Author: Lynet Awino

Koko Networks, the clean‑cooking startup founded in 2013, has shut down operations after laying off its entire workforce of 700 employees. The closure follows the Kenyan government’s refusal to issue a Letter of Authorisation (LOA) that allowed the company to sell carbon credits, an essential pillar of its subsidised fuel model. Without the LOA, Koko’s business of selling bioethanol at half the market price through more than 3,000 dispensers collapsed. Households in low‑income areas such as Nairobi’s Mathare slums now face higher costs and health risks as they revert to polluting charcoal and kerosene. Thousands of agents who relied on…

UK‑based fast‑food operator Chicken Cottage has unveiled its latest outlet at Shell Thome on Thika Road, marking its ninth store in Kenya. The move underscores the brand’s aggressive expansion strategy along Nairobi’s busiest commuter corridors, where rising residential and commercial activity is reshaping eating habits. The new outlet, located near Mountain Mall, is part of Express Kitchen’s wider plan to embed food outlets within service stations and high‑traffic zones. This approach reflects a shift in Kenya’s fast‑food market: prioritising accessibility and convenience over destination dining. “Thika Road is one of the fastest‑growing areas in the city, with people constantly moving…

US pizza chain Papa John’s, operated in Kenya by Express Kitchen, has embarked on an expansion drive two years after entering the local market. Papa John’s is strengthening its visibility and accelerating growth across Nairobi, anchored on its global promise “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.” The brand is leveraging a growing store network and a convenience‑first retail strategy to appeal to the city’s fast‑paced, on‑the‑go consumers. The expansion is highlighted by the opening of new outlets at Shell service stations in Lavington and along Thika Road—high‑traffic locations designed to meet customers where they already are. “This marks an important phase of…

Standard Bank Group has acquired a 5.57% beneficial interest in Nedbank Group Limited through market purchases, triggering a mandatory disclosure under South Africa’s Companies Act and JSE Listings Requirements. Nedbank confirmed the transaction in a formal notice dated 29 January 2026, stating: “The Standard Bank Group has acquired an interest in the ordinary shares of Nedbank Group, amounting to 5.57% of the total issued ordinary shares.” The disclosure has been filed with the Takeover Regulation Panel, as required. This development comes amid shifting dynamics in East Africa’s banking sector. Standard Bank was previously rumored to be pursuing a stake in…

Flamingo Horticulture, one of Kenya’s largest agricultural exporters, has commenced expansion works at its Naivasha site following the release of part of its VAT refund. The company plans to invest Sh1.8 billion over the next three years, boosting production capacity and reinforcing its position in global horticulture markets. Founded in Kenya over four decades ago, Flamingo supplies flowers and fresh produce to leading UK and European retailers. In 2024, the company is projected to generate Sh18 billion in revenue, supporting over 18,000 jobs across its operations. The expansion will be deployed across Flamingo’s 1,630-hectare footprint, which includes award-winning packhouses and…

When Ellah Maina burst onto the scene with her Kalasha‑winning performance in Nick Mutuma’s Sincerely Daisy during the pandemic, she instantly became one of Kenya’s rising stars. Since then, she has worked with renowned filmmakers like Adam Neutzsky‑Wulff in Crime and Justice and Second Family, while also taking risks in indie films such as Why U Hate, The Priest is Dead, Ubuntu, The Cursed Gown, and Into the Sadlands. Now, she steps into her boldest role yet, Eve, formerly Adam (played by Blessing Lungaho), in Showmax’s sharp, funny, and thought‑provoking gender‑swap dramedy Adam to Eve. The series follows Adam, a…