KBC Channel 1

Author: Dismas Otuke

  • Leopards roar past Muranga as KCB and Naibois also secure wins

    Leopards roar past Muranga as KCB and Naibois also secure wins

    AFC Leopards bolstered their pursuit of the SportPesa League by defeating Murang’a Seal 2-0 in one of the three round 27 fixtures held on Sunday at Nyayo Stadium.

    Following a scoreless first half, Ingwe showcased their resolve in the second half, with Ronald Shichenje breaking the deadlock in the 53rd minute.

    Hassan Beja then secured the victory with a second goal just seven minutes from time.

    The win brought Ingwe to within two points of the league leaders, Gor Mahia, who still have a game to play.

    Meanwhile, Shabana FC’s struggles continued as they endured a 3-0 loss to Nairobi United at Kasarani Annex Stadium.

    Duncan Odhiambo and Michael Karamor scored to give Naibois a 2-0 halftime lead, and Ugandan Mutspha Kizza added a third goal in the final moments.

    Kenya Commercial Bank registered a 1-0 away victory over Bidco United at Ruringu Stadium.

    Gor Mahia remains at the top of the standings with 57 points from 26 matches, maintaining a two-point lead over Ingwe .

    Kakamega Homeboyz climbed to third place, trailing Leopards by 10 points.

    Defending champions Police FC are tied with Shabana on 43 points, with Police holding a superior goal difference.

  • 40 teams from Roysambu confirmed for the inaugural Dr Faith Mwaura Super Cup

    40 teams from Roysambu confirmed for the inaugural Dr Faith Mwaura Super Cup

    Forty men and women teams from the Roysambu constituency are competing in the inaugural edition of the Dr Faith Mwaura Super Cup, which kicked off yesterday at the Kahawa West grounds and is set to culminate on the 3rd of next month with the finals.

    The aim of the tournament is to nurture talent and sensitise the youth against engaging in criminal activities, with the best players being scouted to further their football careers.

    Speaking during the launch on Saturday in Kahawa West, tournament Patron Dr. Faith Mwaura said the tournament will be held annually and aims to nurture football  talents within the Roysambu constituency.

    “Roysambu constituency has a big number of the youth and we want to nurture them into football, into athletics, into all the sports because when we do things that bring the youth together then we develop the country together. So we are engaging the youth for a long time, this is the second big sports engagement that we have had,”she stated

    All participating teams received playing kits and balls during the launch.

    “Last year, we had the cross-country, the first ever in Nairobi. This one is a football tournament here in Roysambu constituency and we are going to make it an annual event so it will be ongoing going forward.”Dr. Mwaura said

    Winners of the tournament for both men and women will be awarded trophies and Ksh 100,000 , while the runners-up will take home Ksh 50,000 and Ksh 25,000 for 3rd placed teams.

  • Coach Cheche names 23 for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Namibia

    Coach Cheche names 23 for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Namibia

    Kenya Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche has announced her final squad of 23 players who will play the first round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers against Namibia next weekend.

    Cheche has opted to retain the core members from the team’s previous qualifying campaigns, underscoring the importance of continuity and team cohesion as they aim to capitalize on their past experiences.

    The squad includes Lindey Weey, Brenda Awuor, Mwanakombo Bakari, Grace Mumo, Faith Boke, Brenda Achieng, and Fleviah Khatenje, all of whom have been part of earlier U-17 teams.

    Their experience is expected to provide the team with stability and leadership.

    Bevarline Awuor also joins the squad after her recent participation with the U-20 team in the World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia.

    Tabitha Wambui returns to the national team setup after moving up from the U-15 level, highlighting the developmental pathway for emerging talent within the national teams.

    Bevarline Awuor has been named the team captain for the match, with Brenda Awuor serving as the vice-captain.

    The selection process was deliberate, with the technical team focusing on players who can effectively execute the game plan.

    “Technical and tactical abilities were key factors in the selection process. This team is more aggressive due to the players we’ve recruited, and many are eager to perform and secure a win,” stated coach Cheche.

