Author: David Indeje

Stanbic Bank’s 2024 Sustainability Report, themed “Deepening Impact—Building a Sustainable Future,” highlights the bank’s transformative role in fostering environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and economic empowerment across Kenya and South Sudan. By integrating sustainability into its core operations, Stanbic is not only advancing responsible banking but also catalysing measurable, positive change in the communities it serves. Priscilla Were, Head of Sustainability, reflected on the collective effort behind Stanbic’s sustainability achievements: “Sustainability is a shared journey. I extend gratitude to our employees, partners, clients, and communities for their collaboration. Together, we are unlocking opportunities for an equitable and low-carbon future.” Leading Kenya Towards a…

Family Bank Kenya has announced plans to list its shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in 2026, becoming the latest lender to pursue public listing in a market that has seen a prolonged listing drought. The announcement was made at the bank’s 18th Annual General Meeting, where it reported a net profit of KES 1 billion, up from KES 900 million in Q1 2024. “In our five-year strategic plan, we have put in an item for next year—and that item is to list our shares on the stock exchange,” said Family Bank Board Chair Lazarus Muema. “I know many…

For more than 15 years, the M-PESA Foundation has been a beacon of hope and innovation in Kenya, quietly transforming millions of lives. At the heart of this impact is Karen Khayanje Basiye, Director of Sustainable Business, Social Impact, and M-PESA Foundation, whose vision and leadership have propelled the Foundation to the forefront of social change. In an exclusive interview, Karen shared the Foundation’s journey, its philosophy, and the tangible, life-changing results of its work across health, education, environment, and economic empowerment. A Purpose Rooted in Transformation “The M-PESA Foundation is a baby of M-PESA and the company (Safaricom). We…

Kenya stands at a crossroads, where the vibrancy of its democracy is being tested by the actions of its government and the resilience of its people. Protests against the Finance Bill 2024, largely mobilised by young Kenyans through digital platforms, have brought into sharp focus the importance of digital rights and the urgent need to uphold constitutionalism. Today, events unfolding in the streets and online are not isolated; they are deeply entwined with the nation’s constitutional fabric and the broader struggle for human rights. Digital Rights: The New Frontier of Civic Engagement Digital rights, encompassing the freedoms of expression, assembly,…

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) released its May 2025 CEO Survey, highlighting growing unease among Kenyan businesses due to recent U.S. policy changes. The report notes that “a majority of respondents expect to be impacted by recent U.S. trade tariffs and policy shifts,” with 61% of surveyed CEOs reporting operational disruptions. “The May 2025 CEOs Survey shows improved growth prospects for the Kenyan economy in the next 12 months, supported by macroeconomic stability, favourable weather conditions, and expectations of improved liquidity owing to declining bank lending rates.” “However, muted consumer demand, elevated cost of doing business, the impact of…

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) will extend operating hours for the Kenya Electronic Payment and Settlement System (KEPSS), effective July 1, 2025. KEPSS is the country’s real-time gross settlement (RTGS) system, facilitating continuous real-time clearing and settlement of transactions. In a statement issued on June 18, CBK revealed, “Following extensive consultation with participants of the system and in alignment with the objectives outlined in the National Payments Strategy 2022–2025, the KEPSS operating hours will be revised from the current 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to the new schedule of 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. on all business days, except public holidays…