Ommy Dallah
Coca-Cola Unveils 'Funua Flava Under The Crown' Promotion With Weekly Million Shilling Jackpot
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Kenya has kicked off a nationwide campaign promising exciting rewards for soda lovers across the country.
Running from 15 August to 15 November 2025, the Funua Flava Under the Crown promotion will see participants win daily and weekly prizes, with a top prize of KSh 1 million awarded every week.
Other prizes include instant cash, airtime, and data bundles sent directly to winners’ mobile phones or wallets.
“This is a special moment for us,” said Juliana Kituma, Director of Frontline Marketing at Coca-Cola East and Central Africa. “Over the next three months, our consumers stand a chance to win daily and weekly cash prizes, bundles, and the ultimate weekly jackpot of one million shillings.”
CCBA says the promotion is designed to appreciate loyal Kenyan customers while creating memorable experiences.
“Our aim is to give back to Kenyans in a way that sparks joy in their everyday lives,” said Alfred Manu, Revenue Growth and Trade Marketing Director at CCBA.
The campaign features the iconic 300ml glass soda bottle, which the company says adds a refreshing, nostalgic feel to the experience.
To participate, consumers should buy a 300ml Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Stoney, Krest, or Schweppes in a glass bottle, check under the yellow cap for a unique code, and send it via SMS to 40111.
Kwale Governor Achani Tops National Survey on Accountability and Hard Work
Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has been ranked the most hardworking and accountable governor in Kenya, according to a recent national survey conducted by Timely Kenya, a reputable independent research firm.
The comprehensive study assessed the performance of county leaders over the past three years, focusing on the period after the 2022 General Election.
Governor Achani emerged top with a commendable score of 56.6 percent, narrowly ahead of Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who followed closely with 56.4 percent highlighting a highly competitive field among Kenya’s county leadership.
The report attributes Governor Achani’s top ranking to her exceptional commitment to public service, transparency, and development, particularly in transforming key sectors such as water access, healthcare, road infrastructure, and education.
One of the most striking findings from the survey is that 61.8 percent of Kwale residents indicated they would vote to re-elect Governor Achani in the 2027 General Election a strong endorsement of her leadership and a reflection of public confidence in her ongoing development agenda.
In addition to individual rankings, the survey also measured overall satisfaction levels among residents in all 47 counties. Kwale County ranked second nationally in terms of citizen satisfaction with service delivery, suggesting that residents are not only witnessing development but also experiencing meaningful improvements in their daily lives.
Conducted between August 3rd and 11th, 2025, the survey focused on four critical areas that directly affect the quality of life: water services, healthcare systems, transport infrastructure, and education.
Governor Achani’s performance and the public confidence in her leadership underscore a broader shift among Kenyan citizens, who are increasingly prioritizing efficient, transparent, and results-driven governance.
As the country approaches the 2027 elections, her administration stands as a model for effective devolution and responsive leadership in Kenya.
Other top performing governors include Homabay governor Gadys Wanga with 54 percent,followed by Kiambu’s Kimani Wamatangi with 53.3 and Uasin Gishu Ole Ntutu with 52.8 percent.
Others are Machakos’s wavinya Ndeti with 47 percent, George Natembeya of Uasin Gishu with 45.5 percent and Tharaka Nithi with 44.9 percent. West Pokot Simon Kachapin got 41 percent while Makueni Mutula Kilonzo was next with 39.9 percent.
On top five Happiest counties include West pokot,Kwale Kiambu,Narok,and Homabay as the fifth happiest county.
On the other hand Latest Hapiest countries went to Nyamira followed by Kericho,Isiolo,Nairobi and Bomet topping the best five latest happiest countries.
Sam Gold : The Visionary Powering Kenya’s Cultural and Musical Phenomenon
When 16,000 fans poured into Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens for the most talked-about Luo Festival 2025, they weren’t just attending another event-they were witnessing the signature touch of Sam Gold, one of Kenya’s most influential music executives and talent managers.
As the Founder and CEO of EMC Music Group, Sam has built a reputation for transforming artists into powerhouse brands and producing events that set new industry standards.
