Author: Korir Issa

Safaricom PLC (NSE: SCOM), in partnership with the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), has launched Ziidi Trader, a new feature on the M‑PESA app that allows Kenyans to buy and sell shares directly on the NSE. This marks a  milestone in Safaricom’s evolution from a mobile payments service into a comprehensive digital financial ecosystem. Expanding Access to Capital Markets Ziidi Trader democratizes investing by leveraging M‑PESA’s scale to bring the stock market closer to millions of Kenyans. The platform offers a secure, user‑friendly mobile experience designed to simplify investing, encourage long‑term wealth creation, and expand participation in Kenya’s capital markets. Oversight…

Eveready East Africa PLC has announced a major push into Kenya’s electric mobility sector, unveiling asset‑backed financing solutions for electric vehicles through a partnership with EV Jumla. In its statement, the company said: “Eveready has entered Kenya’s electric mobility market launching asset‑backed financing solutions for electric vehicles through a partnership with EV Jumla.” The move is aimed at lowering upfront costs and accelerating adoption among taxi drivers, delivery services, and fleet operators. The expansion is part of Eveready’s broader transformation into an integrated clean energy platform. Alongside EV financing, the company has rolled out solar and digital power solutions through…

Two Rivers International Finance and Innovation Centre (TRIFIC) plans to build a 22-storey Grade A office tower, underscoring strong demand for rental space within its Special Economic Zone (SEZ). TRIFIC, licensed as a services SEZ, already operates a 16,234-square-metre office block that is fully let. The flagship TRIFIC North Tower is occupied by a diversified pool of export-oriented service enterprises, including business process outsourcing (BPO), financial services, ICT, and advisory firms. Its anchor tenant is Teleperformance, the world’s largest BPO operator, which occupies 45% of the building under a long-term lease. “Part of the proceeds will be rolled over to…

The Port of Mombasa handled 45.45 million metric tons of cargo in 2025, a 10.9% increase from 40.99 million tons in 2024. The growth underscores Kenya’s rising role as a regional logistics hub, supported by strong gains in container traffic and transit cargo. Container and Transit Cargo Surge According to Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Capt. William Ruto, container traffic rose to 2.11 million TEUs, up 5.5% from 2.00 million TEUs in 2024. Transit cargo posted even stronger growth, surging 19.5% to 15.88 million tons, compared to 13.29 million tons the previous year. “These figures reflect the resilience of…

Kenya’s annual consumer price inflation slowed to 4.4% in January 2026, down slightly from 4.5% in December 2025, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). The decline marks the lowest inflation rate in six months, driven largely by base effects and easing costs in transport, food, and communication services. Key Drivers of Inflation Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages rose 7.3%, remaining the biggest contributor to headline inflation. Transport costs increased 4.8%, though inter-town bus and matatu fares fell by 1.9%, supported by lower petrol (-1.1%) and diesel (-0.6%) prices. Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas & Other Utilities climbed 2.2%, with…

The Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) has announced an investment of Kshs 1.95 billion ($15 million) into Africa Logistics Properties’ (ALP) dollar-denominated Industrial Income Property Fund (IPF), positioning itself as the anchor investor in East Africa’s first industrial Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). Backed by six governments—including the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Sweden, and Canada—PIDG’s investment will be channeled through its project development arm, InfraCo, subject to the successful completion of ALP’s ongoing capital raise. Unlocking Industrial Growth Through REITs Approved by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) in December 2025, the ALP REIT marks a milestone for Kenya’s property…