Mombasa Maize Millers Backs Sports to Foster Unity and Growth

By Mwakwaya Raymond & Harrison Kivisu

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Mombasa Maize Millers has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to boosting the sports industry in the coastal region, underscoring the vital role that athletics play in community building and youth development.

Speaking at the iconic Mombasa Sports Club on July 25, 2025, during a media breakfast that led to the unveiling of the 2025 Driftwood Rugby Tournament, the company’s Area Sales Manager, Gadaffi Mohamed, emphasized that sports have a unique power to bring people together across social, cultural, and economic divides.

“Sports build character and unite diverse communities. They are a reflection of resilience, discipline, and teamwork-values that resonate deeply with our company’s mission,” Mohamed said.

As one of Kenya’s leading food manufacturers, Mombasa Maize Millers has grown from humble beginnings into a national powerhouse. We started as a small milling company back in 1978.

Today, we are proud to be recognized as the largest milling company in Kenya,” Mohamed recounted.

The company’s journey has been marked by continuous growth and innovation.

“In 2007, we diversified our product line to include chapati flour, among other brands. And in 2012, we were honoured to receive the Super brands award, recognizing us as the best milling company in the region,” he said.

Mohamed further noted that the company’s support for sports extends beyond sponsorships.

“Every player participating in the tournament will receive our products as a token of appreciation. It’s our way of encouraging and celebrating local talent,” he added.

Mombasa Maize Millers is one of the official sponsors of the 2025 Driftwood Rugby Tournament, a highly anticipated event that draws top rugby teams and fans from across the country.

The sponsorship not only highlights the company’s dedication to sports but also its broader commitment to regional development and youth empowerment.

“We wish all the players the very best in this year’s tournament,” Mohamed concluded, as cheers and applause filled the venue.

With such partnerships between corporate giants and sporting events, the future of grassroots sports in the Coast region looks promising promoting not just athletic excellence, but unity and pride within the community.

The spotlight will then shift to the Division One showdown, where defending champions Kenya Harlequins headline Pool A.

The Quins will face formidable opposition in MMUST, KU Blak Blad, and the always-competitive Mwamba RFC as they begin their title defense.

In Pool B, rugby giants Kabras Sugar RFC will square off against Catholic Monks, Nakuru RFC, and Impala RFC in what promises to be a tightly contested group. Kabras, known for their consistency, will look to establish early dominance in the campaign.

Last year’s runners-up, KCB RFC, will anchor Pool C, where they are drawn alongside Nondescripts RFC, the dynamic Daystar Falcons, and host team MSC Rugby.

KCB will be eager to bounce back from their narrow miss in 2024 and kick-start their 2025 campaign on a strong note.

Pool D features a fiery mix of contenders, led by Menengai Oilers from Nakuru.

They’ll go up against Strathmore Leos, Stallions Rugby, and Kabarak University- all of whom are hungry for a shot at the knockout rounds. The level of competition in this group is expected to be intense.

Meanwhile, the Division Two competition is just as exciting, with 36 teams confirmed for participation.

Final allocations were made based on specific selection criteria, including, 6 slots for Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) affiliate clubs 7 slots for coastal region-based teams, 4 slots awarded based on recent performance, 3 slots allocated from previous tournament rankings.

The Division Two pools are as follows:Pool A: AP Warriors, Kilifi Titans, Likoni RFC, University of Nairobi Mean Machine and Pool B: Embu RFC, Kaya Rugby, North Coast Stormers, MKU Thika.

Pool C has Homeboyz RFC, Jackals, NYS Eagles, Makueni RFC ,Pool D: Kisumu RFC, KCNP, NYS Spades, Sigalagala NP and Pool E: South Coast Pirates, Vihiga Granites, Zetech Oaks, Northern Suburbs.

The continued success of the Driftwood 7s and the wider National Sevens Circuit is made possible through the generous support of sponsors and partners, whose contributions ensure a professional and festive environment for players and fans alike.