The Luo Festival, widely lauded as the cultural highlight of the year, was a testament to his unmatched blend of business acumen, industry relationships, and creative vision. With a production budget estimated at over KSh 50 million, the festival showcased his ability to deliver large-scale, high-impact entertainment that is both profitable and culturally significant.
"For me, it’s about more than just music-it’s about building platforms that allow our culture and our artists to shine on the biggest stages possible,” says Sam Gold
A Brand Built on Talent and Trust
Under Sam’s leadership, EMC Music Group has become a hub for some of Kenya’s most celebrated names, including Prince Indah, Iyanii, Okello Max, Coster Ojwang, and more.
The company provides a full suite of services-artist management, publishing, digital distribution, branding, and strategic marketing,ensuring that every artist under its wing is primed for both creative and commercial success.
Redefining Kenya’s Entertainment Industry
What sets Sam apart is his ability to merge artistry with high-level business execution.
The Luo Festival’s flawless delivery, celebrity-studded lineup, and immersive cultural experience underscored his unique strength: creating events that are as polished as they are deeply rooted in Kenyan identity.
From intimate listening parties to massive cultural showcases, Sam’s portfolio is proof of his capacity to scale excellence.
His brand is now synonymous with quality, cultural pride, and global-level production values.
With several new projects in the pipeline, including international collaborations and expanded artist development programs, Sam Gold is on a mission to position Kenyan music and culture on the global map.
Safaricom sponsors Dr. Griffin Memorial Bike - A-Thon
Safaricom has announced KES 1 million sponsorship to support the Dr. Geoffrey Griffin Memorial Bike-A-Thon challenge.
The cycling event is organized by the students of Starehe Boys’ Centre and School to honour the legacy of Dr. Geoffrey W. Griffin, the visionary founder of the institution.
The event features two legs. The first leg took place over the past week, from August 2nd to 11th, and ran from Busia to Nairobi, with stopovers in Bungoma, Eldoret, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, and Mai Mahiu.
The second leg, scheduled from August 18th to 24th, will take the cyclists from Nairobi to Mombasa, passing through Emali, Mtito Andei, Voi, and Samburu.
"We are proud to partner with Starehe for this inspiring event. Watching these young riders push themselves across towns and counties has been a powerful reminder of the values that unite us. Supporting it reflects our commitment to empowering youth and fostering positive change across Kenya.” Said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO.
The cycling team includes 10 Starehe students in Form 3, selected through a competitive process and trained in advance, alongside professional riders, alumni and mentors.
The teams have a dedicated support crew of nutritionists, medical staff, logistics experts, and media teams. Funds raised will go towards scholarships and infrastructure at Starehe Boys’ Centre, sustaining its mission of providing quality education to bright but needy students.
“I am truly inspired by Dr. Graffin’s legacy at our institution, which is why I took up the challenge to participate in this race. The first leg has pushed me beyond what I thought I could achieve, but it’s a powerful reminder that we are riding for a purpose. We are grateful to Safaricom for believing in us and making this journey possible through their sponsorship,” said Mohamed Mohamud, a cyclist and student at the Centre.
The sponsorship marks Safaricom’s latest investment in Kenya’s youth and sports, building on its long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility, talent development, and community-driven initiatives.
By partnering with the Dr. Geoffrey W. Griffin Memorial Bike-A-Thon, Safaricom is also contributing to the preservation of a legacy that has shaped generations of leaders through education and service.
Founded in 1959, the Starehe Boys’ Centre began as a rescue home for boys displaced by Kenya’s struggle for independence.
Established by Geoffrey Griffin, alongside Geoffrey Gatama Geturo and Joseph Kamiru Gikubu, the Centre provided shelter, education, and hope for homeless and vulnerable children.
Mary Osiany Installed As Rotary Club Of Downtown Mombasa President, Unveils Board
Mary Osiany has officially been installed as the President, Rotary Club of Mombasa Downtown.
Mary, a marketer by profession was installed during a colourful denim & jerseys themed event held on Friday and attended by Rotarians from across the rotary clubs in Mombasa and beyond.
