Ommy Dallah
MCK and IEBC Sign MoU to Enhance Ethical Election Coverage
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Nairobi to promote a professional and responsible media environment in preparation for Kenya’s 2027 general election and upcoming by-elections.
The agreement outlines a collaborative approach to support journalist training, media accreditation, and improved access to reliable electoral information.
IEBC Chairman Dr Erastus Ethekon described the MoU as a vital step towards ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building public confidence in the electoral process,” he said.
Adding “Hate speech, ethnic division, and intimidation have no place in our elections. The media has a crucial role in shaping elections positively, and we aim to support open and credible outcomes."
MCK CEO David Omwoyo reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to maintaining high journalistic standards.“This MoU represents our joint effort to encourage ethical, accurate, and responsible media coverage,” he said.
Adding “We are actively engaging stakeholders such as the Kenya Union of Journalists, Kenya Editors Guild, and Bloggers Association of Kenya to reinforce our support for free and fair elections.”
Mr Omwoyo stressed the importance of addressing misinformation and disinformation, particularly given the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and deepfakes. “As we approach 2027, tackling disinformation through enhanced media and digital literacy is essential to empower voters,” he said.
Commissioner Dr Alutalala Mukhwana, Chair of IEBC Communications and Publicity Committee, highlighted the importance of effective communication given the significance of elections. "We are committed to working closely with the media to share timely and accurate information with the public,” he said.
The MoU establishes a wide-ranging framework for collaboration, including training for journalists, independent content producers, and media practitioners on electoral processes, democracy, governance, and social development, with the IEBC providing expert facilitators.
It also encompasses capacity-building for IEBC Commissioners, staff, Returning Officers, and other personnel in media relations, crisis communication, and public speaking, alongside a streamlined accreditation process requiring journalists to present a valid MCK accreditation card or number to ensure professionalism.
To enhance access to electoral information, the partnership will establish media centres to provide journalists with supportive working environments and support joint voter and civic education initiatives to promote digital literacy and public awareness of the electoral process.
Further, a collaborative fact-checking platform will be set up to counter misinformation and disinformation related to elections, with further opportunities for cooperation to be explored as mutually agreed, marking a significant milestone in fostering credible elections and an informed electorate.
The MoU marks a significant milestone in ensuring Kenya’s media and electoral institutions collaborate effectively to support credible elections and an informed electorate.
KWS Receives Land Cruisers And Drones To Boost Conservation Operations
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has received a donation of five brand new Land Cruisers from WildLandscapes International and Re:wild through the support of Tsavo Trust, in a significant boost to the fight against poaching and protection of endangered species.
The vehicles will strengthen ranger patrols, enhance mobility across rugged terrains, and improve intelligence-led conservation operations.
“This launch symbolizes what is possible when partnerships are anchored on trust, shared values, and collective responsibility,” said KWS Chairman Walter Koipaton.
Adding“Kenya’s wildlife heritage is a national treasure and a global asset, and its protection requires joint effort by governments, conservation organizations, communities, and individuals.”
KWS Director General, Prof. Erustus Kanga, welcomed the support, noting that it comes at a time when the Service is transforming its operational capacity.
“When I first took office, one of our biggest challenges was the acute shortage of operational vehicles — rangers often had to patrol vast areas on foot,” said Prof. Kanga.
Adding“Two years down the line, however, we have turned a corner. Through internally generated revenue and the support of partners, we have acquired over 90 brand-new Land Cruisers. Slowly but surely, we are building a stronger, more mobile KWS — one that can meet the demands of modern conservation.”
Highlighting the immediate impact of the new assets, Prof. Kanga added:
“For our rangers, these vehicles mean quicker patrols in the rugged terrains of Tsavo, faster response to threats, and better protection for our rhinos, elephants, and other endangered species. For the Kenyan people, they mean stronger tourism, healthier ecosystems, and sustainable livelihoods.”
The donations will primarily support Tsavo Conservation Area, home to one of the last great strongholds of black rhinos and elephants.
They directly align with the KWS Strategic Plan 2024–2028, which prioritizes wildlife security, use of modern technologies, and expanded monitoring of endangered species.
The initiative also supports the Government of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which recognizes conservation as both a biodiversity safeguard and a driver of sustainable tourism, jobs, and community livelihoods.
Both leaders praised the role of partners — including WildLandscapes International, Re:wild, and Tsavo Trust — as well as the dedication of KWS staff and rangers on the frontlines.
