Networks Open Season 2 Brings Six Days of Padel, Competition and Community to Nairobi
The tournament returns from August 25 to 30, bringing players together for competition, fitness and community at Networks Padel Village.
Nairobi’s growing padel community is set for another week of competition as Networks Open Season 2 returns to Networks Padel Village at Village Market from August 25 to 30, 2026.
The six-day tournament will bring together players across different skill levels. It will also give friends, families and fans an opportunity to experience one of Nairobi’s emerging social sports.
Padel has continued to gain popularity in Nairobi. The sport combines elements of tennis and squash while creating a social environment that appeals to both competitive and recreational players.
Nine categories across different skill levels
Networks Open Season 2 will feature nine categories across Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Elite levels.
The tournament will offer more than KES 600,000 in cash prizes. The Top Kenya 4.5+ category will also bring some of the country’s leading padel players onto the court.
The tournament follows a busy period for Networks Padel Village. In June, more than 250 athletes competed in the Carrefour Open.
The competition featured men’s, women’s and mixed categories. It attracted both competitive players and recreational participants.
Competition meets Nairobi’s social scene
According to Sylvia Mugweru, Club Manager at Networks Padel Village, the tournament has quickly become an important event for the local padel community.
“Networks Open has quickly established itself as one of the country’s signature padel tournaments,” she said.
Mugweru added that Season 2 will be bigger and more competitive. She said the tournament will also focus on growing the sport while creating an enjoyable experience for players and spectators.
Weekday matches will run from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Weekend matches will run from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The schedule allows the tournament to tap into Nairobi’s growing after-work sports culture. It also gives spectators more opportunities to attend the matches.
Registration now open
Registration is currently open at KES 8,000 per team, or KES 4,000 per player.
Organisers will review player categories against Playtomic ratings. This will help create fair and competitive match-ups throughout the tournament.
Networks Open Season 2 Brings Six Days of Padel, Competition and Community to Nairobi
Beyond the matches, Networks Open Season 2 aims to bring Nairobi’s padel community together around competition, fitness and social connection.
As the sport continues to grow in Kenya, events such as Networks Open are helping create spaces where new players can take up the game while experienced competitors test themselves against some of the country’s strongest talent.
Why Smart Professionals Are Choosing Phones for Performance, Not Prestige
There was a time when the phone you carried could say a lot about you.
A sleek device with a familiar logo could become part of your personal style, especially when it appeared on a boardroom table, in a coffee shop or during a business meeting.
But the way we use our phones has changed.
For today’s professionals, the smartphone is no longer simply something to make calls or scroll through social media. It is where work happens, payments are approved, meetings are joined, documents are reviewed, journeys are mapped and conversations continue long after leaving the office.
That is why performance is becoming just as important as prestige.
A phone that can keep up with a busy lifestyle can be more valuable than one chosen simply because of its name.
This is where the TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G comes into the conversation.
Recently launched in Kenya, the smartphone is built around the needs of people who expect their devices to do more, from a large 8,000mAh battery and 5G connectivity to the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 5G chipset and eSIM support.
Your Day Does Not Always Come With a Charger
Think about a typical day for a busy professional.
You start the morning checking emails and messages. Then comes a video call, a few WhatsApp conversations, navigation to a meeting, perhaps some social media work and a quick review of a document before the next appointment.
By evening, the phone may have been working almost as hard as you have.
This is where battery life becomes more than a technical specification.
The POVA Curve 2 5G comes with an 8,000mAh battery designed to provide the power needed for extended daily use.
That is particularly relevant as Kenyans consume more content and rely on their phones for increasingly demanding tasks. Data from the Communications Authority of Kenya shows that users on 5G networks averaged 53.5GB of data consumption in the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.
For people who live much of their day through their phones, having enough power to make it from the morning commute to the evening journey home matters.
Why Smart Professionals Are Choosing Phones for Performance, Not Prestige
When Your Office Fits in Your Pocket
The modern workplace is no longer confined to an office.
A presentation can arrive while you are in traffic. A client can request a document while you are at lunch. A business owner can need to check a payment while away from their shop.
That makes processing power increasingly important.
The POVA Curve 2 5G uses the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 5G chipset, giving it the capability to handle demanding everyday tasks.
The benefit is not necessarily about having the biggest processor number. It is about having a phone that can keep up when several things are happening at once.
Email, WhatsApp, browsers, documents, video calls and other apps can all become part of the same working day.
For a professional constantly switching between tasks, smooth performance can make that experience less frustrating.
