Kenya’s economy is expected to grow by 5.4 percent in 2025, following a slowdown that saw GDP growth fall to 4.7 percent in 2024—the country’s weakest performance since the economic contraction caused by COVID-19 in 2020. Treasury CS John Mbadi announced the projection on Tuesday during a press briefing in Nairobi. Mbadi attributed the 2024 downturn to a combination of factors including a constrained government expenditure framework, high interest rates, nationwide protests in June, and adverse weather events. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), in its 2025 economic survey, echoed the minister’s assessment, noting that these shocks significantly disrupted…
Author: Samuel Njihia
Kenya, the world’s leading exporter of black tea, is ramping up efforts to expand market access in the Middle East by engaging with Iranian business groups in a bid to ease restrictions on tea exports. On Thursday, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe led a high-level delegation to meet Iranian trade representatives, focusing on unlocking access to Iran’s lucrative tea market — which has faced trade challenges in recent years due to pricing caps and financial restrictions linked to sanctions. “Reopening access to Iran’s robust market could be a game changer for tea farmers and the entire tea value chain,”…
The Nairobi County government is set to demolish Gikomba market after claims that 70% of the market is on riparian land, a move that could result in significant losses for many traders. The decision comes a month after the Nairobi County government pledged to complete the construction of a three-bay fire station in the country’s largest ‘mitumba’ hub within six months. This commitment was made in response to a series of unexplained fires in the market that caused extensive damage to property worth millions of shillings. Netizens took to social media platforms to call out the government after traders were…
Kenya Power has appealed to the government to implement a total ban on copper exports in a bid to stop the rampant cases of infrastructure vandalism plaguing the nation, particularly targeting essential utilities such as power transformers. Joseph Siror, the managing director, scrap metal dealers should also be directed to declare the orgins of their materials, especially for copper and aluminium, with continuous scrutiny and vetting of all individuals involved in the scrap metal trade. “There should also be joint inspections of business premises to ensure compliance with the law and filing of returns by dealers as per the Scrap…
Richard Branson’s luxury travel brand, Virgin Limited Edition, has acquired a stake in Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp at the Tsavo National Park in Kenya, further expanding its portfolio of exclusive properties in the country. Finch Hattons, a 17-suite tented camp owned by Kenyan-based Gehlot family, will become the ninth property in the company’s global collection on July 1. The Gehlots, who are co-owners of Branson’s Mahali Mzuri camp in the Maasai Mara, are expected to retain partial ownership of the safari camp. Alongside Mahali Mzuri, Finch Hattons will become Virgin Limited Edition’s fifth property in Africa and its second…
The Kenya Revenue Authority is pressuring landlords to raise rents for their properties, which is likely to add another financial burden to already financially struggling tenants.
Professor Mwenda Ntarangwi becomes the first Kenyan to assume the position of Vice Chancellor at the United States International University-Africa (USIU-A).
Cyclone Hidaya, characterised by heavy rainfall, large waves, and powerful winds, is advancing towards the East African coast.
Global technology giant Cisco has launched a cybersecurity centre in Nairobi, aimed at building the skills and knowledge necessary to detect, prevent and respond to cyber threats.
The FullCare Medical facility, a Sh3.93 billion investment, is utilising solar technology for environmentally friendly production of its range of medical products.