David Houghton, CEO and Founder of WildLandscapes International, commended KWS’s leadership and commitment:
“Kenya Wildlife Service is widely regarded as Africa’s premier wildlife agency — a model of conservation success that inspires neighbors across the continent and beyond. Tsavo, with its vast wilderness and thriving populations of elephants, lions, wild dogs, and rhinos, is second to none.”
Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars Boys win their opening match against SD Huesca U23
The Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars Boys Team opened their first match with a 6-1 win over hosts SD Huesca U23 in a friendly match played yesterday at Huesca Academy Grounds in Spain.
Brian Aroka set the pace with an early strike to open the scoring, before Derrick Oketch doubled the score, giving the All-Stars a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into the break.
In the second half, Dennis Okumu stole the spotlight with a brilliant brace, while Felix Munguti added his name to the scoresheet to widen the gap.
David Wanyama’s relentless pressure forced an own goal from the hosts, before SD Huesca scored a consolation goal in the 89th minute through Nicolas Lopez.
“The boys competed very well, but one key area that still needs improvement is finishing. They created plenty of opportunities but failed to convert most of them, missing several clear chances despite securing the win. The score could have been much higher, but that’s all part of the learning process. We will continue to work on this area in future session,” said Gabriel Infante, coach Huesca Academy
"Playing against the Kenyan team was an amazing experience. I’m from the United States, and I haven’t had many chances to play against international teams, so this was truly special. They run a lot, are very physical and fast, and play with so much passion and freedom. What impressed me most is how they express themselves on the pitch, not bound by a rigid system, but playing with creativity and heart. They pushed me hard, made me run, and really made me sweat.” Alex Rivas, SD Huesca U23 Players
The boys’ friendly tournament marked the second day of the ongoing Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars elite training camp in Spain.
In the morning, the players and their coaches attended masterclasses before proceeding to morning training sessions.
“ The game was enjoyable, and I really had a good time. We overpowered our opponents with our pace and made them work hard, really making them sweat. However, our finishing was a bit lacking despite the win. That’s an area we’re determined to sharpen, and I believe by the time we leave here, we will have made real progress.” Said Derrick Oketch, Chapa Dima All-Star Player
From the Girls Team, Hellen Mito and Martha Simiyu Nafula were selected to join the SD Huesca Senior Ladies Team for their evening program.
The duo took part in a gym session with the senior squad before heading to the pitch for field training later in the evening.
Today, the team is expected to visit Podoactiva, the Zaragoza Centre, and the Aragonese Federation before playing friendly matches in the evening.
The Chapa Dimba All-Stars boys will take on Valdefierro CF, while the girls’ team will face Zaragoza CFF.
TUM Launches First Medical School In The Region (Coast).
The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has marked a historic milestone with the launch of the first School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Leaders present during the launch led by County Governor Abdulswamad Nassir hailed the move describing the moment as a breakthrough for the Coast.
“This is a historic day for Mombasa. We have opened doors for our youth and secured the future of healthcare in our county. Each sub-county will have two top students on full scholarship, who will remain to serve our people,”
Nassir also revealed that the county government has sponsored 12 students to study medicine at the new school.
Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki called on the youth from Mombasa county to take advantage of the new school to pursue their careers.
"We now have our own school of medicine here, you do not need to travel all the way to Nairobi or other areas, soi my call to you is take full advantage of this new school. As your leaders we are ready to help you where we can." said Faki.
On her part Professor Marleen Temmerman, from Ghent University in Belgium who are part of the funders of the project, commended the National and County governments for their cooperation towards achieving the project.
“This year, 60 students began their six-year journey to become doctors, 12 of them supported by the governor’s scholarships. With partnerships between TUM, Ghent University, and the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, students will gain world-class training and hands-on experience in both hospitals and community facilities,” Prof. Temmerman said.
Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib commended the university's management for the achievement noting that the move now puts Mombasa in the national market.
"I remember very well that sometimes back I raised an issue in Parliament on why we do not have a medicine school, I have also had several discussions with the Vice Chancellor concerning the same, it gives me a lot of joy to witness this happening." noted Badi.
This new achievement makes TUM one of only thirteen universities in Kenya chartered to offer medicine.
BAKE Announces the Launch of the BAKE Awards 2025
The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) has announce the official launch of the BAKE Awards 2025.
The launch coincides with the opening of the submission phase of the competition, which begins today.
In its ninth year, the BAKE Awards has evolved from a competition exclusively for bloggers to a celebration of all facets of online content creation.
The awards now recognize and honour exceptional creators on various platforms, including blogs, social media channels like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter, as well as podcasting platforms such as Spotify and YouTube.
