MAFA Academy Sail Through to Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Regional Final, Set to Face Mikinduri Rock-Star

October 03, 2026 No comments

By SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

In the girls’ final, the hosts Royal Queens will face MFC Starlets from Machakos for the dazzling Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Regionals. The winners in both categories will take home KSh. 250,000 and earn a spot at the National Finals, while runners-up will pocket KSh. 150,000, among other prizes.

MAFA Academy players celebrate after scoring against Mbuthani Secondary School during the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Regional semifinals at Moi Stadium in Embu County on Saturday. |COURTESY

Isiolo’s MAFA Academy will square it out with Meru’s Mikinduri Rock-Star FC in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Regional boys’ final tomorrow at Moi Stadium in Embu County.

MAFA Academy booked their place in the final after overwhelming Makueni’s Mbuthani Secondary School 6-1 in a mouthwatering semi-final encounter at Moi Stadium. Zakir Mohammed scored a hat-trick, while Daud Abdullahi added a brace and Abdijabar Hashim scored the other goal.

Dennis Mwamu scored Mbuthani’s consolation goal.

“First, I would like to thank my boys for their outstanding performance. They stuck to our game plan, which was to possess the ball and be tactical. This is our first time playing Chapa Dimba, and reaching this stage means a lot to us and the people of Isiolo.

Personally, I am a product of Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season two, and I am happy to now come back as a coach. We got a red card, but that didn’t affect our game as we continued to dominate.

Tomorrow, we face Mikinduri, and we are ready. We want to take this trophy to Isiolo,” said Ibrahim Abdisalan, Head Coach, MAFA Academy.

In the other boys’ semi-final, Mikinduri Rock-Star FC came from behind to beat Machakos’ Golden Football Academy 2-1. Bramuel Owuor put Golden Football Academy ahead in the 21st minute, with the side taking a 1-0 lead into the break.

Alex Musa levelled the scores for Mikinduri in the 70th minute before Vincent Muchui completed the comeback with the winning goal in the 80th minute to seal a 2-1 victory.

In the girls’ contest, MCF Starlets from Machakos edged Makueni’s AIC Sultan Queens 1-0, with Rose Mwende scoring the decisive goal to book their place in the final against hosts Royal Queens Academy.

Meanwhile, Royal Queens Academy secured their place in the final after defeating Marsabit’s Dakabaricha Secondary School 3-1. Justa Mwende and Miriam Nduku scored for Royal Queens, while Emmaculate Moraa found the net for Dakabaricha.

“We are through with today’s match, although it wasn’t easy as we missed many chances. Our focus now shifts to tomorrow’s game. I know it won’t be easy as we face the hosts, but we are determined to win and take this trophy to Machakos,” said Abednego Matata, Head Coach, MCF Starlets.

The winners in both the boys’ and girls’ categories will each take home KSh. 250,000 and earn a place at the National Finals, while runners-up will receive Ksh. 150,000, among other prizes.

There will also be individual awards for grabs. The Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer in both the boys’ and girls’ categories will each receive KSh. 30,000, while the Most Valuable Player (Golden Ball) will also receive KSh. 30,000, in addition to a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.

Tomorrow’s finals will be preceded by an exhibition match between Safaricom staff and Embu-based media, with KSh. 40,000 up for grabs for the winning team before another showdown between 3K FC and Kenya Police FC.

Sh6.4billion boost for NYS as Government targets 100,000 youth

Mwingi Times

October 03, 2026 No comments

By SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

The Government has committed Sh6.4 billion to expand National Youth Service (NYS) training infrastructure as it moves to recruit up to 100,000 young people by 2028, putting skills development and youth empowerment at the centre of a major expansion of the Service.

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes CS Geoffrey Ruku inspects a NYS passing-out parade of the 01/2026 cohort of 15, 363 recruits at the NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County on Friday. |COURTESY

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku said the investment would fund new classrooms, workshops, barracks, kitchens and administration facilities, increasing NYS capacity to accommodate and equip about 50,000 young men and women at any given time.