Vowing to champion sustainability and long-term impact, Mary laid out an ambitious, community-driven vision for her tenure.

"As we kick off this Rotary year, my game plan is clear, Strengthen our teamwork — because no match is won alone. Push into new territory — even if it means taking a few bold shots at goal. Keep our focus on the scoreboard that matters most — the lives we change, the hope we inspire, and the communities we uplift." she said.
Mary also took the opportunity to introduce her new board.
She challenged the new board to work with unity towards achieving the goal of serving the community.
"There will be tough matches ahead. We may take a few knocks, and not every play will go as planned. But like any great team, we’ll regroup, adapt, and keep pushing forward. So my dearests let’s lace up, step out, and play with purpose. Let’s pass the ball, lift each other up, and make sure that every person we serve feels like they’ve just won gold."
Outgoing President Aaron Abuya who is also a member of the new board promised the new president his full support.
Women Urged To Guard Against Rollback Of Gains Made In Women Leadership.
There is need to guard against the rollback of institutional and constitutional gains made in the empowerment of women in the country.
Supreme Court judge Lady Justice Njoki Ndung'u said that the journey to women empowerment in Kenya has been long and protracted and any rollback on gender parity mechanisms would deny women opportunities availed to them by the constitution and other institutional frameworks.
Speaking in Mombasa during the inaugural Trickles and Harness public lecture series, Justice Ndung'u cited the reintroduction of taxes on sanitary towels as an unwarranted rollback on the gains made for women.
"Some of the decisions on women are made by men who do not understand the struggles of women," she said adding that women in decision making spaces ought to learn the art of negotiation to get what is rightfully theirs.
Justice Ndung'u who was delivering a lecture on "Women in Leadership: Navigating the crossroads between power politics and patriarchy," urged women not to succumb to stereotyping and sexism in power and they should use their brain power, persuasion and influence to achieve what they want.
"We need to continue sensitizing, engaging, and educating men to achieve and sustain the constitutional and institutional gains made in the struggle for women empowerment," she observed.
She reiterated that the first women leaders amongst them Nyiva Mwendwa, Prof Wangari Mathai, and Wambui Otieno had to overcome massive patriarchal and patronizing stumbling blocks to make their voices heard.
The patriarchy and power struggles that they faced confined some of them to ignominy and thus the need to continue documenting the significant contributions made by women in power, politics and decision making spaces.
"For instance, Priscila Abwao, a Lancaster House conference delegate was asked to write a memorandum which was not even considered during deliberations, while Jemima Gachaga the first nominated women member of Parliament was asked to resign to give up her position to a man. No one talks about them despite their input in nation building," she noted.
The Trickle & Harness (T&H) Public Lecture Forum series marks a bold step toward fostering an informed, engaged, and empowered society according to the chairperson of the forum Mrs Evelyn Lele.
"This new platform brings together experts, thought leaders, and the public to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and inspire action on pressing societal issues," she said.
At a time when misinformation and disinformation—accelerated by emerging AI technologies—threaten democratic integrity, public health, climate action, and social cohesion, T&H seeks to create a trusted space for truth, learning, and enlightenment.
“This is more than a lecture series; it is a transformative platform where knowledge flows freely, empowering individuals and communities with actionable insights,” said Mrs. Lele, Chairperson of T&H, during the launch.
The lecture brought together professionals from the legal, management, leadership, Communication and Public Relations, fields.
T&H is designed to promote public education and civic engagement, bridge knowledge gaps and combat misinformation, inspire positive change in personal lives, workplaces, and communities, and build lasting connections among professionals, academics, and community leaders.
Kenyan Designers To Feature At The Africa Fashion Week London 2025
Three Kenyan design houses are set to showcase their designs at Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2025, scheduled for August 9–10, at Space House, London.
Jamie Bryan Kimani, the founder of Sevaria, Sharon Wendo of Epica Jewellery, and Kevin Abwova of Kisero Nairobi will represent Kenya’s fashion and design industry at one of the world’s most prestigious runways under the auspices of the British Council.
