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…
Author: By Brian Ngugi
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…
One of the tea farms in Mathioya, Murang’a.[Boniface Gikandi,Standard] 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 / 1000); var days = Math.floor(totalSeconds / (24 * 3600)); var hours…
President William Ruto, chairs a Cabinet Meeting at State House, Nairobi on 29/4/2025.[PCS] A stringent draft national policy on alcohol, now awaiting Cabinet consideration early next year, threatens to impose sweeping commercial prohibitions across Kenya. This could mark an end to supermarket sales, online delivery services, and all major sports sponsorships. 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 = “”;…
Investments Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui.[Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] The government has defended a substantial increase in a mandatory quality standards levy, standing firm against a furious backlash from manufacturers. They say the move threatens competitiveness and ignores pleas to ease a punishing business environment. 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…
Why manufacturers are clashing with State standards levy Published Date: 2025-12-13 09:10:00 Author: By Brian Ngugi Source: The Standard
Investments Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui.[Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] The government has defended a substantial increase in a mandatory quality standards levy, standing firm against a furious backlash from manufacturers. They say the move threatens competitiveness and ignores pleas to ease a punishing business environment. 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…
CBK’s Monetary Policy Committee says the base lending rate reduction was underpinned by a favourable inflation outlook. [File, Standard] Borrowers have received an early festive season boost after three of the country’s largest lenders cut their base lending rates, following a cue from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). The move is set to ease credit costs, in turn boosting customers’ consumer power ahead of peak Christmas and New Year spending. Equity Group, the largest bank by customer base, KCB Group, the largest by asset size and Absa Bank Kenya, notified customers of the reduction, which aligns with a 25-basis-point cut in the…
KCB Bank CEO Paul Russo during a past investor briefing. [File, Standard] The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and KCB Bank Kenya Ltd have signed a $150 million (Sh19.3 billion) financing package to accelerate climate-friendly lending and boost trade finance. The funding targets small businesses and corporate borrowers. The deal, announced on Thursday, is designed to increase the flow of capital to projects that support environmental sustainability, commonly referred to as green finance. This includes investments in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and green infrastructure. The package comprises a $100 million (Sh13 billion) subordinated debt facility to strengthen KCB’s capital base, enabling…
CBK Governor Dr Kamau Thugge during the launch of the Chora Plan financial literacy campaign. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Kenya will wait until at least early next year to learn the fate of a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout, after critical negotiations stalled over currency manipulation concerns and the classification of billions in securitised loans. Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Governor Kamau Thugge said on Wednesday the new timeline was announced following a recent meeting between President William Ruto and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Washington, DC, which both sides described as focused on deepening collaboration. Uncover the stories others won’t tell.…
KTDA Chairman Chege Kirundi during an interview at Majani Plaza along Koinange Street on March 19, 2025. [Standard, Kanyiri Wahito] The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement, insisting that all commodity loans flagged by the regulator were fully cleared as of September 2025, while long-term inter-factory borrowings remain under structured repayment schedules and within approved policy guidelines. Responding to an audit report by the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) that alleged KTDA-run factories owe more than Sh26 billion in improperly sanctioned loans, the agency said it had not officially received the audit findings and are…
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa addresses participants during 2025 sustainable business report launch. [File, Standard] Safaricom said on Tuesday evening its debut green bond was oversubscribed by 175.7 per cent drawing Sh41.6 billion in investor bids and allowing it to raise Sh20 billion for sustainability projects. 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 = “block”;…
CBK Governor Dr. Kamau Thugge before the National Assembly’s Committee on Finance and National Planning in regards to the implementation of Central Bank Rate (CBR) at Bunge Towers,Parliament,Nairobi . March 25th,2025 [Elvis Ogina,Standard} The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has cut its benchmark lending rate in a move aimed at stimulating credit to businesses and households ahead of the crucial Christmas spending period later this month, while betting that inflation will remain subdued. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) lowered the Central Bank Rate (CBR) by 25 basis points to 9.00 per cent from 9.25 per cent at its last meeting of the year, marking a…
