Author: David Indeje

Kenyan businesses are facing significant headwinds, including rising operational costs, unpredictable taxation, and limited access to affordable credit, which CEOs warn could impede economic recovery in 2025. A Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) survey conducted between January 13-24, 2025, of over 1,000 CEOs revealed that while there is optimism about future economic prospects, these persistent challenges are creating substantial uncertainty. The CBK survey indicated that 63% of the surveyed CEOs represent privately owned domestic firms, with 52% overseeing companies with a turnover exceeding $11.5 million (KES 1 billion). Despite expectations of higher growth in the next 12 months driven by…

A Kenyan High Court has issued conservatory orders halting Bolt’s decision to remove Toyota Sienta vehicles from its XL category, pending the determination of a petition filed by Daniel Onwonga Manga and 10 others. Justice E.C. Mwita, delivering the orders, stated he was “satisfied that the petition raises important constitutional and legal questions that deserve urgent and serious consideration.” The judge ruled, “That in the meantime, a conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the Respondents from implementing the decision to remove Toyota Sienta vehicles from the Bolt XL category.” He further directed, “That the respondents (Bolt) are further hereby directed…

The MACNUT Association of Kenya has called on the government to maintain its ban on the export of raw macadamia nuts, citing the significant benefits of local processing for the Kenyan economy and farming communities. The ban on unprocessed nuts was effective on November 2, 2024. The association said in response to concerns raised by the Nut Traders Association of Kenya (NUTAK) regarding the export restrictions. MACNUT emphasised that local value addition creates more jobs, generates higher national revenue, and allows for diversified market access across Africa, the USA, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. They argue that exporting raw…

Google, the world’s most popular search engine, plans to utilize advanced machine learning to determine user ages online more accurately. This initiative aims to address the challenge of users, particularly children, providing inaccurate age information to access age-restricted content. “This year we’ll begin testing a machine learning-based age estimation model in the U.S. This model helps us estimate whether a user is over or under 18 so that we can apply protections to help provide more age-appropriate experiences. We’ll bring this technology to more countries over time,” said Google. How the AI-Based Age Estimation System Works Google will test an…

Safaricom proudly illuminated Nairobi’s vibrant cultural scene with a KES 2 million sponsorship of the Bob Collymore International Jazz Festival (BCIJF), a dazzling celebration of music and artistry held at the Carnivore Grounds on February 15, 2025. This commitment underscores Safaricom’s dedication to nurturing the arts, empowering young talent, and honouring the legacy of the late Bob Collymore, former CEO of Safaricom, whose passion for jazz ignited a nationwide appreciation for the genre. The festival, presented by the Bob Collymore Foundation (BCF), was a symphony of world-class performances, showcasing a spectrum of jazz excellence.  A Symphony of World-Class Jazz Performances…

Konza Technopolis has broken ground for the first Center of Excellence Digital Innovation Hub in Riruta, Dagoretti South, initiating a nationwide rollout of 1,450 digital hubs across all wards in Kenya. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and empower youth with crucial digital skills and job opportunities. “This groundbreaking signifies the start of the 1,450 digital hubs nationwide,” affirmed Eng. John Tanui at the ceremony. This ambitious project, a collaboration between the government and the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), aims to equip individuals in every ward with the digital literacy needed to thrive in the modern economy.…