Staying Connected Matters
Nobody wants to discover that their network has disappeared just when an important call is starting.
As Kenya’s digital infrastructure expands, connectivity is becoming increasingly central to everyday life. The Communications Authority reported that 4G population coverage had reached 97.3%, while 5G coverage stood at 30% by June 2025.
The POVA Curve 2 5G comes with 5G and eSIM support, alongside G1 and SE1 Dual Enhanced Signal Chipsets designed to improve connectivity in challenging signal environments.
For someone working on the move, reliable connectivity can mean the difference between sending that proposal on time and having to explain why it did not arrive.
AI That Actually Has Something to Do
Artificial intelligence is another feature making its way into our everyday phone habits.
TECNO’s approach has been to focus on what it describes as Practical AI, looking at ways artificial intelligence can help with everyday activities rather than simply being something impressive to demonstrate.
Its Ella AI assistant is part of that strategy.
The company says its AI systems processed more than 500 million user requests in 2025, including around 100 million image processing tasks.
Some of the applications are particularly interesting for the Kenyan market.
TECNO’s AI Virtual Consultant, for example, can read payment messages and SMS to support automatic record keeping and M-PESA-linked money summaries.
For a small business owner or trader, that could mean spending less time manually organizing transactions and more time focusing on the business.
For students, Ella can help turn lengthy documents or YouTube content into shorter study notes.
The appeal of AI is therefore becoming less about saying, “My phone has AI,” and more about being able to say, “My phone just saved me time.”
A Phone That Fits the Way You Move
There is also the physical side of carrying a powerful smartphone around all day.
The POVA Curve 2 5G measures 7.42mm in thickness and weighs approximately 195g.
That gives users a large battery without turning the phone into something that feels like an extra piece of luggage.
For professionals moving between meetings, flights, client visits, events and home, that balance can make a difference.
Because the best technology is often the technology you barely notice while using it.
What Does Premium Really Mean?
The smartphone industry has traditionally associated premium with price, design and brand recognition.
But perhaps that definition is changing.
For someone who spends hours on their phone every day, premium can mean having enough battery to get through a demanding schedule.
It can mean being able to move between apps without frustration.
It can mean staying connected during an important call.
It can mean using AI to organise information, manage tasks or make everyday work easier.
And it can mean having all of that in a device that is comfortable to carry.
The TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G brings these elements together with its 8,000mAh battery, Dimensity 7100 5G chipset, 5G connectivity, eSIM support and enhanced signal technology.
Ultimately, the smartest smartphone may not be the one that attracts the most attention when it is placed on the table.
It may be the one that quietly helps you get through everything waiting for you after you pick it up.
Because these days, success is less about what your phone says about you and more about what you can accomplish with it.
Mercedes-Benz Celebrates 140 Years of Innovation in Kenya with New S-Class
From Carl Benz’s first Motorwagen to today’s intelligent luxury vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is marking 140 years of changing the way the world moves and Kenya is part of the celebration.
The milestone was marked in Nairobi as CFAO Mobility Kenya hosted an exclusive evening at Muthaiga Golf & Country Club, bringing together Mercedes-Benz customers, business leaders, partners and automotive enthusiasts for the unveiling of the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The event was also attended by Germany’s Ambassador to Kenya, His Excellency Sebastian Groth.
The celebration is part of Mercedes-Benz’s global “140 Years. 140 Places” expedition, an ambitious journey taking three S-Class saloons across six continents.
The vehicles are travelling more than 60,000 kilometres and visiting 140 destinations connected to the brand’s heritage, innovation and global presence.
The expedition has already made stops in cities and destinations including Stuttgart, Paris, Brussels, New York, Miami, Buenos Aires, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo, New Delhi and Mumbai.
Kenya’s inclusion puts the country on the map of a global journey celebrating the evolution of mobility and highlights its growing role as a centre for business, innovation and entrepreneurship in East Africa.
From 1886 to the Future
Mercedes-Benz traces its story back to 1886, when Carl Benz patented the Motorwagen, widely recognized as the world’s first automobile powered by an internal combustion engine.
For CFAO Mobility Kenya Managing Director Arvinder Reel, the 140th anniversary is therefore about more than marking a number.
“Tonight is not simply about celebrating a number, it is about celebrating legacy,” Reel said, reflecting on the journey that began with the Motorwagen.
He noted that the brand’s history has been shaped by its willingness to challenge what is possible in mobility.
The Mercedes-Benz global expedition began in Stuttgart and will eventually return to the German city in October 2026.
