Author: By Graham Kajilwa

Treasury CS John Mbadi during the 2025 Budget reading on June 12th,2025 at Parliament [Elvis Ogina,Standard] When it comes to timely disbursement of funds to county governments, accusations never cease to flare up. What the law envisioned to be a simple click of the button becomes a web of finger pointing.  Counties accuse the national government of sabotage; Controller of Budget points finger at counties; governors blame Controller of Budget; national government blame Controller of Budget—and the National Treasury says it is the economy. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock…

Published Date: 2025-08-08 08:00:00 Author: By Graham Kajilwa Source: The Standard

President William Ruto during the presidential roundtable with the Kenya Private Sector at Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, on August 6, 2025. [PSC] Businesses will soon be able to use the tax credits they are owed by the taxman as Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds to offset other tax obligations if a proposal presented to President William Ruto is approved. The President’s office is also reconsidering the three-month provision in the Finance Act, 2025, regarding the verification and payment of VAT refunds, to revert it to 90 days. The provision before, as contained in the Tax Procedures Act, indicated that…

President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at ⁠Kirembe Grounds in Kisumu break ground for the construction of the LV Marina Housing Project. President Ruto said that the affordable housing project turns low-income earners like Mama Mboga into home-owners.[PCS] Beneath the push to meet the country’s housing deficit of two million units, is an industry that is quite conflicted between the existing demand and what is affordable. Notwithstanding the confusion behind what exactly is affordable, the argument by experts is that Kenya, predominantly Nairobi, is a rental market. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited…

President William Ruto speaking during the Presidential Private Sector Roundtable at Ole Sereni, on August 6, 2025. [PCS] Kenyan exporters of agricultural produce will now access the Chinese market duty-free after the two countries concluded bilateral trade talks initiated in April during President William Ruto’s State visit to Beijing. Seen as a charm offensive move to the newly imposed 10 per cent US tariff on Kenyan exports, President Ruto said yesterday the deal would balance trade between the two markets. Addressing a private sector round table, the President claimed that Kenya has been under pressure to reduce its engagement with China.…

President William Ruto with his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu at a past event. [PCS] The collapse of a four-storey building in Kariokor Market, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in November 2024 triggered events that led to a ban on foreigners from engaging in some businesses in the country. The incident, which left at least 13 dead, culminated in a gazette notice by the Tanzanian Minister for Industry and Trade Selemani Saidi Jafo, on July 25 this year, announcing the ban. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all…

President William Ruto during the Hustler Fund launch on November 30, 2022 in Nairobi. [File, Standard] Claims by a human rights body that the Hustler Fund is operating at a net loss of 71.5 per cent have raised questions about its business model. While Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has dismissed the claims, continuous funding of the fund from the Exchequer has been described as unsustainable. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing…

Man pulling a chain to move big ball debt. [Courtesy. Standard] Underneath President Donald Trump’s infamous tariffs is a growing concern about the increasing debt in advanced economies. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently warned of increased pressure on financial markets for economies such as Kenya. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock 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 Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Underneath President Donald Trump’s infamous…

Directline Assurance Team leader customer corporate Eliakim Olando,Chris Katiwa – Head Of Sales – Directline Assurance,,Kaka travellers Sacco member James Njoroge and   Directline Assurance CEO Sammy Kanyi   during the celebrations of Directline assurance 20 years in service at a Nairobi Hotel,Nairobi on 26th June 2025. [David Gichuru,Standard] The High Court has issued fresh orders gagging a section of shareholders of Directline Assurance from publishing information related to the business in the latest fiasco surrounding the ownership of the insurer. Lady Justice Janet Mulwa issued the orders on Wednesday, following claims by the insurer that part of the ownership of the business had published information warning the public against…

Acorn CEO Edward Kirathe speaking during Acorn & Absa bank affordable housing partnership on 8th February 2023. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Acorn Investment Management Ltd (AIML) has reported a profit growth of 32 per cent to Sh457 million for the half year ended June 30, 2025. AIML is the Reit (Real Estate Investment Trusts) Manager of the Acorn Student Accommodation Development Reit (ASA D-Reit) and the Acorn Student Accommodation Income Reit (ASA I-Reit) – the entity behind the Qwetu and Qejani student accommodation. ASA D-Reit is the developer of the projects, while ASA I-Reit buys the completed projects and manages them.…

Illegally harvested cedar posts ready for market. [Fred Kibor, Standard] The cost of processed wood for furniture and construction purposes is expected to double as the government unveils a Sh176 billion plan to improve the commercial forestry sector. The plan contained in the Kenya Industrial Wood Sector Vision 2050, and prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, bets on the government’s intention to privatise public forests. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly…

Nancy Njau, CEO of Family Bank, speaks during the lender’s Q1 2025 financial results at Radisson Blu, Nairobi, on May 21, 2025. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard] Family Bank has secured a $20 million (Sh2.6 billion) facility from British International Investment (BII) for onward lending to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in trade-related sectors. BII is a United Kingdom-based development finance institution and impact investor. This partnership, which seeks to bolster trade financing in the country, will have a minimum of 75 per cent of the funds directed towards financing trade for MSMEs. At least 50 per cent of these will…

Close up view of old dirty rough elderly retired woman hands. Small pension concept. [Courtesy] The Auditor General has poked holes into the Hustler Fund pension kitty, Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust (Knest), detailing how the agency gobbles up Sh130 million annually with little to show for what it has delivered on its mandate. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock 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 Follow The Standard…

