The Board of the Financial Inclusion Fund (Hustler Fund) has announced the appointment of  Henry Tanui as the Chief Executive Officer for a renewable term of three years.

Mr. Tanui takes over from Ms. Elizabeth Nkukuu, who has been heading the Fund since its inception.

Mr. Tanui is an experienced financial services professional with over 24 years in the industry.

He has broad expertise in Risk Management, MSME Lending, Business Lending, Personal Lending, Mortgages, and International Trade Finance.

He has held senior roles at Ecobank, Consolidated Bank of Kenya, and the Industrial and Commercial Development Bank of Kenya.

His extensive background has given him a deep understanding of Kenya’s economic development and the vital part that financial services play in promoting inclusive growth.

Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives & MSME Development, Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya, commended the role of the Fund in the country’s socio-economic agenda.

“The Financial Inclusion Fund has already provided affordable credit to more than 26 million Kenyans. As we look ahead, I encourage the Hustler Fund team to enhance their efforts in promoting timely repayments to improve credit scores and to expand financial literacy programmes that support Kenyans in succeeding.”

Principal Secretary for MSME Development, Susan Mangeni, highlighted the Fund’s impact in enhancing financial inclusion.

“Through the Hustler Fund, over 9 million Kenyans now have improved credit histories and are more capable of accessing financing from mainstream financial institutions. We extend our gratitude to Ms. Elizabeth Nkukuu for her steady leadership in establishing the Fund and guiding it through its early stages.”

Speaking about his appointment, Mr. Tanui expressed optimism about the Fund’s future.

“The Hustler Fund has already proven to be catalytic in supporting livelihoods and economic growth. My focus will be on reengineering our collection processes, strengthening financial literacy, and building ecosystem lending channels that expand our reach and deepen our impact.”

The outgoing CEO, Elizabeth Nkukuu, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve and congratulated her successor. 

"It has been a privilege to serve Kenyans by establishing and launching the Hustler Fund. I am proud of the progress we have made in reaching millions of households and MSMEs. I warmly congratulate Mr. Tanui and wish him every success in expanding the Fund’s impact in the years ahead.”

The Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars Team is set for their international training camp in Spain.

The team, made up of 25 of the most outstanding players will depart Nairobi on Saturday evening, 6th September, for Huesca for a week-long football training camp that promises to elevate their football careers.

In total, 32 players were selected for the All-Star squad. While 25 will travel to Spain, the others have already achieved significant milestones, receiving call-ups to various national and international clubs.

These call-ups underscore the incredible talent that Safaricom Chapa Dimba continues to unearth, nurture, and propel onto the global stage.

“Chapa Dimba has always been about opening doors of opportunity for Kenyan youth, and today, we are proud to see that vision come alive in an even bigger way. Not only are these young players traveling to Spain to sharpen their skills, but many of their teammates have also earned call-ups to top national and international clubs." Said Dr  Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom C.E.O.

Adding "To see players like Austin Odongo, Emily Moranga, Khamis Nyale break into professional clubs, while others take this next big step in Spain, fills us with immense pride. This is the heartbeat of Safaricom Chapa Dimba: empowering our youth, transforming their lives, and showcasing Kenyan football talent to the world,” 

During their stay in Spain, the team will immerse themselves in a series of enriching activities.

They will test their skills against Huesca’s Youth Academy, learn from professional players through expert-led masterclasses, and train at the world-class facilities of the Base Aragonesa de Fútbol, S.D. Huesca’s modern sports city.

The players will also attend a high-energy Segunda Division match between SD Huesca and Málaga CF, alongside cultural experiences such as sightseeing and city tours.

"Visiting Spain and experiencing world-class football has always been a dream, and now it is becoming a reality. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity, learn as much as possible, and use the lessons to grow my football career,” said Swaumu Masungo, Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars player.

The All-Star team will be captained by Stanley Waswa of Ndura Sports Academy (boys) and Manda Sunira Were of Highland Royals Moi Girls (girls).

Accompanying the players are coaches Chrispine Odindo of Plateau Queens and Evans Oketch of Obunga FC, together with representatives from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

Popular Coast based radio presenter Toto Bomba real name Fatuma Mwangala is dead.

