Ommy Dallah
Speaker Kingi Calls For United Support To Strenghten Devolution
All stakeholders in Kenya must fully commit to the cause of devolution if it is to succeed.
This was the message from Senate Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi, who spoke during a meeting with the Busia County Executive, led by Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma on the second day of the Senate Mashinani sessions.
Speaker Kingi emphasised that the true fruits of devolution can only be realised if every Kenyan actively participates in its full implementation.
He observed that devolution has already begun to bear fruit and has positively transformed the lives of many Kenyans.
He urged that it must be protected jealously to ensure that its benefits continue to grow and reach even more citizens.
On the Senate’s role in safeguarding devolution, the Speaker reaffirmed that the House remains steadfast in its constitutional duty to protect and nurture the system.
He cautioned county executives across the country against misinterpreting invites from Senate committees, clarifying that such invitations are not issued in hostility but in the spirit of accountability and transparency.
“The Senate is committed to protect devolution fully and I want to assure you that there is no enmity between the Senate and Governors. When the Senate invites Governors to appear before it, it aims at getting clarifications from them, not any hostility,” stated Speaker Kingi.
He further emphasised that as the custodian of devolution, the Senate bears the responsibility of ensuring that resources channelled to the counties are utilised prudently.
He reminded the county leaderships that Senators work tirelessly to ensure funds are allocated to devolved units and it is therefore essential that these funds are spent transparently and effectively for the benefit of ordinary Kenyans.
Speaker Kingi also appealed to all Governors to adhere strictly to the advice and recommendations issued by the Senate through various committee reports adopted by the House.
He explained that such reports are not mere formalities but are designed to strengthen governance and enhance service delivery at the county level.
Addressing the recurrent wrangles between county executives and assemblies in some counties, the Speaker expressed concern and empathy, assuring the meeting that the Senate was determined to intervene constructively.
“Our success is measured by the success of counties. We do not celebrate when there are wrangles in counties between county executives and county assemblies,” said Speaker Kingi.
Turning to the host county, Speaker Kingi encouraged the Busia County Executive to propose any legislative measures that could help unlock the county’s full potential and accelerate development.
He also urged the residents of Busia to attend the Senate Mashinani sessions in large numbers to witness first-hand how the Senate operates and to better understand the progress of devolution in their county.
“I appeal to Busia residents to come over and witness how their Governor will be making a submission to the Senate on how the county has been expending their money,” he added.
In his remarks, Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma expressed appreciation to the Senate for selecting Busia County as the venue for this year’s Senate Mashinani.
He noted that the event provides an invaluable platform for residents to engage with national leaders, learn more about the Senate’s oversight role and deepen their understanding of devolution.
Dr. Otuoma reaffirmed his administration’s full support for the event and pledged to work closely with the Senate to advance the principles of devolution.
The meeting was also attended by several Senators including Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi (Meru), Dr. Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi) and Seki Lenku (Kajiado) who all reiterated the Senate’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that devolution remains a success story for all Kenyans.
Bandari FC Unveils New Moroccan Coach
Bandari Football Club has officially unveiled a new head coach from Morocco, Mohammed Borji ignaling a fresh chapter for the Mombasa-based side.
The announcement was made during a ceremony attended by club officials who expressed optimism about the new leadership.
The club also unveiled Tarik Bendamou as the assistant coach
The Moroccan tactician, who brings with him vast experience from top-tier leagues, is expected to inject new energy into the team and strengthen its technical approach.
Speaking during the unveiling, Bandari FC C.E.O Tony Kibwana noted that the new coach’s philosophy aligns with Bandari’s vision of nurturing talent while delivering competitive results.
"They will be joining the team to strengthen and reinforce the technical bench" said Kibwana.
Adding " Considering his profile and experience, we believe that the new coach is going to help the club win our leagues."
On language barrier, Kibwana noted " We know he only speaks French and a bit of English but that is not an issue, football has its own language."
On his part the new coach assured Bandari FC fans of better results and standings
"I have been following the local Kenyan football and I know what lies ahead , so we must achieve our goal" said Borji.
