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Author: Dismas Otuke

  • Gabby steals the show with double win at Kip Keino Classic

    Gabby steals the show with double win at Kip Keino Classic

    Olympic American 200m champion Gabrielle Thomas,was in her own class as she claimed a double win during the seventh edition of the Absa Kip Keino Classic continental tour staged on Friday at Nyayo Stadium.

    Gabby stormed to victory in the 100m in 11.01, followed by Cambaia Sturgis, also from the USA, in 11.15, while the defending champion Maia McCoy settled for 3rd position.

    “Honestly, it’s a really nice place where you can compete. I am happy with my times. It’s incredible for me to win the 100m and 200m.”said Thomas

    The 29-year-old Thomas stumped her authority as the queen of sprints at the Nairobi gold tour meet, easing another victory in the 200m, posting a world-leading time of 21.89.

    Sturgis finished  2nd in 21.93 secs as Kenya’s Millicent Ndoro placed 3rd in a personal best time of 23.21.

  • Omanyala lit up 7th Absa Kip Keino Classic with a 9.96 PB

    Omanyala lit up 7th Absa Kip Keino Classic with a 9.96 PB

    Ferdinand Omanyala lit up supercharged athletics enthusiasts at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday night, clocking a personal best time of 9.96 seconds in the 100m dash at the 7th Absa Kip Keino Classic World continental Tour.

    It was a 2nd back-to-back sub-10 of the season for Omanyala, who is also preparing to defend his Commonwealth title in August in Scotland, after winning the Adidas Grand Prix last weekend in Ethiopia with a time of 9.98 secs.

    “I am so excited. It’s been two years since I last won the Kip Keino Classic. The moment I got to 90 metres, I knew I had it, and I knew it was quick. “I couldn’t hold my excitement; my hands just went wide,” said the elated Omanyala.

    Rivaldo Roberts from South Africa finished 2nd in 10.12secs, 0.03, ahead of the 4x100m Canadian Olympic Champion Aaron Brown, who completed the podium positions.

  • CAF delegation arrives in Uganda for a strategic meeting with 2027 PAMOJA AFCON Co hosts

    CAF delegation arrives in Uganda for a strategic meeting with 2027 PAMOJA AFCON Co hosts

    A senior delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has arrived in Uganda on Tuesday morning for a crucial strategic engagement with the three PAMOJA Host Nations of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

    The two-day meetings on 22-23 April in Kampala will see CAF and the three Host Nations give update on delivery priorities for the next phase of preparations for the Competition.

    The meeting will bring together representatives of the Governments of the three host nations, the Presidents of the three Member Associations, Acting CAF General Secretary Samson Adamu and CAF senior administration from various functional areas including Competitions, Commercial, Broadcasting, Safety and Security, Finance and other roles.

    It marks an important step in the coordinated planning process and will focus on key functional areas critical to the successful delivery of the Competition, including safety and security, infrastructure, procurement, finance, media, ticketing and commercial operations.

    This kick-off meeting reflects the collective determination of CAF and the three PAMOJA Host Nations to work in close collaboration and with a clear sense of purpose as preparations gather pace.

    CAF remains committed to supporting the Host Nations in building strong coordination mechanisms and operational readiness across all core areas of tournament delivery.

     

  • Africa’s top culinary talent recognised at 2026 Ladha Za Afrika Competition in Nairobi

    Africa’s top culinary talent recognised at 2026 Ladha Za Afrika Competition in Nairobi

    Top culinary talent from across Africa was recognised at the second edition of the Ladha Za Afrika Culinary Competition, held at the Boma International Hospitality College (BIHC) in Nairobi.

    Emerging and professional chefs from Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and Botswana were honoured at this year’s Ladha Za Afrika Culinary Competition, highlighting the continent’s growing culinary talent and innovation.

    The competition brought together students alongside industry professionals from leading hospitality institutions and hotel teams. Participants competed in a structured format covering starters, main courses, and desserts, designed to test both creativity and technical excellence.

    Entries were evaluated by a judging panel led by South African chef Shaun Michael Smith, who assessed participants on creativity, originality, technical execution, presentation, taste, sustainability, and professionalism.

    A standout moment of the event was the presentation of the Prof. George A. O. Magoha Award 2026 to Bonface Kalingu of Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, in recognition of his dedication and passion in inspiring both peers and mentors.

    Top honours in the prestigious Diamond Awards category were awarded across both culinary and service disciplines, recognising Abigael Anne Mumbi Mugo (Kibondeni College) and Samwel Njuguna (Sarova Hotels) for culinary excellence, alongside Livingstone Mulu (BIHC) and Agnes Akoth (Tribe Hotel) in service.