According to close sources the presenter died on Tuesday morning.

"She has been unwell for sometime, but she got better yesterday and even reported to work, But sadly she did not wake up after gong to bed on Monday evening" said a former colleague Mariam Gao.

Before her death, the late Fatuma worked for JAC fm, a community radio station in Kwale. She previously worked for Kaya fm and Msenangu fm.

She will be laid to rest on Wednesday afternoon at her home in Kwale.

A new literacy paper calling for urgent evidence-based action to address gaps in learning has been highlighted at an education conference in Embu.

The paper which was previewed ahead of its official launch later in the year at the ongoing 6th Biennial Education Evidence for Action (EE4A) and EDF-Kenya Conference at the University of Embu recommends immediate translation of evidence-based information into government policies for implementation in classrooms to address global learning poverty.

The literacy paper has been produced by the What Works Hub for Global Education (WWHGE), with the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP) and the British Council as core partners.

It highlights that:

• Foundational literacy is essential – without it, children are locked out of future learning opportunities.

• We know what works – structured pedagogy, teacher professional development, and targeted interventions can dramatically improve outcomes at scale.

• Partnerships accelerate impact – by linking global evidence with local policy and classroom practice, governments and partners can achieve sustainable learning gains.

EE4A (Education Evidence for Action) is a biennial conference and initiative that bridges the gap between education research and decision-making in the education sector, with Zizi AfriqueFoundation playing a key role as the organizer and host of the EE4A conference, where education stakeholders and researchers gather to deliberate on critical issues and inform policy and practice. 

The What Works Hub for Global Education is an international partnership, funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Gates Foundation, working out how to effectively implement education reforms at scale.

This collaborative initiative comprises 12 strategic partners and 43 consortium partners, convened by the Blavatnik School of Government, the programme’s host institution.

At the conference, WWHGE convened education leaders in a session titled “Strengthening the Evidence Ecosystem: Building a Roadmap for Education Reform in Kenya.”

The Hub emphasised its mission: to take rigorous global evidence, such as the GEEAP Literacy Paper, and ensure it moves into government policy and ultimately into classrooms.

Through collaboration with ministries, teacher training institutions, and local organisations, WWHGE is helping countries translate recommendations into practical reforms that directly shape how teachers teach and how learners acquire foundational skills.

The British Council’s Learning and Life for Global Education (LL4GE) initiative also featured at the conference. LL4GE integrates literacy, language, and life skills to provide young people with both academic and social competencies, equipping them for future employment, resilience, and active citizenship.

Together, WWHGE (with GEEAP), the British Council, and LL4GE represent a powerful synergy: advancing literacy through both policy-to-classroom reforms and holistic learner development.

The What Works Hub for Global Education, working with GEEAP, the British Council, and other partners, will now take forward the Literacy Paper’s recommendations by embedding evidence into national reform agendas and supporting governments to implement them in classrooms at scale.

This marks the next phase of WWHGE’s mission: ensuring that every child, regardless of context, benefits from proven strategies to acquire foundational literacy and learning skills.

A new literacy paper calling for urgent evidence-based action to address gaps in learning has been highlighted at an education conference in Embu.

The paper which was previewed ahead of its official launch later in the year at the ongoing 6th Biennial Education Evidence for Action (EE4A) and EDF-Kenya Conference at the University of Embu recommends immediate translation of evidence-based information into government policies for implementation in classrooms to address global learning poverty.

The literacy paper has been produced by the What Works Hub for Global Education (WWHGE), with the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP) and the British Council as core partners.

It highlights that:

• Foundational literacy is essential – without it, children are locked out of future learning opportunities.

• We know what works – structured pedagogy, teacher professional development, and targeted interventions can dramatically improve outcomes at scale.

• Partnerships accelerate impact – by linking global evidence with local policy and classroom practice, governments and partners can achieve sustainable learning gains.

EE4A (Education Evidence for Action) is a biennial conference and initiative that bridges the gap between education research and decision-making in the education sector, with Zizi AfriqueFoundation playing a key role as the organizer and host of the EE4A conference, where education stakeholders and researchers gather to deliberate on critical issues and inform policy and practice. 