Football Scouts Pitch Tent At Sisi Ni Dola Cup
High hopes are riding on the youth of the Coast region as football scouts pitch tent at the Sisi Ni Dola Cup, a grassroots football tournament that officially kicked off in Mombasa.
This year’s edition has attracted 20 teams, reigniting the spirit of grassroots football with the goal of nurturing local talent, creating opportunities for employment, and combating crime through sport.
Alamin Ahmed, Chairman of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in Mombasa County, expressed confidence that the tournament will help uncover new homegrown talent and provide youth with a platform to shine.
"We want to bring youth on board to play football and showcase their talents here in Mombasa,” said Alamin, while commending Dola Group of Companies for their unwavering support of grassroots football through the Sisi Ni Dola initiative.
According to Hassan Ibrahim Kipapa, Sports Manager at Dola Group, this year’s tournament is centered on Mombasa, with select teams from Kwale and Kilifi Counties invited to compete for the grand prize of Ksh 500,000.
Kilifi County is represented by Mtwapa United, while Kwale County is banking on two teams Denmark FC and Kwale United to bring the trophy home.
Sports stakeholders present called for proper player mapping to help identify talent for the national team and local professional leagues.
They also encouraged young players to pursue education alongside football to ensure long-term success beyond the pitch.
The opening fixtures were held at Mombasa Sports Club, where Congo Boys secured a 2-1 win over Nyundo FC, while Fetuwe United suffered a 0-1 defeat to Fayaz FC.
On Sunday, Kisauni Combine was narrowly beaten 0-1 by Juve Combine. The winning goal came in the 74th minute, scored by Abdalla Chombo following an assist from Muadh Amir.
Said Hamisi was crowned Player of the Match and awarded a gift hamper from Dola Group of Companies, which included Dola maize flour and Dola cooking oil, in recognition of his outstanding performance.
Mseto FC and Achievers FC Crowned Champions of the second edition of the Nairobi SportPesa Cheza Dimba Tournament
Mseto FC from Dagoretti and Achievers FC from Ongata Rongai are the winners of the second edition of the Nairobi SportPesa Cheza Dimba tournament, held on Saturday, 4th October 2025, at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi.
Mseto FC were crowned the new champions of the tournament in the men’s category after beating Victors Faith Church of Kasarani 1-0 in a highly charged and fast-paced men’s final.
The decisive goal came in the 16th minute when Charles Baraza found the back of the net with a brilliant finish, sealing the regional title for his side.
In the women’s category, Ongata Rongai’s Achievers FC claimed the regional crown after edging hosts UEFA Despanol Queens FC 5-4 in a penalty shootout, following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
“I am really happy with my boys; they played exceptionally well and pushed hard despite the game being very tough. Last year, we were knocked out in the first round, but this time we came prepared with new attacking tactics that earned us victory. We plan to use the prize money to support our team. Finally, I want to thank SportPesa and the Tujiamini initiative for helping players at the grassroots level realize their dreams, ”said Michael Branabe Head Coach, Mseto FC.
The men’s champions, Mseto FC, walked away with KES 250,000 annually and kits to be renewed for the next 3 years, while Achievers FC received KES 50,000 one-off prize, as winners in the women’s category. In addition, both teams will benefit from three years of mentorship through the Tujiamini platform by SportPesa, which aims to nurture and empower grassroots talent.
The Nairobi leg of SportPesa Cheza Dimba attracted several grassroots teams from across the county, offering a platform for young people to showcase their talent, believe in themselves, and make a positive impact within their communities.
“We enjoyed the game, though it wasn’t easy as the opponents were also very strong. We started with the group stages which were also a bit tough as everyone came here to win. Compared to other games in the group stages I think this was one of the toughest but again we managed to contain the game, pushed them into their half and secured the win in the first half.” Said Delvin Kubari player Mseto FC.
Nairobi also featured the Bronze Kwa Ground giveaways to random talented people and small businesses.
These awards celebrate changemakers in sport, arts, media, and enterprise, honouring individual excellence while strengthening community togetherness and lasting impact.
