Kenya Power deployed Optical Character Recognition technology to automate meter reading nationwide. The company said the system, tested in Nairobi for six months, now supports meter scanning across all eight regions. OCR captures readings directly from the meter display, reducing manual entry and improving data accuracy. The utility plans to extend the technology to customers through the MyPower app and the *977# USSD platform, enabling users to scan and submit their own readings.

Electric mobility firm Roam unveiled Kenya’s first universal fast-charging station for light electric vehicles, introducing 24-hour automated charging using Type 6 connectors and open-charge standards. The system delivers up to 20 km of range in under five minutes and is designed to improve interoperability for electric motorcycles, three-wheelers and small EVs. Roam said the new station supports its battery-ownership model and plans to deploy additional fast chargers from 2026 to expand national charging infrastructure.

Mount Kenya University launched a Robotics, AI and Immersive Technologies Lab, introducing the Walker E humanoid robot for student training in programming, algorithm testing and human–robot interaction. The School of Engineering also received new laboratory equipment supporting solar and wind energy experiments, while the university opened the Phantom Head Skills Lab for dentistry. Officials said the facilities will strengthen hands-on learning, applied research and development of practical skills in robotics, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

A Chadian model won the 2025 Africa’s Next Super Model competition held at Nairobi’s Broadwalk Mall. Organizers announced that the 22-year-old received a $5,000 prize and will work with international fashion brands. The event featured 16 contestants from across Africa, with a Kenyan participant placing in the top six. The finale included a tribute to the late Air Vice-Marshall Terry Okorodudu and was hosted by Nailantei Kenga and BBC reporter Ata Ahli.

Lamu Island hosted a three-day cultural festival highlighting Swahili heritage through traditional music, crafts, dhow activities, and community performances. The event showcased the island’s historic architecture and long-standing cultural practices, drawing local and international visitors. Organizers emphasized the festival’s role in preserving Swahili identity and strengthening community participation. The celebration also reaffirmed Lamu’s reputation as a center of coastal culture, bringing attention to local artisans, performers, and heritage spaces across the island.

Kenya’s Kalasha International Film and Television Awards have been canceled for the first time after the Kenya Film Commission confirmed it could not run the event due to a funding shortfall. The cancellation interrupts a key platform for celebrating Kenyan film, television, and creative talent. KFC said it plans to restructure the awards by involving private and industry partners to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Kalasha brand and its role in promoting cultural expression.

Stima Sacco partnered with Pesalink to launch an instant payment service that allows more than 220,000 members to send and receive up to KSh 999,999 through the M-Stima app and USSD. Officials said the integration enables faster transfers between Sacco and bank accounts and improves reconciliation through real-time confirmations. The system also supports business and chama payments and includes name-validation checks to reduce errors. The rollout positions Stima Sacco as an early adopter of national instant payments.

Vodacom is in discussions to increase its stake in Safaricom. The South African operator currently holds about 39.93% of Kenya’s largest telecom company, valued at roughly KSh 1.19 trillion. The negotiations come as Kenya considers possible structural changes at Safaricom. Neither Vodacom nor the Kenyan Treasury has commented publicly. Increasing its holding would expand Vodacom’s position in one of East Africa’s most significant telecom markets.

Kenya’s low-cost carrier Jambojet announced plans to triple its fleet over the next five years to expand operations across Africa. The airline, a Kenya Airways subsidiary, currently operates 11 aircraft and intends to acquire larger planes to serve West, South, and North Africa. Jambojet holds a dominant domestic share and has carried over 9 million passengers since 2014. Management said the fleet growth will support rising regional demand and improve connectivity within Africa’s aviation market.