Kenya’s Place in the Journey
Kenya has a long-standing connection with the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Through its predecessor, DT Dobie, Mercedes-Benz has been represented in Kenya since 1949. Following the integration of CFAO Motors and DT Dobie in 2023, the businesses now operate under CFAO Mobility Kenya.
For the company, the anniversary also provides an opportunity to showcase how Mercedes-Benz continues to evolve while maintaining its reputation for engineering and luxury.
Idrissa Diagne, General Manager Mercedes-Benz, said the company remains focused on bringing the latest developments in safety, performance, connectivity and luxury to Kenyan customers.
Mercedes-Benz Celebrates 140 Years of Innovation in Kenya with New S-Class
Meet the New S-Class
The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the brand’s flagship luxury saloon.
Known for being a showcase for Mercedes-Benz technology, the S-Class brings together advanced features, craftsmanship, comfort and intelligent systems designed around the occupants.
The model has historically served as a testing ground for innovations that later make their way into other Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Its latest iteration continues that tradition, combining luxury with technology aimed at making the driving and passenger experience more seamless and personalised.
More Than a Car
For CFAO Mobility Kenya, the relationship with customers does not end when a vehicle leaves the showroom.
The company says its focus is on delivering an ownership experience that matches the standards associated with Mercedes-Benz.
Its current portfolio in Kenya includes the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class saloons, alongside the GLC, GLE, GLS and G-Class SUVs. The range also includes the Vito, V-Class and Sprinter vans.
“Our responsibility is not merely to sell you a Mercedes-Benz. Our responsibility is to earn the privilege of serving you,” Reel told guests.
As the “140 Years. 140 Places” expedition continues around the world, Kenya has taken its place in a story that began 140 years ago — one that continues to be defined by luxury, engineering, technology and the pursuit of what comes next.
Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive Take Western Region Honours in Safaricom Chapa Dimba
The road to the Safaricom Chapa Dimba national finals is getting hotter, with Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive emerging as the latest regional champions.
The two teams booked their places at the national finals after winning the boys’ and girls’ titles respectively at the Western Region finals held at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, on Sunday.
Vihiga Cranes secured the boys’ crown with a narrow 1-0 victory over Busia’s Musokoto Secondary School.
The decisive moment came in the 61st minute when Tonny Omondi rose to meet Luke Ramsey’s corner and headed the ball into the net.
For Vihiga Cranes coach Francis Muhambe, the victory was especially meaningful after previously winning the regional title with Ebwali Boys.
“It was a tough and closely fought match,” said Muhambe, adding that the team would now turn its attention to the national finals.
A Penalty Shootout Decides the Girls’ Final
The girls’ final provided even more drama.
Lugari Progressive, also known as Archbishop Njenga Girls, battled Busia’s Chakol Girls to a goalless draw in regular time before edging them 5-4 in the penalty shootout.
Coach Fred Serenge credited his players for keeping their composure throughout the contest.
“It wasn’t an easy game, but I want to congratulate my girls for working hard, staying focused and fighting until the end,” he said.
The victory also marked a rewarding comeback for the team after missing out on the national school games in Tanzania.
Serenge said he had turned his attention to Chapa Dimba, a decision that has now earned the team a regional title and a ticket to the national stage.
Lugari Progressive, Green Buffaloes Crowned Chapa Dimba Kakamega Champions
KSh 250,000 and More Up for Grabs
Both regional champions walked away with KSh 250,000 each, alongside smartphones and airtime.
Musokoto Secondary School and Chakol Girls, who finished as runners-up, each received KSh 150,000, as well as smartphones and airtime.
Individual performances were also recognised during the finals.
The Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer awards in both categories came with KSh 30,000, while the Most Valuable Player (Golden Ball) received KSh 30,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.
Hanifa Mashasha of Chakol Girls was named the girls’ MVP, while Elvis Ogiro of Musokoto Secondary took the boys’ award.
The Best Goalkeeper prizes went to Nabo Ochieng of Musokoto Secondary and Shamsy Pachanga of Lugari Progressive.
The girls’ Golden Boot was shared by Hanisa Mashasha of Chakol Girls and four Lugari Progressive players: Lydia Laura, Zipporah Wanyonyi, Delphine Mutirira and Viola Chepkorir.
In the boys’ category, Mellon Omondi and Tonny Omondi of Vihiga Cranes shared the top scorer award with Musokoto Secondary’s Rom Okitwi, Frankline Pual and Calvin Masai.
Next Stop: Kirinyaga
With the Western Region champions now confirmed, attention shifts to the next stage of the competition.