Clean coffeee store at Sasini coffee milling  factory in kiambu on 19 May 2022. [David Gichuru,Standard] Listed agribusiness Sasini Plc targets to be compliant with the FLAG (forest, land, and agriculture) guidelines of reporting emissions by 2026. Details of the firm’s readiness to make these disclosures are contained in its just-released 2024 sustainability report. Sasini, known for tea, coffee, macadamia and avocado exports, notes in the report that while data on FLAG emissions has been collected, it falls outside the current reporting period, and will, therefore, be disclosed in the subsequent sustainability report. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp FLAG is a global…

Standard Chartered Bank becomes the first global bank to offer deliverable spot cryptoasset trading for institutional clients. [File, Standard] Standard Chartered Bank (StanChart) has launched a fully integrated digital assets trading service for institutional clients that will allow the sale and purchase of virtual assets such as crypto. The service is in line with the bank’s commitment to offer clients safe and efficient digital asset solutions. It follows the successful launch of its digital assets custody service. The offering includes spot trading for Bitcoin (XBT/USD) and Ether (XET/USD) through its UK branch. It will soon be introducing non-deliverable forwards (NDFs)…

Published Date: 2025-07-29 12:03:54 Author: By Graham Kajilwa Source: The Standard

Sometime in 2016, the government introduced Mwananchi Gas, an elaborate Sh3 billion project meant to transition households from charcoal and firewood to clean cooking energy. While it was marred by its own controversies, the project birthed a shift in energy consumption that today, the cost of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) having gone down, has encouraged even street food vendors, who previously relied on firewood and charcoal, to use it. Though this transition might have nevertheless worked for the food industry, which is just a small portion of the country’s larger manufacturing sector, larger corporates still decry how the cost of…

Airtel Money Kenya MD Anne Kinuthia Otieno and CEO Ashish Malhotra during Airtel Smarta Data Bundles launch, on February 14, 2025. [File, Standard] Airtel Africa says it sees more room for growth in the mobile money space as the telco reported a revenue growth of 22.4 per cent to Sh184 billion ($1.4 billion) for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. The telco’s revenue in East Africa grew by 17.6 per cent to Sh64.7 billion ($498 million). Voice revenue went up 15.1 per cent, supported by a 9.8 per cent growth in customer base and voice average revenue per user growth…

Starting a clothing or apparel store might be the most profitable business move in today’s market, according to the latest Investor Pulse report by ICEA LION Asset Management. The report indicates a significant surge in the fashion and apparel segment, driven by increased customer numbers rather than price hikes — suggesting a softening and stabilisation of commodity prices over the last six months. According to the data, the clothing and apparel sector posted the strongest performance in the second quarter of 2025, with a 75-point jump compared to the first quarter — and 79 points higher year-on-year. Follow The Standard…

Postal Corporation of Kenya liabilities were vested in the corporation in 1999 through Legal Notice 156. [File, Standard] The Postal Corporation of Kenya’s liabilities are almost hitting Sh10 billion. This is as the latest Auditor General’s report on the entity’s financial health shows it still renders services to clients who are unable to pay. The Auditor General’s report for the 2023/2024 financial year shows liabilities for the cash-strapped parastatal stood at Sh9.6 billion as of June 30, 2023. The entity also continued its streak of negative working capital. The statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, the Nancy…

Postal Corporation of Kenya liabilities were vested in the corporation in 1999 through Legal Notice 156. [File, Standard] The Postal Corporation of Kenya’s liabilities are almost hitting Sh10 billion. This is as the latest Auditor General’s report on the entity’s financial health shows it still renders services to clients who are unable to pay. The Auditor General’s report for the 2023/2024 financial year shows liabilities for the cash-strapped parastatal stood at Sh9.6 billion as of June 30, 2023. The entity also continued its streak of negative working capital. The statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, the Nancy…

Kenya is among the countries singled out on the continent for levying almost non-existent property taxes when compared to gross domestic product (GDP). Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock 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 Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Published Date: 2025-07-24 06:00:00 Author: By Graham Kajilwa Source: The Standard

A section of Juja town in Kiambu, on Thursday, July 16 2020.Most businesses that rely on students from the university for business have adversely been affected as all learning institutions are shut owing to Covid-19 pandemic. [David Njaaga,Standard] Land prices in Juja, Kiambu County, grew the fastest in the last 12 months among Nairobi city’s satellite towns, even as the latest HassConsult Property Indices show developers in these areas are slowing down due to oversupply of apartments. Tough economic times, the indices show, have caused both private home developers in these areas and commercial ones to slow down. Uncover the…

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa addresses participants during an event on July 16, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]  Kenya’s leading telco Safaricom has surpassed 50 million customers across its mobile network in the country. The telco partly attributes this to the company’s yearlong customer engagement drive, which started last year ahead of its 25th anniversary celebrations slated for this October. “This milestone reflects the deep connection we have built with Kenyans over the past two and a half decades, and as we approach our silver jubilee, we recommit ourselves to always being a force for good and creating what’s next for our customers,”…

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, March 3, 2025. [File, Standard] The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) plans new products, among them a wildlife translocation experience, in its latest review of access fees for parks and conservancies under its management. The review, if approved, will improve KWS’ revenue to Sh12 billion annually from Sh7.6 billion as recorded in 2024. KWS has also introduced a new category of visitors, seeking to tap into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the recent scrapping of visa requirements for all African and most Caribbean nations. The new fees are contained in the…

Safaricom PLC Chief Finance Officer- Dilip Pal, Board Chairman Adil Khawaja, Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa and Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia (CEO) Wim Vanhelleputte during release of Safaricom 2024/25 Full Year Results at Michael Joseph Centre in Nairobi. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] There was excitement at Safaricom earlier in July when the data showed that there had been 10 million customers active on the Safaricom Ethiopia network over the last 90 days. Having a huge active customer base for 90 days on your network means that they have become long-term customers, more than tourists who get a local SIM card to use for…

