KBL ELEVATES MAIDEN PINK POLO TOURNAMENT WITH PREMIUM LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE

The Nairobi Polo Club hosted its inaugural Pink Polo tournament this weekend in honour of October's Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, marking a new highlight on Nairobi's social calendar.

The event, sponsored by Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) through its premium brand Tusker Malt, brought together polo fans, fashionistas, influencers and Kenyans in solidarity with the cause. This continues a five-year partnership tradition between Tusker Malt and the polo club.

Beyond the game, the fixture featured a grand horse parade spectacle where horses and riders took to the turf in an elegant procession. The parade showcased different colours representing different types of cancers affecting Kenyans, both male and female.

Speaking during the tournament, Tusker Malt Brand Manager Naomi Kiema said the brand is committed to elevating Kenya's lifestyle and social scene.

"Polo has long been a celebrated canvas where sport, fashion, community and fine craftsmanship meet. As a longtime partner of the Nairobi Polo Club, we are excited to support this inaugural Pink Polo tournament which promises a blend of community, fashion and style, entertainment and meaningful conversation," she said.

She noted that polo symbolizes precision, skill and artistry - the same attributes that define Tusker Malt's brewing process.

To add flair to the weekend, KBL hosted a dedicated pitch-side VIP experience. For Sh15,000 per group of four, guests enjoyed reserved table service with prime views of the pitch, accompanied by a pitcher of Tusker Malt Shandy and a bottle of Tanqueray No.10.

LSK LAUNCHES LEGAL AWARENESS WEEK

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has kicked off Legal Awareness Week 2026, running from 26th to 30th October 2026, under the theme "Community Advocates: Bridging the Gap Between Community and People."

The week long campaign seeks to take legal services closer to the public and enhance access to justice, especially for marginalized and underserved communities.

The initiative brings together advocates, judges, judicial officers, civil society organizations and government agencies to offer free legal aid, public sensitization forums, court open days and legal clinics across the country.

Speaking during the launch, LSK officials said the theme underscores the critical role of advocates as community champions who demystify the law, empower citizens to know their rights, and link the justice system to the ordinary mwananchi.

"Many Kenyans suffer in silence because they do not know where to go or what the law says. Community advocates are the bridge that connects the justice system to the people," the Society said.

Activities lined up for the week include free legal advice camps in all 8 regions, prison visits, school outreach programmes, sensitization on land rights, succession, family law, labour rights, gender-based violence and alternative dispute resolution.

The Society has called on members of the public to turn up in large numbers at designated High Court stations, LSK branch offices and Huduma Centres where advocates will be offering pro-bono services.

Legal Awareness Week is an annual event on the LSK calendar aimed at promoting constitutionalism, rule of law and public understanding of the law.

GOVERNMENT ISSUES CLARIFICATION ON MATTERS NATIONAL IMPORTANCE

Government Spokesperson Charles Owino has dismissed false claims circulating on various platforms regarding the Elections Bill on livestreaming of results, the logging of trees in Aberdare forest, the Eastleigh building collapse and the Ebola situation in the country.

Addressing the press on Monday, Owino clarified that contrary to reports that Parliament had passed a bill to scrap livestreaming of elections, no such bill had been passed.

He explained that the High Court ruling on the matter was upheld and the National Assembly complied by deleting the section as directed by the court. However, he noted that Section 39 of the Elections Act which touches on removal of livestreaming of results remained as it was.

Owino urged the media and the public to exercise responsible reporting on electoral matters to avoid undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

On the alleged illegal felling of trees in Aberdare Forest, the Spokesperson said the trees in question had reached maturity and had started falling on their own, causing losses.

He said saw millers were procedurally awarded tenders to harvest the mature trees and that the government has plans to establish new plantations during the upcoming short rains.

The exercise was however halted after the Member of Parliament for Kipipiri wanjiku muhia who moved to court, with logging now suspended pending a court ruling.

On the building that collapsed in Eastleigh, Nairobi, Owino said issues surrounding building approvals and compliance have been forwarded to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for investigations.

He said the government is keen to address the rampant cases of buildings collapsing due to failure to adhere to approval procedures and construction standards.

On the Ebola situation, Owino confirmed that the number of confirmed cases in Kenya still stands at two.

He said every contact traced and associated with the first case has been accounted for and is under monitoring, adding that the Ministry of Health remains on high alert.

The Government Spokesperson also warned individuals intending to compromise the integrity of the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) examinations.

