The 2026 Rhino Charge Challenge, set for Saturday, 30th May in Samburu, has received a major boost of KES 114 million from the M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom PLC.

Out of the total funds, the M-PESA Foundation, the social impact arm of Safaricom, has committed KES 94 million to support Rhino Ark activities. This includes the fencing and protection of the Mount Elgon Forest (Suam Block), as well as the restoration of the Mau Forest Complex across Narok, Kericho, and Bomet counties.

The support will also extend to the Mount Kenya Forest Rehabilitation and Protection Project in Tharaka Nithi County, further demonstrating the M-PESA Foundation’s commitment to conserving Kenya’s key ecosystems and water towers.

On the other hand, Safaricom PLC’s contribution of KES 20 million will go towards supporting three entry cars and providing connectivity during the event. Of this amount, KES 17 million will support Car No. 44 led by Adil Khawaja, the EV Explorers team led by Richard

Kiplagat, and the all-ladies team, Zambarau Heels on the Wheel led by Agnes Mwangi.

The remaining KES 3 million will cater for network connectivity during the event.

Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony held at Safaricom Headquarters in Nairobi,Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said: "This year, we are proud to commit KES 114 million through the M-PESA Foundation and Safaricom. As a company, sustainability remains central to how we create long-term value for our customers, communities, and the environment. Our support for the Rhino Charge reflects our commitment to practical conservation efforts that protect Kenya’s natural

heritage while driving innovation and resilience.”

The connectivity support will include the deployment of 5G aimed at enhancing both participant and spectator experiences. This will enable seamless communication and engagement while demonstrating how technology can transform events even in the most remote and rugged terrains.

Under the team support allocation, Car No. 44 will receive KES 15 million, while the EV Explorers and Zambarau Heels on the Wheel teams will each receive KES 1 million to support their participation in the challenge.

This year’s edition, which also marks the 37th Rhino Charge challenge, is expected to attract55 entries, including the 2025 overall winners, Team Huzi (Car No. 33) and Team Zambarau, the all-ladies team, among others.

 "As Team Zambarau, we are grateful for Safaricom’s support. This is a huge boost for us as an all-ladies team, and it has always been our wish to have them as our sponsors in this noble cause. Their commitment strengthens our resolve, providing us with the resources and

confidence to compete at our best. This support not only empowers our team but also reinforces our shared mission of advancing conservation and protecting Kenya’s natural heritage through the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust,” said Elizabeth Wanjiku, Team member, Zambarau Heels on the Wheel.

Last year’s event, held in Saimo Soi, Baringo County, raised a total of KES 269.5 million in support of the conservation of Kenya’s water towers. Adil Khawaja emerged as the top fundraiser for the third consecutive year, raising KES 139.8 million, followed by Car No. 23 led by Peter Kinyua, which raised KES 13.5 million, and Car No. 63 led by Tim Carstens, which raised KES 8.6 million.

“As a team, we are truly grateful for Safaricom’s continued support for this event. This is the second year in a row they are backing us, and we deeply appreciate it. As the only EV team in the competition, we are highly motivated not only to complete the challenge but also to

emerge among the best, building on lessons from last year’s mechanical challenges as we champion the future of electric mobility and environmental conservation,” said Richard Kiplagat, Team Lead, EV Explorers. Safaricom has supported the Rhino Charge for over a decade, helping raise more than KES 2.6 billion for conservation. The funds have supported electric fencing in areas such as Mt. Kenya, the Aberdares, and Kakamega Forest, as well as the protection of water towers and

natural habitats across Kenya.

To date, the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust has built over 650 km of electric fencing, and through these fencing programmes, more than 80,000 families are being protected from the impacts of human-wildlife conflict.

“The impact of this initiative has been significant for both conservancies and communities at large. This year’s preparations for the Rhino Charge Challenge are in full swing, and we

expect a total of 65 entries to take part in the challenge and fundraising effort in support of this noble cause of environmental conservation and the protection of Kenya’s vital water catchment towers. I would like to sincerely thank all our sponsors, including the M-PESA

Foundation and Safaricom, whose support has been instrumental to this journey for over a decade,” said Christian Lambrechts, Executive Director at Rhino Ark.

The Rhino Charge is an annual off-road 4×4 competition held in Kenya that raises funds to support the activities of the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust, an NGO which works towards the conservation and protection of Kenya’s mountain range ecosystems, the so-called

“Water Towers.”

