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.

Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Lands Mohammed Hussein has called for calm, sober dialogue in addressing the county’s long-standing land challenges, warning against emotional approaches to what he described as a highly sensitive issue.

Speaking during a consultative meeting organised by Sauti ya Makao, Hussein said land issues require wisdom and patience, noting that they have persisted for decades.

“Let us not handle land issues with emotions. We need sobriety and wisdom because this is a very sensitive issue that has faced us for a very long time,” he said.

Hussein noted that land disputes vary from one area to another and cannot be resolved using a blanket approach, citing Kwa Bulo and Mbuyu wa Chapa as examples.

"The problem at Kwa Bulo is not the same problem at Mbuyu wa Chapa, so we must face these issues with care. We cannot keep using the same formula we have used before because it has not brought solutions,” he stated.

The Lands CEC emphasized that dialogue and adherence to the law remain central to resolving land ownership disputes, urging residents to reject leaders who fuel divisions for personal gain.

"Solutions can only be found through dialogue. We must avoid people who divide us for their own gain, and we also have laws that govern land ownership which must be followed, even when people do not want to hear the truth,” Hussein said.

The meeting brought together land owners, key stakeholders, civil society organisations and Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki, as discussions also focused on emerging challenges such as houses built without land ownership.

Hussein said the county has taken proactive steps through the Ardhi Fund initiative.

"We have to acknowledge there is a problem that needs a solution that will make life easier for the coming generations. As a county government, we saw this problem and that is why we started the Ardhi Fund. We must either find solutions or continue blaming each other,” he said.

Coast leaders have rallied behind Mining Cabinet SecretaryvHassan Joho, endorsing him as the region’s political torchbearer and a natural successor to the late opposition leader Raila Odinga.

The leaders say Joho has demonstrated the experience, influence and national outlook needed to unite the Coast and effectively articulate its interests on the national stage in the post-Raila era.

They argue that Joho’s political journey, spanning grassroots activism to national leadership, places him in a strong position to consolidate ODM support at the Coast while building bridges across the country.

The endorsement signals a possible realignment of regional politics, with Coast leaders keen to have a strong, home-grown kingpin to negotiate power and development at the national level.

Former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has also openly thrown her weight behind Joho, calling on the Coast region to close ranks and claim its moment in national politics.

She said the Coast has consistently supported ODM and now deserves to produce the party’s top leadership, noting that Joho’s long-standing investment and loyalty to the party set him apart.

"As the people of the Coast, we now need to stand together. Coast has always supported ODM, and Joho has invested a lot in the party. It is now time that the focus and leadership of the party goes to Joho. Joho has all it takes,” Jumwa said.

She added that denying Joho the leadership would force the region to chart another political path, insisting, “We cannot champion Coast unity without a leader. We need a leader, and that leader is Joho. Let Baba’s inheritor come from the Coast, and that person is Hassan Joho.”

Kilifi North MP Ken Chonga echoed the sentiments, praising Joho’s central role in building ODM and urging him to step forward as the Coast’s chief negotiator in national politics.

Chonga said Joho’s contribution to the party is deeply embedded in its history and cannot be overlooked.

"You have played a big role in where ODM is today. The history of ODM will not be complete without your name. There is no one who builds a home and then leaves it to go to a neighbour,” Chonga said. “It is now your time, Joho. You must negotiate on our behalf as the people of the Coast region.”

Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu also voiced her support, urging Joho to embrace the leadership mantle without fear. She said the Coast region is firmly behind him and ready to follow his direction.

"We are now looking up to you. Let no one intimidate you. You have all it takes to be our leader, and we will follow what you tell us,” Mbeyu said.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi described Joho as a courageous and principled leader who has been mentored by Raila Odinga, saying he embodies the values of the ODM leader.

Mwinyi noted that Joho’s political bravery and loyalty to the party make him well-suited to guide the Coast in the next phase of national politics.

"Hassan Joho has proven to be a brave leader, and he is a good student of Raila Odinga,” Mwinyi said.

“Hassan Joho, you have the blessings of Raila Odinga. You are the only person Raila trusted enough to spend days sleeping at your house,” noted Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, Jacob Fikirini.

Likoni Mp Mishi Mboko noted “Hassan Joho is not an outsider in ODM, he is one of the party’s founders who sacrificed his life, resources, and time to build it. The time has now come for ODM to return the favour.”

The leaders were speaking during a special celebration to mark Raila Odinga’s birthday held in Kilifi, an event that doubled as a show of unity and a strong political signal on the Coast’s expectations in the party’s future leadership.

On a quiet Tuesday in Mombasa, the aroma of spiced rice and simmering tradition welcomed an unexpected guest as George Ruto, son of President William Ruto, stepped into Mangaboy Biriani and BBQ,accompanied by his friends, to share in the city’s beloved ritual,  a plate of biryani.

The modest eatery located in Majengo, known for its bold flavours and unpretentious charm, momentarily became a meeting point of power and the people, where steaming grains and slow-cooked meat spoke a language familiar to every coastal palate.

Lunch-hour calm quickly gave way to excitement as diners, surprised by the familiar face, struggled to contain their joy, each eager for a photo moment with George and his friends, turning an ordinary afternoon into a lively, shared memory etched in the warmth of Mombasa’s food culture.

The presence of George and his friends blended effortlessly into the rhythm of the joint, with laughter, casual conversation and the clatter of plates filling the space. For a moment, the boundaries between prominence and everyday life dissolved, replaced by the shared comfort of food and fellowship.

As the afternoon wore on, Mangaboy returned to its usual pace, but the memory lingered  a reminder that even in brief encounters, simple acts like sharing a meal can leave a lasting impression, turning a regular lunch hour into a story diners would recount long after the last grain of biryani was savoured.