A pump attendant fueling a car at a petrol station along Koinange street. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] The proposal to increase the petroleum transport and storage tariff by the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) will result in a 21 per cent increase in the levy over the next three years, further squeezing Kenyans at the pump. KPC, which is being privatised in a process that the government said would be concluded by March next year, has applied for a hike in the pipeline storage and secondary storage tariff. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth…
Author: By Macharia Kamau
Local institutional investors are key in unlocking the start-up scene but have over the years, failed to make a major impact. This is because they stay away from young and innovative firms that are deemed risky and instead opt for low-risk investments, including government bonds. This is unlike the practice globally, where large money managers such as pension funds and insurance companies pump billions of shillings or dollars into high-growth century capital assets. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Shying from start-ups has been attributed to a lack of familiarity with the industry and an overemphasis on the sector’s perceived…
Local manufacturers have been slapped with a new levy, which is expected to result in a rise in the cost of essential goods, further straining many households already grappling with reduced or stagnated incomes. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”; } else if (now >= saleStart && now <=…
Fresh data from the National Treasury’s Debt Management Office shows that total public and publicly guaranteed debt stood at 67.3 per cent of GDP. [File, Standard] Kenya’s public debt rose to Sh12.05 trillion by the end of September 2025, heightening concerns over the country’s debt sustainability and its growing reliance on domestic borrowing. Fresh data from the National Treasury’s Debt Management Office shows that total public and publicly guaranteed debt stood at 67.3 per cent of GDP, equivalent to $93.27 billion. Of this, domestic debt accounted for 55.3 per cent (Sh6.66 trillion) while external debt made up 44.7 per cent…
KeNHA workers erect bumps at Rironi along Nakuru Nairobi highway. China Road and Bridge Corporation is inching closer to clinching the deal to construct and operate the Rironi-Mau Summit toll road. [File, Standard] In its pursuit of private sector players to build infrastructure projects through the public-private partnership (PPP) model, the government had sought to stay away from lenders but also avoid frequent hikes in taxes. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money…
The KenGen Geothermal Plaza offices in Naivasha. [File, Standard] A local energy firm has lost out on a multibillion shilling carbon credits deal with the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (Kengen) due to soured relations from a near similar deal last year. Sintmond Group, which describes itself as an energy solutions company, has lost on a bid to buy 6.38 million Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) that Kengen had offered for sale through a competitive tender. This was despite Sintmond having emerged as the highest bidder having offered to buy the carbon credits at Sh2.99 billion, Sh400 million than the second highest…
Treasury CS John Mbadi during the 2025 Budget reading on June 12th,2025 at Parliament. [Elvis Ogina,Standard] Most Kenyans reported a stagnation or decline in their earnings over the quarter to September compared to a similar period last year, pointing to the difficulties that they continue to grapple with. Worst hit were people employed in the informal sector, where the survey noted incomes were generally on a decline as the sector reduced hiring. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading…
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu says as of August 1, 2024, the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority had received Sh65 billion, out of the estimated Sh397 billion, in unclaimed financial assets. [File, Standard] A majority of public and private entities in Kenya continue to hold onto hundreds of billions of shillings belonging to Kenyans. This is despite a law requiring them to either turn the money over to the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA) or reunite the assets with their rightful owners or beneficiaries. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access…
Trucks of the first crude oil consignment from Lokichar,Turkana arrives at the Mombasa’s Changamwe KPRL storage facility in Mombasa County on June 7, 2018. [File, Standard] Kenya plans to establish a fund to manage proceeds from its nascent petroleum and mining industries. In a new Bill, the National Treasury has proposed setting up the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) that will be split into three components, with the key one saving earnings from the two sectors for Kenya’s future generations. .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,…
Trucks of the first crude oil consignment from Lokichar,Turkana arrives at the Mombasa’s Changamwe KPRL storage facility in Mombasa County on June 7, 2018. [File, Standard] Kenya plans to establish a fund to manage proceeds from its nascent petroleum and mining industries. In a new Bill, the National Treasury has proposed setting up the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) that will be split into three components, with the key one saving earnings from the two sectors for Kenya’s future generations. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted…
KETRACO engineers during past repair works along the Olkaria-Lessos-Kisumu power line. [ File, Standard] The government’s decision to engage India’s Adani Energy Solutions to build power transmission infrastructure across the country before undertaking due diligence on the firm is now becoming a costly affair for Kenyans. This is after it emerged that Kenya is set to pay a penalty for terminating its contract with the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco). Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly…
Why taxpayers will cough Sh7.3 billion for flopped Ketraco-Adani deal Published Date: 2025-10-25 10:00:00 Author: By Macharia Kamau Source: The Standard
Vehicles at Mau Summit area on the Nakuru– Eldoret Highway. [File, Standard] China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) is inching closer to clinching the deal to construct and operate the Rironi-Mau Summit toll road after the only other firm that had bid to redevelop the highway through the public private partnership (PPP) model was knocked out in the latest evaluation by the government. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted…
