KBC Channel 1

Author: KBC Digital

  • New reality series ‘Make Life Good’ to celebrate everyday changemakers

    New reality series ‘Make Life Good’ to celebrate everyday changemakers

    A new reality television series celebrating gratitude, community spirit and social impact is set to premiere on June 13, bringing stories of everyday changemakers to audiences across the region.

    ‘Make Life Good’, an original reality series produced through a partnership between LG Electronics and MultiChoice, a Canal+ company, follows six accomplished Africans as they pay tribute to organisations and community leaders making a difference in the lives of vulnerable people.

    “Across Africa, there are countless individuals and organisations doing extraordinary work every day, often without recognition,” said Donghun Lee, President of LG Electronics East Africa. “What makes ‘Make Life Good’ special is that it shines a light on these stories and gives them a platform to inspire others.”

    Hosted by South African television personality Jessica Nkosi, the series is built around the values of Ubuntu, the belief in shared humanity, kindness and collective responsibility.

    Each episode sees one of the featured achievers secretly organise a 24-hour makeover of a community facility that has played a meaningful role in supporting others.

    The participants include mountaineer Saray Khumalo, former footballer William Okpara, entrepreneur and author Thandi Mavata, data and analytics executive Esther Munyi, communications executive Perpetual Kendi and filmmaker Adze Ugah.

    Rather than focusing on personal success stories, the programme turns its attention to the organisations working behind the scenes to support communities. These include children’s homes, youth development centres and sports programmes that often operate with limited resources but continue to serve those in need.

    The makeovers are designed to address practical challenges faced by the organisations, helping them improve their day-to-day operations and better support beneficiaries. The transformations range from upgraded kitchens and learning spaces to improved facilities for youth and sports programmes.

    MultiChoice Head of Unscripted Content Mbali Ntuli described the programme as “reality TV with purpose”, noting that it celebrates the belief that those who succeed should help uplift others around them.

    “It’s reality TV with purpose. We see it as a celebration of compassion and the unique Mzansi belief that when one rises, they should thrive to lift others as well,” says Ms Ntuli. “We are honoured to be at the centre of a project that is a reminder that even a small act of kindness can transform an entire community.”

    ‘Make Life Good’ premieres on June 13 on Maisha Magic.

  • North Rift water agency auditor arrested for demanding Ksh400,000 bribe

    North Rift water agency auditor arrested for demanding Ksh400,000 bribe

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested an auditor attached to the North Rift Valley Development Water Agency over allegations of soliciting a Ksh400,000 bribe from a contractor in exchange for a favourable audit report.

    Michael Maleya Omondi was arrested in Eldoret following an operation conducted by EACC investigators after a complaint was lodged with the Commission.

    According to EACC, the complainant alleged that the auditor had demanded money to influence the outcome of an audit exercise.

    Acting on the report, investigators mounted an operation and apprehended the suspect after he allegedly received Ksh400,000 from the complainant.

    Omondi was processed at the EACC North Rift Regional Office and later released on a cash bail of Ksh100,000 pending the conclusion of investigations and further action.

    EACC said it remains committed to strengthening accountability and integrity in public affairs management, adding that enforcement action will continue against individuals implicated in corruption-related conduct.

     

  • Equity Bank, EU partner to advance quality education

    Equity Bank, EU partner to advance quality education

    Equity Bank and the European Union have entered into an agreement that will see 100 scholars join European universities for master’s degree programmes every year.

    The deal targets to expand access to quality education, strengthen human capital development, and widen global learning opportunities for high-achieving students in Kenya and across the region.

    Equity Group Managing Director Dr. James Mwangi said the partnership underscores a strategic focus on developing globally competitive human capital through education-driven transformation.

    “While our initial model focused on supporting students through public universities and structured internships, we are now deliberately diversifying global pathways for our scholars. This partnership builds on that journey. It is inspired by the need to broaden access beyond traditional destinations and create truly global opportunities,” he said.

    The initiative is also expected to nurture talent, and connecting young Kenyans to transformative learning pathways both within Kenya and across Europe.

    The two organizations will collaborate to promote awareness of the EU’s education opportunities among Equity Leaders Program scholars and increase access to European academic opportunities.