He said the government has put in place stringent measures to secure the credibility of the national assessments and those found culpable of attempting to leak or interfere with the exams will face the full force of the law.

KENYA FLAGS OFF EXHIBITS FOR 26TH EAC MSME TRADE FAIR IN KIGALI

 Kenya has flagged off exhibits for the 26th East African Community (EAC) MSME Trade Fair to be held in Kigali, Rwanda from 30th October to 8th November 2026 at the Gikondo Expo Ground.

The flag off was led by the Principal Secretary, State Department for MSME Development, Hon. Susan Mang'eni at the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) Kariobangi Centre of Excellence. The fair, themed  "Advancing Regional Value Chains in Leather and Horticulture," will bring together over 1,200 enterprises from the eight EAC Partner States.

PS Mang'eni said the EAC market of about 331 million people with a combined GDP of USD 356 billion offers Kenyan MSMEs a major opportunity to reach regional buyers and integrate into global value chains.

"Leather and horticulture are sectors in which Kenya has both depth and history, and this Fair gives our enterprises a chance to convert that strength into orders," she said.

MSEA, which is spearheading Kenya's participation, is facilitating 600 Kenyan MSEs. All products are 100% Kenyan-made and meet international market requirements.

Kenya heads to Kigali from a position of strength  ranking among Rwanda's top five import sources, with over 1,300 Kenyan companies already trading there. Kenya is also Rwanda's second largest agricultural supplier and largest from within Africa.

MSEA Director General Henry Rithaa said the Authority continues to market products through its online portal and product aggregation, enabling enterprises to keep trading in the EAC after the fair and tap into the 1.3 billion-person African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market.

CMSEO Kenya Chapter Chairman John Kihiu said market access is key to growth: "When our enterprises find buyers, everything else follows. They grow, they hire, and they reinvest. Platforms like this Fair open doors that many small businesses could never open on their own."

MSEA is coordinating Kenya's participation in partnership with KIE, KEBS, Women Enterprise Fund, KNCCI, KEPSA and Uwezo Fund.

OCTAGON AFRICA LAUNCHES ITS MOMBASA OFFICE BRINGING FINANCIAL SERVICES CLOSER TO THE COAST

The new Mombasa office will strengthen the firm’s engagement with employers, businesses and individuals seeking retirement, insurance and investment solutions.

 Octagon Africa Financial Services has expanded its presence in Kenya’s coastal region with the opening of a new office in Mombasa. Located on the 9th Floor of Epic Business Centre, the move aims to improve access to financial solutions, deepen customer relations and support the long-term financial security of individuals, families and businesses.

The expansion comes at a time when employers are increasingly focused on enhancing employee benefits, while individuals and businesses navigate decisions around retirement preparedness, wealth creation and long-term financial security.

The Coastal region’s diverse economic base presents opportunities to engage employers across established industries as well as growing businesses, many of which must balance day-to-day operating costs with longer-term priorities such as staff welfare, retirement benefits and business continuity.

Speaking during the opening, Octagon Africa Group CEO Fred Waswa termed the opening of the Mombasa office as strategic for the business as they work on expanding across Kenya.

“Mombasa is a fast-growing city in Kenya, and we would like to be part of this growth. The Coast region presents significant opportunities across different sectors, including trade, tourism, hospitality, logistics, manufacturing, oil, professional services and small and medium-sized enterprises, which present diverse needs spanning retirement planning, employee benefits, insurance, investment and wealth preservation,” said Octagon Africa Group CEO Fred Waswa.

The launch is a strategic step towards bringing Octagon Africa’s diverse financial services closer to customers while leveraging its partnership with Alexforbes to strengthen its employee benefits and financial services proposition.

The partnership with Alexforbes is a key pillar of Octagon Africa’s growth ambitions. By combining Octagon Africa’s local market presence and customer relationships with Alexforbes’ extensive employee benefits and financial services capabilities, the two organisations aim to strengthen the value offered to employers and individuals.

Alexforbes Chief Commercial Officer Craig Bentley noted that the opening of Octagon Africa’s office in Mombasa demonstrates their commitment to embedding their financial solutions to clients withing the coastal region.

“This move aligns with Alexforbes’ objective to offer opportunities and growth across the African region, and strategically into specific markets such as Kenya, while at the same time reinforcing key relationships with our key partners such as Octagon Africa,” added Alexforbes Chief Commercial Officer Craig Bentley.