CBK Governor Dr. Kamau Thugge before the National Assembly’s Committee on Finance and National Planning in regards to the implementation of Central Bank Rate (CBR) at Bunge Towers,Parliament,Nairobi . March 25th,2025 [Elvis Ogina,Standard} The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has cut its benchmark lending rate in a move aimed at stimulating credit to businesses and households ahead of the crucial Christmas spending period later this month, while betting that inflation will remain subdued. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) lowered the Central Bank Rate (CBR) by 25 basis points to 9.00 per cent from 9.25 per cent at its last meeting of the year, marking a…
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi before the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning at Bunge Towers, Nairobi, on November 18, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has invited ordinary Kenyans and businesses to propose new tax policies, a move framed as a democratic exercise. 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 =…
Central Bank Of Kenya(CBK) on Haile Selasie Avenue in Nairobi.[Wilbrforce Okwiri,Standard] The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) plans to slash the cost of sending money by mobile phone, a vital service used by millions of Kenyans daily. The move aims to halve transaction fees within four years to cushion households and boost the use of formal financial services. 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 {…
Commercial banks are planning to intensify property seizures and recovery efforts, a newly released Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) survey showed. 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 =…
Stanbic Bank on Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi.[FILE,Standard] Kenya’s private sector expanded at its fastest pace in over five years in November, a closely watched survey showed on Wednesday. The new development provides a much-needed boost to workers in an economy where job creation has lagged behind growth. 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 = “block”;…
President William Ruto, accompanied by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping acknowledge grreetings from school children at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. [PCS] A new book by Chinese President Xi Jinping titled ‘The fifth volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China’, a compilation detailing the strategies that propelled China’s rise into the world’s second-largest economy, is now being touted in Kenya as a crucial blueprint for Kenya’s development and poverty eradication efforts. The book provides the blueprint of how China’s ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) under Xi’s leadership is building a modern socialist country. The book has gained immediate…
Lenders are increasingly being forced to look past static assets to focus on a borrower’s cash flow. [Courtesy] For years, if you wanted a large loan, you would take your title deed over to the bank. That document alone was often enough to secure credit. Not anymore. Today, lenders are struggling with loan books and inventory full of repossessed homes and land that they cannot sell. 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…
Kenyan savers poured billions of shillings into collective investment schemes in the third quarter of this year, driving total assets to a record high. 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;…
A worker at Naivas supermarket Imaara mall arranging fruits on display. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] The country’s overall inflation rate, or the cost-of-living measure, held steady in November, but consumers saw little relief at the dinner table. This is as sharp price increases for staples like onions and kale offset a welcome drop in the cost of maize flour, official data shows. 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?…
Centum Real Estate’s Cascadia luxury apartments at Two Rivers development. [File, Standard] Investment firm Centum has posted a 6.1 per cent rise in half-year after-tax profit, on the back of improved performance in its trading and real estate units and a significant reduction in finance costs. The Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed company said its profit for the six months ended September 30, 2025, rose to Sh472 million, up from Sh444 million in the same period last year. The Group attributed the improved results to better performance in the trading and real estate businesses and the recognition of a higher tax credit. It…
Borrowers could see cheaper and more transparent loan costs from next week as major banks, under pressure from the regulator, begin rolling out a new interest rate pricing model designed to make lending rates more responsive to monetary policy changes. 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 = “block”; } else if (now…
Hope for cheaper credit as more banks roll out new loan pricing model Published Date: 2025-11-29 00:00:00 Author: By Brian Ngugi Source: The Standard
Investment firm Centum has posted a 6.1 per cent rise in half-year after-tax profit, on the back of improved performance in its trading and real estate units and a significant reduction in finance costs. The Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed company said its profit for the six months ended September 30, 2025, rose to Sh472 million, up from Sh444 million in the same period last year. The Group attributed the improved results to better performance in the trading and real estate businesses and the recognition of a higher tax credit. It said the period was marked by strong free cash flow generation…