TV personality and Likoni MP aspirant Mwanahamisi Hamadi has expressed gratitude after receiving two awards within a month, describing the recognition as a motivation to continue serving and empowering the community.

In a heartfelt message shared with her supporters, Mwanahamisi thanked the organizers for recognizing her vision, leadership, and dedication to community empowerment, particularly in the area of women leadership and development.

“2 Awards in One Month, Alhamdulillah! My heart is filled with gratitude for this great honor and recognition,” she stated.

The aspiring legislator also extended appreciation to her fans, friends, family, and supporters for standing by her journey and continuously encouraging her efforts.

She noted that the recognition would inspire her to work even harder for the people, emphasizing her commitment to leadership and women empowerment initiatives in Likoni and beyond.

“This recognition only motivates me to work even harder for our people,” she added.

Mwanahamisi has recently been gaining attention for her growing influence in community mobilization, youth mentorship, and advocacy for women empowerment as she continues to position herself in the Likoni parliamentary race.

She concluded her message with appreciation to her supporters, saying: “Asanteni sana. The journey continues.

Car & General (Trading) Limited, in partnership with TVS Motor Company, today announced a landmark collaboration with Boda Girls Kenya, a women-led social enterprise advancing safe mobility and healthcare access for rural women.

The partnership was officially launched in Ahero, Kisumu County, during an event presided over by Mr. George Rubiri, General Manager of Car & General (Trading) Limited, alongside Nancy Akeyo, CEO of Boda Girls Kenya, and Pradeep Chaurasiya, Vice-President -International Business of TVS Motor Company, India.

As part of the partnership, Car & General is donating 32 TVS HLX 125 motorcycles to Boda Girls Kenya in the first phase of the initiative, which is going to be scaled up eventually.

The donation will be complemented by rider training, as well as provision of helmets and protective safety gear in compliance with National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) regulations.

Boda Girls Kenya is a pioneering NGO that trains and empowers female motorcycle riders to provide safe, harassment-free transport for women, while also advancing access to essential healthcare services.

Through its work, the organization offers free rides for rural women seeking maternal healthcare, family planning services, cervical cancer screening and gender-based violence support

Operating across Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Kisumu counties, Boda Girls Kenya has built a network of over 160 women riders, creating both economic opportunities and a trusted mobility solution for women in underserved communities.

This initiative is particularly critical in addressing maternal and infant health challenges.

According to UNICEF estimates, over 5,000 maternal deaths and 35,000 infant deaths occur annually, with many rural women still giving birth at home due to limited access to health facilities.

Additionally, reports of harassment by male boda boda riders continue to deter women from seeking essential services.

Speaking at the event, George Rubiri emphasized the broader mission behind the partnership: “At Car & General, we are committed to making a positive impact in every community we serve. This partnership with Boda Girls Kenya is about more than mobility—it is about dignity, safety, and saving lives. By equipping women riders with reliable motorcycles and proper training, we are enabling access to critical healthcare services and empowering women economically.”

Nancy Akeyo, CEO of Boda Girls Kenya, welcomed the partnership as a significant milestone: “This support strengthens our mission to provide safe transport and healthcare access for women in rural Kenya. These motorcycles will directly expand our reach, helping more women access life-saving services while creating sustainable livelihoods for our riders.”

The TVS HLX 125, manufactured by TVS Motor Company, is recognized for its durability, fuel efficiency, and reliability on diverse terrains—making it ideally suited for rural transport and community service applications.

The motorcycles are built to withstand demanding conditions while delivering consistent performance, ensuring efficiency for riders and reliability for communities.

This partnership comes as Car & General celebrates 90 years of transforming lives and livelihoods across East Africa. From mobility and agriculture to power and construction, the company has remained committed to delivering solutions that improve everyday life.

Guided by its purpose of “making customers smile in every street, every town,” Car & General continues to invest in initiatives that drive social progress, empower communities, and create sustainable impact.

Car & General is a leading East African company specializing in automotive, power, and engineering solutions. With a strong heritage spanning nine decades, the company is a trusted distributor of globally recognized brands, including TVS Motor Company, and remains at the forefront of driving innovation, mobility, and socio-economic development in the region.

Car & General has introduced a new Piaggio LPG-powered three-wheelerin Kenya, the Paiggio Ape NXT+ LPG, offering a smarter, cleaner, and more cost-efficient mobility solution for urban transport operators.

