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…
Author: By Macharia Kamau
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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?…
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. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access to all premium…
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…
Outgoing Kenya Airways Chairman Michael Joseph at the airline’s past investors briefing in Nairobi. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Nairobi] After nearly a decade as the chairman of Kenya Airways (KQ), Michael Joseph is set to retire from the national carrier’s board of directors next month, ending a career marked by many highs but also numerous lows. During his tenure, the airline posted its worst-ever losses in 2022 but also turned a profit last year, these two perhaps characterising the different ups and downs KQ experienced under his leadership. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started…
Energy PS Juma Mukhwana and Kenya Bureau of Standards MD Esther Ngari during the World Metrology Day in Nairobi on May 20,2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] You might rant all you want online about the state of the Kenyan economy, but as long as you are not buying locally made products, your views will not amount to much. This is the message by Industry Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana, who said while the government is not averse to criticism, Kenyans need to play their part in growing local enterprises through buying locally-made products. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe…
Woman from Borana tribe using a mobile phone, in a village in Southern Ethiopia, Africa. [Courtesy/GettyImages] Safaricom’s earnings in Ethiopia were largely driven by mobile data last year, whose revenues accounted for more than 50 per cent of the total revenue that the company got in the country. This is a complete departure from its Kenyan unit, where mobile money accounts for nearly half of the revenues, having taken over from voice and text messages that were its mainstay in the early days. Mobile data revenue for Safaricom Ethiopia stood at Sh5.6 billion, equivalent to 62.9 per cent of the…
Tourists waiting to board the fixed-wing aircraft at Angama airstrip in Masai Mara. The Airstrip is set to be upgraded into an airport. [Robert Kiplagat, Standard] Early this month, the government announced major plans to start construction of an international airport in Narok County, a move it said would further unlock the tourism circuit in the region, whose key attraction is the world famous Maasai Mara. The National Treasury is set to pump Sh700 million into the project which is expected to be ready in 15 months. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get…
New PPPs model opens door for local firms after Adani deals flop Published Date: 2025-05-18 10:00:00 Author: By Macharia Kamau Source: The Standard
Modernisation of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was one of the projects to be undertaken by the disgraced Adani Group. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Kenyan firms are angling to invest in the country’s key mega infrastructure projects, including the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), months after the cancellation of lucrative deals to the Indian conglomerate Adani Group. The government cancelled over $2.5 billion (Sh322.5 billion) in deals with Indian businessman Gautam Adani’s firm after his indictment for fraud, including the modernisation of Kenya’s biggest airport and the construction of power transmission lines. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week…
Commercial banks, insurance firms, and other financial services sector players are eyeing financing about a third of Kenya’s development expenditure through public-private partnerships (PPPs). This is as the government pursues increased private sector participation in infrastructure development to bridge the financing gap experienced as tax revenue continues to post sluggish growth and the wiggle room for more public debt shrinks. A new report says local investors can finance the construction of infrastructure projects, including roads, dams, ports, and power transmission lines, accounting for about 30 per cent of the country’s development expenditure in the coming years. The government plans to…
Standard Group Limited Mombasa Road. [Photo/Jacob Otieno] The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has given the Standard Group PLC the go-ahead to raise Sh1.5 billion from shareholders through a rights issue. The company, the oldest and one of the leading media houses in the region, said the funds would be used to strengthen its balance sheet so that it could take advantage of emerging digital growth opportunities as part of an ongoing re-organisation. “The Authority has reviewed the documentation and information memorandum submitted in support of the application for the increase in the share capital of the company through issuance of…
Left: Sebastian Groth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kenya, Jennifer Morgan, State Secretary and Special Envoy for International ClimateAction, the German Federal Foreign Office, Daniel Kiptoo, Director General, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Davis Chirchir, Cabinet Secretary, Energy & amp;Petroleum and Alex Wachira, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Energy & Petroleum, State Department of Energy during the launch of the guidelines on Green Hydrogen and its Derivatives.[James Wanzala,Standard] Kenya is looking at deepening its renewable energy use through green hydrogen, which is tipped to hold immense potential in cleaning up industries as well as creating new jobs locally across different sectors.…