The BAKE Awards 2025 will kick off with the submission period, accepting entries in various categories from September 9th to October 8th, 2025.
Following this, a panel of judges will select the top five nominees in each category, who will then be put to a public vote.
The winners will be celebrated and announced in December.
The official timeline for the BAKE Awards 2025 is as follows:
Submissions Phase: September 10th to October 8th, 2025
Judging Phase: October 9th to October 30th, 2025
Online Voting: November 3rd to December 2nd, 2025
Winners’ Announcement: December 6th, 2025
Submissions will be accepted in 23 distinct categories.
A creator can only be submitted in one category, with the exception of new creators (those who started between January 2024 and December 2024), who are eligible for both the New Creator category and one other category that best suits their content.
"We are incredibly proud to see how the BAKE Awards have grown over the past nine years,” said Kennedy Kachwanya, BAKE chairperson.
Adding “The awards are a testament to the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of digital content creation in Kenya. We are excited to once again honor the remarkable talent that exists across a diverse range of platforms.”
To submit creators for the BAKE Awards 2025, please visit bakeawards.co.ke/submit.
Kenya Strengthens Patient Safety Systems To Protect Newborns And Children
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to patient safety as a cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage.
Speaking at the Worl patient safety Day symposium hosted by the Aga Khan University Hospital, Public Health Princcipal secretary Mary Muthoni noted that the government has made this ppossible through rolling out key initiatives including the Community Health Strategy, the Primary Healthcare Fund, and the electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) to enhance early detection, prevent medical errors, and strengthen accountability across the health system.
Muthoni, emphasized the need to integrate patient safety from childbirth through early childhood. She acknowledged progress made in reducing child mortality but cautioned that preventable causes such as birth asphyxia, prematurity, and infections continue to pose serious challenges.
"Patient safety is not a checklist but a shared value,” she said, calling for stronger collaboration among healthcare workers, institutions, and partners to ensure safe and quality care.
The Principal Secretary further affirmed that safeguarding newborns and children reflects the true strength of Kenya’s health system and represents a vital step toward the full realization of Universal Health Coverage.
Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars Kick Off Spanish Tour with Elite Training and Friendlies
The Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars team officially kicked off their weeklong Spanish training camp on Monday with world-class football sessions and friendly matches against SD Huesca’s Academy at the club’s training facilities.
In the morning, the team was welcomed and taken through an orientation of the facilities before attending masterclasses.
They later joined Huesca’s U23 Academy for an intensive training session, and in the afternoon, visited the historic Casco Histórico de Huesca for a cultural experience.
The players underwent through intensive training sessions led by SD Huesca’s top coaches, focusing on tactical drills, technical ball work, fitness, and mental preparation.
The session exposed the All-Stars to modern football technics aimed at sharpening their skills and equipping them for both local and international opportunities in their football careers.
“My focus was on teaching them how to play faster, keeping the ball moving and ensuring that every player adjusts their movement accordingly. It’s not something you master overnight, but they are already grasping the concept. Their progress so far is impressive, and I believe they have what it takes to grow into top-level players,” said Juan Ramon Fung, Coach for U23 SD Huesca C
Later In the evening session, the All-Stars Girls team played against SD Huesca U13 boys team in a friendly match that ended in a 2-2 draw.
These matches not only tested their technical and physical abilities but also offered valuable lessons in teamwork, positioning, and game management against a professional academy setup.
“Facing the U13 boys’ team was a good challenge, and I picked up a lot both from the training session and the match. As a striker, you have to be sharp inside the box, making quick decisions, taking fewer touches, and finishing chances without hesitation. The week is just beginning, and I am eager to pick up even more in the sessions to come.” Said Martha Nafula, All Star player.
Today, the team will continue with masterclass sessions and training before the boys’ side faces SD Huesca’s U23 team in the evening for a friendly match.
The international trip is part of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season 4 program, which aims to nurture grassroots football talent, provide exposure, and create pathways for young players to pursue professional football careers.
The week-long tour in Spain includes training camps, cultural exchanges, and more friendlies
British High Commission Hosts Seven Start ups From the UK Funded Green Business Building (GBB) Accelerator For Pitching
The British High Commission and Manufacturing Africa hosted an Investor Night to spotlight seven innovative Kenyan startups from the second cohort of the UK-funded Green Business Building (GBB) Accelerator Programme.
The event provided a platform for the startups to pitch their green manufacturing solutions to potential investors, following three months of intensive business development training and mentorship.
This is rooted in the new Kenya-UK strategic partnership, built on shared values and bold ambition and set apart by the exceptional talents of our people.