Safaricom Chapa Dimba will head to Central Region for its next regional finals on August 29 and 30 at Wang’uru Stadium in Kirinyaga County.
For Vihiga Cranes and Lugari Progressive, however, the work is far from over. The two teams now have the national finals in their sights, carrying with them the hopes of their counties and the momentum of hard-fought regional victories.
The fifth edition of Safaricom Chapa Dimba continues to give young footballers a platform to compete, develop their talent and chase opportunities beyond the pitch.
13 Starehe Boys Take on Final Leg of 1,100-Kilometre Charity Bikeathon to Mombasa
Thirteen students from Starehe Boys Centre are back on the road, taking on the final stretch of a gruelling 1,100-kilometre charity bikeathon from Nairobi to Mombasa.
The young cyclists resumed their journey on Wednesday, August 12, after arriving in Nairobi on Monday from Busia and taking a day to rest and recover at Starehe Boys Centre.
The riders are now heading towards Mombasa, where they are expected to arrive on Sunday, August 16. Along the way, they are not only testing their physical and mental endurance but also raising money towards a KSh 10 million target for the Starehe Boys Centre education fund.
The Dr. Geoffrey Griffin Memorial Charity Bikeathon honours the legacy of the late Geoffrey Griffin, the founder of Starehe Boys Centre and a strong advocate for education and opportunities for young people.
For the boys taking part, however, the challenge is about much more than cycling.
“This is a character-building adventure. In class, you learn many things theoretically, but on the road, you experience them for yourself,” said Ian Hicho, Technical Director and Team Coach and an Old Starehian.
According to Hicho, the boys have spent months preparing for the challenge, including physical conditioning, long-distance rides and mental preparation.
“You cannot just wake up and ride 1,100 kilometres,” he said. “We needed the boys to get used to the idea of riding 100 kilometres a day, because on this journey, you have to do it again the next day.”
Learning Resilience on the Road
The first leg of the journey put the young riders through changing road conditions, traffic, hills, heat and fatigue.
For Form Three student and returning Bikeathon participant Fidel Alfred Odhiambo, the experience has reinforced the importance of staying focused even when the journey becomes difficult.
“The biggest lessons for me are determination and resilience. There are moments when you feel like giving up, especially when climbing the hills, but you remember why you started and you keep going,” he said.
Team captain Ian Stanley has also found the journey to be a lesson in leadership.
“Being team captain means making sure everyone is where they are supposed to be, that the bikes are in order and that the team moves together,” he said.
“It has taught me that leadership is not just about being in front; it is about making sure everyone gets to the destination.”
For the younger riders, the priority is simple: complete the journey safely while keeping the bigger purpose of the Bikeathon in sight.
“When we reach Mombasa, it will mean that we have achieved the goal we set for ourselves: getting everyone there safely and helping raise funds for Starehe,” said Grade 10 student Marklus Kazungu.
13 Starehe Boys Take on Final Leg of 1,100-Kilometre Charity Bikeathon to Mombasa
Partnerships Supporting the Journey
The Bikeathon has brought together several partners supporting the students throughout the long-distance challenge.
Vivo Energy Kenya, which operates the Shell service station network in the country, has provided stopover points, refreshments and logistical support along the route.
For Mark Senteu, Commercial Manager at Vivo Energy Kenya and a former Starehe student, the partnership reflects the importance of giving back.
“Education and youth empowerment are an important part of our sustainability agenda,” he said, adding that partnerships such as the Bikeathon help create shared value beyond business.
Safety and medical support is also being provided by emergency response teams from St John Ambulance as the cyclists travel across the country.
At Starehe Boys Centre, the Bikeathon is seen as an extension of the institution’s wider approach to developing young people who are confident, responsible and ready to serve their communities.
“We hope they take away three things: the self-esteem and character that comes from taking on a major challenge, a sense of service and self-sacrifice, and the importance of team spirit,” said Fred Okono, Director of Starehe Boys’ Centre.
A Journey Driven by Giving Back
As the riders head towards the coast, fundraising for the education fund remains open to members of the public, friends of Starehe and well-wishers.
For Hicho, who is also an Old Starehian, the Bikeathon is deeply personal.
“I want to give back to my alma mater and help other young people benefit from the same opportunities I received here,” he said.
“You are because someone was, and I believe it is important to give back and create that opportunity for someone else.”
The cyclists are expected to continue through the final stretch of their journey over the coming days, with Mombasa as their ultimate destination.
