Citizen TV journalist Mwanahamisi Hamadi is steadily emerging as a figure of interest in Likoni amid growing speculation over a possible parliamentary bid.

Although she has not publicly declared her intentions, her expanding presence on the ground has attracted attention from residents and political observers tracking the constituency’s evolving dynamics.

Hamadi has in recent months intensified her community engagements, visiting public schools across Likoni and making learning-related donations aimed at improving access to education.

Community leaders say her hands-on approach and regular interaction with learners and teachers have helped address practical needs while strengthening her rapport with local residents.

She has also been active in women empowerment through her Mwanamke Bomba initiative, a platform focused on uplifting women socially and economically.

The initiative has supported women involved in small-scale businesses and community groups, further raising Hamadi’s profile as a grassroots-oriented leader beyond her media career.

Her rising visibility appears to be translating into public support.

A recent Mizani Africa poll ranked Hamadi second in popularity in the Likoni parliamentary race behind incumbent MP Mishi Mboko, placing her at 21.2 per cent.

Analysts note that the numbers are significant for a contender who has not formally entered the race, suggesting a potential shift in voter sentiment.

However, in an interview with this blog, Hamadi downplayed political talk, insisting that her current focus remains on service rather than ambition.

“At the moment, I am concentrating on giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that improve people’s lives,” she said, declining to be drawn into discussions about elective politics. Despite her caution, observers say her growing grassroots influence continue

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has announced a crackdown on illegal sewer connections as the county moves to address growing pressure on the city’s aging sanitation infrastructure, even as residents raise concerns over persistent drainage failures.

Nassir said parts of the sewer system were constructed in the 1930s when Mombasa’s population stood at about 30,000, compared to more than 1.9 million residents today.

“Mombasa is growing, and the pressure on this old infrastructure is real and visible,” the governor said.

The governor blamed illegal connections and improper waste disposal for worsening the situation, warning that such practices damage the sewer network and undermine public health.

“Some people are taking shortcuts by illegally connecting to sewer lines without informing the county and by disposing waste that clogs the system. This must stop,” Nassir said, adding that the county has begun identifying and regularising illegal connections and will hold offenders accountable.

His remarks come against the backdrop of demonstrations held last week by a section of Old Town residents, who protested over poor drainage in the area.

The residents warned that the state of drainage exposes them to disease outbreaks, particularly affecting children, and accused the county government of slow action, urging authorities to intervene urgently.

Nassir acknowledged that enforcement alone will not resolve the challenge, noting that Mombasa requires sustained investment to modernise and expand its sewer infrastructure. He said the county had opted for a Public Private Partnership model to bring in capital and technical expertise.

“The reality is that we need heavy investment to deliver long-term, sustainable solutions,” he said, while calling on residents and businesses to cooperate, adding that “a clean, functional city is a shared responsibility.”

A new Mizani Africa opinion poll shows Said Abdalla leading the Nyali parliamentary race with 27.0 percent, followed by Nelson Alfayo at 15.5 per cent and Abdikadir Dekow at 12.2 percent.

"The results indicate a highly competitive race with no dominant candidate at this stage,” Mizani Africa said, noting that the spread of support reflects shifting voter preferences and growing competition among aspirants.

The poll further shows that 26.2 percent of voters remain undecided, a factor analysts say could significantly reshape the outcome as campaigns intensify.

According to the research firm, the large undecided vote presents a critical opportunity for targeted messaging, coalition building, and voter engagement ahead of the election.

"With more than a quarter of voters yet to make up their minds, the Nyali race remains fluid and open to change,” Mizani Africa added, pointing to the decisive role undecided voters are likely to play in determining the final result.

Meanwhile, in the Likoni parliamentary race, current tracking shows area Mp Mishi Mboko in a commanding lead with 54.9 percent  establishing a dominant position well ahead of her rivals.

Mwanahamisi Hamadi trails in distant second at 21.2 per cent, while Mohamed Mwahima has 12.7 per cent, with all other candidates jointly accounting for less than 10 per cent of voter support.

“The Likoni contest is showing clear directional momentum, with voter preference strongly concentrated around the leading candidate,” the tracking data indicates.

Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki has called for increased investment in public schools, saying inadequate infrastructure and shortage of teachers continue to undermine education outcomes, particularly for children from low-income families.

He said strengthening public education is critical to ensuring equity and improving academic performance across the country.

“There is a serious lack of proper investment in our public schools. We must invest in infrastructure and teachers if we want to improve results and give every child a fair chance, especially those whose parents are not well off,” Senator Faki said.