President William Ruto addressing Parliament during the State of the Nation Address 2025.[PCS] The government is set to establish a new statutory body that will centralise private sector advocacy, potentially repositioning major lobbies in the country as members of a single government-mandated forum. The powerful business lobbies in the country that could be affected by the development include the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), and Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE). Officials say the Business Council of Kenya, proposed in the Public Sector-Private Sector Engagement Bill, 2025, addresses a key government criticism…
Absa Head Quarters, Waiyaki Way.[Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] Absa Bank Kenya has become the latest tier-one lender to unveil its new loan pricing system, joining a growing rush by financial institutions to comply with a central bank deadline for implementing revised lending models aimed at making borrowing costs more transparent. In a customer notice, Absa said it would transition to the Central Bank of Kenya’s (CBK) Revised Risk-Based Credit Pricing Model (RBCPM) framework starting December 1, making it the second major bank after KCB Group to publicly commit to the new system. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp The move comes as pressure mounts on…
Dr Ligane Sene, Deputy Representative and Senior Economist for UNDP in South Sudan sign-off the Workplan documents for the $20 million Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Development project with Elijah Wamalwa, the Managing Director of Co-operative Bank of South Sudan. [Courtesy, Co-op Bank} The Co-operative Bank of South Sudan, a subsidiary of tier one lender Co-operative Bank of Kenya, has signed a multi-year agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to boost agricultural financing and food production in the world’s youngest nation. The South Sudan lender will implement Component II of the Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Development (READ) project under…
Fruits and vegetable seller arranges her goods in Langata estate,Nairobi.[FILE] Esther Njeri walks through her smallholder farm in Karati, Naivasha, the cracked earth crunching under her feet. The withered kale and cabbage seedlings tell a story of another failed season – the October-December “short rains” have barely come, threatening her family’s food supply and income for the coming year. 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…
Pipeline estate in Nairobi.[FILE] For years, Kenya’s booming construction sector was a bellwether for the economy, earning the country a reputation as a perpetual big construction site during the administrations of Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta. This was not the case last year, when the sector slumped into contraction for the first time in years, dragged down by a credit crunch and developer struggles. 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…
Family Bank CEO and MD Nancy Njau (centre) during a breakfast meeting at a Nairobi Hotel on November 25, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito] Family Bank said on Tuesday it plans to list on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) by mid next year after reporting a 56 per cent jump in nine-month net profit, joining a growing list of lenders posting strong earnings. The mid-tier lender’s net earnings rose to Sh3.59 billion in the period ended September 30, up from Sh2.30 billion a year earlier, driven by higher interest and non-interest income. The bank’s operating income grew 21.2 per cent to Sh17.7 billion, with interest income surging…
Paul Russo KCB Group CEO speaking during 2024 full year financial results on March 12, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] KCB Group says it will start using a new loan pricing system as required by the Central Bank on December 1. This will make the bank one of the first major lenders to adopt the new rules, which are meant to make loan costs change more responsive to monetary policy changes. The move by the tier one lender which is Kenya’s largest bank by assets comes as pressure mounts on the country’s 38 commercial banks to comply with the Central Bank of Kenya’s (CBK)…
President William Ruto inspects some of the 4,566-unit Shauri Moyo B Affordable Housing Project in Nairobi. A notable surprise was the recovery of the construction sector. [PCS] Despite Kenya’s economy gaining momentum in recent years, the gains are not enough to create sufficient formal employment, with new World Bank data showing real incomes have declined over the past decade. The data shows the glut of low-quality informal jobs is failing to meet the aspirations of the fast-expanding youth population, known as Gen Z. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited…
Kenya’s largest banks have fortified their financial defences, setting aside a massive Sh298.1 billion to cover potential loan losses in the first nine months of the year. 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 =…
This picture taken early on December 8, 2018 shows a Long March 3B rocket, transporting the Chang’e-4 lunar rover, lifting off from the Xichang launch centre in Xichang in China’s southwestern Sichuan province. [FILE/AFP] A new US congressional report has cast a spotlight on Kenya, warning that the country’s growing space partnership with China could be a front for expanding Beijing’s military ambitions in orbit. The warning, issued by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC), effectively draws Nairobi into the heart of a burgeoning great-power competition in space between rivals China and the US. Uncover the stories others won’t…