    “The Equity Group Foundation, through its Wings to Fly and Equity Leaders Program is an ideal partner for us, with our shared objectives of promoting access to quality education, holistic development and intercultural exchanges as a key driver of growth and human capital development,” said Henriette Geiger European Union Ambassador to Kenya.

    Higher Education and Research Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala backed the partnership to expand opportunities for students and academics while advancing knowledge exchange and innovation.

    “As the State Department for Higher Education, we are fully committed to creating an enabling environment that will accelerate the realization of the objectives outlined in this MoU and ensure that more Kenyan scholars benefit from global learning opportunities,” said Inyangala.

  • Medical Services PS Oluga leads County Health Chiefs in tackling UHC bottlenecks

    Medical Services PS Oluga leads County Health Chiefs in tackling UHC bottlenecks

    County Chief Officers of Health from all 47 counties have convened in Kisumu for a high-level meeting aimed at reviewing the progress of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reforms and identifying practical solutions to challenges slowing healthcare delivery across the country.

    The two-day forum, jointly organised by the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors, brings together county health leaders, national government officials, healthcare agencies and development partners to assess the implementation of key reforms and agree on priority actions to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

    The meeting, led by Medical Services PS Dr Ouma Oluga and top directors in Ministry of Health comes at a critical time as counties continue to grapple with delays in reimbursements under the Social Health Authority (SHA), integration of digital health systems, shortages of essential medicines and blood products, and the operationalisation of emergency healthcare services.

    Participants are reviewing the performance of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and exploring ways to ensure predictable reimbursement of claims to health facilities, a move expected to strengthen service delivery and ease financial pressure on counties. Discussions are also focusing on accelerating facility empanelment, improving accountability mechanisms and enhancing coordination between national and county governments.

    Together with partners such as Terumo, participants will also have an opportunity to be taken through progress made in blood collection, processing and storage systems and the strategies to ensure uninterrupted access to blood products for patients requiring chronic transfusion therapy.

    Health chiefs are further examining the status of digitisation of healthcare systems, including integration of county and national health platforms, as the government pushes for a more efficient and data-driven healthcare system.

    The forum is also assessing the availability and distribution of essential medicines and medical commodities, with counties seeking solutions to supply chain disruptions and stock-outs that have affected service delivery in some regions.

    Beyond financing and commodities, the meeting is placing special attention on strengthening emergency and referral services, blood transfusion systems, cancer treatment centres and the sustainability of Facility Improvement Funds.

    In line with preparations for World Sickle Cell Day later this month, county officials are also reviewing progress in the prevention, diagnosis and management of sickle cell disease, particularly in high-burden counties.

    The deliberations are expected to culminate in a roadmap outlining agreed reforms, timelines and responsibilities aimed at accelerating UHC implementation and improving health outcomes for millions of Kenyans.

  • Konza Technopolis becomes Africa’s first smart city with official wildlife conservancy

    Konza Technopolis becomes Africa’s first smart city with official wildlife conservancy

    In a landmark achievement for sustainable urban development in Africa, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has officially granted provisional registration of the Konza Technopolis Wildlife Conservancy, covering 404.69 hectares of protected land.

    This milestone positions Konza Technopolis as the first and only purpose-built smart city in Africa with a formally registered wildlife conservancy, setting a new benchmark for integrating technology, conservation, and sustainable development.

    The registration of the protected area forms a critical component of Konza Technopolis’ master plan, as 1,000 acres of the Smart City’s total 5,000-acre development is dedicated to a wildlife corridor, fostering biodiversity, and allowing nature to coexist with urban technology.

    It reinforces the Konza Technopolis’ vision of creating a world-class smart city where innovation, economic development, and environmental stewardship coexist.

    The conservancy forms part of the wider Athi-Kapiti Ecosystem and provides habitat for key species including the Grey Crowned Crane, Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture, White-backed Vulture, Maasai Ostrich, Maasai Giraffe, Zebra, and Gazelles.

    The newly registered conservancy will be maintained for a minimum of 15 years, in compliance with KWS regulations, and will be supported by a comprehensive wildlife conservancy management plan, that is already in place.