The featured startups - Bio Food, eBee, Eco-Charge, Green Stem, ikwetta, Irri-Hub, and Pyrogen - presented their business models to a room of venture capitalists, impact investors, and ecosystem stakeholders.
The pitching session marked a key milestone in their journey, aimed at unlocking funding and strategic partnerships.
Speaking at the event, the Acting British High Commissioner, Dr Ed Barnett, said:
“Kenya’s green manufacturing sector is bursting with innovation and potential. Through programmes like the Green Business Building Accelerator, the UK is proud to support Kenyan entrepreneurs who are driving climate-smart solutions and harnessing technology to build a more sustainable future."
“This accelerator programme will soon be complemented by the Green Manufacturing Platform, an investment solution launched with UK funding, tailored to the needs of rapidly scaling green businesses run by Kenya’s ambitious tech entrepreneurs. Kenya and the UK are working hard to go far, together.”
Thomas Pascoe, Manufacturing Africa program Team Leader said, "The Green Business Building accelerator is an incredibly rigorous programme which takes a set of high potential businesses and partners with them to really refine their business strategy and approach to investors over a four-month period. "
Adding "We are excited that the second cohort will have a chance to connect with the investor ecosystem in Nairobi, and we strongly believe that supporting them at this early stage will drive job creation, tax revenue and Kenya’s green industrial leadership position well into the future.”
Mary Nyambura, Founder & CEO, Eco-Charge said "The GBB accelerator offered clear, actionable insights and valuable connections. It was a powerful catalyst for refining strategy and gaining momentum. It has helped us understand what kind of investments we need, right investors to approach and how to approach them”
The evening also saw the GBB Accelerator welcome its third cohort , placing a strong emphasis on women-owned and women-led businesses.
The six selected startups -Takazuri, Grounded, TenX, Cinch, Nasaru Naturals, and Frozen Isle - will begin their formal mentorship journey under the programme, chosen for their potential to scale and attract investment.
The GBB Accelerator offers tailored strategic and operational support, leadership development, and access to premier investor networks.
Through this initiative, the UK government is supporting Kenya’s transition to a green economy, helping unlock new industries that drive inclusive growth and trade.
Research by Manufacturing Africa indicates that green manufacturing opportunities in Kenya could generate $2-4 billion in annual revenues by 2030, creating over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Car & General Hosts TVS Family Fun Day
Car & General held a TVS Family Fun Day on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the Goan Institute in Nairobi.
The event, themed "Together we Progress," brought together over 35 families, enabling them to enjoy a fun-filled day with the Car & General staff and the TVS Motors team from India.
The event brought families of TVS motorcycles riders together, building a deeper connection and stronger trust while celebrating the TVS brand.
The day was meant to acknowledge the boda boda families in shaping the success of the riders, leading to that of the family at large.
Car & General is the sole distributor of TVS motorcycles in East Africa. As leader of the two-wheeler mobility, TVS bikes have played an integral role in transforming millions of lives in Kenya - employment creation and providing reliable last mile connectivity.
Naomi Wafula: Inspiring A New Generation Of Female Golfers To Dream Bigger
Naomi Angela Wafula, or simply call her ‘Naomi’, is breaking barriers on Kenya’s fairways.
She is the first female golfer in Kenya to be selected to join the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK).
Already, she’s made history, but for her, turning pro was just the beginning.
Now, she’s aiming even higher, and dreaming bigger than ever before.
Her focus has now shifted to the international tours, where she hopes to not only compete with the world’s best but also elevate Kenyan golf.
Her eyes are on prestigious global events, and she is determined to fly the Kenyan flag high.
“I want to play on the international tours. I want to play on the Ladies European Tour. Go to Q-School. So, for me, achieving my first goal and dream of being the first woman professional on the PGK is just a path,” says Naomi.
At just 27 years old, Naomi is not just Kenya’s second-ever female professional golfer, but also the first woman to join the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK), and she is redefining the course of women’s golf in East Africa.
Already, she has made a significant milestone in her golfing career.
Currently, she is in Rwanda for her first international, where she is showcasing her talent on the global level.
This being her first international tournament as a professional golfer, her participation not only marks a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Kenyan golf as a whole.
Back at home, in August, she made her debut in the women’s field in the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, which resumed with a double-header in Mombasa.
She was the only professional woman on the start list, and she was the highlight in the tournament dominated by men.
The tour staged its third leg between August 4 - 6, 2025, at the Nyali Golf & Country Club, which was followed by the fourth leg from August 9 – 11, at the Diamonds Leisure on the South Coast.
