Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) President H.E. Abdullah KH ALMUSAIBEEH and Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) Managing Director Thierno Habib-Hann, exchange documents after the institutions signed a strategic capital increase initiative. Effectively, BADEA has approved a landmark USD 120 million to support the capitalization program of ShafDB.[James Wanzala/Standard] Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) has signed a $120 million (Sh15.5 billion) agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to support its capital increase subscription initiative. The Pan-African institution focuses on affordable housing and urban development. The facility will support the ShafDB capitalisation programme and help eligible…
Author: By James Wanzala
Guests at Safaricom vending station during Mpesa Sokoni festival on 2nd August 2025 at Mamboleo in Kisumu.[Michael Mute/Standard] Safaricom has ended its first season of the Safire Connect campaign with the empowerment of taxi-hailing drivers at Strathmore University in Nairobi on Tuesday. The campaign, which was started in March last year, is aimed at hosting a series of customer engagement and networking forums, where aspiring entrepreneurs who use its mobile money platform MPESA get invaluable insights on the platform and are inspired by mentors to become entrepreneurs. “So today we’re talking to them about how they can grow their business, how they…
RIKA Africa Faculty Debbie Hollis, RIKA Africa Executive Director Susan Githuku and Standard Group board member and RIKA Faculty Thomas Omondi during the RIKA leadership programme class of 2025 graduation at the Rika Africa Summit 2025, in Nairobi, on July 31, 2025. [David Gichuru, Standard [ There is a need for the top leadership of companies to acquaint themselves with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance productivity. Participants at the RIKA Africa Summit in Nairobi, said the top leadership should incorporate youth due to their fresh perspectives on issues, knowledge of AI, willingness to learn, and potential to add value even…
Japheth Ogalloh, MD of Old Mutual General Insurance Kenya, and AAK President George Arabbu shake hands after signing an MoU to offer architects and engineers tailored insurance solutions to mitigate professional risks. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) will soon start providing professional indemnity cover to its members. This follows a partnership with Old Mutual that will enable over 5,000 AAK-licensed architects and engineers access to comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to their professional needs at competitive terms. The cover will shield AAK-licensed members and consulting engineers from professional negligence or errors of omission and commission or breach…
Kenya will be among five African countries to benefit from Google’s outlined wave of artificial intelligence (AI) support across Africa, representing $37 million (Sh4.8 billion) in cumulative funding. The money includes previously committed but unannounced funding to research, talent development, and infrastructure. The package includes funding and partnerships that aim to strengthen AI research, support African languages, improve food systems, expand digital skills, and build research capacity. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Speaking about the announcements, Senior Vice President for Research, Labs, and Technology and Society at Google James Manyika said Africa is home to some of the most…
Equity Group CEO James Mwangi. [James Wanzala, Standard] Equity Bank Kenya and Equity Group Foundation have signed a new partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to roll out an online course to promote entrepreneurship among women. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women is a global initiative that helps foster economic growth by providing entrepreneurs around the world with practical education, interactive activities and instruction by educators from top business schools, reaching over 200,000 entrepreneurs. Built by Goldman Sachs and delivered through the University of Leeds, the 10,000 Women online education programme is open to all Equity Bank Kenya and Equity…
Envirosafe, a company operating inside EPZ in Athiriver, regularly incinerates hazardous waste. [Gardy Chacha/Standard] Most of the African cities are choking under alarmingly high air pollution levels, with much of the pollutants being gases that have negative impacts on human health and ecosystems. The gases are produced from energy, industry and agriculture sectors and include carbon dioxide, black matter, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides. 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…
Envirosafe, a company operating inside EPZ in Athiriver, regularly incinerates hazardous waste. [Gardy Chacha/Standard] Most of the African cities are choking under alarmingly high air pollution levels, with much of the pollutants being gases that have negative impacts on human health and ecosystems. The gases are produced from energy, industry and agriculture sectors and include carbon dioxide, black matter, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides. 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…
A man who scavenges recyclable materials for a living, center, walks past Marabou storks feeding on a mountain of garage amidst smoke from burning trash at Dandora, the largest garbage dump in the capital Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021. [FILE/Standard] Air quality experts from across the world will convene in Nairobi next week for the third edition of the Clean-Air Forum to discuss the pressing issue of pollution. The forum, to be held under the theme ‘Partnerships for Clean Air Solutions’, will bring together stakeholders including government, researchers, civil society representatives, city planners, development partners, youth, and private…