Kenya Pipeline Company storage facilities in Nairobi. The Government plans to sale KPC through an Initial Public Offer. [File, Standard] Kenyans could, in the coming years, lose huge tracts of publicly owned land as well as strategic installations as the government starts to roll out the new privatisation law. The Privatisation Act 2025, which is one of several new laws that have stirred public outrage over the past week after receiving presidential assent on the same day the country learnt of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death, has been criticised for paving the way for the ceding of public land…
Dr. James Mwangi CEO Equity Bank during Equity group release of HY 2025 Financial results.[Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] Equity Bank has announced that it has cumulatively disbursed Sh26 billion to finance climate projects, signaling a growing trend among local lenders to screen and finance projects with minimal environmental impact. The bank, in its sustainability report launched yesterday, also said it has enhanced its social protection programme, which now includes increased focus on financial inclusion programmes for refugees and host communities, mostly in Kakuma and Daadab. The Group said that as of December last year, it had cumulatively disbursed Sh26 billion in climate-aligned financing. This, Equity said, was…
The Energy Ministry has twice been ordered by the High Court to make public all power projects that are underway in Marsabit. [Courtesy] The fight between the Energy Ministry and private power producers over the exploitation of wind energy in Northern Kenya is now spilling to the floor of the National Assembly. This follows a query on the slow implementation of projects that were expected to further unlock the region’s vast potential. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading…
The Energy Ministry has twice been ordered by the High Court to make public all power projects that are underway in Marsabit. [Courtesy] The fight between the Energy Ministry and private power producers over the exploitation of wind energy in Northern Kenya is now spilling to the floor of the National Assembly. This follows a query on the slow implementation of projects that were expected to further unlock the region’s vast potential. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading…
The cost of electricity will go up for the second month in a row in October as Kenya increases reliance on power generated from thermal power plants, as well as imports from neighbouring countries, to avert power rationing. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”; } else if (now >=…
Kenya Pipeline Company storage facilities in Nairobi. [File, Standard] The government last week set the wheels in motion for the privatisation of Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), launching what could be the country’s biggest Initial Public Offering (IPO) at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in over a decade. The IPO is also a two-in-one sale, with the Kenya Petroleum Refineries Ltd (KPRL) being part of the sale, which, to some extent, complicates the privatisation process. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience…
President William Ruto and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi at a past function. [File, Standard] When he was on the campaign trail, President William Ruto romanticised owners of micro and small enterprises, insisting they would form a key cog in his bottom-up economic model. He hailed them as small-scale trade hustlers and often cited his own experience as a chicken seller in his youth as an example of the importance of small enterprises. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience…
Gas cylinders on Migori Kisii-Migori-Isebania highway. LPG is exempt from several taxes that are applied to other petroleum products. [File, Standard] Despite a big drop in the cost of imported cooking gas (LPG) and new players entering the market, the price of cooking gas in Kenya has remained unchanged over the past two years. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else…
Kenya Pipeline Company storage facilities in Nairobi. [File, Standard] The government last week set the wheels in motion for the privatisation of Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), launching what could be the country’s biggest Initial Public Offering (IPO) at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in over a decade. The IPO is also a two-in-one sale, with the Kenya Petroleum Refineries Ltd (KPRL) being part of the sale, which, to some extent, complicates the privatisation process. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience…
Fredrick Aloo, National Chairman Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association and Garang Mayom Malek, CEO, CapitalPay International during the signing ceremony at JW Marriott, Nairobi on October 10, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (Kifwa) has signed a $80 million (Sh10.3 billion) partnership with Capital Pay International Ltd to develop a Centralised Clearing and Forwarding Management System (CCFMS). The pact paves the way for the digitisation of Kenya’s logistics sector. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp The partnership aims to modernise Kenya’s clearing and forwarding operations by integrating key trade stakeholders, including Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Ports…
A general view of the Mteza Bridge which forms a critical part of the Dongo Kundu Bypass.[FILE,Standard] The government is edging nearer to introducing tolls on Mombasa’s Dongo Kundu Bypass, following approval of the proposal by the National Treasury. Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is now expected to conduct a feasibility study that will guide the next stage of the proposal. Kenha is then expected to select a private firm through a competitive bidding which will implement the toll system, collecting fees from motorists to fund the road’s operation and maintenance. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock…
Kibaki’s potrait during former President the late Mwai Kibaki State Burial at Nyayo stadium,Nairobi. April 29th,2022. [FILE,Standard] A separate investigation report filed in court now indicates that the mother of a woman claiming to be the daughter of former President Mwai Kibaki never mentioned him in her book. Her identification documents also allegedly show that her father was another man. .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;…
Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) petroleum storage facilities in Nairobi on August 21, 2024.[FILE/Standard] The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has applied for an increase in its tariff, which, if approved, will result in a further rise in the share of taxes and levies charged to motorists at the pump. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display…
