Audio By Vocalize A woman pays using Visa card after buying clothes in s a second-hand store.[Getty Images] SME focussed lender Kingdom Bank posted a 59 per cent surge in full-year profit, as its strategic gamble of aggressive branch expansion into underserved rural and small business markets appears to be paying off at a time larger rivals retreat to digital-only models. Profit after tax climbed to Sh946.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, from Sh596.4 million a year earlier, the lender said in a statement. Total assets expanded 24 per cent to Sh51.17 billion, while net loans and…
Author: By Brian Ngugi
Audio By Vocalize Engineers from KETRACO repair one of the six electricity towers (on 18/1/22) along the Olkaria-Lessos-Kisumu power line that was vandalized by unknown people in Kayole estate in Naivasha. [File, Standard] The High Court has struck out a petition that had blocked the reappointment of three board members at the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), clearing the path for the Energy Cabinet Secretary to reconstitute the board. In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Justice John Chigiti dismissed the petition filed by activist Benjamin Okumu after finding that the pleadings had been drawn and filed by an advocate who was a…
Audio By Vocalize Co-operative Bank of Kenya strategy moves beyond traditional lending to create a digital and financial ecosystem for small businesses.[File, Standard] Co-operative Bank of Kenya reported full-year 2025 results on Thursday, proposing a record Sh14.67 billion dividend payout that will deliver a substantial windfall to shareholders and especially the country’s co-operative movement. The bank reported profit after tax of Sh29.75 billion for the year ended 31 December 2025, a 16.9 per cent increase from Sh25.46 billion in 2024, marking its best-ever financial performance. The stellar performance was driven by a 21.99 per cent surge in net interest income…
Audio By Vocalize Standard Chartered Bank Kenya. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Standard Chartered Bank Kenya has proposed a final dividend of Sh23 per share on Wednesday, maintaining an aggressive payout strategy despite a 38 per cent drop in full-year profit following a one-off pension charge. The bank, a local unit of London-based Standard Chartered PLC, reported a profit after tax of Sh12.4 billion for the year that ended on December 2025. This is a sharp decline from the Sh20.1 billion net profit recorded in 2024, a year in which the bank saw a 45 per cent surge in…
Audio By Vocalize Co-op Bank and UNCDF join forces to support Kenya’s youth-led digital businesses. [File Courtesy] Co-operative Bank of Kenya has signed a risk-sharing agreement with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) to unlock Sh233.1 million in lending for youth-led and digitally enabled small businesses, the lender said on Wednesday. The two-year guarantee facility under the Digital Platforms Kenya Programme (DigiKen) allows Co-op Bank to extend credit to a wider range of borrowers, including those in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions, without taking on additional risk. The bank retains full control over lending decisions and credit standards. “This…
Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2026-03-15 00:00:00 Author: By Brian Ngugi Source: The Standard
Audio By Vocalize Galana Energies staff execute a rapid vehicle check at the Malewa station during the Safari Rally Kenya on March 13, 2026. [Brian Ngugi, Standard] Local businesses in the Naivasha region are reaping significant gains from the influx of spectators and crews for the Safari Rally Kenya, with hospitality and retail sectors reporting a sharp uptick in activity as the World Rally Championship event enters its second day. An estimated 600,000 spectators are attending the four-day event, including more than 10,000 regional visitors from Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia, injecting millions of shillings into the local economy. Hotels…
Audio By Vocalize Paul Russo KCB Group CEO speaking during 2024 full year financial results on March 12, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] KCB Group, Kenya’s largest bank by assets, has recommended a record dividend payout after full-year net profit rose by 11 percent on the back of an expanded loan book and surging contributions from its regional subsidiaries. The Tier-1 lender posted a net profit of Sh66.8 billion for the year that ended on December 2025, up from Sh60 billion posted in the previous year. The strong performance prompted the board to propose a final dividend of Sh3 per share, bringing…
President William Ruto addresses Rarieda residents during the thanksgiving ceremony of Health PS Ouma Oluga in Siaya County, on March 8, 2026. [Rodgers Otiso, Standard] President William Ruto’s government is resisting International Monetary Fund (IMF) demands for a painful debt restructuring, sources familiar with the negotiations told The Financial Standard, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation with the global lender of last resort just 18 months before a general election. Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access. Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading…
Central Bank of Kenya says inflation concerns increased in the week ending on March 5, mainly due to the escalation of the Middle East conflict. [Courtesy] The banking regulator has warned that rising tensions in the Middle East could push inflation up again and make it harder to maintain stable prices ahead of the next interest rate decision. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), in its weekly bulletin for the period that ended on March 5, pointed to soaring international oil prices and heightened geopolitical tensions as key risks to the domestic economy, just weeks before its Monetary Policy Committee…
President William Ruto addresses Rarieda residents during the thanksgiving ceremony of Health PS Ouma Oluga in Siaya County, on March 8, 2026. [Rodgers Otiso, Standard] President William Ruto’s government is resisting International Monetary Fund (IMF) demands for a painful debt restructuring, sources familiar with the negotiations told The Financial Standard, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation with the global lender of last resort just 18 months before a general election. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us. Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel…
President Ruto’s former economic advisor David Ndii, directly contradicts the Treasury’s position on IMF programme. [File, Standard] A standoff between Kenya and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over a new multi-billion-dollar loan programme deepened last week after a former top government advisor, Dr David Ndii, declared that the country was “not negotiating” with the lender. This directly contradicts the Treasury’s position, just as the IMF team concluded a visit to Nairobi without securing a deal. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us. Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly…
Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, Director General, EPRA, during the launch of Proto Energy’s Sustainability Report. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] The energy regulator has revealed that rules allowing power producer Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) to sell electricity directly to factories at cheaper rates remain stuck at the Attorney General’s (AG) office. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display…
Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, Director General, EPRA, during the launch of Proto Energy’s Sustainability Report. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] The energy regulator has revealed that rules allowing power producer Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) to sell electricity directly to factories at cheaper rates remain stuck at the Attorney General’s (AG) office. Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access. Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; }…
Audio By Vocalize Pesalink CEO, Gituku Kirika and PAPSS CEO, Mike Ogbalu, exchange partnership documents following the signing of the agreement in Nairobi. [Brian Ngugi, Standard] Kenya’s instant payment network, Pesalink, has partnered with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to enable real-time cross-border transactions in local currencies, advancing President William Ruto’s push to reduce African trade dependence on the US dollar. The integration allows instant 24/7 bank-to-bank transfers from PAPSS participants into Kenya’s Pesalink network, settling entirely in local currencies and bypassing costly correspondent banking requirements that have traditionally forced African businesses to convert through dollars or euros.…
Audio By Vocalize (L) Jakob Zenz, Co-Founder of Econetix, and Paul Nimmerfall, Founder of Econetix. Econetix recently closed its first CORSIA supply deal, unlocking million-dollar climate investments across Africa. [Brian Ngugi, Standard] Econetix, a global carbon asset manager, has closed its first supply agreement under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), a transaction directing significant climate finance toward African project countries. The deal positions Kenya and other African nations with robust carbon registries to benefit from aviation’s compliance market, following Nairobi’s February launch of Africa’s first national carbon registry. Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa described the…
Audio By Vocalize Panelists Steve Magati and David Okumu from Deloitte during the event. [Brian Ngugi, Standard] Industry regulators and market players are pushing for faster integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles across Kenya’s brokerage and investment banking sectors, warning that failure to adapt could undermine competitiveness as global capital shifts toward sustainable investments. The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), in partnership with the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), the Kenya Association of Stockbrokers and Investment Banks (KASIB), and Deloitte, convened a high-level forum at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) to examine how ESG considerations are…
Audio By Vocalize Panelists David Okumu and Edwin Ongera from Deloitte and the CMA respectively.. [Brian Ngugi, Standard] Industry regulators and market players are pushing for faster integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles across Kenya’s brokerage and investment banking sectors, warning that failure to adapt could undermine competitiveness as global capital shifts toward sustainable investments. The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), in partnership with the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), the Kenya Association of Stockbrokers and Investment Banks (KASIB), and Deloitte, convened a high-level forum at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) to examine how ESG considerations…
A general view shows an oil rig used in drilling at the Ngamia-1 well on Block 10BB, in the Lokichar basin, which is part of the East African Rift System, in Turkana County April 5, 2012. [File, Standard] Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us. Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”; } else if (now >= saleStart && now <=…
Audio By Vocalize Afreximbank President George Elombi with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a previous event. [File, Standard] African heads of state have launched a coordinated financing platform aimed at preparing and funding cross-border infrastructure projects using the continent’s own capital pools, seeking to reduce reliance on external financial systems that leaders say misprice African risk. The Africa Infrastructure Financing Facility (AIFF) was formally launched on February 14 during a presidential dialogue of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI) held on the margins of the 39th African Union Summit. The facility brings together African-owned multilateral lenders…
A general view shows an oil rig used in drilling at the Ngamia-1 well on Block 10BB, in the Lokichar basin, which is part of the East African Rift System, in Turkana County April 5, 2012. [File, Standard] Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access. Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”; } else if (now…
Kengen Managing Director Peter Njenga and Chairman Alfred Agoi during the Extraordinary General Meeting. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) is prepared to bypass the national utility Kenya Power and sell electricity directly to industrial consumers. Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access. Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”; } else if (now >= saleStart…
President William Ruto during a previous NYOTA engagement event. [PCS] President William Ruto’s embattled administration has unveiled a Sh4.7 trillion budget plan for the 2026/27 fiscal year. The high-stakes electoral blueprint is designed to balance the demands of a fiscally constrained government against the immediate needs of restless Kenyans ahead of the August 2027 General Election. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML =…
Workers at the New Wide Garments Kenya EPZ Limited in Athi River, Machakos county on May 20, 2022. [File, Standard] Kenyan manufacturers, especially those in the multi-billion-shilling apparel industry, are facing a difficult legal and administrative process to recover millions of dollars in import duties paid to the US Government. The President Donald Trump administration has indicated it may not return the money quickly. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us. Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber?…
Treasury CS John Mbadi during the 2025 Budget reading at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi on June 12, 2025. [File, Standard] President William Ruto’s embattled administration has unveiled a Sh4.7 trillion budget plan for the 2026/27 fiscal year. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us. Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”; } else if (now >= saleStart && now <= saleEnd) { paywallEl.style.display…
