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

Designed with today’s cost-conscious and environmentally aware operator in mind, the new LPG model delivers significant fuel savings of over 30 percent compared to conventional petrol-powered three-wheelers.

This translates directly into lower daily running costs and higher earnings, making it an attractive option for last-mile transport and delivery businesses across Kenya.
With rising fuel prices continuing to put pressure on operators, the Piaggio LPG three-wheeler provides immediate economic relief. The reduced fuel consumption ensures lower daily expenditure on fuel, higher take-home income for drivers and faster return on investment for owners and fleet operators.

The launch took place at Car & General in Nairobi and was officiated by Vijay Gidoomal, the CEO of Car & General and Tobias Alando, the CEO of Kenya Association of Manufacturers.
“This new LPG three-wheeler is designed to put more money into the pockets of our operators,” said Vijay Gidoomal. “With fuel savings of over 30 percent, operators can significantly lower their running costs and ultimately increase their daily earnings, making their businesses more sustainable.”

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

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

“Transitioning to LPG is an important step towards cleaner urban mobility,” said Tobias Alando. “This technology reduces harmful emissions while also offering a quieter ride, which improves both the operator’s experience and the urban environment.”

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

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

The launch of the Piaggio LPG three-wheeler reflects Car & General’s continued commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic empowerment across East Africa.
“We are committed to bringing practical, forward-looking mobility solutions to the market,” said Vijayi. “The Piaggio LPG three-wheeler is a clear demonstration of how innovation can deliver both economic and environmental value.”

As cities continue to evolve, solutions that combine affordability, environmental responsibility, and operational efficiency will play a critical role in shaping the future of mobility.
Car & General is celebrating 90 years in business and over two decades of partnership with Piaggio.

As part of its sustainability and green mobility journey, it launched the Piaggio three-wheeler electric vehicle in 2024.

Mombasa County has registered a significant increase in its own-source revenue, collecting Sh4.8 billion in the 2024/25 financial year, up from Sh4.5 billion in 2023/24 and Sh3.9 billion in 2022/23.

Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir revealed the figures while appearing before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) in Nairobi, where he credited the growth to improved revenue management systems, stronger enforcement measures, and enhanced collection strategies implemented by the county government.

According to the governor, the revenue gains were achieved without introducing new taxes or levies, demonstrating the effectiveness of ongoing reforms aimed at boosting local revenue generation.

Members of the committee, led by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, commended the county for the steady growth but called for greater efforts to address persistent challenges affecting some key revenue streams.

One of the areas of concern was land rates collection, which generated Sh883 million against a target of Sh1.4 billion during the financial year under review.

Governor Nassir attributed the shortfall to difficulties in enforcement, resistance from some property owners, and reliance on a valuation roll that has not been updated since 1991.

He dismissed claims that revenue leakages within the collection system could have contributed to the deficit, emphasizing that the county operates a fully automated revenue collection platform linked directly to its banking systems.

"The system is automated and integrated with our bank accounts, making it impossible for payments to be made without being captured within the system,” Nassir told the committee.

The county also failed to meet its cess revenue target after collecting Sh520 million against a projected Sh780 million.

Despite the shortfall, the amount reflected an improvement from the Sh503 million realized in the previous financial year.

The governor explained that disruptions and the relocation of several cess collection points affected performance during the period.

Senator Kajwang’ observed that land rates continue to be among the most difficult revenue sources for counties to collect and remain a major contributor to outstanding revenue arrears.

The committee encouraged the county administration to strengthen compliance and enforcement measures to unlock additional revenue and sustain the upward trend in local collections.

Traders at Kongowea Market have welcomed the installation of free Wi-Fi by Nyali parliamentary aspirant Said Abdallah, describing the initiative as a major boost to their businesses and daily operations.

Speaking during the launch, traders said the free internet service will enable them to market and sell their products online, expanding their customer reach while reducing operational costs.

Mutisya Nyaike, a trader at the market, hailed the initiative as a game changer for the business community.

"This will help our traders sell their products online and connect with more customers. It is a game changer for us and we really appreciate it. We will stand with him in 2027 because he has shown that he understands our needs," said Nyaike.

