Mombasa is set for a record-breaking celebration as Amina Khalid Ahmed, an award-winning baker prepares to bake an extraordinary 1,300 kilograms of cake for the 3rd Edition of the Minat Cake Festival.

Mrs Amina, 28 years old, is the founder of Minat Bakery & Cake Zone Academy, a bakery and baking school that offers marketplace knowledge for bakers and beginners in Mombasa. 

The festival comes at a special moment, exactly one week after Amina was honored by KNCCI as the Best Women-Led Business 2025 during their annual gala dinner. 

This year’s festival is especially significant as Amina marks 10 years in the baking business; a decade of excellence, creativity, and community impact. 

"I take this opportunity to thank KNCCI for this recognition. This award means a lot to me as I am marking my 10th anniversary in this business. I am also happy to announce that I will be doing over 1300 kgs of cakes for my event this Sunday,” said Mrs Ahmed at the award ceremony held at Pride Inn Paradise Hote in Shanzu, Mombasa.

The recognition has added greater momentum to a festival already known for its creativity, scale, and community connection.

The event will happen at Amwaj Hall in Tudor, on December, 14. Tickets for the event are already sold out. 

Over the past 10 years, she has trained hundreds of bakers, mentored fellow young entrepreneurs, and transformed the pastry industry at the Coast.

This year, 50 new students will graduate, bringing the total number of bakers trained by Amina to over 500.

The annual Cake Festival has grown into a highly anticipated gathering that blends culinary celebration with business networking.

A major highlight will be the Cake Buffet Experience, a unique offering where every guest enjoys a variety of delicious cakes, carefully crafted by Amina, her team, and partners. 

“Guests will also be treated to the vibrant cake runway, showcasing stunning cake designs displayed in a fashion-show style parade,” she said.

Beyond the culinary excitement, the festival will feature panel discussions focused on business growth, entrepreneurship, and industry opportunities, creating a space for learning, connection, and empowerment.

The 2025 edition has attracted strong backing from major corporate sponsors including Mombasa Maize Millers, Legacy Kenya, Absa Bank, Taqwa Sacco, KNCCI, Swahili Pot Hub, YEPI Africa, among others.

With over 500 guests expected, including business professionals, families, influencers, and industry leaders, the 3rd Minat Cake Festival promises to be the biggest edition yet, a powerful celebration of Amina’s journey, her impact, and the thriving baking community she continues to build.

Safaricom’s Shangwe @25 nationwide consumer promotion continues to reward customers across the country, with five more Kenyans becoming the latest millionaires.

Hannah Ngige from Komarock in Nairobi, Wellington Juma from Kisumu, Taala Chelanga from Elgeyo Marakwet, Elizabeth Wairimu from Thika, and Sheila Cheptoo from Bomet, each received Kes 1 million, bringing the total number of millionaires in the campaign to ten (10) since its launch last month.

In addition to the cash prize money, each winner also received an extra Kes 250,000 to support a community initiative of their choice.

Speaking during the award ceremony at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi, where Safaricom also gifted customers through the Green Box mechanic, 56-year-old Hannah Ngige, a mother of two and a resident of Komarock, expressed her gratitude to Safaricom, noting that the win came as a complete surprise, especially during these tough economic times.

“I sell second-hand items, so I make many transactions on M-PESA and Pochi, and I believe that really boosted my entries. I am extremely happy and grateful. I plan to invest part of this money back into my business, and I also want to start tomato farming in Kimana, Loitoktok, something I’ve always dreamed of but could never afford. For my community project, I would like to support Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, which is near where I live, by providing beddings for the maternity wing,” she said.

Another winner, 39-year-old Wellington Juma, a Clinical Officer at Chulaimbo Health Centre in Kisumu, said he was overwhelmed after receiving the congratulatory call and later confirming the win at the Safaricom Kisumu Shop.

"I had just returned from night shift when I received the call. At first, I thought it was fraud, but after confirmation text, I believed it. I plan to complete my house under construction and equip my small clinic. For the community project, I want to support a widows’ group in Ahero that hires tents and chairs to earn a living,” he said.

