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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 1 day 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 2 days 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 days 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 days 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 5 days 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 6 days 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 7 days 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 7 days 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 6 days 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 8 days 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 9 days 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 10 days 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 12 days 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 14 days 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 15 days 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 15 days 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 16 days ago

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IMF boss warns global system not ready for AI cyber threats

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has warned that the global financial system is unprepared for rising AI-driven cyber threats, as concerns grow over risks to financial stability.

By Brian Ngugi 17 days ago

Chinese language Mandarin gains popularity among Kenyans as 'golden key' to trade, opportunities

The Kenyan government has already identified 20 pilot schools to host Chinese language teachers

By Brian Ngugi 17 days ago

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Return of the bitter pill: Kenya softens IMF stance as Iran shock bites

The government is eyeing a "positive outcome" from long-standing talks with the IMF to be held in Washington DC, Central Bank of Kenya Governor Kamau Thugge has said.

By Brian Ngugi 21 days ago

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CBK cuts Kenya growth forecast to 5.3pc on Iran war disruption

The Central Bank of Kenya slashed its economic growth forecast for the country for 2026, warning that the Middle East conflict is driving up oil import costs and destabilising supply chains. 

By Brian Ngugi 22 days ago

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Inside State's plan to auction Kenya's generational mineral wealth

Kenya’s government has launched its largest-ever auction of mining rights to attract global investors and raise revenue by offering access to strategic minerals.

By Brian Ngugi 23 days ago

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Kenya to benefit from Sh1.29 trillion Afreximbank emergency fund

Kenya will benefit from a $10 billion Afreximbank emergency fund designed to cushion economies from rising import costs triggered by the escalating Middle East conflict.

By Brian Ngugi 23 days ago

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Sh8tr treasure: Inside US-China scramble for Mrima Hill

Mrima Hill has become a geopolitical hotspot due to vast niobium and rare earth deposits valued at over $60 billion, sparking global interest amid US-China competition.

By Brian Ngugi 24 days ago

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Sh84 billion target miss: Inside KRA's Sh10.2b daily collection headache

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) collected Sh84 billion less than planned in the first nine months of the current financial year.

By Brian Ngugi 24 days ago

Broke Kenyans cut spending as Iran war drives up costs

Kenya’s private sector activity shrank in March for the first time since August last year

By Brian Ngugi 24 days ago

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KBA hosts forum to strengthen credit analysis in banking

The Kenya Bankers Association hosted a forum with CISI and CareEdge Ratings to strengthen credit analysis and improve lending decision frameworks in Kenya’s banking sector.

By Brian Ngugi 23 days ago

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Iran war hits kitchens as shilling slumps, forex reserves dwindle

Shockwaves of the conflict are squeezing consumers already battered by years of economic hardship.

By Brian Ngugi 26 days ago

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Cash bunkers: Top State officials hoard millions in home vaults

It emerged that about Sh500 million could have been recovered during the arrest of three top ministry of energy officials.

By Brian Ngugi 26 days ago

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Kenya slashes dollar debt to record low as Chinese yuan gains ground

President William Ruto’s administration has reduced the share of its external debt denominated in US dollars to the lowest level on record.

By Brian Ngugi 27 days ago

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Co-op bank shares set for further gains on strong profit growth, lower rates

Tier one lender Co-operative Bank of Kenya (Co-op Bank) shares could rise nearly a quarter over the next 12 months

By Brian Ngugi 27 days ago

China woos Kenyan producers with '800-million opportunity' as zero-tariff deal takes effect

China has unveiled a detailed plan to integrate Kenyan producers into its high-tech industrial chains.

By Brian Ngugi 27 days ago

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From bribes to opaque tender deals: Why Trump has flagged Kenya as corruption haven

The Trump administration criticises Kenya’s business climate as corrupt and skewed toward the powerful, highlighting challenges ahead of a planned trade deal.

By Brian Ngugi 29 days ago

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HF Group posts 40pc jump in full-year net profit to Sh1.4 billion

HF Group reported a 40 per cent rise in net profit for the year ended December 2025, driven by higher interest income

By Brian Ngugi 29 days ago

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'Fuliza' republic: Ruto's government spends 80pc of tax money on debt

Kenya’s government is spending almost 80% of its tax revenue on debt repayment, leaving minimal funds for development amid looming short-term debt maturities.

By Brian Ngugi 1 month ago

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Inside Afreximbank's Trade Push to Shield Africa from Global Shocks

Kenya and other African economies are being urged to fast-track regional trade integration as a buffer against rising global shocks.

By Brian Ngugi 1 month ago

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Why Kenyans prefer digital lenders, chamas for emergencies

A new report by Tala shows Kenyans increasingly prefer digital lenders over chamas and family support for emergency credit.

By Brian Ngugi 1 month ago

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As Kenya braces for Iran war fallout, CBK forex reserves hit Sh1.82t

Kenya’s forex reserves have surged to a record $14.02 billion, offering a six-month import cushion as the country prepares for economic shocks from rising oil prices and Iran war disruptions.

By Brian Ngugi 1 month ago

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Oil shock looms as State maintains studious silence

Kenya faces looming fuel supply risks from global oil tensions as the government remains largely silent on potential impacts and preparedness.

By Brian Ngugi 1 month ago

Kingdom Bank hits jackpot with SMEs, rural push as net profit hits Sh946m

SME focussed lender Kingdom Bank posted a 59 per cent surge in full-year profit

By Brian Ngugi 1 month ago