Ruku spoke on Friday at the NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where he represented President William Ruto during the passing out parade of the 01/2026 cohort of 15,363 recruits who had completed six months of paramilitary training.

The ceremony also marked a historic moment, with Ruku becoming the first Cabinet Secretary to preside over an NYS passing-out parade since the Service’s inception.

The CS said the expansion was not simply about increasing recruitment, but about giving more young Kenyans the skills and opportunities needed to secure livelihoods, create enterprises and contribute to the economy. “Kenya is a youthful nation, and our young people represent one of our greatest national assets,” CS Ruku said.

“The question before Government is therefore not whether our youth have potential; they unquestionably do. The question is how we create the pathways through which that potential can be translated into skills, employment, enterprise and productive livelihoods.”

The planned recruitment drive, he said, must be matched by adequate infrastructure, equipment, trainers and human resources.

“The President had earlier directed that recruitment should progressively expand towards 100,000 young people by 2028. Such expansion must be matched by adequate infrastructure, equipment, training facilities and human resource capacity,” Ruku said.

He said technical and vocational training would be expanded alongside the new infrastructure so that NYS graduates leave with practical competencies in areas relevant to the labour market. “The Service provides an environment where young people acquire discipline and patriotism while simultaneously developing practical skills in construction, agriculture, technical trades and other areas relevant to the economy,” he said.

CS Ruku said the Government wanted NYS to become a stronger vehicle for turning Kenya’s youthful population into a productive workforce, with training aligned to opportunities in food production, affordable housing, infrastructure, environmental conservation and enterprise. “This is not merely about training young people for employment. It is about building a generation capable of creating employment, supporting communities and contributing to national productivity,” he said.

The push comes as the Government seeks to strengthen pathways from NYS training to employment. The Cabinet Secretary said 12,760 NYS alumni had transitioned into vetted employment opportunities since 2024, including 5,720 who secured placements in the United Kingdom, Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Australia.

The placements complement the Labour Mobility Programme, Kazi Majuu, which seeks to connect suitably skilled Kenyans to opportunities abroad through government-supported channels.

CS Ruku, however, said the priority remained to create more opportunities within Kenya, enabling young people to find productive livelihoods in their own counties and communities.

The Government is also equipping NYS to undertake more construction and commercial activities. Ruku said 50 large tipper trucks and two-wheel loaders were being procured, while a further 50 excavators were expected.

The equipment will boost NYS capacity in construction and infrastructure development, while enterprises in milling, water bottling and construction are expected to strengthen revenue generation and the Service’s financial sustainability.

Agriculture is another area targeted for expansion. CS Ruku cited the NYS partnership with the National Irrigation Authority to bring 3,000 acres under cultivation in the Tana Basin, alongside potato seed multiplication in Turbo and plans to establish at least 100 acres for clean, disease-free potato seed.

He said the initiatives would support food production and drought resilience, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas.

NYS is also expanding its environmental role. Since 2022, its programmes have contributed to planting more than 71.8 million trees, while its 22 nurseries can propagate about 50 million seedlings annually.

Through Climate WorX, NYS personnel have also been involved in road works, river restoration and other environmental interventions.

The Service is equally being positioned as a rapid-response force during national emergencies. In Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet County, NYS personnel have helped reconstruct homes destroyed by landslides. Of the 56 houses targeted, between 80 and 90 per cent had been completed, with the first units handed over to affected families in Emsoo Ward.

“This is what National Service means: being present when communities face their most difficult moments, providing practical assistance and remaining committed until the work is completed,” CS Geoffrey Ruku said.

He also called for the Service to expand its reach to marginalised areas, including Northern Kenya. Discussions are underway on establishing an NYS presence in Marsabit to provide young people from pastoralist communities with skills in areas such as water management, livestock production and enterprise development.

