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Safaricom Champions Youth and Creativity Through Support for the Fisherman Experience

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By SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT 

The Fisherman Experience in Kisumu brought together three days of creativity, learning and entertainment, with engagements for young creatives on Wednesday and Thursday leading into the main concert at Mamboleo Stadium on Saturday.
Iddia Achieng,  the talented Afro-fusion musician, delivers an electrifying performance at the first edition of 'The Fisherman's Experience '. The unforgettable event,  held at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu,  showcased the very best of Kenya's diverse musical landscape. |COURTESY

On Wednesday, artists and industry practitioners took part in masterclasses focused on the business of creativity. The sessions covered financial literacy, managing irregular income, tax, investment, brand building, digital music and monetising creative work. 

Creatives also received guidance on accessing credit and funding to grow their businesses and projects. The focus shifted to civic engagement and rights advocacy on Thursday, with discussions on constitutional rights, freedom of expression, copyright, fair contracts and youth participation in governance. 

Voter education sessions further encouraged young people to connect their creative influence with civic participation.
“We believe in the power of young people and the creative industry to bring Kenyans together. Our support goes beyond performance because we recognise the talent, skills and people behind every creative experience. Through the platforms and opportunities we create, we support young creatives to develop their skills, express themselves and turn their passion into meaningful opportunities, said Zizwe Awuor, Director, Brand, Marketing and Insights Safaricom PLC.

The two days showcased the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within Kenya’s creative ecosystem, bringing together young people across different creative disciplines and equipping them with practical skills to build sustainable careers.

The creative engagements set the tone for Saturday’s concert, where the focus shifted from learning and capacity building to music, culture and celebration. Held at Mamboleo Stadium, the concert brought together artists, fans and the wider Kisumu community in a showcase of Kenyan talent and youth culture.

The event also highlighted the role of M-PESA in supporting businesses around live entertainment.Through Pochi la Biashara and M-PESA tills, traders and other businesses at the venue could conveniently receive payments for goods and services, allowing fans to transact as they enjoyed the performances.

At the heart of the concert was a celebration of Kenyan music and the artists shaping the country’s cultural landscape. The performances gave artists an opportunity to connect directly with their audiences while giving fans a space to enjoy local talent and celebrate their culture.
“The experience was exciting because it brought people together and gave us a chance to enjoy Kenyan music and our own artists. It was good to see so much energy from the young people and to be part of an event that celebrated our culture,” said Collins Ochieng.

The Fishermen Experience formed part of Safaricom’s broader commitment to supporting Kenya’s creative economy. The same commitment is reflected in the Safaricom Hook Music Hip Hop regional auditions, which have traversed Kakamega, Embu and Kisumu, giving rising rappers, singers, dancers, actors, MCs and songwriters opportunities to sharpen their craft and gain exposure.

From creative business skills and civic awareness to performance and audience engagement, the Kisumu experience highlighted how young Kenyans are using creativity to build careers, shape culture and contribute to their communities.

MAFA Academy and MCF Starlets Crowned New Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region Champions

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By SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT 

Summary 

*Each team took home KSh. 250,000 alongside individual prizes, including smartphones, and secured a spot in the National Finals.

MAFA Academy from Isiolo County celebrates after being crowned the Season Five Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region champions in the boys’ category at Moi Stadium in Embu on October 4, 2026. |COURTESY

MAFA Academy from Isiolo County and MCF Starlets from Machakos County have been crowned the new Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region champions after dominant performances in the boys’ and girls’ finals held at Moi Stadium in Embu town.

MCF Starlets from Machakos County celebrate after being crowned the Season Five Safaricom Chapa Dimba Eastern Region champions in the girls’ category at Moi Stadium in Embu County on October 4, 2026.|COURTESY

MAFA Academy claimed their maiden regional title in a spectacular fashion, after overpowering Mikinduri Rock-Star FC 8-0 in a one-sided boys’ final.

