In its ruling, the tribunal determined that Everstrong had failed to meet thresholds that had been set by the PPP committee on financing capacity, viability of the project, and the technical feasibility of the project.

Filings that were presented to the tribunal show that Everstrong’s proposal hit turbulence after the exit of Mota-Engil, a construction company that has links with Chinese State firms.

In August 2025, it had emerged that lenders from the United States who were being tapped by Everstrong Capital as financiers of the Sh468 billion Nairobi-Mombasa expressway project were uncomfortable with the involvement of Mota-Engil. This was one of the main reasons why the proposed multi-billion project fell into a storm.

Mota-Engil had exited from the proposed project at the last minute, raising concerns at the National Treasury. “When [Everstrong Capital / Usahihi Expressway Limited] went to the development phase, they came back with other contractors to meet the technical capacity but the shareholder to replace Mota was not there,” the PPP Directorate-General Kefa Seda had told local media.

Mota-Engil is owned 40 percent by the Mota family and 32.41 percent by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). This Chinese company is the behind the China Road and Bridge Corporation which constructed Kenya’s standard gauge railway.

Reportedly, the exit of Portugal’s Mota-Engil was an act of Everstrong complying with the demands of their American lenders. According to reports, some of the prominent financiers that had been tapped for project included the USBC and the US Exim Bank.

A spot check on the Portuguese company shows that the multinational construction firm has footprint in major projects spanning from railways, airports, and motorways.

For instance, the company is currently undertaking the The Cuapiaxtla-Cuacnopalan highway is a concessioned road that strategically connects the center of the country with the southeast, facilitating transit between Puebla and Oaxaca in South-Central Mexico.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) signed an agreement with Everstrong for the construction of the expressway during President William Ruto’s visit to the United States in May 2024.

READ MORE: 73pc of all Grade 3 learners can’t do basic Math; 59pc can’t read basic English

The Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway project was terminated by the government in August last year after a meeting by the public-private-partnership (PPP) committee of the National Treasury.

“The PPP Committee determined that the proposal does not meet the relevant criteria and should be abandoned in accordance with Section 43 (11)(c) of the PPP Act, 2021,” a notice by the National Treasury had stated. After the cancellation, the committee directed the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to expand the existing highway.

Mombasa expressway – signs of trouble

The first signs of trouble for the Usahihi Expressway project emerged in early July when it was revealed that the committee had rejected the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway plan.

According to the committee, the project development report (PDR) was presented as a greenfield project. However, the PDR allegedly had gaps on land use and land acquisition for the project. A PDR contains a comprehensive overview of the project, and details the project’s development including its goals, scope, and potential risks.

“The proposal may, however, be resubmitted to the committee for fresh determination in line with Section 43 (12) of the PPP Act, 2021,” the committee had stated.

Everstrong Capital submitted the project’s feasibility study in May 2025. “In a landmark moment for Kenya and African infrastructure at large, Everstrong Capital has officially submitted the full feasibility study for the Usahihi Expressway to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA),” the company had announced.

Everstrong had been looking to raise up to Sh129 billion from the local market, including from local banks and local pension funds. The developer would then raise Sh258 billion from external markets to bring the total estimated construction cost to Sh465.12 billion. Once complete, the Expressway would have operated on a toll-basis.

Were the c to be implemented and completed, the American-owned firm and their partners would charge toll fees for a period of 30 years, by which time they would be expected to recover their investment plus profit.

According to Usahihi Chairman Kyle McCarter who is also the former US ambassador to Kenya, motorists would have paid between Sh12 and Sh13 per kilometre to use the expressway. This implied that for a full journey from Nairobi to Mombasa on the 440 kilometre expressway, motorists would have between Sh5,280 and Sh5,720.

The cost of usage was expected to vary depending on vehicle size and weight, with trucks expected to pay more. In early 2025, it had emerged that heavy commercial vehicles would be compelled to strictly use the expressway, which would in turn see these vehicles contribute up to 75 percent in toll revenue.