This collaboration provides an opportunity to deepen engagement with businesses, explore new market opportunities and deliver more integrated solutions that address the changing needs of the Coastal region workforce and business community.

The opening of the Mombasa office is a strategic move for Octagon Africa’s broader goal to expand its regional footprint, diversify its service offerings, and solidify its role as a holistic financial services partner through stronger customer relationships, increased participation in formal financial solutions, improved financial awareness and greater access to retirement and investment planning

MansaX Receives International Securities Identification Number from Nairobi Securities Exchange

Standard Investment Bank’s flagship investment product, MansaX Special Fund, has been issued with an International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) by the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), marking a significant milestone in the fund’s institutional development and its ambition to connect Kenyan investors with global capital-market infrastructure.

The ISIN provides MansaX with a unique and internationally recognised identity within the global securities infrastructure. It is designed to make it easier for custodians, banks, institutional investors, asset managers and other financial institutions to identify, hold, reconcile and report investments in the fund.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held on the NSE Trading Floor, Nahashon Mungai, SIB Executive Director for Global Markets and Portfolio Manager of the Standard Investment Trust Funds, said the development strengthens the global markets infrastructure underpinning MansaX’s continued growth and institutional evolution.

“For an investment fund, identity matters. An ISIN provides a unique, internationally recognised identifier that enables custodians, banks, institutional investors, asset managers and other financial institutions to identify, hold, reconcile and report their investments more efficiently. It enhances the fund’s visibility and supports its integration into the global financial markets ecosystem.”

The issuance of the ISIN marks another milestone in MansaX’s evolution into an institutionally recognised investment platform. Established to provide investors with access to professionally managed investment strategies, MansaX seeks to broaden participation in global financial markets while channelling capital into productive assets. This development reinforces the fund’s commitment to improving and reshaping its robust investment platform, which is supported by credible global markets infrastructure, transparency and accessibility.

The milestone comes as MansaX seeks to broaden its investor base beyond individual investors to include institutions, corporates, pension funds, family offices and international investors.

Standard Investment Bank said the development also underscores the importance of strengthening the infrastructure underpinning Kenya’s investment industry and positioning the country to participate more actively in global capital markets.

“Kenya has significant pools of domestic capital and enormous investment potential. The opportunity is to build the market infrastructure and investment vehicles that can connect these pools of capital to investments both locally and internationally, while enabling Kenya to attract greater participation from global investors. By aligning our investment infrastructure with international standards, we can strengthen cross-border connectivity and position Kenya more firmly within the global investment landscape,” said Nahashon.

MansaX aims to contribute to the mobilisation of domestic savings, deepen participation in Kenya’s capital markets and provide investors with access to diversified investment opportunities within a robust and regulated framework.

Standard Investment Bank acknowledged the role of the Nairobi Securities Exchange, the Capital Markets Authority, trustees, custodians, administrators, advisers and other market professionals in supporting the development of MansaX.

The Bank also recognised the confidence of its investors, noting that investor trust remains central to its commitment to professionalism, transparency, strong governance, disciplined investment management and long-term value creation.

MansaX Special Fund (KES) was issued ISIN Number KE9930009213 while the MansaX Shariah Special Fund (KES) was issued ISIN Number KE9930009437.

The issuance of the ISIN is expected to support MansaX as it continues to scale and develop its institutional capabilities.

ABSA EXPANDS PRESENCE IN MOMBASA WITH SECOND SALES & SERVICE POD AT NYALI BAZAAR

 Absa Bank Kenya has expanded its presence in the Coast region with the launch of a Sales & Service Pod at Nyali Bazaar Mall, its second such facility in the country, as the Bank continues to bring banking services closer to customers.

Located in one of Mombasa’s busiest retail hubs, the pod offers customers convenient access to banking services beyond traditional branch hours by operating within mall trading hours.

The facility is part of Absa’s strategy to enhance customer access through modern, flexible service channels that complement its digital banking platforms. Customers can open accounts, receive instant debit and prepaid cards, activate digital banking services, make enquiries, and access financial advisory support.

Speaking during the launch, Absa Bank Kenya Customer Network & Distribution Director, Peter Mutua, said the new facility reflects the Bank’s commitment to meeting customers where they are and providing greater convenience.

“The future of banking is about meeting customers where they are. Through our Sales & Service Pods, we are bringing banking closer to communities by combining the convenience of digital banking with personalised physical service. This model helps us strengthen customer relationships, enhance financial access, and deliver the flexibility that today's customers expect,” said Mutua.