Designed with today’s cost-conscious and environmentally aware operator in mind, the new LPG model delivers significant fuel savings of over 30 percent compared to conventional petrol-powered three-wheelers. This translates directly into lower daily running costs and higher earnings, making it an attractive option for last-mile transport and delivery businesses across Kenya.

With rising fuel prices continuing to put pressure on operators, the Piaggio LPG three-wheeler provides immediate economic relief. The reduced fuel consumption ensures lower daily expenditure on fuel, higher take-home income for drivers and faster return on investment for owners and fleet operators

“This new LPG three-wheeler is designed to put more money into the pockets of our operators,” said George Rubiri, General Manager, Car & General (Trading) Limited. “With fuel savings of over 30 percent, operators can significantly lower their running costs and ultimately increase their daily earnings, making their businesses more sustainable.”

Beyond cost savings, the LPG-powered engine offers a more sustainable alternative. The vehicle produces cleaner emissions with fewer harmful pollutants, supporting efforts to improve urban air quality.

It also delivers a quieter engine operation, enhancing driver comfort while reducing noise pollution - an increasingly important consideration in densely populated urban areas like Nairobi.

“Transitioning to LPG is an important step towards cleaner urban mobility,” said Nishant Bindra, General Manager – International Business of Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited, India. “This technology reduces harmful emissions while also offering a quieter ride, which improves both the operator’s experience and the urban environment.”

While LPG presents clear benefits, the number of fueling stations in Nairobi remains limited. However, industry stakeholders expect this to expand steadily with growing adoption of LPG-powered mobility solutions.

“The best has best-in-class mileage,” Rubiri noted. “It comes with 20.6-liter LPG and 2.8-liter petrol tank, maximum power of 11.3 horse power, maximum torque Nm (newton-meter), with 30% grade-ability. It has a stylish front fascia, music system and extra space for passenger comfort.”

The launch of the Piaggio LPG three-wheeler reflects Car & General’s continued commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic empowerment across East Africa.

“We are committed to bringing practical, forward-looking mobility solutions to the market,” said Rubiri. “The Piaggio LPG three-wheeler is a clear demonstration of how innovation can deliver both economic and environmental value.”

As cities continue to evolve, solutions that combine affordability, environmental responsibility, and operational efficiency will play a critical role in shaping the future of mobility.

Car & General is celebrating 90 years in business and over two decades of partnership with Piaggio. As part of its sustainability and green mobility journey, it launched the Piaggio three-wheeler electric vehicle in 2024.

Coca-Cola has officially unveiled Charged, a new sparkling caffeinated beverage, in Kenya’s coastal region, introducing consumers to a bold and refreshing way to stay energised throughout the day.

Following its successful debut in Nairobi last month and rollout in markets such as India, Nepal, Vietnam and South Africa, Charged now expands Coca-Cola’s growing beverage portfolio in Kenya.

Charged is available in two vibrant flavors; Lemon Burst and Electric Pineapple, delivering a refreshing taste combined with caffeine to ensure an unmatched refreshment experience that helps consumers stay invigorated.

“We are excited to introduce Charged to the coastal region, offering consumers a refreshing boost to power through their day,” said Monique Katana, Director of Frontline Marketing, Coca-Cola Kenya.

"This launch highlights The Coca-Cola Company’s dedication to innovation and our mission to provide a diverse range of beverages that meet the evolving tastes and lifestyles of our consumers." 

To introduce the new drink, The Coca-Cola Company and its authorized bottler, Coca-Cola Coastal Bottlers Ltd, is rolling out a dynamic five-day roadshow activation across key locations in Mombasa and Kilifi Counties. 

The campaign will take the Charged experience directly to consumers in high-energy hubs such as Kongowea Market, Likoni Ferry, Tudor, Shimanzi, Jomvu and Kilifi Town.

The roadshow will feature music, live entertainment and extensive product sampling, engaging communities where the region’s daily hustle thrives; from market traders and boda boda riders to students, mechanics and transport workers.

Loyce Odhiambo, Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Manager, Coca-Cola Coastal Bottlers Ltd noted: “Charged brings bold flavours and is designed for active consumers. 

It is a refreshing way to fuel hardworking people throughout their day, and this campaign allows us to connect directly with communities and be part of their daily lives.” 

Charged packaging reflects the brand’s bold and dynamic personality, featuring a vibrant thunderbolt design that highlights the drink’s invigorating properties, making it easily recognizable on shelves.