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has opposed the recommendation of the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force (GSLTF) to target flyers with a premium levy. The proposal, which seeks to increase revenue mobilisation for developing countries and support climate change mitigation, has suggested targeting air transportation through a premium flyer levy. A frequent flyer levy is a tax that increases with each flight taken by an individual and is suggested as a way to encourage less frequent flying, particularly among those who fly most often, while potentially generating revenue for other sustainable initiatives. The association said an initial assessment of…
James Gatere Head of I&M Foundation peaking during a media engagement. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] The media has been urged to increase coverage of impactful, development and sustainability stories in a rapidly changing world. The calls came out during a media roundtable organised by I&M Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of I&M Bank in Nairobi. “We want to work with you and what we would like to see is you come and pick the stories and run with them.” “This world has a different future and I&M Bank thinks about sustainability. And we believe that if we want to…
Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC)MD Joe Sang(Right)and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) MD Esther Ngari,on 1st July 2025, at Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) industrial area in Nairobi.KPC and KEBS Seal agreement to fast track petroleum products. [Edward Kiplimo,standard] Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) have entered into an agreement that will enable all petroleum products entering the country to be tested at KPC laboratories. The firms said the partnership, which was signed at KPC headquarters in Nairobi yesterday, marks a pivotal step in strengthening petroleum quality assurance and accelerating trade facilitation at Kenya’s key entry points. The…
There is a need to review laws related to occupational safety and health (OSH) to reflect the current realities in the workplace. Dr Andrew Muruka, director of the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (OSH) at the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, said the legislation that needs a review includes the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007 and the Work Injury Benefits Act, 2007. “The greatest gap that we have right now is legislation that is now considered to be obsolete and therefore does not tackle issues of today,” said Dr Muruka. “We have emerging issues like artificial intelligence(AI)…
Kenneth makoha, Geoffrey Cheruiyot, Francis Ndeleva, Hon Caleb Kositany Chair KAA, Joseph Okumu, GM Security KAA, Michael Diang’a KAPU commandant when Kenya Airports Authority Unveils New Generation Aircraft Recovery System at JKIA. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] There will now be swift and safe removal of disabled aircraft from airport runways, thus minimising operational disruptions, protecting lives and assets and ensuring rapid resumption of normal operations at Kenyan airports. This is thanks to a 1 million British pounds ( Sh177.4 million) new-generation aircraft recovery system. The equipment was acquired by Kenya Airports Authority(KAA) from the United Kingdom and US-based firm AMS Aircraft Recovery Ltd…
Council of Governors led by chairman Ahmed Abdullahi during a media briefing on Division of Revenue Allocation on May 19, 2025. [Collins Oduor, Standard] The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) will collaborate with all county governments on vocational training. This follows a forum held on Monday at NITA Athi River Conference Centre, which came up with a way forward on the collaboration. The forum attendees were NITA and County Executive Community Members (CECMs). “Among the way forward agreements are that the NITA management will prepare a comprehensive report and the presentations from the event and circulate the same by June 30,…
Hyatt Regency. [Courtesy] Nairobi’s Westlands area is rapidly developing into a key hospitality hub as more local and international hotel brands seek a piece of the city’s suburb. Located less than a kilometre from the capital city’s Central Business District (CBD, the area has become a commercial and leisure destination with more tourists and businesses attracted to it. The fact that Westlands is a home to top multinational corporations, including audit giants Deloitte, PKF, PwC, KPMG East Africa, financial institutions, motor firms and tech startups, makes it a hotspot for business professionals and also a source for sustained rental income. It…
(L) Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways CEO, PS Aviation, Teresia Mbaika, John Elungata, Secretary State Department for Environment, during Kenya Airways 2024 Sustainability Report launch. [File, Standard] National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) plans to start manufacturing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) within five years as it aims to embed sustainability in operations and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The airline revealed this yesterday when it launched its 2024 Sustainability Report at its Pride Centre in Nairobi. “We want to be part of production and have entered into a memorandum of understanding with a local producer of SAF by looking at degraded land in…
Jeanette Oromo, CEO of The IMC People, Governor Anyang Nyong’o, Richard Oluoch, Farida Salim Kisumu County Executive Member, and Charlton Okumu, IMC Head of Communications. [James Wanzala, Standard] Kisumu is set to host the second edition of the Business Ecosystem Summit (BES) between August 6 to 8, 2025. The summit aims at enhancing regional cooperation, exposing investment opportunities and improving market accessibility for businesses. It targets to catalyse at least $10 billion (Sh1.3 trillion) in investment deals by connecting global investors with businesses within the lake region, and empowering more than 500 micro, small and medium enterprises with financing and…