When they arrive on August 16, they will have completed more than a physical challenge. They will have carried a message about resilience, teamwork, service and the power of education—and hopefully helped open the door to greater opportunities for future generations of Starehe students.
KCB Group Reports Strong Half-Year Performance as Profit Before Tax Rises 20.8%
KCB Group PLC has reported a strong financial performance for the first half of 2026, with profit before tax rising 20.8% to KShs. 49.3 billion as the lender continued to grow its business across the region.
The performance was supported by higher income, disciplined cost management and continued growth in lending and customer deposits.
KCB Group’s total income increased by 9.5% to KShs. 108.1 billion, with non-funded income rising 15.4% to KShs. 34.1 billion, while funded income grew 7% to KShs. 74 billion.
The Group’s balance sheet also expanded significantly. Total assets grew 16.8% to KShs. 2.3 trillion, supported by a 15.1% increase in customer deposits to KShs. 1.7 trillion and a 14.2% rise in gross loans to KShs. 1.3 trillion.
The growth in lending was driven by new customer acquisition and increased borrowing among retail, small and medium-sized enterprises and corporate customers.
For shareholders, the results came with a higher interim dividend. KCB’s Board recommended a dividend of KShs. 3 per share, up 50% from the KShs. 2 per share paid in the same period last year. The payout will amount to KShs. 9.64 billion.
“Our strong half-year performance reflects the resilience of KCB Group’s diversified business model, the strength of our regional footprint, and the confidence our customers continue to place in us,” said KCB Group CEO Paul Russo.
He added that the Group remained focused on supporting businesses and households, accelerating digital transformation and creating sustainable value for shareholders and communities.
Stronger Regional and Investment Business
KCB’s regional subsidiaries continued to make a significant contribution to the Group’s performance.
Businesses outside KCB Bank Kenya accounted for 27.7% of the Group’s profit before tax and 31.1% of its total balance sheet, highlighting the growing importance of its regional operations.
The Group’s non-banking businesses also recorded strong performances. KCB Investment Bank’s profit before tax jumped 226.6% to KShs. 503.2 million, supported by increased advisory mandates and capital markets activity.
KCB Corporate Trustee Services recorded a 79.8% increase in profit before tax to KShs. 142.5 million, while KCB Bancassurance Intermediary Limited contributed KShs. 335.4 million in profit before tax.
Asset Quality Improves
The lender also recorded an improvement in asset quality during the period.
Gross non-performing loans declined by KShs. 17.3 billion to KShs. 203.8 billion, from KShs. 221.1 billion a year earlier. As a result, the Group’s non-performing loan ratio fell to 15.1% from 18.7%.
KCB attributed the improvement to stronger recoveries, rehabilitation of distressed facilities and tighter credit risk management.
The Group maintained a loan-to-deposit ratio of 78.8%, while return on assets remained at 3.3%. Return on equity stood at a healthy 21.1%.
Total equity attributable to KCB Group shareholders increased 16.3% to KShs. 357 billion, up from KShs. 306.8 billion a year earlier.
KCB Group Reports Strong Half-Year Performance as Profit Before Tax Rises 20.8%
Driving Digital and Sustainable Finance
Beyond its financial results, KCB continued to expand its digital, sustainability and financial inclusion initiatives during the period.
The Group launched the Pata Kwako campaign, aimed at making homeownership more accessible. Among the solutions introduced was a mortgage product backed by the Kenya Mortgage Guarantee Trust, offering 15-year terms at 9.9% per annum for MSMEs and workers with irregular income.
KCB also partnered with the Kenya Defence Forces to offer dedicated mortgage schemes to members of the disciplined forces, with interest rates starting from 4% per annum.
On digital payments, the Group introduced a flat KShs. 20 fee for PesaLink transfers, while transactions of up to KShs. 1,000 were made free.
KCB also launched Bid Express, enabling customers to generate unsecured bid bonds digitally without visiting a branch.
Sustainability remained another key area of focus. The Group’s 2025 Sustainability Report showed that KShs. 48.8 billion had been disbursed in green financing to support environmentally sustainable projects.
Through the KCB Foundation and its partnership with Hivos, the Group also launched the Tujenge Pamoja Programme, targeting the growth of a circular and inclusive green economy.
The bank further partnered with Nandi and Machakos counties to support the solarisation of public health facilities, contributing to Kenya’s renewable energy and climate goals.
Strong Capital Position
KCB Group closed the period with strong capital buffers, positioning it to continue lending, invest in growth and withstand potential market shocks.
Its Core Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets ratio stood at 18.6%, well above the regulatory minimum of 10.5%, while the Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets ratio stood at 21.6%, compared with the statutory minimum of 14.5%.