Spekaing during a graduation at Qubaa Muslim School, the  Senator also emphasized that parents must play an active role in their children’s education, noting that the responsibility should not be left solely to teachers and school administrations.

According to him, parental involvement is key to discipline, performance, and overall learner development.

"Parents should not leave the issue of education entirely to teachers. They must take personal responsibility and be involved in their children’s academic journey if we are to achieve meaningful results,” he added.

Referring to recent media reports on strong academic performance in Kiharu Constituency, where MP Ndindi Nyoro noted that parents pay as little as Sh500, Senator Faki said the model should serve as a wake-up call for other regions to rethink their approach to public education.

"What we are seeing in Kiharu should prompt us to go back to the drawing board. It shows that when public schools are supported, parents will trust them. Other areas must reflect and ask themselves what more can be done to strengthen public education,” Senator Faki said.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) celebrated the return of the luxury cruise ship, MV Europa, to the Port of Mombasa today, marking a boost for the country’s cruise tourism sector.

The vessel arrived with 287 tourists, making it the third cruise ship to dock at the port this year and the fourth for the current season. Its arrival follows just a day after MV Azamara berthed at the port, signaling a steady flow of international visitors.

The influx of cruise ships demonstrates the growing status of Mombasa as a regional cruise hub, according to KPA officials.

“The arrival of MV Europa highlights the transformation of Mombasa Port into a regional powerhouse in the global cruise sector,” said a KPA spokesperson.

“This is not just about numbers; it is about positioning Kenya as a premium tourism destination.”

Captain Tom Petzold, master of MV Europa, who is visiting Kenya for the first time, expressed his appreciation for the warm reception.

"It has been a truly pleasant experience for me and my passengers. The support from Kenya Ports Authority, MagicalKenya, and Inchcape Shipping Services has been outstanding,” he said.

He added that the smooth operations at the port make Mombasa an attractive destination for high-value cruise tourism.

Tourism experts say the continuous arrivals of cruise vessels are significant for foreign exchange earnings and the country’s tourism brand.

"Each visitor contributes to local businesses, hotels, and attractions. Beyond revenue, these arrivals enhance Kenya’s image in the luxury travel market,” said a senior official from MagicalKenya.

KPA expects more cruise ships in the coming months, reinforcing Mombasa’s growing role in the global cruise tourism circuit

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Secretariat has deployed its Election Observation Mission to Uganda ahead of the country’s General Elections scheduled for 15 January 2026, joining a joint mission comprising the African Union (AU), COMESA and IGAD observers.

The joint observation mission is being led by former Nigerian President H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, who is supported by Shemsudin Ahmed Roble, a Member of the COMESA Committee of Elders, and Abebe Muluneh, Director of the IGAD Peace and Security Division.

The observers have already arrived in Kampala to commence their pre-election activities.

In a statement, IGAD said the mission is composed of 84 observers drawn from across the region and will assess the entire electoral process, with particular emphasis on credibility, transparency and the peaceful conduct of the elections.

"The Election Observation Mission will assess the electoral process in accordance with Uganda’s electoral legal framework and relevant regional and international instruments,” the IGAD Secretariat said.

The Secretariat noted that the mission will be guided by key democratic standards, including the OAU/AU Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), and the International Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation.

“The deployment underscores IGAD’s continued commitment to the promotion of democratic governance, peace and stability in the region,” the statement added.

IGAD further emphasized that the presence of the joint AU–COMESA–IGAD mission reflects regional solidarity and support for Uganda’s electoral process, while reinforcing the importance of free, fair and credible elections as a cornerstone of democratic developmen t.

Luxury cruise ship Azamara has docked at the Port of Mombasa carrying 663 passengers and 338 crew members as part of its 16-night East Africa and Vanilla Islands cruise itinerary.

The vessel, which is on a round-trip voyage that began in Port Louis, Mauritius, made its maiden call at the port, marking a significant milestone for cruise tourism in Kenya.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the arrival marked a strong start to the year for the tourism sector.

“We know that cruise tourism is about huge numbers, and this is very critical for Kenya, especially as the government has set new targets to increase tourist arrivals and boost earnings,” she said.

Miano noted that continued improvements in key infrastructure, including roads and airports, are complementing tourism growth, adding that government policy has been streamlined to support diversification.

“Modern travellers are looking for variety, and that is why we are diversifying our tourism products. The sector is on an upward trajectory,” she said.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director said it was a pleasure for the authority to host Azamara, noting that the ship’s call was unique and part of a maiden visit.

“This is not the usual cruise ship, and we are pleased that it will be making four calls at the Port of Mombasa this year,” the MD said.

