The National Government has officially taken over the construction of the long-awaited 15,000-seater modern Mombasa Stadium following comprehensive technical assessments and consultations with the County Government of Mombasa, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has announced.

According to CS Mvurya, the move is aimed at fast-tracking completion of the FIFA-standard facility and positioning the Coast region as a strategic low-altitude sports hub capable of hosting major national and international competitions.

"The National Government has taken over the construction of the 15,000-seater modern Mombasa Stadium following comprehensive technical assessments and consultations with the County Government of Mombasa,” said Mvurya.

“Upon formal handover and receipt of the project’s current fiscal status, our technical team will conduct a detailed review of the remaining scope of works to guide completion in line with approved government designs and standards.”

Mvurya noted that the directive was issued by President William Ruto as part of efforts to enhance sports infrastructure across the country and unlock new opportunities in sports tourism and youth development.

"The FIFA-standard facility will serve as a strategic low-altitude sports hub, positioning Mombasa and the Coast region as a centre for sports tourism while providing a world-class alternative venue for hosting major competitions,” he added.

The announcement followed a high-level meeting involving Principal Secretaries Elijah Mwangi (Sports) and Dr. Patrick Mariru (Defence), alongside technical teams, who conveyed the government’s readiness to Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir during a morning engagement.

Governor Nassir welcomed the development, describing it as a historic breakthrough that signals a new chapter for the county’s sports sector.

"Mombasa Stadium is back —and it’s happening,” said Nassir. “I hosted Sports PS Elijah Mwangi, Defence PS Dr. Patrick Mariru and officials from Sports Kenya following a successful engagement with President William Ruto that has unlocked National Government support to complete this iconic project.”

The governor termed the agreement a “major breakthrough” and a “game changer” for the city, expressing optimism that the project would now be completed within the year.

"After years of planning, the stadium is now firmly back on track and set for completion by the end of the year. This agreement marks a turning point for our city and places Mombasa squarely back on the continental stage as Kenya prepares to host AFCON 2027,” Nassir said.

He added that beyond continental tournaments, the facility would provide long-term benefits including youth development, sports tourism, employment opportunities and the hosting of major global events.

"We made a promise to bring this project back to life. We pushed, we engaged and we delivered,” he said.

Once completed, the modern stadium is expected to become a key sports and economic hub for the Coast region, strengthening Kenya’s preparations for upcoming international tournaments and enhancing opportunities for local athletes.

Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Aharub khatri has fulfilled a pledge to support more than 50 young people in acquiring passports, a move aimed at expanding employment and travel opportunities while empowering youth to pursue better futures.

According to Aharub the initiative is part of a broader commitment to transform lives and offer meaningful opportunities to young people who have chosen to walk away from social vices and embrace positive change.

"Today, I honored a promise I made a month ago to over 50 young people, supporting them to acquire their passports,” said Aharub.

Adding “These youth chose to turn their lives around by walking away from social vices and choosing a better path. True change goes beyond words,  it means preparing them for the future and opening doors to employment opportunities both within our country and beyond our borders.”

He emphasized that the initiative seeks to restore hope among young people who once felt excluded from opportunities, adding that his commitment to youth empowerment remains unwavering.

"My commitment has never wavered and remains clear — to transform lives, restore hope and reconnect our young people to meaningful opportunities so that they can live a dignified life,” he added.

Beneficiaries of the program expressed gratitude, saying the support would help them pursue education, employment and international opportunities.

Halima Juma said financial challenges had previously prevented her from owning a passport, describing the initiative as life-changing.

“I have always wanted to own a passport but due to financial challenges I have not been able to do so. Mine is to thank the Speaker for this move, I believe it is going to open many doors for me,” she said.

For Irene Aseka, receiving her first passport marked a significant milestone as she searches for employment opportunities.

"This will be my first passport. I have never owned one and it will help me in securing a job since I’m currently jobless,” she noted.

Jimson Makaya, an electrical engineering student, said the document would help him pursue work opportunities abroad.

“My goal is to look for a job outside the country and I now have one of the major requirements thanks to our Speaker. This initiative will go a long way in solving youth unemployment since many will be able to seek jobs even beyond our borders,” he said.

The passport support program is part of ongoing youth empowerment efforts in Mombasa aimed at enhancing skills, promoting positive social change and improving access to economic opportunities locally and internationally.

Jomvu Member of Parliament Badi Twalib has defended his constituency’s education programmes, insisting that no student will be discriminated against in the allocation of bursaries regardless of where they or their parents come from.

Speaking during the awarding of cheques under the NG-CDF sponsorship programme, Twalib said more than 40 students have already benefited from scholarships aimed at improving access to education and uplifting livelihoods in the area.