The Nyali facility follows the successful launch of Absa’s first Sales & Service Pod at The Junction Mall in Nairobi and forms part of the Bank’s broader strategy to expand access through innovative distribution channels.

Mutua noted that while digital banking adoption continues to grow, customers still value physical touchpoints for advisory services and relationship banking.

“Customers want the flexibility to choose how they bank. While digital channels offer speed and convenience, physical presence remains important in building trust and providing personalised financial support. This pod delivers both convenience and expert advice in a location that fits naturally into customers’ daily lives,” he added.

The launch cements Absa’s investment in Mombasa and the wider Coast region. The Bank plans to roll out additional Sales & Service Pods in high-traffic locations across the country as part of its commitment to expanding access and enhancing customer experience.

Through its branch network, agency banking, digital channels, Branch on the Move, and Sales & Service Pods, Absa continues to strengthen its omni-channel banking model, ensuring customers can bank wherever and whenever they choose.

MURKOMEN CASTIGATES NATEMBEA ON TAWE MOVEMENT SAYING IT CURTAILS DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION

Interior and National Administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen has criticised Trans Nzoia Governor George for derailing development and collapsing the healthcare system in the county.

“We have a problem with hospitals here, and the people have suffered. I know the President wanted to construct a hospital, but the governor blocked it,” he said.

Murkomen also faulted the governor over the stalled construction of the Kenyatta Stadium in Kitale and other sports facilities in the county, which he said had denied young people opportunities to nurture talents in a region renowned for its sporting potential.

“The stadium in Kitale should be constructed to the same standards as stadiums in the rest of the country. We know you wanted to construct it, but the Governor refused to hand it over,” he told the President.

President William Ruto reiterated that the Government would not relent in its efforts to push for the completion of the projects and others in the county. 

“That hospital that is now called ‘Shakahola’ we will fix it. I will not allow the people of Trans Nzoia to suffer because of tribalism and hate politics,” the President said.

They spoke during the Mazingira Day celebrations in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County.

Murkomen commended village elders and NGAO across the country for their leadership in coordinating and mobilising Kenyans to ensure the success of the national exercise.

GOVERNMENT HAS STEPPED UP SECURITY OPERATIONS IN SAMBURU, MERU AND ISIOLO

The Government has intensified security operations in Samburu, Meru and Isiolo counties to curb banditry, cattle rustling and the illegal possession of firearms, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said.

Appearing before the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Murkomen said the security situation had improved, but challenges remained, particularly in areas affected by inter-community conflicts and livestock theft.

“Overall, the security situation in the affected areas has improved compared with previous periods,” he said, noting that insecurity continued to threaten lives, livelihoods and economic activities.

Between June and September 2026, security agencies recovered 3,221 livestock out of the 4,306 reported stolen. The Government also recovered 2,395 illegal firearms in the affected areas between September 2025 and September 2026.

Murkomen said security operations had been strengthened through the deployment of specialised units, the establishment of security camps and the recruitment and training of National Police Reservists. In Meru, the Lii and Magado camps were established to help contain banditry and cattle rustling.

The CS attributed the persistent insecurity to the proliferation of illegal firearms, retaliatory attacks, competition over water and pasture, and the ready availability of markets for stolen livestock. 

He also pointed to poor road and communication networks, historical marginalisation, and limited economic opportunities as factors complicating efforts to restore lasting peace.

Between June and September this year, 14 fatalities and 17 injuries were reported across the affected region, highlighting the continued impact of insecurity on local communities.

Murkomen also addressed recent incidents in Samburu, including the September 16 attack that claimed the lives of five people, among them two police officers, a National Police Reservist, and two civilians. He said security agencies had intensified follow-up operations and efforts to recover government equipment stolen during the incident.

On reports of livestock allegedly killed or injured in Samburu, the CS said investigations had been ordered to establish what happened. He noted that the reported figures and circumstances remained allegations pending verification.

Murkomen said the Government was complementing security operations with peacebuilding initiatives involving community elders, religious leaders, elected leaders, and local peace committees to resolve disputes before they escalate into violence.

“Security operations alone cannot provide a permanent solution to inter-community conflict,” he said, emphasising the importance of dialogue and cooperation between communities and security agencies.

He acknowledged that difficult terrain, inadequate roads, poor communication networks, and limited resources continued to hamper security operations.