    Beyond conservation, the registration unlocks significant opportunities in sustainable tourism and eco-tourism development, wildlife research and biodiversity conservation, carbon credit and climate-finance initiatives, and Environmental, Social, and Governance -aligned investments, nature-based recreation and education, and premium eco-living developments.

    The registration aligns with Kenya’s broader commitments to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, sustainable land use, and green economic growth, establishing a direct synergy on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable , and SDG 15, which centers on the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. It further aligns with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, demonstrating a global commitment to safeguarding natural habitats and proving that future cities can successfully bridge the gap between advanced digital infrastructure and essential ecological preservation to create long-term economic and environmental value.

    The conservancy also directly supports Konza’s planned Luxury Eco-Living Zone, an 80-acre mixed-use development earmarked for bespoke villas, eco-lodges, premium holiday homes, and hospitality investments set within a protected natural landscape.

    The milestone further demonstrates how future cities can integrate advanced digital infrastructure with ecological preservation to create resilient communities and long-term economic value.

    Speaking following the registration, Technopolis Development Authority (formerly Konza Technopolis Development Authority) CEO, John Paul Okwiri, said:
    “The registration of the Konza Technopolis Wildlife Conservancy marks a defining moment in our journey to build Africa’s leading smart city. This achievement demonstrates that technological advancement and environmental conservation are not competing priorities; they are complementary pillars of sustainable development.”

    Mr Okwiri added that as Konza Technopolis Continues to attract investment, innovation, research institutions, and world-class infrastructure, it remains equally committed to protecting biodiversity and preserving the natural heritage that makes Konza unique.

    “This conservancy reflects our vision of creating a smart, resilient, and inclusive city where people, nature, and technology thrive together.”

  • World Cup 2026: Megan Thee Stallion joins Maestro Andrea Bocelli on “DNA”

    World Cup 2026: Megan Thee Stallion joins Maestro Andrea Bocelli on “DNA”

    Released ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony, Andrea Bocelli, David Guetta, Megan Thee Stallion, and EJAE unite on new song “DNA”.

    The track reflects the spirit of the first FIFA World Cup to be staged across three countries and 16 host cities, with 48 teams set to compete on football’s biggest stage.

    Along with the global release, Andrea Bocelli and EJAE will perform “DNA” for the first time at the opening ceremony in Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June.

    “To be invited to sing the anthem of the FIFA World Cup and to participate in the opening ceremony is an honour that moves me deeply,” Bocelli said. “It also fills me with immense joy and gratitude to return to Mexico City, a city that has received me with such extraordinary warmth.”

    The opening ceremony will be the first in a tournament shared across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

    Speaking about the new song and his love for football, Andrea Bocelli said, “The title of the song ‘DNA,’ says everything. Football has been in my life for as long as I can remember, and will always hold a very special place in my heart.

    The legendary tenor Maestro also called the opportunity a treasure.

    “To sing on the Official Anthem alongside EJAE, Megan, and David Guetta is a collaboration I will truly treasure,” Bocelli said of the performance. “To FIFA, to the organisers, and to every fan who will gather in stadiums, living rooms and village squares across the globe, it is for you that we sing.”

    According to FIFA, “DNA” reflects the essence of football (resilience, unity, ambition and belonging) values that live inside every player and every fan.

    As the lyrics declare, “It’s more than just a game, it’s our DNA”, capturing the emotional and cultural bonds that connect pitches, streets and nations across generations.

    Sharing her thoughts about the opportunity, EJAE said she was “grateful.”

    “Being a part of the Official FIFA World Cup Anthem means so much to me. It’s especially meaningful because I was able to write Korean lyrics in the song; representing South Korea on this stage is such an honour.

    “One of my favourite childhood memories is being in Seoul during the 2002 World Cup, and seeing the city unite. I’ll never forget the feeling of seeing strangers on the street hug each other and celebrate. To me, that feeling of togetherness is what the World Cup means, and I’m grateful to be a part of it this year!”

    Released through Universal Music, “DNA” blends grandeur, modernity and global voices.