"Jomvu is a constituency of opportunities. No single student will be discriminated against in terms of bursary just because they or their parents come from a different constituency,” said Twalib.

The MP used the event to urge political leaders and residents to avoid dragging education into political battles ahead of the 2027 General Election.

"Let’s stop playing politics with the education of our children. Elections will come in 2027 — that is the time for politics. For now, let’s focus on improving education and the livelihood of our people,” he added.

Twalib also responded to critics allegedly campaigning to unseat him, saying his development record in education speaks for itself.

"Some people are going round saying they want to get me out of office. If you want to see my impact, look at these students and what we have been able to do for them through education,” he said.

Highlighting progress made since he assumed office, the MP noted that Jomvu had undergone significant transformation in the education sector.

He said the construction of new schools had reduced the need for students to seek learning opportunities in neighbouring constituencies.

"I came to office when our students used to go to other constituencies to get education. I have built several schools in Jomvu where our students can now learn. Jomvu used to be like a village, but today we are producing students who are joining national schools,” he said.

The NG-CDF scholarship programme targets needy and bright learners.

The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Mr. Davis Chirchir, EGH, today officially launched the National Electric Mobility (e-Mobility) Policy, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s transition towards a cleaner, more efficient and low-carbon Transport System. 

Speaking at the launch ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), CS Chirchir said the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) would significantly reduce Kenya’s annual petroleum import bill - currently estimated at US$5 billion, which places considerable strain on the country’s foreign exchange reserves, undermines energy security and exposes the economy to global fuel price volatility. 

Citing data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the Cabinet Secretary said that petroleum products were the largest single import category in 2023, with fuel imports rising sharply to KShs. 628.4 billion, up from KShs. 348.3 billion in 2021. 

“This substantial fuel import bill reflects Kenya’s heavy reliance on imported petroleum for transport, industry, power generation and aviation - making fuel one of the most significant components of our total import expenditure,” said CS Chirchir. 

During the event, the Cabinet Secretary also launched green reflective number plates for 100 per cent electric vehicles registered in Kenya.  

 Mr. Chirchir emphasised that the e-Mobility Policy was developed through strong public-private sector collaboration, with the private sector chairing the Taskforce.  

CS Chirchir noted that electric mobility is no longer optional, but a strategic necessity for Kenya’s economic resilience and environmental sustainability.

"As at 2025, Kenya had registered cumulatively 39,324 EVs, up from 1,378 EVs in 2022, representing over 2700% increase in just three years. The bodaboda vehicle category - popular and widely used for the last mile connectivity registered the highest percentage increment,” said the CS, adding that the increase was due to the various affordable EV products being introduced in the country by financial institutions including vehicle asset financing targeting the e-Mobility industry.

The Cabinet Secretary added that this growth reflects strong market confidence and increasing public acceptance of electric mobility.

To support implementation, the Government is developing a National Electric Mobility Strategy to ensure coordinated, effective and structured execution of the Policy. 

CS Chirchir further highlighted incentives introduced through the Finance Bill 2025, including: 

 Zero-rating of VAT on electric buses, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles and lithium-ion batteries; and  Reduction of excise duty to zero per cent on electric bicycles, electric motorcycles and lithium-ion batteries. 

The Minister disclosed that the National Electric Mobility Policy covers all modes of transport and provides a clear and enabling framework for the adoption, regulation and expansion of electric mobility in Kenya.

The Policy promotes investment in the e-Mobility ecosystem, strengthens institutional coordination, fosters innovation, and encourages meaningful private-sector participation. 

"Through this Policy, Kenya aims to decarbonise and modernise the transport sector, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, enhance energy security, and meet its climate commitments, while unlocking the potential of electric mobility to create green jobs and drive inclusive economic growth under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” said the CS.

He added that leveraging Kenya’s abundant renewable energy resources would reduce over-reliance on imported fossil fuels while creating new value chains in manufacturing, assembly, services and skills development. 

Speaking at the event, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Industrialisation, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, said demand for electric vehicles in Kenya currently outstrips supply. 

Dr. Mukhwana said that EV technology has matured and emphasised the need for increased short-term financing to enable companies to expand local assembly plants as Kenya prepares for long-term domestic manufacturing of EVs and related components.  

Dr. Mukhwana also observed that EV charging infrastructure remains concentrated in Nairobi and should be expanded to other towns across the country. 

The PS further observed that EV charging infrastructure was concentrated around Nairobi and should now be rolled out to other towns across the country. 

In his remarks, the German Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Sebastian Groth, said that electric mobility is central to sustainable development and the global clean-energy transition.  