The construction works on the road were expected to take four years to complete starting from 2026.

American firm loses fight for Sh468 billion Mombasa Expressway first appeared on Bizna Kenya

1. Kenya Airways is the country’s flag carrier, operating a fleet that serves more than 40 destinations across Africa and beyond. Its network is structured around a hub-and-spoke model, with Nairobi as the central node linking routes to Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

By contrast, KAA is the state agency responsible for managing the nation’s airports. Its principal asset is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which generates the bulk of its revenue. KAA owns and maintains the airport and its associated infrastructure. In effect, it acts as a landlord, while airlines, including KQ, operate as tenants within its facilities.

2. KQ operates like any carrier, within the slot allocations assigned at JKIA. It adheres strictly to the timings and parameters set by KAA. Its mandate is confined to flight operations; it does not extend to provision or maintenance of airport infrastructure. The installation of airbridges, for instance, falls squarely within the airport authority’s remit.

KAA regulates slot allocation not only at JKIA but across the country’s principal airports, distributing access among airlines according to a fixed schedule. It is also responsible for the upkeep of core facilities, including baggage handling systems and related equipment. Decisions on aircraft parking positions are likewise determined by the authority, often necessitating passenger transfers between aircraft and terminal by bus.

Kenya Airports Authority and Kenya Airways are two distinct institutions

3. The mandate of KAA extends only as far as the aircraft door. Beyond that threshold, authority passes entirely to Kenya Airways (KQ), where the captain exercises ultimate discretion over all matters, including the decision of who may board. Reviews of KQ’s in-flight experience are, by and large, favourable. Its cabin crew are widely regarded as world-class; a reputation underscored by the steady stream of awards the airline garners each year.

4. Kenya Airways is responsible for checked baggage once it has been accepted at check-in; liability does not rest with KAA. In cases of loss, delay or damage, the airline bears responsibility, subject to limits set out under international law, most notably the Montreal Convention. Even so, claims are governed by strict procedures. Passengers are expected to report any irregularity upon arrival and file a Property Irregularity Report. Claims for damaged baggage must be submitted within seven days, while those relating to delayed baggage must be lodged within 21 days.

5.⁠ ⁠KQ and KAA may be separate institutions but in practice, they operate in a symbiotic relationship. One is the soul while the other is the body. Over the years, the airline has found itself at the centre of moments that extend beyond commercial aviation into national sentiment. It has, for instance, assisted in the repatriation of former prime minister Raila Odinga, an operation that underscored its role in moments of political and public significance. More recently, it has flown home contingents of Kenyan troops returning from peacekeeping duties in Haiti, offering a quiet logistical service to the country’s overseas commitments.

This week, KQ turned its attention to sport, carrying back marathoner Sabastian Sawe, the first person to run a competitive, official marathon in under two hours. His arrival at JKIA was marked with a ceremonial arc of a water cannon salute, a gesture typically reserved for aircraft and passengers deemed to have brought particular honour.

Although KQ and KAA are often conflated, their roles are distinct yet deeply interconnected. KAA provides the essential infrastructure that keeps the country’s aviation systems running, while Kenya Airways represents its operational and symbolic face to the world. One manages the ground; the other moves through the skies.

Together, they form a complementary system where efficiency in airports and excellence in flight operations must align for the broader success of Kenyan aviation. Understanding this distinction not only clears public confusion but also highlights how both institutions, in their separate mandates, contribute to national connectivity, pride and global presence.

Kenya Airways vs Kenya Airports Authority: Understanding two pillars of Kenyan aviation. first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The transformative initiative aims to reach and empower more than 2,000 women- and youth-led MSMEs operating within Kenya’s circular economy, while recycling over 6,000 tonnes of waste and positively impacting more than 30,000 lives indirectly.

The programme’s overall objective is to promote and integrate circular solutions and gender-inclusive strategies within the circular economy, contributing to sustainable growth, environmental conservation, and inclusive economic development.