Air quality measuring device unveiled in United Nations Environment Programme during the press conferences held at UNEP office in Gigiri Nairobi on 31/8/2015. [File, Standard] Nairobi County’s effort to ensure clean air for the city residents has received a major boost after flagging off 50 more local low-cost air quality monitoring sensors. The gadget will be installed across the 17 constituencies. This brings the total to 87. The 87 local sensors will complement two reference-grade monitors that are more accurate but expensive. The two were installed in September last year at Mama Lucy Hospital and the Fire Station area in the…
58 year old Jerusha Muthoni preparing a meal in a bedsitter suit at the New Mukuru affordable Housing project in the Nairobi Industrial Area on 23, May 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard] Days after President William Ruto unveiled new affordable housing units and issued keys to Mukuru residents, only one had settled by Friday. It emerged that the houses are not yet complete, with most of the finishing underway. Insiders say it may take a few days before the rest of the occupants are admitted. .fade-out-overlay{position:absolute;top:-80px;left:0;width:100%;height:60px;z-index:1;background:linear-gradient(to bottom,rgba(255,255,255,0),rgba(255,255,255,1))}.paywall-container{position:relative;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;padding:25px;border:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,.1);background-color:#fff}.paywall-container h2{text-align:center}.paywall-container a{text-decoration:none!important}.paywall-header{font-size:24px;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:15px;color:#333;text-align:center}.price-highlight{font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;color:#d40511;margin:15px 0;text-align:center}.price-highlight .original-price{text-decoration:line-through;color:#777;margin-right:0}.divider{border-top:1px solid #e0e0e0;margin:20px 0}.subscribe-button{display:block;width:100%;padding:12px;background-color:#d40511;color:#fff;border:none;border-radius:4px;font-size:25px;font-weight:bold;cursor:pointer;margin-bottom:20px;transition:background-color .3s;text-decoration:none}.subscribe-button:hover{background-color:#b0030e;text-decoration:none}.features-list{margin:20px…
Participants during a panel discussion during the East Africa Cross-Border Trader Associations(CBTAs) Forum on Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs). [James Wanzala,Standard] East African Community (EAC) member states have been urged to remove non-tariff barriers(NTBs) hindering youth and women-led businesses. The calls were made at a recent session of the East Africa Cross-Border Trader Associations (CBTAs) Forum on Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs). The event was organised by the East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). Nega Wubeneh, head of markets and trade at AGRA, said AGRA research reveals young agri-food traders frequently face NTBs…
Published Date: 2025-05-20 16:01:06 Author: By James Wanzala Source: The Standard
Participants during the East Africa Cross-Border Trader Associations forum on non-tariff barriers. [James Wanzala, Standard] East African Community (EAC) member states have been urged to remove non-tariff barriers (NTBs) hindering youth and women-led businesses. Speaking during the East Africa Cross-Border Trader Associations (CBTAs) Forum on Non-Tariff Barriers, AGRA head of markets and trade Nega Wubeneh said that AGRA research revealed that young agri-food traders frequently face NTBs such as Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) for food safety standards, certificates of origin, import levies and road user charges in come countries. He emphasised the crucial role of youth and CBTAs in reporting and…
Parts of the eco-hotel being constructed in Ngong Forest near the sanctuary block. Kenya Forest Services has admitted the ongoing construction saying process was been approved after a public participation(PP). However, it did not identify the owner. [James/Wanzala/Standard] Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has admitted that there is an ongoing construction of an eco-hotel in Ngong Forest next to the sanctuary. It also said the construction process was approved after a public participation exercise. The admission comes after the Green Belt Movement raised an alarm on Friday of an ongoing construction, terming it an encroachment of the forest. In a letter…
West Kenya Sugar Company will lease Nzoia Sugar Company. [File, Standard] The government has promised to clear arrears owed to sugar cane farmers for the crop delivered to the four State-owned factories and staff before handing them over for leasing. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said in a statement sent to newsrooms on Friday, that West Kenya Sugar Company will lease Nzoia Sugar Company, while Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries Ltd will operate Chemilili Sugar Company for 30 years. Busia Sugar Industry Ltd will operate Sony Sugar Company, while Kericho-based West Valley Sugar Company Ltd will be in charge of…
Absa Bank Kenya CEO and Managing Director Abdi Mohamed. February 10, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] Absa Bank Kenya advanced close to Sh60 billion in sustainable financing in 2023, highlighting the bank’s ongoing commitment to driving sustainable development. This figure, which is contained in the lender’s Sustainability Report for the financial year ended December 31, 2023, is made up of Sh22.3 billion advanced as climate and sustainability-linked finance and Sh36.9 billion in inclusive finance. The report is themed ‘Banking on a Better, Sustainable Future’, shows that under climate finance, Sh14.1 billion was advanced towards renewable and clean energy, Sh2.9 billion to green building and Sh2.2 billion towards climate-smart agriculture financing and other sustainability-linked lending. The above money spent…