PS Susan Mang’eni at Bunge Towers,Parliament. February 24, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Financial technology (fintech) firms interested in the Kenyan market have been advised to look for novel areas of investment besides payment solutions, which is said to be a saturated space. The dominance of telcos in this space is said to be both an enabler and an impediment for new players who seek a slice of this market. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly…

Paul Russo KCB Group CEO speaking during 2024 full year financial results on 12th March 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] KCB Group emerged as the best bank in Kenya in the 2025 Euromoney Awards of Excellence held in London, United Kingdom. The bank was also named the best bank for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in the country. It also emerged as Africa’s best bank for corporate social responsibility. This is as Stanbic Bank Kenya was named the best investment bank. Euromoney says Stanbic Bank Kenya has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in investment banking, crucially in debt financing, where it has facilitated pivotal credit…

Caption Entrepreneur and philanthropist billionaire Mo Ibrahim says the formation of a continental credit rating agency, as envisioned by President William Ruto, may leave the continent in a worse situation. In a new report, he proposes other quick wins amid these reforms. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock 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 Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Entrepreneur and philanthropist billionaire Mo Ibrahim says the formation…

Caption Entrepreneur and philanthropist billionaire Mo Ibrahim says the formation of a continental credit rating agency, as envisioned by President William Ruto, may leave the continent in a worse situation. In a new report, he proposes other quick wins amid these reforms. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock 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 Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Entrepreneur and philanthropist billionaire Mo Ibrahim says the formation…

PS Susan Mang’eni (MSME Development)  during a meeting with the National Assembly’s Committee on Trade, Cooperatives and Industry over the 2025 Budget Policy Statement at Bunge Towers, Parliament on February 24th,2025. (Elvis Ogina, Standard) Kenya’s taxation regime has come under scrutiny once again as a section of the United Kingdom (UK) based fintech firms pitched tents seeking a share of the country’s vibrant financial services. The 13 firms, some of which have already set up shop locally, are providing solutions such as digital payment systems and cross-border payments with the aim of expanding to other markets using Kenya as their…

An artistic impression of a factory at the Naivasha Special Economic Zone. [Courtesy] The development of green industrial parks, such as the Green Energy Park in Naivasha, Nakuru County, presents an opportunity for investors in real estate to tap into in the wake of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Real estate consultant Knight Frank notes that investors who are quick to move into the industrial and logistics space are set to benefit as governments on the continent implement the AfCFTA. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited…

From left- Dr Cleophas Ambira Chairman Kenya Association of Records managers and Archivists (KARMA), Mary Kerema, Secretary ICT, E-Government and Digital Economy and Dr Naftal Chweya Director Records and Management State Department of Culture and Heritage during the 8th KARMA leaders’ Conference with the theme “Records Digitization: Getting it Right.” July 15, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] The turnaround time of government services is expected to reduce with the implementation of end-to-end digitisation of records and processes. Amid the ongoing digitisation of government services, which now stands at 22,800, the government will also unveil the National Records Digitisation Guidelines to facilitate…

Huawei’s 10.2-inch Mate XT tablet. [Courtesy] There was a time when a smartphone was a status symbol. It dictated who you are and what you are worth. Owning any brand of iPhone, then, meant you belonged to the upper echelon of society. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock 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 Follow the The Standard channel on WhatsApp There was a time when a smartphone was…

Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid) and DropByDrop Water Systems (DropByDrop), have announced a strategic partnership to resolve non-revenue water challenges. This collaboration, which combines Liquid’s network and tailored technology solutions with DropByDrop’s cloud-based water management platform, is aimed at delivering smart water solutions to resolve non-revenue water.  “Water scarcity is a growing challenge across the continent, and managing this precious resource efficiently is more important. Through our partnership with DropByDrop, we’re bringing Liquid’s advanced technology and data-driven solutions to Kenya’s water sector,” said Neeraj Pradhan, Liquid Kenya’s acting CEO. Liquid’s existing Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure has been integrated with DropByDrop’s platform…

Insurance Regulatory Authority Chief Executive Godfrey Kiptum says high costs come with the introduction of new products into the market. [File, Standard] The insurance regulator has noted reluctance among sector players to introduce new products into the market, away from what is anchored in the law, such as third-party motor vehicle covers. Commissioner of Insurance and Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) Chief Executive Godfrey Kiptum referenced high costs that come with this process as one of the reasons. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all premium content…

US President Donald Trump Financial market experts do not foresee further volatility from the United States (US) President Donald Trump’s tariffs. This is as the latest global outlook by Standard Chartered predicts trade consensus between America and the rest of the individual countries. While previous reports, one of them authored by World Bank downgraded the growth of a majority of economies due to the tariffs, among them Kenya, Standard Chartered Chief Investment Officer for Europe, Middle East and Africa Manpreet Gill, insinuates that the worst effects of the tariffs have passed. He says the debate on the effect of the…

Metropol CEO Gideon Kipyakwai   during the release of the findings of a state of the economy ”Tala MoneyMarch” report survey conducted between January and February 2025 during the Launch of Tala Money march report at a Serena hotel,Nairobi on 12th March 2025. [David Gichuru,Standard] Metropol Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) and the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) have partnered to enhance the collection and analysis of data with a key focus on women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The partnership follows a competitive bidding process involving all three licensed CRBs in Kenya, with Metropol emerging as the winner. The deal was signed…

KNBS Director General Macdonald Obudho unveils strategy to streamline the collection and dissemination of data across various sectors. [File, Standard] The government’s statistician has unveiled a plan to collate data that would quantify the contribution of natural resources to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The National Plan for Advancement of Environmental Economic Accounting narrows down to six areas of focus that are key to the country’s economy. These are water, forest, land, ecosystem, minerals and energy. Alongside the document, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has also launched the Second Kenya Strategy for Development of Statistics (2025-2028). The…

