Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company CEO Johnstone Oltetia during a past interview. [File, Standard] The Director, Credit and Operations at Shelter Afrique Development Bank, Chris Chege, tabled an interesting proposal at the just concluded Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) Affordable Housing Conference 2025. That, maybe, it is time Kenya develops a policy on the issuance of temporary titles. Such titles could be issued by developers, or the initial owners of the project – and will be legal so that financial institutions can accept. The reasoning behind this proposal is the agony developers go through to sell their units after completion. Follow The…
Author: By Graham Kajilwa
China Square store at the Unicity mall near Kenyatta University. [File, Standard] When China Square opened its first store in 2023 at Unicity Mall, along Thika Road in Kiambu County, the whole of Kamkunji, Nyamakima, and Gikomba trading community was up in arms. The then Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua vowed to fight for the Kenyan traders whose livelihoods were at risk. Then months later, Shiquo HiiStyle emerged, rattling the status quo even more. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock the…
Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning John Mbadi before The Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations to deliberate on the commercial bank accounts operated by county governments contrary to the law at Bunge Towers, Parliament, Nairobi. July 17th,2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Public Investments and Assets Management Principal Secretary Cyrell Odede has confirmed that all ministries, state departments and independent commissions have registration on the e-government procurement system. The entities, he said, in a circular dated September 1, 2025, have also uploaded their budgets on the e-GP system. This is even as disquiet intensifies among other government offices, particularly counties, on the…
Hosea Kili, Managing Director/CEO CPF group, during the launch of Salih Shariah Compliant Retirement Fund. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] In his comical self, CPF Group managing director and chief executive Hosea Kili narrated how his wife was uninterested in an offer to invest their ‘chama’ money in the financial company he manages. “She calculated the returns we are giving and compared it to what they charge each other, and she said, ‘You cannot compete,” said Kili. Amid the chuckles from wealth management experts in the room, who were attending the Taifa Pension Fund financial release, one of the products under the…
Treasury CS John Mbadi appears before the National Assembly Education Committee at County Hall, Nairobi, on July 24, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] There was a time when it was normal for Cliff Odera to make gross sales of Sh200,000 in a month. Those days are now gone. “Now making even Sh100,000 is difficult,” he says. /* Container styling */ .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 60px; z-index: 1; background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0), rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)); } .paywall-container { position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 0 auto; padding: 25px; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;…
President William Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni at State House, Nairobi. [PHOTO HIRAM OMONDI/PCS. 30/7/2025] Movement of goods between Kenya and Uganda will now be treated as transfers as the two governments move to eliminate all tariffs associated with trade at all border points. Additionally, Kenya and Uganda have prioritised completion of key infrastructure projects, among them border posts, roads and bridges to aid the movement of goods and people across the region. A joint communique from the respective countries’ ministers of trade detailed the expected changes, noting directives from President William Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri…
Times Tower and CBK Pension Towers Hrambee Avenue Nairobi.[Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] The latest data from the pensions regulator shows a drop in the number of schemes to 951 as the value of assets under management grew by 21.18 per cent, the highest over the last decade. The Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA), in its Statistical Digest 2024, shows the number of schemes stood at 951 last year, down from 967 in 2023, a contraction of two per cent. However, this drop, as explained by the RBA, is associated with smaller schemes joining umbrella schemes, a push that has gained momentum from industry players in the recent past.…
Times Tower and CBK Pension Towers Hrambee Avenue Nairobi.[Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] The latest data from the pensions regulator shows a drop in the number of schemes to 951 as the value of assets under management grew by 21.18 per cent, the highest over the last decade. The Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA), in its Statistical Digest 2024, shows the number of schemes stood at 951 last year, down from 967 in 2023, a contraction of two per cent. However, this drop, as explained by the RBA, is associated with smaller schemes joining umbrella schemes, a push that has gained momentum from industry players in the recent past.…
Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the communication and non-essential consumer goods sectors are more likely to derive shareholder value, a new report shows. The report by business advisory firm KPMG also shows that the shorter the period between announcing an M&A and sealing the deal, the more likely it is that shareholder value will not hold long. The report published yesterday shows that deals in the healthcare and energy sectors are challenging to derive value post-merger or acquisition. “This may be attributed to the inherent complexities and uncertainties within these sectors, such as regulatory changes in healthcare and the cyclic…
View of building new concrete houses. [File, Iakov Filimonov] Director of Zima Homes Etta Madete has a guiding mantra on real estate development: When you build, the buyers will come, but they will come slowly. It is the belief that fuels her patience in the business. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in to pay 5 for this article Follow The…
Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait during a stakeholders meeting with players in the digital finance space on compliance and regulations. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner is mulling a sandbox where digital credit providers (DCPs) can host new technologies. This comes amid the rollout of new guidelines on how artificial intelligence (AI) can be applied for lenders. Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait said her office has already benchmarked with the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) on how the sandbox will operate. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock the Truth…
HF Group CEO Robert Kibaara, HF Bancassurance Intermediary Principal Officer Maureen Stephyne and HFC Managing Director Peter Mugeni during the investors briefing. The Group reported a profit after tax of Ksh 525 million for the full year 2024.[Courtesy] HF Group nearly doubled interest income on government paper in the six months to June 2025, raising its profit before tax by 148 per cent to Sh702.9 million. The listed financial solutions provider’s interest income from government securities closed the six-month period at Sh1.3 billion compared to Sh676.0 million in the same period in 2024. Interest from loans and advances increased marginally in the period from Sh2.321 billion…
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi addresses participants during 2025/2026 Deloitte Kenya National Budget Analysis, on June 13, 2025.[ Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended President William Ruto’s administration, outlining how government economic policies have eased the cost of living in the country. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in to pay 5 for this article…
Banks have taken a hit on their financials with reduced income charged on loans following the low interest regime that the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) started in August 2024. year. Half year financials published by several banks show how their total interest income and, in some cases, net interest income dropped, as the institutions were forced to adjust their lending rates downwards. Particularly, income from loans and advances to customers dropped in the period compared to the previous year. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp The financial results from Family Bank, Standard Chartered, Equity Bank, Absa Bank Kenya and,…
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi says no allocations will be made to state agencies if projects against which the cash has been requested can be funded through public-private partnerships. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] State agencies are under strict instructions to prioritise private funding in their 2026-2027 budget requests. The National Treasury insists that allocations for the year to the entities will be based on the robustness of their public participation engagement in the budgeting process. The strict guidelines will also affect ministries and departments as the government seeks to reduce their overreliance on the Exchequer amid shrinking fiscal wiggle room.…
Immaculate Kassait, Data Commissioner Kevin Mutiso, Chair Digital Financial Services Association of Kenya during a stakeholders meeting with players in the digital finance space on compliance and regulations.[Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] Digital lenders in Kenya, under the Digital Financial Services Association of Kenya (DFSAK), have accused the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) of overstepping its authority by regulating their customer data management. They argue that overlapping mandates from CBK, the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK), and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) create operational challenges, forcing lenders to allocate significant resources to comply with conflicting regulatory requirements. The lack of…
