Author: Korir Issa

In a strategic breakthrough for Kenya’s financial landscape, Safaricom, M-PESA, and PayPal have launched a new integration enabling seamless fund transfers between PayPal and M-PESA wallets. This move is poised to empower over 35 million M-PESA users and two million businesses and micro traders to tap into PayPal’s global network across 200+ markets. What This Means for Entrepreneurs The new service allows businesses, particularly freelancers, traders, and digital SMEs, to receive and send payments between PayPal and M-PESA effortlessly. It eliminates the friction of cross-border transactions, opening up global commerce for locally anchored enterprises, especially within Kenya’s booming gig economy…

Shri Krishana Overseas Limited (SKL) made history on 24th July 2025 by listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) SME segment, marking the first listing in five years since Homeboyz Entertainment Plc in 2020. This also becomes the first-ever packaging solutions provider to join the NSE. Founded in 2013 by Dr. Sonvir Singh and Nirmal Chaudhary, SKL manufactures corrugated and mono boxes, tapes, and labels and offers printing services across key sectors, including agriculture, floriculture, FMCG, and manufacturing. Additionally, the firm operates a footwear division under the brand “SKL Shoes,” supplying affordable footwear across local and regional markets. Listing Details SKL…

Linzi Finco LLP has listed the Linzi 003 Infrastructure Asset-Backed Security (IABS) valued at KSh 44.79 billion on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), marking one of East Africa’s largest and most innovative securitisation deals to date. The listing, backed by future revenues from the Talanta Sports City Stadium—a flagship project for Kenya’s AFCON 2027 ambitions—was officiated during a bell-ringing ceremony attended by President William Ruto on Wednesday. “Privatization is no longer optional,” said President Ruto. “There is compelling evidence that privatisation is necessary to eliminate inefficiencies and raise the standards of governance in our public enterprises.” The transaction blends domestic…

Absa Group Limited and Visa Inc. have renewed their long-standing strategic partnership to accelerate the development of inclusive, secure, and digitally enabled financial ecosystems across Absa’s Regional Operations (ARO). The agreement, formalised at a signing ceremony in Johannesburg, marks a major milestone in a relationship that has consistently driven innovation and financial inclusion across the continent. Expanding Digital Access and Innovation “This regional expansion marks an exciting new chapter in our partnership with Absa—one that continues to challenge conventions and redefine the possibilities within financial services,” said Michael Berner, Head of Southern and East Africa at Visa. “We share a…

Kenyans abroad continue to fuel the national economy, with diaspora remittances at a historic high of USD 5.08 billion (KSh 656.99 billion) in the 12 months leading to June 2025, according to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Remittances in June 2025 totalled USD 423 million (KSh 54.68 billion)—a 13.8% increase compared to USD 372 million (KSh 48.06 billion) in June 2024. However, this figure marked a 3.9% month-on-month decline, falling from the record USD 440 million (KSh 56.76 billion) in May. “The steady growth in remittance inflows remains a key source of foreign exchange earnings and continues to support…

Kenya has removed visa and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements for citizens of most African and Caribbean countries to enhance regional integration and stimulate tourism. The new policy allows eligible travellers to enter Kenya without prior approvals, lengthy forms, or visa fees — a shift aimed at simplifying cross-border mobility and positioning Kenya as a premier destination for leisure and business. Under the revised framework, African nationals can stay in Kenya for up to two months, while citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states continue to benefit from a six-month stay, in line with existing free movement agreements. However,…