John Gachora (2nd right), NCBA Group Managing Director, with David Abwoga, Louisa Wandabwa and Raphael Ag’ung during the release of NCBA’s 2023 full-year results at the Radisson Hotel, Nairobi. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Tier one lenders NCBA Group, I&M Group and Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) have reported higher profits for the period ended September 30. They are joining a sector-wide earnings boom after larger rivals, including KCB Group, Equity Group, and Cooperative Bank, also posted jumps in net income. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content…
Former Chase Bank Chairman Mohaamed Zafrullah Khan in the dock at a milimani court where he was charge with conspiracy to defraund Chase bank by falsely pretending the disbursement of 1,683,000,000.[FILE/Standard] Former Chase Bank Chairman Zafrullah Khan and two senior managers have been fined Sh11 million by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), bringing to a close a legal dispute that has lasted nearly a decade in one of Kenya’s most notable corporate governance scandals. 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…
Absa Bank Kenya CEO and Managing Director Abdi Mohamed. February 10, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] Absa Bank Kenya weathered a marginal decline in total revenue to post a 15 per cent jump in profit for the nine months to September this year. This came as stringent cost controls and a significant drop in money set aside for bad loans shielded its earnings. The tier-one lender, part of Johannesburg-based Absa Group, said on Tuesday its profit after tax for the period ended September 30 rose to Sh16.9 billion from Sh14.7 billion a year earlier, even as total revenue dipped to Sh46.6 billion. Follow…
President William Ruto with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. [PSC] Kenyan exporters are voicing alarm over what they see as a slow pace by Nairobi in finalising a crucial and much-anticipated zero-tariff trade agreement with Beijing. The deal is seen by local traders as a vital hedge against the recent loss of duty-free access to the United States (US) market. The friction is emerging despite public assurances from Beijing that it is ready to move forward. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》…
China’s Charge d’Affaires in Nairobi Zhang Zhizhong moderates a conference. [Brian Ngugi, Standard] Several United Nations (UN) agencies are courting China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) for partnerships to secure life-saving funding in Kenya, a potential lifeline that officials say could offer relief to underfunded projects following massive cuts to US foreign aid during the Trump administration. The recent massive cuts to US foreign aid, initiated during the second term of the Trump administration, have crippled key programmes in Kenya such as in health and education sectors and left their implementation in limbo. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now…
A worker from Naivasha based Maridadi flower farm works on roses for exports to the European Market which has opened up after easing the Covid-19 regulations. [File, Standard] In the cool, high-altitude fields surrounding Lake Naivasha, millions of vibrant roses are cultivated, destined to symbolise love and celebration on European dinner tables. But for workers like Mary Wanja* (not her real name) who nurture and harvest these blooms, the reality is far from rosy, a new groundbreaking report reveals. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium…
The energy regulator announced on Friday that pump prices for super petrol, diesel, and kerosene will remain unchanged for the coming month, providing a respite to consumers amid ongoing global market volatility. “In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices of super petrol, diesel, and kerosene remain unchanged,” the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo said in a statement. The maximum price per litre in the capital, Nairobi, will be maintained at Sh184.52 for super petrol, Sh171.47 for diesel, and Sh154.78 for kerosene. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp The unchanged prices offer…
Co-op Bank MD Gideon Muriuki. [Courtesy] Co-operative Bank of Kenya (Coop Bank) has declared its first-ever interim dividend, signalling robust financial health and confidence in its future outlook after posting a Sh21.6 billion profit after tax for the first nine months of this year. The tier one lender, Kenya’s third-largest by assets, reported a 12.3 per cent rise in profit after tax to Sh21.6 billion, up from Sh19.2 billion in the same period last year. The board declared an interim dividend of Sh1 per share. The lender has until now maintained a single annual dividend payout since its listing in…
Simbisa Brands Ltd has cited a tough economic environment characterised by high taxes and a rising cost of living for keeping customers away from its outlets. [File, Standard] Simbisa Brands Ltd, the owner of popular fast-food chains Chicken Inn and Pizza Inn in Kenya, has cited a tough economic environment characterised by high taxes and a rising cost of living for keeping customers away from its outlets. In its annual report for the year ended June 30, 2025, published this week and reviewed by The Standard, the Zimbabwean fast-food giant said the situation was exacerbated by political unrest that hit its key…
Simbisa Brands Ltd has cited a tough economic environment characterised by high taxes and a rising cost of living for keeping customers away from its outlets. [File, Standard] Simbisa Brands Ltd, the owner of popular fast-food chains Chicken Inn and Pizza Inn in Kenya, has cited a tough economic environment characterised by high taxes and a rising cost of living for keeping customers away from its outlets. In its annual report for the year ended June 30, 2025, published this week and reviewed by The Standard, the Zimbabwean fast-food giant said the situation was exacerbated by political unrest that hit its key…