Audio By Vocalize Data from the Central Bank of Kenya published Friday showed the shilling trading flat at Sh129.02 to the US dollar for the week ending February 19. [File, Standard] The Shilling is expected to maintain its recent stability against the US dollar, boosted by strong foreign exchange reserves and improved access to external financing, analysts say. This offers a crucial reprieve to President William Ruto’s administration as it grapples with a cost-of-living crisis with just under eighteen months to the polls. Data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) published Friday showed the shilling trading flat at Sh129.02 to the US dollar for the…
Investment, Trade and Industry CS Lee Kinyanjui speaks at the University of Nairobi workshop on sustainable business for inclusive, resilient growth, May 14, 2025. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard] Kenya is facing intensifying pressure to formalise its bilateral trade agreement with China, as Beijing ramps up a continental charm offensive, offering sweeping zero-tariff access to nearly every diplomatic partner in Africa. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; }…
Investment, Trade and Industry CS Lee Kinyanjui speaks at the University of Nairobi workshop on sustainable business for inclusive, resilient growth, May 14, 2025. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard] Kenya is facing intensifying pressure to formalise its bilateral trade agreement with China, as Beijing ramps up a continental charm offensive, offering sweeping zero-tariff access to nearly every diplomatic partner in Africa. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; }…
Audio By Vocalize Koko’s model depended heavily on carbon finance. By selling cookstove credits abroad, the company subsidised bioethanol fuel at home, making it cheaper than charcoal and kerosene. [Koko Networks] PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has launched a search for buyers to acquire the business or assets of the collapsed clean-energy startup Koko Networks Ltd, as administrators move to recover value for creditors following a regulatory dispute with the government. Joint administrators Muniu Thoithi and George Weru issued a formal request for expressions of interest (EOI) on Thursday, inviting potential investors to submit bids for the company’s nationwide fuel distribution infrastructure, intellectual…
CIC General Insurance MD Fred Ruoro (left) demonstrates the monthly Easy Bima insurance cover onboarding process to the CIC GCEO Patrick Nyaga. [File, Standard] Kenyan insurers are accelerating a strategic shift away from brick and mortar assets, offloading expensive land holdings to boost liquidity and comply with regulatory demands for assets that can be quickly converted to cash Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else…
Audio By Vocalize China’s ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan briefs journalists on the global significance of the Spring Festival and the launch of the 2026 ‘China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges’. [File Courtesy] Kenya and China have signaled a deepening of their strategic partnership, marking the close of a landmark cultural season with a commitment to accelerate job creation and people-to-people exchanges in 2026. At a ceremony in Nairobi on Tuesday, ushering in the Chinese New Year—the “Year of the Horse”—officials from both nations highlighted the evolving geopolitical landscape that has seen the Kenyan capital emerge as a primary base for…
Central Bank of Kenya. [File, Standard] The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) cut its benchmark interest rate on Tuesday and took technical steps designed to push commercial lending costs lower, a move aimed at stimulating the economy and delivering on political promises of affordable credit by the Ruto administration ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) lowered the Central Bank Rate (CBR) by 25 basis points to 8.75 per cent, marking the tenth consecutive cut since August 2024 and following a similar reduction in December 2025. Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom.…
Audio By Vocalize Co-operative Bank ATM point. [File, Standard] Tier one lender Co-operative Bank of Kenya has rolled out a new treasury management system aimed at improving operational efficiency and delivering faster services, the bank and technology provider Profile Software said in a statement. The cloud-based platform, called Acumen.plus, automates the bank’s treasury operations, which include funding, trading and risk management and is designed to reduce manual errors while speeding up transaction processing. Co-op Bank said in a statement that it upgraded its system to “enhance client service and enable straight-through processing for both vanilla and complex treasury products.” Straight-through…
CBKwill be holding the first Monetary Policy Committee meeting of 2026 since it cut the Central Bank Rate in December 2025. [File, Standard] The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) faces a high-stakes decision on interest rates on Tuesday, caught between a cooling economy, a massive government borrowing plan, and mounting political pressure to deliver affordable credit ahead of next year’s General Elections. This will be the first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of this year since it cut the Central Bank Rate (CBR) by 25 basis points to 9.00 per cent in December 2025. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and…
Moody’s says KCB Bank Kenya carries long-term deposit ratings of “B3” with a stable outlook. [File, Standard] Ratings agency Moody’s has given a stable outlook for Kenya’s three largest banks, reflecting their systemic importance and solid capital buffers, while warning that high levels of bad loans remain a key risk to the sector. In a report published on Monday, Moody’s said KCB Bank Kenya, Equity Bank Kenya and Co-operative Bank of Kenya all carry long-term deposit ratings of “B3” with a stable outlook. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Continue Reading Unlimited access to all…
CBKwill be holding the first Monetary Policy Committee meeting of 2026 since it cut the Central Bank Rate in December 2025. [File, Standard] The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) faces a high-stakes decision on interest rates on Tuesday, caught between a cooling economy, a massive government borrowing plan, and mounting political pressure to deliver affordable credit ahead of next year’s General Elections. This will be the first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of this year since it cut the Central Bank Rate (CBR) by 25 basis points to 9.00 per cent in December 2025. Uncover the stories others won’t tell.…
President William Ruto during a tour of the Ngong Road-Naivasha Road junction, Nairobi, where the Government is building a 255-metre viaduct that is expected to ease traffic, on February 5, 2026. [PCS] President Ruto’s government proposal to cut income tax for low-income earners is being dismissed by analysts as a politically driven gesture that provides minimal relief to workers already struggling with multiple mandatory deductions and a severe cost-of-living crisis. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel…