Mombasa residents view the remains of a building that collapsed at Mwembe Tayari in Mombasa on 9th May 2018. [Omondi Onyango/Standard] Cement, electrical cables and particle boards are some of the most counterfeited products in the building industry, as a new report reveals low awareness of these forged materials among consumers. The Consumer Level Survey Report 2025 by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) lists cement and its affiliated products as the most counterfeited products in the building and construction industry. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all…

Masoko, an affiliate of Safaricom, was named gold winner in the Best Mobile Devices and Accessories category. [File Standard] A number of firms received accolades in the Kenya E-Commerce Awards, 2025 which also saw Safaricom’s platform Masoko emerge winner in the mobile devices category. Cake City Kenya was named gold winner for Best Bakery or Cake E-Commerce Platform.  Masoko, an affiliate of Safaricom, on the other hand was named gold winner in the Best Mobile Devices and Accessories category. The 2025 edition also saw Jiji awarded as the Best Online Car Marketplace while Opalnet bagged gold winner Best E-Commerce Team.…

Book vendors  on January 23, 2023, displayed  books in the streets of Migori town during school opening to attract parents and students. [Caleb Kingwara/Standard] Street vendors have been singled out as the main sellers of counterfeit goods in a new survey by the Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA). Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock 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 Book vendors  on January 23, 2023, displayed  books in the streets…

Whenever President William Ruto meets a delegation of leaders from overseas, one of the key topics of discussion has been how to export labour to their markets. The head of State has been persistent in including the labour movement in the trade deals he signs with other countries. “We may not have gold, silver and oil, but our greatest asset as a country is our human resource capital,” he will say. “It is the reason I just came back from Germany. They also see Kenya as a source for qualified talent that can be useful for working in their economy,”…

Zebras in Nyekweri-Kimintet community forest in Trans Mara, Narok county, on April 17, 2025. [Peter Muiruri, Standard] Kenya’s poor data on forest cover is among the challenges behind the country’s unrealised Sh130 billion ($1 billion) revenue from carbon credit trading. A report by the African Development Bank (AfDB) states that forestry as a sector contributes 3.6 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money…

The National Treasury building in Nairobi. [File, Standard] Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has delivered a Sh57 million dividend to the National Treasury while unveiling a Sh500 million recovery facility for Sacco-based lending. This was during the inaugural Next Frontier Africa 2025 Summit in Nairobi. The three-day Summit, convened by KDC brought together over 700 public and private sector leaders committed to reshaping Africa’s investment architecture. Director General of Budget, Fiscal and Economic Affairs at the National Treasury Albert Mwenda, while receiving the cheque lauded KDC for delivering both financial value and national development impact.  “This dividend reflects not only financial…

Zebras in Nyekweri-Kimintet community forest in Trans Mara, Narok county, on April 17, 2025. [Peter Muiruri, Standard] Kenya’s poor data on forest cover is among the challenges behind the country’s unrealised Sh130 billion ($1 billion) revenue from carbon credit trading. A report by the African Development Bank (AfDB) states that forestry as a sector contributes 3.6 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money…

Brighter Monday acting Managing Director Sarah Ndegwa during the Brighter Monday HR Smartlab roundtable meeting in Nairobi, on July 3, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is now threatening some technical jobs that were previously considered ‘safe’ as the tasks can now be done without the hard skills. A new report shows some skills associated with jobs such as accounting, marketing, sales, finance, project management, human resource management, and business development may now no longer be in demand, threatening the dreams of many workers. Additionally, Kenya’s education system has been singled out for being either…

African Development Bank report states that Kenya’s tax system suffers from significant governance challenges that limit revenue mobilisation. [Courtesy] Less taxes levied on high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) and an underdeveloped property tax regime are among the resource mobilisation gaps that Kenya faces, with the financial gap projected to reach Sh1.6 trillion ($12.5 billion) annually by 2030. As financial sector experts warn of this gap, a new report by the African Development Bank (AfDB) opines that Kenya is not taking the full pound of flesh from the wealthy and that the country does not have a clear tax framework. The Country Focus…

A long time ago, before the advent of colour television, the real estate landscape was just as displeasing. The visual texture of buildings was bland, with limited shades of colours mostly oscillating between grey and white. It took courageous souls to start painting their iron-sheet roofs maroon or green, but as a way to ward off rust. Then gradually, over the years, the colours started streaming down the walls, and the bland concrete finishes became vibrant, bursting with shades of orange and red. The white and off-whites type of paint synonymous with government houses is today red or yellow, as seen in the…

3D rendering of a house undergoing amplifying renovations with an energy chart, blueprints and other documents. [Getty Images] Among the key industries that contributed to Kenya’s 4.7 per cent growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024 was construction. The sector, however, had a negative growth of 0.7 per cent. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Subscribe for Full Access Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters Already a subscriber? Log in 3D rendering of a house undergoing amplifying renovations with an energy…

 Luisa Ortega, president of the Africa operating unit of the CocaCola Company during the 2025 US-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola. [Courtesy] A new report shows the economic contribution of CocaCola Company and its authorised dealers is valued at Sh1.4 trillion across Africa. The CocaCola Company on Wednesday announced the results of an Africa-wide socio-economic impact study during the 2025 US-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola. The study shows that the CocaCola system, made up of The CocaCola Company and its authorised bottlers, working with a wide network of suppliers, manufacturers, service providers and customers, contributed $10.4 billion (Sh1.4 trillion)…