Simbisa Brands Ltd has cited a tough economic environment characterised by high taxes and a rising cost of living for keeping customers away from its outlets. [File, Standard] Simbisa Brands Ltd, the owner of popular fast-food chains Chicken Inn and Pizza Inn in Kenya, has cited a tough economic environment characterised by high taxes and a rising cost of living for keeping customers away from its outlets. In its annual report for the year ended June 30, 2025, published this week and reviewed by The Standard, the Zimbabwean fast-food giant said the situation was exacerbated by political unrest that hit its key…
Simbisa Brands Ltd has cited a tough economic environment characterised by high taxes and a rising cost of living for keeping customers away from its outlets. [File, Standard] Simbisa Brands Ltd, the owner of popular fast-food chains Chicken Inn and Pizza Inn in Kenya, has cited a tough economic environment characterised by high taxes and a rising cost of living for keeping customers away from its outlets. In its annual report for the year ended June 30, 2025, published this week and reviewed by The Standard, the Zimbabwean fast-food giant said the situation was exacerbated by political unrest that hit its key…
SBM Bank Kenya has posted a Sh283.4 million profit after tax for the nine months to September, a turnaround from a Sh1.3 billion loss a year earlier, driven by a surge in operating income and lower expenses. The lender, a subsidiary of Mauritius-based SBM Group, said on Tuesday the performance represents a sustained recovery under a transformation strategy led by Chief Executive Officer Bhartesh Shah, who took over in May 2024. The bank’s rebound was supported by a significant improvement in its funded and non-funded income. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Operating income rose 65 per cent to Sh4.3 billion, up from Sh2.60…
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Chairperson Ndiritu Muriithi addresses traders during a citizen assembly forum in Nakuru on September 17, 2025. [File, Standard] The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will from January 2026 launch a radical digital crackdown on small traders, using real-time data from electronic invoices and customs records to identify tax evaders in one of the agency’s most comprehensive enforcement pushes to date. In a public notice issued on Friday, the tax authority said it would begin “validating income and expenses declared in both individual and non-individual income tax returns” against three digital data streams: TIMS or eTIMS invoices, withholding…
Tally Einav, UNIDO Representative; Prof Erastus Gatebe, Industrialization Secretary at the State Department for Industry; CPA Norah Ratemo, Director General of the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) and Joyce Njogu, Head of Consulting, Business Development and Sustainability, attend a dinner for the Kenya Industrialization Conference in Nairobi. [Brian Ngugi, Standard] The Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) says it has mobilised Sh17.3 billion over the past two years to fund an industrial transformation drive, aiming to bridge a long-term capital gap for businesses. The state-owned development financier said 69 per cent of the funds had been channeled directly into industrial projects, with the…
Shot of a young male hacker cracking a computer code in the dark. [Courtesy/GettyImages] The country’s top seven financial watchdogs have warned that the financial sector’s growing reliance on a handful of third-party technology providers poses a serious risk to the national economic stability, as a single point of failure could disrupt services across multiple institutions and the wider economy. The watchdogs who include the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) in a communique released after their annual Joint Financial Sector Regulators Forum held in Naivasha, warned that the concentration of key services with a few external tech firms…
Kenya’s position as an aviation hub is at risk due to some of the highest air travel taxes in Africa. 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 Login 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 =…
Aurelien Glay, Caetano Kenya, Managing Director and Dr Sylvia Agani Caetano Kenya Commercial and Marketing Director during the unveiling of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro. [Courtesy, Caetano Kenya] Chinese automaker Chery launched in Kenya on Thursday, introducing a range of SUVs as it seeks to gain a foothold in one of Africa’s most competitive car markets, with plans to start local assembly next year. The arrival of Chery, part of a wave of Chinese brands expanding in Kenya and the rest of Africa, intensifies the battle for market share, particularly in the fast-growing sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment. Follow…
Times Tower Building in Nairobi which hosts Kenya Revenue Offices (KRA).[FILE] The government will enforce a minimum 15 per cent tax on large multinational corporations from next year. This is in line with new Treasury regulations targeting rogue foreign companies accused of reducing their local tax bills by making payments to overseas affiliates. 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 Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML…
Joseph Sheikh sorts out tomatoes at Riosiri Market in Kisii County. Prices of numerous daily essentials have surged, offering no respite to consumers. [File, Standard] Kenyans are ending 2025 significantly worse off than a year ago, with the cost of a basket of essential goods from food to transport having risen sharply, according to official data. 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 Login Already a subscriber? Log in `;…
