Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki has formally requested a comprehensive statement regarding the decision to place the Mombasa Water Supply and Sanitation Company (MOWASSCO) under a special regulatory framework by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).

While presenting his request before the Senate under the Standing Orders, Senator Faki called on the Senate Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources to provide a clear explanation on the circumstances that led to MOWASSCO being placed under special administration, as well as the legal basis for the decision.

WASREB recently placed MOWASSCO under a six-month special regulatory mechanism pursuant to Section 101 of the Water Act, a move aimed at improving service delivery to Mombasa residents.

“It is important for the Committee to explain the specific reasons that necessitated this action, and whether the company was given an opportunity to address the existing challenges before being placed under special management,” said Senator Faki.

The Senator emphasized that Mombasa residents deserve transparency on the matter, particularly concerning the operational and governance issues that may have informed the regulator’s intervention.

Senator Faki further sought clarification on the measures being undertaken by the WASREB Chief Executive Officer to ensure uninterrupted water supply and sanitation services throughout the six-month intervention period.

“We must ensure that the people of Mombasa continue to receive reliable water services without disruption during this regulatory process,” he stated.

Additionally, he urged the Committee to outline the long-term strategies being implemented to improve MOWASSCO’s performance and guarantee sustainable, efficient service delivery beyond the special oversight period.

Senator Faki also questioned whether there are specific agreements, conditions, or performance benchmarks attached to the intervention, and whether an effective monitoring and evaluation framework has been established to track progress.

“Water is a fundamental right for every citizen. Transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the water sector are essential to safeguarding this right,” Senator Faki added.

The Senator’s push underscores growing concern over water service delivery in Mombasa and reinforces the need for stronger governance, oversight, and reforms to ensure residents receive dependable and quality water services.

The vibrant spirit of Uganda was on full display in Mombasa as the 2nd Uganda Cultural Exhibition brought together leaders, tourism stakeholders, and cultural enthusiasts in a colorful celebration of heritage, unity, and East African cooperation.

Organized by the Uganda Consulate in Mombasa, the event offered guests a unique opportunity to experience Uganda’s rich traditions through music, dance, fashion, cuisine, and cultural showcases, while promoting stronger diplomatic and social connections between Uganda and Kenya.

Speaking during the event, Uganda’s Ambassador Herbert Kiguli highlighted the importance of cultural exhibitions in opening doors for deeper understanding and regional partnerships.

“We are here basically to celebrate our culture. This is a key trigger because it opens up what Uganda is and our culture,” said Ambassador Herbert Kiguli.

He added that the event goes beyond cultural celebration by fostering stronger ties between neighboring communities.

“This is also an opportunity to extend our relationship, strengthen our bonds, and promote greater understanding between our communities,” he noted.

Tourism stakeholders also emphasized the exhibition’s role in positioning Uganda as a key travel destination for Kenyans and international visitors.

Eddy Kirya, Managing Director of Eyalama Tours, said the showcase would inspire more people to explore Uganda firsthand.

“We believe this will make people from here want to travel to Uganda and experience it for themselves. Uganda is very rich in culture,” said Eddy Kirya.

Kirya noted that Uganda’s diverse cultural heritage, natural attractions, and warm hospitality make it a unique destination for travelers seeking authentic African experiences.

The exhibition drew participation from government officials, business leaders, and members of the public, with many praising the initiative for promoting tourism, cultural exchange, and regional integration.

Traditional performances, cultural artifacts, and tourism exhibitions gave attendees a glimpse into Uganda’s identity while reinforcing the role of culture as a bridge for economic and diplomatic collaboration.

The Uganda Cultural Exhibition in Mombasa stands as a testament to the growing partnership between Uganda and Kenya, using culture and tourism as powerful tools to deepen regional unity and showcase East Africa’s shared heritage.

Mombasa County Government has unveiled a major sports empowerment initiative worth Ksh14 million aimed at supporting grassroots football by paying registration, affiliation, and referee fees for 150 football teams across the county.

Speaking during the announcement, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir said the move is part of the county’s broader strategy to revitalize sports, nurture youth talent, and create opportunities for young people through football.

Governor Nassir emphasized that all 150 teams in Mombasa will benefit from the county-funded program, easing the financial burden that has long hindered local clubs from participating fully in organized competitions.

“We are committed to supporting football and all other sports in Mombasa. This Ksh14 million investment is just the beginning. Our goal is to ensure every team has the support it needs, while also expanding this assistance to other sporting disciplines,” said Governor Nassir.

