KBC Channel 1

Author: KBC Digital

  • Coca Cola surprise tKenya Airways passengers with Christmas gifts

    Coca Cola surprise tKenya Airways passengers with Christmas gifts

    Kenya Airways passengers were treated to a best Christmas when Coca-Cola surprised travellers with gifts at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and during their flights.

    Passengers bound for Mombasa were welcomed with Christmas-themed gift hampers, instantly filling the busy terminal with holiday cheer.

    The festive spirit continued 31,000 feet above sea level aboard the Nairobi–Mombasa flight, where passengers received additional
    surprises mid-air.

    “We wanted to bring the magic of Christmas to a place where people don’t always expect it; the airport,” said Monique Katana, Director of Frontline Marketing at Coca-Cola East and Central Africa.
    “During the festive season, many Kenyans are travelling to reunite with loved ones, making JKIA the perfect place to spark moments of joy. Together with Kenya Airways, we saw an opportunity to welcome passengers with warmth, kindness, and festive cheer from the
    moment they step into the terminal. This year’s Coca-Cola Christmas message reminds us that the world needs more Santas; people who give, care, and spread kindness in both big and small ways. Today’s activation brings that message to life.”

    The surprises are part of Coca-Cola’s Christmas campaign, which includes the famous Coca-Cola Caravan travelling around Kenya to share joy, cheer and kindness.

    The Caravan has already visited towns in Western Kenya, the Rift Valley and Nairobi, and is now moving to other parts of the country encouraging people to show kindness and connect with one
    another.

    The campaign’s theme, “The World Needs More Santas,” aims to inspire Kenyans to spread goodwill through simple, meaningful actions during the holiday season.

    This year, Coca-Cola is celebrating everyday people who show kindness in their communities. Through the Caravan and local events, Coca-Cola wants to remind Kenyans that even a small act of care can make a big difference. The festive season is a time to slow down, reconnect and enjoy special moments with the people and traditions we love.

    The Caravan also highlights the warmth of Kenyan culture by giving out local goods such as soda, chapati flour, fish, chickens and goats.

    It is visiting markets, malls and neighbourhoods, turning ordinary places into moments of fun, colour and joy

  • At least 9000 construction professionals link up for Big 5 Construct Kenya

    At least 9000 construction professionals link up for Big 5 Construct Kenya

    This year’s Big 5 Construct Kenya attracted at least 9,637 construction professionals alongside more than 120 exhibiting brands from over 20 countries.

    According to the organisers, the 8th edition of the expo aligns with the significant growth in Kenya’s construction sector, which contributes over 6.14% to GDP as per official data supported by investments in transport, housing and public infrastructure under Vision 2030.

    The exhibition floor featured tools, materials, interiors, smart solutions, finishes, concrete, MEP, construction technology and more, showcasing both regional suppliers and international leaders across the industry.

    “We’ve seen exceptional turnout across all three days. It’s clear that Big 5 Construct Kenya continues to offer real value for the industry. We look forward to returning next year and building on this momentum with the industry,” said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President, dmg events
    Exhibitors engaged directly with developers, contractors, consultants, project managers, engineers and government leaders to support sourcing, procurement and project fulfilment.

    This year’s edition brought together a diverse exhibitor base, representing well-established brands, new market entrants and solution providers.

    Exhibitors from over 20 countries, including India, Egypt, Germany, Italy, China and the United Arab Emirates, among others.

    The Egypt Pavilion at Big 5 Construct Kenya attracted strong interest from international visitors and local industry stakeholders, with the Trade Representative Office in Nairobi facilitating visits from Kenyan business delegations to meet Egyptian companies and explore direct partnerships.

    Several bilateral meetings were arranged with leading Kenyan real estate developers, contractors and major building materials importers, reflecting the Pavilion’s role as a meeting point for strengthening trade links.

    Egypt’s participation underscored the growing commercial exchange between the two countries, with Egyptian exports to Kenya reaching $333.1 million in 2024 and continued opportunities for collaboration in construction and infrastructure projects.

    During the event speakers delivered practical knowledge sharing across project management, technology, engineering, architecture and design, and sustainability.

    In a session on ‘Managing risk and equipping construction projects for resilient delivery,’ Edwin Were Okall, Project Manager, Construction & Real Estate Development and Building Technologist, PMI Kenya Chapter, talked about identifying and quantifying construction risks across regulatory, financial and environmental silos, alongside contingency planning and contract clauses.

    He spoke on incorporating insurance and dispute resolution to protect high-value sites.