Charged is now available across Kenya in 330ml bottles

The Port of Lamu has achieved a historic milestone after welcoming the largest vessel ever to dock at any port in East and Central Africa, further cementing Kenya’s position on the global maritime stage.

On Sunday evening, the colossal MV Baltimore Express, measuring an impressive 369 meters in length overall, arrived at Lamu from Salalah Port in Oman, marking an unprecedented feat for the region’s shipping and logistics sector.

The vessel stretches nearly the length of three football pitches.

The vessel, operated by German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd, handled specialized restows of dangerous cargo during its stay, repositioning hazardous goods onboard in full compliance with International Maritime Organization regulations.

Speaking during the vessel’s arrival, Kenya Ports Authority General Manager for Lamu Port, Capt. Abdulaziz Mzee, hailed the docking as a transformative moment for both Kenya and Africa’s maritime future.

“This call lifts Lamu’s profile on the global maritime map and places it alongside some of the world’s most developed ports such as Singapore, Rotterdam, and Hamburg,” said Capt. Mzee.

He added that the successful handling of MV Baltimore Express demonstrates Lamu Port’s readiness to serve as a major international transshipment hub.

"Our infrastructure, natural depth, and strategic location make Lamu uniquely positioned to handle the new generation of mega vessels. We are not just competing regionally; we are now entering the league of world-class ports,” he said.

This latest achievement surpasses the previous regional record set in August 2025 when the 335-meter MV Nagoya Express, a sister vessel, docked at the same port.

"This natural advantage gives us a sustainable edge and positions Lamu as the port of the future,” Capt. Mzee emphasized.

Since the beginning of the year, Lamu Port has handled more than 120 vessels, with more ship calls expected in the coming weeks. To support the growing traffic, Kenya Ports Authority is investing heavily in additional cranes, terminal tractors, and modern cargo-handling equipment.

Capt. Mzee also revealed progress in vehicle cargo operations, confirming that 90 motor vehicles out of the 5,000 units discharged in March have already been evacuated from the port.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the county’s education sector through infrastructure development, digital learning, scholarships and vocational empowerment.

Speaking during the disbursement of bursaries for students in private and boarding schools, Governor Nassir outlined several key initiatives aimed at securing a brighter future for Mombasa’s children and youth.

“We are currently constructing 12 ECD centres, and six are already complete,” said Governor Nassir. “Our goal is to ensure that every child has access to quality early education in a conducive environment.”

The governor announced that Mombasa County will soon launch a comprehensive digital literacy programme in schools, where learners will receive tablets to enhance classroom learning and support homework.

“We will be rolling out a digital literacy programme in our schools. Our children will be provided with tablets, which they will use both for learning and doing homework,” he stated.

In a move designed to support working families, Nassir said all ECD centres across the county will also be equipped with daycare facilities.

“The county government will ensure that all ECD centres have daycare services because we understand the needs of our families and working parents,” he added.

Governor Nassir further revealed that his administration is partnering with the Technical University of Mombasa to sponsor 12 students every year to pursue medical studies.

“Currently, we are in partnership with the Technical University to support 12 students pursuing medicine annually. This is part of our broader strategy to invest in education and secure our county’s future workforce,” he noted.

The governor also announced plans to launch the “Skills Mtaani” initiative, which will work with local colleges and institutions to equip youth with practical and marketable skills.

“We will soon roll out Skills Mtaani in partnership with local colleges and other institutions so that our young people can gain skills, secure opportunities and build better lives,” he said.

Nassir emphasized that education remains one of the county government’s top priorities.

“We are investing in our education because it is the future of our children. By strengthening our schools, supporting higher education and empowering youth with practical skills, we are building a stronger Mombasa,” he said.

A section of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Mombasa have publicly reaffirmed their unwavering support for Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, pledging to back his leadership ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Saturday during a bursary issuance event presided over by the Governor, the leaders praised his administration’s development record and urged residents to remain united behind his leadership.

Bofu Ward MCA Juma Manuari declared that Mombasa has one clear leader, emphasizing that Governor Abdulswamad has demonstrated his commitment through service delivery.

“As the people of Mombasa, we only have one leader, and that is Governor Abdulswamad Nassir. We will ensure he returns to office in the next election because he has proven his work. To those opponents moving around making noise, they should cool down because they are going nowhere,” said Manuari.

Chaani Ward MCA Frank Hosana also lauded the Governor’s development agenda, encouraging him to remain focused despite criticism from political opponents.