The KenGen Geothermal Plaza offices in Naivasha. [File, Standard] A seemingly small addition to a tender document (addendum) became the sticking point that saw the highest-priced bid for the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen’s) 6.38 million carbon credits kicked out in the preliminary stage. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display =…
Business conditions began to recover across the Kenyan private sector for the first time since April in September. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”; } else if (now >= saleStart && now <= saleEnd) { paywallEl.style.display = “none”; var diffToEnd = saleEnd – now; var totalSeconds = Math.floor(diffToEnd / 1000);…
Business conditions began to recover across the Kenyan private sector for the first time since April in September. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”; } else if (now >= saleStart && now <= saleEnd) { paywallEl.style.display = “none”; var diffToEnd = saleEnd – now; var totalSeconds = Math.floor(diffToEnd / 1000);…
Energy PS Alex Wachira (centre) with KenGen officers and contractors during a tour of Olkaria I power plant in Naivasha, set to add 63MW to the grid after rehabilitation. [Antony Gitonga, Standard] As Kenya’s national power capacity dipped in the year to June 2025, private companies ramped up investment in captive power plants, increasing their combined output by 71.3 megawatts (MW), a 13.4 per cent jump that pushed the total capacity to 603.8MW, up from 532.6MW in 2024, according to a new report. This is even as Kenya’s installed electricity generating capacity by plants that feed to the national grid…
Kenya Power technicians install a transformer in Kiriguri village, Manyatta Constituency, Embu County. [File, Standard] Kenya increasingly relied on thermal power plants in the 12 months ending on June this year, as electricity demand rose and authorities turned to the fossil fuel powered power plants. The increased use of thermal energy reversed the trend in recent years that had seen a drop in use of electricity sourced from the power plants that burn heavy fuel oil for power production. A new report by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) shows that electricity sourced from thermal power plants rose by 18.5…
The amount of electricity that Kenya imports from its neighbours has in the recent years surged and is now eating into the market shares of local power producers including the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen). Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”; } else if (now >= saleStart && now…
Treasury CS John Mbadi at Parliament Buildings. [File, Standard] Kenya is set to get a new set of tough conditions that it must meet to get a new round of funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In the previous programme that ended in March this year, the conditions meant higher taxes aimed at increasing tax collections and withdrawal of subsidies to cushion Kenyans against harsh economic times. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa,…
Ride-hailing firm Uber has amended its terms and conditions after a regional consumer watchdog found that it was misleading customers who, in some instances, would end up paying more than the agreed price. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Login Already a subscriber? Log in Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Published Date: 2025-09-24 20:39:30 Author: By Macharia Kamau Source: The Standard
Pending Bills Verification Committee chairman Edward Ouko. [File, Standard] The National Treasury has extended the term of the committee that has been auditing pending bills to December 2025, a further indication that businesses that are owed billions of shillings by different state entities will have to wait longer. The government and county government owed suppliers of goods and services Sh701.64 billion as of June 2025, the biggest chunk owed by national government entities at Sh524.84 billion while counties owe Sh176.80 billion. Treasury in a gazette notice said it had extended the term for the Pending Bills Verification Committee to December 31,…
Members of the parliamentary Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperative inspect a shipment of rice at the KNTC warehouses in Mombasa on April 5, 2023. [File, Standard] The Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) is embroiled in yet another controversy in the importation of essential commodities. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Login Already a subscriber? Log in Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Members of the parliamentary Committee on…
Members of the parliamentary Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperative inspect a shipment of rice at the KNTC warehouses in Mombasa on April 5, 2023. [File, Standard] The Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) is embroiled in yet another controversy in the importation of essential commodities. /* 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; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);…
Members of the parliamentary Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperative inspect a shipment of rice at the KNTC warehouses in Mombasa on April 5, 2023. [File, Standard] The Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) is embroiled in yet another controversy in the importation of essential commodities. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Login Already a subscriber? Log in Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Members of the parliamentary Committee on…
Kenya Power and Lighting Company(KPLC) MD and Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror when he appeared before the Senate Cohesion at County Hall, Nairobi on April 22, 2024 over Equal representation.[Boniface Okendo, Standard] The cost of electricity will go up this month after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) increased the fuel cost charge component of the power bill as the country increases dependence on costly thermal electricity plants. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa,…
Chinese workers at the entrance of the railway tunnel at Ngong Kajiado County, on September 25, 2018. [File, Standard] All indications suggest that a Chinese firm will be involved in upgrading the Rironi-Mau Summit Road, which will further solidify China’s presence in the Northern Transport Corridor. The corridor is the key logistics artery that facilitates movement from Africa’s eastern seaboard through Kenya to numerous landlocked countries in the region. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters…