For 25-year-old poultry farmer and mother of one, Sheila Cheptoo from Bomet, the news came when she was unwell and resting.

"I had just finished feeding my chicken and gone back to bed when the call came. I didn’t believe it until the confirmation message arrived, my sickness even disappeared. I normally buy bundles and minutes through M-PESA, and I had accumulated some entries. I plan to expand my poultry business to large scale and also support my siblings’ school fees. For the community project, I will support Kitoben Primary Children’s Home with beddings and food,” she said.

Taala Chelanga, also 25 and a mother of two from Elgeyo Marakwet, was still in disbelief even when we spoke.

“I don't know how a million looks like, I have never held such an amount in my life. This is a miracle from Safaricom. I plan to buy land and build a home for my family,” she said.

Similarly, shopkeeper and mother of four, Elizabeth Wairimu from Thika, said the win was a miracle during a difficult season for her family.

"My four children rely on my small kiosk, and sometimes I wash clothes for people to earn extra income. I mainly use M-PESA to buy airtime and data bundles. I plan to buy a plot, build rental units to boost my income, and expand my kiosk. For my community project, I will support Twiga Primary School in Juja with textbooks because many children from humble backgrounds are often sent home for lacking them,” she said.

Beyond the individual winners, 10 micro and small businesses also won big.

Five won Bajaj tricycles to aid in business logistics such as transportation of stock and deliveries.

They include Sakifarm Limited- Nairobi, a grower and exporter of avocado, Millys The Redbeet Fresh Mart- Voi, a grocery store, Tito Busienei Koiyet- Eldoret, a farmer of Avocado, Macadamia and Livestock, Leonard Oongo- Kisumu, a retailer and Carrix Media Group Limited- Kiambu, an ICT company.

The other five won business stocks worth Kes 250,000 each to boost the growth of their businesses.

They include EBEE Mobility Kenya Limited- Homabay, an auto repair, Justus Kiprono Koros in Kericho Town, selling construction material, Robert Nyakundi Ayuka, an Insurance Broker in Kisii town, Taifa Sacco Limited- Nyeri and Federico Investments, an investment agency.

Moringa School limited, the European Union, and the United Nations Federal Credit were the winners under the large and medium enterprises receiving Kes 500,000 each to support a CSR project of their choice as part of spreading cheer during the festive season.

Since its launch, Shangwe @25 has rewarded thousands of customers daily and weekly with cash prizes, data bundles, devices, and business support tools.

Every week, customers win Kes 10,000, Kes 50,000, or Kes 100,000, contributing to more than 50,000 winners weekly.

Over the promotion period, more than 5 million customers are expected to win prizes worth Kes 250 million.

Customers can participate by transacting on M-PESA, sending money, paying with M-PESA, redeeming Bonga Points, or purchasing Safaricom products such as data bundles, voice bundles, digital services, or Home Fibre.

Merchants and M-PESA agents also qualify through Buy Goods, Pochi la Biashara, and transactions from Kes 1,000 and above.

A section of ODM women supporters in Mombasa has come out strongly to defend Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, urging party members to stop fighting her and acknowledge her position as the ODM national chairperson.

The group said Wanga’s leadership has been key in strengthening the party’s grassroots networks across the country.

Mombasa County ODM Secretary Betty Sharon emphasized that Wanga is the highest-ranking woman leader in the party and deserves full recognition.

"They should stop fighting Gladys Wanga and recognise her as the ODM party chairperson. She is the topmost woman leader in ODM and that must be respected. They should stop using Interior PS Raymond Omollo to fight Gladys Wanga,” said Sharon.

On her patlrt Fatma Mohammed, ODM party supporter, urged party members to uplift women in leadership.

“We need to support women leaders and not drag them down. There is a reason why the late Raila Odinga was comfortable with her being the chairperson and this should be respected. You cannot bring someone down just because of their agenda,” she said.

Mombasa-based ODM mobiliser Quinter Awira also defended Wanga, crediting her for strengthening the party and securing key victories.