He added that KPA is working closely with the government to support tourism growth and appreciates the efforts being made to promote Kenya as a cruise destination.

The KPA Managing Director further revealed that Azamara is the second cruise vessel to call at the port this year, with more arrivals expected in the coming days.

“We are expecting another cruise ship later this week carrying over 1,000 tourists. This week alone, more than 2,000 tourists are expected to pass through the Port of Mombasa,” he said, expressing optimism about a strong cruise tourism season.

TECNO hosted exclusive AFCON watch parties for football fans, as well as sports and lifestyle journalists, in Nairobi as the tournament’s quarter-final action intensified in Morocco.

The event featured live screenings of two high-stakes quarter-final clashes, Mali vs Senegal and host nation Morocco vs Cameroon, set in a vibrant and engaging atmosphere that celebrated African football, culture, and shared fan base.

The events reflected how AFCON has evolved into more than just a football tournament, becoming a social and cultural moment that brings communities together across the continent.

As AFCON continued to dominate screens and conversations across Africa, TECNO used the quarter finals stage and fan engagements to demonstrate how smartphones are evolving from passive viewing devices into intelligent companions that analyze, contextualize, and enhance the football experience.

Speaking during the watch parties, Mildred Agoya, a TECNO brand representative highlighted the significance of hosting the fan experiences and TECNO’s role in African football:

“These watch parties are our way of celebrating AFCON with football fans and the media who help tell Africa’s football stories every day. As the Official Global Partner and title sponsor of AFCON 2025 and 2027, TECNO is proud to support the tournament not just on the pitch, but through experiences that bring fans closer to the game. We are also excited to showcase ELLA AI features developed specifically for AFCON, designed to help fans understand matches better and enjoy features that improve everyday life.”

In addition to live match viewing, the guests experienced ELLA AI Coach, TECNO’s proprietary artificial intelligence assistant enhanced specifically for AFCON.

The AI features demonstrated how smartphones are becoming active companions for football fans rather than passive viewing devices.

TECNO showcased a suite of AI-powered features including those developed specifically for AFCON:

● Match Decoder - ELLA AI analyzes team formations, past performance, and match dynamics to provide intelligent insights into upcoming games. For Kenyan fans who enjoy debating tactics, line-ups, and likely outcomes, Match Decoder adds informed context to football conversations at home, in matatus, offices, and watch parties.

● Snap-and-Know - By simply taking a photo of a match fixture on TV, a poster, or a WhatsApp flyer, ELLA AI instantly provides accurate match details including kick-off time, date, and stadium. This feature supports Kenyans juggling work, family, and social commitments, ensuring they never miss a key AFCON match.

● Daily Highlights - For fans who may not watch every match live, ELLA AI delivers concise daily summaries and key moments from completed games. Whether on a lunch break, in traffic, or between meetings, Kenyan users can stay up to date with AFCON without interrupting their routines.

● StarCam - StarCam adds a playful, social layer to football fandom, allowing users to creatively place themselves alongside celebrities and public figures as if they are watching the match together. Designed for social sharing, the feature captures Kenya’s vibrant digital culture and love for expressive storytelling around football.

The features reflected how African fans engage with football today, through discussion, social sharing, and on-the-go consumption.

Beyond the match itself, the event offered media interaction opportunities, lifestyle content moments, and a relaxed environment to experience how TECNO blends football intelligence, culture, and everyday convenience through its AI-powered smartphones.

“It was refreshing to be part of engaging and well-curated AFCON watch parties where journalists, bloggers, and football fans could come together to enjoy the games and exchange ideas. The experience felt inclusive and thoughtfully designed, making it a great environment to enjoy football while exploring how technology is enhancing the fan experience.” Said Mac Otani, CEO Swala Nyeti

Throughout the AFCON football games period, TECNO brought together football fans, journalists, content creators, and football enthusiasts at various entertainment joints in Nairobi and Think for immersive live match-viewing experiences.

The watch party forms part of TECNO’s broader AFCON engagement strategy, which integrates technology into fan experiences both on the ground and across digital platforms throughout the tournament.

As AFCON entered its decisive stages, TECNO continued to demonstrate how intelligent technology can deepen fan engagement, simplify access to information, and capture the emotion that defines African football.

TECNO hosted exclusive AFCON watch parties for football fans, as well as sports and lifestyle journalists, in Nairobi as the tournament’s quarter-final action intensified in Morocco.

The event featured live screenings of two high-stakes quarter-final clashes, Mali vs Senegal and host nation Morocco vs Cameroon, set in a vibrant and engaging atmosphere that celebrated African football, culture, and shared fan base.

