Afreximbank returns to US dollar bond market with $1.5 billion

African Export-Import Bank has raised $1.5 billion in its largest-ever bond issuance, marking a triumphant return to the US dollar public market after a five-year absence.

By Brian Ngugi 1 day ago

Banks explore AI-powered early warning system to curb bad loans

Kenyan commercial banks are in talks with US technology firm IronOne Technologies to deploy an AI platform designed to predict borrower defaults up to six months in advance.

By Brian Ngugi 1 day ago

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Of fuel crisis and Ruto's fresh headache

Rising Middle East tensions and Houthi threats to Red Sea shipping routes have pushed up global oil prices, creating fresh pressure on President William Ruto's government.

By Brian Ngugi 1 day ago

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EAC Central banks turn to gold in effort to revive single currency by 2031

East African central bank governors have renewed efforts to launch a single regional currency by 2031 while strengthening economic resilience through reserve diversification.

By Brian Ngugi 1 day ago

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Ruto's budget limbo deepens as IMF digs in on bailout conditions

The government's fiscal planning has entered a precarious holding pattern after talks between President Ruto and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva ended without a breakthrough.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

Nairobi to host mega Africa food finance summit as $100bn gap weighs on growth

Nairobi to host major Africa agri-finance summit as leaders seek solutions to a $100 billion agriculture funding gap.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

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How oil suppliers were thrown under the bus

Kenya faces an international legal battle after cancelling emergency fuel import deals it had earlier approved.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

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Fuel lies: Crawling nation wrecked by wrath of Ruto's cheap fuel promise

Kenya's record fuel price hike has exposed deep cracks in the government's G-to-G fuel import system.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

Afreximbank bets on $10bn crisis fund, gold bank to bolster African sovereignty

The bank continues to champion the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, also backed by Kenya and the MANSA digital verification platform as foundational infrastructure.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

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Ruto faces scrutiny amid concerns on 'undermined' country's sovereignty

In Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, military juntas have severed ties with Paris and moved toward new security partnerships.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

Co-op Bank posts Sh8.41 billion profit amid tough economy

Co-op Bank has reported a record 21.3 per cent jump in first-quarter net profit, as a surge in earnings from its non-banking subsidiaries helped the lender defy a broader economic slowdown.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

Tala strengthens customer ID checks to protect borrowers from fraud

Tala has tightened customer identity checks by requiring users to submit IDs and live selfies to curb fraud and meet new lending regulations.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

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Two Rivers SEZ TRIFIC lists Sh4.8b green building fund on NSE

TRIFIC launches Sh4.8B green dollar REIT at Two Rivers SEZ to fund sustainable commercial towers and attract global investors.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

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How Nairobi bourse got its groove back

The Nairobi Securities Exchange is experiencing a major shift as rising local retail participation is reducing reliance on foreign investors and stabilising the market.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

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Rogue cable firms and ISPs face jail terms, hefty fines

Communications Authority of Kenya has introduced strict rules forcing ISPs to share infrastructure, with rogue firms risking jail, fines and license loss for non-compliance.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

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Forex reserves slide as Iran war tests Kenya economy firepower

Kenya's foreign reserves have fallen sharply as the Central Bank intervenes to stabilise the shilling amid rising oil prices and global uncertainty triggered by the Iran conflict.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

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Top bank chiefs reap millions in pay and perks on bumper profits

Top Kenyan bank CEOs earned multimillion-shilling pay packages in 2025 after strong profits, with KCB's Paul Russo topping the list at Sh285.3 million.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

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Kenyans worse off than a year ago as inflation hits two-year high

Rising food and fuel prices have pushed Kenya's inflation to a two-year high, leaving households with reduced purchasing power and worsening cost-of-living pressures.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

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Nairobi tops African peers in attracting big startup capital

Nairobi has become Africa's leading hub for startup funding, attracting nearly $1 billion in 2025, though concerns remain about regulatory issues.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

Amsons Group pledges Sh4.5b for hospitals

Amsons Group has committed Sh4.5 billion to build 10 mother-and-child hospitals in Kenya over the next three years.

