Author: Muindi

Kenya has exited the COMESA Sugar Safeguard regime, ending a 24-year protection framework that shielded the domestic sugar industry from unrestricted regional imports. The safeguard, which lapsed on November 30, 2025, was initially enacted under Article 61 of the COMESA Treaty to allow Kenya time to restructure its sugar sector and improve competitiveness. A Reform Cycle Completed, Not Abandoned The Kenya Sugar Board (KSB), under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Development, confirmed the exit in a January 4, 2026, statement, describing it as “the successful completion of a reform cycle, not its abandonment.” CEO Jude Chesire emphasised that Kenya is…

A legal challenge has put the proposed National Infrastructure Fund on hold after the High Court issued conservatory orders stopping its rollout until a constitutional petition is heard and determined. The decision halts all actions related to the fund as the court considers claims that its creation may have breached the Constitution. In orders issued on December 24, 2025, Milimani High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye barred the government and listed respondents, including the Office of the Auditor-General and the Office of the Controller of Budget, from taking any steps to operationalise the fund. “Pending the inter parties hearing and determination…

Kenya has recorded an agricultural trade milestone with the arrival of its first-ever consignment of fresh Apple mangoes in the United Kingdom (UK), opening new market opportunities for Kenyan farmers and strengthening Kenya–UK trade relations. Kenya’s First Apple Mango Shipment Lands in the UK On December 22, 2025, the Kenyan Mission in the UK announced via its official X account that the pilot shipment marks “a new chapter in Kenya–UK trade relations.” The mission described the consignment as proof of Kenya’s ability to meet the UK’s stringent requirements for quality, safety, and sustainability in agricultural products. “This pilot showcases Kenya’s…

Kenya has entered into a $311 million (KES 40 billion) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Africa50 and Power Grid Corporation of India to expand its electricity transmission network. The deal, announced by the Ministry of Finance and Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), comes as the country recorded a historic peak demand of 2,439 MW in December 2025, underscoring the urgent need for grid stability to support industrial growth. Strategic Partners Driving the Project The agreement brings together: KETRACO – contracting authority Africa50 – pan‑African infrastructure investment platform PowerGrid Corporation of India – technical and operational partner The consortium will design, finance, build,…

East African Breweries PLC (EABL) has clarified the sequence of events surrounding its recent Ksh20 billion medium‑term note (MTN) programme and the subsequent announcement by majority shareholder Diageo Plc to sell its 65% stake to Japan’s Asahi Group Holdings. Shareholder Transaction, Not Company Deal In a notice dated December 18, 2025, EABL stressed that the proposed sale is strictly a shareholder‑level transaction between Diageo and Asahi. “The transaction is between Diageo and Asahi as strategic industry‑leading shareholders. EABL is not a party to it, nor has it been involved in the transaction. EABL’s Board of Directors was first notified of…

Kenya’s Draft 2026 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) shows a widening fiscal deficit, now projected at Kshs 1,106.1 billion, equivalent to 5.3% of GDP, compared to 4.7% in FY 2025/26. As the BPS notes, “The fiscal deficit (including grants) is projected to increase to Kshs 1,106.1 bn in FY 2026/27 from Kshs 901.0 bn in FY 2025/26, with the deficit as a share of GDP rising slightly to 5.3% from 4.7%.” This revision highlights the growing gap between revenue and expenditure, moving further away from the government’s earlier ambition of keeping the deficit below 4.0% of GDP. Key Fiscal Framework Adjustments…