Chinese workers at the entrance of the railway tunnel at Ngong Kajiado County, on September 25, 2018. [File, Standard] All indications suggest that a Chinese firm will be involved in upgrading the Rironi-Mau Summit Road, which will further solidify China’s presence in the Northern Transport Corridor. The corridor is the key logistics artery that facilitates movement from Africa’s eastern seaboard through Kenya to numerous landlocked countries in the region. 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…
MT Barumk from Nigeria offloads 11,474 metric tonnes of LPG at Lake Gas Limited Terminal, a 10,000 metric tons storage facility.[Courtesy] The cooking gas industry was thrown into chaos this week after conflicting reports emerged about a five-million-kilogramme gas shipment imported by Kilifi-based Tanzanian gas firm Lake Gas. While the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) was said to have rejected the cargo over safety concerns, the standards body later contradicted the reports, stating it had given the shipment a clean bill of health for the firm to release the product into the Kenyan market. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of…
A general view of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) ahead of its official inauguration ceremony in Guba, on September 9, 2025.[AFP] Ethiopia’s role in stabilising Kenya’s power supply is set to expand following the completion of its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), launched Tuesday this week. Kenya has in recent years increasingly relied on Ethiopia to plug power generation gaps in its energy sector, supplying nearly 10 per cent of the power consumed in the country. President William Ruto indicated that Kenya could be increasing this with new planned agreements, and to secure the trade, he has offered to…
The 6kg gas cylinders will be distributed to households by liquified petroleum gas marketers under the State’s subsidised cooking gas programme. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The government is seeking to tap into private sector players’ funds to resuscitate its plans to distribute millions of gas cylinders to households following the collapse of a similar project. The Energy and Petroleum Ministry on Tuesday, invited firms in the cooking gas industry to send expressions of interest in funding and distributing six-kilogramme gas cylinders to households in rural and peri-urban areas across the country. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access…
President William Ruto interacts with Co-operatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya during a joint session of Cabinet and Principal Secretaries at State House Nairobi. With them are Principal Secretaries Susan Mang’eni and Abdi Dubat.[FILE/Standard] The ODM quartet of John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya took over as Cabinet Secretaries one year ago. Their appointment was accompanied by protests that ODM leaders, and to an extent the then opposition chief Raila Odinga, were riding on the push for reforms by Gen Zs, even though they were not part of the protests. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today…
President William Ruto interacts with Co-operatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya during a joint session of Cabinet and Principal Secretaries at State House Nairobi. With them are Principal Secretaries Susan Mang’eni and Abdi Dubat.[FILE/Standard] The ODM quartet of John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya took over as Cabinet Secretaries one year ago. Their appointment was accompanied by protests that ODM leaders, and to an extent the then opposition chief Raila Odinga, were riding on the push for reforms by Gen Zs, even though they were not part of the protests. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today…
Construction of Kenol- Sagana – Marwa highway, on May 31, 2022. Road agencies owe firms the largest amount at a combined Sh143 billion. [File, Standard] Parastatals drawn from just four ministries accounted for more than 83 per cent of the money that State corporations owed businesses as of June this year. 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…
Safety matches maker Match Masters argues that some provisions of Tanzania’s Finance Act, 2025 are discriminatory and in breach of the East African Community Charter. [Courtesy] Safety matches maker Match Masters has filed a case against Tanzania at the East Africa Court of Justice seeking to quash provisions in the Finance Act, 2025, imposing a higher excise duty on goods supplied by East African Community (EAC) member states. The company, which manufactures Kifaru safety matches, noted that some provisions of Tanzania’s Finance Act, 2025 are discriminatory and in breach of the East African Community Charter. Match Masters, which also makes…
Emile Arao Director General Kenya Civil Aviation Authority speaking during the launch of a Boeing 737-800 Aircraft at JKIA in Nairobi. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] The government has made another attempt to further open up Kenyan skies to foreign carriers, giving them greater freedom and flexibility in flying into Kenya. This includes allowing them to operate more direct international flights into other cities besides Nairobi, including Mombasa. Opening up the Kenyan skies has, in the past, been subject to heated debate. On the one hand, players say it could boost tourism and exports by increasing competition and lowering fares, but critics fear it could cripple local carriers,…
Kenya Airways Chief Executive Allan Kilavuka at a past event. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Kenya Airways (KQ) has slid back into loss-making, reporting a net loss of Sh12.15 billion for the half year to June 30 this year, from a profit of Sh513 million reported last year. The carrier attributed the loss to aircraft unavailability, with some of its key planes grounded. Three of the airline’s Boeing 787-88 Dreamliners were not in operation during the half under review, which it said was due to global supply chain disruptions and engine availability constraints. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp The airline had…
Kenya Airways Chief Executive Allan Kilavuka at a past event. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Kenya Airways (KQ) has slid back into loss-making, reporting a net loss of Sh12.15 billion for the half year to June 30 this year, from a profit of Sh513 million reported last year. The carrier attributed the loss to aircraft unavailability, with some of its key planes grounded. Three of the airline’s Boeing 787-88 Dreamliners were not in operation during the half under review, which it said was due to global supply chain disruptions and engine availability constraints. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp The airline had…