The Governor further revealed that the county has officially handed over the long-awaited Mombasa Stadium project to the national government, which has committed to completing the facility. He also confirmed that the construction of Mwahima Stadium will begin soon after the contract was awarded.

"We must invest in more playgrounds for our youth to practice and compete. I have directed the relevant County Executive Committee Member to ensure regular maintenance of all sports grounds. We are also partnering with Kenya Ports Authority to improve sports infrastructure,” he added.

Governor Nassir noted that the county will also work to create clear pathways for talented local players to join established clubs such as Bandari FC while ensuring fairness and transparency in player selection.

"I want to see our children and youth actively engaged in sports. Many young people are losing direction early in life, and sports can provide hope, discipline, and opportunity,” he said.

Mombasa FKF Branch Chairman Alamin Abdallah welcomed the initiative, describing it as a historic moment for football development in the county.

"This is a clear sign that football is deeply valued in Mombasa. Today marks an important milestone for the football fraternity. We have faced many challenges over the years, and this support is a practical step toward solving them,” said Alamin.

He called for the timely completion of Mombasa Stadium by December, urging all stakeholders to work together to ensure the promises made are fulfilled.

Mombasa Football Association Secretary Salim Ali also praised the county government, noting that football remains the most popular sport and has the power to transform countless young lives.

"Supporting football means uplifting many youths and communities. Beyond registration fees, teams also need first aid support, managerial training, and better playing fields, many of which are currently in poor condition,” said Salim.

Mombasa County is set to scale up its road safety and sustainable mobility agenda after securing continued support under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety.

The renewed partnership forms part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ $350 million global commitment aimed at reducing traffic deaths and injuries worldwide, announced during CityLab 2026.

Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir said the investment will strengthen Mombasa’s ongoing efforts to create safer roads, improve cycling infrastructure, and build a more sustainable urban transport system.

"This investment will provide critical resources to strengthen our ongoing efforts to make streets safer and prevent traffic deaths in Mombasa city,” Governor Nassir said.

Adding “We’re implementing proven strategies to protect our residents and build a more sustainable city through this collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies to ensure every Mombasa resident is safe on our streets.”

Through the initiative, Mombasa will prioritize, implementation of proven road safety policies and infrastructure improvements, expansion of connected cycling networks to promote safer and greener mobility, enhanced measures to curb speeding, which contributes to nearly half of all road traffic facilities.

Road crashes remain a major global public health challenge, with more than one million people dying annually worldwide. In Kenya alone, over 4,000 people lose their lives each year due to road accidents.

The initiative seeks to address systemic failures such as unsafe road designs, weak traffic enforcement, and urban planning models that prioritize vehicle speed over public safety.

Mombasa joins Nairobi and over 30 cities across 14 countries selected for the next phase of the initiative, positioning the coastal city as a regional leader in adopting safer, healthier, and more climate-friendly transport solutions.

The support is expected to accelerate Mombasa’s transformation into a city with safer streets, reduced fatalities, and improved mobility options for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

This latest development underscores Mombasa County’s growing commitment to modern urban planning and public safety, while reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s emerging cities embracing sustainable transport solutions.

Stanbic Bank Kenya has unveiled an enhanced insurance solution for commercial vehicle owners and operators, underwritten by Heritage Insurance Kenya, in response to the accelerated growth of Kenya’s commercial transport segment.

The cover offers competitive premium pricing with additional benefits that will protect commercial vehicle owners from damage and loss to their vehicles and goods as well as injury to employees. 

The new solution connects Stanbic’s Vehicle and Asset Financing clients to an ecosystem that integrates financing and insurance within a single, professional, service-led framework. Tailored to the evolving needs of commercial transporters and fleet operators, the enhanced cover combines competitive pricing with broader, market-leading protection benefits. 

Key features include:

• Goods-in-transit (all risks) cover of up to KES 5 million, above the typical KES 3 million market provision.
• Personal accident cover of up to KES 40,000 per person for drivers and loaders.
• Comprehensive geographic coverage across all East African countries, including the DRC, subject to bank authorisation and COMESA cover activation.
• Excess protector benefit feature designed to streamline claims and reduce administrative burdens.

The commercial vehicle market continues to significantly outpace the personal vehicle segment, recording approximately 36% growth compared to 11% in the personal segment, according to the Bank’s data. This expansion is largely driven by increased borrowing among SMEs in transport, logistics, and trade. Further, with road transport accounting for over 75% of freight movement and contributing more than 12.7% to Kenya’s GDP in 2024, the need for reliable, comprehensive asset protection has become increasingly critical.