Amb. Groth said that Kenya has the potential to become a regional leader in e-Mobility and clean energy, and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Kenya in implementing the National e-Mobility Policy. 

Similarly, the EU Deputy Head of Mission to Kenya, Ambassador Ondrej Šimek, described Kenya as a regional champion in renewable energy, with over 90 per cent of electricity generated from renewable sources.  

Amb. Simek said the European Union remains committed to supporting sustainable development, green investment and job creation in clean energy and transportation sectors. 

"Kenya’s National E-Mobility Policy marks a bold step toward a cleaner, more competitive future for the country. IFC is proud to have partnered with the Government of Kenya to support the legal and regulatory framework for this transformation. Electric mobility will create jobs, boost local manufacturing, and reduce dependence on costly fuel imports. For drivers, this policy will mean lower operating costs for vehicles and better access to charging stations. IFC looks forward to helping Kenya attract the investment it needs to build its e-mobility infrastructure and help the country become an African leader in the sector." Mary Porter Peschka, Division Director, Eastern Africa, International Finance Corporation

The Ministry developed the policy with technical and financial support from various development partners, namely: the European Union; the Federal Republic of Germany through GIZ; the United Kingdom through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; the International Finance Corporation; and the University of California, Davis, USA. 

Also present at the event were the Principal Secretary for Transport, Mr. Mohamed Daghar; Principal Secretary for Roads, Eng. Joseph Mbugua; Members of Parliament Hon. Tom Kajwang’ and Hon. Eng. John Chege Kiragu; the Chairperson of the defunct Taskforce, Mr. Daniel Ngumi; and the President of the Electric Mobility Association of Kenya, Mr. Hezbon Mose, among other distinguished dignitaries. 

Coastal musician Nyota Ndogo has expressed excitement after meeting National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Chairman Hon. Khatib Mwashetani, following the release of her road safety sensitisation song titled Dereva.

The song, which has been enjoying airplay across radio stations, is part of a public awareness drive encouraging responsible driving and adherence to traffic rules.

Nyota Ndogo said the engagement with NTSA leadership marked a significant milestone in her journey of using music for social impact.

Speaking after the meeting, the celebrated artist thanked her fans for amplifying the message and helping her reach the NTSA chairman.

"First thing first, I want to take this opportunity to humble myself and thank all my fans who helped me reach the one and only Hon. Khatib Mwashetani, NTSA Chairman. It is the first time to meet this humble man with a golden heart,” she said.

Nyota Ndogo noted that Dereva was inspired by the need to address the rising cases of road accidents and promote a culture of responsibility among drivers, conductors and road users.

She also appreciated the NTSA team for their support and warm reception, acknowledging key members of the chairman’s office.

"I also want to thank the NTSA office department—Davy Davy, the personal assistant; Charly Danny, head aide; Yuri Kassim and Hima Athman, aides; and Omar Masemo for photography. God bless you all,” she added.

Mombasa Empowerment Community-Based Organisation (CBO) is set to host a two-day tax and port compliance awareness sensitisation forum aimed at equipping its members with essential knowledge on tax obligations and regulatory procedures.

The awareness campaign, to be conducted in partnership with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Mombasa office, will feature expert presentations on key areas including tax return filing, withholding tax, simplified tax filing platforms, and the use of AI-powered tools to enhance compliance.

Participants will also be taken through procurement procedures, special tax tables, and other statutory obligations relevant to businesses operating within the coastal and port economy.

Speaking ahead of the forum, Mombasa Empowerment CBO Chairperson Evans Momanyi said the initiative is designed to empower members with practical skills while fostering a cooperative relationship with government institutions.

"This is an opportunity for our members to be informed and equipped with the right skills to comply with tax and port regulations,” Momanyi said.

He emphasized that the CBO is keen on promoting partnership rather than confrontation with tax authorities.

“We don’t want to be seen as an enemy of KRA or the government, but as a partner. Compliance becomes easier when there is understanding and engagement,” he noted.

Momanyi further revealed that the organisation is exploring ways to collaborate with KRA beyond compliance, including joint Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities that benefit the wider community.

“We want to work closely with KRA not just on tax matters but also in supporting community initiatives through CSR,” he added.

The forum is expected to attract CBO members involved in trade, logistics, and small and medium enterprises, particularly those whose operations are linked to the Port of Mombasa.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has sought to calm tensions surrounding the ongoing dispute between Kenya Railways and the Little Theatre Club (LTC), assuring artists that they will not be evicted from the historic property.

The Governor was addressing the media after a meeting with the Little Theatre Club taskforce team led by Chairman Daudi Anguka, where discussions focused on protecting the interests of creatives while safeguarding public property.