Drisilla Jumwa, 87, after her house was connected to electricity when the President William Ruto launched the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project in Mwanguwi, Taita Taveta county, on December 2, 2024. [File, Standard] In the five weeks leading up to August 5 this year, Kenya recorded three new peaks in electricity demand. 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…
Nairobi Nakuru highway under construction at Rironi area. [George Njunge, Standard] Crippling traffic jams on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, which are increasingly becoming frequent, appear to make a case for the expansion of the road. The road, a critical transport artery for Kenya and its neighbours that use the corridor to import and export goods, has in the recent past experienced major snarl-ups; the latest being last week, where hundreds of motorists were left stranded overnight. /* 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),…
President William Ruto and former US President Joe Biden in the Oval office, White House, Washington, D C, on May 23, 2024. [File, Standard] Kenya and the US are set to start negotiations on a new trade agreement as the country seeks to secure billions earned in exporting goods to the US as uncertainty clouds the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which allows duty free entry of certain goods from African countries to the American market. The two economies appear to be abandoning negotiations on the Strategic Investment and Trade Partnership (STIP) that had taken place…
President William Ruto and former US President Joe Biden in the Oval office, White House, Washington, D C, on May 23, 2024. [File, Standard] Kenya and the US are set to start negotiations on a new trade agreement as the country seeks to secure billions earned in exporting goods to the US as uncertainty clouds the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which allows duty free entry of certain goods from African countries to the American market. The two economies appear to be abandoning negotiations on the Strategic Investment and Trade Partnership (STIP) that had taken place…
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD and CEO) of Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Murali Natarajan.[David Gichuru/Standard] Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Kenya has reported a 9.9 per cent jump in profit after tax for the six months to June this year, which it attributed to growth in net interest income. The bank posted a net profit of Sh4.77 billion for the half compared to Sh4.34 billion over a similar half last year. The bank’s surge in profits was supported by an increase in net interest income, which grew 11.77 per cent to Sh15.86 billion over the half to June 30,…
Standard Chartered Bank CEO Kariuki Ngari during a past investor briefing. [File, Standard] Standard Chartered (StanChart) Bank Kenya has reported a 21 per drop in profit for the six months to June 30 this year. The lender on Wednesday said its profit after tax declined to Sh8.1 billion over the half from Sh10.3 billion over a similar period last year. Despite the drop, the bank said it would pay an interim dividend of Sh8 per share. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp The drop in profit after tax was on account of lower net interest income, which decreased by seven…
Parliament during a past session. The Privatisation Act 2023, which was nullified by the High Court last year, had taken away the National Assembly’s powers to scrutinise the privatisation process. [File, Standard] The government appears to be ceding ground in the privatisation of state-owned entities and will now seek MPs’ approval in the process. A new Bill, aimed at easing the process of selling part of the government’s shareholding in state corporations, has proposed giving Parliament powers to oversee the process. The Privatisation Act 2023, which was nullified by the High Court last year, had taken away the National Assembly’s…
Workers at Iron ore mining quarry in Jaribuni, Kilifi county, on January 15, 2017. [File, Standard] After more than five years, mostly marked by decline, Kenya’s mining industry is showing the first real signs of a turnaround. 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 Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Workers at Iron ore mining quarry in Jaribuni, Kilifi county, on…
Traders at a gas outlet in Nyeri town. The High Court has stopped enforcement raids on such premises until the hearing of a pending court case. [File, Standard] Local small and medium-sized gas dealers have won the first round in a battle pitting them against major oil marketing companies. The dealers claim the oil majors have been trying to squeeze them out of business through alleged illegal raids and arrests. 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…
What began as a dream to own a slice of prime property on Nairobi’s coveted Riverside Drive in 2020 has degenerated into a frustrating nightmare. 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 Macharia Kamau Source: The Standard
President William Ruto during the bell ringing ceremony to mark the listing of Linzi Finco’s Infrastructure Asset-Backed Security (IABS) on NSE, on July 23, 2025. [PCS] State-owned entities will now be required to adopt a new disclosure framework as the government begins to lay groundwork to offload its shareholding in some of them. President William Ruto, in pushing for the privatisation of some of public enterprises, said on Wednesday the National Treasury is developing a disclosure and listing framework for State-run companies modelled along capital market rules. They will then be required to list at least 20 per cent of…
Gulf Energy, through its affiliate Auron Energy, has signed a sale and purchase agreement with Tullow Oil that will see it acquire 100 per cent of Tullow’s interest in Kenya for a minimum cash consideration of $120 million (Sh15.5 billion). Tullow and Gulf Energy agreed to the sale in April this year, ushering Gulf Energy into the upstream petroleum sector and taking on the task of pushing Kenya’s fledgling oil industry into being a key economic sector. Gulf has been active in Kenya’s petroleum sector and is currently the key oil firm in the state brokered Government-to-Government fuel importation deal…
Treasury CS John Mbadi before the Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations at Bunge Towers, Parliament, Nairobi. July 17th,2025 [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Last week, National Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the government had started paying businesses pending bills, starting with the players in the roads sector. He, however, dampened the news that would have been welcomed with cheers by the business community when he said companies, many of them SMEs, would have to wait longer as the government verifies their pending bills. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now…
A Fuel pump operator at the Rubis Petrol station along Koinange Street, Nairobi. [File, Standard] /* 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; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); background-color: #ffffff; } .paywall-container h2{ text-align: center; display:none; } .paywall-container a{ text-decoration:none !important; } /* Header styling */ .paywall-header { font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 15px; color: #333333; text-align:center;…
A Fuel pump operator at the Rubis Petrol station along Koinange Street, Nairobi. [File, Standard] 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 A Fuel pump operator at the Rubis Petrol station along Koinange Street, Nairobi. [File, Standard] Follow the The Standard channel on WhatsApp Published Date: 2025-07-20 09:38:07 Author: By Macharia Kamau Source: The Standard
A pump attendant fueling a car at a petrol station along koinange street. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority on Monday increased the margins for oil marketing companies by Sh2.15 per litre, a move that played a part in pushing the retail cost of fuel to the highest since September last year. It is the second time in four months that the Authority has increased the margins, which has resulted in an overall increase of Sh5 per litre across the three products whose price is regulated. This has seen oil marketing companies now make Sh17.39 per litre of…
Kenya’s start-up ecosystem is littered with failures. In recent months, many start-ups have closed shop, while more are teetering on the edge, uncertain of their future. 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 The Standard channel on WhatsApp Follow the The Standard channel on WhatsApp Published Date: 2025-07-16 06:00:00 Author: By Macharia Kamau Source: The Standard
A PSV vehicle being fueled at a petrol station along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi. [Wilberforce Okwiri/Standard] The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) on Monday increased fuel prices by steep margins, resulting in pump prices reaching the highest point since September last year. 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 A PSV vehicle being fueled at a…
Kenya has, over the past decade, resembled a graveyard for both local and foreign companies. Despite Kenya Kwanza’s pledge to create a more conducive environment for business, its 34 months in power have witnessed intensified closures and scaled-down operations among firms, leading to job losses and eroded confidence in Kenya as an investment destination for businesses scouting for opportunities. /* 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;…
President William Ruto lays a brick to makasembo housing project phase 3 in Kisumu as he commissioned phase 1. [Michael Mute/Standard] In 2002, the manufacturing sector contributed a paltry two per cent to Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP), which is a measure of the total value of goods and services produced by the country. /* 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; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow:…
Kenya has, over the past decade, resembled a graveyard for both local and foreign companies. Despite Kenya Kwanza’s pledge to create a more conducive environment for business, its 34 months in power have witnessed intensified closures and scaled-down operations among firms, leading to job losses and eroded confidence in Kenya as an investment destination for businesses scouting for opportunities. /* 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;…
Kenya has, over the past decade, resembled a graveyard for both local and foreign companies. Despite Kenya Kwanza’s pledge to create a more conducive environment for business, its 34 months in power have witnessed intensified closures and scaled-down operations among firms, leading to job losses and eroded confidence in Kenya as an investment destination for businesses scouting for opportunities. /* 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;…
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry president Erick Rutto during the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI), Exporters’ Forum, a high-level engagement aimed at strengthening Kenyan exporters’ participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at an event in Serena hotel on 13th march 2025 [David Gichuru, Standard] Businesses have condemned the goons who infiltrated protests, looting and vandalising, but expressed solidarity with protestors, noting that their push for better governance echoes the concerns of all Kenyans. The private sector lobbies expressed concerns over the loss of lives as well as the high instances of goons…
Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority Chairman Francis Kigo Njenga rings the bell at the Nairobi Securities Exchange trading floor to mark the immobilisation of 79 per cent of shares listed on the NSE, on April 1, 2025. [File, Standard] The weeks to July 4, this year, were marked by significant political activities in the country, especially protests, as Kenyans agitated against the excesses of the National Police following the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang. Others were shot dead during the June 25 protests as Gen Zs remembered the young people killed by police last year during the anti-Finance Bill protests.…
One of Crown Paint showrooms in Eldoret. [Peter Ochieng, Standard] For two decades, Rakesho Rao has steered Crown Paints to become a manufacturing powerhouse, while he has carved himself some space as a corporate leader and easily fits the description of a captain of industry. His boat appears now to be rocking if recent developments at the firm are anything to go by. 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…
Express Kenya is diversifying into real estate with a Sh13 billion mixed use development as it seeks to increase revenue stream and reduce reliance on logistics that has been its mainstay over the years. The development, dubbed Project Nexus, is expected to play a critical role in turning around the fortunes of the over 100 year-old company that has largely been in logistics but holds huge tracts of prime land including in Nairobi’s industrial area. “This strategic expansion marks a new era for the company that is anchored in resilience, diversification and future-forward value creation,” said Express Kenya in a statement. “For over…
President William Ruto during a symbolic bell-ringing ceremony at the London Stock Exchange. [PCS] The government has said it will sell the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) to private investors in the course of this year through an Initial Public Offer (IPO). President William Ruto announced plans to privatise KPC on Wednesday during his visit to the UK. KPC, which ensures smooth flow of petroleum products in the country and the region through its network of pipelines and storage facilities, has been termed a strategic asset and many Kenyans have in the past argued against bringing on board private sector players.…
President William Ruto chairing a past cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi.[PCS] The President will no longer have the luxury of appointing political allies to plum board positions in state corporations in planned reforms to government agencies that might also see numerous directors of state corporations lose their lucrative board positions. This follows the Cabinet approval of a proposed law aimed at improving governance in state-owned entities. The Government Owned Entities Bill 2025, which is now set for debate in Parliament, proposes disqualifying people affiliated with political parties from holding board positions in what will now be referred as Government…
Political appointees to lose board jobs in Cabinet’s parastatal reforms Published Date: 2025-06-26 00:00:00 Author: By Macharia Kamau Source: The Standard
Telecommunication mast TV antennas wireless technology. [Courtesy] Large internet service providers (ISP) are on the radar of the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) for signing contracts with real estate developers that lock out smaller ISPs from providing services to households and even businesses. 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 Telecommunication mast TV antennas wireless technology. [Courtesy] Published Date: 2025-06-26 00:00:00 Author: By Macharia Kamau Source: The Standard
President William Ruto chairs a Cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi, on April 29, 2025. [File, Standard] The President will no longer have the luxury of appointing political allies to plum board positions in State corporations in planned reforms to government agencies that might also see numerous directors of state corporations lose their lucrative board positions. This follows the Cabinet’s approval of a proposed law aimed at improving governance in State-owned entities. The Government Owned Entities Bill 2025, which is now set for debate in Parliament, proposes disqualifying people affiliated with political parties from holding board positions in what will…
National Assembly’s Finance Committee Chair Molo MP Kimani Kuria (centre) flanked by Mangale Munga Chiforomodo (right) Lunga Lunga MP and Dr. John Ariko, Turkana South MP during the commencement of Public Hearings on the Finance Bill, 2025 and the Virtual Asset Providers Bill, 2025 at Edge Convention Center, South C Nairobi. May 22nd,2025 [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Members of the National Assembly rejected some of the views they received on the Finance Bill 2025 from Kenyans via email, dismissing them as spam. The National Assembly’s Finance and Planning Committee had been hailed as progressive for adopting a tech survey approach to…
President William Ruto signs Anti-Money Laundering and Climate Change. [Courtesy] Kenya has moved to repair its dented credibility in fighting illicit financial flows after it was greylisted by a global money laundering and terrorism financing watchdog. President William Ruto yesterday assented to the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which is expected to strengthen Kenya’s framework for tackling money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing. Kenya was in February last year put on Finance Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list after it failed to meet required threshold in its anti-money laundering and counter terrorism oversight,…
Competition Authority of Kenya Acting Director-General Dr.Adano Roba when he appeared before the Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives at Continental House in Nairobi on September 04, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) is looking into ways to increase consumer protection oversight among firms operating in the digital sphere. The consumer protection watchdog notes that cartels have changed their modus operandi and are now using big data and artificial intelligence. CAK, which doubles up as the competition regulator, said its new Strategic Plan, launched yesterday, would steer it in the fight against Big Data and AI-powered…
Kenya Airways planes at Jomo Kenyatta Airport (JKIA), Nairobi [Boniface Okendo, Standard] State-owned South African Airways (SAA) has pulled out of the partnership with Kenya Airways to launch a pan-African carrier that had been tipped as a game changer for continental air travel. KQ on Friday said SAA was no longer interested in the venture but noted it would push on with the idea. 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 State-owned South…
National Treasury and Economic Planning CS John Mbadi speaks during 2025/2026 Deloitte Kenya National Budget Analysis. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] The large sums of money that the government owes to businesses continue to be a thorny issue despite the National Treasury having committed to resolving it. The State continues to delay the repayment while allocating paltry amounts, with observers now noting the government is not really committed to clearing pending bills. National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on Thursday, however, insisted that the State is committed to resolving pending bills dating back to 2005, but noted that this is pegged on the outcome of an audit that…
Safaricom CEO Dr Peter Ndegwa during the official launch of Taasi, a credit term product by Safaricom’s M-PESA at Safaricom HQ in Nairobi. May 23, 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Safaricom Plc’s valuation at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) crossed the psychological barrier of the Sh1 trillion mark on Thursday last week, after its share price crossed Sh25.5 in inter-day trading on the bourse, adding Sh266 billion of shareholder wealth. It is the highest share traded since late 2022. The share price closed at Sh24.90 after trading 42.3 million shares worth Sh1.1 billion. It, however, retreated on Friday when it closed at Sh24.65 and its market…
Cooking gas firm Lake Gas has defended the quality of its first bulk consignment of imported cooking gas, insisting it meets the required quality and safety standards. Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) had flagged the cooking gas cargo over failure to meet safety standards, noting it did not have adequate odourant, which is supposed to alert users in case of a leak. Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) is odourless and is mixed with an odourant, mostly the chemical ethyl mercaptan, to give it the foul smell akin to rotten eggs to make it easily detectable in case of a leak.…
Former Kenya Airways Chairman Michael Joseph at the airline’s past investors briefing in Nairobi. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Nairobi] Michael Joseph, on Friday, retired from the Kenya Airways (KQ) board, presiding over his last meeting with the airline’s shareholders. His exit marked the end of a board career spanning a maximum tenure of nine years, marked by both highs and lows. 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 Michael Joseph, on Friday, retired from the…
Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2025-06-15 00:00:00 Author: By Macharia Kamau Source: The Standard
The cost of fuel has generally been reducing over the last year, with the cost of petrol going down from upwards of Sh200 seen at the start of last year to the current levels. [File, Standard] The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) has increased the cost of super petrol by Sh2.69 per litre, reversing the declining trend in the cost of petrol seen in more than a year. This is even as it reduced the retail cost for diesel by Sh1.95 per litre and kerosene by Sh2.06 per litre. This will result in super petrol retailing at Sh177.32 per…
National Treasury CS John Mbadi(3rd left) is received by National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed as Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairman Samuel Atandi(right) and other leaders looks on at Parliament on June 12, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] When the National Treasury tabled the 2025/26 Budget Estimates in Parliament at the end of April, it indicated that the government’s total spending would be Sh4.24 trillion. This has, however, changed, and while reading the Budget Statement on Thursday, Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi noted that the budget for the 2025/26 financial year would be Sh4.29 trillion. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a…
Kebs rejects Lake Gas gas for failure to meet safety standards. [FILE/Standard] The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) has rejected a cooking gas consignment that was imported into the country by Lake Gas due to non-compliance with safety standards. The gas, according to Kebs, failed to have an adequate dose of stench, a foul-smelling chemical added to cooking gas before it is released into the market for safety. 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?…
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) Director General Danie Kiptoo has been appointed the vice chairman of the International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER). [Courtesy] The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) Director General Danie Kiptoo has been appointed the vice chairman of the International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER). The move, Mr Kiptoo said, positions Kenya as a leader in energy regulation, policy and innovation on the international stage. “This appointment is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to the strength and credibility of Kenya’s regulatory frameworks and the progress we have made as a country…
A pedestrian carrying a tank of cooking gas dodges fast moving matatu along Mombasa Road yesterday. Hundreds of pedestrians are killed by speeding motorists along this road every year despite the presence of bridges for them to use in crossing the busy highway. [George Mulala] MPs have put oil industry players in the spotlight for the high cost of cooking gas. The members of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee have noted that retail prices have been on a steady climb over the recent years despite the fuel getting a tax exemption in a bid to push consumption. Get…
Gas cylinders on sale in Nairobi. August 8th, 2020. [File, Standard] On Wednesday last week, Lake Gas completed the receipt of the first cooking gas cargo at its partially completed facility in Kilifi County. It was what should have marked a major achievement for the LPG plant and also the petroleum sector in the country, whose bid to grow cooking gas consumption and lower consumer prices has been held back by the lack of adequate storage facilities. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing…
Alego Usonga MP and Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee Sam Atandi when the committee held a meeting on appropriation of funds and national budget planning with the Principal Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning Chris Kiptoo at the Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport on May 29, 2025. [Standard, Kanyiri Wahito] MPs have questioned the exclusion of interest earned from the investment of the Housing Levy funds in Treasury Bills in the budget for the next financial year. They also raised concerns about who is pocketing the billions of shillings earned in interest. The State…
TransCentury PLC Chairman, Shaka Kariuki (middle), CEO, Ng’ang’a Njiinu (left) and Company Secretary, Virginia Ndunge (right) during TransCentury’s 26th Annual General Meeting held at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. [Courtesy] Kibaki-era infrastructure firm TransCentury has emerged from loss-making and reported a Sh580 million profit after tax in the year to December 2024, from a loss of Sh3.2 billion in 2023. It is the first time that the firm has reported a full-year profit since 2013, when it reported a Sh2.28 billion loss. The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE)-listed firm attributed the turnaround to sustained revenue growth momentum, margin expansion, cost containment, balance…
President William Ruto at State House Nairobi where he assented to the Supplementary Appropriations Bill. [PCS] Many salaried Kenyans could see the amount of taxes they pay significantly go up if the government adopts proposals made by the World Bank. In the proposals—which the World Bank said could make personal income tax in Kenya equitable and yield a lower tax burden for low income earners—high-income earners will pay 38 per cent of their salaries as Pay As You Earn (Paye) tax. .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 0;padding-left:20px;list-style:none}.features-list li{margin-bottom:10px;list-style-type:none;position:relative;padding-left:25px;list-style-type:none!important}.features-list li:before{content:”✓”;color:#d40511;position:absolute;left:0;font-weight:bold}.existing-subscriber{text-align:center;color:#555;font-size:14px}.existing-subscriber…