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Author: Dismas Otuke

  • Morocco to stage 2025 AFCON finals

    Morocco to stage 2025 AFCON finals

    Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after emerging winners with 24, votes following a voting exercise by the confederation of African football Executive committee members.

    The announcement was made today in Cairo Egypt by CAF President Dr.Patrice Motsepe .

    Morocco will be hosting the tournament for a 2nd time after staging it in 1988.

    The six stadia that Morocco will use for the biennial tournament include Casablanca’s Mohammed V Complex with a 45,000 sitting capacity , Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Complex a 53,000 seater, Grand Stade de Marrakech which can host 45,240 Agadir’s Stade Adrar with 45,480, Grand Stade de Tanger that can hist 45,000, and Grand Stade de Fez with a sitting capacity of 37,000.

    To win the hosting rights Morocco overcame Zambia,a Nigeria Benin joint bid and neighbours Algeria which withdrew their candidature in the last minute before voting.

    Morocco has recently hosted a number of continental competitions in most of these stadiums.

    Among the competitions include Women’s CAN 2022 , the 2018 CHAN ,the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and the most recent the AFCON under 23 .

    The 2025 afcon edition is likely to be held in January 2026 due the expanded FIFA Club word Cup set to be held in January 2025.

    Guinea was initially to stage the championship but was stripped of in September last year due to inadequate preparations before CAF opened bidding from interested countries.

  • East Africa pamoja Bid to stage AFCON 2027

    East Africa pamoja Bid to stage AFCON 2027

    Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will host the 2027 Africa Cup of nations finals in their East Africa Pamoja Bid.

    The announcement was made on Wednesday in Cairo -Egypt with the East Africa Pamoja bid trouncing Egypt and Botswana and Algeria who had already withdrawn from the race.

    The announcement was made today in Cairo Egypt by CAF President Dr.Patrice Motsepe .

    Each East Africa country will need at least two stadiums to stage the matches as well as other training grounds.

    East Africa bid beat Egypt, Senegal and Botswana whereas Algeria withdrew from the race on the eve of the announcement.

    Kenya has fronted Nyayo Stadium, Kasarani stadium and Kipchoge Keino Stadium to host the matches while Uganda will use Mandela national stadium and Namboole as their venues as Tanzania presented Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Chamazi Complex and CCM Kirumba Stadiums.

  • Extreme sports boost Koth Biro with ksh 200,000

    Extreme sports boost Koth Biro with ksh 200,000

    Extreme Sports Limited has announced its partnership with Koth Biro Soccer Tournament in a bid to help narturing talents.

    The deal which was sealed on Tuesda will see Etreme Sports pump ksh 200,000, as a donation to go towards organising this year’s event of Kothibiro as part of its 20th annivesary celebrations.

    This collaboration brings together two entities dedicated to promoting sports excellence and fostering community engagement at the grassroots level.

    The Koth Biro Tournament has a rich history dating back to the 1970s.

    It was originally founded as a way to keep young men off the streets and give them an opportunity to showcase their soccer skills.

    Over the years, it has grown into a beloved event that attracts players and spectators from all corners of the sporting community.

    CEO of Extreme Sports reiterated his support to grassroots teams through a donation of 200,000 Shillings towards the prize money kitty.

    The winner is to get Ksh.100,000 while
    the 1st runner up is guaranteed 70,000 and third placed team getting 30,000.

    Through our sponsorship of the Koth Biro tournament, we intend to empower local football clubs and players by providing the necessary support where possible.

    We believe in the power of sports in transforming lives, and by supporting local communities, we hope to inspire others to do the same.

  • 1200 runners participated in Friends of Karura Forest run

    1200 runners participated in Friends of Karura Forest run

    Over 1,200 friends of Karura Forest (FKF) joined millions of Kenyans who were glued to their screens on Sunday to get a glimpse of Eliud Kipchoge rewriting history by winning a record 5th Berlin marathon title.

    The watch party, which was held in Karura Forest, brought together a vibrant community for a day of athleticism and unity at their anniversary race.

    The day commenced with the pounding of enthusiastic feet as the Anniversary Race kicked off at the serene Karura Forest at 8 a.m., with participants competing in the 21 KM race, followed by the 10 KM race, and the 5 KM and 2 KM races.

    The distinguishing feature of the 2023 FKF anniversary race was the integration of the Berlin Marathon watch party into the event.

    With a large screen set up for the occasion, the public could cheer on their favorite athletes and immerse themselves in the Berlin Marathon experience. This innovative addition fostered a sense of camaraderie and excitement within the Karura community.

    Chantal Mariotte, a dedicated member of the FKF board in charge of the Anniversary Race, spoke about the event’s success, saying, “Building upon the successes of previous years,

    Participants and spectators could redeem coupons from various companies partnered with Friends of Karura for the anniversary race.

    This not only provided a well-deserved reward for the participants but also showcased the commitment of the local business community to supporting environmental conservation efforts in the Karura Forest.