    David Ngare, Building Management Engineer at Trade and Development Bank (TDB), led a technical case study on ‘Managing safety and compliance in construction projects’ and discussed best practice in safety management on-site, regulatory compliance challenges and enforcement.

    He also spoke on safety culture and training in construction teams.

    Grace Githii, Project Manager at Turner & Townsend, focused on behavioural enablers of digital adoption.

    In her session, titled, ‘Digital transformation starts with us,’ Githii discussed the importance of people-led innovation and the role of collaboration and data in smarter project decisions.

    Another high-attendance panel focused on smart construction technologies such as drones, IoT and robotics, moderated by Titus Munene, Structural Engineer & BIM Modeller, Pleng.

    The panel featured Morekwa Jenks Kemunto, Civil and Structural Engineer, Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development; Onditi Robert Bobbie, Senior Project Manager, Lordship Africa; and Samuel Muriuki Mwangi, Founder, Orbital BIM Solutions.

    Speakers explored real-world applications and the return on investment of smart technology on Kenyan sites; safety, data collection and project monitoring enhancements; and the barriers to adoption and scaling.

  • China to develop zero-carbon industrial parks to boost green transition

    China to develop zero-carbon industrial parks to boost green transition

    China has issued a document to support the development of zero-carbon industrial parks, aiming to accelerate the country’s green transition.

    The document, released by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and two other government departments, encourages localities to build zero-carbon industrial parks that can reduce carbon dioxide emissions to “near zero” through advanced planning, design, technology and management, and eventually achieve net zero emissions.

    The document outlines eight key tasks in areas such as transitioning energy structures, enhancing energy efficiency, optimizing industrial structures, promoting resource conservation, upgrading infrastructure, applying advanced technologies, improving energy and carbon management, and fostering reform and innovation in park operations.

    To support the building of zero-carbon industrial parks, the NDRC said it will leverage existing funding channels and encourage local governments to provide financial support through such means as the issuance of local government special-purpose bonds for eligible projects.

    Industrial parks will also be supported to bring in talent, technologies and professional institutions to assist with energy-saving upgrades, carbon emissions accounting and the carbon footprint certification of products. Resource allocation will be ensured for new industrial parks, and for renewable energy and power infrastructure, per the document.

  • StarTimes Media expands kids’ content with festive free upgrade

    StarTimes Media expands kids’ content with festive free upgrade

    StarTimes Media has launched a festive season promotion that promises to bring more joy and entertainment to families across the country.

    The pay-TV provider is offering a free upgrade on existing subscriptions, giving customers access to additional kids’ channels and premium content at no extra cost.

    The campaign, running until January 15, automatically upgrades subscribers who renew their packages to a higher bouquet. The move is aimed at making the holiday season more exciting for children while ensuring adults also enjoy a wide range of entertainment.

    StarTimes’ children’s lineup includes popular channels such as Boing, CBeebies, Baby TV, JimJam, among others, offering content that combines fun, learning, and creativity.

    Speaking on the promotion, Robert Ouma, Public Relations Manager at StarTimes, said the campaign reflects the company’s appreciation for loyal customers.

    “This offer has been carefully curated to meet the needs of our customers, especially families whose children are already enjoying our kids’ programming. It is also a reward for loyalty, giving our subscribers more shows, more choice, and more value without pocket pain,” Ouma said.

    While children enjoy expanded access to cartoons and educational programs, adults are not left out. Sports fans can follow live football action from LaLiga, the Bundesliga, and the Saudi Pro League, while lovers of reality TV, telenovelas, and lifestyle shows can tune in to popular content such as Hello Mr. Right.

    StarTimes said the festive free upgrade underscores its commitment to delivering affordable, family-focused entertainment, encouraging subscribers to recharge and enjoy more shows for less during the Christmas season and into the New Year.

  • Oryx Energies, Gasfil expand cleaner transport options to Eldoret

    Oryx Energies, Gasfil expand cleaner transport options to Eldoret

    A new AutoGas (LPG) fueling station has been opened in Eldoret, marking a step in Kenya’s broader transition toward cleaner and more affordable transport fuels, particularly in secondary cities where vehicle emissions and fuel costs continue to rise.

    The station, launched through a partnership between Oryx Energies and Gasfil Kenya, is intended to support the growing number of motorists and commercial transport operators shifting away from petrol toward lower-carbon alternatives such as LPG and hybrid vehicles.

    “Our plan is to see whether we can be able to [open] at least five more stations in the year 2026,” says Gasfil Kenya, Managing Director, James Macharia.

