Author: Muindi

Equity Group Holdings reported a robust 11.8% increase in profit before tax to KSh 41.54 billion, while profit after tax surged 16.9% to KSh 34.63 billion, underscoring strong performance across its East African footprint. Core Financial Metrics Net Interest Income: Up 9.1% year-on-year to KSh 59.30 billion, driven by loan book expansion and improved net interest margins across subsidiaries. Non-Interest Income: Rose 4.6% to KSh 42.78 billion, supported by higher fees, commissions, and forex trading gains. Operating Income: Increased 3.1% to KSh 100.20 billion. Earnings Per Share: Improved to KSh 8.83 from KSh 7.56 in H1 2024. Cost-to-Income Ratio: Declined…

Stanbic Holdings Plc reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of KSh 6.5 billion for the half year ended June 30, 2025, with a return on equity of 17.4%. Despite a 9% year-on-year decline in earnings, the Group doubled its interim dividend to KSh 3.80 per share—up from KSh 1.84 in H1 2024—reflecting a dividend yield of 13.7% and a payout ratio of 23%. “Our focus this period was on helping clients navigate shifting market conditions while fortifying growth through robust risk management, capital strength, and well-managed liquidity,” said Group CEO Dr. Joshua Oigara. “We believe our business will continue to…

The education sector has been urged to deepen collaboration with the government and policymakers to create a more enabling environment for the growth of STEM education in Kenya. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 8th National Science and Technology Exhibition in Nairobi, Dr. Vincent O’Neill, board member of Young Scientists and Technology Exhibition Ireland and former Irish Ambassador to Kenya, emphasised the transformative power of shared knowledge. “From a simple idea in 2015 to a nationwide movement reaching over 250,000 students across all 47 counties, Young Scientists Kenya proves that when knowledge is shared, societies are transformed,” said Dr.…

In celebration of Caterpillar’s 100-year global and Kenyan legacy, Mantrac Kenya Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Rotary Club of Karen and St. Mary’s Karen Primary & Junior School. The agreement will fund and complete four unfinished Grade 9 classrooms, providing much-needed learning space in one of Nairobi’s fast-growing school communities. “Our true legacy is not just in the infrastructure we help build — but in the lives we touch and the futures we help shape,” said Mohamed Ibrahim, Managing Director, Mantrac Kenya. Signed with Purpose The MOU was signed by Mohamed Ibrahim, Managing Director of Mantrac Kenya; Linet…

Business conditions in Kenya’s private sector weakened at the fastest pace in a year, with the Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index™ (PMI®) falling to 46.8 in July from 48.6 in June. This marks a third consecutive monthly decline and signals a broad-based downturn amid intensifying inflationary pressures, weakening consumer demand, and widespread disruptions caused by political protests. Key Sector Insights Private sector activity declined for a third straight month, registering the sharpest contraction since July 2024. The downturn was concentrated in manufacturing and services, while agriculture, construction, and wholesale & retail sectors posted growth. Sales volumes plummeted at the…

Despite a 78 per cent surge in overall funding, female-led African startups received just 1.5 per cent of total capital in H1 2025, with ventures featuring at least one female co-founder claiming only 9 per cent. “Investments in female (co-)founded startups keep declining,” the Africa: The Big Deal report warns, adding that funding for female CEOs is “at its lowest in years.” African startups raised $1.4 billion in the first half of 2025—a 78 per cent increase over H1 2024. “Startups raised significantly more in H1’25 than in H1’24 (+78%),” states Africa: The Big Deal, highlighting a powerful post-downturn recovery.…