This international showcase will feature a dedicated British Council catwalk presentation and an exhibition pavilion, spotlighting some of Africa’s most innovative emerging designers.
The initiative provides these designers with new international connections and access to new markets while also creating opportunities for cross-cultural learning, collaboration, and business growth.
The Kenyan cohort is presented as part of the British Council UK/Kenya Season 2025, a bilateral cultural programme celebrating creativity through arts, culture, and education in both the UK and Kenya.
They will be joined by seven designers from Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe, all of whom are alumni or current participants of Creative DNA, the British Council’s fashion accelerator that has supported over 200 entrepreneurs across Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Nigeria and Malawi since 2020.
The programme fosters sustainable creative enterprise, economic inclusion, and international connections between Africa and the UK.
"It’s great to see our Creative DNA designers taking part in Africa Fashion Week London through the UK Kenya Season 2025. This is not just about showcasing Kenyan talent. It is also an opportunity for the UK to learn from diverse approaches, ideas, and ways of working. Such exchanges are what make cultural collaboration meaningful’ stated Sandra Chege, Season Director, British Council, UK/Kenya Season 2025.
Kimani, who founded Sevaria in 2018, draws inspiration from his upbringing in Kiserian, a town located in Kenya’s Rift Valley.
His designs mirror the garments worn by the Maasai community and sub-religious groups such as the Akorino from Central Kenya. Kimani’s life experiences and his drive to challenge gender stereotypes also influence his designs.
Kevin and his father, Abwova, founded Kisero in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
This father-and-son luxury brand produces handcrafted, premium leather bags, shoes, and accessories that blend timeless African heritage with contemporary global elegance. From its humble beginnings as a shoe-repair workshop, Kisero has grown into a symbol of curated African luxury, collaborating with international brands, inspiring local artisans, and telling powerful stories through their work with leather.
Wendo founded Epica in 2018 after participating in a government entrepreneurship programme.
Her brand celebrates the rich diversity of African cultures through wearable art. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, paying homage to the diverse traditions, symbols, and aesthetics of various African cultures.
In addition to the runway and exhibition, the designers will participate in UK retail stockist and manufacturing tours, offering them direct insights into ethical production practices, global fashion standards, and the dynamics of the international retail market.
The cultural exchange component of the engagement provides designers a unique opportunity to explore the UK’s fashion ecosystem, encompassing supplier networks, sustainability models, and retail partnerships.
This year’s British Council Pavilion will also look ahead to the future of fashion, showcasing where fashion meets technology.
The exhibition will showcase the work of African designers and fashion weeks that are collaborating with AI labs and robotics engineers from Ethiopia’s Guzo Technologies to explore tech-enabled storytelling and virtual reality runways on digital avatars, paving the way for cross-continental virtual fashion presentations.
Tom Porter, Country Director, British Council Kenya, said, ‘The inclusion of our Creative DNA designers in Africa Fashion Week London, as part of the UK/Kenya Season 2025, highlights the strength of cultural collaboration between our two countries. This bilateral connection creates meaningful opportunities for Kenyan talent to engage globally, gain new perspectives, and build lasting networks. It’s a powerful example of how UK–Kenya partnerships can drive creative and economic impact across borders.’
The engagement reflects the British Council’s ongoing commitment to placing creativity, cultural exchange, and enterprise at the centre of inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa and the UK.
Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Founder of Africa Fashion Week London, emphasised that, ‘This partnership with the British Council represents a bold step forward in our mission to elevate African fashion on the global stage. By showcasing these visionary designers in London, we’re not only celebrating their talents but also forging deeper cross-cultural connections within the global fashion ecosystem.’
Global Compact Network Kenya Launches Ocean Centres Kenya to Protect and Unlock the Full Potential of the Blue Economy
Morocco, Congo, Kenya Join AFRIMA Jury as Entry Submission Ends August 8
Ahead of the upcoming AFRIMA 2025 Adjudication Process, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in partnership with the African Union has appointed new music experts to join its International Jury panel, even as excitement continues to build toward this year’s edition of the continent’s biggest music event.