President William Ruto during a tour of the Ngong Road-Naivasha Road junction, Nairobi, where the Government is building a 255-metre viaduct that is expected to ease traffic, on February 5, 2026. [PCS] President Ruto’s government proposal to cut income tax for low-income earners is being dismissed by analysts as a politically driven gesture that provides minimal relief to workers already struggling with multiple mandatory deductions and a severe cost-of-living crisis. Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access. Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience…
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan delivers remarks at the 3rd Nairobi Chinese New Year Gala, highlighting deepened cultural and economic ties between China and Kenya as the Spring Festival becomes a globally celebrated occasion. [Brian Ngugi, Standard] China’s ambassador to Kenya pledged to deepen cultural and economic cooperation with Nairobi on Sunday, using a Chinese New Year celebration in the capital to highlight enduring bilateral ties and shared development goals. In a speech at the 3rd Nairobi Chinese New Year Gala, Ambassador Guo Haiyan said the Spring Festival – marking the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year…
NSSF CEO David Koros addressing the press in Nairobi. [File, Standard] The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has recorded a 17 per cent return on member savings, setting an ambitious target to grow its kitty to Sh1 trillion by 2027, even as a final hike in mandatory pension contributions threatens to shrink workers’ take-home pay. Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access. Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else {…
The National Treasury Building in Nairobi. Safaricom’s board approved an interim dividend of Sh0.85 per share for the year ending March 2026. [File, Standard] The cash-strapped National Treasury is poised to receive a roughly Sh11.92 billion payout after Safaricom declared a record interim dividend, providing a timely cash infusion ahead of the state’s sale of a major stake in the company to South Africa’s Vodacom Group. Safaricom said in a regulatory notice that its board had approved an interim dividend of Sh0.85 per share for the year ending March 2026. Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full…
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro at his offices at the KICC, Nairobi on January 6, 2026. He is among the biggest beneficiaries of KPLC dividends. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard] Thousands of retail investors in Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), led by Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro, are set for a windfall after the utility posted a 4.3 per cent rise in half-year net profit and declared a higher interim dividend. Kenya Power’s board has declared a dividend of 30 cents per share, a 50 per cent increase from 20 cents for a single share paid last year. .fade-out-overlay { position:…
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro at his offices at the KICC, Nairobi on January 6, 2026. He is among the biggest beneficiaries of KPLC dividends. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard] Thousands of retail investors in Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), led by Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro, are set for a windfall after the utility posted a 4.3 per cent rise in half-year net profit and declared a higher interim dividend. Kenya Power’s board has declared a dividend of 30 cents per share, a 50 per cent increase from 20 cents for a single share paid last year. Bold Reporting Takes…
Koko’s model depended heavily on carbon finance. By selling cookstove credits abroad, the company subsidised bioethanol fuel at home, making it cheaper than charcoal and kerosene. [Koko Networks] The PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has formally assumed control of the troubled clean-cooking start-up Koko Networks, administrators said Wednesday, as government officials remained silent on the regulatory dispute that triggered the company’s collapse. Joint administrators Muniu Thoithi and George Weru of PwC Kenya were appointed on February 1 to manage Koko Networks Limited and Koko Networks Global Services (Kenya) Limited, which are now in administration, a legal process designed to rescue a struggling company or…
Employment rose for the 12th consecutive month, the longest uninterrupted period of job creation since 2019. [iStockphoto] The private sector started the year on a cautious note as business growth slowed to a four-month low in January, weighed down by a slump in construction and retail activity, a new survey shows. The closely watched Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) dropped to 51.9 in January, down from 53.7 in December. While any reading above 50 indicates expansion, the decline marks the joint-weakest performance since last September, signaling that the late-2025 momentum is cooling, the survey shows. Despite the slowdown in new orders, the survey highlighted a resilient labour market…
US President Donald Trump (R) and Kenya’s President William Ruto attend the signing ceremony of a peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, on December 4, 2025. [AFP] Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us. Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”; } else if (now >= saleStart…
Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2026-02-04 00:00:00 Author: By Brian Ngugi Source: The Standard
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro at his offices at the KICC, Nairobi on January 6, 2026. He is among the biggest beneficiaries of KPLC dividends. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard] Thousands of retail investors in Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) led by Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro, are set for a windfall after the utility posted a 4.3 per cent rise in half-year net profit and declared a higher interim dividend. Kenya Power’s board has declared a dividend of 30 cents per share, a 50 per cent increase from 20 cent for a single share paid last year. Uncover the stories…
A new report by Global Financial Integrity estimates that Kenya lost over Sh6.1 trillion between 2013 to 2022 due to “trade misinvoicing.” [File, Standard] As the taxman aggressively pursues small traders and salaried employees for unpaid dues, a global financial watchdog has warned that the country is losing nearly 50 times more money through a sophisticated form of trade fraud perpetrated by large corporations. This severely undermines the government’s ability to fund development for Kenyans and escape a crushing debt crisis. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content…
FKE Executive Director Jacqueline Mugo says the mandatory NSSF rate hike, while supporting long-term savings, presents a “significant issue” for disposable income. [File, Standard] Millions of Kenyan employees will see their take-home pay shrink end of February when the fourth and final phase of higher National Social Security Fund (NSSF) pension contribution takes effect, a move employers warn will squeeze workers who are already grappling with a high cost of living. The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) said the mandatory hike, while supporting long-term savings, presents a “significant issue” for disposable income, amid concerns of a mounting burden from multiple statutory…