    Further standout recognition was seen in the competition’s skill-based categories, where emerging talent demonstrated exceptional promise.

    Teddy Munge (Dedan Kimathi University of Technology) was named Junior Sommelier of the Year, while Faith Achieng Odhiambo (Amboseli Institute of Business and Technology) and Shelvin Kalaghan (Kenya Coast National Polytechnic) were recognised as Mixologist and Barista of 2026 respectively.

    Sustainability remained a key focus area, with Jeff Kiama (Radisson Blu) earning recognition for integrating sustainable practices into his culinary work.

    The Boma Hotels also received the Industry Recognition Award for their contribution to skills development in tourism and hospitality.

    Held under the theme Fahari ya Mapishi ya Afrika – Food Safari Expedition, the competition showcased the diversity and evolving identity of African cuisine, reinforcing its growing presence in global gastronomy.

    Ladha Za Afrika continues to position itself as both a high-level culinary competition and a platform for industry growth, bringing together institutions, young chefs, and professionals to reimagine African culinary traditions through a modern lens.

    Globally, gastronomy is increasingly recognised as a key economic and cultural driver.

    The global gastronomy market is currently valued at approximately USD 1.1 trillion and is projected to reach nearly USD 1.8 trillion by 2027, while culinary tourism is expected to see continued growth.

    “Gastronomy is becoming a key driver of tourism and cultural identity. Competitions like Ladha Za Afrika help promote local cuisine, encourage innovation among young chefs, and strengthen the hospitality industry,” said Samuel Irungu, Principal of Boma International Hospitality College.

    Participants also took part in expert-led masterclasses on modern African cuisine, restaurant operations, and sustainable practices, equipping them with practical skills and broader industry exposure.

  • Sharon Lokedi successfully defends her Boston Marathon title

    Sharon Lokedi successfully defends her Boston Marathon title

    Sharon Lokedi produced a splendid performance to manage back-to-back wins at the 130th edition of the Boston Marathon staged on Monday evening in the USA.

    Lokedi put up a spirited performance leading from the onset  to cross the finish line in 2:18:51 as she led Kenyans to a podium sweep.

    Loice Chmnung finished 2nd in 2:19:35, while Mary Ngugi placed 3rd in 2:20:07.

     

     

  • John Korir shatters course record to defend Boston Marathon title

    John Korir shatters course record to defend Boston Marathon title

    Kenya’s John Korir defended his Boston Marathon title in style, recording a new course record at the 130th edition of the oldest race on Monday evening in the USA.

    Korir broke away from the chaser group consisting of his compatriot Benson Kipruto and world champion Felix Simbu of Tanzania to overtake the leader, Ethiopia’s Melkesa Mengesha, at the 31.2 km mark, sprinting to the finish line in a new course record of 2 hours, 1 minute and 52 seconds, breaking fellow Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai’s 15-year-old record.

    Korir, who also won this year’s 10km race at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour in February, smashed the long-standing Mutai course record of 2:03:02 set in 2011.

    Simbu finished 2nd in 2:02:47, with  other Kenyan Kipruto completing the podium positions in 2:02:50.

     

     

     

  • FAR Rabat to face Mamelodi in CAF Champions League Final

    FAR Rabat to face Mamelodi in CAF Champions League Final

    2016  CAF champions league winners Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa will clash with Morocco’s military side FAR Rabat in the final of this season set for 15th and 24th next month.

    FAR booked their ticket for their maiden CAF champions League final after edging their countrymen RS Berkane 2-1, on aggregate in the semi final despite losing the return leg 1-0 last weekend.

    The Rabat-based club were the 1984/85 champions of the previous Champions Cup but have not won the competition since it was renamed CAF Champions League.

    FAR became the third Moroccan club to reach the premier African club competition final ,after Raja Casablanca and Wydad Casablanca.

    Mamelodi Sundowns booked their place in the  final for the second successive season after a 1-0 victory over Espérance Sportive de Tunis in Pretoria securing  a 2-0 aggregate win.

    Sundowns will be playing in their fourth Champions League final in history as they aim for a 2nd title since being crowned champions in 2016.

    Sundowns will stage the first leg of the final on 15th May before the return leg scheduled for Rabat  on 24th of next Month.

    The champions will pocket the new increased prize money of ksh 774 million (USD 6 million ).

  • Africa Soft power summit returns to Nairobi in May 2026

    Africa Soft power summit returns to Nairobi in May 2026

    The Africa soft power summit will return to Nairobi, Kenya, from 20 to 22 May 2026, with an extended programme running through 24 May, reinforcing the city’s place as one of Africa’s most important meeting points for ideas, culture, commerce and continental exchange.