Tea farmer John Nduti Mwangi plucking green leaf in his farm in Kiangari village. Mwangi is one of the 6,500 farmers who are the shareholders at Nduti tea Factory in Kandara, Murang’a. [Boniface Gikandi] Counties have an opportunity to improve their own source revenue if a law is enacted to facilitate the branding of products according to their origin or communities. Findings from an ongoing partnership between Equity Group, Murang’a County and the French Embassy have identified this gap, which partly limits how the devolved units, especially those known for agricultural produce, can brand themselves in the global space. Uncover the stories others won’t…

Development finance institutions (DFIs) are predicted to focus less on Kenya as their priorities shift to other markets in the region, which might further derail the country’s competitiveness. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Subscribe for Full Access Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters Already a subscriber? Log in Published Date: 2025-07-02 00:00:00 Author: By Graham Kajilwa Source: The Standard

Standard Group Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Chacha Mwita at Standard Group Headquarters on June 18, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard] The Standard Group has appointed Chaacha Mwita as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer effective July 1, 2025, following the exit of Ms Marion Gathoga-Mwangi. Mr Mwita has also been appointed as an Executive Director to the Board. In a notice from the Board, Company Secretary Millicent Ngetich said the appointment of Mr Mwita comes as a result of Ms Gathoga-Mwangi’s resignation on June 30. Ms  Gathoga-Mwangi has been the Group CEO since July 15, 2024. “Ms Gathoga exits to pursue…

From left: Standard Group PLC Finance Controller Kiplagat Kiprotich, Group CEO Marion Gathoga-Mwangi, Board Chairman Julius Kipngetich, Company Secretary Millicent Ngetich, Grant Thornton LLP External Auditor Alfred Siele and Standard Group Chief Executive Editor Chaacha Mwita during the Standard Group 107th Annual General Meeting 2025, in Nairobi, on June 30, 2025. Nairobi. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard] The Standard Group Plc is banking on the upcoming rights issue, cost intervention measures and new revenue streams to power its recovery plan. Also in the media house’s recovery plan is increased debt collection, to recover nearly a billion shillings owed by government institutions and…

James Mulili (Director – Tax PKF) during pre-budget media briefing 2025/2026. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] KCB Group chief executive Paul Russo, during a recent forum attended by Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, pointed out how disjointed the budget-making process is. 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 James Mulili (Director – Tax PKF) during pre-budget media briefing 2025/2026. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] Published Date: 2025-06-25 08:40:00 Author: By Graham Kajilwa Source: The Standard

Aerial view of Nairobi on 31st January 2024,Nairobi Skyline is changing everyday with tallest building coming up. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard] Amid a constrained fiscal space and a huge debt burden that is taking up the largest chunk of the government’s expenditure, of about Sh1.1 trillion in the 2025/2026 financial year, development remains one of the key areas that has been left competing for limited resources. Additionally, President William Ruto has been vocal that the country cannot continue relying on borrowed funds for its development ventures. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access…

The Insurance Regulatory Authority places Xplico Insurance under statutory management and liquidates Invesco Assurance.[Standard, File] The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) says it has rejected approval requests from several microinsurance firms because their products do not meet the threshold set for the low-income population. The regulator says some of the providers are simply unbundling already approved conventional products and repackaging them as micro, which negates the sole basis of the 2020 regulations. 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…

Parents and relatives of the victims of 2024 Anti-finance bill protesters read a petition urging the government to move with speed to apprehend those responsible with the loss of lives of the young kenyans during the peaceful protests.[Benard Orwongo,Standard] Caroline Mugwanja does not want to be reminded of 2024 events. “Please, don’t remind me of that,” says the trader, who deals in electronics, particularly mobile phones. Her shop in Kitengela, Kajiado County, has been her livelihood for almost eight years.  Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience…

Central Bank Governor Kamau Thugge when he appeared before the National Assembly Finance and National Planning Committee on the printing of new currency notes at Parliament on August 21, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Two days after the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Governor Kamau Thugge slashed the base lending rate by 0.25 per cent, National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced the government’s plan to borrow Sh635.5 billion from the domestic market to fund the 2025/2026 budget. However, with an economy reeling from high taxes and a huge debt burden that has left businesses gasping for survival,…

Kenyans Queueing to view the 228 completed units out of 1370 being constructed by government at Parkroad Nairobi under the affordable housing programme on Friday, March 6, 2020. [File, Standard] The government is losing more than Sh176.8 million in rent collections due to boarded houses that are either uninhabitable or have been transferred to other agencies. A report by the Auditor General Nancy Gathungu has raised concerns over the state of these buildings, detailing how boarded units are now shrinking the government’s stock of houses. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited…

The Principal Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning Chris Kiptoo when he met the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee discussing the appropriation of funds and the national budget planning at the Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport on May 29, 2025. [Standard, Kanyiri Wahito] The Finance Bill, 2025 seeks to broaden the tax base through strategic proposals that expand the digital marketplace and target previously untaxed or under-taxed income sources. A key amendment to Section 12E of the Income Tax Act includes income from online transactions conducted over the internet or electronic networks, thereby encompassing a wider range…

Scrap Metal Dealers Association chairman Evans Ng’ang’a during the Public hearings on the Business laws (Amendment ) Bill ,2024 before the National Assembly’s Trade Commiitee at Bunge Towers, Nairobi on November 27, 2024. [Elvis Ogina,Standard] Scrap metal dealers and Nairobi City County are forging a partnership on how to work together towards cleaning the city and improving the environment. A meeting between the Scrap Metal Dealers Association chairman Evans Ng’ang’a and the county’s chief officer in charge of environment Geoffery Mosiria engaged on how the two entities can work together. Key issues discussed in the meeting included licensing for the scrap dealers and vandalism, according to a statement released after the event. Mr Mosiria…