Speaking during the programme’s launch in Nairobi, Absa Bank Kenya Managing Director and CEO, Abdi Mohamed, acknowledged the role of partnership and noted that this initiative is a collaborative response to one of the most defining economic questions of our time, how economies can grow without exhausting the very resources that such growth depends on.

“For decades, global growth has largely followed a linear model where we take, make, use and discard. While this model has delivered progress, it has also generated enormous waste, placed immense pressure on natural systems, and widened inequality in how opportunity is distributed. The next chapter of growth will belong to economies that create value differently. Economies where waste becomes input, efficiency becomes advantage, and sustainability becomes enterprise. That is the opportunity the circular economy offers, and what underpins the launch of this initiative.”

The programme is co-funded by the German government and IKEA Foundation and will be implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and its partners through three tailored phases to address the diverse needs of MSMEs. The CirculaRising Academy, fully funded by Absa Kenya Foundation will target over 2,000 microenterprises through training, coaching, market access, and financing support over 27 months.

On the other hand, the CirculaRising Accelerator component, implemented by GIZ will support 150 growth stage small enterprises across Nairobi, Central, Western, Nyanza, and Coastal regions through capacity building, market linkages, and access to finance. Additionally, the CirculaRising Scale-Up component will target 25 to 30 medium- and large-sized enterprises that generate high volumes of waste and intend to scale their export operations.

These enterprises will receive tailored training and coaching to support the development and integration of circularity and gender-responsive practices, as well as certification in global sustainability standards.

“With CirculaRising, we combine the empowerment of women’s employment with the scaling of circular business models in Kenya. Together with the Absa Kenya Foundation, we will support MSMEs in achieving economic, social and environmental impact, from increased employment and better incomes to improved recycling and waste management practices. This cooperation combines financial and advisory expertise to promote women in green value chains and to drive the transformation of the Kenyan economy,” said GIZ’s Employment promotion for women for the green transformation in Africa (WE4D) programme Kenya team leader, Thomas Jaeschke.

While officiating the launch, Susan Mang’eni, Principal Secretary State Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development through her remarks read by Mohammed Doyo, the Secretary for MSMEs, underscored the importance of Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises in Kenya’s economic transformation and reaffirmed government’s support for such initiatives.

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“MSMEs remain the backbone of Kenya’s economy. Initiatives such as CirculaRising are critical in unlocking their potential, enabling access to finance, and supporting their transition into sustainable and competitive enterprises. As the government, we are committed to creating an enabling policy and regulatory environment, strengthening enterprise support frameworks, and working closely with partners such as Absa to scale programmes that drive inclusive growth, job creation, and long-term economic resilience,” said Hon. Mang’eni said.

Also in attendance was Dr. Selly Kimosop, Secretary Environment, on behalf of the Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno who highlighted the role of MSMEs in the circular economy in advancing climate action and economic development.

“The transition to a circular economy presents significant opportunities for Kenya, particularly for MSMEs. Programmes like CirculaRising are essential in supporting green enterprise development, reducing waste, and driving climate action at scale in our country,” said Dr. Ngeno.

Speaking at the same event, the Africa Guarantee Fund (AGF) Group Director of Capacity Development, Patrick Lumumba, said: “Despite owning 40% of all MSMEs and contributing up to 20% of the country’s GDP, women-led enterprises continue to face significant barriers, with an estimated 70% lacking access to adequate financing and only 7% having formal access to financial services. Recognising the critical role women entrepreneurs play in driving Kenya’s economy, including in green value chains, the partnership between AGF, GIZ and Absa Kenya leverages the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative to bridge the financing gap that MSMEs and more so, women-led MSMEs face. Through the SHE Academy Programme, Absa Kenya and GIZ reaffirm their commitment to empowering women-owned MSMEs as catalysts for change, fostering inclusive growth, and strengthening Kenya’s economic resilience.”

