Consolidated Bank along Koinange Street, Nairobi. [File, Standard] Consolidated Bank has posted a profit of Sh21.6 million for the half-year to June 30, 2025. This is an improvement from a loss of Sh76.8 million recorded over the same period last year, and is part of the bank’s turnaround and growth strategy that aims to diversify revenue sources and expand the balance sheet. The lender, in a statement, said the turnaround is reflected in the Sh12 million total comprehensive income for the period against a loss of Sh84.9 million over a similar period last year. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Despite the…
Author: By Esther Dianah
Stanbic Bank, Chief Financial and Value Officer Dennis Musau, Stanbic Holdings Plc Group CEO Patrick Mweheire, Chairman Joseph Muganda and Stanbic Bank Kenya and South Sudan CEO Joshua Oigara during the Stanbic Holdings half-year 2025 financial results briefing, on August 7, 2025. [Courtesy] Stanbic Holdings Plc has posted a profit after tax of Sh6.5 billion and delivered a return on equity of 17.4 per cent in the first six months of this year. The lender’s performance for the period was underpinned by resilient non-interest revenue generation and lower credit impairment charges, which helped cushion the impact of a decline in…
Onfon Mobile Head of Marketing Nelson Njuguna (left) engages with a customer during the Safaricom Mpesa Sokoni Festival in Kisumu on August 2,2025. [Washington Onyango,Standard] Safaricom, through its youth platform Safaricom Hook, held a series of engagements across the Greater Western region aimed at empowering young people with technical, digital, creative, and life skills. Under the banner of the M-Pesa Sokoni Caravan, the initiative reached thousands of youth in Siaya, Vihiga, and Kisumu, offering them tools for real-world impact. At the Siaya National Polytechnic, more than 2,000 youth participated in technical masterclasses in plumbing, electricals, hospitality, fashion, and design. Each…
Risper Ohaga, Chief Financial Officer, with Jane Karuku EABL Group Managing Director and CEO, during the 2025 full year financial results. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] East Africa Breweries Limited has recorded a net profit of Sh12.19 billion, marking a 12.2 per cent growth, for the period ending June 2025. The Brewer, whose volume rose 2 per cent attributed this to increased sales, lower finance costs and foreign exchange gains. In 2024, the beverage company recorded a net profit of Sh10.87 billion. In the period ending June, the EABL pumped up its full year dividend by 14.3 per cent year on Year,…
A section of Mombasa Port terminal 2. [File, Standard] Clearing and forwarding agents have called for increased regulatory support to unlock the sector’s full potential. The Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA) stated that the total customs value for all imports and exports handled by its members amounted to Sh7.6 trillion for the financial year ended June 2025. The sector, which contributes about nine per cent to Kenya’s GDP, processed 2.1 million customs entries, collecting Sh879.32 billion through customs and border control declarations, according to KIFWA Chairman Fredrick Aloo. He said the sector can create more revenue through partnerships…
Young pharmacist checking the shelves with a digital tablet at the pharmacy.[Courtesy] CFAO Healthcare has fully acquired the Goodlife chain of pharmacies at an undisclosed amount of money, following the green light from the Comesa Competition Authority at the start of June this year. The pharmaceutical distributor started partial acquisition of the Goodlife Pharmacy – Kenya’s largest private retail pharmacy chain – in 2022 by buying a 30 per cent stake from LeapFrog Investments, making it the second largest shareholder. LeapFrog Investments, a private equity firm, which initially invested in Goodlife, a regional beauty and drugstore, in 2016 after buying…
Faw Trucks at a past exhibition. [File, Standard] Fast Automobile Works (FAW) has introduced two ranges of commercial trucks dubbed FAW JK6 and FAW JH6, as it marks 20 years of operations in Kenya. The two products add to FAW Trucks’ range of commercial fleet that targets a diverse market and performance needs. The products mark a significant milestone for a firm that saw a lot of resistance in its initial days, being a Chinese company, as the majority of consumers had reservations towards Chinese vehicles. Today, the trucks have gained much traction, being a key player in the long-distance transport…
Wambui Mbarire, CEO of the Retail Trade Association of Kenya; Alexandre Cerqueira, District Manager Supermarkets at Carrefour Majid Al Futtaim; Angeline Bett, Area Manager for Carrefour Kenya; Christophe Orcet, Regional Director – East Africa at Majid Al Futtaim Retail; Fredrick Musyoka, Store Manager Carrefour at Runda Mall; and James Gachiru, owner of Runda Mall, officially cutting the ribbon to mark the grand opening of the Carrefour’s 25th store at Runda Mall. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] Majid Al Futtaim Retail, the exclusive operator of Carrefour in Kenya, has launched a new initiative aimed at educating, empowering, and rewarding customers for making healthier and more sustainable lifestyle choices. Dubbed ‘Choose Better’,…
Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe led the distribution of an additional eight bulk milk coolers to dairy farmer cooperatives in Nyeri under the Livestock Value Chain Support Project. [File, Standard] Forty counties are set to benefit from 230 milk coolers worth Sh1.45 billion that are being distributed and installed across the country to boost the dairy sector. The initiative, launched last month by President William Ruto in Meru County, aims to increase production and cushion farmers against post-harvest losses. Meru County received the first batch of 15 bulk milk coolers. Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe led the distribution of…
Published Date: 2025-07-25 00:00:00 Author: By Esther Dianah Source: The Standard
Participants during the Kenya Pavilion Expo 2025 Osaka, on July 24, 2025. [Courtesy] The Kenya Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka on Thursday welcomed its millionth visitor since the global showcase began in April. The milestone was marked by the arrival of Dr Mayu Shimaguchi, a 42-year-old abdominal surgeon from Chiba Prefecture, Japan, who was recognised with a ceremonial welcome and a special gift pack featuring iconic Kenyan products. Dr Shimaguchi, who expressed interest in nature, world heritage, visited the pavilion to explore Kenya’s biodiversity and rich cultural heritage. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp “I have always been fascinated by…
Jeanette Oromo, CEO of The IMC People, Kisumu County Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, IMC Managing Director Richard Oluoch, Farida Salim, Kisumu County Executive Member for Trade and Tourism and Charlton Okumu, IMC Head of Communications. [James Wanzala, Standard] Organisers of the 2025 Business Ecosystems Summit (BES), an investment forum uniting businesses, investors, and policymakers, have called on investors to channel their capital into high-impact projects. The event is expected to attract 2,000 participants from 23 countries. It will feature a high-level forum, sector-specific panels, investment matchmaking sessions and an immersive marketplace. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the summit, scheduled for…
Equity Group CEO James Mwangi during an investor briefing event. [File, Standard] Equity Bank has been named Best Regional Bank in East Africa at the 2025 African Banker Awards. The award ceremony took place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with the lender recognised for its role in deepening financial inclusion, empowering communities, and promoting sustainable economic development across East Africa. Equity Group Managing Director James Mwangi said: “We are deeply honoured by this recognition. This award is a testament to our commitment to delivering transformative financial services that empower individuals, businesses, and communities across East and Central Africa.” The African Banker…
Electric mobility company Spiro has been selected for the 2025 Regional Platforms for Climate Projects (RPCP) Pipeline as businesses across the globe transition to climate-smart and resilient solutions. The RPCP is an initiative designed to mobilise capital for climate ventures and projects in developing countries and emerging markets. Spiro operates an integrated platform that provides electric two-wheel mobility in eight African countries through distribution partners and financiers. Follow the The Standard channel on WhatsApp In 2024, the company generated Sh2.97 billion in revenue and is projecting a tenfold increase this year through funding to accelerate market growth. Follow the The Standard…
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, March 3, 2025. [KWS] Stakeholders in the tourism sector have echoed the need to protect Kenya’s global reputation and nurture the country’s youth as key drivers of economic recovery and sustainable tourism growth. This emerged during a consultative forum between the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), where they called for unity and constructive dialogue in the wake of recent disruptions. The ministry has acknowledged the concerns of the tourism sector over the potential impact of the recent political disruptions and appealed for positive national…
Nairobi Expressway passing GPO and Nyayo House and joining the one along Mombasa Road from Haileselasie roundabout, Nairobi. [David Gichuru/Standard] In a bid to champion Kenya’s green agenda of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, Sian Group and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura) have joined hands to plant trees in Kitengela, Nairobi. The initiative at the Group’s Maasai Flowers Ltd is aimed at building biodiversity and increasing the green footprint by planting 5,000 trees. The initiative is also aimed at increasing Kenya’s forest cover and the carbon sink to mitigate pollution and other adverse impacts of climate change. According to…