    “Bocelli brings timeless dignity and emotional weight, echoing the tradition and legacy of the game. Guetta infuses contemporary scale and universality, while EJAE delivers a voice shaped by the global fan experience,” Universal said in a statement. “Together, they have created an anthem that feels both reverent and current – a bridge between football’s history and its future.”

  • Vijana Barubaru rapper mourns loss of mother

    Vijana Barubaru rapper mourns loss of mother

    Mwaana, one half of the popular rap group Vijana Barubaru, is mourning the loss of his mother.

    Sharing his grief on social media, the rapper said it was the “saddest day of his life.”

    “I need one more lunch date. I need to say kwaheri properly,” Mwaana wrote. “I can’t do life without you. You should have warned me before you left.”

    The rapper has not disclosed further details surrounding his mother’s passing, but he did respond to his fans’ condolences.

    “Asanteni for the condolences. Mungu anipee nguvu,” he wrote.

    Vijana Barubaru has built a loyal following through introspective tracks exploring identity, youth and life in contemporary Kenya, and has often drawn on personal experiences in their music, making the loss especially resonant among supporters.

  • Nigeria Solar Generator Day signals rapid growth in clean energy market

    Nigeria Solar Generator Day signals rapid growth in clean energy market

    Leaders from across energy, finance and government, on Wednesday, June 10, convened in Lagos for the inaugural Nigeria Solar Generator Day, highlighting growing momentum behind the transition away from petrol and diesel generators to renewable energy.

    The event, co-hosted by ZE‑Gen, GOGLA and VeraSol, brought together distributed solar companies, investors, policymakers and development partners to give insight into market growth and technology performance, and outline how policy, finance and the private sector can accelerate pathways to scale.

    Nigeria is one of the largest generator-dependent markets globally, with more than 86 million people lacking access to electricity and millions of homes and businesses relying on self-generation.

    The day featured discussions on market growth, financing models, standards and data frameworks, with participants contributing to the development of technical guidance and shared approaches for scaling high-quality systems. Key insights from the event will be shared afterwards.

    Other highlights included exploring market opportunities by examining demand, use cases and growth potential in Nigeria; commercial pathways that connect investors, distributors and solution providers; and technology and performance, with a focus on advancing standards, testing and product reliability.

    The event also addressed market development through the creation of data-driven guidance and frameworks to support large-scale adoption and growth.

    Lily Beadle, Programme Director, ZE‑Gen, underscored the importance of the day, which she says calls for increased investment, philanthropic funding and collaboration to expand the reach of clean, reliable power.

    “ZE‑Gen is helping to turn innovation into real-world deployment in Nigeria – combining research, technology innovation and partnerships to build a scalable market for solar generator solutions in place of polluting fossil fuel generators. Nigeria Solar Generator Day shows we are now at a critical moment – what is now needed is increased investment, philanthropic funding and collaboration to scale these solutions at pace and expand the reach of clean, reliable power.”

    Sarah Odumwegu-Ojukwu, Country Representative for Nigeria at GOGLA said the country’s first Solar Generator Day will spotlight their investment and impact potential, and drive alignment on quality standards, policy, and the future of Nigerian energy.

    “Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic energy markets, where households and businesses are actively seeking reliable, healthier alternatives to costly diesel. Solar generators are that alternative — and the opportunity is enormous”, she stated.

    Ruth Kimani, VeraSol said, “As the solar generator market in Nigeria expands, ensuring product quality and performance will be critical to building confidence among customers and investors.

    “Events like Nigeria Solar Generator Day play an important role in bringing the sector together to align on standards and best practices. Through VeraSol, we provide the tools and data needed to verify system performance and durability, helping to de-risk investment and support the scale-up of high-quality solar solutions.” She added.

    A recent ZE‑Gen report, Understanding Nigeria’s Fossil Fuel Generator Challenge, estimates 41 million small businesses and 17 million households use petrol and diesel generators, costing around $8 billion in annual fuel spend – and that a standard solar generator system could meet up to 85% of typical energy demand for many users, while eliminating fuel costs and reducing exposure to price volatility.