By 2028, the programme aims to mobilise over EUR 2 million in financing while delivering measurable environmental impact by redirecting 6000 tonnes of waste through reduction, reusing, repair and recycling

The Absa Kenya Foundation is anchored on four key pillars, Entrepreneurship, Education and Skills Development, Natural Resource Management, and Health and Humanitarian Relief, with CirculaRising directly advancing three of these pillars. The programme reflects Absa’s purpose of empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, one story at a time, by supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening businesses, and driving sustainable economic transformation across Kenya.

Absa, GIZ and AGF launch Kenya’s largest circular economy programme first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Ms. Njeru is accused of hiking school fees from the recommended Sh53,558 to Sh120,179 without the required legal approval.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has formally written to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), directing it to commence disciplinary proceedings against Ms. Njeru.

“The unauthorized fees structure was imposed without the approval of the Cabinet Secretary as by law required and is therefore contrary to Section 29(2)(b) of the Basic Education Act, 2013,” read part of the statement by CS Julius Ogamba.

The CS also called for further investigations into the conduct of the Alliance Girls High School board, over alleged funds mismanagement.

According to findings by the Ministry Quality Assurance team that investigated the institution, the school reportedly spent Sh16 million on trips, Sh13 million on prize-giving ceremonies and speeches, Sh5 million on prize vouchers, Sh3 million on airtime and administrative allowances, and Sh1 million on moral and spiritual activities.

The ministry said such spending was unjustifiable and raised concerns over financial accountability, insisting that the board must be compelled to explain why the expenditures were approved.

“We are working with other stakeholders in the education sector, including the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), to ensure teachers who disregard directives from the ministry don’t go unpunished. We’ll amend the TSC Act to streamline the disciplinary process so that there are no technicalities to shield anyone,” said Ogamba.

The disciplinary action comes amid ongoing complaints from parents over rising fees in public schools, with the ministry reiterating that all public institutions must strictly comply with the annual fee guidelines.

Under the rules, schools seeking to introduce additional levies are required to obtain written approval from the Cabinet Secretary through the County Education Board (CEB).

According to the guidelines issued in November last year, senior school learners enrolled in boarding schools are required to pay Sh53,554 annually, depending on their institution’s cluster.

“The school fees to be charged for all categories of boarding school shall, for the time being, remain at Sh53,554.00 as per the Gazette Notice No. 1555 of 10th March 2015,” reads part of the ministry directive.

Former national schools, now categorized as Cluster 1 (C1) institutions, are required to charge Sh53,554 per year. Extra-county schools, classified as Cluster 2 (C2), are expected to charge Sh45,054 annually, while county schools—now Cluster 3 (C3)—should charge Sh40,035 per year.

Learners admitted to Cluster 4 (C4) schools, formerly sub-county institutions, will continue to benefit from free secondary education under the government’s programme.

The ministry reiterated that schools must observe transparency in fee collection, maintaining that parents must be notified in advance about fee deadlines.

Additionally, institutions are required to designate official payment channels to avoid irregular transactions, and all payments must be issued with official receipts indicating the amount paid, the date, and the purpose of the payment.

Also Read: 73pc of all Grade 3 learners can’t do basic Math; 59pc can’t read basic English

Alliance Girls principal on the spot over illegal school fees hike to Sh120,000 first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The summit, which is a key platform for advancing Africa’s digital transformation agenda, underscored the continent’s vast potential to build a unified digital market. Speakers highlighted that while Africa possesses the fundamental ingredients, including a youthful population, growing digital adoption, and expanding infrastructure, greater collaboration and alignment are critical to accelerate progress.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the Summit, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“To unlock Africa’s full potential, we must deepen collaboration between governments and the private sector. By working together, we can create enabling policies, invest in the right infrastructure and accelerate public sector digitisation in a way that is inclusive, scalable and impactful for millions of Africans”

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During the summit, Safaricom showcased the digital capabilities of its converged services, a cross-functional approach that brings together Safaricom’s Enterprise Business, Financial Services, Public Sector Digitisation & Transformation (PSDT), and Technology teams. This integrated model positions Safaricom as a unified partner to governments across the continent, enabling a more cohesive approach to delivering secure, scalable, and citizen-centred digital solutions.

The Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, emphasised the need for Public-Private partnerships and including the people in the dialogue of digital transformation.

”The public sector does not have a monopoly on resources. In order to achieve inclusion in the digital market, we must collaborate with the private sector and the citizens themselves,” he said.

As the summit continues to its 3rd day tomorrow, the call for renewed commitment to drive collective action, recognising that Africa’s digital future will depend on coordinated efforts, policy alignment and a shared vision for a connected continent

Connected Africa summit calls for urgent action to unlock seamless digital connectivity first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The farmer who doubles as a Human Resource consultant says she opted for horticultural crops after maize farming proved to be unrewarding.

“I planted maize on one acre and got slightly less than 10 bags of 90kgs. Maize is not rewarding and the returns are low. So I decided to venture into onions and watermelon farming,” she told The Star.

From her first harvest, Onyango says she harvested 8,000kgs from her Migori farm and sold at Sh150 per kilo. The Ngong farm produced another 10 tonnes (10,000kgs), selling at Sh100 per kilo.

“By the time I was selling my produce from the Ngong farm, a kilo of onions was priced between Sh30 to Sh40 in the local market, but I was able to find a good market price for my produce,” Onyango says.

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However, the farmer adopted one strategy that helped her improve her income.

“I was able to secure a good price by harvesting between the end of May and June when there was a shortage of onions in the market,” she adds.

While the venture has proved to be lucrative, it has a fair share of challenges. According to Onyango, heavy rains that cause flooding countrywide affect production.

In addition, inadequate access to pesticides and insecticides, which forces her to buy from Nairobi, also makes production expensive.

“Another challenge is the human resource; you have to get your labour from outside this area. People are not ready to work and do manual jobs. In the end, these challenges increase the cost of production,” she says.

High production cost as a result of expensive seeds is also a challenge. For instance, a kilo of onion seeds, which is only enough for one acre, sells between Sh46,000 to Sh48,000 depending on the variety.

She sells her produce to wholesale traders, retail markets, and estates thanks to her strong social media marketing.

Onyango advises anyone intending to venture into farming to invest in good farm inputs to reap more.

Emma Onyango: Migori farmer reveals the secret to getting better onion prices first appeared on Bizna Kenya

BYD models

The delivery, consisting of one BYD Shark 6 (DMO Plug-in Hybrid Pickup) and four BYD Sealion 6 (DM-i Plug-in Hybrid SUVs), marks the first significant corporate fleet deployment of these specific models in the Kenyan market signally a key appetite for hybrid models within fleet operations.

BYD by CFAO Mobility Kenya, GM Nicolas Ruffier des Aimes, lauded the ongoing corporate efforts by local motor dealers to introduce Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) in the local market.

“As the pioneer in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), BYD is thrilled to see this partnership come to fruition. We are proud to see leading institutions like SBM Bank and Avenue Lease & Rentals E.A embrace the future of the automotive industry,” said Nicolas Ruffier des Aimes during the handover ceremony.

Auto shift: Kenyan companies move toward electric vehicle production

“By introducing the cutting-edge to the Kenyan market, you welcome a cleaner and safer environment in our streets and highways. We look forward to more opportunities to make sustainability a daily endeavor of our partners.”

EV Technology

The BYD Sealion 6 Premium and BYD Atto 3 Extended use advanced EV technology offering strong driving range, energy efficiency and modern safety and comfort features to provide a smooth, eco-friendly driving experience while keeping running and maintenance costs low.

“We are excited to take this significant step towards achieving our sustainability goals. Our commitment to reducing direct emissions is a dedication to creating positive environmental change,” said Bhartesh Shah, CEO of SBM Bank Kenya. “The introduction of BYD’s advanced hybrid technology allows us to modernise our logistics while significantly cutting down our CO2 emissions.

