Nairobi Expressway has resumed operations at the Mlolongo, Syokimau, and SGR toll stations after being closed following vandalism during protests last week.

The Moja Expressway Company said in a statement on Sunday, July 16, that the highway was now ready for use, calling on motorists to be mindful of ongoing restoration works at selected locations.

"Please note that the Nairobi Expressway has now resumed operations at the Mlolongo, Syokimau, and SGR Toll Stations and we are ready to serve you," the company said in a statement on its Twitter page.

"For your safety, we urge all motorists using the Nairobi Expressway to be mindful of the ongoing restoration works at selected locations and drive within the prescribed speed of 80km/h."

The highway was closed on Thursday after protests against the government turned violent, with some protesters looting and vandalizing the road on Wednesday. Several gantries were destroyed during the chaos, with Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen estimating the cost of repairs to be Sh700 million.

The Moja Expressway Company said that the restoration work was ongoing, but that the highway was now safe for use. "We apologize for any inconvenience caused during the closure of the highway," the company said. 

"We are committed to providing you with a safe and reliable travel experience." By David Njaaga, The Standard

NAIROBI, Kenya July 15 – More than 10 Presidents are in Kenya for into the high-level African Union meeting taking place at the UN Headquarters in Nairobi

They are in the country to attend the 5th mid-year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, Regional Communities and Regional Mechanisms.

They include Egyptian president Abdel Fatah El-Sisi, President of Comoros Azali Assoumani, Gabon’s Ali Bongo Ondiba and president of Senegal Macky Sall who arrived late Sunday.

The ministry of Foreign Affairs ministry said Libyan Presidential Council Mohamed al-Menfi was expected as well as Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni and leaders from Botswana, Chad, Burundi (also the Chairperson of the East African Community), Algeria, DRC and Djibouti among others.

UN deputy Secretary General arrived on Saturday morning.

The leaders were received by Cabinet Secretaries and State House has said they will meet President William Ruto at the UN.

Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Zachariah Njeru was at the JKIA to receive and welcome the Head of the Libyan Presidential Council Mohamed al-Menfi while Defence CS Aden Duale received El-Sisi.

President of Comoros Azali Assoumani was received by Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, the President of Gabon Ali Bongo Ondiba was received by Health CS Susan Nakhumicha.

Officials said the President of Senegal Macky Sall was received by Energy CS Davis Chirchir.  Capital News

A UNIQUE partnership between a UK-based sports agency and a sports tech organisation will pave the way for African athletes to boost their brand, raise their profile and help them secure commercial support. 

ProTouch Africa has more than 30 years of experience in working with sportspeople, clubs and federations to create strategies to help African athletes build their personal brand. 

And now the organisation has teamed up with the Athlete Media Group (AMG) which works with elite athletes at the top of their game across a number of disciplines, to combine their knowledge and create solutions so that African sportspeople can reach their potential. 

Rebecca Eliot of ProTouch, said that one of the biggest challenges facing athletes “is that of funding and that is particularly true in Africa.” 

“We understand that at first hand, having supported 26 road cyclists from six African countries – including five national champions and one African continental champions – as part of Africa’s UCI Continental cycling team for three years,” she said. 

With that in mind, ProTouch has been developing its Athlete Impact Investment Platform – Podium Pursuit – which will be the first of its kind to be owned by fans and which will help to generate funds through those fans and other brands, to support African athletes. 

The scheme will be further enhanced by the partnership with AMG – which works with scores of top athletes, Olympians and Paralympians – to help them grow their brand but also to showcase their wider interests under the company’s “powered with purpose” mantra 

Working with AMG will allow ProTouch to offer athletes a range of services including personal branding, media exposure and commercial opportunities. Rebecca said that the around 4000 top African athletes are being approached about engaging with Podium Pursuit. 

“We plan to activate their 30 million fans globally, alongside a range of brands, in the lead up to Paris 2024 and beyond,” she said. Mark Middlemas, CEO and founder of AMG, is excited about the new partnership and its potential. 

“This gives us an important footprint in the fast-growing African sports market,” said Mark, who’s current stable of athletes includes England Women’s rugby captain, Marlie Packer, double Olympic gold medallist Hannah Mills OBE and top female triathlete Sophie Coldwell. 

“We look forward to helping to create, develop and grow the personal brands of these talented athletes by bringing their powerful sporting stories to life, while creating meaningful connections for them with carefully curated brand partners.”

Photo by IANS/ Photo Courtesy