Mars Wrigley has turned its Athi River facility into a regional export powerhouse six months after launching Africa’s first dedicated sugar-free gum production line. The plant now ships 90% of its sugar-free gum output beyond Kenya, cementing its role as a hub for Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Scaling Fast After Launch Mars Wrigley commissioned the Athi River line in November 2025, creating the continent’s first sugar-free gum facility. In under six months, the plant shifted from ribbon-cutting to rapid commercial growth. The Nairobi-area site now exports to Uganda, Tanzania, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. By year-end, exports will…
Author: Muindi
Muindi
Experience working on communication and marketing departments and in the broadcast industry. Interested in sustainable development and international relations issues.
I&M Bank has announced a strategic partnership with B Lab Africa to launch the Resilient Sustainable Business (RSB) programme, a nine‑week blended learning initiative designed to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) embed environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices into their operations and build resilient, future‑ready business models. Targeting Growth‑Stage Enterprises The March 2026 cohort will focus on established SMEs with annual revenues between KES 6 million and KES 120 million and teams of 10 to 100 employees. These are firms that have moved beyond proof of concept and are scaling operations, expanding market reach, and strengthening internal infrastructure. To…
The GSMA has conferred its Lifetime Achievement Award on Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, recognising his transformative role in reshaping global telecommunications and expanding connectivity for billions worldwide. A Rare Honour in Telecom Bestowed on only a handful of leaders in GSMA’s history, the award celebrates contributions that leave a lasting mark on the global communications ecosystem. The presentation took place at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, attended by His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Catalonia’s President Salvador Illa, and global industry leaders. Building Airtel into a Global Powerhouse Mittal has…
Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has concluded its Initial Public Offering (IPO), attracting overwhelming investor demand that oversubscribed the offer by 105 percent and raised KShs 106.3 billion in capital. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi confirmed that applications reached 12 billion shares, far exceeding the 11.8 billion shares available. The oversubscription underscores robust market confidence in the state‑owned energy infrastructure giant and its long‑term growth prospects. Domestic Participation Leads Kenyan individual and institutional investors accounted for 7 billion shares, representing 63 percent of the allocation. This strong local uptake highlights growing domestic confidence in strategic national assets and the energy sector’s…
Absa Bank Kenya PLC has posted a 10% rise in profit after tax to KShs. 22.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025. The performance was driven by resilient growth, prudent risk management, and strong operational efficiency. Revenue and Dividend Growth Total revenues closed at KShs. 61.4 billion, reflecting shifts in the interest rate environment. The Bank offset these changes through disciplined cost‑of‑funds management, underscoring execution strength. On the back of stronger profitability, Absa declared a 17% increase in total dividend to KShs. 2.05 per share, comprising an interim dividend of KShs. 0.20 and a final dividend of KShs.…
The East African Community (EAC) Heads of State will meet in Arusha, Tanzania, on 7 March 2026 for the 25th Ordinary Summit. Under the theme “Deepening Integration for Improved Livelihoods of EAC Citizens”, the gathering reaffirms Partner States’ commitment to advancing regional integration and sustainable development. Customs Bond to Cut Trade Costs A headline outcome will be the launch of the EAC Customs Bond, a single regional guarantee replacing multiple national bonds along transit routes. Traders and clearing agents will secure one bond recognised across all Partner States, reducing compliance costs, cutting border delays, and protecting government revenue. By linking…