Author: Khusoko

Kenya’s middle class is facing one of the toughest financial squeezes in recent memory. Rising taxes, spiralling living costs, and mandatory deductions are shrinking disposable income at alarming rates. By the time statutory deductions like NSSF, NHIF, and AHL are factored in—before even considering PAYE—salaried Kenyans are often left with nearly half of their gross pay. What remains must stretch to cover rent, utilities, transport, school fees, food, domestic support, and remittances upcountry. It is no wonder that by the second or third day after payday, many households are already struggling to make ends meet. This is the reality of…

Kenya’s headline inflation edged up to 4.6% in September 2025, slightly higher than August’s 4.5%, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). The increase was driven primarily by rising costs in food and non-alcoholic beverages, transport, and housing-related utilities such as electricity, water, and gas. “Annual consumer price inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 4.6 per cent in September 2025. This implies that the general price level was 4.6 per cent higher in September 2025 than it was in September 2024,” KNBS noted. Headline Inflation Trend Kenya’s month-on-month inflation stood at 0.2%, reinforcing expectations…

Kenya is set to take over the rotating chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) from Burundi, with a renewed focus on digitisation to address trade barriers and enhance regional competitiveness. The 2025 COMESA Summit, scheduled for next month in Nairobi, will bring together leaders from the 21-member trade bloc to commit to technology-driven solutions aimed at deepening regional value chains, harmonising trade policies, and fostering inclusive economic growth. “We have made significant progress, including the entry into force of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area, which now forms Africa’s largest integrated market,” said Cabinet Secretary…

Absa Bank Kenya PLC has confirmed the appointment of Mohammed Nyaoga, EBS, SC, as Chairman of its Board of Directors, effective 1 October 2025. His appointment follows the scheduled departure of Charles Muchene, who steps down on 30 September after completing a full nine-year term at the helm. Nyaoga assumes the role with more than 40 years of experience in legal practice and corporate governance, having held leadership positions across Kenya’s financial and regulatory institutions. His previous roles include Chairperson of the Central Bank of Kenya, EcoBank Kenya, and the IMF External Experts Panel in Washington. He currently serves as…

Access Bank Kenya has confirmed the appointment of Ralph Opara as its new Country Managing Director, effective September 8, 2025, following formal approval by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Opara steps into the role with over two decades of experience in commercial and investment banking across multiple African markets, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Rwanda. His leadership is expected to accelerate Access Bank Kenya’s transformation agenda, deepen market penetration, and enhance customer experience in one of East Africa’s most competitive banking environments. Ralph Opara: A Versatile Leader with Pan-African Banking Expertise Ralph Opara is a highly motivated and versatile business…

The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) has launched the BAKE Awards 2025, marking the start of the submission phase for this year’s competition. Now in its ninth edition, the BAKE Awards has grown from a blogger-only contest into a national celebration of digital content creators across platforms. The awards recognise excellence in blogging, social media, podcasting, and video content, including creators on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, and YouTube. Key Dates and Submission Guidelines Submissions are open from September 10 to October 8, 2025. A judging panel will shortlist five nominees per category, followed by a public voting phase from…