Anjali Harkoo, Head of Insurance and Asset Management at Stanbic Bank Kenya, said: “The commercial vehicle segment is expanding rapidly, driven primarily by SME scaling operations to meet rising domestic and regional trade demand. Our partnership with Heritage Insurance enables us to offer not just competitive pricing, but enhanced protection benefits that directly address the operational realities transporters face daily. Professionalism, seamless service, and meaningful value differentiation are central to this proposition.”

The partnership combines Stanbic’s financing expertise with Heritage Insurance’s underwriting strength and sector knowledge to deliver a credible and sustainable insurance solution tailored specifically for business operators.

Kieran Godden, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Kenya Holdings, said: “Commercial vehicles are the backbone of trade and employment in Kenya and across the region. This solution provides broader goods-in-transit protection, competitive premiums, and regional coverage that keeps businesses moving with confidence. It is about strengthening resilience in one of the country’s most vital economic sectors.”

The enhanced commercial vehicle cover underscores Stanbic Bank Kenya’s commitment to empowering businesses with integrated financial solutions that safeguard assets, support business continuity, and enable long-term growth across Kenya and the wider region.

The Uganda Consulate in Mombasa, in partnership with key tourism stakeholders along the Kenyan coast is set to host the 2nd Uganda Cultural Exhibition on May 2, 2026, in a major effort to strengthen tourism, trade, and cultural relations between Uganda and Kenya’s coastal region.

The exhibition, themed “Leveraging Culture to Promote Tourism Between Uganda and Kenya Coast,” will build on the success of previous cultural events, including the 2024 Uganda Festival and the inaugural Uganda Cultural Exhibition held in 2025.

Organizers say the upcoming event will provide a strategic platform for promoting Uganda’s rich cultural diversity while unlocking economic opportunities in tourism, investment, agribusiness, and manufacturing.

The one-day event aims to showcase Uganda’s heritage through traditional music, dance, cuisine, cultural artifacts, and tourism products while encouraging stronger bilateral partnerships.

Uganda, home to over 54 tribes and diverse tourism attractions, seeks to tap into Kenya’s coastal market, where awareness of its cultural and economic offerings remains relatively low.

The event will feature, traditional Ugandan cultural performances, exhibition booths showcasing crafts, cuisine, and innovation, tourism and trade presentations, Business-to-business networking sessions, Delegate speeches on cultural diplomacy and a  formal networking dinner for investors and corporate stakeholders.

The exhibition will particularly target youth, students, investors, tourists, and the wider business community to foster cultural exchange and stimulate travel between the two countries.

Organizers expect the exhibition to strengthen tourism collaborations, secure investments in Uganda’s hospitality sector, and enhance market penetration for Ugandan products such as coffee, tea, dairy products, Tooke products, and Uganda Waragi.

Key stakeholders from both Uganda and Kenya, including tourism associations, county governments, educational institutions, and private sector players, are expected to participate.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has warned against the emerging trend of commercializing peace initiatives globally.

Mudavadi said efforts to end conflicts both in Africa and other parts of the world have been privatised at the expense of humanity and respect to lives.

He regretted that mediation processes have turned into business negotiations eroding the fundamental concept of restoring peace and stability.

“We are seeing an emerging trend where factions are turning into arbitrators of transactions instead of genuinely pursuing efforts that will restore peace and stability in the affected nations and regions.” he regretted.

“We are now seeing sovereignty facing a new definition other than the description of a self-governing state independent of outside control.” added Mudavadi.

The Prime CS was addressing the ongoing Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) mediation reflection conference in Nairobi.

He said Africa must rethink and adapt to new approaches in pursuing more flexible and responsive mediation frameworks, tailored to the specific contexts of the continent.

He said the rapidly shifting global dynamics and growing pressures on multilateralism are impacting the coherence, predictability, and effectiveness of mediation efforts calling on African leaders and citizens to embrace shared responsibility that will strengthen dialogue, mediation and African-led solutions to the conflicts that continue to affect the continent.

“Regional cooperation, political transition, and humanitarian diplomacy should continue to anchor and enrich our collective efforts for peace and stability.” said Mudavadi.

Mudavadi also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs noted that Africa is confronted with a complex challenge to the mediation landscape especially in the Horn of Africa with protracted and mutating conflicts, marked by fragmentation of actors that are testing the limits of traditional approaches to peace processes.