From left: Airtel Kenya CEO Ashish Malhotra(left), ICT CS William Kabogo, Communication Authority of Kenya Director General David Mugony and Airtel Customer Experience Director Goldermier Opiyo during the launch of Airtel Kenya Revolutionary AI-Powered spam alert service to enable customers flag potential spam messages at EKA Hotel in Nairobi, on May 7, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] The government is reviewing communication laws to align with emerging threats, including cybercrime and new technologies. Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, while making the announcement on Wednesday, urged stakeholders to play their rightful role in enhancing the country’s cybersecurity.…
Airbnb Community Fund has raised more than Sh1 billion to support over 160 non-profit organisations in its grants globally in over 30 countries across the six continents. Launched in 2020, the Airbnb Community Fund is a Sh12.9 billion initiative to directly support local communities and the people who live there. Airbnb donates annually to organisations that support and strengthen communities, including donations made in partnership with local hosts in many of these communities. “Each year, we’re proud to partner with hosts to identify important issues and many of the non-profit organisations to receive donations. As in previous years, hosts helped…
A section of the flood South B,on 23rd April 2025,after Heavy downpour in Nairobi county.[Edward Kiplimo,Standard Basic amenities, health services, unemployment and security are major concerns of Nairobi city’s over five million residents. These are followed by corruption or transparency, affordable housing, fulfilling employment, road congestion, school education, air pollution, citizen engagement, public transport, social mobility or inclusiveness, recycling and green spaces. This is according to IMD’s World Competitiveness Centre’s Smart City Index 2025, which ranked 146 cities. Under the Smart City Ranking, Nairobi ranked in the lowest group four, at position 136, scoring a D, which is a drop from position…
Newly elected President of Architectural Association of Kenya(AAK) George Ndege and outgoing President Arch. Florence Nyole during the President’s gala dinner at Serena Hotel on Thursday last week. (James Wanzala, Standard). A newly formed lobby group representing architects and quantity surveyors has protested the sharp increase in fees for the upcoming Continuous Professional Development (CPD) seminar scheduled for early May. In a notice, the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) announced it had raised the cost of the May 8–9 seminar from the current Sh20,000 to Sh30,000 for all registered professionals, regardless of discipline. The announcement has…
Newly elected President of Architectural Association of Kenya(AAK) George Ndege and outgoing President Arch. Florence Nyole during the President’s gala dinner at Serena Hotel on Thursday last week. (James Wanzala, Standard). A newly formed lobby group representing architects and quantity surveyors has protested the sharp increase in fees for the upcoming Continuous Professional Development (CPD) seminar scheduled for early May. In a notice, the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) announced it had raised the cost of the May 8–9 seminar from the current Sh20,000 to Sh30,000 for all registered professionals, regardless of discipline. The announcement has…
Newly elected President of Architectural Association of Kenya(AAK) George Ndege and outgoing President Arch. Florence Nyole during the President’s gala dinner at Serena Hotel on Thursday last week. (James Wanzala, Standard). A newly formed lobby group representing architects and quantity surveyors has protested the sharp increase in fees for the upcoming Continuous Professional Development (CPD) seminar scheduled for early May. In a notice, the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) announced it had raised the cost of the May 8–9 seminar from the current Sh20,000 to Sh30,000 for all registered professionals, regardless of discipline. The announcement has…
Newly elected President of Architectural Association of Kenya(AAK) George Ndege and outgoing President Arch. Florence Nyole during the President’s gala dinner at Serena Hotel on Thursday last week. (James Wanzala, Standard). A newly formed lobby group representing architects and quantity surveyors has protested the sharp increase in fees for the upcoming Continuous Professional Development (CPD) seminar scheduled for early May. In a notice, the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) announced it had raised the cost of the May 8–9 seminar from the current Sh20,000 to Sh30,000 for all registered professionals, regardless of discipline. The announcement has…
Newly elected President of Architectural Association of Kenya(AAK) George Ndege and outgoing President Arch. Florence Nyole during the President’s gala dinner at Serena Hotel on Thursday last week. [James Wanzala, Standard] Newly elected President of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), George Ndege, has prioritised five key issues in the built environment in the next two years. Mr Ndege was the only nominee during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week and will serve with five members of the AAK Executive Committee. They include Brenda Nyawara (vice president), Ruth Wanjiku (secretary), Diana Musyoka (treasurer), Nashon Tambo (treasurer) and Bernard…
scintillating Kigali Convention Centre well lit at night.[FILE] Rwanda will host Africa’s inaugural two-day summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and demographic dividend early next month. The summit is being organised by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT & Innovation, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. Under the theme “AI and Africa’s Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa’s Workforce,” the inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa will be held in Rwanda’s capital city of Kigali from April 3 to 4. Africa being home to the youngest and fastest-growing workforce, is poised to…