Group Chairman Dr. Joseph Kinyua said the results reflected disciplined execution of the Group’s long-term strategy.
“We remain focused on providing strategic oversight that enables sustainable growth, prudent risk management and continued investment in innovation,” he said.
KCB’s performance comes as the Group continues to strengthen its position across East Africa, while investing in digital banking, sustainable finance, affordable housing and financial inclusion.
The Group was also recognized during the period through several industry awards, including being named Kenya’s Best Bank by Euromoney and Best Banking Group at the World Finance Banking Awards. It was also listed among the Financial Times’ Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies 2026.
European Football Returns as SuperSport Brings Back the New Season
The wait is over. After a spectacular 2026 FIFA World Cup, European football is back, with SuperSport on DStv and GOtv bringing fans the biggest matches of the 2026/27 season.
The action begins with the UEFA Super Cup before moving into the opening rounds of La Liga, the Premier League and Serie A.
PSG and Aston Villa Set for UEFA Super Cup
Paris Saint-Germain will face Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, August 12.
PSG head into the match after securing back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles. The French side will be aiming to lift the Super Cup for a second consecutive year.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, will look to upset the European champions and begin the new campaign with a major statement.
The match kicks off at 21:00 CAT and will be available live on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Africa 1, SuperSport Maximo 1 and SuperSport Maximo 2.
Arsenal and Manchester City Renew Rivalry
The traditional English season opener follows on Sunday, August 16, when Premier League champions Arsenal face FA Cup winners Manchester City in the FA Community Shield.
The match will be played in Cardiff and will offer an early look at the two sides ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
For Manchester City, it will also mark the beginning of a new era under Enzo Maresca, while Arsenal will look to build on their Premier League title success.
Kick-off is at 16:00 CAT, with the match live on SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport Maximo 1, SuperSport Maximo 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360.
La Liga Returns
La Liga begins on Saturday, August 15, with Alaves taking on Getafe at 19:30 CAT.
Sevilla will then face Rayo Vallecano at 21:30, with more matches scheduled throughout the opening weekend.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have been given extended rest following Spain’s World Cup triumph. Their delayed involvement gives other teams an opportunity to make an early impression.
The second round of fixtures begins on Thursday, August 20, including Real Madrid’s trip to Espanyol and Barcelona’s visit to Elche on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Premier League Gets Underway
The Premier League season begins on Friday, August 21, with champions Arsenal hosting promoted Coventry at 21:00 CAT.
The opening weekend will also feature Manchester United’s trip to Hull, Tottenham’s visit to Brentford and Newcastle’s clash with Liverpool.
Manchester City will host Bournemouth on Sunday, while Chelsea travel to Fulham on Monday to close out the first round.
European Football Returns as SuperSport Brings Back the New Season
Serie A Joins the Action
Italy’s Serie A also returns on Saturday, August 22.
Defending champions Inter Milan will begin their title defence against Monza at 18:30 CAT. Napoli will visit Genoa, while Juventus travel to Frosinone.
Sunday’s fixtures include Torino against Milan, while Roma face Fiorentina on Monday.
With major leagues returning across Europe, football fans have plenty to look forward to as the 2026/27 season gets underway.
Key Fixtures
UEFA Super Cup Wednesday, August 12 21:00: Paris Saint-Germain vs Aston Villa
FA Community Shield Sunday, August 16 16:00: Arsenal vs Manchester City
Premier League Friday, August 21 21:00: Arsenal vs Coventry
Serie A Saturday, August 22 18:30: Inter Milan vs Monza
La Liga Saturday, August 22 21:30: Espanyol vs Real Madrid
Sunday, August 23 21:30: Elche vs Barcelona
SuperSport on DStv and GOtv will carry the action throughout the opening weeks of the new European football season.
Lugari Progressive, Green Buffaloes Crowned Chapa Dimba Kakamega Champions
Lugari Progressive and Green Buffaloes have been crowned the girls’ and boys’ champions respectively in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Kakamega County Finals.
The two teams will now represent Kakamega County at the Western Regional Finals scheduled for August 15 and 16 at Masinde Muliro Stadium, Kanduyi, Bungoma.
Lugari Progressive Retain Girls’ Title
Lugari Progressive, popularly known as Archbishop Njenga Girls, successfully defended their Kakamega County title for the fifth consecutive time after beating long-time rivals Red Commandos, also known as Butere Girls, 3-0 on penalties.