He said fragmentation and duplication undermine collective efforts in conflict resolution.
“African ownership in addressing African conflicts remains essential in ensuring legitimacy, sustainability, and long-term success.” noted the Prime CS

“It is important to enhance coordination among regional and continental actors. Therefore, a more harmonized approach, anchored on IGAD’s leadership, will strengthen coherence and effectiveness in the Horn of Africa.” added Mudavadi.

The Prime CS further warned against undermining African institutions tasked with key responsibilities in conflict resolution including the African Union and IGAD among others.
He said these institutions occupy a unique and strategic position within the African set-up and they must be appreciated, strengthened and supported.

“It is disturbing to see the people who tend to discredit African institutions like the AU being Africans themselves. You get a reasonable preposition coming from the AU, and we completely refuse to look at it and understand it for our progressive benefit. But when the same is taken to other parties outside Africa, they call you, give you the same document you refused to adopt while at home and you comfortably sign onto it. This must stop.” noted Mudavadi.

“While acknowledging with appreciation the contributions of external actors in regional peace initiatives, these efforts should be mainstreamed into Africa-led mechanisms. Safeguarding the integrity of African-led mediation requires ensuring that external engagement is aligned with, and advances, our collective objectives.” he further stated.

Mudavadi said Africans themselves should reflect on the economic value of peace and stability for the continent to prosper.

He said Africa has all that is needed to make the continent self-sustaining but the persistence of conflicts draw back the gains that the continent could achieve.

“We have gas in Tanzania and Mozambique. We have oil reserves in Sudan and other parts of Africa but we cannot explore these resources for the benefit of the continent due to conflicts. Right now, the Middle East is in a crisis, the shipping of oil has been affected, but back home we can’t get value of our reserves because of we haven’t strengthened coherence and effectiveness in addressing our conflicts.” he regretted.

“Africa values and welcomes the support of international partners; however, such support should remain complementary and supplementary, not foundational.” added Mudavadi.

On his part IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu called for a more unified and stronger approach to mediation.

Dr Workneh regretted that mediation is increasingly driven by short-term political deals instead of lasting agreements.

"The space for principled, consensus-based engagement is narrowing" he said.

In Mombasa, politics and music have long shared a close and dynamic relationship. Beyond rallies and policy platforms, governors have increasingly relied on artists to craft their public image, energize supporters, and define the atmosphere of official and social functions.

From the tenure of former Governor Hassan Joho to the current leadership of Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, music has remained a powerful cultural and political tool.

During his time in office, Hassan Joho cultivated a vibrant entertainment circle that became synonymous with his brand. Central to this was a group of musicians including Susumila, K.O, and Happy C. These artists were more than performers, they were key contributors to Joho’s political identity, composing songs and delivering performances that resonated with his supporters.

Behind the scenes, media personality Gates Mgenge played a crucial organizational role. He coordinated entertainment at many of Joho’s functions, ensuring that events maintained a consistent energy and appeal. Under his guidance, music became an integral part of Joho’s engagements, whether political rallies or high-profile gatherings.

Among the standout contributions from this era is Susumila’s hit song Ngoma Itambae. The track became something of an anthem, frequently featured at Joho’s events and closely associated with his public persona. Even after Joho left office, Susumila has remained an active figure in Mombasa’s entertainment scene and continues to be linked to the former governor.

With the transition to Governor Abdulswamad Nassir’s administration, a new generation of artists has taken center stage. Much like his predecessor, Nassir has embraced music as a key element of his political communication strategy. Leading this effort is Amoury, who plays a role similar to that once held by Gates Mgenge, helping to organize performances and shape the governor’s entertainment lineup.

Amoury is also the creative force behind Wewe Ndio Governor, a viral political song that has quickly become synonymous with Nassir’s campaigns and public appearances. The track serves not only as a rallying cry but also as a defining piece of Nassir’s political identity, echoing across events and resonating with supporters.

Supporting Amoury in Nassir’s lineup are artists such as Dazlah, Ally Mahaba, and Yahry Mashairi. Together, they form a diverse and energetic group that continues to elevate the role of music in Mombasa’s political landscape.

The evolution from Joho’s era to Nassir’s leadership highlights a broader trend, the fusion of governance and popular culture.

In Mombasa, music is more than entertainment, it is a strategic tool for connection, identity, and influence. As new leaders emerge and cultural dynamics shift, one thing remains clear: the rhythm of politics in this coastal city will continue to be shaped by the voices and beats of its musicians.