Author: Korir Issa

East Africa’s banking sector is bracing for tougher times as regulatory uncertainty, rising compliance costs, and digital disruption dominate the outlook, according to PwC’s 2026 Eastern Africa Banking Survey. Executives warn that unpredictable rule changes are now the single biggest risk to growth. Regulatory Uncertainty Tops Concerns The survey, conducted among senior banking executives in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Mauritius, reveals that 68% of respondents are “concerned” or “extremely concerned” about regulatory unpredictability. Banks cite shifting capital requirements, new consumer protection rules, and evolving tax compliance frameworks as major hurdles. “The pace of regulatory change is outstripping banks’ ability…

Nigeria’s Zenith Bank Plc has received approval from the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) to acquire 100% of Paramount Bank Ltd. The transaction qualifies as a merger under Section 2 and 41 of the Competition Act and meets the KES 1 billion threshold for mandatory notification. Zenith Bank, which operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, the UK, France, UAE, and China, has no commercial operations in Kenya. CAK stated, “The transaction is unlikely to lead to substantial lessening or prevention of competition in the relevant market.” Paramount Bank ranks 33rd out of 39 licensed banks and holds 0.2% market…

The EABL Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CARE International, committing over KSh 35 million to empower 1,600 marginalised individuals within its value chain. The investment marks a milestone in EABL’s Spirit of Progress strategy, which champions inclusion and diversity by ensuring that at least half of community program beneficiaries are women. Two Strategic Pillars of Empowerment The partnership will roll out a community empowerment model across two focus areas: Farmer Empowerment: Supporting 1,500 small‑scale sorghum farmers in Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Siaya to boost productivity and resilience. At least 60% of these farmers will be women,…

Uchumi Supermarket has reopened two outlets in Nairobi, marking its return to Kenya’s retail market after years of restructuring. The retailer relaunched branches at Unicity Mall along Thika Road near Kenyatta University and at Lang’ata Hyper off Lang’ata Road. The Unicity Mall store, opened in late 2024, now offers essential goods and bakery services. The Lang’ata Hyper site operates as a mixed‑use retail and commercial space, hosting Uchumi alongside other tenants. In a social media post, Uchumi said the reopening reflects a renewed connection with customers: “Uchumi is back — not just as a store, but as a story reborn……

Kenya’s financial and telecom regulators have endorsed the Government’s decision to divest part of its stake in Safaricom, describing the transaction as competitive, market‑friendly, and aligned with national priorities. Competitive Pricing and Investor Confidence The Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK), and the Communications Authority (CA) told MPs scrutinising the deal that the sale of a 15% stake to Vodacom at KSh34 per share was fair and strategically sound. “Divestiture of non‑core commercial functions allows the Government to concentrate managerial capacity and public expenditure on priority service areas, including infrastructure, health and education,” said CMA Chief Executive…

Safaricom PLC has once again been recognised as a global leader in climate disclosure, securing a place on CDP’s prestigious “A‑List” for the second consecutive year. The recognition positions the telco among the top 4% of companies worldwide that demonstrate robust transparency and accountability in environmental reporting. Why It Matters Global Benchmark: CDP is the world’s leading framework for measuring and disclosing environmental impacts. Safaricom’s inclusion signals strong governance and climate resilience. Data‑Driven Action: Safaricom’s 2025 Sustainable Business Report highlights the use of AI dashboards and advanced greenhouse gas management tools to improve emissions tracking and forecasting. Commitment to Net‑Zero:…