    The Junior Starlets approach the match with a clear objective: to achieve a positive result and lay a strong foundation for the rest of the campaign.

    The team has intensified their preparations through training sessions and friendly matches against top FKF Women’s Premier League teams, with the focus now on delivering when it matters most.

    Starlets will play Namibia in Windhoek on 10th April before hosting the return leg in Nairobi a week later.

    The second round will be played next followed by the final third round in July.

  • Ex Harambee Stars Skipper Victor Wanyama, quits football

    Ex Harambee Stars Skipper Victor Wanyama, quits football

    Former Harambee Stars Captain Victor Wanyama has officially announced his retirement from professional football after a stellar career spanning 19 years of which 17 were in professional football with six clubs from four countries.

    Announcing his retirement on Friday, Wanyama took time to reflect on his  journey throughout his career and appreciated all who spurred him to greater heights.

    “Today I announce my retirement from football, Four different countries, six different clubs, A boy from Muthurwa with a big dream, carrying a Nation’s pride every time I stepped onto the pitch. To my family, friends, agent, the fans and the coaching staff that helped me throughout.”He said through his X account

    The 34 year old defensive midfielder began his football career at the JMJ Academy between 2006 and 2007,the same period he turned out for Nairobi City Stars and had a year-long stint at AFC Leopards.

    Wanyama turned professional when he joined Swedish side Helsingborg in 2007, until 2008, still as a youth.

    In 2008, he joined the Belgian team Beerschot for his first senior football career, where he played a total of 51 matches within 3 years, scoring twice.

    He then moved to Celtic in 2011 in the Scottish Premier League, featuring for them 61 times and scoring 10 goals.

    In 2013, Wanyama joined Southampton, becoming the first Kenyan player to play in the English Premier League, scoring four goals in 85 matches.

    Due to his success at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur signed him between 2016 and 2020, turning out for them in 69 matches and netting six goals.

    The former Harambee Stars captain signed for the Canadian side CF Montreal in 2020, featuring in 117 matches and scoring five times.

    His last professional club football was at Dunfermline a 2nd division Scottish team in 2025, featuring in four matches until the end of the last season in June.

    At Harambee Stars, Wanyama featured for 13 years from 2007 to 2020, earning 64 caps and netting six goals.

    Wanyama  remains one of the greatest defensive midfielders the country has ever produced.

    Happy retirement, Victor Wanyama!

  • Juma face off Tanzanian Chilala for WBA Africa Super Lightweight title tonight

    Juma face off Tanzanian Chilala for WBA Africa Super Lightweight title tonight

    John Juma of Kenya has vowed to deliver the prestigious 10 round World Boxing Association (WBA) Africa Gold Super Lightweight title  when takes to the ring tonight against Charles Chilala of Tanzania in the main bout of the  Sportpesa Boxing.

    The bout which will  be presided  over by the other nine  bouts on the card, promises to provide good Easter entertainment for boxing diehards in Nairobi and its environs.

    The event is  promoted by Maurice Odera of UFS Boxing.

    Speaking during the weigh in on Thursday  Juma said;“Someone should tell Chilala that the ring will be so hot for him, I hope the medics have an ambulance ready that will ferry him to the hospital.”

    Chilala on his part said he has come to Kenya for business not to play.

    Other title fights in the night will include Rael Asubwe versus Leila Yazidu of Tanzania (PST women’s Super-featherweight title), Richard Okoth versus David Oluoch (National welterweight title) and Michael Oduor versus Stanley Mukholo (National super welterweight title), all 10 rounds.

    Former WBC women’s Super-Bantamweight champion Fatuma Zarika will also return to the ring in an eight-round Super-featherweight non-title slug-off against Flora Machela of Tanzania.

    SportPesa Partnership and Sponsorship Manager Japheth Akhulia noted that they were glad to bring the WBA title to Kenya for the first time, reiterating that the winner between Juma and Chilala would be supported to go for a global title this season.

