Author: Muindi

Africa’s trade challenges have shifted decisively. Tariffs, once the headline obstacle, are no longer the biggest threat. Instead, non‑tariff measures (NTMs)—fragmented standards, slow and inconsistent testing regimes, unrecognised certificates, and unresolved procedural disputes—are quietly shutting firms out of markets. TradeMark Africa’s (TMA) 2024–25 Annual Report underscores the point: “Tariffs are no longer the main obstacle to Africa’s trade but rather non‑tariff measures. Progress in growing intra‑African trade and trade between the continent and the rest of the world will come from reducing non‑tariff barriers.” Why Entrepreneurs Should Care For entrepreneurs, NTBs are not abstract policy they are daily frustrations: Delays:…

Kenya recorded a 3.8 percent drop in diaspora remittances in January 2026, according to the Central Bank of Kenya’s (CBK) Weekly Bulletin released on February 13. Inflows fell from Ksh55.12 billion in January 2025 to Ksh53.08 billion in January 2026. Despite this monthly decline, cumulative remittances over the past 12 months rose modestly. Total inflows increased by 1.2 percent, climbing from Ksh639.55 billion to Ksh647.75 billion compared to the same period a year earlier. Remittances as a Lifeline Diaspora remittances remain one of Kenya’s most reliable sources of foreign exchange. They support household consumption, strengthen the balance of payments, and…

Kenya has switched on its first Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) trial in Nairobi, marking a bold step into the future of radio. The launch coincided with World Radio Day 2026, underscoring the enduring importance of radio as a medium that reaches nearly every household in the country. Why Digital, Why Now Radio remains Kenya’s most accessible platform, with 98% of homes tuning in and more than 300 licensed broadcasters on air. But FM frequencies in the VHF Band II (87.5–108.0 MHz) are overcrowded. This saturation has led to interference, limited space for new entrants, and compromised audio quality. Digital Sound…

Unga Farm Care (EA) Ltd, a subsidiary of Unga Group Plc has commissioned a biomass boiler at its manufacturing facility in partnership with Lean Energy Solutions, a leading provider of renewable thermal energy solutions for industrial customers in Kenya, reducing reliance on imported diesel. The company expects to save the agricultural inputs producer about USD 1 million (KES 129 million) annually in foreign exchange, a major shift toward renewable energy and lower operating costs. Lower Costs, Greater Efficiency The investment replaces diesel‑powered thermal energy with renewable biomass, stabilizing energy costs and reducing exposure to fuel price volatility and currency fluctuations…

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Kenya has lowered the Central Bank Rate (CBR) by 25 basis points to 8.75 percent, down from 9.00 percent, following its meeting on February 10, 2026. Why the Cut Matters The MPC said the move reflects scope for further easing of monetary policy to stimulate private sector lending and support economic activity, while keeping inflation expectations anchored and the exchange rate stable. Kenya’s inflation eased to 4.4 percent in January 2026, below the midpoint of the target range of 5±2.5 percent. Stable food and energy prices, alongside exchange rate stability,…

Kenya’s economy is expected to strengthen in 2026, with growth projected at 5.3%, up from 4.9% in 2025, according to the Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Economic Outlook 2026. The report highlights resilient domestic demand, easing financial conditions, and targeted government spending as key drivers of recovery. “The outlook for 2026 is broadly positive with improving momentum across sectors. Even then, execution of public projects, fiscal discipline and management of risks around government borrowing, climate shocks and global uncertainty, will be crucial to sustaining the momentum,” DTB Research noted. Global Backdrop: Slower Growth, Easier Monetary Policy Global GDP growth is forecast…