The transition to e-mobility is a core pillar of Kenya’s national climate action plan, which targets a 32% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. BYD vehicles are rapidly becoming the preferred choice for Kenyan consumers who demand innovative, reliable, and sustainable mobility solutions. By integrating BYD’s advanced PHEV technology into its operations, SBM Bank Kenya is setting a new standard for the financial sector’s role in environmental stewardship.

Commenting on the partnership and fleet delivery, the Chief Operating Officer of Avenue Lease & Rentals E.A, the leasing company highlighted;

“Our decision to actively enter the electric vehicle leasing market through our partnership with CFAO Mobility reflects both our commitment to environmental stewardship and the evolving needs of our clients. Leasing EVs allows organizations to transition to clean transportation solutions without the heavy upfront capital requirements traditionally associated with fleet replacement.”

Environmental benefits

The COO noted that leasing PHEVs provides immediate environmental benefits for fleet users while accelerating the broader transition to e‑mobility.

“Leasing plug‑in hybrid vehicles allows organizations like SBM Bank Kenya to lower emissions today, while gradually transitioning toward full electric mobility. Reduced fuel consumption, lower CO2 output, and improved operational efficiency are critical outcomes of this model”

Looking ahead, the COO emphasized that the move lays the foundation for future EVfocused transactions and longterm partnerships.

“This collaboration sets the stage for future EV fleet transactions, expanded adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, and the development of supporting services such as charging solutions, fleet management, and lifecycle optimisation. Our goal is to build a sustainable leasing ecosystem that supports Kenya’s green mobility ambitions while delivering measurable value to our partners.”

BYD by CFAO: SBM Bank and Avenue Lease & Rentals E.A lead Kenya’s Green Mobility Drive with first fleet of Plug-in hybrid vehicles first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Single-digit interest rate

With a single-digit interest rate, the new offering is tailored to SMEs, artisans, boda boda operators, players in the gig economy, as well as digital content creators whose income streams may be irregular but consistent and have historically faced barriers in accessing mainstream mortgage financing options.

Who qualifies?

To qualify for the facility, an individual must have operated a business for at least 2 years. The mortgage loans range from KShs. 1 Million to KShs. 4 Million, with a maximum repayment maximum period of 15 years.

Speaking during the launch, KCB Bank Kenya Director of Mortgage Business, Caroline Wanjeri, noted that the new product reflects KCB’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s evolving workforce landscape.

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“For years, Kenya’s mortgage uptake has been concentrated among formally employed and middle to high-income earners, a scenario that has kept the mortgage penetration levels at around 3%. With more than 80% of Kenya’s workforce operating in the informal sector, the new mortgage solution seeks to increase financial inclusion, ease the rigid credit assessment mortgage models and enable an increase in homeownership for Kenyans,” Wanjeri said.

The solution

Unlike conventional mortgage products that rely heavily on formal payslips and employer contracts, KCB’s new solution leverages transactional history, mobile money flows, business records, savings patterns, and alternative data to assess affordability and repayment capacity

“This solution acknowledges that Kenya’s economy runs on enterprise. By combining alternative credit assessment and financial discipline, we are making mortgage financing accessible by redefining eligibility through consistency in business performance as a credible pathway to dignified home ownership,” Wanjeri added.

With an annual urban growth rate of 4.4%, Kenya faces a significant housing backlog that continues to adversely impact the health and well-being of low-income households. Kenya’s Vision 2030 Third Medium Term Plan (MTP III) 2018-2022 highlights affordable housing as a crucial element to the realization of inclusive growth that is capable of supporting the development of a sustainable future.

The realization has however, been hindered by a constrained flow of investment finance to the sector, increased costs of construction for developers, as well as diminished affordability levels for customers throughout the housing and demand value chain. This timely structural intervention will therefore help to unlock the much-needed long-term capital for the ordinary Kenyan to own a home.