A PSV vehicle being fueled at a petrol station along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) has retained fuel prices at the same level for the second month in a row. This will mean the retail price of super petrol will remain at Sh174.63 per litre in Nairobi. Diesel will continue retailing at Sh164.86 per litre while kerosene will retail at Sh148.99 per litre. “In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for super petrol, diesel and kerosene remain unchanged,” said Epra in its monthly capping price guide on…
Kenyans are grappling with reduced disposable income as increased statutory deductions and higher taxes—both direct and indirect—weaken their spending power. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters Already a subscriber? Log in Published Date: 2025-05-11 00:00:00 Author: By Macharia Kamau Source: The Standard
KCB advanced Sh53.2 billion in 2024 to different customers undertaking diverse projects, up from Sh22.1 billion in 2023. [File, Standard] KCB Group more than doubled green loans disbursed in 2024, emerging among the front runners in the race among banks to green up their loan portfolios. The lender advanced Sh53.2 billion in the period to December 2024 to different customers undertaking diverse projects, up from Sh22.1 billion in 2023, a growth of 140 per cent. Banks are racing to increase the amount of loans advanced to environmentally friendly projects as Kenya and the world battle to minimise the impact of…
From Left: Safaricom PLC Chief Finance Officer- Dilip Pal, Board Chairman Adil Khawaja, Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa and Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia (CEO) Wim Vanhelleputte during release of Safaricom 2024/25 Full Year Results at Michael Joseph Centre in Nairobi. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] Safaricom posted an overall 7.27 per cent growth in profit after tax for the year to March 31, 2025, to Sh45.76 billion, up from Sh42.7 billion previously. The profit jump was boosted by strong performance in Kenya, where profit grew by 14.88 per cent to Sh95.47 billion from Sh82.65 billion previously, pushing total revenues up to Sh388.7 billion from Sh349…
Boda boda operators wait for giveaways and fuel happy hour session during the launch of Galana energy service station at Kithini market in Machakos County on December 3, 2024. [John Muia, Standard] The motor vehicle industry registered a major decline last year as many households and businesses froze acquisitions owing to a mix of factors. These included tough economic conditions, refusal by banks to lend to Kenyans and high taxes that affected both spending power for many and drove up vehicle costs. The total number of newly registered vehicles dropped 21.4 per cent, according to the Economic Survey 2025 launched…
President William Ruto presents the Supplementary Appropriation Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 8 2025) to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula after asssenting to it at State House, Nairobi. Looking on is National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah. PHOTO HIRAM OMONDI/PCS. 18/3/2025. New proposals in the Finance Bill 2025 could slow down Kenya’s transition to clean energy by raising the cost of key technologies such as electric vehicles, solar power systems and energy storage solutions. The Bill has proposed the migration from the list of zero-rated items to that of VAT exempt goods, which analysts say will increase the cost of…
President William Ruto interacts with construction workers during the inspection of the ongoing construction of the 4,566-unit Shauri Moyo B Affordable Housing Project in Kamukunji Constituency, Nairobi, in March this year. [PCS] President William Ruto’s “no-taxes Finance Bill” has hit one of his pet projects after it proposed to remove tax exemptions on materials used for the construction of affordable houses. On the flipside, the Bill has proposed lowering the Export and Investment Levy on certain construction products to five per cent from 17.5 per cent, seen as a move to lift the construction industry that was on consistent decline…
The Finance Bill 2025 has proposed to increase to 20 years the time that some of the firms running under the innovation hub will pay lower corporate taxes. [File, Standard] The government is seeking to attract global financial services sector players to the Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC) by offering more incentives as it seeks to accelerate the take-off of the innovation hub. The Finance Bill 2025 has proposed to increase to 20 years the time that some of the firms running under NIFC will pay lower corporate taxes. Dividends that the NIFC-certified firms will pay will also be tax-exempt,…
A worker arranges the cooking oil products at Khetia Supermaket in Nyeri on Sept 20, 2023. [Kibata Kihu, Standard] The National Treasury appears unsure how to go about this year’s Finance Bill following last year’s events that saw Kenyans stage countrywide protests to oppose the additional tax measures contained in the 2024 Money Bill. The protests even forced President William Ruto not to assent to it. In the Finance Bill 2025, tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, the Treasury has avoided proposing new tax measures and instead has attempted to reform tax administration, with a key feature being the review of…
Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli addressing at Solidarity Building, Nairobi on April 26, 2025, during their meeting with Union’s Secretary Generals and Stewards ahead of May 1st Labour Day celebration. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Kenyan workers will today keenly follow the proceedings of Labour Day celebrations with expectations that the government will put in place measures to increase their take-home pay or lighten their tax burden. The pay for many workers has been through a multi-year battering, with high taxes and levies reducing their disposable income. In addition to the direct raids on payslips, there are…
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan speaking during a press briefing on the state visit between Kenya and China 22nd April to 25th 2025. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] Kenya is increasingly becoming a focal point for China in its quest to grow influence not just in Africa but the Global South, amidst Beijing’s tariff fight with the US. Kenya’s critical role is seen in last week’s visit to China by President William Ruto, which the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi said has carved out a new path for Chinese relations with Kenya, Africa and generally the Global South. Chinese Ambassador to Kenya…
President William Ruto and Yan Tang Chief Executive Officer during groundbreaking for the 35MW Orpower 22 Geothermal Plant in Menengai, Nakuru County. [File, Standard] While President William Ruto was slamming Western institutions for being outdated and failing to live up to today’s global realities, his administration was being called out for presiding over the country’s deteriorating business environment. Kenya’s shaky energy supply and its high cost once again became a topic of discussion internationally when the Vietnamese tycoon Doanh Chau critiqued Kenyan leaders for talking big but falling short on delivery. President William Ruto and Yan Tang Chief Executive Officer…
Social Security building that houses NSSF head offices in Nairobi. [File, Standard] The National Social Security Fund (NSSF)Friday, kicked off its 60th anniversary celebrations with its Annual General Meeting as it eyes growing to a Sh1 trillion fund by 2027. NSSF was established in 1965 through an Act of Parliament, Cap 258 of the Laws of Kenya, and over the years evolved from being operated as a Department within the Labour Ministry to a provident fund and later transformed into a mandatory pension scheme through the NSSF Act 2013. It is currently implementing its 2023-2027 strategic plan, in which it…
Part of the turbines at Lake Turkana Wind Power farm at Sarima, near Lake Turkana in Laisamis, Marsabit County on March 15, 2017. [File, Standard] The High Court has ordered the Ministry of Energy to make all power projects underway in Marsabit County public. This is the second such directive after the ministry failed to honour a similar order by the ombudsman. Part of the turbines at Lake Turkana Wind Power farm at Sarima, near Lake Turkana in Laisamis, Marsabit County on March 15, 2017. [File, Standard] The High Court has ordered the Ministry of Energy to make all power…
President William Ruto lays a wreath at the Monument to the Peoples’ Heroes at Tiananmen Square in honour of the martyrs of the struggle for the founding of the Peoples’ Republic of China in 1949, on April 23, 2025. [PCS] President William Ruto on Wednesday slammed the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, terming them relics of an old world and unable to deal with many challenges facing the globe today. The President, who spoke at a public lecture in China, said the two institutions are outdated and need radical reform to realign their focus to tackle today’s global…
President William Ruto lays a wreath at the Monument to the Peoples’ Heroes at Tiananmen Square in honour of the martyrs of the struggle for the founding of the Peoples’ Republic of China in 1949, on April 23, 2025. [PCS] President William Ruto on Wednesday slammed the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, terming them relics of an old world and unable to deal with many challenges facing the globe today. The President, who spoke at a public lecture in China, said the two institutions are outdated and need radical reform to realign their focus to tackle today’s global…
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Petroleum Mohamed Liban before the Public Accounts committee at Parliament buildings, Nairobi. May 23rd,2024 [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Lake Gas is pushing ahead with its bulk cooking gas terminal project in Kilifi County, risking running afoul of the High Court’s ruling halting construction and revoking the firm’s environmental licence. The Tanzanian firm has been positioning itself as a key player in Kenya’s cooking gas market. A planned 25,000 metric tonne liquified petroleum gas (LPG) storage plant is expected to boost its Kenyan operations, including retail sales of cooking gas. The firm said tanks with…
Director of Public Policy and Government Relations at TikTok for Sub-Saharan Africa, Fortune Mgwili–Sibanda. [File, Standard] Across Africa, governments and private sector players have poured significant investments into digital infrastructure—from sprawling fibre optic networks to booming mobile payments platforms. Yet, as innovation races ahead, regulation is often lagging, slowed down by legacy mindsets among policymakers and slow-moving policy processes. This has resulted in the regulatory environment remaining inconsistent, frequently playing catch-up with industry developments. In some cases, policymakers have made proposals that seem out of step with digital realities, such as attempts to restrict social media use. While many of…