A new report by Global Financial Integrity estimates that Kenya lost over Sh6.1 trillion between 2013 to 2022 due to “trade misinvoicing.” [File, Standard] As the taxman aggressively pursues small traders and salaried employees for unpaid dues, a global financial watchdog has warned that the country is losing nearly 50 times more money through a sophisticated form of trade fraud perpetrated by large corporations. This severely undermines the government’s ability to fund development for Kenyans and escape a crushing debt crisis. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content…
President William Ruto during the issuance of NYOTA grants to youths at Kinoru stadium. [Phares Mutembei, Standard] Global ratings agency Moody’s upgraded Kenya’s sovereign credit rating on Tuesday, delivering a second boost in days for President William Ruto’s cash-strapped administration and improving its prospects for accessing cheaper international credit. Moody’s lifted Kenya’s long-term foreign currency issuer rating to “B3” from “Caa1,” citing a reduction in the near-term risk of default. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel…
President William Ruto during the issuance of NYOTA grants to youths at Kinoru stadium. [Phares Mutembei, Standard] Global ratings agency Moody’s upgraded Kenya’s sovereign credit rating on Tuesday, delivering a second boost in days for President William Ruto’s cash-strapped administration and improving its prospects for accessing cheaper international credit. Moody’s lifted Kenya’s long-term foreign currency issuer rating to “B3” from “Caa1,” citing a reduction in the near-term risk of default. Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access. Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience…
Treasury CS John Mbadi during the 2025 Budget reading on June 12, 2025 at Parliament. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] President William Ruto government’s plans to borrow a whole Sh906 billion from the domestic market in a single year, a move analysts and banking sources say risks crowding out the private sector and reversing recent gains in lower loan costs, as the state prioritises its fiscal needs over market stability. The government’s Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy (MTDS) for 2026/27–2028/29, published this month and reviewed by The Standard mandates that 82 per cent of all new gross borrowing must come from Kenyan financial…
National Social Security Fund in Nairobi. The revised rates are anchored in the NSSF Act of 2013 but implemented in phases. [File, Standard] Millions of salaried workers, already reeling from a raft of enhanced statutory deductions, are bracing for a further squeeze on their take-home pay from February 1, 2026, as a scheduled increase in National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions takes effect. The hike, defended by the President William Ruto government as a critical step toward boosting the country’s national savings and future pension security, translates into immediate financial pain for millions, worsening a cost-of-living crisis and forcing difficult…
National Social Security Fund in Nairobi. The revised rates are anchored in the NSSF Act of 2013 but implemented in phases. [File, Standard] Millions of salaried workers, already reeling from a raft of enhanced statutory deductions, are bracing for a further squeeze on their take-home pay from February 1, 2026, as a scheduled increase in National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions takes effect. The hike, defended by the President William Ruto government as a critical step toward boosting the country’s national savings and future pension security, translates into immediate financial pain for millions, worsening a cost-of-living crisis and forcing difficult trade-offs…
Parliament during a past session. The agenda for the closed-door sessions at a Naivasha luxury hotel is packed with critical national issues. [File, Standard] Members of Parliament (MPs) have convened this week at a luxury resort in Naivasha for a five-day legislative retreat aimed at “securing a parliamentary legacy”. The meeting comes in the shadow of scathing accusations from the Church, civil society, President William Ruto, a damning national audit by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu, and a widespread public perception that the legislature has abandoned its oversight role to become a rubber stamp for the executive. Uncover the stories others…
National Treasury building in Nairobi. The National Treasury had underscored the severe consequences of a negative rating from global agencies. [File, Standard] The government received a crucial vote of confidence from Fitch Ratings on Friday last week after the global credit ratings agency affirmed the country’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at ‘B-‘ with a stable outlook, averting a downgrade that top National Treasury officials had warned could “torpedo” the economy. A credit rating or outlook is significant because it can sharply influence a country’s cost of borrowing in international financial markets, potentially triggering a vicious cycle of higher debt servicing costs and…
Olkaria Geothermal Power Plant in Naivasha. [File, Standard] Kenya’s drive to harness underground heat for stable, clean electricity received a boost on Thursday after the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved a $16.5 million (Sh2.64 billion) loan for a new geothermal power plant. The financing will support the construction of the 35-megawatt OrPower Twenty-Two plant at the Menengai field, a site rich with geothermal potential located north of Nakuru, the bank said. Geothermal energy, generated from heat deep within the earth, provides a critical source of “baseload” power for Kenya. Unlike solar or wind, which depend on weather, it can produce…
Treasury CS John Mbadi (centre) and PS Chris Kiptoo (left) during a high-level discussion with the IMF team as part of the Governance Diagnostic Assessment during the 2025 Spring Meetings. [File, Standard] The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a long-awaited audit of Kenya’s corruption vulnerabilities, making its recommended reforms a central condition for resuming bailout talks with Kenyan government in February. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Continue Reading Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log…
Central Bank of Kenya in Nairobi. CBK data confirms a broad-based trend of lower lending rates. [File, Standard] Borrowers are paying less for loans, new Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) data shows, as a new pricing system takes effect and passes on recent interest rate cuts. The average lending rate across Kenya’s 38 banks fell to 14.8 per cent in December 2025 from 15.24 per cent in July last year, the CBK data shows. The decline follows the December 1 introduction of a revised Risk-Based Credit Pricing Model (RBCPM), designed to make pricing more transparent and responsive to monetary policy.…
Workers at Affordable housing at Lumumba in Kisumu city. [Michael Mute, Standard] Real estate developers in the country are forecasting a strong recovery for the property market in 2026, banking on government housing drives, alternative financing, and technology to overcome persistent high costs and inefficiencies that have plagued the sector. After a turbulent 2024 marred by high interest rates, costly construction inputs, and sluggish sales, industry executives reported a market stabilisation in 2025. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock Full Access Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience…