Zakar Mohamed opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the seventh minute after Linus Mwirigi was penalised for bringing down Hussein Edin inside the box. Edin doubled MAFA’s advantage in the 18th minute before Abduba Daud added a third two minutes before the break to give the Isiolo side a 3-0 lead at half-time.

MAFA picked up from where they left off in the second half, with Abdizak Ali finding the back of the net in the 56th minute before Mohamed grabbed his second goal of the match in the 68th minute. Wako Dabaso then joined the scoring spree, netting twice in the 71st and 81st minutes to stretch MAFA’s lead to 7-0. Mohamed completed his hat-trick in the 85th minute, capping a superb individual performance and sealing a commanding 8-0 victory for the Isiolo outfit.

Mikinduri Rock-Star FC came close to finding a consolation goal in the 55th minute, but their effort came back off the crossbar as MAFA comfortably saw out the contest.

“This is a big milestone in our football journey as an academy. We have been preparing for this tournament for two years, and today we are very proud of what the boys have achieved. They played good football and made sure we maintained possession as per our game plan. 

Personally, Chapa Dimba took me to Spain, and now, coming back as a coach and winning the regional title is something I am very happy about. The journey is not yet over. Our focus now immediately shifts to the National Finals,” said Ibrahim Abdisalan, Head Coach, MAFA Academy.

In the girls’ final, MCF Starlets from Machakos denied hosts Manyatta Royal Queens Academy home advantage, overcoming the Embu side 3-1 to lift the regional crown.

MCF Starlets took the lead in the 17th minute before doubling their advantage in the 62nd minute. Royal Queens responded three minutes later, with Justa Mwende pulling one back in the 65th minute to give the hosts hope of a comeback.

However, MCF Starlets remained composed and continued to threaten on the counter. They sealed the victory in the 90th minute when Jacinta Nzuna found the back of the net for a third time, extinguishing Royal Queens’ hopes of a late fightback and securing the Machakos side the Eastern Region title.

“Nothing makes us happier than winning the Chapa Dimba Regional Trophy. It has been our dream, and we are proud to be the first team to take the regional trophy to Machakos. We came well prepared, although it was not an easy game because we were playing the hosts and they had tremendous support from their fans,” said Abednego Matata, Head Coach, MCF Starlets 

“We thank Safaricom for giving these young girls a platform to showcase their talent. They are very happy and highly motivated. At the Nationals, we know we will not only be representing Machakos but the entire Eastern Region. We are determined to ensure the Season Five national trophy comes to Eastern.” Added Matata. 

In addition to securing a place in the National Finals, both MAFA Academy and MCF Starlets took home KSh. 250,000 each, alongside individual prizes including smartphones and airtime.

The runners-up, Mikinduri Rock-Star FC and Manyatta Royal Queens Academy, received KSh. 150,000 each.

The Best Goalkeeper awards went to Redemptah Mutanu of MCF Starlets and Abdullahi Muhammed of MAFA Academy, while the Top Scorer awards were claimed by Justa Mwende of Royal Queens and Zakar Mohammed of MAFA Academy.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards went to Cecilia Wanjiku of MCF Starlets and Hussein Edin of MAFA Academy. Each MVP received KSh. 30,000, in addition to a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under Safaricom’s Citizens of the Future Programme.

MAFA Academy and MCF Starlets now join Awendo Football Academy and Plateau Queens of the Nyanza Region, St. Joseph Starlets and LYSA from the Central Region, and Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive from the Western Region, who have already secured their places in the National Finals.

The Eastern Region finals were preceded by an exhibition match between Safaricom staff and Embu-based journalists, with the Safaricom team securing a 3-0 victory.

With the Eastern Region finals now concluded, Safaricom Chapa Dimba heads to the Nairobi Region as the nationwide youth football tournament continues its search for the country’s next generation of football stars.

Safaricom Chapa Dimba is a nationwide tournament targeting young people aged 14 to 17 years, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent, compete at the highest level and pursue opportunities both on and off the pitch.

Editor's Note: Story compiled from a press release sent to newsrooms 

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

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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

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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.


Young People Showcase Talent in Chapa Dimba Knockouts

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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.


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