Kenya is set to begin exporting hundreds of thousands of live sheep to Algeria this year, ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Adha. This follows engagements between Kenya’s Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe and his Algerian counterpart Farid Ouahid Dahmane, aiming to strengthen livestock trade between the two countries. The discussions come a week after a technical delegation from Algeria visited Kenya to assess the country’s livestock sector and evaluate its capacity to supply sheep to the North African market. Algeria is currently implementing a major government-backed livestock import program that could require up to one million sheep, particularly to meet demand…
Author: Bridgette Atieno
The Central Bank of Kenya has allowed the hiding of phone numbers on Mpesa transactions to protect users’ data. The decision has received backing from other ICT-sector regulators, who argue it will protect mobile subscribers from fraud and social engineering. If implemented, subscribers’ phone numbers will not be visible during transactions, reduce awkward follow-up calls, protect subscribers’ personal space, reduce the easiest paths for scammers, and protect customers’ privacy, as banks do. The feature will also enable the recipient to query the sender’s full mobile phone number, which the sender may either consent to or decline. Last year, the Communications…
Maersk, the world’s largest Danish container shipping and integrated logistics company, has announced a price increase in freight‑related services. The increase will see the introduction of emergency freight surcharges due to the Middle‑East crisis that has led to the disruption of services and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. “Due to the ongoing instability in the Strait of Hormuz, the Carrier hereby notifies that an increase in ocean freight rates will be applied under individual service contracts. This adjustment is made pursuant to Clause 20 of the Carrier’s Bill of Lading, which permits the modification or termination of the…
British American Tobacco (BAT Kenya) has announced changes in its leadership roles. The company has appointed Sidney Wafula as its Managing Director effective June 16, 2026 to replace Crispin Achola who cedes to hold the position effective June 15 after a fi8ve and a half year tenure. Crispin was appointed the Company’s managing director on January 1, 2021, and has led the business through a period marked by significant market complexity, regulatory evolution, and strategic transformation. The Board has also announced the appointment of Catherine Chepkong’a as Finance Director effective April 1, 2026. This follows the transition of Philemon Kipkemoi,…
The government has announced plans to upgrade the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as it aims to position it as the region’s travel hub. In an announcement made by the Transport CS Davies Kipchirchir, the state will upgrade the runways and digitise passenger processing systems in the airport. “The planned enhancement and expansion of JKIA is a strategic national initiative aimed at meeting Kenya’s future aviation needs, enhancing service quality, and safeguarding the airport’s role as a leading regional gateway,” CS Chirchir said. The project will also include the construction of a 10 million-passenger-capacity terminal, upgrading the taxiway system and developing…
The International Monetary Fund says it is too early to assess the economic impact of the Middle East War, saying the impact will depend on the duration of the conflict. However, the global body says it has observed disruptions to trade and economic activity, surges in energy prices, and volatility in financial markets in the Middle East. IMF will provide a comprehensive assessment in its April World Economic Outlook.
BAT Kenya has reported a strong financial performance for the year ended 31 December 2025, driven by effective cost management and lower finance costs despite a challenging operating environment dominated by a marked increase in illicit trade. During the period, profit before tax rose to KShs 7.7 billion from KSh 6.5 billion in the previous year, representing an 18% increase. Net revenue dropped by 10% from 25.7 billion to Ksh 23.2 billion, driven by the growing incidence of illicit cigarettes in the domestic market. Total cost of operations decreased by 15% to KShs 15.7 billion, reflecting lower sales volumes, effective…
MRE Real Estate has broken ground on a KES 400 million mixed-use commercial mall in Eastlands, Nairobi, aimed at transforming the retail landscape in one of the city’s fastest-growing urban corridors. The investment, covering both land acquisition and construction, is designed to capitalise on rising demand for modern retail infrastructure in high-density residential zones. Manyanja Mall will feature a supermarket anchor, petrol station, convenience retail, pharmacy and healthcare services, food and beverage outlets, flexible retail spaces for SMEs, and family recreational areas. Confirmed anchor tenants include Quickmart, Rubis, and Goodlife International Limited. “The integrated model is designed to generate sustained…
Joshua Oigara has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank, effective March 1 2026. He replaces Patrick Mweheire, who is proceeding on retirement effective 28 February 2026. Dr. Oigara is the Standard Bank Regional Chief Executive for East Africa. a position he has held since September 2025. He will assume the role of Chief Executive of Stanbic Holdings Plc in addition to his regional mandate. Having previously served as Chief Executive Officer of a regional bank in East Africa, Dr Oigara brings in-depth knowledge of the East African markets and a proven record of institutional transformation. He also…
The Executive Board of the East African Business Council (EABC) has appointed Ahmed Farah as the Executive Director. The decision was reached following a competitive recruitment exercise. Farah is a distinguished expert in trade policy and a former TMEA Country Director. He brings to EABC exceptional technical expertise and leadership, with a proven track record in regional integration, donor relations, fundraising, and facilitating public–private dialogue within complex EAC regulatory environments.