L-R:John Mwendwa Chief Executive Officer Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest),Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary State Department of Industry Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry (MITI) &  Lee Kinyanjui Cabinet Secretary Ministry Of Investments Trade And Industry speaking during dinner with leading Kenyan business persons.[Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] Local businesses will be able to benefit from government tenders up to Sh3 billion even as the State is keen not accumulate further debts owed to enterprises. Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui said that while the appeal for businesses during a previous meeting with President William Ruto was to increase the figure…

  The minutes of the 43rd Annual Delegates Meeting held last year have offered a glimpse of the financial woes bedeviling Afya Co-operative Savings and Credit Society (Afya Sacco) that resulted to a chaotic gathering in May. 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: 2025-06-11 00:00:00 Author: By Graham Kajilwa Source: The Standard

Alpesh Vadher (CEO – PKF), James Mulili (Director – Tax PKF), Michael Mburugu (Regional Tax Partner PKF) during pre-budget media briefing 2025/2026.[Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] The introduction of new clauses in tax laws without specifics on how much they will raise has been singled out by audit and tax consultancy firm PKF as an oversight in the budget-making process. The firm, while calling for more visibility, also took issue with provisions in the Finance Bill, 2025, that seek to wipe out incentives enjoyed by investors through tax expenditures. These measures include scrapping the indefinite rollover of tax losses, limiting this period to…

Public participation on tobacco graphic warning exercise held at NITA college in Athi River. [PETERSON GITHAIGA, STANDARD] British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya has raised concerns over illicit cigarettes in the market, terming it an economic setback that now threatens jobs. BAT Kenya Managing Director Crispin Achola, while referencing a new study that shows one in three cigarettes sold in the market are illicit, said the alarming rise of this illegal trade puts the government at a disadvantage by denying them revenue. The study has been conducted by Kantar, a global data and analytics firm. “This alarming rise in illegal cigarette trade…

Commissioner of Insurance and CEO of Insurance Regulatory Authority Geofrey Kiptum at a recent event on May 5, 2025. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard] Regulatory bodies of insurance services in the region have revived talks on mutual recognition of polices across the East African Community (EAC) markets, a move that is expected to improve penetration. These talks, according to Kenya’s Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), had stalled as an agreement could not be reached on mutual recognition of policies, a factor that could aid businesses operating across the region. Commissioner of Insurance and IRA Chief Executive Godfrey Kiptum said previous discussions that date…

Hon. Lee Kinyanjui Cabinet Secretary Ministry Of Investments Trade And Industry speaking during dinner with leading Kenyan business persons. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] Business leaders want the government to impose higher taxes on imports while supporting local manufacturing by removing levies on raw materials. Additionally, the business community seeks a share of the incentives extended to foreign investors, even as the government encourages more international enterprises to establish operations in the country. To ensure Kenyan products secure a larger share of global markets, the government has announced plans to set up an export-import bank aimed at improving the visibility of Kenyan products…

Women labor at brick making site in Sironga village, Nyamira county loaded with bricks transport them to display area by the main Nyamira-Kisii road on November 24,2020. Women have embraced hard work in the area to bring food on the table and to sustain family needs as most men have lost their jobs during Covid-19 and unable to provide for their families. [FILE/Standard] Experts are advising against using burnt bricks for construction and instead pushing for using more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as cement blocks and stabilised soil blocks. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today &…

  Customers purchase mitumba items from traders at Toi Market in Kibra, Nairobi on June 09, 2022. [File, Standard] Establishing standards for imported second-hand clothes and those manufactured locally is one of the ways players in the Mitumba sector believe will allow these two industries to co-exist. Amidst claims that the growth of imported second-hand clothes known as ‘mitumba’ is choking out the domestic textile industry, a latest report on the sector details how these two sectors can operate simultaneously. The study, sanctioned by the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya and authored by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), prefers incentives for…

Kenya Development Corporation Director General Norah Ratemo during the drive mission breakfast meeting aimed at bringing development partners and private sector actors together to showcase the progress of the DRIVE program on May 13, 2025. [David Gichuru, Standard] The Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has called for alignment of development financing with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). KDC board Chairman Dr Sakwa Bunyasi, speaking during a recent benchmarking session with a delegation from Zambia, noted the importance of economic integration not only for AfCFTA but also for Agenda 2063 – Africa‘s strategic framework for achieving inclusive and sustainable development by…

KENHA workers elect bumps at Rironi area along Nakuru Nairobi highway following a string of accident that have claimed numerous lives. June 1, 2023. [File, Standard] For an economy whose indicators point to a dwindling consumer purchasing power, the government’s insistence on capital build-up as an enabler of economic growth seems to be moving away from the once-acclaimed Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (Beta). 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 KENHA workers elect…

The government is banking on public institutions to increase the amount of cooking gas consumed in the country to 10kg per capita in line with the National Liquified Petroleum Gas Enhancement Project. The current consumption of cooking gas, or LPG, is 6.59kg per capita annually as detailed in the recently launched Ministry of Energy and Petroleum 2023-2027 strategic plan. In the plan, the ministry seeks to move this figure to 10kg with a key factor being having 50 per cent of public learning institutions use LPG by 2027, from a baseline of eight per cent in 2023. For households, the…

People protest against the administration of US President Donald Trump’s decision to virtually shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 5, 2025. (Photo by Drew ANGERER / AFP) One of the advantages of being an investor in high-end property in some of Nairobi’s suburbs is the ever-ready clientele from the non-governmental organisation (NGO) space. But after President Donald Trump announced budget cuts to USAID, the American government’s agency for aid-related activities, this market not only witnessed a drop in clients but also in asking prices for units on…