    SportPesa Boxing fight card on Friday April 3, 2026 in Nairobi

    1.WBA Africa Gold Super Lightweight Title: John Juma KE vs Charles Chilala TZ (10 Rounds)- Main Card

    2. Women’s Super Featherweight: Fatuma Zarika KE vs Flora Machela TZ-8 Rounds

    3. PST Lightweight Title: Javan Buyu KE vs Athuman Nassoro TZ- 10 Rounds

    4. PST Women’s Super-Featherweight Title: Rael Asubwe KE vs Leila Yazidu TZ- 10 Rounds

    5. National Welterweight Title: Richard Okoth KE vs David Oluoch KE- 10 Rounds

    6.National Super Welterweight Title: Michael Oduor KE vs Stanley Mukholo KE- 10 Rounds

    7. Super Flyweight: Abdirahim Bashir KE vs Victor Komen KE- 6 Rounds

  • Juma pledges to deliver WBA title at SportPesa Boxing on Friday night

    Juma pledges to deliver WBA title at SportPesa Boxing on Friday night

    Five titles will be on on the cards at SportPesa Boxing set for the Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi on Friday night.

    John Juma of Kenya has promised the over 50 million Kenyans that he is going to deliver the prestigious 10 round World Boxing Association (WBA) Africa Gold Super Lightweight Title pitting him against Charles Chilala of Tanzania in the 10-bout card that is being promoted by Maurice Odera of UFS Boxing.

    “First of all, let me thank gaming firm SportPesa and Odera’s stable UFS BXNG for making me return to the ring on Friday. It will be my first chase for a title and I’m promising my fans that I’m going for a Knockout (KO). Someone should tell Chilala that the ring will be so hot for him, I hope the medics have an ambulance ready that will ferry him to the hospital,” Juma told the press in Nairobi at a charged weigh-in ceremony on Thursday.

    On the other hand, Chilala said he has not come to Kenya to play. He told Juma to prepare for the beating of a lifetime as his mission is to go back with the prestigious title back to Tanzania.

    National Lightweight champion Javan Buyu also stated that he is ready to take on Athuman Nassoro of Tanzania in a 10 Round PST Lightweight Title fight that is also expected to be explosive.

    Other title fights in the night will include Rael Asubwe versus Leila Yazidu of Tanzania (PST women’s Super-featherweight title), Richard Okoth versus David Oluoch (National welterweight title) and Michael Oduor versus Stanley Mukholo (National super welterweight title), all 10 rounds.

    Former WBC women’s Super-Bantamweight champion Fatuma Zarika will also return to the ring in an eight round Super featherweight non-title slug-off against Flora Machela of Tanzania.

    SportPesa Partnership and Sponsorship Manager Japheth Akhulia noted that they are glad to bring the WBA title in Kenya for the first time reiterating that the winner between Juma and Chilala will be supported to go for a global title this season.

    Odera too noted: “We also have the SportPesa Rising Stars initiative that is currently churning out very youthful boxers for UFS BXNG like the one we will have on Friday. We have planned to tour Mombasa and Kisumu and other counties until we get that talent that will be capable of winning a gold medal for Kenya at the Olympics.”

    Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) President Reuben Ndolo commended the lined up bouts on Friday night saying they are fair match ups that are making Kenya to be the Mecca of boxing in East and Central Africa.

    Boxing fan Gabriel Omari from Lucky Summer said he cannot wait for the crunch fixtures to happen, promising to be at the Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi very early on Friday to support his number one pugilist Juma.

    “I know our home boy has prepared well, he is not going to go past the third round with Chilala. We are headed for a WBA victory,” Omari said.

    SportPesa Boxing fight card on Friday April 3, 2026 in Nairobi

    1.WBA Africa Gold Super Lightweight Title: John Juma KE vs Charles Chilala TZ (10 Rounds)- Main Card

    2. Women’s Super Featherweight: Fatuma Zarika KE vs Flora Machela TZ-8 Rounds

    3. PST Lightweight Title: Javan Buyu KE vs Athuman Nassoro TZ- 10 Rounds

    4. PST Women’s Super-Featherweight Title: Rael Asubwe KE vs Leila Yazidu TZ- 10 Rounds

    5. National Welterweight Title: Richard Okoth KE vs David Oluoch KE- 10 Rounds

    6.National Super Welterweight Title: Michael Oduor KE vs Stanley Mukholo KE- 10 Rounds