KCB targets MSMEs and the informal sector with a single-digit interest rate mortgage financing solution first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The Hashgraph Association (THA), the Swiss-based non-profit advancing digital enablement, innovation, and education across the Hedera ecosystem, together with Exponential Science (ES), a global non-profit dedicated to accelerating emerging technologies through research, education, and ecosystem building, today announced the winners of the 2025 Hedera Africa Hackathon.

The announcement marks the conclusion of the world’s largest Web3 hackathon to date, which brought together more than 13,000 developers, produced over 1,300 project submissions, and onboarded more than 45,000 participants into its education and certification pipeline across 20+ major African hubs and online.

The winning projects reflect a more mature and pragmatic vision of what Hedera technology can deliver. Developers from all over the world focused on building real infrastructure: systems that route payments across incompatible networks, verify renewable energy certificates, and secure medical records against silent or unauthorized alteration.

Together, these projects offer a glimpse of what distributed ledger technology becomes when builders prioritize problem-solving over abstraction, creating the connective tissue between systems that were never designed to communicate. The USD 1 million prize pool, among the largest ever awarded at a Web3 hackathon, was distributed across four thematic tracks, alongside a cross-track championship recognizing the strongest projects overall.

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In addition to the success of the hackathon, The Hashgraph Association also announces the formation of an Investment Committee, which will make multi-million-dollar commitments in strategic partnerships, expanding the ecosystem’s global footprint and emphasis on emerging markets. This committee positions Hedera as one of the few ecosystems directly supporting builders with capital, mentorship and enterprise pathways.

2025 Hedera Hackathon Winners

The hackathon tasked developers with creating scalable, real-world solutions tailored to the continent’s most urgent challenges using Hedera’s DLT across four tracks: On-Chain Finance & Real-World Assets, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) for Operations, Immersive Experiences and AI & DePIN. It was co-funded by The Hashgraph Association and Exponential Science, in partnership with Orange Digital Center and operated by Dar Blockchain.

Commenting on the win, the team behind Carboni Renewable Energy Certificate Platform said: “We’re honored that the judges endorsed our vision for rebuilding renewable energy reporting and financing, and excited to turn this win into a real service on Hedera that supports the 1.5-degree goal.”

The Cross-Track Champions were selected for exceptional innovation, execution and real-world impact across all categories:

• 1st Place ($100,000): GreenAfrica (Nigeria) – Environmental verification platform enabling transparent tracking of sustainability initiatives
• 2nd Place ($70,000): Carboni Renewable Energy Certificate Platform (Egypt) – Infrastructure for proving and trading verified renewable energy credentials
• 3rd Place ($60,000): Effisend X Africa (Mexico) – AI-powered payment routing layer connecting incompatible African payment rails
• 4th Place ($40,000): Silsilat Finance (Malaysia) – Cross-border settlement infrastructure for emerging markets
• 5th Place ($30,000): Beyond Service (Nigeria) – Mobile game with persistent digital identity and asset ownership

Kenyan innovators to compete at the continental hackathon

The winners by track are:

On-Chain Finance & Real-World Assets

1. Silsilat Finance (Malaysia)
2. Direla (South Africa)
3. Upesa (Nigeria)
4. Tedera (Romania)
5. Nia (Madagascar)

DLT for Operations

1. Carboni Renewable Energy Certificate Platform (Egypt)
2. Building a Chain of Trust in the Green Power-to-X Market (USA)
3. RDZ Health (Zimbabwe)
4. Afiya (Nigeria)
5. A.T.A (Brazil)

Immersive Experiences

1. Beyond Service Game (Nigeria)
2. Cryptonia CITY (Nigeria)
3. KeyRing (USA)
4. CryptoMage (India)

AI & DePIN

1. Effisend X Africa (Mexico)
2. GreenAfrica (Nigeria)
3. Hedron (Morocco)
4. APIx: Intelligent Web3 Deployment Layer (Ivory Coast)