Uber eats delivery person carrying food to people who order by online app. [Courtesy] Uber Eats has signed a partnership agreement with Carrefour, owned by Majid Al Futtaim, that will make grocery shopping faster, easier, and more convenient. The pact will also see Carrefour extend customer access to its wide range of groceries and household essentials through Uber Eats, with Uber One members enjoying free delivery on all Carrefour orders. The collaboration brings together one of the leading retail brands with the delivery platform, ushering in a new era of on-demand grocery delivery tailored to the modern customer. Through the partnership, customers can…
Friendly woman harvesting fresh tomatoes from a greenhouse garden. [iStockphoto] AWARD Launches Gender in Agrifood Systems Policies (GASP) Program to Drive Inclusive Agricultural Development in Africa. Nairobi, Kenya – June 23, 2025 — African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) is pleased to announce the launch of the Gender in Agrifood Systems Policies (GASP) Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting gender-responsive policies to foster equitable and resilient agrifood systems across Africa. The inaugural cohort launch event will take place on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Holiday Inn Nairobi Two Rivers Mall,…
US President Donald Trump holds a chart as he delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden entitled “Make America Wealthy Again” at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025. [AFP] As the world grapples with global economic shockwaves and geopolitical tensions, US President Donald Trump’s administration has roiled the waters for both allies and foes. Considering America’s status as a global superpower, even Trump’s smallest policy decisions have far-reaching repercussions worldwide. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted…
Kenya Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan. [Courtesy] The Kenya Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan has reached a key milestone, attracting over 500,000 visitors as of Thursday. This comes only two and a half months into the six-month global exposition, far outpacing previous records. It highlights Kenya’s appeal on the international stage. The Commissioner General of Kenya’s Pavilion and Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (Keproba) Chief Executive Floice Mukabana said similar bilateral engagements have been slated for the trade and investment forum. “We are excited for the trade and investment opportunities that are presenting themselves from…
Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi speaking during investor briefing and release of Q1 2025 financial results. May 29, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] In a bold move to revive and strengthen the leather and tanning sector in Kenya and the broader East and Central African region, Equity Bank is positioning itself as a key financial partner to Italian investors eyeing local collaborations. This initiative comes as Italy pledges support to rejuvenate the industry, fostering deeper economic ties between the two nations. During a recent stakeholder meeting held at Equity Centre in Nairobi, the Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Roberto Natali, highlighted the session…
Britam Group Managing Director Tom Gitogo (left) welcomes Murang’a County Governor Irungu Kang’ata following a courtesy call by the county leadership. The visit focused on strengthening collaboration to boost insurance awareness and uptake across Murang’a County. [Courtesy] Britam’s innovation and incubation hub BetaLab has invested Sh5 million in a local fintech firm Oye, to boost access to insurance and ease fuel costs for the country’s two million boda boda drivers. Oye, founded in 2021 by Nairobi entrepreneur Kevin Mutiso, is built on a simple yet powerful model: loyalty points that unlock insurance benefits. Since launching, the platform has issued over 20,000…
Finance Committee Chair MP Kimani Kuria displays a QR Code to be uploaded on the Parliament’s portal for Information on Finance Bill, 2025. May 22, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Stakeholders and tax experts have expressed deep concerns over provisions in the Finance Bill, 2025, that could negatively impact businesses and cash flows in the economy. Key among them is the removal of products from zero-rated to tax-exempt, increasing excise on imported packaging materials outside the East African Community (EAC), removal of the 15 per cent corporate tax incentive on local assemblers of motor vehicles, and granting the taxman access to trade…
A Car Carrier, “MV Morning Calm” at the port of Mombasa. Traders are struggling to make sales because of reduced buyer purchasing power. [FILE] The Car Importers Association of Kenya (CIAK) has rejected the proposed revision of the retail selling prices of imported used motor vehicles by the government. The Automotive sector representative has said that the revision sets ground for unjustified and steep increase in showroom prices of motor vehicles. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters Already a subscriber? Log in The Car Importers Association of…
KRA defends new car valuation, says 2019 price list outdated Published Date: 2025-06-06 14:46:52 Author: By Esther Dianah Source: The Standard