“Cheza Dimba is more than just a football tournament, it is a platform for supporting talent, inspiring hope, and uplifting communities through the Tujiamini initiative. Today in Dandora, we witnessed incredible display of passion and skill as various teams turned up to compete, showcasing the true spirit of community football. We hope to expand this initiative and reach more young people across the country. Said Deborah Maina, Public Relations and Advertising Executive from SportPesa.
With Nairobi done and dusted, Cheza Dimba now heads to Nyanza region with Kisii town playing host to the tournament for Nyanza edition.
Mseto FC and Achievers FC Crowned Champions of the second edition of the Nairobi SportPesa Cheza Dimba Tournament
Mseto FC from Dagoretti and Achievers FC from Ongata Rongai are the winners of the second edition of the Nairobi SportPesa Cheza Dimba tournament, held on Saturday, 4th October 2025, at Dandora Stadium in Nairobi.
Mseto FC were crowned the new champions of the tournament in the men’s category after beating Victors Faith Church of Kasarani 1-0 in a highly charged and fast-paced men’s final.
The decisive goal came in the 16th minute when Charles Baraza found the back of the net with a brilliant finish, sealing the regional title for his side.
In the women’s category, Ongata Rongai’s Achievers FC claimed the regional crown after edging hosts UEFA Despanol Queens FC 5-4 in a penalty shootout, following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
“I am really happy with my boys; they played exceptionally well and pushed hard despite the game being very tough. Last year, we were knocked out in the first round, but this time we came prepared with new attacking tactics that earned us victory. We plan to use the prize money to support our team. Finally, I want to thank SportPesa and the Tujiamini initiative for helping players at the grassroots level realize their dreams, ”said Michael Branabe Head Coach, Mseto FC.
The men’s champions, Mseto FC, walked away with KES 250,000 annually and kits to be renewed for the next 3 years, while Achievers FC received KES 50,000 one-off prize, as winners in the women’s category. In addition, both teams will benefit from three years of mentorship through the Tujiamini platform by SportPesa, which aims to nurture and empower grassroots talent.
The Nairobi leg of SportPesa Cheza Dimba attracted several grassroots teams from across the county, offering a platform for young people to showcase their talent, believe in themselves, and make a positive impact within their communities.
“We enjoyed the game, though it wasn’t easy as the opponents were also very strong. We started with the group stages which were also a bit tough as everyone came here to win. Compared to other games in the group stages I think this was one of the toughest but again we managed to contain the game, pushed them into their half and secured the win in the first half.” Said Delvin Kubari player Mseto FC.
Nairobi also featured the Bronze Kwa Ground giveaways to random talented people and small businesses.
These awards celebrate changemakers in sport, arts, media, and enterprise, honouring individual excellence while strengthening community togetherness and lasting impact.
“Cheza Dimba is more than just a football tournament, it is a platform for supporting talent, inspiring hope, and uplifting communities through the Tujiamini initiative. Today in Dandora, we witnessed incredible display of passion and skill as various teams turned up to compete, showcasing the true spirit of community football. We hope to expand this initiative and reach more young people across the country. Said Deborah Maina, Public Relations and Advertising Executive from SportPesa.
With Nairobi done and dusted, Cheza Dimba now heads to Nyanza region with Kisii town playing host to the tournament for Nyanza edition.
Youth Urged To Join Professional Groups
Young people have been encouraged to take up membership in professional organizations as a pathway to career growth, mentorship, and leadership development.
Speaking during the launch of Kenya Youth Assembly foundation strategic plan, Mombasa Land CEC Mohammed Hussein noted that professional groups not only nurture talent but also provide a platform for advocacy, capacity building, and innovation.
He challenged young people to actively seek spaces where their voices can be heard, stressing that their involvement is key in shaping the future.
"When young people join professional groups, they don’t just build careers they build futures. These platforms give them the mentorship, networks, and confidence they need to shape tomorrow’s leadership." said Hussein.
Adding " We need more young leaders in our county , and this organisations are hood platforms to produce such leaders."
He further called on the youth to take advantage of the continous voters registration exercise launched by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
" The only way that you can get a good leader is through the ballot so let us please come out and register as voters" he noted.
