Author: Korir Issa

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) has announced the official opening of Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands, marking the brand’s debut in Kenya. This five-star hotel, in the heart of Nairobi’s vibrant Westlands district, offers a blend of contemporary design, Kenyan culture, and signature Hyatt Regency service. “We are thrilled to debut our first Hyatt-branded hotel in Kenya, marking a significant milestone in Hyatt’s growth in the African market,” stated Stephen Ansell, Managing Director—Middle East and Africa, Hyatt. Igor Jovovic, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands, added, “We are excited to offer guests immersive local experiences, from Kenyan-inspired design to diverse…

Kenya’s Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, has announced the implementation of a new sugar development levy effective February 1, 2025. This move aims to bolster the domestic sugar industry by generating revenue for its development and sustainability. The levy applies to both domestically produced and imported sugar. The Sugar Development Levy Order, 2025, mandates a four per cent levy on the value of domestically produced sugar and four per cent on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of imported sugar. “A levy, as prescribed in Section 40 (1) of the Sugar Act, 2024, is hereby imposed at the rate…

Kenya’s legal community mourns the passing of Senior Counsel Judy Thongori, a pioneering figure in family law. Following a recent illness, she passed away in India while undergoing treatment. Dr. Fred Ojiambo, Chairperson of the Senior Counsel Bar (SCB), confirmed her demise, describing her as a “passionate and compassionate advocate.” He emphasized her profound impact, stating, “Judy was the country’s foremost authority in family law, recognized for her invaluable contributions, culminating in her placement on the Law Society of Kenya’s (LSK) Roll of Honour.” Founded in 2003, Judy Thongori & Company Advocates, specializing in family law matters such as matrimonial…

Kenya’s passport slipped one position to 68th place in the latest Henley Global Passport Index, granting visa-free access to 74 countries. While Kenyan citizens enjoy visa-free travel to 74 countries, including Rwanda, Haiti, and South Africa, restrictions remain in place for travel to major destinations like the United States and the United Kingdom. This decline comes amidst President William Ruto’s push to enhance global mobility for Kenyans, including the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visitors. However, the ETA has faced criticism, with some arguing it may discourage inbound tourism. Despite the slight drop, Kenya maintains a strong…

Kenyan startups continued to dominate African startup funding in 2024, raising US$638 million, despite a 25% decline in overall funding across the continent. According to Africa: The Big Deal report, the decline was largely attributed to a decrease in debt financing. Key Findings Kenyan startups secured 88% of East African funding and 29% of all funding across the continent. “East Africa attracted the most funding for the second year in a row: $725m in total (-18% YoY), i.e. 1 in 3 dollars raised on the continent in 2024. Kenya alone ($638m) made up 88% of the total raised in the…

Kenya Airways (KQ) shares surged 5.74% on their first day of trading following a five-year suspension on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). Trading volume reached 173,700 shares, with a turnover of KSh 703,842.00. The trading halt was lifted on January 5, 2025, after the government abandoned plans to renationalize the airline. Factors Contributing to the Suspension Lift The government’s decision to withdraw the proposal to bring Kenya Airways under full state control paved the way for the resumption of trading. Kenya Airways achieved a net profit of KSh 513 million in the first half of 2024, a significant milestone after…