Author: Lynet Awino

Home appliance and consumer electronics manufacturer VisionPlus, Kenya, is the first brand to assemble LED televisions locally within Tatu City. Operated by Step Up Technologies, the new facility in Tatu City is designed to produce at least 200,000 units annually, with plans to scale up to 500,000 units to meet growing demand across East Africa and beyond. “Our regional markets offer expansive opportunities for local businesses. We are impressed by Vision Plus’s drive to establish a local assembly facility and are exploring policy interventions to ease investment and operations for such entrepreneurs,” said Regina Ombam, Principal Secretary, State Department of…

The United States Department of State has announced changes to its immigrant visa interview process, set to take effect on November 1, 2025. Under the new policy, applicants must attend interviews at the U.S. consular post responsible for their place of residence or—if requested—in their country of nationality. This marks a departure from previous practice, where applicants could seek interviews in third countries for convenience or faster processing. The move is part of a broader effort to standardise procedures, reduce logistical ambiguity, and align interview locations with applicants’ legal and geographic ties. Regional Impact: Nairobi’s Role Expands For Kenyan nationals, interviews…

Invesco Assurance Company Limited, a leading insurer in Kenya’s public transport sector, has been placed under provisional liquidation following a High Court order issued on July 31, 2025. The development marks a significant turn in the company’s ongoing insolvency proceedings. Diana Nduku Mumo Appointed Provisional Liquidator In a notice dated August 26, the court appointed Diana Nduku Mumo as the Provisional Liquidator, tasked with overseeing the company’s affairs during the liquidation process. “Pursuant to the provisions of the Insolvency Act, take notice that Diana Nduku Mumo… was appointed as Provisional Liquidator of Invesco Assurance Company Limited pursuant to an order…

The African Film Press (AFP), a pan-African alliance of independent film platforms, has unveiled the AFP Critics Prize, a new award designed to spotlight African critical voices and enrich the continent’s festival culture. Debut Set for Surreal16 Film Festival in Lagos Inspired by the globally respected FIPRESCI Prize, the AFP Critics Prize will make its debut at the Surreal16 Film Festival (S16) this December in Lagos, Nigeria. The inaugural winner will be selected by AFP’s founding editors: Tambay Obenson (Akoroko) Jennifer Ochieng (Sinema Focus) Ikeade Oriade (What Kept Me Up) Future editions will expand to include a wider pool of…

Sidian Bank has announced a strategic expansion of its small and medium enterprise (SME) lending portfolio in the Mt. Kenya region, following the opening of its 49th branch in Gilgil, Nyandarua County. The move underscores the lender’s commitment to financial inclusion and comes on the back of a robust first-half performance in 2025. Bringing Banking Closer to Biashara The Gilgil branch launch marks a significant milestone in Sidian’s regional growth strategy, targeting underserved agribusinesses and entrepreneurs. “Establishing our presence here is therefore not only strategic; it is purposeful,” said Chege Thumbi, Sidian Bank CEO. “It reflects our commitment to bringing…

Flying to Tanzania will become significantly more expensive from November 1, 2025, as the government introduces a new Passenger Facilitation Fee (PFF) aimed at funding advanced airport security systems. According to the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), the fee will apply to all international travellers entering or leaving the country, with airlines expected to incorporate the charge into ticket prices. $45 (Ksh5,814) for one-way tickets $90 (Ksh11,628) for round-trip journeys The levy will appear as a separate line item on tickets and will be refundable in cases of cancellations or unused bookings. Who’s Exempt? Infants under two years, airline crew on duty,…