Author: Lynet Awino

Kenya’s private sector economy slowed sharply in February as the Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 50.4, down from 51.9 in January. This marked the third consecutive monthly decline and the weakest upturn in the current six‑month growth streak. The February reading hovered just above the neutral 50.0 threshold, signaling only a slight improvement in business conditions. Output volumes nearly stalled, with 33% of surveyed firms reporting higher activity and 32% noting declines. Sluggish new orders and macroeconomic pressures weighed heavily on performance. Employment Growth Accelerates Despite softer demand, employment numbers rose in February, continuing a trend…

Kenya Airways (KQ) has relaunched KQ Holidays in partnership with Europe’s TUI Airline Holidays, part of the global TUI Group. The refreshed platform delivers a seamless, end‑to‑end booking experience that combines Kenya Airways’ extensive global network with TUI’s expertise in curated holiday solutions. Why KQ Holidays Matters KQ Holidays is a one‑stop shop for travellers seeking hassle‑free, memorable journeys. With over 20 years of experience in holiday packaging, the platform has been reintroduced as a fully digital solution. Travellers can now book flights, hotels, transfers, car hire, excursions, and even travel insurance all in one place. Key highlights include: Tailor‑made…

Samsung Electronics has introduced the Galaxy S26 lineup, its most advanced smartphones yet, combining powerful hardware with intuitive AI features. The Wednesday launch comes amid a global memory chip shortage that continues to push smartphone prices higher. Prices and Market Context The Galaxy S26 and S26+ are priced at $899 and $1,099 respectively, each $100 more than their predecessors. The flagship S26 Ultra remains at $1,299, unchanged from last year’s S25 Ultra. Counterpoint Research projects the average selling price of smartphones in 2026 will rise 6.9%, driven by memory supply constraints. Analysts warn shortages could persist into 2027 as AI…

SanlamAllianz Kenya has launched a retirement plan designed for pensioners with at least Sh4 million in savings. The product, known as an Income Drawdown Fund (IDD), allows retirees to withdraw up to 12% of their savings annually while keeping the balance invested to continue earning returns. Unlike traditional annuities, where retirees surrender their savings for guaranteed lifetime payments, the drawdown option offers flexibility. Retirees can adjust withdrawals each year based on their financial needs, ensuring both income and growth. “Retirement doesn’t mean lacking a steady flow of income. With the SanlamAllianz Income Drawdown Fund, your savings continue to grow even…

Kenya Airways has temporarily suspended select flights to and from New York due to extreme winter weather conditions. The airline cited passenger and crew safety as the primary reason for the cancellations, following a Blizzard Warning issued across parts of the United States. Impact on JFK Operations Heavy snowfall in New York has disrupted operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Airport authorities ordered a suspension of all flight movements for specific periods beginning Sunday, February 22, 2026. As a result, Kenya Airways cancelled flight KQ 002 from Nairobi to New York scheduled for February 22, and flight KQ…

Kenya officially received its first shipment of lenacapavir, the long‑acting injectable HIV pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a milestone in the country’s fight against new infections. Delivered on February 17, 2026, through a partnership with the Global Fund, the consignment includes 21,000 starter doses from the United States. These doses will anchor the first phase of the national rollout, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to innovative, people‑centered approaches to ending the HIV epidemic. The initial rollout begins in March 2026, targeting 15 high‑burden counties under the National AIDS Control Programme (NASCOP). Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth, who received the shipment, confirmed that an…