By Brian Ngugi 2 months ago

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Energy price surge to worsen Kenya's inflation - World Bank

World Bank warns that rising global energy prices driven by Middle East tensions will worsen inflation and cost-of-living pressures in Kenya, urging targeted relief, shift to renewable energy.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

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World Bank tells Kenya to protect poorest and go green amid Middle East shock

World Bank warns that a 24% surge in global energy prices driven by Middle East tensions will deepen inflation and cost-of-living pressures in Kenya.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

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Ruto seeks public help to tame cost of living

Public debt servicing now consumes nearly 80 per cent of tax revenues, and domestic borrowing costs have pushed commercial lending rates above 14.8 percent.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

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Afreximbank steps in after IMF, World Bank delay Kenya's funds

Afreximbank has stepped in with emergency funding for Kenya and regional economies after delays in IMF and World Bank disbursements amid tightening conditions and external economic shocks.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

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Why local businesses are in race to tap China's duty-free boom

Kenyan producers racing to tap China's new zero-tariff policy on 98 per cent of imports, which could boost exports and help rebalance a long-standing trade deficit.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

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Ruto's high stakes fiscal gamble in bid to implement election pledges

President William Ruto faces dwindling fiscal options and growing political headwinds as Kenya's economy slows and an election just 16 months away.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

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Ruto opts for electric cars to escape high fuel prices

Treasury is seeking to lease 600 electric vehicles and install 70 DC fast chargers as as millions of Kenyans bear the brunt of government policies that continue to drive fuel prices.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

Martin Nang'ole confirmed as Nairobi Water Managing Director

Mr Nang'ole has been serving as Acting Managing Director since September 2025 and previously held the position of ICT Director at the company.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

Afreximbank launches third AfCFTA bootcamp, firms urged to tap trade pact

The programme is designed to equip participants with practical skills to identify trade opportunities, manage export-import operations, and navigate trade finance.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

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Africa urged to plug leakages, mobilise local capital as global funding dries up

Africa has the capacity to mobilise $1.43 trillion from various domestic revenue sources and efficiency gains from better public finance management

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

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After Trump rebuke, IMF demands Ruto's corruption audit before bailout

The International Monetary Fund has stalled a new Kenya bailout, insisting the government first completes a long-delayed corruption audit amid rising fiscal pressure.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

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Co-op Bank creates holding company, eyes regional growth

Domestic operations will move to a new subsidiary as the listed entity becomes a non-operating parent overseeing multiple business units.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

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CEOs urge State relief package as Iran war drives up firms' costs

Kenyan CEOs are urging the government to introduce tax relief and subsidies as the Iran conflict drives up fuel and production costs, according to Central Bank of Kenya surveys.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

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Listed firms' CEOs now face fines, jail time for sustainability lies

For years, Kenya's listed companies have filled their annual reports with glossy promises of planting trees, saving water, and going carbon-neutral, but those claims could land directors in court.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

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From reduced VAT to fuel subsidies and hidden debts: Inside Ruto-IMF fall-out

IMF is urging targeted cash transfers for vulnerable groups, a politically sensitive move for any government approaching an election.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

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IMF warns of unrest as Mideast war stokes economic hardships

The IMF warns that economic strain from the Middle East conflict could spark social unrest in vulnerable countries like Kenya, as rising fuel prices and inflation intensify public discontent.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

Kenyan firms eye Caribbean footprint as Afreximbank seals St Kitts trade forum deal

Afreximbank has signed a hosting agreement with the government of St. Kitts and Nevis for the fifth edition of the ACTIF2026

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

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Cornered: Ruto caught between a rock and hard place over fuel VAT rollback

Government's decision to cut VAT on fuel by three per cent is expected to have a negative ripple effect on the country's revenues.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

Regulators tighten grip on predatory lending practices

Commercial banks, Saccos and digital lenders in the country that have built fortunes on rushed auctions and fire-sale seizures face a sweeping regulatory crackdown.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago

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IMF to Ruto: Stop lying on hidden debt

Without a new programme, Kenya's options are narrowing. Domestic borrowing remains expensive, and international markets are largely closed.

By Brian Ngugi 3 months ago