President Willam Ruto.[FILe,Standard] Kenya lost at least Sh15 billion as a direct result of adverse commentaries and rating actions by Moody’s Ratings, a confidential African Union policy brief has calculated. The revelation highlights a vulnerability that has pushed President William Ruto’s to seek reforms of the global credit rating system. 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 Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”;…
The comment that cost Kenya Sh15b after Moody’s misstep Published Date: 2025-11-02 07:15:00 Author: By Brian Ngugi Source: The Standard
President Willam Ruto.[FILe,Standard] Kenya lost at least Sh15 billion as a direct result of adverse commentaries and rating actions by Moody’s Ratings, a confidential African Union policy brief has calculated. The revelation highlights a vulnerability that has pushed President William Ruto’s to seek reforms of the global credit rating system. 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 Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”;…
From left: Equity Group Non-Executive Chairman Isaac Macharia, CEO James Mwangi, and Equity BCDC Non-Executive Chairman Meti Mabanza, during the Q3 2025 investor briefing in Nairobi, on October 30, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Kenya’s largest bank by customers Equity Group has reported a 32.66 per cent surge in its third-quarter net profit, which climbed from Sh39.2 billion in the previous year to Sh52.1 billion, powered predominantly by its thriving regional subsidiaries. The performance, which offers a ray of hope for the broader financial sector and the larger Kenyan economy amid a corporate slowdown marked by losses in key sectors, was anchored…
Visiting Chinese Chefs prepare food during the inaugural Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine. [Courtesy, Chinese Embassy] Kenya on Thursday hosted the inaugural Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, an event officials said would strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties between China and African nations. The competition, held at the Kenya Utalii College in Nairobi, brought together 40 teams from across the continent. It is a key event in the ongoing China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season, initiated after President William Ruto’s state visit to China in April. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp In a statement, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan…
An open sewer mixed with ‘flying toilets’ in Nairobi. [David Njaaga, Standard] For Catherine Nduku, a mother of three in Nairobi’s Mukuru kwa Njenga informal settlement, the onset of evening used to bring a familiar dread. The family’s only toilet was a shared pit latrine across a dark, muddy path, a perilous journey she feared for her children. 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 Login Already a subscriber? Log in…
An open sewer mixed with ‘flying toilets’ in Nairobi which has forced residents to consider ‘flying toilets’ as an alternative way to ease their urge. [File, Standard] For Catherine Nduku, a mother of three in Nairobi’s Mukuru kwa Njenga informal settlement, the onset of evening used to bring a familiar dread. The family’s only toilet was a shared pit latrine across a dark, muddy path, a perilous journey she feared for her children. “At night, I feared letting them go alone,” Nduku said. “We mostly used plastic bags as a substitute for toilets. I would then discreetly discard the bag as far as…
Treasury CS John Mbadi during the 2025 Budget reading, on June 12, 2025. The budget watchdog has raised concerns over the Treasury’s revenue forecast of Sh3.4 trillion for the 2025/26 fiscal year. [File, Standard] The Kenya Kwanza administration’s fiscal outlook for the coming year faces significant risks from what the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) terms as “overly optimistic” revenue targets, an increased dependence on domestic borrowing that could squeeze private sector credit, and persistent growth in mandatory spending. In its latest Budget Watch report, the independent PBO, which advises lawmakers, expressed serious doubts about President William Ruto government’s ability to…
Former HF Group Chief Executive Frank Ireri during a past interview. [File, Standard] Frank Ireri, the former soft-spoken HF Group chief executive who played a pivotal role in expanding Kenya’s young mortgage market through innovative products that transformed the sector before the company later stumbled, has passed away. He was 63. Ireri died on October 26, 2025, at Nairobi Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment for cancer, according to his friends and family. His passing marks the end of a distinguished career driven by a vision to make home ownership accessible to more Kenyans in a market where mortgage…
The National Treasury building in Nairobi. Sovereign wealth funds are designed for longer-term strategic objectives, such as stabilising the national budget against revenue volatility [File, Standard] The Kenya Kwanza government’s draft legislation to create the country’s first sovereign wealth fund (SWF) is drawing criticism from financial experts who question its economic rationale, governance structure and vague operational rules. This has attracted scrutiny of the President William Ruto’s government’s ambition to manage future resource revenues. 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…
Ruto’s sovereign fund plan draws scrutiny over governance gaps Published Date: 2025-10-28 07:10:00 Author: By Brian Ngugi Source: The Standard