The What Works Hub for Global Education is an international partnership, funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Gates Foundation, working out how to effectively implement education reforms at scale.

This collaborative initiative comprises 12 strategic partners and 43 consortium partners, convened by the Blavatnik School of Government, the programme’s host institution.

At the conference, WWHGE convened education leaders in a session titled “Strengthening the Evidence Ecosystem: Building a Roadmap for Education Reform in Kenya.”

The Hub emphasised its mission: to take rigorous global evidence, such as the GEEAP Literacy Paper, and ensure it moves into government policy and ultimately into classrooms.

Through collaboration with ministries, teacher training institutions, and local organisations, WWHGE is helping countries translate recommendations into practical reforms that directly shape how teachers teach and how learners acquire foundational skills.

The British Council’s Learning and Life for Global Education (LL4GE) initiative also featured at the conference. LL4GE integrates literacy, language, and life skills to provide young people with both academic and social competencies, equipping them for future employment, resilience, and active citizenship.

Together, WWHGE (with GEEAP), the British Council, and LL4GE represent a powerful synergy: advancing literacy through both policy-to-classroom reforms and holistic learner development.

The What Works Hub for Global Education, working with GEEAP, the British Council, and other partners, will now take forward the Literacy Paper’s recommendations by embedding evidence into national reform agendas and supporting governments to implement them in classrooms at scale.

This marks the next phase of WWHGE’s mission: ensuring that every child, regardless of context, benefits from proven strategies to acquire foundational literacy and learning skills.

A new literacy paper calling for urgent evidence-based action to address gaps in learning has been highlighted at an education conference in Embu.

The paper which was previewed ahead of its official launch later in the year at the ongoing 6th Biennial Education Evidence for Action (EE4A) and EDF-Kenya Conference at the University of Embu recommends immediate translation of evidence-based information into government policies for implementation in classrooms to address global learning poverty.

The literacy paper has been produced by the What Works Hub for Global Education (WWHGE), with the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP) and the British Council as core partners.

It highlights that:

• Foundational literacy is essential – without it, children are locked out of future learning opportunities.

• We know what works – structured pedagogy, teacher professional development, and targeted interventions can dramatically improve outcomes at scale.

• Partnerships accelerate impact – by linking global evidence with local policy and classroom practice, governments and partners can achieve sustainable learning gains.

EE4A (Education Evidence for Action) is a biennial conference and initiative that bridges the gap between education research and decision-making in the education sector, with Zizi AfriqueFoundation playing a key role as the organizer and host of the EE4A conference, where education stakeholders and researchers gather to deliberate on critical issues and inform policy and practice. 

The What Works Hub for Global Education is an international partnership, funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Gates Foundation, working out how to effectively implement education reforms at scale.

This collaborative initiative comprises 12 strategic partners and 43 consortium partners, convened by the Blavatnik School of Government, the programme’s host institution.

At the conference, WWHGE convened education leaders in a session titled “Strengthening the Evidence Ecosystem: Building a Roadmap for Education Reform in Kenya.”

The Hub emphasised its mission: to take rigorous global evidence, such as the GEEAP Literacy Paper, and ensure it moves into government policy and ultimately into classrooms.

Through collaboration with ministries, teacher training institutions, and local organisations, WWHGE is helping countries translate recommendations into practical reforms that directly shape how teachers teach and how learners acquire foundational skills.

The British Council’s Learning and Life for Global Education (LL4GE) initiative also featured at the conference. LL4GE integrates literacy, language, and life skills to provide young people with both academic and social competencies, equipping them for future employment, resilience, and active citizenship.

Together, WWHGE (with GEEAP), the British Council, and LL4GE represent a powerful synergy: advancing literacy through both policy-to-classroom reforms and holistic learner development.

The What Works Hub for Global Education, working with GEEAP, the British Council, and other partners, will now take forward the Literacy Paper’s recommendations by embedding evidence into national reform agendas and supporting governments to implement them in classrooms at scale.

This marks the next phase of WWHGE’s mission: ensuring that every child, regardless of context, benefits from proven strategies to acquire foundational literacy and learning skills.