The events reflected how AFCON has evolved into more than just a football tournament, becoming a social and cultural moment that brings communities together across the continent.

As AFCON continued to dominate screens and conversations across Africa, TECNO used the quarter finals stage and fan engagements to demonstrate how smartphones are evolving from passive viewing devices into intelligent companions that analyze, contextualize, and enhance the football experience.

Speaking during the watch parties, Mildred Agoya, a TECNO brand representative highlighted the significance of hosting the fan experiences and TECNO’s role in African football:

“These watch parties are our way of celebrating AFCON with football fans and the media who help tell Africa’s football stories every day. As the Official Global Partner and title sponsor of AFCON 2025 and 2027, TECNO is proud to support the tournament not just on the pitch, but through experiences that bring fans closer to the game. We are also excited to showcase ELLA AI features developed specifically for AFCON, designed to help fans understand matches better and enjoy features that improve everyday life.”

In addition to live match viewing, the guests experienced ELLA AI Coach, TECNO’s proprietary artificial intelligence assistant enhanced specifically for AFCON.

The AI features demonstrated how smartphones are becoming active companions for football fans rather than passive viewing devices.

TECNO showcased a suite of AI-powered features including those developed specifically for AFCON:

● Match Decoder - ELLA AI analyzes team formations, past performance, and match dynamics to provide intelligent insights into upcoming games. For Kenyan fans who enjoy debating tactics, line-ups, and likely outcomes, Match Decoder adds informed context to football conversations at home, in matatus, offices, and watch parties.

● Snap-and-Know - By simply taking a photo of a match fixture on TV, a poster, or a WhatsApp flyer, ELLA AI instantly provides accurate match details including kick-off time, date, and stadium. This feature supports Kenyans juggling work, family, and social commitments, ensuring they never miss a key AFCON match.

● Daily Highlights - For fans who may not watch every match live, ELLA AI delivers concise daily summaries and key moments from completed games. Whether on a lunch break, in traffic, or between meetings, Kenyan users can stay up to date with AFCON without interrupting their routines.

● StarCam - StarCam adds a playful, social layer to football fandom, allowing users to creatively place themselves alongside celebrities and public figures as if they are watching the match together. Designed for social sharing, the feature captures Kenya’s vibrant digital culture and love for expressive storytelling around football.

The features reflected how African fans engage with football today, through discussion, social sharing, and on-the-go consumption.

Beyond the match itself, the event offered media interaction opportunities, lifestyle content moments, and a relaxed environment to experience how TECNO blends football intelligence, culture, and everyday convenience through its AI-powered smartphones.

“It was refreshing to be part of engaging and well-curated AFCON watch parties where journalists, bloggers, and football fans could come together to enjoy the games and exchange ideas. The experience felt inclusive and thoughtfully designed, making it a great environment to enjoy football while exploring how technology is enhancing the fan experience.” Said Mac Otani, CEO Swala Nyeti

Throughout the AFCON football games period, TECNO brought together football fans, journalists, content creators, and football enthusiasts at various entertainment joints in Nairobi and Think for immersive live match-viewing experiences.

The watch party forms part of TECNO’s broader AFCON engagement strategy, which integrates technology into fan experiences both on the ground and across digital platforms throughout the tournament.

As AFCON entered its decisive stages, TECNO continued to demonstrate how intelligent technology can deepen fan engagement, simplify access to information, and capture the emotion that defines African football.

Mombasa-based chef and two-time Guinness World Record holder Yusuf Garani has revealed plans to establish an East Africa Fish Expo aimed at promoting opportunities within the blue economy sector.

Speaking during an interview with Swahilipot FM, Garani said the proposed expo will bring together fishermen, chefs, investors and other key stakeholders to showcase innovation, value addition and investment opportunities in the fishing industry.

Garani said he is seeking a meeting with Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho to formally present the idea and seek government support to turn it into reality.

“I want to meet CS Hassan Joho and share this vision with him because I strongly believe he is the only person who can help me make this idea a reality,” said the chef, noting that the expo could position the Coast region as a blue economy hub in East Africa.

The celebrated chef revealed that although he has previously shared the idea with several individuals, many were more interested in owning it rather than supporting its implementation.

“I have spoken to many people about this idea, but most of them want to take ownership instead of helping to develop it. That is why I feel CS Joho is the right person to support and protect this vision for the benefit of the region,” Garani explained.

Garani further noted that the expo will play a key role in educating young people at the Coast on the untapped potential within the blue economy sector.

“Many youths in the Coast region have not fully understood the vast opportunities in the blue economy. This expo will help expose them to what is available and how they can exploit these opportunities for livelihoods and economic growth,” he said.