Workers sort avocados for export at Naivasha-based Vertical Agro Ltd [Kelvin Karani, Standard] Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade), the state agency mandated to spearhead cross-border trade, has proposed to slash the $10 (Sh1,300) Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) fee by half to increase cross-border trade. The reduction of the fee, which is charged per Import Declaration Form (IDF), is expected to lower export costs, particularly for businesses dealing with fresh produce. The announcement to slash the fee was made during a consultative forum in Nairobi last week hosted by the Kenya International Freight and Forwarding Association (Kifwa). KenTrade Chief Executive David…

Bureaucracy has been cited among the challenges that hinder MSMEs from accessing loans. [iStockphoto] Establishing a single-window portal for approvals, licences, and registration is one of the initiatives the government seeks to undertake in a Sh3.7 billion plan to revamp the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector. The government also wants to harmonise government fees, taxes, and levies affecting these businesses with the aim of promoting targeted fiscal and business incentives for them. 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…

From left: HF Group CEO Robert Kibaara, HF Bancassurance Intermediary Principal Officer Maureen Stephyne and HFC Managing Director Peter Mugeni during the investors briefing in Nairobi, on March 27, 2025. [David Gichuru, Standard] Local lender HF Group more than doubled its first quarter 2025 profit before tax to reach Sh327 million, up from Sh150 million last year. The group’s total income rose by 33 per cent to Sh1.41 billion in the three months to March 31, up from Sh1.06 billion in the same period last year. The growth was driven by a 46 per cent increase in net interest income…

National Treasury Cabinet SecretaryJohn Mbadi during the launch of 2025 Economic Survey at the KICC, Nairobi, on May 6, 2025.[Kanyiri Wahito, Standard] When former Kenya Association of Manufacturers chairman Rajan Shah posed a question on the numerous levies and fees imposed by State agencies, the underwhelming response from National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo was a proposal to have a meeting that could iron out the issues. Shah also sought to understand why there are countless State agencies yet the government has always advocated for a leaner administration. He noted that these agencies impose levies that choke businesses, some cases…

Investment Promotion Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan Abubakar at the East Africa Trade and Investment Forum in London, on May 22, 2025. [Courtesy] Kenya is set to benefit from a Sh13.7 billion investment from the United Kingdom courtesy of British International Investment (BII) and Standard Chartered Bank. Some Sh650 million of this investment will go towards improving electric motorbike infrastructure in the country. The investment announced at the East Africa Trade and Investment Forum (EATIF), will also trickle to Tanzania through trade financing. BII and Standard Chartered Bank will support trade finance in Kenya and Tanzania through a Sh13 billion facility…

Like bodybuilders flexing their muscles on stage, exaggerating their looks by smearing themselves with oil, the biggest flex in real estate has always been about who builds the tallest skyscraper. 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: 2025-05-22 08:30:00 Author: By Graham Kajilwa Source: The Standard

Left to right: Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, KUSCCO Chairman David Matekwa and CEO Arnold Munene during inauguration of the new KUSCCO board in Nairobi, on May 21, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] The government has suspended registration of new Saccos pending recommendations from a five-member expert committee tasked with reviewing the sector. Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya announced the moratorium on Wednesday during the inauguration of the committee, as well as the new board of the troubled Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (Kuscco). The review team, chaired by Marlene Shiels, CEO of Capital Credit…

Superior Homes CEO Shiv Arora and KCB Bank Senior Manager, Green Financing & Sustainability Alois Ngure, after signing an MOU that seeks to bridge the gap between property development and financing by enabling homeowners to access the KMRC mortgage facility at 105 per cent. Looking on are Superior Homes Head of Sales Clive Ndege (R) and KCB Group Head of Projects and Investments Kenneth Luusa (L). [FILE/Standard] Property developer Superior Homes Kenya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KCB Bank Kenya to provide customised mortgage products to prospective home owners.  The partnership will enable Superior Homes Kenya investors to access tailor-made mortgage products…

President William Ruto, Mzee Simion Nyango, Mama Salina Nyango Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi In Kesses, Uasin Gishu County launch the Cheboror Village Electrification Project, which aims to connect 316 households to electricity. [PCS] The government has unveiled an ambitious plan to connect 2.3 million more households to electricity by 2027 as it seeks to increase electrification to 95 per cent. The elaborate plan will involve both off-grid and national grid solutions, with the Energy Ministry expected to spend Sh64.0 billion to facilitate the new connections. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited…

Kenya Orient Insurance Limited Director Julius Muya & Family Bank CEO Nancy Njau (R) present a gift to the Bank’s customer Zebedee Barongo during a customer appreciation dinner hosted by Family Bank in Kisii. [Courtesy] Family Bank has unveiled a plan to list on the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) next year as it eyes to be a tier one financial institution by 2029. Board Chairman Lazarus Muema also hinted on growing the institution’s tentacles beyond the Kenyan market, saying a holding company has already been formed that will drive the expansion. He said there is a big advantage in forming a holding company particularly when it comes to…

Published Date: 2025-05-21 15:32:31 Author: By Graham Kajilwa Source: The Standard

Griffin Kosgei milking his Dairy cow at his farm in Ngata , Nakuru county on January 22,2024. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] For dairy, cottonseed, and wheat farmers, 2024 was a great year. 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 Griffin Kosgei milking his Dairy cow at his farm in Ngata , Nakuru county on January 22,2024. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] Published Date: 2025-05-21 04:00:00 Author: By Graham Kajilwa Source: The Standard

Fertiplant East Africa ltd (FEA) manufactures fertilizers in Nakuru town on June 4, 2021. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] The Principal Secretary in the State Department for Industry Dr Juma Mukhwana has a common joke he never fails to share when discussing the country’s manufacturing status. That the lack of and underutilisation of trade agreements by Kenyan manufacturers is akin to a factory that has closed shop, but its marketing department is still operational. 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…