    7. Super Flyweight: Abdirahim Bashir KE vs Victor Komen KE- 6 Rounds

    8. Women’s Lightweight: Alice Waiyego KE vs Stacy Odindo KE -4 Rounds

    9. Cruiser Weight: Stephen Kimani KE vs Duncan Otieno KE- 4 Rounds

    10.Bantamweight: James Mugeni KE vs Samuel Muendo KE- 6 Rounds

  • Absa commits Ksh 35 million to 2026 Kip Keino Classic set for 24th April

    Absa commits Ksh 35 million to 2026 Kip Keino Classic set for 24th April

    The seventh edition of the Kip Keino Classic, set to be held on the 24th of this month at Nyayo Stadium, received a shot in the arm after Absa Bank announced a Ksh 35 million sponsorship towards the one-day event.

    As part of its broader commitment to athletics in 2026, Absa has committed KSh 60 million to support the national athletics calendar.

    This includes a Ksh 35 million investment in the Absa Kip Keino Classic, of which Ksh 27 million will cover rights fees, and the rest will support event execution and fan and stakeholder experiences, as well as continued support for media amplification and engagement.

    The 2026 sponsorship marks Absa’s sixth year as the title partner, bringing its total investment to Ksh 196 million over this period.

    The Kip Keino Classic, a gold label world continental tour meet, which will be the 2nd stop in the World Athletics calendar after last weekend’s Australia event, will bring together top-tier local and international athletes for an exceptional track and field competition.

     Absa Bank Kenya Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director Mwihaki Wachira presents the sponsorship cheque for the Absa Kip Keino Classic 2026 to Athletics Kenya Competition Director Kennedy Tanui, Vice President Jinaro Kibet (2nd Right), Competition Director Kennedy Tanui, Senior Vice President Paul Mutwii, and Meet Director Barnabas Korir during the Absa Kip Keino Classic media launch. At the centre is Duma the 2026 competition mascot.

    Speaking during the unveiling on Thursday in Nairobi, the meet director Barnaba Korir expressed optimism that this year’s floodlight event will attract huge numbers both locally and more tuning in globally.

    “We are all set for this year’s Absa Kip Keino Classic Tour event, which will, for the first time, be under the flood lights, commencing with a curtain-raising national event at 1.40 pm on 24th April 2026 at Nyayo Stadium and concluding with the 100m men’s race, followed by the closing ceremony from 8 pm. In a historic first, the schedule will also feature the introduction of the Under 20 (U20) at the Absa Kip Keino showcase, adding a fresh layer of youthful energy to the meet.”

    “This year’s event is free. We therefore expect Kenyans to show up in huge numbers and support our local athletes,” he added.

    On her part, Absa Bank Kenya Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director Mwihaki Wachira reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to supporting athletics and strengthening Kenya’s sports ecosystem.

    “At Absa, our purpose is to empower Africa’s tomorrow, together one story at a time, and we see sport as a powerful platform to do that by supporting talent and strengthening the ecosystems around it. Through long-term partnerships, we are contributing to the growth of athletics in Kenya, while helping to position the country as a global sporting and tourism destination.

    Over the past decade, we have invested close to Ksh 2 billion in Kenya’s sports ecosystem, and we are proud to continue that journey with the Kip Keino Classic, working alongside the government and Athletics Kenya to deliver another world-class event.”

    Among the athletes who have confirmed their participation in this year’s meet are Commonwealth Champion Ferdinand Omanyala; Olympic javelin champion Thomas Rohler; former World Champion and Diamond League Final winner Timothy Cheruiyot; American Olympic athlete Dalilah Muhammad; former Olympic javelin silver medallist Julius Yego; Olympic and World hammer throw champion Canadian Ethan Katzberg; Olympic and World 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi; and 2019 World 800m champion Halima Nakaayi from Uganda, among others.

    Athletics Kenya Competition Director Kennedy Tanui expects fast times in the 100m and 200m, probably even world record paces, with the newly installed Mondo track at the Nyayo Stadium.