The Central Bank of Kenya. [File, Standard] The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) is one of the regulators singled out by digital lenders for overreaching its mandate on the data aspect of their businesses. Through their lobby, the Digital Financial Services Association of Kenya (DFSAK), the lenders have raised concern over the multiplicity of regulatory mandates by supervisory bodies, sometimes on the same complaint. This forces them to deploy resources to apply the recommendations as specified by the regulators. This challenge has also been exacerbated by the majority of consumers who are not well-versed on which regulator handles what sort of complaint. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Apart from CBK, the Competition Authority and the Office of the Data…
Shoppers are seen walking in and out of Sarit Centre Mall Westlands shopping for Christmas.[FILE/Standard} The growing trend of supermarkets opening outlets in residential areas has been linked to the reduced footfall in major malls, which are now carving a niche in the expos and international exhibitions space. It is a strategy noted in the latest Knight Frank release, which points out how some malls, such as Sarit Centre, are utilising their strategic locations as they weather the changes in consumer behaviour. For newer malls, however, these businesses are focusing on convenience as their selling point, an area that is…
A wide angle view of UNEP conference room during the UN Kenya person of the yea Awards at the UNEP headquaters in Gigiri , Nairobi on October 24, 2022.[FILE/Standard] The planned set-up of three new United Nations (UN) global offices in Nairobi is expected to revive interest in high-end properties in the city, with real estate consultant Knight Frank projecting increased prices. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money…
Activities at Malaba border on July 1, 2015. [Benjamin Sakwa/Standard] In the next one year, a mobile phone will be cheaper in Uganda than in Kenya, if the latest review of the Common External Tariff (CET) by countries in the region is anything to go by. The review applicable for the financial year 2025/2026, shows that countries continues with the trend of stays of application in a bid to protect their nascent industries, Kenya included. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium…
Kenya Airways at JKIA, Nairobi. [File, Standard] The government is reconsidering its policy that guides approval of frequency applications by airlines to fly to Nairobi, a move that will have the national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) face stiff competition even as the country seeks to grow trade. Amid several trade deals the government has struck with other economic blocs, exporters of agricultural produce have had issues with the capacity of freighters and the cost. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content…
From left: I&M Bank Group CFO David Ngata, Regional CEO Kihara Maina, I&M Bank Kenya CEO Gul Khan and Gauri Gupta during the release of the FY2024 results in Nairobi, on March 26, 2025. [File, Standard] I&M Group is banking on organic growth as it seeks to cement its footprint in the region. The group, which has operations in Mauritius, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya, targets to have other subsidiaries outside of Kenya contribute 50 per cent to its balance sheet. In the latest financial results for the first half of the year, these businesses contributed 24 per cent to…
Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2025-08-15 00:00:00 Author: By Graham Kajilwa Source: The Standard
Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2025-08-15 00:00:00 Author: By Graham Kajilwa Source: The Standard
Fuel prices drop marginally in latest Epra review. [File, Standard] The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) has cut fuel prices marginally by Sh1 in its latest review cycle. The reduction affects kerosene and super petrol. Diesel prices remain unchanged for the period. As such, the maximum allowable price of a litre of petrol will be Sh182.03 in Mombasa, Sh185.31 in Nairobi, Sh185.35 in Nakuru, Sh185.16 in Kisumu, and Sh185.17 in Eldoret Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp “In the period under review, the maximum allowed pump prices for super petrol and kerosene decrease by Sh1.00/litre respectively while the price…
Commercial banks have six months to revise their lending rates to reflect the risk-based credit pricing model spearheaded by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). The regulator said on Wednesday unlike when the model was first introduced, this time round the timelines for implementation have been specified. CBK Governor Kamau Thugge said he has scheduled a meeting with commercial bank chiefs next week to iron out remaining issues. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Dr Thugge said there is largely a convergence between CBK and commercial banks on the Risk Based Credit Pricing Model (RBCPM). “We have a meeting with the banks…
An open dinning place and a sitting room at the MI VIDA homes at the Garden City in Nairobi. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] Behind the aggressive push fueling the construction boom under the affordable housing programme is a sustained narrative that Kenya has a shortage of two million units. This insinuates available demand. Director of Zima Homes Etta Madete however, questions the quality of this demand? “There is this two-million deficit, the demand is there, but it is not qualified demand,” she says. “And if you don’t facilitate end user finance, it does not matter how big, fast or beautiful you build.”…