Vehicles at the Isuzu/General Motors (GM) parking yard along Mombasa Road, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has defended its decision to revise the retail selling prices of imported used motor vehicles, following a push back from dealers who warn the move could push up retail prices. The Authority says the revision, the first since 2019, was made after consultations with stakeholders and will adopt the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) method to address persistent challenges in valuing used vehicles. “This approach aims to standardise values and ensure predictability and transparency within the industry,” said KRA in…
Airtel Money Kenya MD Anne Kinuthia Otieno and Airtel Kenya CEO Ashish Malhotra during Airtel Smarta Data Bundles launch in Nairobi, on February 14, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Airtel Kenya will now reimburse its customers 50 per cent of transaction fees for bank-to-Airtel Money transactions. The offer, which is part of its ongoing “Rudishiwa” transaction fee campaign series, will see customers receive 50 per cent of their bank-to-wallet transaction fees back as airtime, which can be used to buy data with no expiry. It is in addition to the existing offers on paybill and agent withdrawals, where customers enjoy 50 per cent…
Access Bank completes takeover of National Bank from KCB Published Date: 2025-06-01 16:48:01 Author: By Esther Dianah Source: The Standard
Paul Russo KCB Group CEO speaking during 2024 full year financial results on March 12, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Access Bank has completed the acquisition of National Bank of Kenya (NBK) from KCB Group as it continues on its Kenyan expansion drive. Negotiations between the two lenders have been ongoing since March 2024. The conclusion of the deal follows regulatory approvals and will see NBK become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Access Bank. In a joint statement Friday, the two lenders said NBK and Access Bank Kenya would continue to operate independently, pending the completion of all integration processes. “The completion of this transaction marks a significant milestone for KCB…
From Left: KCB Group CEO Paul Russo, Chairman Joseph Kinyua and Director Finance Lawrence Kimathi during the release of the 2024 full year financials in Nairobi, on March 12, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] KCB Group shareholders have approved a Sh9.6 billion total dividends payout for the 2024 financial year at an annual general meeting in Nairobi on Thursday. The dividend will be paid on May 23, 2025 to the shareholders on the members’ register at the close of business on April 3, 2025. This together with an interim dividend of Sh1.50 per share paid on October 23, 2024, brings the…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is to blame for some of the biggest scandals seen under the Kenya Kwanza government. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters Already a subscriber? Log in Published Date: 2025-05-23 00:00:00 Author: By Esther Dianah Source: The Standard
Mi Vida Chief Executive Samuel Kariuki and KCB Bank Director of Mortgage Business Caroline Wanjeri exchange documents during the signing of a partnership to accelerate the development of eco-friendly, affordable homes in Kenya. [Courtesy] Property developer Mi Vida Homes has signed a strategic partnership with Space Master Properties for the commercial and construction development of Habitat, a 24-story mixed-use development along Ralph Bunche Road in Nairobi. The development seeks to tap into Nairobi’s growing medical tourism. It includes 42 medical suites developed for sale to the healthcare industry, a residential and hospitality component tailored for short- and medium-term stays and retail space. The residential component…
Standard Gauge Railways (SGR) Nairobi Terminus. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Fewer people commuted using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the commuter rail in 2024. This resulted from fare hikes and commuter line disruptions, impacting revenues. In the same period, the SGR raised passenger revenues amounting to Sh4 billion in 2024, marking a 39.4 per cent increase from the previous year. The passenger revenue increase was a result of a 50 per cent fare hike implemented in January 2024. This however, is in contrast with the number of passengers transported through the SGR in 2024. The number of passengers declined 10.3…
Standard Gauge Railways (SGR) Nairobi Terminus. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Fewer people commuted using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the commuter rail in 2024. This was a result of fare hikes and commuter line disruptions, impacting revenues. In the same period, the SGR raised passenger revenues amounting to Sh4 billion in 2024, marking a 39.4 per cent increase from the previous year. The passenger revenue increase was a result of a 50 per cent fare hike implemented in January 2024. This however is in contrast with the number of passengers transported through the SGR in 2024. The number of passengers…