The Sunshine Development Tour is the only golf tour in East Africa that offers Official World Golf Ranking points, which are mandatory for Olympic qualification and a clear pathway to one of the world’s top golf tours, the Sunshine Tour.
“With these two tours ongoing right here, my goal is to participate in as many as I can and hopefully earn the opportunity to play on the Sunshine Tour in South Africa or go to Q-School in Europe,” she says.
Her journey began far from the pristine greens of Vipingo Ridge.
Raised in Kitale, Naomi was introduced to the sport by her aunt Rose Naliaka at the age of six. Rose was a pioneering golfer herself.
“My aunt Rose Naliaka took me from the village and brought me to Nairobi,” Naomi recalls. “Auntie Rose taught me tennis, swimming, and eventually golf. I would follow her to tournaments, and that’s how it all started.”
She says life in Kitale was not easy, as her mother was a seamstress and at times, she couldn’t take care of all four children at the same time.
She points out that why her aunt Rose brought her to Nairobi and raised her.
At school, Naomi was an all-round athlete, but she chose to stick with golf after graduating.
However, her rise was far from smooth. At one point, she stood on the streets of Kitale cooking and selling chips to make ends meet.
“Along my golf journey, I’ve had amazing people support me. I could not have done this alone, and I just thank God for sending all the people he has sent to me to be able to help me – those who paid my school fees, those who have supported me in travelling for tournaments,” says Naomi.
At one point, she went back to Kitale and started cooking and selling chips. “I was also very business-minded, and I wanted to have my own business,” she recalls.
One day, while in Kitale, she got a call from a senior official from a betting company who offered to start sponsoring her golf career.
This changed things, and she moved back to Nairobi.
“From there, I started playing golf again. My game was still good. One day I got invited to play in the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, part of the Ladies European Tour, at Vipingo Ridge,” she recalls.
After her performance at the event, the team at Vipingo Ridge recognised her potential and offered her the opportunity to stay there, giving her free access to training facilities so she could pursue her dream of turning professional.
After joining Vipingo Ridge, she received significant support for her golfing career, including free access to training facilities.
Since 2022, she has been training at Vipingo Ridge, which has helped her improve her game.
In 2023, she became the first female Kenyan to make the cut at the Ladies European Tour, which led to more invitations to play in Europe.
She spent three months in Europe, which had a big impact on her career and solidified her goal to turn professional and play on tour.
She then returned to Kenya, and she has been training at Vipingo Ridge.
At Vipingo Ridge, Naomi has been training intensively to improve her golf game.
At Vipingo, she has free access to the training range and golf course and is using advanced equipment like the G-squad machine to analyse her performance data.
She has been receiving coaching from PGA Pro David Marsh, who helps her with her swing and provides drills.
Additionally, she also follows a rigorous gym routine five days a week to build strength and maintain her fitness.
According to her, the support and facilities at Vipingo Ridge have played a significant role in her development as a professional golfer.
“This has a very big impact on my golfing career at the moment, as now I’m competing with the best at the highest level,” she says.
Nothing comes on a silver platter, and for Naomi, she is facing challenges which include the high costs associated with travelling for golf tournaments and the difficulty of securing sponsorships.
This is because she joined the professional tour later than others who already had sponsors.
However, she has been able to manoeuvre these challenges by maintaining a strong mentality and a positive outlook and always looking at things positively despite difficulties.
She says she believes that if she continues playing and performing well, sponsors will eventually come.
Despite these challenges, Naomi finds joy in travelling, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures, which helps her stay motivated.
“Now that I have joined the tour, the PGK Tour, I believe that sponsors will come in, because I have just joined after the other professionals. They had already gotten their sponsors, but I joined later than that. So, I believe if I continue playing, I’ll have sponsors coming in. Otherwise, we’re travelling all the time to different places, and it’s quite expensive.”
To her, what she has been through all along is amazing. “My golf journey has been amazing, full of wins, full of challenges, and just like any other work, the challenges will always be there. But for me, the strongest strength I have, I’ll say, is my mentality. I have a very strong mentality, and I always look at things positively, despite any challenges,” says Naomi.
Her advice to young people is to keep dreaming, maintain a positive mindset, appreciate what they have, and enjoy the process of working toward their goals.
“There are so many girls out there with talent, and I will just tell them to keep dreaming, keep having a positive mindset. You might not have everything you need to make you what you want to be, but for now, work with what you have. Appreciate everything that you have, take it there at a time and always enjoy the process of working towards your goal. Enjoy the process. And that’s where the magic happens,” she concludes.

