Author: Muindi

Experts at the Africa Investment Conference (AfIC) 2025 in Nairobi stressed that Africa’s growth must be financed internally, urging governments to deepen local capital markets and reduce reliance on external aid. “Africa cannot depend solely on external financing. We must unlock capital within our borders,” said Francis Nasyomba, president of CFA Society East Africa. https://youtu.be/QSVvpxM4f0I Kenya Positions Itself as Regional Investment Gateway Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, highlighted reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, strengthening investor protections, and creating a predictable regulatory environment. “We are committed to positioning Kenya as a gateway for…

East Africa’s growth story in 2026 is set to be defined by Kenya’s public expenditure-driven resilience, Uganda’s oil-fueled expansion, Tanzania’s reform agenda, and Rwanda’s balancing act between strong growth and fiscal risks, according to the latest NCBA Bank 2026 Macroeconomic Outlook report. Kenya: Growth Anchored in Public Spending and Services Kenya’s economy is forecast to expand 5.1% in 2026, supported by momentum from Q4 2025. According to NCBA’s December 2025 outlook, the near-term growth model rests on public expenditure, agriculture, and service sector resilience. However, debt servicing remains a pressing challenge, with the Treasury reporting that KES 509 billion was spent…

Safaricom PLC’s debut green note has made waves in the capital markets, attracting a staggering KES 41.6 billion in bids, nearly three times the initial KES 15 billion Tranche I target. That’s a 175.7% oversubscription, a clear signal of investor confidence and appetite for sustainable finance. “This strong uptake reflects investor confidence in our performance and strategy,” said CEO Peter Ndegwa. Safaricom will take up KES 20 billion, the original KES 15 billion plus a KES 5 billion greenshoe option, leaving KES 21.6 billion to be refunded.  Why It Matters Coupon at 10.4%: It sets a high bar for upcoming…

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has lowered its benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points to 9.0 per cent, marking the ninth consecutive cut in 2025. This represents a cumulative 175 basis points unwind of the Central Bank Rate (CBR) this year, underscoring the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) commitment to stimulating private sector credit and supporting economic activity. “The Committee concluded that there was scope for a further easing of the monetary policy stance by reducing the CBR by 25 basis points. This will augment previous policy actions aimed at stimulating lending by banks to the private sector and…

Family Bank, one of Kenya’s largest mid-tier lenders, successfully raised just over KSh8 billion in a heavily oversubscribed private share placement, surpassing its KSh6.09 billion target by a wide margin. The offer closed at 131% subscription, attracting strong demand from pension funds, insurers, fund managers, corporates, and individual investors. Strategic Use of Funds The KSh8.004 billion raised will be directed towards: Accelerating the bank’s digital transformation agenda Expanding lending capacity Supporting business growth initiatives in Kenya and across the region Leadership Statements CEO Nancy Njau said the overwhelming response underscores investor confidence in Family Bank’s strategy, financial performance, and inclusive…

Motorists across Kenya now have more reasons to stop at Shell service stations. Vivo Energy Kenya, the distributor and marketer of Shell products, has partnered with Safaricom PLC to enhance Bundle Ya Dere, Safaricom’s proposition designed for cab drivers. What Drivers Get Every Saturday, drivers enrolled in Bundle Ya Dere will enjoy: Fuel discounts of KES 2 per litre at all Shell outlets nationwide Cashback rewards and premium fuel convenience Free access to driver apps (Uber, Bolt, Little, Faras & Yego) Google Maps navigation and generous data bundles Subsidised insurance covers accidents, illness, or loss of income This combination of…