Tourists in a sight seeing evening at the coastal town of Lamu in November, 2012. [File, Standard] Tourist numbers to Kenya in 2024 hit 2.39 million, marking a new high in the five years since 2020. This represents a 14.7 per cent growth compared to 2.1 million visitors recorded in 2023. The growth, according to the Economic Survey 2025 by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), was attributed to the adoption of digital tools, electronic travel authorisation and aggressive marketing. The growth was also a result of enhanced tourism product diversification and targeted online promotion. Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chief Executive June Chepkemei said in a statement that the…
European Investment Bank Team Leader Guillermo Bosse (left) flanked by Family Bank CEO Rebecca Mbithi, during the Value Add training for SMEs for Family Bank Business in Nairobi. [David Njaaga,Standard] The European Investment Bank’s development arm (EIB Global) and Family Bank are mobilising Sh14.7 billion (Euros 100 million) to finance women-owned and led businesses, and youth entrepreneurs in the country. Each of the institutions will contribute Sh7.35 billion (Euros 50 million). “EIB Global is providing Euros 50 million credit line to Family Bank, which will match the sum in an agreement to expand loans for Kenyan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Caps,” noted a statement from the bank. The financing accord, announced during the second edition of…
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa during Safaricom’s financial year investor briefing in Nairobi, on May 9, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] About seven months after he took over Safaricom as chief executive, Mr Peter Ndegwa presented a new strategy to the telco’s board. He was proposing to transform the firm through a conversion – from a telecommunications company into a technology company. While Safaricom had long established itself as the biggest and most profitable company in Kenya and the region, it could do more, he argued. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access…
Kenya Revenue Authority offices in Nairobi. [File, Standard] The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched a crackdown on Value Added Tax (VAT) fraud, targeting the notorious “missing trader scheme” and reinforcing internal controls to curb staff collusion. The initiative is a response to staggering monthly revenue losses due to fictitious invoicing and tax evasion. The “Missing Trader Scheme” involves fraudsters registering shell companies to generate fake VAT invoices, enabling illegitimate tax deduction claims without any actual business transactions. These entities often disappear before remitting any VAT, depriving the exchequer of billions in revenue. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a…
Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi during the Full Year 2024 investor briefing in Nairobi on March 27, 2025. :[Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Equity Group Holdings and the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) have strengthened their commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with a $500 million (Sh64.5 billion) facility. The facility targets MSMEs in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with plans to extend to future Equity Group subsidiaries over the next 10 years. It will enable Equity Group to increase its lending activities to MSMEs, with the initiative projected to sustain over 50,000 jobs, the…
Brookside Dairy Milk Procurement General Manager Emmanuel Kabaki (left) at a past event. [Courtesy] Earnings by dairy farmers in Central and South Rift from raw milk sold to processor Brookside climbed to Sh1.9 billion last year. The payout represents a 29 per cent growth over earnings in 2023, with Brookside attributing the rise to favourable weather and the adoption of better farm practices by smallholder farmers in the two regions. Narok County led the pack, with farmers in the area chalking up Sh1 billion in returns from raw milk sold to the processor, up from Sh680 million in 2023. Farmers…
COTU SG Francis Atwoli with CS Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Dr Alfred Mutua on August 20, 2024, at Upper Hill, Nairobi. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard] Trade Unionists want labour-related issues addressed. In a meeting on Friday with Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Mutua , they asked that labour laws be adhered to. Speaking in Nairobi, during the pre-labour day reflection conference, the Unionists asked Dr. Alfred Mutua to ensure revival of wages councils, harmonization and review of existing labour laws, to be in harmony with the Constitution of Kenya 2010. The meeting convened by the County Governance Watch delved…
Mr. Daniel Juma, Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Kenya- awarded in Nairobi. [Esther Dianah] Global Peace Foundation’s Kenya Country Director, Daniel Juma, Britam Holding CEO Tom Gitogo, KEPSA CEO Carole Karuga and Paul Russo of KCB bank are among the 50 most influential CEOs in Kenya. The 50 CEOs were unveiled in the second edition of the Gala Award and CEO’s Summit in Nairobi. The list presented a pool of outstanding CEOs from different sectors, including Banking, aviation, Tech, and media- With standard group CEO Marion Gathoga being feted as one of the most influential CEO’s in Kenya. Africapitol…
