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 {…
Author: By Brian Ngugi
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…
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…