The Government is also seeking to ensure that skills acquired at NYS are formally recognised. CS Ruku said graduates trained in masonry, carpentry, electrical installation, welding, agriculture and tailoring should have their competencies certified to improve their access to jobs, further education and enterprise opportunities.

NYS has developed a Recognition of Prior Learning policy, with 56 people already certified out of more than 200 identified for assessment.

CS Ruku linked the expansion to Kenya’s long-term development plans, saying the country’s future would depend heavily on the quality of its human capital.

“The success of such a long-term national vision will ultimately depend on the quality of our human capital,” he said. “Infrastructure, technology and institutions are important, but at the centre of every successful nation are people who are disciplined, skilled, innovative, ethical and committed to public service and national development.”

The 15,363 graduates, comprising 11,527 men, 3,835 women and 15 recruits living with disabilities, now join the wider NYS system after completing their six-month training.

Ruku urged them to use their training to serve their communities and country.

“As you leave this Academy today, carry forward the discipline you have learnt here. Carry forward the respect for authority, teamwork and service that has been instilled in you. Carry forward the technical skills you have acquired,” he said.

“But above all, carry forward the understanding that service to Kenya is a privilege and a responsibility.”

The Sh6.4 billion investment is expected to give NYS the infrastructure and equipment needed to expand recruitment while strengthening its role in youth skills development, employment, enterprise, environmental conservation and national service.

SPORTS

Young People Showcase Talent in Chapa Dimba Knockouts

Mwingi Times

October 02, 2026 No comments

By SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Embu’s Royal Queens and Marsabit’s Dakabaricha are among eight teams to secure Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern semifinal slots.

Mbuthani Secondary School from Makueni County (black) in action against Black Cats Football Academy from Embu County (blue) during the Season Five of the Safaricom Chap Dimba Eastern Region Playoffs at Nembure Grounds in Embu. |COURTESY

The eight teams booked their places in tomorrow’s semifinals after winning their respective quarterfinal knockout matches played at Kairuri, Nembure, Kamiu and Embu Showground.

The hosts, Royal Queens Academy from Embu County, and Marsabit’s Dakabaricha Secondary School are among the eight teams that have booked their places in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Regional semifinals, set for tomorrow, Saturday, at Moi Stadium in Embu.

The eight teams include Royal Queens Academy (Embu), Dakabaricha Secondary School (Marsabit), AIC Sultan Queens (Makueni), and MCF Starlets (Machakos) in the girls’ category, as well as Mbuthani Secondary School (Makueni), Golden Football Academy (Machakos), MAFA Academy (Isiolo), and SMPI Academy (Kitui) in the boys’ category.

The teams secured their semifinal berths after winning their respective quarterfinal knockout matches played at Kairuri, Nembure, Kamiu, and Embu Showground.

In the girls’ matches, Royal Queens Academy advanced after seeing off regional defending champions Syomunyu Queens from Kitui 2-0 in a tightly contested encounter at Kairuri Grounds. Dakabaricha Secondary School booked their place in the semifinals after edging Bridge Starlets from Isiolo 2-1.

AIC Sultan Queens from Makueni advanced after thrashing Mugona Girls from Tharaka Nithi 5-1, while MCF Starlets secured their spot after edging Meru’s Akuune Queens 1-0.

“It was a tough match against the regional defending champions, but we stuck to our game plan to secure the win. We made sure we got an early goal to reduce the pressure, which worked to our advantage. We are taking every game one at a time, and we hope to keep this trophy here in Embu. We are ready for tomorrow, and I call upon our fans to come out in large numbers and cheer us on,” said Muka Protus, Head Coach, Royal Queens Academy.

In the boys’ category, hosts Black Cats Football Academy narrowly fell to Makueni’s Mbuthani Secondary School 2-1, with Mbuthani booking an early semifinal slot.