“The Hedera Africa Hackathon reached historic heights, scaling the depths of talent and ambition across the continent and beyond with our online participants,” said Kamal Youssefi, President of The Hashgraph Association. “Hedera has a longstanding commitment to enabling global innovation and powering real utility, proven by the applications built this year spanning finance, sustainability, AI and DePIN verticals. Through supportive partnerships and The Hashgraph Association’s new Investment Committee, we are committed to nurturing these developers long after the hackathon ends and really focusing on empowering the next generation of builders.”

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Building on the success of this year’s hackathon, The Hashgraph Association is proud to announce that it will return in 2026. Additional details on the location, tracks and partners will be released at a later date.

“Any strong, innovative, and responsible technical ecosystem begins with education. At Exponential Science, we have focused on building structured pathways that enable developers to translate emerging technologies into practical, real-world applications,” said Dr. Paolo Tasca, Executive Chairman at Exponential Science.

“Through this initiative, we have seen that approach materialise at scale, with participants advancing from learning to the development of meaningful infrastructure. We look forward to continuing this work and supporting the next generation of builders within the Hedera ecosystem.”

The organizers extend their sincere thanks to the partners and sponsors whose support made the 2025 Hedera Africa Hackathon possible, including Sygnum Bank, Orange Digital Centers, and the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Additional thanks go to Shamba Records, Hashgraph Online, and Swisscoast, alongside ecosystem and institutional partners Taylor Wessing, Rearden Digital Assets, and Object Computing, Inc. Their continued commitment to open innovation, developer education, and real-world blockchain adoption across Africa was instrumental in delivering the scale, quality, and impact of this year’s hackathon.

To stay up to date on the next Hedera Hackathon, please visit: The Hashgraph Association (THA).

2025 Hedera Africa Hackathon announces winners, officially becomes the largest Web3 hackathon globally first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Tito’s admission to the institution was facilitated by Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda, one of the well-wishers, moved by his story.

Announcing the admission, Mrs. Mutinda Said Tito joined the boarding section to continue with his education initially disrupted by family chores.

“Today, early in the morning, I ensured Jackson Tito joined Visa Oshwal primary school boarding, as the boy revived his dream of advancing his knowledge through education,” She wrote on her Facebook Page.

“Thank you Visa Oshawl Primary Principal and board of management for admitting Jackson Tito to school. God bless you all,” she added.

Tito has in the past weeks, been the talk of the town after viral social media videos that revealed the extraordinary burden placed on him after his mother allegedly abandoned the family at their humble home in Maili Saba Slum in Nairobi.

In one of the clips, Tito was seen cooking while holding a one-month-old baby. The young boy narrated how he assumed the role of both caregiver and provider.

Tito revealed how his single mother abandons the family every time the youngest child hits 3, leaving him with the responsibility to care for them.

He has been collecting garbage to earn a small income, which he uses to buy food for his siblings. Beyond earning a living, he also manages household duties such as cooking, fetching water, washing clothes, and feeding the baby, tasks that consume most of his day and leave little room for rest or play.

In emotional accounts shared online, Tito expressed his exhaustion and longing for a normal childhood, questioning when he might finally get a chance to rest.

His story quickly circulated across social media platforms, sparking public outrage, sympathy, and a strong call for intervention.

The response was immediate and overwhelming, with well-wishers mobilizing support to improve the family’s living conditions and secure a better future for the children.

Among those who responded is Citizen TV presenter Lulu Hassan, who acquired a 65-inch television for the family.

Other well-wishers also raised over Sh200,000 to support the family. In addition to financial assistance, the family has been relocated to a safer and more stable housing environment.

Tito’s siblings have also been enrolled in school through coordinated efforts by well-wishers and support groups.

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Tito: 14-year-old raising 4 siblings lands scholarship to join Oshwal School first appeared on Bizna Kenya