To address these challenges, the Government is seeking additional budgetary support from Parliament to open and improve security roads. Murkomen also announced plans to recruit additional National Police Reservists over the next six months.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to combining security operations with peacebuilding and development interventions to address the root causes of insecurity and promote lasting stability in the affected regions.

THE HOTRODS QUARTET CLAIMS OPEN LANES VARSITY INVITATIONAL

The Hotrods Quartet team from the University of Nairobi emerged victorious at the Open Lanes Varsity Invitational finals, clinching the title with 30 points. The team narrowly outscored fellow UoN team, Untamed, who finished second with 28 points, while Kenyatta University's Endzone finished third with 22 points. 

The winning Hotrods Quartet delivered a strong performance across the competition, earning 10 points per race to secure their overall victory and claim bragging rights as the inaugural Open Lanes Varsity Invitational champions. Their win secured them the grand prize of a fully paid trip to South Africa for a race experience. 

The team captain said, "Winning the Open Lanes competition still feels surreal for me and my team. We are proud of ourselves, our strategy, and our teamwork. Every race pushed us differently, and we had to rely on each other to make the right decisions as a team. This is an experience we will definitely never forget." 

The high-energy finale marked the culmination of weeks of in-campus qualifiers, with students from Kenyatta University, CUEA, JKUAT, Riara University, Strathmore University and The University of Nairobi battling it out for the coveted title and expedition. 

Unlike conventional athletics competitions designed for elite athletes, the competition featured specially designed races including steeplechase and relay to accommodate ordinary students, putting their speed, endurance, and coordination to the test. Teams had to determine how best to deploy their members, navigate the different challenges, and work together to accumulate the points needed to claim the overall title. 

Speaking at the event, Navalayo Osembo, Director of Africa at On said, "The Open lanes concept was designed to open up the track and give ordinary individuals an opportunity to compete, have fun, and challenge themselves. What we have witnessed through this series has been both entertaining and exciting to see the students embrace this exciting sporting experience. The students have shown the power of teamwork and strategy. We are excited to reward the winning team with an opportunity to take that experience to South Africa." 

After a competitive series of races, the Hotrods Quartets emerged victorious, earning the chance to visit South Africa for a race experience. 

From the campus qualifiers to the knockout rounds and finally the Grand Finale, Open Lanes has provided students with a platform to compete outside the traditional confines of elite athletics. 

For the Hotrods Quartets, the journey now continues beyond the track, with the South Africa race experience waiting at the finish line. 

Air France-KLM marks 107th anniversary by giving flight materials a new life for learners in Nguruman

Flight amenity kits that have completed their journey will get a new lease of life as study and waterproof bags for learners with special needs at Special Unity School in Nguruman, as Air France-KLM marks its 107^th anniversary.

The repurposed bags are part of a wider community project centred on recycling, reuse and practical support for the school. In addition to giving materials from its flights a second life, Air France-KLM provided reusable sanitary pads for the girls, clothes and beddings, as well as installed a complete solar energy system to support learning and daily care at the facility.

The solar installation will provide the school with a more reliable source of energy for its education, accommodation and day-to-day operations. The contribution includes four Tier 1 solar panels, lithium battery storage and a hybrid inverter, together with installation, commissioning and user training.

Special Unity School supports 40 learners with special needs, comprising 19 girls and 21 boys aged between eight and 17. The school provides education, accommodation and daily care for children from the Nguruman community and continues to face challenges in meeting some of its basic operational needs.

The contribution was handed over following a two-day Cycling for Good expedition from Nairobi to Nguruman, some 164.7Km southwest of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.  The journey, held under the theme “Ride to Light”, had the participation of 10 Air France-KLM cyclists, beginning with a flag-off on October 5, followed by the main cycling expedition on October 6.

Cycling for Good is an initiative that brings together Air France-KLM employees and partners around a shared experience, while using a targeted ride to draw attention to the needs of disadvantaged communities and the role businesses can play in supporting them.

The initiative also promotes cycling as a platform for wellness, adventure and environmental awareness while strengthening connections between the airline group and local communities.

“For more than a century, we have believed that every journey should have a purpose. We want to create an experience that brings our people together while delivering something meaningful and lasting,” said Joris Holtus, the General Manager for East and Southern Africa at Air France-KLM.

"In Nguruman, we are doing this by combining practical support for the school with the simple idea that materials that have served one purpose can still create value in another".

The handover culminated in a special anniversary celebration involving the school's learners, Air France-KLM employees, cyclists and members of the local community.