Author: Korir Issa

Nairobi’s circular economy movement reached a new milestone with the CEIC Connect Forum, an ecosystem-wide gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and policymakers committed to reimagining how resources flow through the city’s economy. The event spotlighted ventures turning waste into value, embedding social inclusion into business models, and proving that environmental sustainability and commercial viability can thrive together. Launching the Circular Venture Blueprint: ESO Principles At the heart of the forum was the launch of the Circular Venture Blueprint: ESO Principles, a practical guide co-created by 14 organisations across Bengaluru and Nairobi. Funded by the IKEA Foundation, the Blueprint offers hands-on…

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has rolled out stricter requirements for obtaining a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC), reinforcing its push for digital tax accountability and streamlined service delivery. In a public notice published in MyGov Weekly on October 28, 2025, KRA confirmed that all business entities and individuals earning income beyond employment must now be registered under the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) or TIMS to qualify for a TCC. “KRA notifies the public that it has enhanced the Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) application process to include compliance with eTIMS/TIMS for non-individual entities and individuals with income other than…

Stanbic Bank Kenya and Stanbic Bank Uganda, both part of the Standard Bank Group, have successfully closed a USD 45 million long-term funding package to support the expansion of two PepsiCo bottlers — Crown Beverages Limited (CBL) in Uganda and Seven-Up Bottling Company Kenya (SBC Kenya) in Kenya. The transaction allocates USD 30 million to CBL and USD 15 million to SBC Kenya, reinforcing Stanbic’s commitment to regional growth through innovative, cross-border financing. “This transaction exemplifies how our Positive Impact framework translates ambition into action,” said Paul Muganwa, Executive Director and Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, Stanbic Bank Uganda.…

Absa Bank Uganda has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Wealth and Retail Banking (WRB) business of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda. In a market update issued Friday, Absa Group confirmed that the acquisition aligns with its broader ambition to deepen its footprint across the continent and enhance its retail and wealth management offerings. Seamless Transition for Clients and Staff Under the terms of the deal, all WRB clients and staff from Standard Chartered Uganda will transition to Absa Bank Uganda. The acquisition is expected to deliver greater convenience, broader service offerings, and improved value to customers. “This transaction…

Kenya’s usable foreign-exchange reserves surged to an all-time high of USD 12.07 billion (KSh 1.56 trillion) in mid-October 2025, marking the highest level ever recorded since the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) began weekly disclosures. This milestone follows a USD 1.36 billion (KSh 176 billion) build-up in the first two weeks of October, driven primarily by proceeds from the government’s latest Eurobond issuance. Eurobond Proceeds Drive Reserve Surge The October 2025 Eurobond raised USD 1.5 billion (KSh 194 billion) across seven- and twelve-year tranches.  CBK data show the following reserve trajectory: October 2: USD 10.72 billion (KSh 1.39 trillion) October…

Mi Vida Homes has transitioned to full local ownership following a management-led buyout from UK-based investor Actis and Indian conglomerate Shapoorji Pallonji for the Nairobi-based residential developer. Strategic Exit by Actis and Shapoorji Pallonji The value of the transaction Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) remains undisclosed and is subject to regulatory approvals. The buyout marks the first time Mi Vida Homes has been fully locally owned since its founding in 2018, when Actis and Shapoorji Pallonji launched the platform to deliver green, affordable, and mid-market housing built to institutional standards. “Today, with a strong balance sheet, a diversified capital base, and…