    Eldoret, a major logistics and agricultural hub in western Kenya, has been identified as a strategic location for piloting cleaner transport infrastructure outside the capital.

    AutoGas, liquefied petroleum gas adapted for vehicles, produces lower carbon emissions than petrol and diesel and has gained attention as a transitional fuel in countries where full electrification remains constrained by cost and grid capacity.

    “We are partnering with Gasfuel, because they are the major pioneers in Kenya in this field. And with the expertise and our expertise in retail and of course, sourcing of gas is concerned,” said Oryx Energies, Regional Manager East Africa, James Ngugi.

    Transport operators converting to LPG can reduce fuel expenses by an estimated 30 to 40 percent, potentially improving incomes while lowering emissions.

    “As you know, Autogas or LPG is one of the sources of fuel that are clean. And also, with regards to vehicles performance, it’s actually been proven to be a better fuel,” said Ngugi.

    Beyond fuel savings, the initiative is expected to stimulate local employment through vehicle conversion services, maintenance, and safety inspections, areas that are beginning to form a new skills base within the transport sector.

    “We have a team that has been sourced from different polytechnics and colleges within Eldoret City. They are learning how to convert vehicles, how to service them. So, we are actually doing a lot of job creation,” said Gas Fuel Limited, Managing Director, James Macharia.

    Kenya has been pushing for decarbonisation of transport by encouraging motorists to embrace cleaner alternative fuels such as LPG offered at the Eldoret AutoGas station.

    The transport sector currently accounts for 57% of the total energy-related carbon emissions in Kenya.

  • China’s 2nd domestically built large cruise ship cuts construction hours by over 20 percent

    China’s 2nd domestically built large cruise ship cuts construction hours by over 20 percent

    At Dock No. 2 of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., the massive hull of China’s second domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Flora City, gleamed under the sunlight as workers installed prefabricated cabins with precision. Real-time synchronization of installation data via 3D digital models and a domestically developed monitoring system ensured all parameters met required standards. Construction is currently over 86 percent complete on the 141,900-gross-ton vessel.

    Following the 2023 launch of China’s first domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Magic City, a major breakthrough in the country’s large cruise ship manufacturing, Adora Flora City introduces greater complexity. At 17.4 meters longer, the ship features an expanded hull structure, an additional 735 square meters of public space, and 1,913 square meters of outdoor areas, raising the bar for space utilization and safety. The project also involves more simultaneous workflows, increasing management demands.

    “Adora Flora City must expand capacity and functionality while maintaining strict controls on weight and cost, and still reduce total construction hours by more than 20 percent,” said Wu Xiaoyuan, head of the interior outfitting site.

    This efficiency was made possible by technological innovation. A shared bracket system, refined through more than 150 trials during the previous project, reduced the number of support legs by 30 percent, saving space and minimizing welding deformation. A full-ship 3D digital model enabled “virtual shipbuilding,” cutting later-stage modification by 80 percent. Over 1,100 prefabricated cabins reduced installation time per cabin from 200 hours to 50 hours, shortening the interior outfitting phase by eight months compared with Adora Magic City.

    Key components such as the ship’s elevator entertainment system and balcony engineering package have all been localized, while most interior materials and furniture are now sourced from Chinese suppliers, enhancing industrial self-reliance.

    “In the past, we relied on foreign experts for equipment debugging. Now, our engineers manage most issues independently,” said Chen Gang, chief commander and designer of the cruise ship project. A new generation of engineers is now leading innovation, transforming lessons from Adora Magic City into a foundation for independent development.

    Adora Flora City has completed its main generator load test and achieved its central control system ahead of schedule. With 63 percent of its 2,838 passenger and crew cabins installed, the ship is on track for float-out in March, sea trials in May, and international deployment from Nansha, Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong province by the end of the year.

    Behind the construction is the emergence of an entire industrial chain. As a “floating golden industry,” cruise shipbuilding generates a 14-fold output multiplier across downstream sectors. From the pioneering Adora Magic City to the streamlined Adora Flora City, China’s large cruise ship projects have cultivated a network of local suppliers meeting international standards, boosting the competitiveness of the shipbuilding sector and energizing high-end manufacturing and cultural tourism.

    According to Li Yanqing, secretary-general of the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry, during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China’s shipbuilding sector has capitalized on global trends toward green transformation and market expansion, achieving key breakthroughs in green, low-carbon technologies and high-end vessel development. China has now established comprehensive marine product assembly and construction capabilities, maintaining the world’s largest shipbuilding market share for 16 consecutive years.