Golden Football Academy slid into the semis after edging Marsabit’s Abdary FC 3-2 on penalties following a thrilling 4-4 draw in regular time. In another tightly contested encounter, MAFA Academy held their nerve from the spot, defeating Kajiunduthi High School from Tharaka Nithi 4-2 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regular time.

Meanwhile, SPMI Academy secured the final boys’ semifinal slot after beating Mikinduri Rock-Star FC 2-1.

“It has been our wish to reach this level, and beating the hosts in the knockouts, a very critical stage, is not something we take for granted. Our aim is to lift the trophy as we proceed to the semifinals set for tomorrow,” said Geoffrey Mwendwa, Head Coach, Mbuthani Secondary School.

Today’s matches were followed by players’ and coaches’ clinics at Moi Stadium, where participants were taken through financial literacy, data privacy, mental health, and AI-powered vests, among other topics.

Tomorrow’s action will see AIC Sultan Queens take on MCF Starlets in the first girls’ semifinal, before hosts Royal Queens Academy face Marsabit’s Dakabaricha Secondary School in the second girls’ encounter.

In the boys’ category, Golden Football Academy will open the semifinals against SPMI Academy before MAFA Academy faces Makueni’s Mbuthani Secondary School in what promises to be a mouth-watering encounter.

The winners of the respective semifinals will advance to Sunday’s finals, with the champions taking home Ksh. 250,000, while the runners-up will pocket Ksh. 150,000, alongside other individual prizes including smartphones.

Editor's Note: This sports piece is compiled from a press release sent to newsrooms.

SCIENCE

National Government, Development Partners to Help us Mitigate El Nino Impact-DG Kanani

Mwingi Times

October 01, 2026 No comments

By MWINGI TIMES TEAM

Increased collaboration between the national and county governments are key in helping avert anticipated El Nino consequences forecast to be associated with the October-November-December, OND, short rains. Addressing the media in a joint press conference in Kitui town with Kitui County Commissioner Erastus Mbui and other senior government officials, Deputy Governor Dr Augustine Kanani estimated that the cost of the disaster preparedness will be about KSh1.2billion.

Kitui County Governor Dr Julius Malombe addressing the press in his Kitui town office. He is flanked by County Commissioner Erastus Mbui (right), Deputy Governor Dr Augustine Kanani among other senior officials from both National and County governments who met to steategise about mitigating the expected negative effects of the El Nino rains. |MWINGI TIMES

This enormous budget requires support from the National Government and development partners hence the need for continued partnership during the El Nino rains season.

Further consultation with the National Government and the National Drought Management Authority, NDMA, informed the above change in disaster preparedness budget. "When we interrogated the matter deeply with partners such as the National Government and NDMA, we realised that considering the likely destruction, preparedness measures and the repair of damages, we would need up to KSh1.2billion", said Deputy Governor Dr Augustine Kanani.

The funding will help Kitui County Government repair damaged infrastructure and boost emergency services which need quick responses.

The two levels of government assured residents of Kitui County that measures are being put in place to protect lives, sources of livelihoods and infrastructure.

Kitui Deputy Governor Dr Augustine Kanani said the County Executive had already set aside KSh103 million to assist in reducing the negative impact of El Nino rains.

The disaster mitigation budget shortfall is expected to be financed by the National Government and development partners and other stakeholders.

Governor Malombe urged Kitui residents to focus on the good side of the expected abundant rains rather than only the negative effects. This, he said, presented an opportunity to improve food security and boost the local economy as water availability will be assured. "We therefore encourage all residents, particularly farmers and households to take advantage of the rains by investing in water harvesting and storage ", the governor said.

SPORTS

Safaricom Chapa Dimba heads to Embu for the Eastern Regional Finals

Mwingi Times

October 01, 2026 No comments

By SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Embu is set for a weekend of high-stakes football as 16 of the Eastern Region’s best youth teams converge for the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Regionals, with eight boys’ and eight girls’ teams battling for the regional titles and a ticket to the national finals.

