Author: Muindi

Uganda plans to borrow $358 million in loans from regional and international lenders to fund key infrastructure projects—including a high-voltage electricity transmission line to South Sudan. The financing plan, presented to Parliament by junior finance minister Henry Musasizi on September 16, 2025, is part of the country’s broader push to monetise its surplus power and deepen regional connectivity. Who’s Funding the Deal? The proposed credit package will be sourced from: African Development Fund (ADF)—the concessional arm of the African Development Bank Group Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) Standard Chartered Bank Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has referred the…

KCB Group PLC and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide financial and trade facilitation support to investors operating in the Vipingo Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kilifi County. Under the agreement, Afreximbank will commit US$500 million, while KCB Group will provide US$300 million in funding. The partnership was announced during the Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP)–Kenya Investment Forum 2025. Financing Framework for SEZ Enterprises The funding will support manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics, and value-addition enterprises within the SEZ. Investors will access tailored financial instruments, including: Working capital facilities Project finance Trade financing Project…

The Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel, a six-story hospitality asset on the edge of Nairobi’s Central Business District, has been listed for sale at Sh1.29 billion. The listing, managed by Knight Frank Kenya, positions the property as a rare opportunity to acquire a fully operational hotel in a high-demand urban corridor. According to Knight Frank, the hotel’s “excellent and serene location in the periphery of Nairobi CBD, away from the heavier foot and vehicle traffic,” enhances its appeal to both business and leisure travelers. The property sits on a 0.366-acre corner plot along Murang’a Road, offering direct access to Westlands,…

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has pledged KES 20.5 billion (USD 150 million) to Kenya’s Roads Levy Securitisation Programme, a $1.35 billion infrastructure initiative led by the Kenya Roads Board. The programme is designed to modernise key transport corridors, fast-track contractor payments, and enhance national connectivity. UBA Group Managing Director and CEO Oliver Alawuba announced the commitment during a high-level visit to President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, reaffirming the bank’s long-term investment strategy in Kenya. “Infrastructure is the engine of trade, competitiveness and shared prosperity,” said Alawuba. “UBA is proud to be one of the largest financiers…

M Oriental Bank has scheduled an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) for 3rd October 2025 to seek shareholder approval for a proposed capital increase. The bank plans to issue up to 50 million new ordinary shares of par value KSh 20 each over five years. The proposed allotment aims to strengthen the bank’s capital base and ensure compliance with the Central Bank of Kenya’s phased minimum core capital requirement of KSh 3 billion, which takes effect at the end of 2025. As of June 2025, M Oriental’s core capital stood at KSh 2.51 billion, leaving a shortfall of KSh 490 million. “This…

Eastland Hotel, a well-known 4-star property located in Nairobi’s Kilimani area, has been placed under receivership by Equity Bank Kenya. The move follows growing financial pressure across Kenya’s real estate and hospitality sectors, which continue to register high levels of non-performing loans. Joint Receivers Appointed In a notice dated September 11, 2025, Equity Bank announced the appointment of Kamal Anantroy Bhatt and Jai Kamal Bhatt of Anant Bhatt LLP as Joint Receivers and Managers of Eastland Hotel Limited. “The Receivers have full authority over the company’s assets and operations. Any dealings without their written consent will be considered unlawful,” the…