The three new Jury members are: Marwane Fachane who represents Morocco (Northern Africa), Asma Lucy Ilado from Kenya (Eastern Africa), and Messie Mboukou sitting in for Congo Brazzaville (Central Africa).
Their appointment is in line with the operational model of the Jury structure as part of AFRIMA’s effort to make sure that the judging process remains professional, fair, and reflects Africa’s rich cultural diversity.
Fachabe, Ilado, and Mboukou bring years of experience in music, culture, and youth development to their role on the 14-Man AFRIMA Jury.
They will help choose the best musical talents from across Africa and the diaspora, ensuring that only the most deserving artists are nominated and awarded.
Marwane Fachane, Executive Director of the Hiba Foundation, leads the people and strategy at one of Morocco’s top creative and cultural organisations.
The Foundation supports young people in the creative industry and helps them build careers in music, film, and other art forms. Speaking about his new role, Fachane said, “I’m honoured to be part of AFRIMA’s jury.
This platform is key to celebrating African talent and showing the world what our continent can offer.” He also noted that African creativity is growing fast and deserves to be supported and promoted on global platforms.
Young and vibrant, Messie Mboukou is a well-known executive in music communication, events, and digital media, and has supported several African artistes in the diaspora and on the continent through his France-based consulting agency.
He has also helped organise over 1,000 events around the world.
Mboukou said, “It’s a privilege to be part of AFRIMA. I believe Africa’s greatest wealth is in its youth and culture. If we support young talent and work together, the future will be even brighter.” He promised to contribute to a fair judging process that strengthens the beauty of African music.
Asma Lucy Ilado, a respected journalist and cultural development consultant, also labels herself as a culture advocate.
In her remarks upon her appointment, Ilado paid glowing tributes to former AFRIMA Juror and fellow Kenyan, the legendary producer Tabu Osusa. She also paid tributes to the late Ghanaian Music Executive, Rab Bakari, who served on the AFRIMA Jury (2014-2016). Ilado stated she was looking forward excitedly to discovering new voices and talents across the continent during the Adjudication Process.
It is her belief that ‘although African music is full of energy and promise, more investment is still needed in key areas like distribution, production, training, and rights protection’.
KenGen Unveils its First Battery Storage System to Power Data Center
The Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen), has commissioned a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to supply uninterrupted renewable power to its modular data center, marking a new frontier in Kenya’s long-term green energy strategy.
As Kenya accelerates its adoption of clean technologies, KenGen’s investment in battery storage positions the state utility at the forefront of Africa’s energy transition, merging legacy infrastructure with next-generation solutions to meet emerging national and rregional needs.
The newly installed 1.16 megawatt-hour (MWh) BESS will serve the company’s 52 kilowatt Modular Data Center (MDC) at its head offices in Nairobi, a facility comprising 356 U-spaces, purpose-built to support KenGen’s growing digital infrastructure.
The storage system is designed to guarantee stable electricity even during periods of low grid demand, underscoring the role of battery technology in enhancing energy resilience.
The launch is a cornerstone of KenGen’s Good to Great (G2G) 2034 strategic blueprint, which targets the rollout of 500MWh of energy storage capacity over the next decade.
“This commissioning marks a crucial step in our journey toward a low-carbon, digitally resilient future,” said Eng. Peter Njenga, KenGen’s Managing Director and CEO during the ceremony at the company’s Nairobi headquarters.
“By integrating battery storage into our data infrastructure, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also showcasing how energy utilities can lead in sustainable innovation.”
The MDC and accompanying storage system represent a shift in how energy producers support the country’s digital transformation and energy security.
The facility is expected to serve internal operations while providing a model for how utilities can use renewable storage to meet rising computing and connectivity demands.
KenGen executives emphasized that the BESS offers multiple advantages, including improved grid stability, energy independence, cost efficiencies, and seamless backup capabilities.
"This initiative is more than a technological upgrade,” Eng. Njenga added. “It is a commitment to Kenya’s green transition and to ensuring that our digital economy is powered by sustainable, reliable energy.”