Principal Secretary State department for petroleum Mohamed Laban and his Energy counterpart Alex Wachira welcome Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi to the launch of Strategic plan 2023-2027 at KICC on May 19, 2025. [Benard Orwongo,Standard] The government is targeting Sh145.3 billion worth of investments in the petroleum blocks by the year 2027 in the latest strategic plan by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum. The Sh2.5 trillion strategy covering 2023-2027 places emphasis on petroleum and natural gas exploration. The document notes the availability of vast sedimentary basin covering 83 per cent of the country’s surface area…

A farmer sorts out her fresh beans destined for the market after boom harvest in Nanyuki, Laikipia County in February 2020.  [Kibata Kihu/Standard] The European Union’s (EU) stricter regulations on pesticide use halved the value of Kenya’s fresh vegetable exports in 2024, even as the country also sold less than Sh100 billion worth of cut flowers overseas in the year. The Economic Survey 2025 report shows the volume of fresh vegetables exported in 2024 dropped by 54.7 per cent from 164,100 tonnes in 2023 to 74,300 tonnes in 2024. The value of the fresh vegetables dropped from Sh50.9 billion to…

Kenya Sugar Board Chairman, Nicolas Gumbo. [Courtesy] Private companies that won bids to take over public sugar factories will need to inject Sh12.3 billion to resuscitate the mills. Details on the government’s plan also say the investors will pay Sh522 million goodwill. Of the four sugar factories, Nzoia Sugar Company leased to West Kenya Sugar Company will need the most capital injection at Sh5.8 billion. Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries, now in charge of Chemilil Sugar, will put in Sh4.5 billion, while West Valley Sugar Company will be expected to spend Sh1.02 billion to revive the Muhoroni Sugar mill. At…

Kakuzi Plc Packhouse Manager Ms Monica Nyambura (left) explains the quality features of an export-grade avocado fruit to Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC) Commandant Major General Eric Kinuthia (right) at the Kakuzi Packhouse. (Boniface Gikandi, Standard) Listed agribusiness firm Kakuzi has announced its intention to introduce a fourth commercially produced crop, use agricultural technology (AgTech) solutions, and diversify its domestic and export markets in the next 10 years to enhance shareholder returns. Speaking at the company’s 97th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, Managing Director Chris Flowers said the firm is exploring a fourth commercial…

Investment, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui and Professor Ratemo Michieka, the current chair of Africa Union’s African Scientific, Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC) during two day Community Workshop on Sustainability with a theme,’ Sustainable Business practices for inclusive and Resilient Socio-Economic Growth.’ at the University of Nairobi on 14, May,2025. [ Jenipher Wachie, Standard] The textile industry has been singled out as one of the sectors that have stagnated due to knowledge gaps between the sector and academia. Investment, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, while addressing participants at the inaugural Community Workshop on Sustainability in Nairobi…

Boniface Abudho (left) research analyst for Africa and Mark Dunford CEO of Knight Frank, Kenya, officially release a Kenya Wealth report, a perspective on Kenya wealth investment trends 2024 at Capital club, Nairobi. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] Kenya’s super-rich are cutting back on the billions of shillings spent on commercial property. This is as the latest report by global real estate consultant Knight Frank shows a preference for smaller versions of commercial properties to mitigate risks associated with larger investments. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted…

State ropes in medium-sized firms in new policy changes Published Date: 2025-05-14 08:50:00 Author: By Graham Kajilwa Source: The Standard

Traders at Soko Mjinga Market in Nyeri. [Kibata Kihu, Standard] The government has included medium-sized enterprises in the new policy in works for small businesses, whose development is meant to seal data gaps that have impeded application of some of the incentives offered by the State. In the current policy that came into effect in 2020, medium enterprises were excluded. It covered micro and small enterprises (MSEs), which the ministry in charge noted as the missing link in the growth of small businesses. The draft document, currently  undergoing public participation also seeks to seal the data gaps that exist in…

Boniface Abudho (left) research analyst for Africa and Mark Dunford CEO of Knight Frank, Kenya, officially release a Kenya Wealth report, a perspective on Kenya wealth investment trends 2024 at Capital club, Nairobi. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] The rise of self-made billionaires is becoming evident among high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), with the latest Wealth Report by property consultant Knight Frank showing none of the super-rich attributed more than 70 per cent of their wealth to inheritance. The report released on Tuesday showed that a majority of the super-rich attributed inheritance to 30 to 40 per cent of their wealth. Get Trusted News…

Traders at Soko Mjinga Market in Nyeri. [File, Standard] Shaka Kariuki, the chief executive of Kuramo Capital, is quick to dispel the claim that small businesses are high-risk to trade with. He says there is money in the small and medium enterprise sector (SMEs) if only an investor knows how to go around the said risks. It is what his investment firm is doing. “It is a perception we have out there,” he says. “It is the same perception we have for Africa, and that is why we borrow at high rates.” He insists the cloud of uncertainties of profitability…

Trucks ferrying goods to Uganda await clearance at the Malaba border. [File, Standard] Stronger economic growth in other East African Community (EAC) countries is slowly edging out Kenya as the gateway of goods to the rest of the region, the latest report by the government statistician shows. An analysis of the 2025 Economic Survey Report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows that Kenya exported almost Sh7 billion fewer goods to the rest of the EAC countries in 2024 when compared to 2023. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited…

Livestock traders at an animal market in Mandera town. [File, Standard] Kenyans’ palates are becoming more diverse as latest data from the 2025 Economic Survey Report shows camel meat is becoming a favourite dish. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) report shows an increase of 29.9 per cent in the number of camels slaughtered in 2024. This figure is twice the increase when compared to cattle and calves. The number of slaughtered cattle and calves increased by 17.9 per cent during the period. Sheep and goats increased by 8.01 per cent, pigs by 7.9 per cent, chicken by 3.5…