  • Prince Moulay attends Aïcha El Khattabi funeral

    Prince Moulay attends Aïcha El Khattabi funeral

    Prince Moulay Rachid attended the funeral of the late Aïcha El Khattabi, daughter of the late Mohamed Ben Abdelkrim El Khattabi, took place on Thursday

    After the Dhuhr and funeral prayers, the deceased were buried in the Errahma cemetery.

    The funeral was attended by family members and relatives, as well as by several personalities.

    The late Aïcha El Khattabi passed away in Casablanca on Wednesday, aged 81, after a long illness.

    Born in 1942, she lived and studied in Egypt before returning to the motherland after the death of her father.

    Holder of a bachelor’s degree from the American College for Girls in Cairo, the deceased had, during her lifetime, held the position of advisor to the Mohamed Abdelkrim El Khattabi Foundation.

  • Over 300 international journalist covered Morocco Earthquake

    Over 300 international journalist covered Morocco Earthquake

    More than 312 foreign journalists covered the Al Haouz earthquake, which struck Morocco on September 8, while two French journalists were deported for violation of the law by covering the calamity without the authorities permission.

    “The two French nationals who were turned back did not request any authorization to report on the Al Haouz earthquake, said the Minister Delegate in Charge of Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesman, Mustapha Baitas.

    In this respect, the Minister indicated that it was normal for them to be subject to administrative deportation by decision of the competent authorities, which had applied the relevant legal provisions.

    Baitas also said that no fewer than 312 foreign journalists, representing 90 media outlets, were involved in covering the earthquake, stressing that they worked in a climate of freedom and transparency in all the affected regions.

    “Of this total, 78 journalists, or a quarter, were of French nationality and represented 16 media outlets, 13 of which were accredited to report on the earthquake and three of which had permanent accreditation,” explained the Minister.

    “Our country has shown that it is a country of transparency and freedom, which has ensured that all journalists carry out their work in total freedom”, he concluded.

    The 6.8-magnitude earthquake led to the deaths of over 3,000 people and scores of injuries.

  • Polo action continues this weekend at the Nairobi Polo Club

    Polo action continues this weekend at the Nairobi Polo Club

    Polo action will continue this weekend with the Casino Cup 6-Goal Tournament   the 4th out  9 series of  the 2023/24 polo season.

    Each side has a combined handicap of 6, which suggests that the matches will feature a combination of younger, inexperienced players and more seasoned players to produce excellent match-ups.

    SBM Bank Kenya contributed Sh3 million to the Nairobi Polo Club’s season this year as a sponsorship fee with the intention of promoting the game.

    Additionally, this will give SBM a chance to interact with and connect with customers during the competitions.

    SBM Bank faces off against Tusker Malt in action at the Zambia Men’s International Tournament at the Nairobi Polo Club

    The nine-goal international event, which saw youthful athletes like Jadini Nzomo, who is rated one goal, get national team caps, served as a springboard for the forthcoming three-day competition. The CEO, Moezz Mir, said:

    “We are honored to participate in the Nairobi Polo Casino Cup 6-Goal Tournament and support this wonderful occasion that highlights the elegance of polo and the commitment of the participants. We wish the best of luck to all the participating teams and look forward to an exciting event.”Said Moezz

    SBM Bank’s team battles Tusker Malt in the Zambia International Men’s tournament at the Nairobi Polo Club. Tusker Malt emerged as the winner with 7 points, while SBM’s team scored 6

    After this weekend Polo action will take a  three-month break at the Club following the Casino Cup, before the Chukkers and Carols Christmas Polo Tournament brings polo back to Nairobi on December 23, 2023.

  • Morocco unveils a 5 year program to support quake victims

    Morocco unveils a 5 year program to support quake victims

    King Mohammed VI of Morocco chaired,a cabinet meeting on Wednesday at the Royal Palace in Rabat,with the main ajenda being the upgrading program for the regions that were hit by the Al Haouz earthquake.

    The meeting was also a follow-up of the progress on king’s directives given at the meetings of September 09 and 14, which laid the groundwork for an integrated program designed to provide a strong, coherent, swift and proactive response.

    With an estimated overall budget of 120 billion dirhams over a five-year period, the first version of the integrated and multi-sectoral program presented before the Sovereign covers the six provinces and prefectures affected by the earthquake (Marrakech, Al Haouz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Azilal and Ouarzazate), targeting a population of 4.2 million.

    King Mohammed VI chairing a cabinet meeting

    Based on a convergence approach and a precise diagnosis of needs, as well as an analysis of territorial potential and local players, the program includes projects aimed at, on the one hand, rebuilding housing and upgrading affected infrastructures, in line with the emergency measures decided at the September 14 meeting, and strengthening socio-economic development in targeted areas, on the other.

    The four main components of the government approaches during and after theearthquake calamity includes:

    1- Relocating people affected by the disaster, rebuilding housing and rehabilitating infrastructure;

    2- Opening up and upgrading regions;

    3- Accelerating the absorption of social deficits, particularly in the mountainous areas affected by the earthquake;

    4- Encouraging economic activity and employment, and promoting local initiatives.