One of the NCBA branches (PHOTO: File) South African lender Nedbank Group has offered to acquire a controlling 66 per cent stake in the Kenyatta family-linked NCBA Group for approximately ZAR 13.9 billion (Sh109.5 billion), marking a major strategic entry into East Africa by the Johannesburg-based financial giant. The deal, executed via a tender offer, values the Kenyatta-linked lender at Sh165.9 billion, representing a significant premium for shareholders of the tier one home-grown bank. Under the proposed terms, NCBA shareholders will receive a 20 per cent cash portion, amounting to Sh21.9 billion, with the remaining 80 per cent settled through…
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is seeking a deep-pocketed private firm to bankroll and build a billion-shilling arsenal of drones, AI systems and a new digital platform to hunt tax evaders, in a landmark shift to privatised funding for its core operations. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock Full Access Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”; } else if (now…
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Osaka, western Japan on June 29, 2019. [AP] In a calculated display of economic statecraft, Kenya played the United States and China against each other last week, announcing it had secured pivotal trade concessions from both rival superpowers within a critical 48-hour window to protect its core exports and unlock new markets. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us. Unlock Full Access Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters…
Central Bank of Kenya in Nairobi. The United States is the largest single source of remittances to Kenya. [File, Standard] Remittance inflows to Kenya fell for a second consecutive month in December, fresh Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) data shows, deepening concerns over a sustained downturn in diaspora funds as US President Donald Trump’s immigration and tax policies continue to weigh down on migrant communities. The CBK report shows that remittances dropped to $435.5 million (Sh56.17 billion) in December 2025, down from $445.4 million (Sh57.45 billion) in December 2024, marking a 2.2 per cent drop, according to the latest CBK weekly…
President Donald Trump speaks to the media while signing executive orders in the Oval Office. [AFP] A threat by US President Donald Trump to impose a 25 per cent tariff on any nation trading with Iran has thrown Kenya’s strategic push into the Middle East into disarray, forcing Nairobi to choose between a resurgent tea market and vital access to American consumers. The warning, posted by Trump on his Truth Social platform on Monday, targets countries conducting business with the Islamic Republic, calling the order “final and conclusive.” Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe…
President William Ruto and Chinese President Xi Jinping during bilateral talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on September 3, 2024. [File, Standard] The government has confirmed that it has secured a preliminary trade agreement with China that will allow 98.2 per cent of its goods to enter the Chinese market duty-free. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us. Unlock Full Access Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML…
Iran delegation during the 7th Session of the Kenya-Iran Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) in Nairobi on August 12, 2025. [File, Standard] A threat by US President Donald Trump to impose a 25 per cent tariff on any nation trading with Iran has thrown Kenya’s strategic push into the Middle East into disarray, forcing Nairobi to choose between a resurgent tea market and vital access to American consumers. The warning, posted by Trump on his Truth Social platform, targets countries conducting business with the Islamic Republic, terming the order as “final and conclusive.” Even though the White House is yet…
President William Ruto with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on April 24, 2025. [File, Standard] The government now says a landmark trade agreement with China remains on track, dismissing as “completely unfounded” concerns that geopolitical tensions with the United States have stalled the long-delayed deal. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock Full Access Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”;…
Workers at the Hela Intimates Export Processing Zone Ltd factory in Athi River, Machakos County. [FILE] Kenyan exporters to the United States are a step closer to reclaiming crucial duty-free access after the US House of Representatives passed a law paving the way for a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which expired last September. The House voted 340-54 on Monday to renew the pact through 2028, retroactively covering its lapse since September 2025. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us. Unlock Full Access Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing…
Carcass of a cow ravaged by drought in Kongor village, Tirioko Ward, Baringo County. [File, Standard] Nearly a dozen counties are on high alert as severe drought exposes millions to acute food insecurity, humanitarian agencies warn. Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access. Unlock Full Access Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”; } else if (now >= saleStart && now…
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary before the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning at Bunge Towers, Nairobi, on November 18, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Attorney General Dorcas Oduor and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi are set to appear before lawmakers on Tuesday to defend the government’s controversial Sh244 billion sale of a stake in telecoms giant Safaricom to South Africa’s Vodacom, as a major parliamentary probe into the transaction begins. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us. Unlock Full Access Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted…
President William Ruto with Prime Minister Li Qiang, after a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. [PCS] Plans by Kenya and China to ink a landmark trade agreement designed to provide a critical lifeline to local exporters have been cast into a state of geopolitical limbo. Documents seen by The Sunday Standard, and sources who spoke to this writer, reveal that the finalised text of the “Early Harvest” deal is gathering dust on the Ministry of Trade shelves in Nairobi. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Support Bold Journalism Unlimited access…
US President Donald Trump after signing executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on September 5, 2025. [AFP] Kenya is bracing for its third major economic shock from Washington in less than two years after US President Donald Trump ordered a withdrawal from 66 international organisations. .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 60px; z-index: 1; background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0), rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)); } .paywall-container { position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 0 auto; padding: 25px; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,…
