Author: Korir Issa

Choice Microfinance Bank, now rebranded as Choice Bank, has launched a pioneering, inclusive, and purpose-driven digital banking model, reaffirming its commitment to transforming financial services in Kenya. The announcement, made during a vibrant ceremony in Nairobi on May 19, 2025, coincided with the bank’s 10th anniversary since its licensing by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) in May 2015. A Decade of Impact and a Bold Digital Leap The rebranding event, attended by Kiprono Kittony, Chair of the Nairobi Securities Exchange, as Chief Guest, highlighted Choice Bank’s evolution from a community-based microfinance institution in Kajiado County to a nationally licensed…

The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has granted unconditional approval for the proposed acquisition of 100% of the shareholding in Pollman’s Tours and Safaris Limited by Africa Travel Investments, a company incorporated in Europe. Pollman’s Tours and Safaris Limited, established in Kenya in 1950, is a long-standing provider of guided safaris and travel packages, catering to travel agents and tour operators globally. According to a statement released by the CAK, the proposed transaction qualifies as a merger under the provisions of the Competition Act Cap 504 of the Laws of Kenya. The Authority noted that Africa Travel Investments aims to…

The Kisumu County Government, under Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, is opposing the national government’s plan to lease Chemelil and Muhoroni sugar mills, arguing that it violates legal standards and risks monopolisation, which could harm farmers and public assets. The Ministry of Agriculture intends to lease Chemelil Sugar Factory to Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries Ltd. and Muhoroni Sugar Company to West Valley Sugar Company, each for 30 years. Nyong’o criticised the lack of public consultation, stating, “This ill-conceived leasing agenda is not just illegal; it is a threat to land rights, community cohesion, and the future of the sugar industry in…

Airtel Africa partners with Spacex’s Starlink to deliver high-speed satellite internet across Africa, enhancing connectivity for enterprises, schools, health centres, and rural communities.  The collaboration explores rural cellular backhaul and infrastructure sharing to boost digital inclusion. Starlink’s rollout with Airtel Africa will start in nine countries—Nigeria, Chad, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Niger, Madagascar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—focusing on areas with significant connectivity gaps. According to Statista, about 600 million Africans, roughly 50% of the continent’s population, lack internet access as of 2025. Airtel Africa’s CEO, Sunil Taldar, emphasised the partnership’s role in advancing Africa’s digital economy with reliable,…

On Tuesday, Kenya’s Cabinet approved the Finance Bill, 2025, and announced plans to reduce the proposed Sh4.3 trillion 2025/26 budget to enhance fiscal discipline and economic stability. Chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, the Cabinet endorsed measures to lower the fiscal deficit to 4.5% of GDP in 2025/26, down from 5.3% in 2023/24 and 5.1% in 2024/25, targeting 2.7% in the medium term. Ministries, in collaboration with the National Treasury, will implement austerity measures to prioritise essential services while addressing public debt pressures. Finance Bill 2025 The Bill focuses on improving tax efficiency by closing loopholes, streamlining…

The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has suspended all gambling advertisements for 30 days, effective April 29, 2025. “Pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 131, Laws of Kenya), the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) hereby ORDERS the immediate suspension of all gambling advertisements and testimonials across all media platforms for a period of thirty (30) days with effect from the date of this statement,” the statement read. During the suspension, operators must submit all advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for approval under the Film and Stage Plays Act…