  • Ruto hands over 4,500 home in Mukuru, a major leap in affordable housing agenda

    Ruto hands over 4,500 home in Mukuru, a major leap in affordable housing agenda

    President William Ruto handed over keys to more than 4,500 proud new beneficiaries of the Affordable Housing Programme at the New Mukuru in Nairobi on Thursday evening.

    This is in addition to the  1,080 units he handed over  earlier in May, marking a turning point in the government’s effort to give citizens dignified housing.

    “The keys we are giving you today are not just keys to open a door of a house, but to open a decent home for you and your children,” he said during the handover ceremony.

    He added: “I am proud this evening that what has been a dream for many Kenyans, and in the plans of this nation for over 40 years, is now a reality. Welcome to dignity; welcome to a new life.”

    President Ruto was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, Principal Secretaries, and other guests.

    The President said the government is building 14,000 affordable housing units at the New Mukuru site.

    Overall, he pointed out that there are over 240,000 affordable housing units under construction countrywide.

    During the function, the President also handed over modern police and fire stations, a well-equipped Level IV hospital, as well as a school to benefit the residents of the estate.

    The 16-storey units are equipped with modern amenities, including electricity, hot shower, Internet, and piped gas.

    President Ruto commended young people working at the Mukuru site for displaying their knowledge, expertise, and resilience.

    “Congratulations for building our nation,” he said.

    At the same time, the President castigated political leaders for inciting residents living in informal settlements to resist moving to make way for similar projects.

    “Be decent and humane. You cannot incite Kenyans to continue living in slums while you live a palace in Karen. That is evil,” he said.

    The President vowed to soldier on with the affordable housing programme, saying Kenyans can now clearly see the programme’s benefits.

    “We started this project less than two years ago. Just imagine what we will happen in 10 or 20 years to come,” he said.

  • Rironi Mau Summit Road long plagued by traffic jams enters a new chapter

    Rironi Mau Summit Road long plagued by traffic jams enters a new chapter

    The Nakuru-Nairobi highway has for decades made news for the wrong reasons, persistent snarl-ups, but with the dualling picking up momentum, this could soon be a thing of the past. 

    President William Ruto recently launched the phased construction and modernisation of the project that is expected to completely transform the road from Rironi in Kiambu County to Mau Summit in Nakuru County. 

    Caption: A section of the Rironi–Mau Summit Road where construction work has commenced.

    One of the most consequential projects for his administration, President Ruto aptly described it as a “gateway to prosperity”, adding that it is about enhancing regional connectivity and boosting the economy. 

    Although the expansion plans were mooted during the late President Mwai Kibaki era, they never materialised, leaving motorists and travellers to endure pain through lost man-hours and numerous crashes.

    “This project we launch today is more than a highway, it is a gateway to prosperity, unity and transformation,” he told the gathering at Kamandura, Kiambu County, during the launch. 

    He said the new road was a model for how Kenya delivers mega projects without piling on unsustainable public debt.

    The project, implemented through a Public-Private Partnership between China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and NSSF, will be constructed over two years at a cost of Sh170 billion. 

    “If we waited for the national budget, we’d have waited a lifetime. If we borrowed, we’d have increased our debt burden. If we taxed more, we’d have strained families. And if we did nothing, we would have surrendered to stagnation,” the President said. 

    And, a spot check revealed the enthusiasm with which Kenyans have embraced the project, which connects Western Kenya to Nairobi, Mombasa and other parts of the country. 

    The road also connects East African countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan, among others. It is a key road for long-distance vehicles ferrying goods from Mombasa Port, East Africa’s largest seaport, to neighbouring countries.

    James Mwangi, a boda boda rider at Kamandura, narrated the difficulties travellers go through, especially during the festive season and long weekends.

    Caption: James Mwangi, a boda boda rider, said that he has witnessed many traffic snarl-ups in the last five years. He lauded the dualling of the road, saying it will unlock the country’s potential.

    “The transport on this road is very difficult. First, when December comes, it is hard for people to travel,” he said, adding, “Once it is expanded, it means transport will be easier. Access will be easier.” 

    “Apart from ending traffic jams, accidents will also reduce. The expansion of this road will help cars flow,” he added. 

    Samuel Kigamba said that the single carriageway can no longer accommodate the huge traffic volumes, citing this as the main cause of persistent gridlock. “This road is very narrow, and that is why we often experience very heavy traffic jams,” he stated.

    “So if the government completes this project as the President said here, I believe this road will help us a lot,” he added. 

    President Ruto said that the project will create employment for 15,000 Kenyans, the majority of them being the youth. 

