Author: Lynet Awino

US pizza chain Papa John’s, operated in Kenya by Express Kitchen, has embarked on an expansion drive two years after entering the local market. Papa John’s is strengthening its visibility and accelerating growth across Nairobi, anchored on its global promise “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.” The brand is leveraging a growing store network and a convenience‑first retail strategy to appeal to the city’s fast‑paced, on‑the‑go consumers. The expansion is highlighted by the opening of new outlets at Shell service stations in Lavington and along Thika Road—high‑traffic locations designed to meet customers where they already are. “This marks an important phase of…

Standard Bank Group has acquired a 5.57% beneficial interest in Nedbank Group Limited through market purchases, triggering a mandatory disclosure under South Africa’s Companies Act and JSE Listings Requirements. Nedbank confirmed the transaction in a formal notice dated 29 January 2026, stating: “The Standard Bank Group has acquired an interest in the ordinary shares of Nedbank Group, amounting to 5.57% of the total issued ordinary shares.” The disclosure has been filed with the Takeover Regulation Panel, as required. This development comes amid shifting dynamics in East Africa’s banking sector. Standard Bank was previously rumored to be pursuing a stake in…

Flamingo Horticulture, one of Kenya’s largest agricultural exporters, has commenced expansion works at its Naivasha site following the release of part of its VAT refund. The company plans to invest Sh1.8 billion over the next three years, boosting production capacity and reinforcing its position in global horticulture markets. Founded in Kenya over four decades ago, Flamingo supplies flowers and fresh produce to leading UK and European retailers. In 2024, the company is projected to generate Sh18 billion in revenue, supporting over 18,000 jobs across its operations. The expansion will be deployed across Flamingo’s 1,630-hectare footprint, which includes award-winning packhouses and…

When Ellah Maina burst onto the scene with her Kalasha‑winning performance in Nick Mutuma’s Sincerely Daisy during the pandemic, she instantly became one of Kenya’s rising stars. Since then, she has worked with renowned filmmakers like Adam Neutzsky‑Wulff in Crime and Justice and Second Family, while also taking risks in indie films such as Why U Hate, The Priest is Dead, Ubuntu, The Cursed Gown, and Into the Sadlands. Now, she steps into her boldest role yet, Eve, formerly Adam (played by Blessing Lungaho), in Showmax’s sharp, funny, and thought‑provoking gender‑swap dramedy Adam to Eve. The series follows Adam, a…

Nairobi’s Westgate Mall welcomed a new icon this past Saturday, 17th January, with the grand opening of the flagship Tommy Hilfiger store, facilitated by Lebanon‑based fashion retail and distribution company Gedeon Group. The launch bridges the gap between international fashion brands and East African consumers, marking a milestone in Nairobi’s fast‑growing fashion industry. A Defining Fashion Moment The opening was more than a retail debut, it signified Nairobi’s rising status as a fashion capital. For lifestyle brand enthusiasts, the store represents access to authentic collections that previously required travel abroad or reliance on multi‑brand outlets. Speaking at the ceremony, Malek…

With only a few years in the industry, Mathew Ngugi is fast establishing himself as one of Kenya’s most promising young actors. Charismatic, emotionally versatile, and quietly thoughtful, the Kenyatta University–trained performer has steadily built a reputation for stealing scenes and leaving lasting impressions. From Mo-Faya and Big Girl Small World to the pop-culture moment that was MTV Shuga Mashariki, Ngugi’s rise has been anything but accidental. Ngugi is an Introvert Behind the Spotlight Yet behind the growing fame is a self-described introvert who still battles stage jitters, prefers gaming to movie marathons, and believes that acting is a lifelong…