Cummins C&G, which specialises in the sales, service and support of Cummins engines and power equipment (generators, alternators, turbochargers and filtration systems) across East Africa, has officially opened its state-of-the-art workshop in Kenya.

Launched on Monday, August 25, 2025 by Erick Sangoro, the Managing Director of Cummins C&G, Vijay Gidoomal, the Chief Executive Officer of Car & General (Kenya) Plc and Ignacio Gonzalez, the Executive Director of Cummins Powergen Markets EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India and Africa), the engine rebuild centre is located along Lusaka Road in Nairobi.

Speaking at the launch, the CEO of C&G, Vijay Gidoomal said, “In the region, the Cummins’ brand is strengthened by Cummins technical expertise and C&G’s local market knowledge and network. This has enabled us keep our mantra of making customers smile in every street, every town.”

The workshop features a dynamometer test, a generator performance test that involves a genset being connected to a dyno load bank that simulates real working conditions and measures how the generator performs under different loads including output power, voltage and frequency stability, fuel consumption and efficiency, cooling system performance, exhaust emissions.

The Managing Director of Cummins C&G, Erick Sangoro said, “Dyno testing verifies the rated capacity, ensures genset reliability and safety, validates designs and repairs and detects issues like over-heating, unstable voltage, poor fuel efficiency and mechanical faults early. This ensures compliance with standards, builds customer confidence and reduces risk of field failure by catching defects before deployment.”

Apart from general generator repairs, engine rebuilds will also be undertaken here.

This is the restoration of a worn-out or damaged generator engine to a close to new condition. Rebuilt engines run reliably and efficiently. The centre will also be used as a technical training facility for customers.

On his part, Ignacio Gonzalez the Executive Director of Cummins Powergen Markets EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India and Africa) said, “We are happy about the relationship between C&G and Cummins Inc that goes beyond transactions and focuses on collaboration. This has enabled us ensure that our customers remain happy.”

Car & General was appointed the Cummins distributor in 2006. In 2017, the Cummins C&G 50:50 joint venture was formed with Cummins Inc.in 2023, C&G re-acquired the 50 per cent stake from Cummins Inc, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary once again. 

Car & General is a diversified distributor of motorcycles, three wheelers, tractors, forklifts, generators, earthmovers among other equipment in East Africa.

It represents Cummins in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia and Seychelles.

Hundreds of Kenyan gaming enthusiasts gathered on Saturday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for the thrilling 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention.

The event transformed the venue into an electrifying hub of energy, skill, and creativity, as gamers competed and showcased their talent in an immersive high-energy environment.

As part of its support, Safaricom powered the gaming experience with 5G network connectivity, giving participants a chance to experience firsthand the speed, low latency, and reliability of the network.

This ensured smooth gameplay and seamless online interactions, a critical component for competitive and social gaming alike.

“We are proud to partner with Otamatsuri to power this year’s convention with our 5G network. This is not just about showcasing speed and reliability, it is about enabling experiences, connecting communities, and supporting the growth of gaming culture in Kenya.” Said, Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom PLC.  

Beyond gaming, the event celebrated diverse aspects of pop culture including movies, TV shows, music, technology, cosplay, performances, and merchandise exhibitions.

 “The turnout this year has been incredible, with an overwhelming number of gamers joining us to experience the event and showcase their talent. I would like to thank our key sponsors, especially Safaricom, for their strong support in powering this event with 5G. The speed and stability of their network has been a game-changer for our competitors. We are optimistic about growing this convention to even greater heights in the coming year.” Jotham Micah, organizer.

The highlight of the event was a Local Area Network (LAN) Party, an electrifying all-night gaming marathon where participants brought their own PCs or consoles, connected to a blazing-fast local network, and battled head-to-head in nonstop competition. Mixing the thrill of a tournament with the atmosphere of a festival, the LAN Party featured intense matchups across multiple genres, including shooters, strategy games, sports titles, and more. Fueled by adrenaline, energy drinks, and the drive for victory, gamers played through the night, competing for prizes, bragging rights, and community glory.