Another trader, Njeri Mwangi, noted that the free Wi-Fi would ease the financial burden of purchasing internet bundles.

"We will no longer be buying bundles. Some of us used to spend up to Ksh200 on internet bundles, and this service will help us save money while remaining connected to our customers," she said.

The free Wi-Fi project is expected to benefit hundreds of traders operating at Kongowea Market, one of the largest open-air markets in the Coast region.

Traders expressed optimism that improved internet access will enhance digital trade, communication, and access to market information.

Said Abdallah said the initiative is part of his commitment to empowering small-scale traders through technology and creating opportunities for economic growth within Nyali Constituency.

The project has been widely welcomed by traders, who believe it will improve business efficiency and strengthen the market's competitiveness in the digital economy.

Mombasa County today joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Environment Day with a major tree-planting exercise aimed at addressing climate change, reducing urban heat, and promoting environmental conservation.

Speaking during the event, Mombasa County Chief Sustainability Officer Basil Anaya said the county is increasingly experiencing environmental challenges, particularly rising temperatures and flooding, which require collective action from all stakeholders.

"We appreciate the environmental challenges facing Mombasa today. The main challenges are heat and flooding, and we are trying to figure out how to reduce heat in the city by planting more trees," said Agaga.

He noted that trees play a critical role in lowering temperatures, improving air quality, and enhancing the city's resilience to climate change.

"Trees will help reduce temperatures in Mombasa. Together, we acknowledge that we can only act collectively in dealing with these challenges," he added.

Agaga revealed that the county plans to plant a total of 127 trees, with more than half being planted along some of Mombasa's busiest streets during the World Environment Day celebrations.

Beyond tree planting, he emphasized the need for residents to take personal responsibility for environmental conservation, particularly in waste management.

"Waste management is not entirely a government function. We all need to take it as our responsibility. Just as planting trees is our responsibility, we also need to take responsibility for proper waste disposal," he said.

Representing Midela Organisation, Mitchelle Masai called for stronger community participation in environmental conservation efforts, noting that sustainable environmental management can only be achieved through partnerships between government, civil society, and residents.

"Environmental conservation requires collective responsibility. Every resident has a role to play, whether it is planting trees, managing waste responsibly, or supporting initiatives that protect our environment," said Masai.

The World Environment Day celebrations brought together county officials, environmental organizations, community groups, and residents, all united in promoting a greener and more sustainable Mombasa.

This year's activities highlighted the importance of urban greening, climate resilience, and citizen participation in safeguarding the environment for future generations.

The County Government of Mombasa has reaffirmed its commitment to improving road safety through increased investment, public awareness, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration during the launch of the Fourth Mombasa Road Safety Campaign.

The campaign, dubbed "You control the speed. Speed controls the outcome," highlights the dangers of speeding and seeks to encourage safer road user behavior.

It was developed with support from global health organization Vital Strategies under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS).

Speaking during the media launch, Mombasa County Chief Officer for Transport and Infrastructure, Sharif, said the county has made significant progress since embarking on the road safety journey in 2021.

"We have been in this journey since 2021 and there have been gradual milestones that have been achieved. We started as a small working group but have been able to scale it up strategically. Our partnership with Bloomberg has been very fruitful," he said.

Sharif reiterated the county government's commitment to strengthening road safety interventions across Mombasa.

"I want to commit to our partners that the County Government of Mombasa is fully committed to road safety, and we are going to ensure that moving forward we allocate more budget and human resources towards achieving this mission," he stated.

He called on all stakeholders to continue sensitizing members of the public on responsible road use to reduce accidents and fatalities.

"It is important for all of us as stakeholders to insist on the importance of road safety to avoid crashes and even deaths. Every road user has a responsibility to ensure our roads are safer," he added.

The Chief Officer also raised concerns over non-compliance with traffic regulations among boda boda riders, particularly regarding traffic lights and road signs.

"When we launched our traffic lights, it took time for people to understand and adapt. However, many boda boda riders have refused to comply. We have agreed with the leadership that the county government will sponsor refresher courses for boda boda operators by taking them back to driving schools for training," he said.

