Author: Korir Issa

NCBA Bank has joined Kenya’s largest lenders, KCB Group, Equity Bank,  in repricing loans after the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) lowered its benchmark rate to 8.75%. New Loan Pricing Framework The bank announced that all new Kenya shilling variable-rate facilities booked from February 12, 2026 will apply a base rate of 8.75% per annum. Facilities granted from December 1, 2025 under the revised framework will adopt the new base rate effective March 12, 2026. Loans issued before December 1, 2025 will migrate to the Risk-Based Credit Pricing Model on February 28, 2026. NCBA confirmed that applicable lending rates will…

Zaad Holdings will acquire the remaining 60 percent stake in East Africa Seeds Group (EASEED), completing its takeover of the Kenya‑headquartered seed company. The move follows a capital injection by a consortium of investors through Zaad Holdings, enabling the firm to secure majority ownership. Zaad Holdings first entered East Africa Seeds in 2019 with a 40 percent stake. The latest transaction will give the agribusiness investor full control, strengthening its position in Africa’s agricultural inputs value chain and expanding its footprint in seed production and distribution. EASEED: A Regional Pioneer Since 1972 Founded in 1972 by the late Mr. L.V.…

Kenya’s banking sector remains resilient, supported by steady economic growth, strong capital buffers, and gradually improving asset quality. Moody’s Ratings reaffirmed a stable outlook in its February 2026 report, noting “steady macroeconomic conditions, solid capital buffers and gradually improving asset quality.” The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) echoed this assessment, stating: “The banking sector remains stable and resilient, with strong liquidity and capital adequacy ratios. The ratio of gross non-performing loans (NPLs) to gross loans stood at 15.5 percent in January 2026, down from 16.7 percent in October 2025 and 17.6 percent in August 2025.” Asset Quality: Signs of Improvement…

Kenyan tomato farmers are used to making trade-offs. A variety that yields well may struggle with disease. One that survives transport may yield less than expected. In many regions, growers have learned to accept these compromises as part of tomato farming. But recent variety introductions suggest those trade-offs are narrowing. In July 2025, Syngenta Vegetable Seeds Kenya officially introduced Stony F1 at a field event in Kimana, Oloitoktok, a tomato-growing area where disease pressure, heat, and market access all shape planting decisions. The launch attracted farmers, agro-dealers, and extension staff not because it promised something revolutionary, but because it responded…

Coca‑Cola HBC AG, the world’s third‑largest Coca‑Cola bottler, has announced an agreement to acquire a controlling 75% stake in Coca‑Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA). The deal, valued at Sh335.92 billion ($2.6 billion), was jointly revealed with The Coca‑Cola Company and Gutsche Family Investments (GFI). The transaction positions Coca‑Cola HBC as a dominant force in Africa’s non‑alcoholic ready‑to‑drink market. Once completed, it will elevate the company to the world’s second‑largest Coca‑Cola bottler by volume. Transaction Details and Valuation The agreement values CCBA at Sh439.28 billion ($3.4 billion). Coca‑Cola HBC will acquire 41.52% of Coca‑Cola’s stake and the entire 33.48% held by GFI.…

Africa is home to the world’s fastest‑growing youth population, with 532 million young people aged 15–35—more than 22% of the global cohort.   This is according to the inaugural Africa Youth Employment Outlook 2026 has been released, marking the first in a series of reports designed to deepen understanding of Africa’s evolving youth labour market. Produced by World Data Lab in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the University of Cape Town’s Development Policy Research Unit, the report provides fresh insights into the state of youth employment across the continent, with a strong focus on gender dynamics shaping access to…