Residents stock up for Christmas at Wakulima Market in Nakuru City on December 23, 2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] The economy expanded at a faster pace in the third quarter of 2025, boosting hopes for job creation, higher incomes and a potential easing of a severe cost-of-living squeeze that has battered households, latest data from the government now shows. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us. Support Bold Journalism Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML…
President William Ruto during inspection of the Mau Mau Road Lot 1A and Lot 1B in Lari, Kiambu County, on March 5, 2025. [File, Standard] President William Ruto has abandoned the grassroots economic model that won him power, and replaced it with a high-stakes strategy to attract private capital for megaprojects, a dramatic shift revealed in a 2026 budget document that shows the soaring cost of his original promises. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us. Support Bold Journalism Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money…
President William Ruto during inspection of the Mau Mau Road Lot 1A and Lot 1B in Lari, Kiambu County, on March 5, 2025. [File, Standard] President William Ruto has abandoned the grassroots economic model that won him power, and replaced it with a high-stakes strategy to attract private capital for megaprojects, a dramatic shift revealed in a 2026 budget document that shows the soaring cost of his original promises. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Support Bold Journalism Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel…
Companies across most sectors reported taking on more staff to meet rising demand and build capacity for the future. [iStockphoto] Kenyan businesses expanded their workforce in December at the fastest pace in over six years, according to a private survey released on Tuesday, providing a strong finish to 2025 and fueling optimism for sustained job creation as firms anticipate robust economic growth in 2026. The Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, remained firmly in expansionary territory at 53.7 in December, down slightly from November’s four-year high of 55.0. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment.…
Inside 2026 top Kenyan CEOs crystal ball Published Date: 2026-01-06 06:00:00 Author: By Brian Ngugi Source: The Standard
Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) holds and manages foreign exchange reserves, is charged with the responsiblity for formulating monetary policy to achieve and maintain price stability Feb 6, 2020.[FILE,Standard] The chief executives of Kenya’s two largest banks reckon that borrowing costs for customers will decline as a new Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) mandated loan pricing system takes full effect from March this year improving transparency and the transmission of monetary policy. The heads of Kenya’s two largest banks say borrowing costs for customers are expected to fall as a new Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) loan pricing system takes full effect…
Equity Bank CEO Dr. James Mwangi during investor briefing and release of FY 2024 financial results.[Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] Kenya’s private sector captains are projecting a year of robust economic growth and strategic expansion in 2026, driven by improved infrastructure, macroeconomic stability, and accelerating digital adoption. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Support Bold Journalism Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”; } else…
National Treasury building in Nairobi. Previous attempts to implement IMF-backed revenue measures, including tax hikes in the 2024 Finance Bill, sparked deadly protests. [File, Standard] The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to dispatch its top officials to Kenya in January, aiming to break a deadlock over a new financial bailout. This is a critical test for President William Ruto’s administration as it faces mounting public unrest over unmet economic promises and a dwindling tax base. The forthcoming visit, confirmed by State officials and the IMF, follows stalled talks in late 2025 and will determine the fate of a crucial funding…
President William Ruto during the launch of the Rironi–Mau Summit dual carriageway project at the Total Junction in Mau Summit. [File, Standard] Securing a New IMF Programme Discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will dominate the first half of the year. Kenya is actively negotiating for a new funding arrangement. The stakes could not be higher. After the tumult of 2024, Gen Z-led protests and the stalling of key reforms, a new agreement is seen as the essential anchor for macroeconomic stability, a catalyst for concessional funding from other multilateral lenders, and a crucial signal to jittery international investors.…
President William Ruto during the launch of the Rironi–Mau Summit dual carriageway project at the Total Junction in Mau Summit. [File, Standard] Securing a New IMF Programme Discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will dominate the first half of the year. Kenya is actively negotiating for a new funding arrangement. The stakes could not be higher. After the tumult of 2024, Gen Z-led protests and the stalling of key reforms, a new agreement is seen as the essential anchor for macroeconomic stability, a catalyst for concessional funding from other multilateral lenders, and a crucial signal to jittery international investors.…
Mombasa residents stock up for the festive season on December 23, 2025. [Omondi Onyango, Standard] Households across the country are grappling with the steep cost of staples like maize flour, vegetables, and meat as they start the New Year 2026. The latest official data shows food inflation running at nearly double the overall rate, casting a dark shadow over the ongoing New Year celebrations. Kenya’s year-on-year inflation rate remained unchanged at 4.5 per cent in December, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) said on Wednesday. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp However, a sharp monthly rise and a wide gap between…
Dr James Mwangi, CEO Equity Bank. [File,Standard] Equity Group chief executive officer Dr James Mwangi shared his confidence in lower lending rates, detailed plans for entering new markets like Ethiopia, and explained how Equity is evolving from a bank into a comprehensive financial services group. Excerpts of the interview below: Thank you for your time. As we approach the New Year, our readers are keen to understand the broader economic landscape. Could you start by giving us your summation of 2025 and your outlook for 2026, from a regional, global, and banking perspective? Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment.…