EABL Chief Financial Officer Risper Ohaga says the decision to return to the debt market was a strategic one, driven by a significant shift in the interest rate environment. [File, Standard] East African Breweries PLC (EABL) is seeking to raise Sh11 billion through a medium-term note, which is a type of corporate bond. This is the first phase of its new Sh20 billion bond programme which has been approved by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA). Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing…
Capt Jaanus Hannes of the cruise ship HS Diana, which docked at the Shimoni Fish Port in Kwale County, is received by Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, on October 26, 2025. [Robert Menza, Standard] American families spend an average of Sh1 million ($8,052) on travel annually, with Kenya outperforming traditional Caribbean favourites such as Jamaica to capture the tourism dollars. 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 Login Already a subscriber? Log…
International Monetary Fund Director for African Department Abebe Aemro Selassie says discussions were continuing but offered no timeline for a breakthrough. [File, Standard] The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has delayed reaching a new funding deal with Kenya, even as fresh concerns emerged about currency stability and the Kenya Kwanza government’s debt management strategy. 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 Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”;…
International Monetary Fund Director for African Department Abebe Aemro Selassie says discussions were continuing but offered no timeline for a breakthrough. [File, Standard] The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has delayed reaching a new funding deal with Kenya, even as fresh concerns emerged about currency stability and the Kenya Kwanza government’s debt management strategy. 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 Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”;…
An illustrative photo of the new African Export-Import Bank President George Elombi. The new president of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), George Elombi, on Saturday pledged a strategic pivot away from financing raw material exports and toward building factories and jobs within Africa, while launching a fierce defence of the lender’s sovereignty against what he termed “increasingly hostile” external attacks. In his inaugural speech after assuming office, Elombi outlined an ambitious plan focused on financing local processing zones, developing a pan-African stablecoin, and mobilising domestic capital, even as he hit out at unnamed critics for what he described as a…
Incoming Afreximbank President Dr George Elombi (right) presents a commemorative coffee table book to his predecessor, Professor Benedict Oramah, during the bank’s farewell and investiture ceremony. [Brian Ngugi, Standard] Cameroonian banker Dr George Elombi has formally assumed the presidency of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). Using his inaugural speech to laud his predecessor Professor Benedict Oramah for building a multi-billion dollar “development supermarket” for the continent, Elombi acknowledged the monumental task of closing Africa’s vast trade finance gap. The leadership transition at the Cairo-based bank comes at a pivotal moment. Afreximbank, a multilateral financial institution founded in 1993 to finance…
Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Transport,Infrastructure,Housing,Urban Development & Public Works James Macharia speaking during inauguration of new Kenya Roads Board chairperson.[Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] Sidian Bank has appointed veteran banker and former cabinet secretary James Macharia as its new Chairman as part of a board overhaul as it seeks to transform into a leading market player, the fast-growing lender said on Wednesday. Macharia, who has over four decades of experience in finance and served in two high-profile ministerial roles for 10 years during the Uhuru Kenyatta administration, takes over the role from James Mworia, the Group CEO of major shareholder Centum Investment Company Plc.…
Ms Gwen Mwaba Managing Director Trade Finance and Correspondent Banking at Afreximbank. [Brian Ngugi, Standard] African bankers are not insulated from global crises and must build capacity to respond to external shocks, a senior official at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) said on Thursday, pointing to the continent’s delayed access to COVID-19 vaccines and HIV therapies as a stark warning. Gwen Mwaba, Afreximbank’s Managing Director for Trade Finance and Correspondent Banking, said the pan African bank was spearheading training to ensure African financial institutions can navigate a volatile global landscape, from the Ukraine crisis to ongoing Middle East tensions. “We…
Insurance policyholders are poised to receive stronger protections as the industry regulator cracks down on widespread practices that have continued to be used to deny motor and health claims. 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 Login 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…
John Mbadi Cabinet Secretary, The National Treasury and Economic Planing chats with The Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o during 2025 medium term debt management strategy (MTDS).[Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] Kenya is now spending more money to service its public debt than on education, health and social protection combined, a new report has shown. This pattern is evidence to a dramatic squeeze on public services which is affecting the ordinary citizens the most. The report, titled “The People’s Audit: Reclaiming Kenya’s Fiscal Sovereignty” and produced by the Okoa Uchumi coalition of civil society groups, uses official data to track the fiscal trade-off. It found that…