  • Shujaa returns home from Brazil, focusing on Hong Kong Sevens

    Shujaa returns home from Brazil, focusing on Hong Kong Sevens

    The Kenya Sevens men’s team jetted back into the country early today from Sao Paulo, Brazil, where they earned a promotion to the HSBC World Championship after finishing 3rd overall in the HSBC Division 2.

    Family friends and Kenyan rugby officials braced the chilly morning weather to welcome back the Kenyan lads.

    Shujaa, under the tutelage of Kevin Bling’ Wambua, bagged Silver in the Sao Paulo, an upgrade after settling for bronze in the Kenya and Uruguay series.

    Kenya now shifts the focus to their first HSBC World Series appearance at the Hong Kong sevens between 17th and 19th this month, where they are in pool C alongside the USA, Australia and New Zealand.

  • Gitex Africa Morocco to showcase AI integration for a globally competitive Africa

    The 4th edition of GITEX Africa Morocco, which will take place from 7to 9 April 2026, will bring together over 1500 exhibiting companies and startups, with participants from over 130 countries globally.

    Morocco is spearheading a bold vision for a competitive, inclusive,and sustainable African digital economy, accelerating cross-continental AI innovation as the global tech community converges at Africa’s largest tech and startup event in Marrakech next week.

    The 2026 edition sees an expanded international footprint, with new participating countries including Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Guinea,Hungary, Luxemburg, Thailand, and Zambia.

    Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and under the authority of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, GITEX AFRICA Morocco is hosted by the Digital Development Agency (ADD) and organised by KAOUN International – the global organiser of GITEX events.

    This year, Africa’s annual blockbuster tech showpiece event moves beyond conversation to active implementation – a pivotal power platform of pan-African collaboration where global innovation meets African sovereignty, scaling high-impact digital solutions that are laying the foundation for the continent’s future economic resilience.

    With AI projected to contribute US$1.2 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, GITEX AFRICA Morocco seeks to unlock shared innovation potential, deepen pan-African integration, and cement Africa’s standing as a rising force in global tech leadership.

    Addressing the media at the show’s official preview press conference today was Her Excellency Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, Government of Morocco. She said they aim to leverage it to transform Africa.

    “In the context of accelerating digital transformations worldwide,artificial intelligence represents a structuring opportunity for Africa, driven by young human capital, rapidly expanding innovation ecosystems, and increasing investments in digital infrastructure. The Kingdom of Morocco’s ambition, in line with the High Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is to make AI a pillar of digital sovereignty, economic competitiveness, and territorial inclusion through the development of talent, the strengthening oftechnological capacities, and the promotion of an innovative and responsible ecosystem,” said Seghrouchni.

    Amine El Mezouaghi, Director General of the Digital Development Agency, and Trixie LohMirmand, CEO, GITEX AFRICA Morocco, said;“GITEX AFRICA Morocco embodies the kingdom’s ambition to position Morocco as a strategic technology hub serving the African continent. Driven by the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist
    him, and supported by a dynamic ecosystem of startups and innovative SMEs, as well as strong partnerships between public and private stakeholders, this event reinforces Morocco’s role as a platform where talent, investment and innovation converge. It serves as a key lever to foster the emergence of African digital champions and to support the continent’s sustainable integration into the global digital economy.”

    Chief Executive Officer of GITEX AFRICA Morocco, Trixie LohMirmand, said AI has played a pivotal role in the growth of the digital economy in Africa.

    “In just four years, GITEX AFRICA has evolved from a bold launch into a powerful engine of momentum for Morocco, attracting new global companies, investors, and cross-border partnerships that are reshaping the country’s innovation landscape. What we are witnessing is not just event growth but Morocco’s accelerated rise in global relevance, strengthening its competitive position, deepening its digital economy, and firmly placing it on the map as a leading innovation hub for Africa and beyond.”

    Following a momentous 2025 where African startup funding reached US$3.9 billion, GITEX AFRICA Morocco reinforces the continent’s next wave of high-growth ventures through ‘North Star Africa’, the continent’s largest startup showcase.

