Author: Lorine Otamo

Ilara Health, a Kenya-based healthtech company focused on affordable diagnostics and digital healthcare solutions, has announced a significant workforce reduction as part of a strategic restructuring plan. Founded in 2019, Ilara Health partners with over 3,000 primary care clinics across 46 counties in Kenya, reaching more than 6 million patients annually. The company cited tough market conditions and delayed funding commitments as key drivers behind the decision to streamline operations and focus on its most cash-generative business lines. “This is a difficult moment for our team,” said Emilian Popa, Co-founder and CEO of Ilara Health. “We know that any potential…

Equity Bank’s latest trade mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo is more than a business tour—it’s a strategic rollout of its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), a private sector stimulus framework designed to catalyse inclusive growth across the continent. The five-day mission, which began Monday, brought together delegates from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Poland, Germany, the U.S., and Congo. It’s the 15th DRC-focused mission out of 40 conducted by Equity Group in the past four years. Agriculture: Mechanisation Meets Market Demand Delegates toured Jambo Farming Company, a 4,500-hectare maize farm planning to expand into wheat. “We…

Old Mutual Holdings PLC has exited Kenya’s stock brokerage sector following the sale of its subsidiary, Old Mutual Securities. The transaction—whose buyer and financial terms remain undisclosed—marks a strategic move in the group’s East African operations, reinforcing its focus on insurance, asset management, and retirement solutions. Strategic Refocus and Portfolio Streamlining The divestiture aligns with Old Mutual’s broader restructuring efforts, as outlined in its 2025 Half-Year Financial Results. The company stated: “We continue to simplify our business and focus on areas where we have scale and competitive advantage.” The report also highlighted improved capital efficiency, noting: “Adjusted headline earnings increased…

Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) partnered with electric mobility firm BasiGo to assemble King Long electric buses at its Thika facility. This collaboration accelerates Kenya’s transition to sustainable transport and strengthens local automotive manufacturing. The buses, branded under BasiGo, target Kenya’s evolving public transport sector. KVM brings decades of vehicle assembly expertise, while BasiGo contributes cutting-edge innovations in electric mobility. Together, they aim to create jobs, build technical skills, and add value to Kenya’s automotive ecosystem. CFAO Mobility Kenya Expands KVM’s Capacity CFAO Mobility Kenya acquired a 99% stake in KVM through a KES 2.3 billion investment. Since then, the company…

The Hub Karen Mall is proud to announce the opening of a new outlet by HLA, the international menswear brand known for its stylish, high-quality, and accessible fashion. This marks HLA’s second location in Kenya, following its successful debut at Westgate Mall, and signals the brand’s growing footprint in East Africa’s fashion retail scene. “We are delighted to open our doors at The Hub Karen, one of Nairobi’s premier lifestyle destinations,” said Ronnie Wee, HLA Manager, Advertising & Promotions. “Fashion is essential to daily life, and we are committed to delivering stylish design, premium quality, and an exceptional shopping experience…

Bolt Market, the grocery delivery arm of mobility giant Bolt, has recorded a staggering 300% growth in orders since its launch in December 2024, cementing its position as one of Kenya’s fastest-growing retail platforms. Convenience Meets Speed With average delivery times just over 15 minutes, Bolt Market has quickly become a staple in Kenyan households. The platform offers a curated selection of over 3,500 products, ranging from fresh produce and pantry staples to household essentials. “The reception of Bolt Market has exceeded our expectations,” said Edgar Kitur, General Manager of Bolt Food. “Kenyans want affordability without sacrificing convenience, and Bolt…