Director of Public Policy and Government Relations at TikTok for Sub-Saharan Africa, Fortune Mgwili–Sibanda. [File, Standard] Across Africa, governments and private sector players have poured significant investments into digital infrastructure—from sprawling fibre optic networks to booming mobile payments platforms. Yet, as innovation races ahead, regulation is often lagging, slowed down by legacy mindsets among policymakers and slow-moving policy processes. This has resulted in the regulatory environment remaining inconsistent, frequently playing catch-up with industry developments. In some cases, policymakers have made proposals that seem out of step with digital realities, such as attempts to restrict social media use. While many of…
Director of Public Policy and Government Relations at TikTok for Sub-Saharan Africa, Fortune Mgwili–Sibanda. [File, Standard] Across Africa, governments and private sector players have poured significant investments into digital infrastructure—from sprawling fibre optic networks to booming mobile payments platforms. Yet, as innovation races ahead, regulation is often lagging, slowed down by legacy mindsets among policymakers and slow-moving policy processes. This has resulted in the regulatory environment remaining inconsistent, frequently playing catch-up with industry developments. In some cases, policymakers have made proposals that seem out of step with digital realities, such as attempts to restrict social media use. While many of…
Director of Public Policy and Government Relations at TikTok for Sub-Saharan Africa, Fortune Mgwili–Sibanda. [File, Standard] Across Africa, governments and private sector players have poured significant investments into digital infrastructure—from sprawling fibre optic networks to booming mobile payments platforms. Yet, as innovation races ahead, regulation is often lagging, slowed down by legacy mindsets among policymakers and slow-moving policy processes. This has resulted in the regulatory environment remaining inconsistent, frequently playing catch-up with industry developments. In some cases, policymakers have made proposals that seem out of step with digital realities, such as attempts to restrict social media use. While many of…
Cooking gas cylinders at Heshima trading centre in Nakuru. [File, Standard The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum is pushing for the conversion of privately owned cooking gas handling facilities into common user infrastructure as part of its broader strategy to drive up Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage in the country. The initiative, which will be regulated by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra), aims to open up existing LPG storage and import facilities to multiple industry players. This move would allow any licensed importer to discharge cooking gas into shared storage terminals before it is distributed to the market.…
Kenyans will get a slight reprieve following the reduction of fuel prices for the next one month. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) on Monday lowered the cost of the three products that it regulates by Sh1.95 per litre of super petrol, Sh2.20 per litre of diesel and Sh2.40 a litre of kerosene. The drop was helped by a mix of factors, including the decline in the cost of products globally as well as a deal reached by the government and the Middle Eastern oil firms that supply the country with petroleum products under the government-to-government deal. This saw…
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu (centre) with Latin Poda, the First President of the Court of Accounts of Burkina Faso (left) and Outgoing secretary General of AFROSAI and minister Delegate at the presidency of Cameroon in charge of Supreme State Audit Office Mme Mbah Acha Fomundam peruse the launched Report on illicit Financial Flows in Africa which consist of 12 countries, on 10,March, 2025 at Norfolk hotel. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard] Kenya could continue losing billions of shillings in tax revenues through illicit financial flows due to weak implementation of laws, limited cooperation among government agencies, and letting off offenders with minimal…
Jubilee Health Insurance CEO Njeri Jomo during the launch of “Always With You” programme that seeks to make healthcare more accessible and convenient. [File, Standard] Jubilee Health Insurance Ltd (JHIL) has more than doubled its profit after tax to Sh910 million for the year ending December 31, 2024, up from Sh438 million the previous year. The firm, a subsidiary of Jubilee Holdings, attributed the growth to investments in digital health solutions and operational efficiency during the year. “This performance is a reflection of our purpose-driven culture and our promise to walk with every Kenyan on their healthcare journey,” said Jubilee…
Jubilee Health Insurance CEO Njeri Jomo during the launch of “Always With You” programme that seeks to make healthcare more accessible and convenient. [File, Standard] Jubilee Health Insurance Ltd (JHIL) has more than doubled its profit after tax to Sh910 million for the year ending December 31, 2024, up from Sh438 million the previous year. The firm, a subsidiary of Jubilee Holdings, attributed the growth to investments in digital health solutions and operational efficiency during the year. “This performance is a reflection of our purpose-driven culture and our promise to walk with every Kenyan on their healthcare journey,” said Jubilee…