    Its scale-up programme, talent academies, diaspora initiative, and hands-on training workshops will further empower entrepreneurial talent across Morocco and Africa, providing a platform for over 800 local and international startups to pitch, scale, and secure funding.

    Collectively overseeing US$350 billion in assets under management,over 400 global investors from more than 40 countries are attending in search of high-growth, investment-ready ventures poised to scale across Africa and beyond.

    A targeted, high-impact programme will simultaneously elevate growth support and international exposure for Morocco’s most promising innovators.

    In partnership with ADD, the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform aims to boost globalisation for local companies through an expanded ‘Morocco 300’ initiative – welcoming a 50% increase in participation from 2025’s Morocco 200 to showcase their solutions and engage with a global network of investors, tech executives, and corporate buyers.

    GITEX AFRICA Morocco has also introduced new and expanded sector showcases in 2026, reflecting the continent’s fastest-growing technology priorities.

    These include Data Centre Intelligent Infrastructure, addressing infrastructure gaps within Africa’s digital economy; and Fintech and the Future of Finance, spotlighting mobile money, AI-driven financial inclusion, and cross-border payments.

    Its programme also features a Future Mobility Park, covering electric,autonomous, and connected transport systems; and sports tech,showcasing smart venues, athlete performance technologies, and next-generation fan engagement.

  • BingwaFest season two set to culminate in Meru this weekend

    BingwaFest season two set to culminate in Meru this weekend

    The national finals of the 2025/26 Betika BingwaFest are underway at Kinoru Stadium, bringing together Kenya’s top grassroots teams and athletes for a week-long multi-sport showdown that will culminate on Sunday, April 5, with over KES 23 million in prize money up for grabs.

    This year’s extravaganza has drawn 16 football teams (8 men, 8 women), 24 rugby teams (16 men, 8 women), and 32 basketball teams (16 men, 16 women), alongside more than 200 athletes.

    Speaking ahead of the national showdown, Betika Group CEO Mutua Mutava said, “The finals are coming in Meru, and they will be bigger this time around. Through BingwaFest, we have seen great athletes use the platform to prepare for bigger stages in the world, and we are happy to see the impact the competition is having. We aimed to have a tournament that mirrored the Olympics, rewarding men and women equally, and it has been such a success for two seasons now. It has been about nurturing talent; strengthening communities through various ways, including free medical camps; and inspiring the next generation of Kenyan sportsmen and women.”

    Football action kicked off on Monday, March 30, while basketball and rugby will start on Friday, April 3.

    Athletics will take centre stage on Friday as well, with bib collection scheduled for Thursday, April 2.

    Leads United started their title defence strongly with a resounding 3-0 win over Machakos Talent Academy on Tuesday and will be hoping to go all the way again. Other challengers include Bandari Youth, Dunga FC, APS Seals, Plantech FC, Al Azizia FC, and TBM Health FC, while the women’s title chase features Murang’a Sparks Queens, Macmillan Starlets, Kolwa Falcons, MAS Queens, Iron Ladies Academy, Shabbab Ladies, Black Panther Queens and Ukunda Vision Starlets.

    Brenda Jepchirchir, who holds the world-leading 10 km road time this season, highlights the women’s 10,000 m and will face stiff competition from defending champion Maurine Chebor, alongside Daisila Jerono, Christine Njoki and Sandrafelis Chebet, among others.

    In the men’s 10,000m, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo headlines the field against defending champion Titus Kiprotich, Robert Kiprop and Mathew Kipkoech.

    Football and rugby champions, both men and women, will each receive Ksh 1.5 million, with runners-up taking Ksh 750,000 and third-place teams earning Ksh 400,000.

    Winning teams in the 3×3 basketball will go home Ksh 750,000 richer, while teams that finish second and third will take home Ksh 400,000 and Ksh 200,000 each, respectively.

    In athletics, more than Ksh 9 million will be up for grabs.

    The 10,000m race will be the most lucrative, with gold medallists taking home KES 400,000, as the first and second runners-up pocket Ksh 350,000 and Ksh 300,000, respectively.