Kenya’s tourism industry boomed in 2023, with international arrivals reaching a record-breaking 2.09 million. This represents a 35.4% increase compared to 2022 of 1.54 million. Earnings from tourism surged 32% to KES 352.5 billion ($2.7 billion) last year according to the Tourism Research Institute’ Sixth Edition of its Annual Tourism Sector Performance Report. Factors Driving Growth This performance was supported by key developments in the aviation sector that witnessed increased air connectivity playing a key role. During the year, three airlines launched direct flights: IndiGo (Mumbai-Nairobi), Fly Dubai (Dubai-Mombasa), and Airlink (Johannesburg-Nairobi). In addition, Kenya hosted prestigious events like the Africa…
Author: David Indeje
Bata Kenya, a leading footwear retailer, reopened its Kimathi Street store, a key step in its ambitious makeover and expansion strategy. The reopening was graced by Bata Kenya Managing Director Mr. Benson Okumu, and Mr. Stephen Gitagama, CEO of Nation Media Group (NMG). Mr. Okumu highlighted the crucial role NMG has played in enhancing Bata’s brand visibility and supporting its growth in Kenya. “Bata’s dedication to innovation and enhancing customer experience is truly commendable…Our partnership has been incredibly rewarding…,” Mr Steve Gitagama, CEO, of Nation Media Group noted. Commitment to Innovation and Customer Experience The revamped Kimathi Street store reflects…
Hunter’s Choice, a beloved Kenyan whisky brand, is raising the bar with a stylish new bottle redesign and a three-month “Explore Boldly” campaign celebrating young achievers. This exciting initiative, running for three months across Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Nakuru, targets young Kenyan men (aged 20-35) who are driven by purpose and ambition. The “Explore Boldly” campaign underscores Hunter’s Choice’s commitment to its core audience and their aspirations. It positions the brand as a companion on their journey to success, celebrating individual achievements along the way. Dr. Senorine Wasike, Kenya Wine Agencies Limited’s Head of Marketing, says the campaign aligns with…
The High Court of Kenya has rejected Carrefour Kenya’s appeal against a ruling that found the retailer abused its buyer power in its dealings with a supplier. This upholds a 2020 decision by the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK). The case originated in 2019 when Orchards Limited, a yoghurt producer, filed a complaint with CAK. Orchards accused Carrefour of unfair practices, including: Unilateral contract termination during negotiations (January 2019) Demanding excessive fees: listing fees, rebates beyond agreed margins Rejecting full deliveries or returning near-expiry items without justification Demanding free merchandise for sale Forcing Orchards to staff Carrefour shelves The high court agreed with CAK and the Competition Tribunal,…
NCBA Group PLC delivered a positive first quarter of 2024, posting a profit after tax of KES 5.3 billion. This represents a 4.7% increase compared to KES 5.1 billion in Q1 2023. The group’s profit after tax increased 4.7% year-on-year, driven by strong operating income (KES 16.0 billion, up 2.8%) and a significant decline in loan impairment charges (down 30.9%). Customer deposits grew 9.7% year-on-year to KES 548 billion, indicating strong customer confidence in NCBA. Total assets increased by 10.5% year-on-year to KES 695 billion, demonstrating a healthy balance sheet. Digital loan disbursements rose 3.9% year-on-year to KES 232 billion, highlighting the success of NCBA’s…
Kenya’s economy rebounded in 2023, with a Gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 5.6%, exceeding the revised figure of 4.9%. The 2024 Economic Survey Report by the Kenyan National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), attributes this growth primarily to a 19% expansion in the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing sector. “Last year it shot to 7% (growth),” Macdonald Obudho, the director general of the statistics office said during the launch of the economic growth report for the period. During the period, tea production surged, with output increasing in value from Ksh 156.7 billion in 2022 to Ksh 176.3 billion in 2023. …