“Gladys Wanga has been instrumental in building this party, so we cannot allow anyone to interfere. As party loyalists, we will stand with Gladys Wanga. We know all this noise is because of the victory she delivered in the just concluded Kasipul by-election,” said Awira.

Saphire Hotel officially kicked off the festive season with a vibrant Christmas tree lighting ceremony that attracted guests, families and partners from across Mombasa.

The annual event, held at the hotel’s courtyard, marked the beginning of holiday celebrations as the coastal city gears up for the December festivities.

This year’s ceremony was headlined by celebrated artist Jua Cali, who graced the occasion as the chief guest and thrilled attendees with an electrifying performance.

The event adopted a glamorous Grammy-themed red carpet, celebrating a musical and star-studded festive edition that added colour and elegance to the evening.

Hotel Managing Director Inaara Jiwan said the ceremony was not just about lighting a Christmas tree but celebrating joy, unity and the people who make the hotel what it is.

“Christmas is not about having a perfect tree, but having one that brings joy  and that is why today is special. It’s special because we are all here together. Tonight, we also celebrate our staff and the guests who show us unwavering loyalty,” she said.

The evening also featured a traditional cake-mixing session, symbolising togetherness and the spirit of giving as the festive season unfolds.

Increasing illegal fishing, plastic pollution and climate change have been cited as the main hin-drances to development of the blue economy in Africa.

Stakeholders in the Fourth Project Technical Committee meeting in Mombasa organized by Afri-can Union – Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources(AU-IBAR) said the first phase of the pro-ject meant to conserve aquatic biodiversity in African blue economy made a milestone and they are yearning to for the second phase to address a number of issues affecting fishfolks.

Kenya director of fisheries and aquaculture development Mahongah Joseph said the government has completed the blue economy strategy which will be launched to address over exploitation of resources and address pollution in the Indian Ocean and mitigate climate change.

Speaking during the conference in Mombasa at Travellers Beach and Spa, Mr Joseph said support of Au-IBAR has assisted Kenya to address a number of challenges including how women and youth will be incorporated in the blue economy project.

Mr Joseph said the project has significantly contributed to the enhancement of the Pol-icy Environment, Regulatory Frameworks and Institutional capacities of AU Member States and Regional Economic Communities saying Kenya has finalized the develop-ment of her Blue Economy Strategy and is set to have it launched very soon.

“This high-level steering committee meeting, coming after a four-year dedicated im-plementation of the project by AU-IBAR, presents a platform to bring out achieve-ments, lessons and emerging issues that will be replicated in our Member States. From the perspective of the Kenyan government, there is much to carry forward and replicate in the various spheres of our development,” said Mr Joseph.

He added, “I am pleased to convey the gratitude of the Kenyan Government to SIDA and AU-IBAR for the benefits the country received from the Project including formal operationalization of the joint management of trans-boundary marine conservation areas (TBCA) in the Indian Ocean shared between the Kenya and Tanzania.”

Dorcas Agyei, Head IUCN project officer Ghana said the project through AU-IBAR has managed to improve managing its marine resources and help in gender mainstreaming.

Mrs Agyei said the project has equipped African nations with the tools, knowledge, and col-laborative frameworks necessary to safeguard aquatic ecosystems while unlocking in-clusive and sustainable economic opportunities for our continent.

"Youth and women play a key role in developing the blue economy and developing capacity of com-munity members, mainly women and youth, on nature-based solutions for ecosystem restoration,” said Mrs Agyei.

AU-IBAR fishing management and blue economy expert Mohamed Seisay said AU-IBAR has been working with different countries in the first phase of the project to strengthen institutional capacity to protect ocean resources to fight illegal fishing, mitigate and promote gender streaming and the second phase which will begin next year will address issues raised in the first phase by different countries.

Mr Seisay also noted increasing habitat encroachment has also become a threat to marine resources and needs to be addressed.

The meeting was attended by more than 20 countries across Africa.

Mvita MP Mohammed Machele has urged education stakeholders in Old Town to unite in reviving the historic Serani Primary School, warning that the community cannot allow declining education standards to take root.

He said the institution, once a leading centre of excellence, must be restored to serve local children adequately.