Workers’ Compensation form. [GettyImages] Many insurers in Kenya still rely heavily on brokers and agents to market their products. While this traditional model has been the backbone of distribution for years, it has also limited reach, especially in regions where digital and mobile-based solutions could greatly improve accessibility. Latest data from the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) shows that by the end of 2022, Kenya had 11,400 agents and 176 brokers serving the entire industry. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Support Bold Journalism Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly…
Woman stressed over the holiday season. [Courtesy/GettyImages] Millions of Kenyan households are bracing for a strained festive season and a nervous start to the New Year after money sent home from relatives abroad fell sharply. Analysts are linking the drop to a crackdown on migrants under US President Donald Trump. Remittance inflows, a vital economic lifeline, dropped to $388.3 million in November 2025, down 8.3 per cent from $423.2 million in the same month last year, according to the latest weekly bulletin from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) published on Friday. At the prevailing exchange rate of Sh128.94 per dollar, the November inflows…
A ship with containers at the Port of Mombasa. [Robert Menza, Standard] Exporters and cross-border traders have received a major boost with the approval of a Sh7.8 billion ($60 million) financial guarantee facility from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to Equity Bank Kenya. The move is designed to directly ease the flow of goods and payments across borders. The facility, dubbed Transaction Guarantee, will act as a powerful financial incentive for local businesses. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Support Bold Journalism Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly…
President William Ruto with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. [PCS] Kenyan exporters are poised for a major win as Nairobi and Beijing work to finalise a zero-tariff deal, a crucial new market lifeline as duty-free access to the United States fades following the expiry of a key trade pact. The deal, which sources say is in the offing, would grant Kenyan products like tea, coffee, and avocados unprecedented duty-free access to China’s vast market of over a billion people. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Support Bold Journalism Unlimited access to…
President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC.[AFP] Business leaders in the country view external shocks from US policy shifts and persistent domestic hurdles, such as high taxes, as key threats to growth in 2026, according to a Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) survey. Even as firms bet on technology and efficiency to steady the economy, they also face these challenges. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Support Bold Journalism Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted…
Asahi Group President and Group CEO Atsushi Katsuki and EABL Group MD Jane Karuku after a meeting with EABL staff shortly after the announcement that Asahi Group has bought Diageo PLC’s shares in the company. [Courtesy] British beverages giant Diageo Plc has agreed to sell its controlling stake in East African Breweries Ltd (EABL) to Japan’s Asahi Group Holdings in a deal worth $2.3 billion (Sh297 billion), marking the end of a decades-long presence for the group in Kenya. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Support Bold Journalism Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted…
East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) Plant Nairobi factory. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] British drinks giant Diageo Plc has agreed to sell its controlling stake in East African Breweries Ltd to Japan’s largest beer company Asahi Group Holdings in a deal worth $2.3 billion (Sh297 billion), marking the end of a decades-long presence for the spirits group in Kenya. The London-based group said in a statement, on Wednesday, it has agreed to sell its stake in its Kenyan business as it looks to reduce its debt load through divestments. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage and Investment. Stand With Us Stand With Bold…
Asahi Group President and Group CEO Atsushi Katsuki and EABL Group MD Jane Karuku after a meeting with EABL staff shortly after the announcement that Asahi Group has bought Diageo PLC’s shares in the company. [Courtesy] British drinks giant Diageo Plc has agreed to sell its controlling stake in East African Breweries Ltd to Japan’s largest beer company Asahi Group Holdings in a deal worth $2.3 billion (Sh297 billion), marking the end of a decades-long presence for the spirits group in Kenya. The London-based group said in a statement, on Wednesday, it has agreed to sell its stake in its…
President William Ruto attended a church service at AIPCA Karure Church in the Gatundu North Diocese, Kiambu County. [PCS] Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”; } else if (now >= saleStart && now <= saleEnd) { paywallEl.style.display = “none”; var diffToEnd = saleEnd – now; var totalSeconds = Math.floor(diffToEnd…
Tourist vehicle drivers try to get clients close to lions with a kill at Amboseli National Park. [Jayne Rose Gacheri, Standard] Kenya has yet again received a significant end-of-year boost after being named the premier luxury travel destination for 2026 by one of the world’s largest luxury tour operators. The ranking highlights its enduring appeal for high-end safaris and conservation-focused experiences. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber?…
Absa Headquaters. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Absa Group is planning a strategic shift to reduce its heavy reliance on a few key markets, notably Kenya, where it says the group is currently “overly dependent,” Group Chief Executive Kenny Fihla said. The Johannesburg-based pan-African lender, which operates in over a dozen countries, including Kenya, earns about two-thirds of its revenue from South Africa and is also heavily exposed to Ghana and Kenya. Fihla told investors this concentration poses a risk to the group. “Within African regions, we are overly dependent on Ghana and Kenya and want to increase the contribution from the other countries,”…
Brenda Mbathi, first Chief Executive Officer, Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre (TRIFIC). [Courtesy] The Two Rivers International Finance and Innovation Centre (TRIFIC) announced yesterday plans to launch a Sh4.8 billion ($37 milllion) property investment fund, designed to offer Kenyan investors US dollar yields from environmentally sustainable buildings in the special economic zone. The operator of the services-focused special economic zone (SEZ) at the Two Rivers International Finance and Innovation Center- a designated area with different business and trade laws, said the TRIFIC Income Real Estate Investment Trust (I-REIT) would be Kenya’s first US dollar-denominated “Green” income-distributing REIT. A…
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu. (Elvis Ogina, Standard) The country’s public spending watchdog has put Parliament on the spot, accusing it of failing in its oversight duties by ignoring dozens of critical audit reports. This, it notes, leaves billions of shillings in public funds unprotected and recommendations unenforced. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display…