Author: Lorine Otamo

New fees for government services in Kenya are now in effect as of March 1, 2024. This follows a public engagement exercise and gazette notification.  “You may recall that the effective date for the implementation of these charges was January 1 2024. However, the said charges were to be subject to public participation before coming into effect,” said a memo from the Ministry of Home Affairs director. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes: Passports: Costs increased significantly. A standard 34-page passport now costs Sh7,500 (up from Sh4,500), a 50-page passport is Sh9,500 (up from Sh6,000), and a 66-page passport is Sh12,500…

Zanzibar has allowed Kenyan low-cost carrier Jambojet to commence direct flights between Mombasa and the island. From July 1, 2024, the airline will fly four times a week between the two destinations, with fares starting from $113 for a one-way ticket. Jambojet Managing Director and CEO Karanja Ndegwa said the new route marks a significant milestone for the airline as it gears up to its 10th anniversary in April. “Since its inception, Jambojet has been focusing on connecting people in the under-served or unserved routes. Our decision to launch the Mombasa – Zanzibar route is poised to strengthen relations between…

Customers in Nairobi and Mombasa can now enjoy Domino’s delivery through the Uber Eats app. The collaboration expands Domino’s reach and strengthens Uber Eats’ position as the country’s leading food delivery platform. Both companies aim to fulfil consumers’ desire for convenient food delivery and diverse culinary options. “This partnership reflects our commitment to cater to the evolving needs of our users and offer them a wider range of culinary options,” the General Manager of Uber Eats Kenya, Kui Mbugua, noted. “By seamlessly connecting them with popular local businesses like Domino’s, we aim to solidify further our position as the go-to…

Kenya Airways’ first flight to Mogadishu, Somalia, after its suspension in 2020, landed at the Aden Adde International Airport on Thursday. The resumption of three weekly flights to Mogadishu is part of KQ’s network expansion strategy to enhance connectivity across the African continent to contribute to long-term economic progress. Starting today, 15th February, we’ll be connecting Nairobi, The City in the Sun, and Mogadishu, The Pearl of the Indian Ocean, 3X Weekly from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Read more: https://t.co/WulFOqsY4T #KenyaAirways #KQtoMogadishu pic.twitter.com/b3youS1m1i — Kenya Airways (@KenyaAirways) February 15, 2024 “The introduction of 3X-weekly flights will undoubtedly enhance trade…

Kenyans are hitting the road in style, with Uber revealing fascinating trends in their cab-hailing and food-delivery services. According to Uber consumer trends data, the longest trip in Kenya was 549 km for a four-wheel-drive vehicle and 520 km for a two-wheel-drive vehicle.  The highest fare earned by a driver for a single trip was KSh 15,600.  In addition, trips to airports increased by 71.3% in August 2023. The company also said that demand for business trips on Uber for Business rose by 10.96% year on year, with 9 a.m. being the most popular time. Delivery surprises For its food delivery service, Uber Eats, the data shows that…

Kitui Flour Mills, Kenya’s third-largest flour producer, has received approval from the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) to fully acquire Rafiki Millers, which closed its doors in 2021. This move aims to strengthen Kitui Flour’s position in the wheat milling market while raising concerns about potential long-term competitive impacts. Market Share Shakeup While Rafiki held only a 3% market share, the combined entity still claims 13%, solidifying Kitui Flour Mill’s position behind Mombasa Maize Millers (22%) and Grain Industries Limited (15%). “This approval has been granted based on the finding that the transaction is unlikely to negatively impact competition in…