Speaking during the official unveiling of 10 newly renovated classrooms at Serani Primary School, Machele raised concern over the mushrooming of private schools operating in cramped and unsafe residential spaces, describing them as “shanty schools run in bedroom houses.”

He called on the Ministry of Education and local authorities to immediately inspect such facilities and shut down any that fail to meet required standards.

"We cannot compromise our education standards. Education is very important to our people,” he said.

The MP also called on parents to increase enrollment in local public schools such as Serani, saying the success of the school’s revival depends on strong community participation.

"We must take our children back to our own schools. Let’s enroll more students at Serani so we can rebuild it together,” Machele urged, emphasizing that parents have a critical role in improving education standards and securing a better future for their children.

December 2, 2025 – Christmas came early for Kenya Airways passengers on Tuesday when Coca-Cola surprised travellers with gifts at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and during their flights.

Passengers bound for Mombasa were welcomed with Christmas-themed gift hampers, instantly filling the busy terminal with holiday cheer.

The festive spirit continued 31,000 feet above sea level aboard the Nairobi–Mombasa flight, where passengers received additional surprises mid-air. 

“We wanted to bring the magic of Christmas to a place where people don’t always expect it; the airport,” said Monique Katana, Director of Frontline Marketing at Coca-Cola East and Central Africa.

“During the festive season, many Kenyans are travelling to reunite with loved ones, making JKIA the perfect place to spark moments of joy. Together with Kenya Airways, we saw an opportunity to welcome passengers with warmth, kindness, and festive cheer from the moment they step into the terminal. This year’s Coca-Cola Christmas message reminds us that the world needs more Santas; people who give, care, and spread kindness in both big and small ways. Today’s activation brings that message to life.”

The surprises are part of Coca-Cola’s Christmas campaign, which includes the famous Coca-Cola Caravan travelling around Kenya to share joy, cheer and kindness.

The Caravan has already visited towns in Western Kenya, the Rift Valley and Nairobi, and is now moving to other parts of the country encouraging people to show kindness and connect with one another.

The campaign’s theme, “The World Needs More Santas,” aims to inspire Kenyans to spread goodwill through simple, meaningful actions during the holiday season.

This year, Coca-Cola is celebrating everyday people who show kindness in their communities.

Through the Caravan and local events, Coca-Cola wants to remind Kenyans that even a small act of care can make a big difference.

The festive season is a time to slow down, reconnect and enjoy special moments with the people and traditions we love.

The Caravan also highlights the warmth of Kenyan culture by giving out local goods such as soda, chapati flour, fish, chickens and goats. It is visiting markets, malls and neighbourhoods, turning ordinary places into moments of fun, colour and joy.

Kenyans are encouraged to share their own “Santa moments” on Coca-Cola’s online platforms; whether it is a simple gesture, a kind act or a shared smile — to help spread joy this Christmas season.

In a city pulsing with innovation and youthful energy, the launch of the Tuki-Jituma initiative brought together some of Kenya’s most influential voices in government, industry, and the creative spaceunited by a shared mission: to propel young people to the forefront of the country’s digital economy.

If there was one place in Nairobi where the future felt electric and within reach, it was this event. Creators, policymakers, development partners and media filled the room, ready to frame a new narrative around youth opportunity and digital empowerment.

The morning opened on a high note with a lively rap performance by Shanty Bobo, setting the tone for a conversation centered on talent, resilience, and the transformative power of creativity.

Key Stakeholder Insights

Citi Foundation:
MaryAnne Mwaura, Director of Public Affairs for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted Kenya’s persistent youth unemployment challenge, emphasizing that investing in young people is at the core of Citi’s mission. She underscored the Foundation’s commitment to unlocking pathways that allow youth to participate meaningfully in the modern workforce.

Girl Effect:
Jess Posner-Odede, CEO of Girl Effect, stressed the urgency of elevating young women within the digital space. She spoke passionately about the potential of the Girl Effect–Citi Foundation partnership to shift opportunities for girls in Kenya, ensuring they are not left behind as the digital economy expands.

