Business
CMA approves Safaricom, Airtel, Capital in Kenya’s forex and markets push
The move aims to enhance competition, expand investor choice and strengthen digital access to regulated capital markets products.
Business
Business
AfDB approves Sh7.7 billion guarantee to boost Equity Bank Kenya’s SME lending
The facility, approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors, will allow Equity Bank (Kenya) Limited to issue guarantees of up to 100 percent to confirming banks, covering non-payment risks linked to Letters of Credit and similar trade finance instruments.
Business
Kenya posts over two million new jobs as inflation dips to 4.6 per cent
In agriculture, Mwaura highlighted that more than 7.1 million farmers have been digitally registered, improving access to inputs and cutting out middlemen. Over 21 million bags of subsidised fertiliser have been delivered, reducing the cost from Sh7,500 to about Sh2,500 per bag, saving farmers roughly Sh105 billion.
Business
Treasury invites public to comment on 2026 budget policy statement
The National Treasury has released the draft 2026 Budget Policy Statement and invited public and stakeholder comments by January 9, 2026, in a key step shaping Kenya’s medium-term fiscal priorities.
Business
KRA publishes CRS jurisdiction list ahead of 2025 reporting
According to KRA, the jurisdictions on the list will apply to CRS information returns for reporting periods starting January 1, 2025. Financial institutions covered under the reporting requirements are expected to ensure full compliance when preparing and submitting their returns.
Business
Banks seek PAYE overhaul to ease pressure on workers
Under the suggested structure, earnings below Sh30,000 would not attract PAYE. Income between Sh30,001 and Sh50,000 would be taxed at 15 per cent, while those earning between Sh50,001 and Sh100,000 would pay 20 per cent. A rate of 25 per cent would apply to income from Sh100,001 to Sh400,000, with any amount above Sh400,000 taxed at 30 per cent.
Technology
WhatsApp adds question stickers to refresh Status experience
Details shared through WhatsApp’s Help Center show that the question sticker is part of the Status feature found in the Updates section. Users can type a question, attach the sticker to a photo or video, and publish it as a status for their contacts to see. Anyone viewing the status can submit an answer by tapping the sticker and typing a response
Technology
Apple to bring more ads to App Store
Recent reporting also indicates that Apple plans on bringing ads to the Maps app. This is reportedly scheduled for next year, though the company has yet to comment.
Business
Kenya seeks early release of Sh96.7billion World Bank loan
Last month, the World Bank outlined seven laws and four policy reforms Kenya must implement before releasing the funds. Key requirements include amending the Competition Act to regulate firms with dominant market positions, allowing refugees to register for mobile telephony and M-Pesa, and introducing policies to reduce urban traffic congestion, including promoting rail transport.
Business
Kenya pushes back SGR loan repayment to 2040 to ease debt burden
Kenya borrowed Sh655 billion ($5.08 billion) from the China Export-Import Bank in the year ending June 2015 for the SGR project, covering the Mombasa-Nairobi section and the subsequent line to Naivasha. Since then, the country has been servicing the loans by paying interest twice annually, in January and July, with the initial maturity ranging between January 2029 and July 2035.
Technology
TikTok owner ByteDance to sell majority of US operations
The agreement mirrors a plan first announced in September, when former President Donald Trump delayed a law that threatened to ban TikTok unless it was sold. Oracle, co-founded by Trump supporter Larry Ellison, is expected to license TikTok’s recommendation algorithm under the terms of the deal.
Business
Counties warned as 79 public funds expire, putting programmes at risk
The report shows that several counties continue to operate funds beyond their legal life, exposing them to audits and potential legal action. Section 116 of the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, 2012, allows counties to set up public funds with approval from the county executive committee and county assembly. According to Regulation 197(1)(i) of the PFM (County Governments) Regulations, 2015, a fund can only last ten years unless formally extended by the county assembly. If not renewed, the funds automatically expire.