Radio Fortune Africa -Ukweli na Burudani

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By Cantona Joseph  Published on: March 23, 2026 09:48 (EAT)

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Kingdom Bank delivered a sharp rise in net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2025, with profit after tax jumping 59 per cent to Ksh.946.2 million, up from Ksh.596.4 million in 2024.

The strong bottom-line growth was driven by a significant increase in total operating income, which rose by 35 per cent to Ksh.3.70 billion. The lender benefited from higher interest earnings and a notable expansion in non-interest income streams.

Net interest income grew by 28 per cent to Ksh.2.70 billion, supported by increased lending, while non-interest income surged 55 per cent to Ksh.998.6 million, reflecting improved diversification.

Despite the impressive profit growth, operating expenses climbed by 53 per cent to Ksh.2.58 billion, largely due to investments in branch expansion and operational capacity. Profit before tax posted a modest increase to Ksh.1.13 billion from Ksh.1.07 billion.

The bank’s lending activity accelerated during the year, with net loans and advances rising by 58 per cent to Ksh.22.19 billion. Customer deposits also grew strongly by 39 per cent to Ksh.29.74 billion, indicating rising customer confidence.

Total assets expanded by 24 per cent to Ksh.51.17 billion, reinforcing the bank’s growth trajectory.

Kingdom Bank continued to scale its physical presence, opening three branches in Bungoma, Kariobangi and Tom Mboya in 2025, and an additional outlet in Embu in January 2026, bringing its network to 27 branches.

Beyond financial performance, the lender maintained its social impact initiatives, launching a secondary school scholarship programme supporting 40 students and planting 32,700 trees during the year.

Looking ahead, the bank plans to sustain its growth momentum through further branch expansion and upgrades to its core banking system to enhance efficiency and customer experience.

The strong surge in net profit underscores Kingdom Bank’s accelerating growth strategy as it deepens its footprint in Kenya’s banking sector.

EMOF Super Eight Tournament launched as universities unite for new football era

Harambee Stars defender Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma speaking during the launch of the EMOF Super 8 tournament on March 23, 2026. Photo/Handout.

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The inaugural EMOF Super Eight inter-university tournament, under the Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma Foundation, was officially launched on Monday evening at a Nairobi hotel, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown among eight top universities this May.

Kenyatta University will host the competition, with KCA University, Strathmore University, St. Paul’s University, African International University, Kenya Methodist University, Mount Kenya University, and Zetech University all set to battle for top honors.

The three-day football fiesta will run from May 30 to June 1, kicking off with a group stage format. The teams have been split into two pools: Group A features Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, Zetech University, and African International University, while Group B includes KCA University, St. Paul’s University, Kenya Methodist University, and Mount Kenya University.

According to Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma, the tournament’s founder, the initiative aims to transform the university football landscape, which he believes has long underperformed despite its immense potential.

“This inaugural Inter-Universities Football Tournament is more than a competition—it is a statement. A statement that we are ready to build and reimagine the journey of a Kenyan footballer,” said the Raków Częstochowa defender, emphasizing the importance of integrating education and sport within football.

The former AIK and Gor Mahia star also called for collective effort in growing the game.

“We do not claim to have all the answers, but we are here to be part of the solution. Everywhere I have played, one lesson has remained constant—football does not grow through lone efforts. No federation, player, or organization succeeds alone. The great footballing nations we admire today were built through collaboration—through many hands, many hearts, and a shared vision,” Ouma added.

“To our partners and stakeholders—this is just the start. We welcome more of you to walk this journey with us, to invest, believe, and help shape the future of Kenyan football.”

Kenyan international Anthony Akumu graced the launch, underscoring the importance of universities partnering with Ouma’s foundation.

“It is an exciting move that I believe will go a long way in exposing fine football talent that would otherwise go unnoticed. Congratulations to Marcelo for this,” said the Harambee Stars midfielder.

Former AFC Leopards player and South Sudan international Saad Musa echoed similar sentiments, praising Ouma’s vision.

“Kenyan universities can be havens for football talent, just as they have been for disciplines like basketball and rugby. I’m happy for Marcelo—he is addressing the gap we see in university-level football,” Musa noted.

KCA University’s Head of Sports and Campus Recreation, Mike Kisaghi, also welcomed the initiative.

“Participating in this tournament is a great idea. It is just a starting point, and you never know what may come out of it. By next year, we could have more than 20 teams competing. Universities have embraced this fully, and we will ensure its success. I only urge that there be no unnecessary external interference,” Kisaghi said.

The winner of the EMOF Super Cup will take home KSh 100,000, while the runners-up will receive KSh 50,000.

Olympic champion Hassan pulls out of London Marathon

By AFP Published on: March 23, 2026 11:30 (EAT)

Athletics – Diamond League – Brussels – King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium – September 3, 2021 Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan before the women’s 1 mile REUTERS/Johanna Geron

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Olympic champion Sifan Hassan has withdrawn from next month’s London Marathon with an Achilles injury, organisers announced on Monday.

The Dutch runner, who took gold over the distance at the 2024 Paris Games, picked up the injury while training on a treadmill.

Ethiopia-born Hassan, who won the 5000m and 10000m at the Tokyo Olympics, said pulling out of London had been a tough decision to make.

“To compete at that level, you need to be in perfect condition,” said the 33-year-old, who won the London Marathon in 2023.

“After the incident, I hoped the injury would settle but as training progressed it became clear that I wasn’t able to prepare at the level I expect from myself.”

The 2026 race on the streets of the British capital takes place on April 26.

Harambee Stars aim to bounce back at FIFA Series in Rwanda

FILE: Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy shouts instructions to his players during the 1-0 win over Morocco.

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Kenyan men national football team Harambee Stars conducted their final training session at Nyayo National Stadium Monday evening and will depart tomorrow for Kigali, Rwanda, ahead of the 2026 FIFA Series tournament.

The squad reported to camp on March 22 and will travel shortly thereafter to begin preparations for the international assignment.

Head coach Benni McCarthy expressed confidence despite the team’s heavy 8-0 defeat to Senegal national football team in their previous match, emphasizing resilience and a forward-looking approach.

“We all know how that last game ended, so now we’ve got an opportunity to rectify that and put something positive again in the minds of Kenyan fans because, you know, we’ve built up up until here. We’ve built up really good, and I think the national team has progressed in a good way. We don’t want to let the last result determine where we’re going to finish, and we don’t want to be demotivated because of that,” McCarthy said.

The tournament, scheduled for March 24-31, will serve as preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host. McCarthy has named a 23-man squad blending experienced players and emerging talent to maximize competitiveness.

Harambee Stars will face Estonia on March 27, before taking on either Rwanda or Grenada on March 30, with both matches at Amahoro Stadium.

Midfielder Mohammed Bajaber said his move to Simba SC has been instrumental in his development. “Being around different coaches and different environments, I think it’s made me a better player, not just physically, but also technically and tactically” Bajaber said.

As the team heads out, they will be aiming to translate their progress and renewed confidence into strong performances on the international stage, seeking to restore pride and momentum ahead of AFCON 2027.