Speaking during the briefing, Governor Nassir downplayed the standoff, describing the issues as minor and capable of being resolved through dialogue and adherence to earlier agreements.

“The issues that are there are just minor. It’s simply about making sure that what was agreed is implemented, including ensuring that the artists are not evicted from this property,” the Governor said.

He emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence between all parties involved, noting that harmony was achievable if agreed frameworks were respected.

“There is nothing wrong with people living in harmony,” he added.

The Governor revealed that the County Government of Mombasa has proposed that agreements reached between Little Theatre Club and the Ministry be formalised into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure clarity and long-term stability.

“As the county government, we have proposed that everything they agreed and signed in the minutes be made into an official MOU,” he said.

However, Governor Nassir faulted the initial process, noting that the county government had been excluded from earlier discussions despite its critical role.

“Those minutes did not involve us; they only involved Little Theatre Club and the Ministry. The county government should have been involved,” he stated.

He said he had reviewed the minutes from the last meeting and forwarded them to the County Attorney for further action.

Among the key agreements highlighted is the establishment of a Railway Training Institute, allocation of space for creative activities, and assurances that creatives will not be interfered with.

"Among the agreements is that a railway training institute be established, space be allocated for creatives, and that creatives are not interfered with,” he said.

The Governor also pointed out that the area is gazetted as a national monument, meaning its status limits major alterations to the site.

“The area is gazetted. What they cannot do is reconstruct the whole area. Repairs can be done, but being a national monument means you are preserving the area,” he explained.

He called on the Ministry to engage the county government early whenever plans affecting the site are being considered.

All the Ministry needed to do was to reach out to us and tell us the plans,” Governor Nassir said.

Reaffirming his confidence in the ongoing talks, the Governor assured both artists and Kenya Railways that the matter would be resolved amicably.

“I want to assure the artists and Railways that I am confident whatever they agreed will mature into something meaningful for all of us,” he said.

In an exciting development for African women in film, The Ladima Foundation has announced an official partnership with Afrikamera - Current Cinema from Africa, a film festival in Berlin, Germany, in order to further recognise and celebrate the winner of the 2026 Adiaha Award for Best Documentary by an African woman filmmaker.

Over the past 8 years, the Adiaha Award has become one of the most prestigious accolades awarded in African film. Its focus on showcasing the exceptional talent of African women filmmakers has seen winning films go on to compete, and win, at other festivals around the world. 

Previous winners have included, Miki Redelinghuys, Pearlie Joubert: Mother City (2025),  Zippy Kimundu and Meena Nanji: Our Land, Our Freedom (2024) and Cyrielle Raingou: Le Spectre de Boko Haram (2023).

Following on from last year’s successful pivot to an online competition,  in this 8^th edition of the award, the winning film and filmmaker will also be showcased at Afrikamera in Berlin, Germany in November 2026 in addition to the $2,000 cash prize.

After the appearance of the Ladima Foundation’s Board Member Chanelle Ellaya at the 2025 edition of the festival where she spoke on a panel discussion titled, ‘Breaking into the industry: Training and Strategies for Women Filmmakers,’ this partnership is an important next step. 

As Ute Rügner, Project Manager of the festival explains:

“AFRIKAMERA – Current Cinema from Africa is excited for its collaboration with the Ladima Foundation as the official partner of the Adiaha Award for Best Documentary by an African Woman Filmmaker 2026.

 The partnership aims to increase visibility for African women filmmakers and to strengthen their storytelling through the festival’s program.

As part of the AFRIKAMERA 2026 edition ‘REFLECT’, taking place in Berlin in November 2026 (date to be confirmed), the winner of the Adiaha Award will be invited to present her film, and the prize will feature in the festival program, celebrating diverse African storytelling in cinema.”

The Afrikamera Festival has been committed to intercultural dialogue between Africa and Germany since 2007 and sees itself as a permanent platform for dialogue between African filmmakers and the Berlin audience, and as a place for exchange between filmmakers, producers, and distributors. 

Open exclusively to African women, living and / or working on the continent, and for films produced in Africa,  entries are now open on Film Freeway: https://filmfreeway.com/LadimaAdiahaAward

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued a public warning against the growing practice of misusing Kenya Shilling banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes, cautioning that the trend is illegal and costly to the economy.

In a press release dated February 2, 2026, the Bank noted an increase in the use of currency notes to make cash flower bouquets, ornamental displays, and other celebratory arrangements, a practice that often leads to permanent damage to banknotes.

“The Central Bank of Kenya has noted a growing trend in the use of Kenya Shilling banknotes for decorative and celebratory purposes, including the preparation of cash flower bouquets, ornamental displays, and similar arrangements,” CBK said.