Mariam Wakio Wins Sh 1M Coca-Cola's Funua Flava Promotion
Mariam Wakio Kindungwa was unveiled as the 1 million shillings winner of the Coca-Cola.
Funua Flava Pata Mita promotion as hundreds of Mombasa residents come out in Large numbers to witness the occassion .
The excitement began earlier in the day when a caravan carrying Kindungwa made its way through Mombasa town, stopping at notable locations such as Tudor Coca-Cola depot, Bamburi, Shanzu and Mtwapa before finally arriving at the Coastal Bottlers grounds for the grand unveiling.
Kindungwa was announced as the sixth winner nationwide and the first at the Coast region to take home the Sh1 million prize.
When asked about her plans for the prize money, Kindungwa revealed that she intends to pay fees and settle pending development plans.
"I am so glad to be one of the winners. I have been trying several times, winning data bundles. I didn't know I would win Sh 1 million. I can tell Kenyans that this is a true promotion, and they should try their luck," she said.
Coastal Bottlers Chief Financial Controller, Virendra Nagori, praised the region's response to Coca-Cola products, urging residents to continue supporting the brand
"We welcome consumers to continue drinking Coca-Cola products because the more you consume, the more chances you have to win prizes," Nagori said.
According to Coastal Bottlers Marketing Officer Ruth Mwake, numerous winners have already received cash and data bundles since the promotion began.
"We have several one million winners still to go, other prizes are data, ,10k, 50k and 100k" Mwake announced during a media interview at the Coastal Bottlers facility.
The Funua Flava Pata Mita promotion, launched on August 15, 2025, aims to reward Coca-Cola drinkers across the country with weekly cash prizes of up to Sh1 million.
To participate, consumers purchase any 300ml glass Coca-Cola product, check under the bottle's yellow cap for a unique code, and SMS the code to 40111 for an instant chance to win.
Catherine Kamau To Represent Africa At Global Celebration Of Bill Gates’ Legacy
Kenyan actress, social advocate and media personality, Catherine Kamau (Kate Actress), has been appointed Global Goodwill Ambassador for the new Bill Gates & Friends social movement, set to launch later this month in the United States.
In this landmark role tied to the Bill Gates 70th Birthday Campaign, Catherine will represent Africa on the global stage, with a focus on the continent’s three key regions: Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria.
Her appointment underscores her unique ability to amplify African voices, champion social impact and connect the continent’s stories to a worldwide audience.
Catherine Kamau is a Celebrated Actor, Social Leader, Executive Producer, Content Creator and a Media Personality, with a strong presence across film, television and digital platforms.
With a career spanning more than 15 years, she has become one of Kenya’s most beloved and trusted entertainer.
Widely recognized for her advocacy, authenticity, elegance and cross-generational appeal, Catherine is both a household name and a leading cultural icon across Africa.
The Bill Gates 70th Birthday Celebration, taking place on October 28, 2025, will be more than a tribute but a global call to action.
The event, organized by a coalition of friends, leaders and changemakers, will highlight Mr. Gates’ profound contributions to health, education, technology and philanthropy, while mobilizing partners to sustain and expand his work.
As Goodwill Ambassador, Kate will:
Onboard African changemakers to participate in a digital campaign showcasing Bill Gates’ humanitarian legacy.
Collaborate with the Campaign Anthem Artist to create and launch a powerful anthem that will unite voices around shared values of innovation and service.
Lead storytelling and engagement efforts in the build-up to the Monthly Humanitarian legacy Festivals starting in February 2026 and the Future of Humanity Initiative, both launching as part of the birthday campaign
The campaign will feature several digital activations including:
A Pre-Birthday Wishes Campaign encouraging fans to share messages using hashtags like #BillGatesAt70, #CelebrateImpact, and #FutureofHumanity.
A special recognition and giveaway for nominated changemakers across Africa
Distribution of tokens of appreciation for both supporters and participants.
The Future of Humanity Initiative is co-created by changemakers inspired by Bill Gates’ global impact.
It brings together a diverse coalition of leaders, innovators and philanthropists, with over $3 billion pledged by renowned philanthropists committed to carrying Gates’ legacy forward.