The final ended goalless in regular time, with both teams creating opportunities but failing to find the back of the net. Red Commandos came closest to breaking the deadlock when an effort struck the crossbar late in the match.
The game went to a penalty shootout, where Lugari Progressive held their nerve. Goalkeeper Shamsi Pachanga emerged as the hero after saving two penalties, while another Red Commandos effort went wide.
“Retaining the county title for the fifth time in a row is not easy. Butere Girls were really tough, and I will personally admit they gave us a run for our money,” said Lugari Progressive head coach Fred Serenge.
“It is a good team, and this is not the first time we are meeting in the finals, but I thank God we managed to win. Going to penalties is something I did not expect, but I always trust my goalkeeper, and she made us proud by saving two penalties.”
Serenge said the team would now focus on the regional finals as they seek to make Kakamega proud.
Green Buffaloes Win Maiden Boys’ Title
In the boys’ final, Green Buffaloes of Khwisero claimed their maiden Safaricom Chapa Dimba Kakamega County title after defeating Holy Cross Injira Senior School 2-1.
Green Buffaloes took the lead through Moses Muruka, who finished a well-delivered corner from Peter Mukolwe.
They doubled their advantage before half-time when Augustine Khakali turned the ball into his own net.
Holy Cross Injira Senior School fought back in the second half, with Ransley Nasiali pulling one goal back. Green Buffaloes, however, held firm to secure a historic victory.
“We are really excited. It is the first time we are lifting the Safaricom Chapa Dimba County trophy,” said Green Buffaloes head coach Ian Omukuba.
“Last year, we were knocked out in the round of 16, but this year we came prepared and my boys delivered.”
Omukuba acknowledged the pressure from Holy Cross in the second half but said his team was ready for the regional competition.
“I know in the regionals we are going to face the best of the best from other counties, but we are ready for it. We are going for the win and will make sure Kakamega County takes the regional trophy,” he said.
Lugari Progressive, Green Buffaloes Crowned Chapa Dimba Kakamega Champions
Regional Finals Next
Lugari Progressive and Green Buffaloes will now represent Kakamega County at the Western Regional Finals on August 15 and 16 at Masinde Muliro Stadium, Kanduyi, Bungoma.
They will join other county champions from the region. These include Chakol Queens and Musokoto Secondary School from Busia, Vihiga Cranes and Blue Commandos from Vihiga, and Terem FC and Elgon Queens from Bungoma.
The two Kakamega county champions each received KES 75,000, while runners-up Red Commandos and Holy Cross Injira Senior School received KES 30,000 each.
Top Players Receive Awards
The county finals also recognized outstanding individual performances.
Walles Oweingaya and Shamsi Pachanga were named the Best Goalkeepers in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively.
Moses Muruka and Ziporah Wanyonyi won the Top Scorer awards. Wanyonyi was also named the Girls’ Most Valuable Player, while Atanas Ombasa was named the Boys’ MVP.
Each award winner received KES 10,000.
Wanyonyi and Ombasa will also receive fully funded tertiary education scholarships under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.
The scholarships will support their continued education as they pursue their next steps beyond the football pitch.
Lugari Progressive Set to Defend Chapa Dimba Title in Kakamega
Lugari Progressive will begin their title defence this weekend as the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Kakamega County Finals head to Bukhungu Stadium.
The defending champions, popularly known as Bishop Njenga, will face Bushili Queens in the first girls’ semi-final. The second semi-final will see The Phoenix Mukumu take on Red Commandos.
The winners of the two matches will advance to the county final and compete for the Kakamega title.
Boys’ Semi-Finals Set for Action
The boys’ competition will see Shamberere face Holy Cross Injira Senior School in the first semi-final.
Mumias Vipers will then take on Green Buffaloes for the second spot in the county final.
Lugari Progressive Academy head coach Fred Serenge believes his team is ready to defend its title despite a short recovery period.
“We are fresh from the National School Games, where we finished third. We are also the defending Safaricom Chapa Dimba Kakamega County champions and the reigning Western Region school games champions,” said Serenge.
“We only have two days to prepare for the weekend matches, but we will use the experience we gained at the school games to ensure we retain our county title.”
Lugari Progressive Set to Defend Chapa Dimba Title in Kakamega
Winners to Advance to Western Regional Finals
The Kakamega County Finals come a week after county championships in Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga.
The winners will join Chakol Queens and Musokoto Secondary School from Busia, Vihiga Cranes and Blue Commandos from Vihiga, and Terem FC and Elgon Queens from Bungoma.
