Author: Muindi

Kenya’s private sector activity expanded at its fastest rate in ten months in March, with the Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 51.7 from 50.6 in February. This was the highest reading since May 2024, indicating growth (readings above 50.0). The improvement was driven by robust increases in output and new orders across most sectors, particularly services, wholesale, and retail. However, the manufacturing sector experienced a contraction in demand. Economist Christopher Legilisho of Stanbic Bank noted the widespread expansion, contrasting it with the soft demand in manufacturing. The March 2025 PMI also showed a year-on-year increase of…

Shujaa lost 21-12 to Fiji in the Singapore Sevens final, their first loss since 2021. Despite the strong finish in the sixth and final regular season leg, Kenya missed the top eight and will now compete in a relegation playoff in Los Angeles on May 3-4. Shujaa will battle the bottom three core teams and the top four from the Challenger Series for four coveted spots in the World Rugby Sevens Series.

The United States has implemented a 10% import tariff on goods from Kenya, among 185 other countries, through a new executive order. This policy, signed by the US President, aims to bolster domestic manufacturing and enforce fair trade practices. US President, Donald Trump, has announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs including the 10.0% baseline tariff applying to economies such as Kenya. To make sense of what this means for Kenya, we need to understand what are Donald Trump’s demands regarding Kenya from a tariff… pic.twitter.com/pDojOm6rHe — Julians Amboko (@AmbokoJH) April 3, 2025 Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, noted that the…

GardaWorld Security has rebranded its Kenyan subsidiary, KK Security Ltd., to GardaWorld Security–Africa, aligning local operations with its global brand and signaling an expanded commitment to the East African private security sector. This rebranding follows GardaWorld’s January acquisition of Doctor No Parent Limited, KK Security’s parent company, for an undisclosed sum. GardaWorld has invested in technology-driven security solutions, including an upgraded National Security Operations Centre (NSOC) in Nairobi, featuring AI-powered remote monitoring, real-time tracking, and a comprehensive mobile response network. “Our brand evolution reflects our expanded service offering, combining local knowledge with global strength,” said Rishi Ahluwalia, GardaWorld’s country director…

Bupa Global, a leading international private medical insurance (IPMI) provider, has established its first African office in Nairobi, Kenya, following licensing approval from the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA). Kenya, East Africa’s largest economy, is identified as a strategic growth market for Bupa Global’s IPMI operations. The country’s sustained GDP growth and Vision 2030 goal of achieving middle-income status by 2030 align with the projected growth of Kenya’s health insurance market, estimated to increase from $1.42 billion in 2022 to $2.77 billion. The Nairobi office will employ a local team and non-executive directors, ensuring market responsiveness. Uditha Jayaratne has been appointed…

KCB Group has acquired a 75% stake in fintech firm Riverbank Solutions Limited, aiming to strengthen its regional distribution network. The transaction’s completion is contingent upon customary conditions, including regulatory approvals from the Central Bank of Kenya. This acquisition will enhance KCB’s digital capabilities by integrating Riverbank’s established presence in banking agency, social payments, and business solutions across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. KCB will leverage Riverbank’s expertise in payment ecosystems and non-banking services, encompassing capability building, network expansion, and marketplace solutions. Riverbank’s technology platform, “Zed 360,” will enable KCB to provide SME and MSME customers with essential business management tools,…