Sharif further revealed that the county government would engage the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to assist riders who lack valid driving licences.

"For those without licences, we will engage NTSA and see how we can help them acquire the necessary documentation and training," he noted.

Speaking at the event, Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Coast Regional Director Engineer Michael Orege lauded the initiative and called for its expansion across the country.

"We hope that this campaign can be escalated to other counties so that we have a nationwide campaign. This campaign is timely and very crucial in addressing the challenge of road crashes associated with speeding," said Orege.

Road safety stakeholders attending the launch emphasized the need for sustained public education, stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, and stronger partnerships to reduce road traffic injuries and deaths in Mombasa and across the country.

The campaign comes amid growing concerns over speeding-related crashes, which continue to claim lives and cause serious injuries on Kenyan roads.

Through targeted awareness messages, the initiative seeks to remind motorists that the speed they choose directly influences the outcome of every journey.

Danubius International University (DIU), an EU-accredited institution based in Galați, Romania, and AspiraPath LLC, a Kenya-based EU academic pathway company, have signed partnership agreements with five of Kenya's leading universities, establishing East Africa's first structured, fully managed Kenya-Romania EU academic corridor.

The agreements  signed at Amref International University, Strathmore University, Kabarak University, Moi University, and Pwani University between May 28 - 2 nd June, 2026  create a framework connecting Kenyan students to EU-accredited Masters degree programmes through Erasmus+ inter-institutional agreements, a managed student pipeline, joint research collaboration, and dual degree programmes that award both a Kenyan qualification and a European credential simultaneously.

Essentially, the move seeks to place Kenya among the first in East Africa to establish a managed academic corridor linking domestic institutions to the European Union, at a time when universities across the region are under pressure to widen global reach linkages, diversify funding channels and expand mobility opportunities for students.

According to Cynthia Kropac, founder AspiraPath LLC, the pathway company, framed the initiative as an attempt to reshape how African learners access international academic capital, “We are building bridges between African ambition and European opportunity.

The institutions signing this week are the founding architects of something that will outlast us all – a corridor that grows with every student placed, every research paper published and every graduate who returns to build Kenya’s future,” she said.

On his part, Dr. Steve O. Michael - Danubius International University’s President and CEO reiterated that cross border university frameworks can indeed deliver sustainable academic growth without eroding the autonomy or developmental mandate of local institutions,

“Kenya's academic institutions are among the most dynamic in Africa. This corridor is a genuine partnership between equals — built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to student outcomes that change lives.”

They were both speaking during the delegation’s courtesy visit to the Embassy of Romania in Nairobi, where they met the Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Gentiana Serbu.

Also speaking on the partnership during the signing ceremony, Professor Kiplagat Kotut, the Vice Chancellor of Moi University, emphasised the importance of collaboration in fostering academic excellence and global engagement.

“This partnership represents a significant step in the University’s ongoing commitment to expanding its global engagement and building meaningful collaborations that strengthen academic excellence, innovation, and knowledge exchange.”

While welcoming the delegation, the Pwani University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Hilda Ongayo, emphasized the value of strategic global partnerships in enriching learning experiences, promoting intercultural understanding, and equipping students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Professor Henry Kiplagat, Vice-Chancellor, Kabarak University equally underscored the importance of international partnerships in enriching both teaching and research,

“Through such international partnerships, Kabarak University continues to broaden opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers, reinforcing its commitment to global academic and professional excellence.” T

he Romania – Kenya engagement arrives at a time when African governments are being compelled to rethink education financing and partnerships. A demand for competitive, internationally benchmarked qualifications continues to rise, forcing universities to search for new models of collaboration that can outlive short-cycle funding shifts.

This latest collaboration also reflects a widening interest among EU Universities in Africa’s emerging student markets, which have grown steadily despite economic pressures and constrained public funding.

Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki has criticized the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) over plans to outsource key services at the Port of Mombasa, warning that the move could threaten jobs and undermine the future of the country's maritime workforce.

