Author: David Indeje

The United States has extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), granting duty‑free access for eligible sub‑Saharan African exports to the American market. While the renewal provides relief to exporters, the one‑year extension—shorter than the three years initially passed by Congress—has left businesses grappling with uncertainty over long‑term trade prospects. Short Extension, Long Shadows AGOA, first enacted in 2000, has been a cornerstone of Africa–US trade, covering sectors such as fuel, agriculture, apparel, and automotive manufacturing. Its expiry in September 2025 had placed hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk, particularly in textiles and agribusiness. The International Trade Centre…

Safaricom PLC has declared a record interim dividend of KSh 0.85 per share for FY2026, representing a 54.5% increase from last year’s KSh 0.55. The payout amounts to Sh34.05 billion, equivalent to 70.8% of FY2025’s total dividend of Sh48.08 billion, signaling a higher overall distribution for the year ending March 2026. Final results are expected in early May. Market Impact The announcement triggered a strong rally at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), lifting investor wealth to a new all‑time high of KSh 3.194 trillion. The market added Sh63.02 billion in a single session, marking the biggest one‑day gain since October…

Samsung Electronics East Africa has outlined its vision for 2026, positioning itself as more than a device manufacturer. “Our DNA is rooted in ‘Meaningful Innovation.’ In East Africa, this means creating technology that doesn’t just look good on a spec sheet but solves real-world challenges,” said Ryan Mule, Product Manager, Mobile Experience Division. From Smart Devices to AI Platforms Samsung emphasized the shift from reactive technology to proactive intelligence. “Initially, AI was tucked away in the cloud. Today, Samsung has brought AI on-device. This evolution means your smartphone now understands context,” Mule explained. Features like cameras that adjust automatically to…

The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has clarified the definition of a heat wave in Kenya, setting city‑specific thresholds for heat‑health alerts. The announcement coincides with the release of the March–May (MAM) 2026 climate outlook by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), highlighting expected rainfall and temperature patterns across the Greater Horn of Africa. Kenya Met Clarifies Heat Wave Definition According to Kenya Met, a heat wave is defined as three or more consecutive days of extremely high daytime temperatures that exceed locally determined thresholds. The department noted: “In the Kenyan context, a heat wave is defined as…

Nairobi’s real estate market closed 2025 with record rental yields and sustained land price growth, marking one of the strongest performances in over a decade. The Hass Property Index Q4 2025 highlights how both city suburbs and satellite towns are reshaping investor opportunities. Nairobi Land Prices Surge in Wealthy Suburbs Land prices in Nairobi’s 18 monitored suburbs rose 1.32% in Q4 and 5.92% annually, continuing a 21‑month streak of elevated growth. Karen led quarterly gains with a +3.02% rise, while Spring Valley posted the highest annual increase at +10.39%. By contrast, Ridgeways was the only suburb to record a slight…

OPPO has officially launched the Reno 15 Series in Kenya, positioning the new lineup as more than just smartphones but lifestyle companions. The Reno15 Series, feature the Reno15 Pro 5G, Reno15 5G, and Reno15 F 5G. Designed as the all-in-one creative partner, the series introduces a 50MP Ultra-Wide Selfie Camera and AI-powered tools that streamline the entire creation workflow—from capture to edit—often with just one tap. “The Reno 15 Series is not just about technology. It’s about empowering everyday lifestyles. Whether you’re a small business owner, a content creator, or simply someone who values design and performance, this device was…