    Bringing together voices from across Africa, the diaspora and global markets, the summit convenes at the intersection of the creative and tech industries, women’s leadership, policy and capital.

    This year’s theme, “Africa’s Compound Interest: Aligning Ecosystems of Finance, Creativity and Human Capital for Growth”, reflects the growing convergence between capital, creativity, and the institutions that develop and deploy talent.

    At the heart of the 2026 programme are three anchor experiences: the Remarkable African Women’s Leadership Conference (May 21st), the Creative & Innovative Industries Conference (May 22nd), and the ASP Gala & Awards (May 23).

    RAW, powered by African Women on Board, remains the continent’s first gathering focused on African women’s leadership.

    The Creative & Innovative Industries Conference examines the relationship between creative endeavour and commercial viability, while the Gala brings African excellence across art, fashion, film, entertainment, media and technology to the centre of the summit experience.

    The 2026 summit programme also includes curated experiences across Nairobi and beyond.

    According to Dr Nkiru Balonwu, Founder of the Africa Soft Power Group, the summit responds to a period in which global capital, technology and policy frameworks are being redefined – and Africa’s role within them is increasingly consequential.

    “The world is looking for fresh solutions, credible leadership and new pathways for growth. Africa’s creative and innovation sectors have already shown that they are not peripheral to that future. They are central to it. Nairobi gives us a fitting setting for that conversation because it reflects so much of the ambition, energy and connectivity the continent is building.”

    ASP’s track record in Nairobi already includes examples of the kind of connections the platform is designed to enable, from brand storytelling and market visibility to investor access and scale-up conversations.

    More broadly, previous ASP convenings have brought together a distinctly cross-sector mix of voices from organisations such as Netflix, Meta, Mastercard, Google, MTN, NBA, Apple, NFL, Safaricom, Amazon Studios, Afreximbank, IFC, Bank of Industry, AfCFTA, NGX Group alongside former heads of state, ministers, founders, media leaders and cultural figures from across Africa and beyond.

  • Lokedi and Korir eye back to back Boston marathon wins today

    Lokedi and Korir eye back to back Boston marathon wins today

    Kenyans Sharon Lokedi and John Korir return to the streets of Boston on Monday evening aiming to defend their last year’s title during the 130th edition of the Boston Marathon in the USA.

    Lokedi, who won last year’s with a new course record of 2:17:22, will lead other Kenyans, including Irene Cheptai, who brags of 2:17:51, a time she set when she finished 3rd at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.

    Other Kenyans on the start list are Loice Chemnung and Mary Ngugi Cooper, who finished 4th and 5th, respectively, in last year’s Chicago Marathon, and Mary Chelangat.

    The Kenyan ladies will face stiff competition from three Ethiopians led by 2025 Ottawa Marathon champion Workenesh Edesa, Bedatu Hirpa and Fikirte Woleta, among other strong contestants from Japan and the USA.

    Fresh from winning the 10km race at this year’s Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour in February, John Korir enters today’s start list as the 2nd fastest athlete with 2:02:24, he set in last year’s Valencia marathon.

    The man from Chereng’ani has the toughest assignment today of beating the fastest man in the field, his compatriot Benson Kipruto, who brags of 2:02:16, the time he attained when he won the 2024 Tokyo Marathon.

    Other Kenyans in the star-studded field include Cybrian Kotut, Alex Masai, Bernard Biwott and Kennedy Kimutai.

    The Kenyans will have to fend off stiff competition from Ethiopians, including Melkesa Mengesha, Lemi Berhabnu, Hailemaryam Kiros and Mohamed Esa, as well as the reigning World Marathon champion Felix Simbu of Tanzania.

    The Boston Marathon is the 2nd stop of the 7 Abbott World Marathon Majors after last month’s Tokyo Marathon.

  • Shujaa pips France to finish 7th in Singapore

    Shujaa pips France to finish 7th in Singapore

    The Kenyan Sevens men’s rugby team finished 7th at the first World Championship Series in Singapore after thrashing France 21-7 early on Sunday.

    The match was tied at 7-7 at halftime after Nygel Amaitsa scored and converted a try in the 6th minute, followed by a reply from France through Maxim Granell’s try, which was converted by Rayan Rebbadj.

    It was, however, all one way for Kenya upon resumption from the break, as Festus Shiasi Safari and Samuel Asati extended Shujaa’s lead with a try each, and all were converted by Amaitsa.

    Shujaa will now shift focus to the 2nd stop in Valladolid, Spain, between the 29th and 31st next month before winding up the legs in Bordeaux, France, from the 5th to the 7th of June this year.

    The top 8 teams will qualify for next season’s Sevens World Series, while the last four nations will be relegated.