Speaking in Mombasa, Senator Faki expressed concern over recent advertisements by KPA seeking to outsource services, including the hiring of workers and the provision of equipment.

According to the senator, outsourcing labour would mean that workers would no longer be directly employed by KPA but by private agencies contracted to provide manpower.

"KPA has advertised the outsourcing of some services, including the hiring of workers. This is very wrong because the workers will not be employees of KPA but of the agencies that bring them,” said Faki.

He warned that the move could place the jobs of current port workers at risk and create uncertainty within the workforce.

“This also means that those already working at the port risk losing their jobs. We must protect workers and ensure they have job security,” he added.

The senator further argued that outsourcing labour would gradually erode the development of skilled and experienced career port workers, which he said has been a key pillar in the growth of the port sector.

"If this continues, there will be no career port workers in future because employment will be controlled by agencies instead of the authority itself,” he said.

Faki also opposed KPA’s plans to outsource equipment and machinery services, saying the authority should continue investing in and owning its own operational equipment.

“KPA has also advertised the outsourcing of equipment. This means the authority will no longer be buying its own equipment, which is wrong,” he stated.

The senator maintained that KPA should focus on strengthening its internal capacity rather than relying on private firms to undertake core port functions.

He called on the authority and relevant government agencies to reconsider the outsourcing plans and engage stakeholders, including workers and labour unions, before implementing any changes.

Principal Secretary for the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat, has challenged the Wamiji community to establish an education fund aimed at supporting learners and improving educational outcomes among young people.

Addressing members of the community during an Eid Baraza in Mombasa, Prof. Shaukat described education as the most powerful tool for transforming lives and uplifting communities.

"There is a need for the community to establish an education fund to promote education among our people. Investing in education is investing in our future," he said.

The PS noted that education would enable more young people to access opportunities and effectively compete in the modern economy.

He also urged residents to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA).

"Make sure you register for SHA because it works. My uncle is currently undergoing treatment and SHA has already paid over Sh200,000 for his medical care," he said

Additionally, he encouraged voter registration and participation in government programmes designed for marginalized communities.

Prof. Shaukat further lauded President William Ruto for championing inclusivity and ensuring no community is left behind in national development.

Leaders from the Swahili community have called for greater unity, investment in education, and youth empowerment as key pillars for the community's social and economic development.

Speaking during an Eid Baraza for the Wamiji community meeting , Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir emphasized the importance of unity and strategic planning in advancing the interests of the community.

"We might be small in numbers as a community, but if we organize ourselves well and remain united, I believe we can go far," said the Governor. He urged community members to work together in addressing common challenges and pursuing shared development goals.

Senator Mohamed Faki echoed the Governor's sentiments, noting that many regions and communities have achieved significant development through unity and collective action.

"There are other regions that have developed because of their unity. We need to stop our infighting and unite if we are to develop as a people," he said.

The Senator highlighted education as a critical tool for empowering future generations, supporting proposals to establish an education fund specifically for the Swahili community.

"Having an education fund for the Swahili community is a noble idea that deserves support and encouragement," he stated.

Faki further pledged support for youth-focused initiatives, saying leaders were ready to facilitate forums that would equip young people with skills, mentorship, and guidance to navigate emerging opportunities.

He particularly pointed to the blue economy as a sector with immense potential for employment and entrepreneurship.

"The blue economy is a new frontier with vast opportunities, and we need to encourage our youth to explore it," he added.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi also stressed the need for unity among members of the Swahili community, describing such gatherings as important platforms for dialogue and collective action.

"There is a need for us as the Swahili community to remain united. Such forums bring us together to discuss our issues and promote unity," he said.

The legislator urged the community to actively advocate for its interests at the national level, arguing that meaningful change can only be achieved through a united voice.

"If we do not raise our issues at the national level and with the government, no one will do it for us. The reality is that many governments have historically overlooked us, and this can only change if we remain united and speak with one voice," he said.

The meeting brought together community elders, leaders, professionals, and youth representatives to discuss strategies for strengthening the Swahili community's socio-economic position and preserving its cultural heritage while embracing emerging opportunities.