Mr. Daniel Juma, Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Kenya- awarded in Nairobi. [Esther Dianah] Global Peace Foundation’s Kenya Country Director, Daniel Juma, Britam Holding CEO Tom Gitogo, KEPSA CEO Carole Karuga and Paul Russo of KCB bank are among the 50 most influential CEOs in Kenya. The 50 CEOs were unveiled in the second edition of the Gala Award and CEO’s Summit in Nairobi. The list presented a pool of outstanding CEOs from different sectors, including Banking, aviation, Tech, and media- With standard group CEO Marion Gathoga being feted as one of the most influential CEO’s in Kenya. Africapitol…
A customer shop for mitumba cloth at Toi Market in Kibra, Nairobi on June 09, 2022. [File, Standard] Recent studies have shown that Kenya is now Africa’s largest importer of second hand clothes. This could also suggest that the government has lost significant revenues due to misinvoicing. Latest Data by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) shows that Kenya imported used clothes and textiles valued Sh38.5 billion (298 million usd in 2023) overtaking Nigeria. In the same period, Kenya had one of the largest trade deficits in second hand trade. In 2023, the leading exporters of Used Clothing were United States ($1.09B), China ($736M), and…
Joseph Kang’ethe with CEO and founder of African Originals Alexandra Chapatte on his farm at Ndenderu, Kiambu County. [Esther Dianah] For years, Joseph Kang’ethe toiled on his quarter-acre farm in Kiambu, growing vegetables with little to show for his effort. But everything changed in 2015 when he made a bold decision — to switch exclusively to mint farming. Today, his once-struggling farm thrives with fragrant rows of mint, a transformation fuelled by his willingness to embrace a more profitable, low-maintenance crop. For years, Joseph Kang’ethe toiled on his quarter-acre farm in Kiambu, growing vegetables with little to show for his…
Absa Head Quarters, Waiyaki Way. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Absa Bank Kenya has unveiled an enhanced home loan solution, offering 110 per cent financing to help Kenyans climb the property ladder. The new facility is available at competitive interest rates, with a repayment period of up to 25 years. The financing is available for both direct purchase and remortgaging. It is open to salaried individuals, small and medium enterprises (SME) owners, and Kenyans in the diaspora. By covering not only the cost of the property but also associated fees such as stamp duty, legal fees and valuation charges, Absa says this…
Absa Head Quarters, Waiyaki Way. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Absa Bank Kenya has unveiled an enhanced home loan solution, offering 110 per cent financing to help Kenyans climb the property ladder. The new facility is available at competitive interest rates, with a repayment period of up to 25 years. The financing is available for both direct purchase and remortgaging. It is open to salaried individuals, small and medium enterprises (SME) owners, and Kenyans in the diaspora. By covering not only the cost of the property but also associated fees such as stamp duty, legal fees and valuation charges, Absa says this…
Absa Head Quarters, Waiyaki Way. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Absa Bank Kenya has unveiled an enhanced home loan solution, offering 110 per cent financing to help Kenyans climb the property ladder. The new facility is available at competitive interest rates, with a repayment period of up to 25 years. The financing is available for both direct purchase and remortgaging. It is open to salaried individuals, small and medium enterprises (SME) owners, and Kenyans in the diaspora. By covering not only the cost of the property but also associated fees such as stamp duty, legal fees and valuation charges, Absa says this…
Absa Head Quarters, Waiyaki Way. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Absa Bank Kenya has unveiled an enhanced home loan solution, offering 110 per cent financing to help Kenyans climb the property ladder. The new facility is available at competitive interest rates, with a repayment period of up to 25 years. The financing is available for both direct purchase and remortgaging. It is open to salaried individuals, small and medium enterprises (SME) owners, and Kenyans in the diaspora. By covering not only the cost of the property but also associated fees such as stamp duty, legal fees and valuation charges, Absa says this…
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 has said it will lift the moratorium on licensing of new commercial banks on July 1, 2025, which may see more lenders enter the market. The moratorium, which has been in place from November 17, 2015, was imposed against a backdrop of governance, risk management, and operational challenges in the banking sector. The lifting of the moratorium paves way…
Absa Head Quarters, Waiyaki Way. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Absa Bank Kenya has unveiled an enhanced home loan solution, offering 110 per cent financing to help Kenyans climb the property ladder. The new facility is available at competitive interest rates, with a repayment period of up to 25 years. The financing is available for both direct purchase and remortgaging. It is open to salaried individuals, small and medium enterprises (SME) owners, and Kenyans in the diaspora. By covering not only the cost of the property but also associated fees such as stamp duty, legal fees and valuation charges, Absa says this…