According to the Bank, such practices involve folding, rolling, gluing, taping, stapling, or pinning currency notes, actions that compromise the integrity of banknotes and render them unfit for circulation.

“In many instances, banknotes are folded, rolled, glued, taped, stapled, pinned, or otherwise affixed using adhesives and fastening materials,” the statement read.

“Such practices compromise the integrity of Kenya Shilling banknotes and render them unsuitable for circulation.”

CBK warned that damaged notes interfere with the smooth operation of cash-handling and processing equipment, including automated teller machines (ATMs), cash-counting machines, and sorting systems.

“The use of adhesives, pins, staples, and similar materials damages banknotes and interferes with the efficient operation of cash-handling and processing equipment,” CBK noted, adding that this leads to increased rejection of banknotes and premature withdrawal from circulation at a cost borne by both the public and the Bank.

While acknowledging that cash gifts are a common cultural practice, CBK emphasized that money should not be altered, damaged, or defaced in the process.

“While CBK does not object to the use of cash as a gift, such use should not involve any action that alters, damages, or defaces banknotes,” the Bank said.

“Currency should remain in a condition that allows it to circulate freely and perform its intended functions as a medium of exchange, unit of account, and store of value.”

The Bank further reminded the public that defacing currency is a criminal offence under Kenyan law. Section 367 of the Penal Code (Cap. 63, Laws of Kenya) prohibits the defacement, mutilation, or impairment of currency notes issued by lawful authority.

“Any person who willfully defaces, mutilates, or in any way impairs any currency note issued by lawful authority commits an offence under the Penal Code,” CBK warned.

CBK urged Kenyans to adopt alternative, non-damaging methods when presenting monetary gifts and to refrain from practices that compromise the integrity of the national currency.

“The Central Bank of Kenya remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the national currency in circulation and will continue to undertake public sensitization and stakeholder engagement to protect the quality, usability, and public confidence in Kenya Shilling banknotes,” the statement concluded.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Capt. William Ruto has lauded the Authority’s indoor sports teams for their impressive performances at regional and continental levels, reaffirming KPA’s commitment to sports development as a key pillar of its broader business strategy.

Speaking during a meeting with KPA’s volleyball and basketball teams, Capt. Ruto said excellence at the Port of Mombasa must be matched by excellence on the court, describing sports as a powerful tool for projecting the Authority’s values beyond trade and logistics.

"Just as we pursue world-class standards in port performance, let’s apply the same ambition to sports. We are not settling for less. KPA must win,” said Capt. Ruto.

The meeting was held a day after the Managing Director announced KPA’s record-breaking cargo performance for 2025, with cargo volumes reaching historic highs.

This time, however, the focus shifted indoors  to athletes who, he said, were proudly representing both KPA and Kenya on regional and international stages.

Capt. Ruto congratulated the KPA women’s basketball team after they were crowned league champions, while the men’s basketball team finished runners-up ahead of the new season set to tip off in February.

He also praised the women’s team for their recent heroics in continental competitions, including notable performances in FIBA tournaments.

The KPA men’s volleyball team also finished runners-up in the league, with both volleyball and basketball squads registering strong performances in the local competitions.

“You are not just representing yourselves. Some of you come from across this region. You are carrying the region, the country and the KPA badge,” Capt. Ruto said, noting the presence of professional players from both East and West Africa within the teams.

He explained that KPA’s growing regional footprint in sports mirrors its expanding business reach, adding that the Authority is deliberately scaling beyond traditional Eastern African markets as part of its long-term strategic positioning.

Capt. Ruto emphasized that sports development aligns directly with KPA’s core objectives of efficiency, competitiveness and performance, warning that underperforming structures would not be protected.

"Performance, not sentiment, will guide our decisions,” he said, confirming the disbandment of the KPA football committee following poor results.

"KPA is known to be attractive. We have everything it takes to scout for the best,” he added. “I know you are the best, but the reality is we must keep raising the bar.”

The Managing Director assured athletes of full institutional backing, placing player welfare at the centre of his leadership agenda.

“When I make a promise, you know I always deliver because what is important to me is your welfare. I have therefore committed myself to fully support you,” he said.

While congratulating the teams on their achievements, Capt. Ruto challenged the volleyball squads to improve their results going forward, reiterating that silverware not participation remains the benchmark.

“As KPA, we perform at the port. We must also perform in sport,” he emphasized.

The meeting was attended by the teams’ leadership, led by Manager Administration Ms. Catherine Wangari, as KPA continues to position sports as both a performance platform and a soft power tool that reinforces its brand and community impact.