The founding changemakers will be formally unveiled during the Bill Gates 70th Birthday Celebration.
Designed as an honorary 70th birthday gift, the initiative fulfills Gates’ lifelong dream: that every child has enough food to eat, access to medical care, and the opportunity to attend school and even college.
The celebration will not only honor his legacy in advancing health, education, technology and global development but will also bring together leaders, innovators, and changemakers to reflect on his contributions and carry his mission forward.
Catherine is also a passionate humanitarian and the founder of the Auntie Kate Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable women and girls across Kenya and beyond.
This high-impact global tribute and initiative is independent and not affiliated with the Gates Foundation. It is designed to honor Bill Gates’ achievements while inspiring future generations of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
Megna Homes Celebrated With Another Industry Award
A Mombasa based developer has once again been recognized for its commitment to sustainable living solutions in real estate development.
Megna Homes clinched the Dennis Quansah Green Buildings Award in the residential category during the Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS) Annual Conference 2025 held in Nairobi.
KGBS renamed its Green Buildings category the Dennis Quansah Green Building Award in honor of Dennis Quansah, the late Programs Lead for the IFC Green Building Market Transformation Program in Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, recognizing his contribution to advancing the green building movement in Africa.
KGBS CEO Nasra Nanda noted that the organization celebrates “outstanding achievements and innovative contributions to sustainable and environmentally responsible building practices,”
Adding, “We honour individuals or organizations that have made a significant impact in promoting green building and reducing environmental footprint in the built environment.”
Speaking during the award ceremony dubbed “A Taste of Lamu” at Emara Ole Sereni, Megna Homes CEO Ahmed Badawy expressed his gratitude, saying:
“We are deeply honored to receive the Dennis Quansah Green Buildings Award. This recognition by KGBS reinforces our commitment to designing developments that not only meet housing needs but also respect the environment. I want to sincerely thank KGBS for acknowledging our efforts in promoting sustainable living.”
The award ceremony was graced by Chair of Council of Governors who is also the Governor of Wajir Ahmed Abdillahi, Issa Timamy (Lamu) and their Garissa counterpart Nadhif Jama.
The award comes just a month after Megna Homes became the first developer from Mombasa to achieve EDGE certification, following its sustainable design choices for its flagship Santana project in Mtopanga, next to Bamburi.
The Santana project has been celebrated for its outstanding performance in three key areas: energy efficiency, water savings, and reduced embodied energy in materials.
Spanning 12 acres, the development features 816 residential units and 64 commercial spaces, offering a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.
Amenities include a swimming pool, jogging track, fitness centre, football pitch, landscaped green spaces, ample parking, and a community centre.
The project also integrates a police post and enhanced infrastructure such as upgraded roads and drainage systems.
Mr. Badawy emphasized the company’s long-term vision saying; “Sustainability is not just a feature in our projects; it is part of our DNA as a company. With Santana, and every project we embark on, our goal is to provide modern housing that fosters community living while reducing environmental impact. We see this as our contribution to a greener, more resilient Kenya.”
In 2024, the developer was also named the Best Real Estate Developer of the Year by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mombasa Chapter.
Bandari FC Adopts Cutting-edge Technology To Boost Performance
Bandari footbal club has embraced modern technology in a bid to enhance its performance both on and off the pitch.
According to the club's management the adoption of new tools and systems will not only improve training efficiency but also give players a competitive edge during matches.
"Over the past three months, our club has undergone remarkable transformation, including the adoption of modern technology to enhance our operations and service delivery.” said the club media liason officer Steven Heywood.
Among the innovations being introduced is the use of GPS technology.
The innovation is aimed at tracking players movements, speed, and positioning during both training sessions and competitive matches.
The GPS devices, worn by players during practice, allow coaches to collect real-time data on workload, distance covered, and overall fitness levels. This information helps the technical bench make better decisions on player management, injury prevention, and tactical adjustments.
Heywood noted "The adoption of GPS marks a major step forward in modernizing our training methods."
Adding "Another major change is on the mode of ticketing, all tickets will now be acquired online, this will help improve accountability and efficiency"