Syomunyu Secondary School players celebrate after defeating Chuka University Starlets to clinch the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season Four Eastern Regionals title at Kinoru Stadium in Meru.|SAFARICOM

The three-day tournament, running from Friday, 2nd October, to Sunday, 4th October, will bring together teams from the region’s eight counties. The quarterfinals will kick off on Friday across four venues: Nembure Grounds, Kamiu Grounds, Embu Showgrounds, and the University of Embu Grounds.

The action will then move to the semi-finals on Saturday, before the two category finals take place on Sunday at Moi Stadium, Embu, where the Eastern Region champions will be crowned.

In the girls’ category, defending regional champions Syomunyu Queens from Kitui will begin their title defence against hosts Royal Queens Academy from Embu at the University of Embu Grounds, with kick-off scheduled for 9:00 a.m.

Syomunyu Queens head coach Amos Mulwa said his side is prepared for the challenge ahead, acknowledging the increased pressure that comes with being the defending champions.

“First, I want to congratulate my girls for making it to this stage. The competition has been fierce, with every team fighting for a place in the regionals.

We are here to defend our title, and while we expect a tough challenge. We are ready for it. Every team wants to beat the defending champions, but our opponents should know that it will not be a walk in the park.

We are determined to retain our crown, and our focus is to stick to our playing system, take each match as it comes, and fight to the very end,” said Mulwa.

The other girls’ quarter-finals will see Dakabaricha from Marsabit take on Bridge Starlets from Isiolo at Embu Showgrounds, while Meru’s Akuune Queens face MCF Starlets from Machakos at Nembure Grounds.

At Kamiu Grounds, AIC Sultan Queens from Makueni will face Mugona Girls from Tharaka-Nithi.

The boys’ quarterfinals will follow at 11:00 a.m., with the region’s emerging football talent also seeking a place in the last four.

Meru’s Makinduri Rockstars will face SMPI Academy from Kitui at Embu Showgrounds, while MAFA Academy from Isiolo take on Kajiunduthi High School from Tharaka-Nithi at Kamiu Grounds.

At Nembure Grounds, hosts Black Cats Football Academy will face Mbuthani Secondary School from Makueni, while Golden Football Academy from Machakos will take on Abdary FC from Marsabit at the University of Embu Grounds.

For Black Cats Football Academy head coach Sammy Githinji, playing on home ground provides added motivation as the team seeks to secure the regional title. “It is exciting to reach this stage. Safaricom Chapa Dimba is highly competitive, and every team dreams of making it to the regional finals, if not the nationals.

There is pressure that comes with playing at home, but we are prepared for the task ahead. Our goal is to compete for the regional title and ensure the trophy stays in Embu,” said Githinji.

Beyond the pitch, players and coaches will participate in development clinics later in the afternoon, covering areas including financial literacy, data privacy, mental health, and AI-powered vests.

The quarter-final winners will advance to Saturday’s semi-finals, with the successful teams progressing to Sunday’s finals at Moi Stadium.

The boys’ and girls’ regional champions will each pocket KES 250,000 and earn the opportunity to represent the Eastern Region at the Safaricom Chapa Dimba National Finals scheduled for early next year.

The runners-up in both categories will each receive KES 150,000.

Individual awards will also be contested, with the Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer in each category each receiving KES 30,000. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) will also receive KES 30,000, alongside a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.

The Eastern Region tournament continues to provide a competitive platform for young footballers to showcase their talent, with 382 teams registering for this season’s campaign. The registrations comprised 272 boys’ teams and 110 girls’ teams, highlighting the growing participation in grassroots football across the region.

Meru recorded the highest number of registrations with 81 teams, followed by Machakos with 79. Marsabit registered 51 teams, Isiolo 50, Kitui 47, Makueni 35, Tharaka-Nithi 21, and Embu 18.

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