Government:
Representing the State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, Ms. Rose Wanjohi discussed the creative sector’s rapidly increasing contribution to the national economy. She reaffirmed government efforts to strengthen the industry—from the Creative Economy Bill under review to expanded training, improved digital access, and the establishment of creative production hubs across the country.

Spotlight on Tuki-Jituma

Girl Effect Kenya Country Director Nancy Njoki unpacked the vision and ambition behind Tuki-Jituma. The initiative aims to equip young creators with practical skills, digital tools, and opportunities to thrive in an increasingly competitive and tech-driven landscape. She emphasized that the program is designed not just to support individual creators but to influence how the ecosystem supports youth participation and success.

A Panel Conversation Rooted in Reality

A diverse panel featuring government representatives, Girl Effect, creative industry leaders, and youth talent offered a candid conversation about the opportunities and barriers facing Kenyan youth.
From policy gaps and digital exclusion to the responsibility of industry players in nurturing emerging talent, panelists called for a more coordinated and intentional approach to youth development. The consensus: talent exists in abundance—what’s needed is structured support, investment, and equitable access.

A Unified Call to Action

The Tuki-Jituma launch concluded with a powerful shared message: Kenya’s young creators are ready. The ecosystem is evolving. And with stronger cross-sector partnerships like the collaboration between Citi Foundation and Girl Effect—real, lasting change is not only possible but already underway.

The future of Kenya’s creative and digital economy is bright. And with initiatives like Tuki-Jituma lighting the path, the next generation of creators may soon be leading the way.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has lauded the resumption of RwandAir flights to Mombasa, terming it a timely boost for the coastal region’s tourism and business sectors.

The airline officially reinstated its Mombasa on Monday , a move industry players say will enhance connectivity and offer travellers more affordable and flexible options.

KATA Vice Chairpeerson and Rwanda Air agent Charleston Travel Limited Managing Director, Hamisi Hassan, welcomed the move, noting that the reopening comes at a time when business and tourism activities are steadily picking up.

He said the airline plans to increase its frequencies to both Mombasa and Zanzibar, a shift expected to make travel more convenient and relatively cheaper for passengers.

"As the market opens up, we are confident that additional flights will ease movement, lower costs, and stimulate more travel across the region,” Hassan said.

He further urged the government to prioritise an open skies policy to attract more airlines and boost competition. They noted that policies encouraging more carriers to operate in Kenya will ultimately benefit travellers, promote tourism, and strengthen the aviation sector.

RwandAir has officially resumed its Mombasa flights, marking its return to the coastal city after a six-year break.

The airline has also unveiled a new Kigali–Zanzibar–Mombasa route, a strategic move aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and boosting tourism across East Africa.

The inaugural flight touched down on Monday afternoon, to a warm reception from aviation stakeholders in Mombasa.

Speaking during the launch, RwandAir Chief Commercial Officer Fouad Caunhye said the resumption signals renewed confidence in the coastal market and the airline’s commitment to reconnecting the region.

“For a start, we will be operating four flights weekly, but we are optimistic about the future and look forward to having daily flights. As you are aware, we had a small hitch in 2019 that forced us to stop our flights due to COVID-19, but we are now back,” the CEO noted.

He added that the new triangular route is more than a business decision,  it is about restoring relationships.

"We are not just reopening our route but reconnecting with our friends and colleagues,” he said, expressing hope that the service will enhance trade, tourism and people-to-people ties between Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya.

Kenya Airports Authority Chairman Caleb Kositany welcomed the move, noting that it aligns with ongoing government efforts to modernise airports across the country. He said the return of RwandAir is a strong vote of confidence in Mombasa’s aviation potential.

“We appreciate the move by RwandAir to come back, this cements the fact that Mombasa Airport is truly an international airport,” Kositany stated, adding that the authority will continue investing in facilities to support growing regional traffic.

On his part, Kenya Coast Tourism Association Chairman Victor Shitaka said the development is a major boost to the local tourism sector, noting that increased regional connectivity will translate into higher visitor numbers.

“This is exactly what we have been looking for. It is fantastic to have RwandAir back here ,it is a big boost to our tourism industry and it will certainly add numbers,” Shitaka said.