Fresh data by the United States government shows that a record number of Kenyans are seeking a route out of poverty and unemployment through the US Diversity Visa lottery, as a deepening economic crisis in the country dims job prospects for millions of young people. 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 Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”;…
Why Kenya’s manpower is turning to US lottery Published Date: 2025-10-21 08:20:00 Author: By Brian Ngugi Source: The Standard
Fresh data by the United States government shows that a record number of Kenyans are seeking a route out of poverty and unemployment through the US Diversity Visa lottery, as a deepening economic crisis in the country dims job prospects for millions of young people. 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 Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”;…
Nairobi County Government headquarters. Firm claims the county had purportedly claimed ownership of the property, and it intended to send its officers to take over its ownership.[File, Standard] A firm owned by the family of the late former powerful Cabinet Minister John Michuki has accused the Nairobi County Government of orchestrating the forceful and illegal takeover of two of its prime parcels of land in Nairobi. The prime land is situated next to Windsor Golf and Country Club along Eastern Bypass, which is owned by the family of Michuki, who served in various influential positions in former President Mwai Kibaki’s…
Published Date: 2025-10-21 00:00:00 Author: By Brian Ngugi Source: The Standard
Published Date: 2025-10-17 06:00:00 Author: By Brian Ngugi Source: The Standard
Dorothy Chemutai shops for shoes for Christmas at Bata Tom Mboya Mega in Nairobi, on December 24, 2021. [File, Standard] Business leaders in the country are confronting weak consumer spending and persistent cash flow crises, a Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) survey has shown, even though most are banking on a Christmas season sales boom to salvage the year. The CBK’s September 2025 CEOs’ Survey, a key barometer of private sector sentiment, reveals a corporate sector squeezed by muted consumer demand and liquidity challenges, even as macroeconomic indicators show cause for optimism. The core challenge lies with the average consumer, whose purchasing power…
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. [File, Standard] Taxpayers are facing a Sh243.2 million legal bill, nearly 20 times the original budget, for the controversial and ultimately cancelled plan to hand control of the nation’s main airport to India’s Adani Group, according to an internal government document seen by The Standard. The massive bill, detailed in a September 25 advisory letter from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to the Ministry of Transport, exposes the financial fallout of the botched privatisation that could if awarded cost the public dearly in legal fees, even though the botched multibillion shilling deal was scrapped by President William Ruto…
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. [File, Standard] Taxpayers are facing a Sh243.2 million legal bill, nearly 20 times the original budget, for the controversial and ultimately cancelled plan to hand control of the nation’s main airport to India’s Adani Group, according to an internal government document seen by The Standard. The massive bill, detailed in a September 25 advisory letter from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to the Ministry of Transport, exposes the financial fallout of the botched privatisation that could if awarded cost the public dearly in legal fees, even though the botched multibillion shilling deal was scrapped by President William Ruto…
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. [File, Standard] Taxpayers are facing a Sh243.2 million legal bill, nearly 20 times the original budget, for the controversial and ultimately cancelled plan to hand control of the nation’s main airport to India’s Adani Group, according to an internal government document seen by The Standard. The massive bill, detailed in a September 25 advisory letter from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to the Ministry of Transport, exposes the financial fallout of the botched privatisation that could if awarded cost the public dearly in legal fees, even though the botched multibillion shilling deal was scrapped by President William Ruto…
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. [File, Standard] Taxpayers are facing a Sh243.2 million legal bill, nearly 20 times the original budget, for the controversial and ultimately cancelled plan to hand control of the nation’s main airport to India’s Adani Group, according to an internal government document seen by The Standard. The massive bill, detailed in a September 25 advisory letter from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to the Ministry of Transport, exposes the financial fallout of the botched privatisation that could if awarded cost the public dearly in legal fees, even though the botched multibillion shilling deal was scrapped by President William Ruto…
Treasury CS John Mbadi before the Senate’s Finance at County Hall, Parliament, Nairobi. March 18, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has concluded two weeks of critical talks with the Kenya Kwanza government, signalling progress in discussions for a new financial programme but stopping short of announcing a staff-level agreement. This leaves the cash-strapped Ruto administration in a tense waiting game. 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…