A section of the Nairobi-Mombasa highway with the Standard Gauge Railway in the background. The road will now be expanded to accommodate more traffic. [David Gichuru, Standard] The government has abandoned the ambitious plan for the $3.6 billion (Sh468 billion) expressway to Mombasa, opting to instead expand the existing Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA), in a notice, said the proposal for the expressway does not meet the criteria, hence the decision to abandon it. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all premium content…
President William Ruto at the commissioning of Nex Gen packaging Kenya EPZ Ltd in April 2024. Ruto says Kenya’s relations with the US is robust. [File, Standard] Jeff Gable, Head of Financial Intelligence Centre Absa Group, is quick to dismiss the effect of United States’ 10 per cent tariff on Kenyan exports. “Whereas it is uncomfortable, it is probably not enough that people are going to move their textile machines to Alabama,” he says, referencing Kenya’s major export to the US, textiles and apparel. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock…
New findings show how the giant society’s board siphoned huge cash from the entity through monthly allowance and numerous meetings, forcing the regulator to step in to protect members’ contributions. 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 Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Published Date: 2025-08-13 00:00:00 Author: By Graham Kajilwa Source: The Standard
A section of the Nairobi-Mombasa highway with the Standard Gauge Railway in the background. The road will now be expanded to accommodate more traffic. [David Gichuru, Standard] The government has abandoned the ambitious plan for the $3.6 billion (Sh468 billion) expressway to Mombasa, opting to instead expand the existing Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA), in a notice, said the proposal for the expressway does not meet the criteria, hence the decision to abandon it. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all premium content…
The latest data published by the Central Bank of Kenya shows the lending rate, as at June 2025, stood at 15.28 per cent. [Courtesy] When Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) Chief Finance Officer Kennedy Mutisya presented the innovative idea on how the government could pay VAT refunds using bonds to President William Ruto recently, he did not anticipate what would come next. While President Ruto welcomed the idea, which has been used to handle pending bills in the roads sector, he shifted the spotlight to Mutisya, tasking him to explain why banks are sluggish to bring down interest rates. Unlock the Full…
Sasra Chief Executive Peter Njuguna seeks to streamline Afya Sacco Society Ltd. [File, Standard] The regulator has moved to recover part of more than Sh500 million, said to have been misappropriated by the management of Afya Sacco Society Ltd. The money was siphoned through excess allowances associated with Sacco activities, either through cash or cheques, with some of the transactions not featuring in its records. The Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (Sasra), in a damning letter, shows Sh90 million was withdrawn from the Sacco’s back office (Bosa) but remained unaccounted for in the transactions register. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp…
The latest data published by the Central Bank of Kenya shows the lending rate, as at June 2025, stood at 15.28 per cent. [Courtesy] When Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) Chief Finance Officer Kennedy Mutisya presented the innovative idea on how the government could pay VAT refunds using bonds to President William Ruto recently, he did not anticipate what would come next. While President Ruto welcomed the idea, which has been used to handle pending bills in the roads sector, he shifted the spotlight to Mutisya, tasking him to explain why banks are sluggish to bring down interest rates. Uncover the stories…
From left: Equity Life Assurance (Kenya) Limited MD Angela Okinda, Equity Group CEO, Dr James Mwangi, Equity Group Foundation Operations Director Joanne Korir and Equity Bank Kenya MD Moses Nyabanda, during the Half Year 2025 Investor briefing in Nairobi, on August 11, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Equity Group Holdings has revealed plans to reduce its exposure to government securities by over 80 per cent as it reallocates its balance sheet to reflect the changing economic climate. A sustained drop in the Central Bank Rate (CBR), now at 9.75 per cent, has partly informed this decision, as the financial services company…
President William Ruto arrives for the presidential round table with Kenya Private Sector Alliance at Emara Ole Sereni, Nairobi, on August 6, 2025. [PCS] The government is considering buying a 20 per cent stake in capital-intensive industries initiated by the private sector in a bid to derisk the entities. A budget of Sh20 billion to the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has been suggested by President William Ruto to facilitate this plan as his administration seeks to boost industrial growth in the country. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited…
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…
Published Date: 2025-07-29 12:03:54 Author: By Graham Kajilwa Source: The Standard
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)…
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…