“To our Governor, continue delivering to the people of Mombasa and do not focus on critics. They will always have something to say, but we, as your foot soldiers, will stand firm with you,” Hosana stated.

Mjambere Ward MCA Amriya Juma echoed similar sentiments, noting that the current focus should remain on development rather than early political campaigns.

“This is not yet campaign season. Governor, continue serving the people of Mombasa. When the right time comes, we will address the political landscape properly. You have already achieved significant progress across nearly every sector despite existing challenges,” Amriya said.

Mkomani Ward MCA Eliud Kimari highlighted the Governor’s visible development record across the county, saying residents would ultimately judge him based on his achievements.

“The Governor has taken development to every corner of Mombasa, and his work is visible. This is what the people will use to judge his leadership in 2027. As MCAs, we pledge our support and will continue standing with him in service to the people,” Kimari affirmed.

The bursary issuance exercise formed part of the county government’s broader efforts to support education and uplift vulnerable families, while also serving as a platform for local leaders to express confidence in Governor Abdulswamad’s administration.

By Steven Ole-Naiko, Managing Director, Workforce Staffing Tanzania

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects in East Africa are moving forward again after several years of delays. Now, the focus needs to shift to delivering on time and within budget. Project success will come down to execution, which in turn depends on the availability of skilled and experienced people.

Sustainable growth will require a strong pipeline of local skills, supported by partners who can bring in experienced professionals where gaps still exist and ensure effective skills transfer. Without this, projects risk delays, higher costs, and ongoing reliance on expatriate labour, limiting both delivery and local economic benefit.

A critical skills gap

The abundance of LNG resources across Tanzania, Mozambique and Namibia represents a significant opportunity for East Africa to become an important player in the global energy transition. There are, however, not enough skilled and experienced local professionals to support these projects at scale.

Both operators and governments have invested in training initiatives, including partnerships with universities and vocational institutions. However, there is a lack of mid- to senior-level professionals. The gap is concentrated in highly specialised roles across subsurface, offshore engineering and LNG plant operations, as well as digital and automation functions. These roles require not only technical expertise but also experience across full LNG project cycles, which is still limited in the region.

These skills are essential for keeping projects on schedule, maintaining compliance, and ensuring safe operations. Without them, projects face delays, increased costs, and execution risk. Mobilising this expertise is essential and, in many cases, requires bringing in expatriate professionals to fill immediate gaps. This needs to be paired with structured skills transfer to ensure local capacity is developed for long-term sustainability.

Investing early is key to a sustainable local talent pipeline

As these projects get off the ground, international expertise will be necessary to plug the gaps, but long-term success depends on building a local talent base. This requires early engagement with universities and technical institutions to align training with the specific needs of LNG operations. It also requires vocational programmes to be directly linked to the skills needed on-site.

Practical experience is equally important. Structured apprenticeships and on-the-job training will allow local professionals to gain exposure to LNG projects. Over time, this experience helps them progress into more specialised and leadership roles. There also needs to be a focus on mid-career development. Accelerating local professionals into senior positions is essential to reduce reliance on expatriate labour.

Staffing is central to project delivery

Addressing the skills requirements of these projects requires careful planning and the mobilisation of large numbers of specialised professionals, often to short timelines, under strict regulatory conditions.

This includes meeting local content requirements, managing work permits and aligning with national employment targets. As a result, traditional, reactive recruitment approaches often fall short.

A specialist, turnkey staffing partner with a presence in the region is instrumental in managing this complexity. They have access to global networks of experienced professionals who can be mobilised quickly, as well as a thorough understanding of local regulatory and compliance requirements.

Their role also extends beyond recruitment. They support workforce planning, training, and deployment, helping to build a pipeline that is aligned to project needs over time. This ensures a balance between meeting immediate skills gaps and developing local capability for long-term growth.

LNG projects will ultimately be delivered by people

The development of LNG in East Africa is a significant opportunity, but its success will depend on mobilising the right skills at the right time. LNG projects are delivered by people, not just resources. Skilled and experienced professionals help projects stay on schedule, meet regulatory requirements and operate safely. Without them, projects are more likely to experience delays, cost overruns and compliance risks.

Workforce strategy needs to be a core part of project planning. Specialist staffing partners play a central role in enabling delivery at scale while supporting the development of local capability through structured skills transfer. This helps to build a strong local talent pipeline to meet local content requirements and ensure the long-term economic benefits of these projects are realised within the region.