  • Defence CS presides over groundbreaking ceremony of Moi Stadium in Kisumu County

    Defence CS presides over groundbreaking ceremony of Moi Stadium in Kisumu County

    Defence Cabinet Secretary (CS) Soipan Tuya alongside Kisumu Governor, Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, Thursday presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of the 10,000 seater Moi Kisumu Stadium in Kisumu County, marking a major milestone in the Government’s efforts to modernise sports infrastructure and nurture sporting talent across the country.

    The project forms part of the national agenda to invest in facilities that promote youth empowerment, healthy lifestyles, and social cohesion while positioning sports as a key driver of socio-economic development.

    Upon completion, the modern stadium will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including roofed Western, Eastern, Northern, and Southern pavilions, a football pitch constructed to FIFA and CAF standards, and an eight-lane athletics running track with a tartan finish compliant with World Athletics standards.

    The project will also incorporate supporting mechanical, electrical, and civil works, including fencing and adequate parking facilities, to ensure the stadium meets international benchmarks.

    This project is one of the many projects that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) through the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is providing it’s technical expertise to, as a directive from the President and Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C), William Ruto.

    Additionally, the initiative is a collaborative effort between the National Government and the Kisumu County Government, reflecting a shared commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that supports sports development at community, national, and international levels.

    Beyond its sporting value, the Moi Kisumu Stadium is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Kisumu County and the wider Western Kenya region.

    During construction, the project will create employment opportunities and stimulate local businesses, while upon completion it is set to attract sporting events, boost sports tourism, and enhance Kisumu’s profile as a regional hub for athletics and football.

    Speaking during the ceremony the CS reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to timely completion of the project for the benefit of present and future generations.

    She also added that the stadium will be constructed to standard and on budget.

    CS Tuya went ahead and appreciated Kisumu County Governor for the collaboration shown so far for the project and assured the him that the MoD team will be making visits from time to time to ensure a smooth running of the project to completion.

    She further highlighted other projects such as the Kenya Shipyards Limited that MoD and Kisumu County is also collaborating together. MoD has built and handed over 6 boats, 5 landing sites two of which have been handed over and 3 ongoing.

    On his part, Kisumu Governor, lauded the move, saying the project represents the fruits of tireless diplomacy further expressed his appreciation to the President and MoD in honouring this bid.

    He reaffirmed his support and that of the county to MoD throughout the construction process of the stadium.

    Governor Nyong’o further noted that the Moi stadium is also known as the cradle for legends having produced many talented athletes such as Peter Dawo.

    Additionally, the governor appreciated the President for designating Nairobi as the regional office for United Cities and Local Governments of  Africa (UGCLA) in East Africa, elevating Kenya to a prestigious group of only five countries in Africa cementing Kenya’s diplomatic status in the continent.

    Also present was the Deputy Governor Kisumu County, Dr. Mathew Ochieng Owili, representing PS Sports, Sports Kenya Director General, Gabriel Komora, First President of Forum of African Regions (FORAF), Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, Sec General United Cities and Local Governments of  Africa (UCLG-A), Amb. Elong Mbassi, Area MCA, Odhiambo Carren, Members of County Assembly, County Commissioner,  Benson Leparmorijo

  • PS Mang’eni urges Parliament to prioritise Start-Up Bill

    PS Mang’eni urges Parliament to prioritise Start-Up Bill

    The Principal Secretary for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Susan Mangeni, has urged Parliament to prioritise the Start-Up Bill when the House resumes sittings in February 2026, noting that the Bill, currently at the mediation stage, will be a game changer for MSMEs.

    The Start-Up Bill is expected to unlock sustainable funding pathways for start-ups, strengthen the enabling environment for innovation, and allow existing financing platforms to more effectively support emerging enterprises, particularly those led by youth.

    Speaking during the official opening of the Grand Nandi Youth Festival 2025, PS Susan Mang’eni called on the National Assembly to fast-track the Bill, underscoring its importance in advancing entrepreneurship, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.

    She also urged the academia sector to play a more active role in activating the knowledge economy, in line with President William Ruto’s vision of transforming Kenya from a Third World to a First World economy.

    PS Mangeni emphasized that the digital economy will be central to achieving this aspiration, especially in empowering young innovators and start-ups.

    The event brought together key leaders and stakeholders, including Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary, State Department for ICT & the Digital Economy; Hon. Cynthia Muge, Member of Parliament, Nandi County; Kasmuel Mc’oure, Convener of the Broad-Based Youth Front; and Prof. Ruth Choge, Deputy Principal, Koitalel Samoei University College.