrial hub.

James Mworia, CEO of Centum and Chair of Vipingo SEZ, called for bold vision and strong partnerships to drive Kenya’s industrial future saying: “From building a cashew nut industrial pipeline to tackling water challenges, investing in affordable energy with LaGas, and supporting youth through 500+ scholarships — Centum is proving that growth and impact go hand in hand. Vipingo is the product and Arise IIP is the partner we were waiting on to ensure its success.”  

Mr. Hassan Abubakar Hassan, CBS, Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industrialisation, said: “We continue to engage with the private sector to address the emerging business challenges, noting recently, you held a Private Sector Round Table to further understand and address emerging issues. As a Ministry we are also working to strengthen the Private Sector by coming up with a Policy and legal framework for the Chambers in Kenya.  

The groundbreaking of the Vipingo Special Economic Zone project will take place on September 16, 2025, in a ceremony to be presided over by H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, marking a decisive step in Kenya’s industrialization journey.

The company’s capacity to deliver large-scale industrial infrastructure has been further buoyed by a recently completed USD 700 million capital raise, where they welcomed Vision Invest, a Saudi Arabian infrastructure investor and developer, into its shareholder base.

ARISE IIP’s Kenya Investment Forum brings together partners, including Centum Investment Company, Afreximbank, the Kenya Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA), Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, among other private and public sector players, to chart a way forward for Kenya’s industrialization.

ARISE IIP has also hinted at further investment announcements to be made during the Forum, signaling its continued commitment to building industries that drive Kenya’s long-term economic growth.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for a whole-of-society approach to eliminate child labour in the Kenya. 

The CJ underscored the need for collaboration across institutions noting that while the Judiciary plays a critical role, it cannot achieve this goal alone.

Speaking during the official opening of the Employment and Labour Relations Court Annual Symposium (ELRASE III), themed “Elimination of All Forms of Child Labour and Access to Justice,” Justice Koome emphasized that eliminating child labour demands a whole-of-society approach.

She called on Parliament to strengthen and update legal protections, the Executive to implement effective policies and allocate resources, the private sector to adopt ethical business practices, and for civil society and communities to advocate for and protect children at the grassroots level saying that every institution and every citizen has a role to play.

“This symposium provides an ideal platform to forge this collective responsibility. By reflecting together, sharing experiences, and co-creating solutions, we move closer to building a Kenya where no child is exploited,” said Chief Justice Koome.

She maintained that discussions must go beyond words and translate into concrete actions that transform the lives of children at risk of or already involved in child labour.

The CJ insisted that the symposium should not end as a series of insightful presentations but it must become a turning point in how child labour is collectively addressed in Kenya.

CJ Koome challenged participants to commit to strengthening systems of accountability to ensure no employer, institution, or individual can exploit children with impunity.

Further, she challenged them to commit to expanding access to justice for children through responsive legal procedures and legal aid models as well as empowering children and families so that children are found in classrooms, not workplaces.

“Justice for children is justice for society. In protecting their rights, we protect our collective future. In giving them education and freedom from labour, we give our nation new leaders, innovators, and dreamers. In eliminating child labour, we honour not only our constitutional obligations but our moral duty as human beings,” said the Chief Justice.

She further noted that child labour is not only a legal violation but a grave social injustice that robs children of their childhood, dignity, and future. It denies them their rights to education, health, rest, and play, while entrenching cycles of poverty and depriving society of the innovations and contributions of an empowered generation.

CJ Koome highlighted the pivotal role of the Employment and Labour Relations Court in the fight against child labour, particularly in interpreting and enforcing labour standards, adjudicating disputes, and protecting the rights of vulnerable workers.

She pointed out that the Judiciary has gone a step further by establishing specialised Children’s Courts, designed to provide child-sensitive spaces that uphold the dignity and welfare of children during judicial processes.

“In addition, the Judiciary has developed the Child Justice Strategy (2023–2030). This strategy provides a coherent framework for ensuring that every child who interacts with the justice system is protected, heard, and treated with dignity,” she noted.

CJ Koome called on all stakeholders—judges, policymakers, advocates, employers, religious leaders, academics, and citizens—to leave the symposium with a renewed commitment to ending child labour

“Let us ensure that the conversations we hold here give birth to concrete actions that protect the dignity, dreams, and rights of our children. Together, through justice, collaboration, and commitment, we can eliminate all forms of child labour,” urged the Chief Justice.

Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, Hanna Wendot Cheptumo noted that the forum comes at a critical time when Kenya has made notable progress in aligning its laws and policies with international labour standards adding that the gathering provides stakeholders with a unique opportunity to reflect, reimagine, and recommit to action. 

The Principal Judge of the Employment and Labour Relations Court, Justice Byram Ongaya, said the symposium brings together stakeholders to deliberate on the elimination of child labour and access to justice.

It provides a platform for sharing progress, identifying challenges and agreeing on immediate actions needed to ensure that no child is subjected to exploitative and or hazardous work.

Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars were yesterday, treated to an unforgettable football experience as they witnessed, first-hand, the thrill of a live LaLiga Hypermotion clash between SD Huesca and Málaga CF at the iconic El Alcoraz Stadium.

The hard-fought match was decided in the dying minutes, as Liberto Beltrán struck in the 94th minute to give Huesca a 1-0 win.

Ahead of the match kick off, the All-Stars were given exclusive tour to SD Huesca’s facilities, including the team’s dressing room, before being hosted for a VIP lunch with officials from the SD Huesca Academy and a representative from the Kenyan Embassy in Spain, giving them a taste of the professional football environment.

The memorable afternoon came just a day after the All-Stars enjoyed a meet-and-greet with SD Huesca’s senior team, where they interacted with the pros, asked questions, and listened to motivational talks about the realities of professional football.

The players shared their personal journeys, offering the young stars encouragement and powerful lessons on what it takes to become a professional footballer and succeed in the game including discipline, sacrifice, and relentless hard work.

“It’s truly amazing here in Spain. We are really enjoying our training, and personally, I have learned so much over the past six days. One of the most exciting moments was getting the opportunity to interact with the SD Huesca senior team. They spoke to us about what it takes to become a professional footballer. The biggest lesson I took from that conversation was the importance of discipline and always giving your best. Beyond football, we have also had the chance to visit many interesting places around Spain, experiences I never imagined I would have, especially on my own. But thanks to Safaricom Chapa Dimba, it has all been made possible for me.” Said Patience Kasichana, Chapa Dimba All-Stars Player.

The All-Stars are in Spain for a week-long elite training camp, where they are not only sharpening their football skills but also broadening their horizons through cultural experiences. Off the pitch, they have toured Zaragoza City, Canfranc Estación, Podoactiva, the leading podiatry and biomechanics centre in Europe and the historic Casco Histórico de Huesca, giving them a blend of football and culture.

Up next, the action shifts back to the pitch as the All-Star Boys’ team takes on SD Huesca, U23 in their fourth and final friendly clash today at the Huesca Academy Grounds.