Author: Antony Mutunga

Jubilee Holdings and Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) have entered into a partnership to introduce a groundbreaking new product, that aims to address a critical challenge faced by many insurance customers – the ability to manage their premium payments in a manner that aligns with their budgets and cash flow. This innovative digital payment solution, dubbed Lipa Polepole, will alllow customers to pay their premiums in flexible installments. This digital system looks to move away from traditional options. By providing the flexibility to pay premiums in manageable increments, the Lipa Polepole option empowers policyholders to better manage their finances and maintain…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have forged a new partnership to boost development lending in Africa. The agreement is aimed at strengthening the former’s capital position and lending capacity across the continent. The Sh129 billion ($1 billion) exchange exposure agreement (EEA) is part of AfDB’s ongoing balance sheet optimization strategy. It will enable AfDB to redistribute its sovereign exposures, reducing portfolio concentration risks and providing a crucial buffer against potential credit migrations of its member countries. By mitigating these risks and maintaining a diversified profile, AfDB will be better positioned to offer increased support to…

The African Union – Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) has officially launched the African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) Platform Technical Pillar Planning and Stakeholder Engagement Workshop in Naivasha,Kenya. The workshop is set to address the challenges faced by Africa’s pastoral communities and to create a collaborative ecosystem that empowers these communities, strengthens their market access, and fosters sustainable development across the continent. The event which will run from October 21 to 24, 2024, brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, including policymakers, development agencies, and pastoral communities themselves. By providing a unified platform for dialogue and action, the initiative…

The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) and KCB Bank Kenya, have announced a groundbreaking partnership that aims to foster growth among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while empowering youth and women across the nation. The partnership which is valued at Sh32.44 billion (€230 million) will include a substantial credit line of Sh16.22 billion (€115 million) extended by EIB Global to KCB Bank Kenya, which will also be matched by an additional Sh16.22 billion (€115 million) from KCB’s own funds. This combined effort creates a robust financial foundation dedicated to driving economic development and inclusion in Kenya. Through the ‘Investing in…

Capital A Investment Bank, formerly known as Securities Africa Kenya Limited, has rebranded, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey. This move reflects the firm’s expanded capabilities and unwavering dedication to providing exceptional investment solutions and championing financial consciousness. The rebranding comes on the heels of the firm’s upgrade from a licensed stockbroker to an investment bank by the regulator, Capital Markets Authority (CMA). This transition has allowed Capital A Investment Bank to solidify its position as a leading investment firm in the Kenyan market. The firm specializes in offering tailored investment advice across a wide range of financial…

For quite some time, the Kenyan National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has been facing a daunting challenge in modernizing its vehicle registration system to meet the growing demands of a rapidly expanding population. The solution to this dilemma finally came in the form of a partnership with Vertiv, a global leader in critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, and local firm Encapsulated East Africa Limited. The partnership stepped in to provide a transformative data center solution that not only streamlined NTSA’s operations but also enhanced the overall experience for Kenyan citizens. The key to this transformation lies with the…

I&M Group PLC, a public limited liability company, has recently made a cautionary announcement – in accordance with Regulation 89(2) of the Capital Markets (Public Offers, Listing and Disclosures) Regulations, 2023, outlining a proposed subscription of up to 86,500,000 new ordinary shares by East Africa Growth Holding (EAGH). With this move, I&M, has taken a decisive step towards strengthening its financial foundation. The entry into a subscription agreement with EAGH, followed an approval from the board of directors, demonstrating the company’s commitment to strategic partnerships and capital infusion. The proposed transaction involves EAGH subscribing for up to 86,500,000 new ordinary…

Kenya is embarking on an ambitious mission to revitalize its tourism industry, and the key lies in harnessing the power of its vast diaspora community scattered across the globe. This strategic pivot promises to propel the country’s visitor arrivals to new heights, positioning Kenya as a premier African travel destination. The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has launched a campaign that taps into the power of the Kenyan diaspora. The initiative, dubbed ‘Ziara Kenya: One Diaspora, One Tourist,’ aims to transform the over three million Kenyans living abroad into passionate ambassadors for their homeland. Having already welcomed 1.8 million tourists as…

As the country strives towards universal health coverage, a glaring challenge continues to emerge – the mismanagement of funds and a lack of accountability in both financial and non-financial information flows. According to a study, conducted by IDinsight and, released on October 2024, there is troubling disconnect between the allocation of funds and tangible health outcomes. “A lot of our health financing decisions are based largely on financial data, but we are not looking at health outcomes and health service utilization,” said Dr. Frida Njogu-Ndongwe, IDinsight’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. The implications of this disconnect are far-reaching.…

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), through the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), has taken decisive action to stimulate economic growth by lowering the Central Bank Rate (CBR) from 12.75% to 12%, signaling a shift towards a more accommodative monetary policy stance. This decision comes against a backdrop of mixed economic signals. While the overall inflation has shown a promising decline, decreasing to 3.6% in September from 4.4% in August, the country’s economic growth has experienced a noticeable slowdown. According to data from the CBK, on the second quarter of 2024, the GDP growth rate stood at 4.6%, a decrease from…