Otamatsuri, an annual anime, manga, and multi-entertainment convention, has become one of the most vibrant pop culture festivals in Kenya, attracting a youthful and dynamic fanbase. Beyond gaming, the event celebrates diverse aspects of pop culture including movies, TV shows, music, technology, cosplay, performances, and merchandise exhibitions.

From the gamers’ perspective, the convention highlighted just how far Kenya’s gaming scene has evolved. Murray Lidambiza, a veteran gamer with two decades of experience, reflected on the journey of local e-sport.  “I started gaming 20 years ago and seeing how the community has grown is incredible. Events like this show how far we have come. Reliable network connectivity is at the heart of gaming, and providers like Safaricom have been instrumental in making gaming and e-sports possible in Kenya. Without strong internet, we simply can’t game.”

With thousands in attendance, a buzzing atmosphere, and Safaricom’s 5G network connectivity at its core, the 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention reaffirmed its position as one of Kenya’s biggest gaming and pop culture events.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the expansion of its proprietary One UI platform to its home appliance lineup, delivering a unified and intuitive software experience across smartphones, TVs and now smart appliances.

As a part of this initiative, smart appliances will be receiving software updates for 7 years after launching, starting from 2024-launched home appliances being updated in September.

“By bringing One UI to smart appliances, we are transforming the way people interact with technology in their homes,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team of the Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics. “This consistency ensures that the experience feels natural and familiar across all our devices.”

A Unified Software Experience Across Samsung Products

With One UI, Samsung is unifying the user experience for the product categories of mobile devices, TVs and home appliances through the application of consistent design elements and functionality.

This includes Apps & Services like Bixby, Gallery and Samsung TV Plus, which are being made available across various types of screens to enable seamless device interaction and media consumption. 

Device Connectivity is also enhanced through SmartThings, integrating the home’s devices into a unified ecosystem with easy access to helpful services like Family Care, Pet Care and Home Care.

When it comes to Common UI, users will get the benefit of familiar interfaces like Now Brief, which deliver personalized and relevant information at a glance.

Now Brief offers family members a curated selection of useful content, including daily weather updates, family schedules, tailored recipes, and home insights such as how much time is left on the washing machine.

7-Year Software Support for Smart Appliances

Wi-Fi-enabled Samsung home appliances will be eligible for software updates for up to seven years after launching, starting from models launched in 2024. This commitment supports product longevity, enhanced functionality and prolonged security throughout the product lifecycle.

Coming This September: Updates for 2024 Smart Appliances

Beginning in September, eligible 2024 launched models will be receiving various software updates that bring enhancements in usability, intelligence and security:

Upgraded Security: Knox Matrix, Samsung’s comprehensive security solution extending protection across devices based on private block chain technology, will be extended to Wi-Fi enabled refrigerators, washers and dryers, air conditioners, EHS, and slide-in induction ranges launched in 2024.

All of these products will be protected through Trust Chain, which allows connected appliances to monitor each other’s security status. Screen-equipped models like the refrigerator with Family Hub or 9” screen and Bespoke AI washers with the 7” screen will also be receiving advanced protections like encrypted Credential Sync and Passkey support.

These screen appliances will also be updated with the Knox Security dashboard provided on 2025 models, which allow users to easily monitor the security status of connected appliances in real time.

Smarter Features: Refrigerators with the Family Hub™ and 9” screens will benefit from the upgraded AI Vision Inside applied to 2025 products, which now supports the recognition of frequently used packaged foods in addition to a larger number of fresh foods.

Bixby is also upgraded to support Voice ID, allowing it to recognize user voices and provide personalized experiences on shared devices. Users can also enable Bixby quickly and intuitively by simply double tapping on the screen.

Service Expansion: Samsung TV Plus, supported on refrigerators with Family Hub, will also expand to Canada, Brazil and India in addition to the originally supported countries, and 7″-screen washing machines will support eight additional Indian local languages such as Bengali, Punjabi, and Gujarati.

Refined Interface: A refreshed One UI design — first seen on 2025 appliances — will come to 2024 models like refrigerators, washers, ranges and EHS products, offering intuitive navigation and region-specific settings.

By expanding One UI across product lines, Samsung is realizing its vision of a cohesive, intelligent and secure home — where users enjoy familiar interfaces, personalized services and consistent control regardless of screen or device.