The teams will compete at the Western Regional Finals on August 15 and 16 at Kanduyi Stadium in Bungoma.
Cash Prizes and Scholarships Up for Grabs
The winning boys’ and girls’ teams will each receive KES 75,000, while the runners-up will take home KES 30,000 each.
Individual awards will also be presented. The Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer in both categories will each receive KES 10,000.
The tournament’s Most Valuable Player will receive KES 10,000 and a fully funded tertiary education scholarship under the Safaricom Citizens of the Future Programme.
The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation and a monthly upkeep stipend at a public tertiary institution in Kenya.
Players Eye International Opportunity
Outstanding players from the tournament will also have an opportunity to join an All-Stars team representing Kenya at the Gothia Cup in Sweden.
The tournament will give the young players a chance to compete against international talent and gain exposure to scouts, academies and professional clubs.
Equity and Car & General Partner to Make Farm Mechanization More Accessible
Equity Bank and Car & General Trading Kenya have partnered to help more farmers access agricultural machinery and improve productivity.
The partnership will allow farmers to finance up to 90 per cent of the cost of Kubota tractors through Equity Bank. Farmers will provide a 10 per cent deposit, while repayment can be structured around their farming cycles.
For farmers, the initiative could make it easier to acquire machinery for tasks such as land preparation, planting, harvesting and transporting produce.
Making Mechanization More Accessible
Kagiso Moloi, Commercial Director at Equity Bank Kenya, said the partnership is focused on supporting the wider agricultural ecosystem.
“Our intention is not to measure the units, but necessarily to measure how we transform the lives of the people around us. We don’t only look at the tractors alone. We look at how we can unlock that whole ecosystem and ensure that it’s not painful for the farmer,” Moloi said.
George Rubiri, General Manager of Car & General Trading Kenya, said the partnership aims to address the country’s low level of agricultural mechanization.
“Agri-mechanization in Kenya is only 30 per cent and we come in to bridge this gap. Equity Bank provides flexible financing of up to 90 per cent, which makes it exciting and easy for the farmers,” he said.
Farmers interested in the tractors can visit Equity Bank or Car & General branches to explore the financing option.
Equity and Car & General Partner to Make Farm Mechanisation More Accessible
Farmers See the Difference
For Narok farmer and agricultural teacher Cecilia Moshiri, owning a Kubota tractor has already changed how she works on her farm.
Moshiri bought her tractor two years ago. She has since used it to cultivate previously untouched land, transport farm inputs and produce, and provide ploughing services to neighbouring farmers.
“I had virgin land which was not broken before. Because of its robust energy, it has worked through a very rough, rugged land and nowadays the land is very fine,” she said.
Moshiri also earns additional income by offering ploughing services to other farmers.
“There was not much harvest in Narok this year, but I think I was almost one of the farmers who produced most. With the good experience that I’ve gotten from Kubota, I’m looking forward to continuing to partner with Equity so that I can have another machine in future.”
Financing Built Around Farming Cycles
Beatrice Nyambura, Head of Asset Finance at Equity Bank Kenya, said the financing package recognizes the seasonal nature of agriculture.
“The farmer will only need to raise a deposit of 10 per cent. We acknowledge the seasonality of farming, meaning that the farmer can pay depending on their crop; either monthly or we can also do it in a season,” she said.
The package includes first-year insurance and a two-year extended warranty. Subsequent insurance premiums have also been negotiated at up to 1.5 per cent.
Supporting More Efficient Farming
Moses ole Koila, a farmer and seed merchant from Olokurto in Narok County, said mechanization can improve efficiency in labour-intensive farming.
“There’s nothing that beats a farmer with all farm implements. It gives efficiency in terms of work and for us who are doing seed production and especially potatoes,” he said.
According to Koila, machinery can support farmers throughout the production process, from planting and harvesting to transporting produce for grading.
Agriculture as a Growth Opportunity
George Macharia, Head of Food and Agriculture Business at Equity Bank Kenya, said the partnership forms part of the bank’s wider focus on agricultural financing.
The bank aims to have agriculture account for 30 per cent of its loan book by 2030. Mechanization is among the interventions expected to improve farm efficiency and support climate-smart agriculture.
“The goal is that by 2030, agriculture will be contributing 30 per cent of the entire Equity Bank’s loan book. The technology that we are bringing for Kubota Tractor is coming with the implements that are supporting the farmers and the agricultural community to implement what we are calling climate-smart agriculture,” Macharia said.
He added that agricultural mechanization could also create opportunities for young people trained in agriculture to earn an income by providing machinery services to farmers.