Ministry of investment, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui with Principal Secretary in the State Department for Industry Juma Mukhwana during the Development of National Cotton,Textile and Apparel ,Policy Media Breakfast meeting on April 15,2025. [Benard Orwongo,Standard] Kenya cannot have a thriving textile Industry and at the same time remain a favourite export destination for second hand clothes, Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui. According to the CS, there is need for political good will to revive Kenya’s textile industry. He said the global trade realignment caused by Trump’s new tariffs on countries around the world is an opportunity for Kenya to look inwards to promote local manufacturing and enhance value…
From left: Prudential Kenya’s Agency Manager Emma Kaara, Agency Development Executive Jane Tutu, CEO Gwen Kinisu, and Commercial Strategy and Operations Africa Achumile Majija at the recent opening of the company’s newest branch in Nairobi. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard] In a bid to address youth unemployment in the country, Prudential Assurance has announced plans to recruit and train more than 5,000 sales agents across Kenya over the next five years. Besides boosting its agent network from the current 1,000 to 5,000, the firm said, this will create more jobs for Kenyan youths. While launching its newest branch in Nairobi, following the…
A section of the Nairobi Expressway. [File, Standard] A nonprofit dedicated to empowering new cities with better governance to lift tens of millions of people out of poverty, The Charter Cities Institute (CCI) will host a summit featuring a pitch competition. Dubbed Cities Catapult for urban development, the forum is aimed at accelerating the development of new cities. The New Cities Summit 2025 to be held in June will showcase pioneering urban development projects and connect developers with top financiers, policymakers, and experts for strategic guidance and potential investment avenues. Hosted in partnership with the Africa Infrastructure Development Association (AfIDA), the…
A section of the Nairobi Expressway. [File, Standard] A nonprofit dedicated to empowering new cities with better governance to lift tens of millions of people out of poverty, The Charter Cities Institute (CCI) will host a summit featuring a pitch competition. Dubbed Cities Catapult for urban development, the forum is aimed at accelerating the development of new cities. The New Cities Summit 2025 to be held in June will showcase pioneering urban development projects and connect developers with top financiers, policymakers, and experts for strategic guidance and potential investment avenues. Hosted in partnership with the Africa Infrastructure Development Association (AfIDA), the…
A section of the Nairobi Expressway. [File, Standard] A nonprofit dedicated to empowering new cities with better governance to lift tens of millions of people out of poverty, The Charter Cities Institute (CCI) will host a summit featuring a pitch competition. Dubbed Cities Catapult for urban development, the forum is aimed at accelerating the development of new cities. The New Cities Summit 2025 to be held in June will showcase pioneering urban development projects and connect developers with top financiers, policymakers, and experts for strategic guidance and potential investment avenues. Hosted in partnership with the Africa Infrastructure Development Association (AfIDA), the…
Lufthansa Group station Manager,NBO and SEZ secretary General ,AOC Kenya IFQP Certified Inspector Adwale Sanni overall winner of the Aviation Business Excellence awards. [David Gichuru/Standard] The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) last Friday hosted the fourth edition of the Aviation Business Excellence Awards (ABEA) Gala, bringing together over 350 industry stakeholders to celebrate excellence in aviation and related sectors. The programme evaluates airport stakeholders using a rigorous business assessment tool, focusing on key themes such as customer focus, leadership, marketing, sustainability, and people focus. Speaking at the gala event, KAA Chairman Caleb Kositany noted that the authority has undertaken initiatives such…
National Treasury CS John Mbadi (centre), Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo (left) and Institute Of Public Finance CEO James Muraguri during the 2025 medium-term debt management strategy in Nairobi, on March 26, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Kenyan businesses face significant challenges in accessing credit due to high lending rates, a situation that could further be exacerbated by the government’s growing appetite for borrowing locally. This is as the National Treasury plans to crank up borrowing from local banks in the coming years, crowding out the private sector. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the government has planned to increase credit supply…