    The program also includes,the King’s directive on the establishment, in each region, of a large platform of essential reserves (tents, blankets, beds, medicines, foodstuffs, etc.) to deal immediately with natural disasters.

    Therefore, the Sovereign stressed once again the importance of listening to the needs of the local population in order to provide it with appropriate solutions, while giving due importance to the environmental dimension and respecting the unique heritage, traditions and lifestyles of each region.

    Funding for the major program will come from appropriations in the general State budget, contributions from local authorities and the Special Solidarity Bank Account dedicated to managing the effects of the earthquake, as well as through donations and international cooperation.

    In this respect, and as part of the Hassan II Fund’s mission to support the implementation of programs and projects with a structuring impact on economic and social development, the King has given His High Instructions for the Hassan II Fund to contribute 2 billion dirhams to the financing of this program.

  • All set for Nyanza regional Chapa Dimba finals

    All set for Nyanza regional Chapa Dimba finals

    Nyanza region Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament will enter its inter county play off next week with teams from the counties battling for the ultimate prize.

    The final matches are penciled for 30th and 31st October at the Kisumu’s Jomo Kenyatta Stadium with all to play for among them the regional trophy and a slot for the nationals.
    Organisers have lined up a series of activities which will lead to finals which will be held next week among them free Medical Camp, free Digital and Financial Literacy training and Safaricom Engineering Community Campus Tours.

    “We are planning to engage with members of the community through a series of activities aimed at transforming the lives of our people across various parts of the Nyanza region as we prepare for the upcoming regional finals of Chapa Dimba at Moi Stadium in Kisumu, next weekend.

    We have partnered with key organizations such as Zuri Health and Britam to provide a free Medical Camp, free Digital and Financial Literacy training, and Safaricom Engineering Community Campus Tours, all with the goal of enhancing the lives of the local community in the region,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC.

    The medical camp will offer free medical check-ups, physician consultations, eye and dental check-ups, blood sugar tests, blood pressure measurements, body fat assessments, and Body Mass Index (BMI) screenings, among other services.

    On the free Digital and Financial Literacy training, the telco is partnering with Britam Insurance Company to provide training tailored to Boda Boda riders, vendors, small business operators, shopkeepers etc. who are Safaricom customers in the region.

    The training is geared towards providing tips that can inculcate a saving culture and enhance credit and investment readiness.

    Further, the telco has organized the Safaricom Engineering Community Campus Tour at Maseno University on 28th September 2023.

    The community engagements will then build up to the Safaricom Chapa Dimba regional final matches that will be played at Moi Stadium, where eight teams, comprising four boys’ teams and four girls’ teams from the six counties – Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, Nyamira and Kisii are expected to battle it out for Regional Championship. The finals will be preceded by the Inter-County playoff scheduled for this weekend, 23rd and 24th September.

    Safaricom Chapa Dimba aims to provide a structured platform for scouts and coaches to tap into new talent and build feeder systems for the Kenyan football leagues across the country while also training a total of 250 coaches.

    The football tournament targets young people aged between 16 and 20 years old.

    Regional champions will pocket Sh250, 000 with runners-up going home with Sh150,000. The teams will also gain slots at the nationals.

  • 2nd economic Innovation partnership between Kenya and Korea concludes

    2nd economic Innovation partnership between Kenya and Korea concludes

    The Kenyan and Korean governments have today announced the conclusion of the second phase of Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP) projects aimed at fast-tracking the development of Konza Technopolis.

    The announcement follows the successful implementation of the first EIPP projects in March 2022, which included the development of the smart city master plan and the feasibility study of the integrated control center.

    Focusing on security operations, the establishment of an intelligent transport system, and smart mobility plans that meet the urban functions of the city and consultation for the establishment of a startup ecosystem in Konza smart City.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the final reporting session in Nairobi, KOTRA Kenya MD, Ik Hyun Eom, lauded the relations between the Korea and Kenya governments and noted that they are pleased to record significant success during the implementation of the EIPP projects, and that the two governments look forward to a successful third phase.

    “Our intention is to deepen our cooperation through the promotion of public-private partnerships so that the Korean Business communities can also get involved during the development of Konza Technopolis”.

    He said that once complete, Konza Technopolis will act as a standard and a technical innovation icon within the east african region on his part, Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) Chief Executive Officer,John Paul Okwiri.

    The implementation of a smart transportation corridor between Konza City and Nairobi would enhance trade and improve connectivity within Nairobi and its environs.

    “The intelligent transport system is one of the four projects that has been successfully studied and once implemented, Konza will essentially act as a strategic logistics hub between Nairobi and Mombasa”.

    EIPP is an extended cooperation grant model from the Korean government meant to foster mutually beneficial relationships between partner countries and Korea.

    The program supports identified projects annually for a maximum of three years, focusing on establishing mid and long-term development strategies, improving laws and systems, planning infrastructure, and financing plans.

    The 2022/23 Kenya-Korea EIPP was implemented by the Korea Trade-Investment and Promotion Agency (KOTRA).
    and the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA).