A section of the Nairobi Expressway at Westlands in Nairobi. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] The government last week said it had handed China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) another contract for the enhancement of the roads along the Nairobi Expressway, stretching from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to James Gichuru Road in Westlands. The move came a week after President William Ruto announced plans to rebuild the roads. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Support Bold Journalism Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money…
Author: By Macharia Kamau
KBA Chief Executive Raimond Molenje. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] The banking industry has proposed a downward review of pay as you earn (PAYE) tax bands to raise the minimum taxable personal income from the current Sh24,000 to Sh30,000, with a maximum PAYE band at 30 per cent. The industry said this would boost disposable income, empower workers, support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and increase revenue collection by the government through increased consumption and investment Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Support Bold Journalism Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized…
Public Service Vehicles at the Green Park Terminus in Nairobi. [File, Standard] The insurance industry is being challenged to innovate coverage for the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) sector which remains largely shunned as ‘high-risk’ despite its critical economic role. “For too long, PSV insurance has been associated with fear of non-compliance rather than opportunity,” said William Kiama of the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI). Kiama, who spoke during Directline Assurance’s 2oth anniversary celebrations, noted the sector is a ‘giant hidden in plain sight,’ contributing 8.3% to GDP and supporting at least eight livelihoods per vehicle. Follow The Standard channel on…
Stock market capital gains. [Courtesy/GettyImages] For years, traders within the East African Community (EAC) have grappled with barriers that stifle the seamless movement of goods and people. These traditional hurdles, which range from police roadblocks and lengthy border clearance procedures to protectionist import restrictions on agricultural produce, have long hampered deeper regional integration. However, as the EAC tries to resolve these legacy issues, a new frontier of complexity has emerged; the rise of professional and digital services. New challenges are emerging, including disjointed regulatory frameworks and inconsistent licensing, restricting trade in services. Players are now calling on EAC states to…
Fluorspar project gets back on track Published Date: 2025-12-17 10:20:54 Author: By Macharia Kamau Source: The Standard
Signboards giving directions and instructions at the Kenya Fluorspar Company’s mining site in Kimwarer, Elgeyo Marakwet County. [File, Standard] The process to restart fluorspar mining in Elgeyo Marakwet County has started to gather momentum after Sofax Fluorspar Kenya and Mizztech Group of China signed the contract for the refurbishment of the fluorspar processing plant in Kerio Valley. The two companies, in August this year, signed a memorandum of understanding for a long-term technical and investment partnership. Sofax Fluorspar Kenya Ltd is the operator of the Kerio Valley Fluorspar Project under the Concession Agreement and Mining Licence ML/2025/0216 issued in July this year. Sofax Fluorspar Kenya Chief Executive John Masanda described the Engineering, Procurement and Construction…
Amsons CEO Mokate Ramafoko (left) and Bamburi Commercial Director Martin Kariuki (right) launch a Ready-mix concrete truck at Bamburi’s new Mombasa plant. (Jenipher Wachie, Standard) Bamburi Cement yesterday announced that it would invest $250 million (Sh32 billion) in a clinker production plant at Matuga in Kwale County, marking the first major investment by the firm since its acquisition by the Tanzanian conglomerate Amsons Group. Construction of the plant, which is expected to double Bamburi’s cement production capacity, will start in the first quarter of next year and is expected to start clinker production by 2028. Bold Reporting Takes Time, Courage…
Lake Gas facility that is under construction in Kilifi. [File, Standard] Liquefied Petroleum Gas firm, Lake Gas has scored a win after the Environment and Land Court in Malindi upheld the validity of its environmental licence when building a bulk cooking gas handling facility at Vipingo in Kilifi County. The court set aside a ruling by the National Environmental Tribunal (NET) cancelling the firm’s Environmental Impact Assessment licence for the facility after it found that the project owners did not undertake adequate public consultation. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》…
The Nairobi Expressway around Westlands. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] President William Ruto’s plans to spend Sh5 trillion on infrastructure building by 2032 are perhaps the boldest show of how his administration’s priorities have changed in the three years that he has been in power. The president has, in the recent past, been pushing a big, big-ticket infrastructure agenda, a stark contrast from the hustler narrative of empowering initiatives such as the Financial Inclusion Fund, better known as the Hustler Fund, affordable housing and universal health. Bold Journalism Builds Kenya. Stand With Credible Reporting Stand With Bold Journalism 》 Unlimited access to…
Amsons Group MD Edha Nahdi and Bamburi Cement CEO Mohit Kapoor (right) when they announced the integration kickoff. [File, Standard] Tanzanian conglomerate Amsons Group has said it plans to venture into Kenya’s energy sector as it seeks to deepen its foray in the country following the acquisition of Bamburi Cement and a controlling stake in East African Portland Cement. 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 Already a subscriber? Log…
Treasury CS John Mbadi. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The National Treasury has defended its plans to sell a 15 per cent stake in Safaricom to Vodacom while shunning the option of offloading the shareholding through a public offer that would have given local investors an opportunity to increase their ownership in the region’s most profitable company. For the past few days, the government has come under sharp criticism after it emerged that it would be reducing its shareholding in the telco. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all…
Trucks snarl up in Malaba border, Busia County. [File, Standard] The Northern Transport Corridor has for years been viewed as a key transport artery for the East African region, facilitating the movement of people and goods, but rarely looked at through the eyes of public health officials. And when the corridor’s health issues are discussed, they have usually centred on HIV, with it being seen as facilitating transmission from one town to another and one country to the next. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium…
Kwale International Sugar Company Ltd on February 7, 2019. [File, Standard] The High Court has ordered the government to pay $185.6 million (Sh24 billion) to Kwale International Sugar Company Ltd (KISCOL). The ruling is seen as a strong judicial defence of contractual obligations and investor rights. 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 Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display…
A new report shows that 0.1 per cent of wealthy Kenyans each own an average of 200 hectares. [File, Standard] A handful of Kenyans hold more than half of arable land, which is largely idle with allegations that a substantial proportion of this land has been acquired irregularly. This has condemned the vast majority of Kenyans to poverty and food insecurity. 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 Already a…
A new report shows that 0.1 per cent of wealthy Kenyans each own an average of 200 hectares. [File, Standard] A handful of Kenyans hold more than half of arable land, which is largely idle with allegations that a substantial proportion of this land has been acquired irregularly. This has condemned the vast majority of Kenyans to poverty and food insecurity. 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 Already a…
Annet Nerima, Program Manager, Inclusion and Political Justice at Kenya Human Rights Commission, makes a presentation during the launch of the report in Nairobi.[Courtesy, Standard] Kenya’s fast accumulation of debt and a bloated public wage bill are undermining the provision of essential social services and eroding the economic and social rights of Kenyans, according to a new report. The report, titled the Economics of Repression by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), shows that the government’s heavy spending on debt repayments has resulted in paltry amounts being spent on essential services, such as health, education and water and sanitation. Uncover…
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu.[Elvis Ogina, Standard] A new report has revealed major neglect of off-grid power stations operated by Kenya Power in areas that are not connected to the national electricity grid, exposing businesses and households to major power disruptions. 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 Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML = “”; } activeEl.innerHTML = “”; paywallEl.style.display = “block”; } else if (now…
President William Ruto during the launch of the Rironi-Mau Summit road project, on November 28, 2025. [PCS] The splitting of the contract to expand the Rironi–Mau Summit Road has caused complications for the roads agency, as it emerges that the two consortia had proposed different toll rates and annual price escalation rates. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KenNHA) last week announced that the expansion of the road, a critical artery for Kenya and its neighbours, would be undertaken by the two companies that had submitted Privately Initiated Proposals. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock…
The new owners of Bamburi, Amsons Group, have strengthened their hold on Kenya’s cement industry after the acquisition of a 29.2 per cent stake in East African Portland Cement (EAPC). 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 =…
Chinese retail chain, China Square, took up Uchumi Supermarket’s Lang’ata Hyper outlet along Lang’ata Road in June last year. [File, Standard] The leasing of Uchumi Supermarket’s Lang’ata Hyper premises to China Square has lifted the struggling retailer’s earnings, but this is not enough to lift it out of its protracted financial woes. China Square now accounts for more than 80 per cent of the rental income earned by the listed former retail giant after setting up an outlet at Uchumi’s Lang’ata Hyper premises. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited…
A lady makes a phone call while working. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] A telephone call recording made without the employee’s consent has landed Liquid Telecom Kenya in trouble. The firm has been ordered to compensate an aggrieved former employee some Sh700,000 for violating his data rights. The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (OPDC) on November 3 this year ordered the firm to pay Andrew Alston Sh700,000 after finding that Liquid Kenya had recorded his personal data without his consent and later passed the recording to its sister company – Liquid Mauritius – for use in a case against him. Uncover…
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…
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…