     

     

  • Pictures: Blankets and Wine June edition recap

    Pictures: Blankets and Wine June edition recap

    The June edition of Blankets and Wine successfully kicked off its 2026 season by delivering a night of Kenyan and African music on two stages: The Onja Onja Stage at The Annex and The Main Stage inside Kasarani Indoor Arena.

    Labdi performs on stage

    On the main stage, Labdi opened the show before Mordecai Dex and Serro delivered captivating performances that kept the crowd energised.

    Nigerian sensation Fave brought her chart-topping hits and infectious energy to the stage, while Genge Rap icon Mejja and hitmaker Mutoriah impressed with crowd-pleasing sets.

    Nigerian star Fave performs.

    Fan favourites Watendawili closed out the night with a powerful performance, made even more memorable by surprise guest appearances from Charisma and Xeniah Manasseh, whose appearances had fans singing along to their collaborations like “Urao” and “Beba” until the very end.

    Onyach from Wetandawili on stage

    Speaking of this edition, Muthoni Ndonga, Founder and Creative Director, said: “Every edition of Blankets and Wine begins with a simple question: what does it mean to gather meaningfully in this moment? This June, we introduced some bold changes, and our audience once again reminded us that the true power of the festival lies in intentional gathering, shared experiences and the sense of community that continues to define and shape this event.”

    Genge legend Mejja

    The Onja Onja Stage showcased the depth and diversity of African electronic music, with DJADE opening the stage before DJ Paps set the tone for an afternoon of nonstop movement. The Onja Onja Market was outdoors right next to the Onja Onja stage, bringing together food vendors, fashion brands and creative entrepreneurs.

    Mordecai Dexx

    A special back-to-back set from Sir M and Kaneda, followed by One Down and DJ IV, kept the momentum building ahead of South African star Goldmax. The stage then culminated in an electrifying back-to-back-to-back performance from Suraj, LA Dave and Hiribae, delivering a fitting finale of the 2026 June Edition.

    Ssero

    Michelle Njeri, Brand Manager, added, “We are grateful to everyone who explored The Onja Onja Market, it was exciting to see audiences discovering, supporting and engaging with local brands.”

    Blankets and Wine is produced by GoodTimes Africa.

    Ywaya Tajiri from Watendawili
  • Ksh 35M in cash and prizes up for grabs for consumers in campaign

    Ksh 35M in cash and prizes up for grabs for consumers in campaign

    Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) has announced the “Form Imejipa Na County” consumer promotion that will see prizes worth over Ksh35 million shillings awarded to consumers who participate in the campaign.

    Through the Promotion, eligible participants stand the chance to win Ksh1 million cash, Pool Tables, Phones, Laptops or a Content Creator Kit in monthly draws. On a weekly basis, Motor Bikes, Shopping Vouchers or Instant Cash Rewards of up to Ksh10,000 will be available.

    Daily instant prizes of airtime will also be available through scratch and win opportunities in the Promotion for County Brandy that is running from 4th June 2026 to 31st August 2026.

    “County has built a strong base among Kenyans who are enterprising, hardworking and who place a high premium on quality for value. We want to celebrate their entrepreneurial spirit and reward their loyalty to our brand,” said Alice Mwalimo, Commercial Director, KWAL.

    Participants need to purchase 750ml and 250ml of County Brandy, scratch the label panel to reveal the entry code and submit it by dialling the toll free USSD code *459*9# on their mobile phones.

    The campaign, which was officially launched on Wednesday by KWAL, celebrates the resilience and entrepreneurial mindset of County’s core market segment who are widely regarded as the engine of Kenya’s economic growth and enduring prosperity.

    KWAL is rolling out the campaign nationwide with county-level activations spread across its duration.

    “KWAL’s relationship with hospitality establishments, retailers and wholesalers are critically important to our brands’ success. We recognise them as the cultural spaces where our County experience comes to life for our consumer. We have planned various activities to ensure we embed responsible consumption even as we launch this national campaign,” said Ms. Mwalimo.

    The development complements the company’s growing portfolio of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages which are either imported or manufactured locally.

    “This Promotion recognises the value of responsible production in line with our commitment to continue producing a wide range of quality products locally, enrich employment opportunities and celebrate our heritage,” she added.