As the surge in travel activity continues into 2025, visa applications submitted for various countries have reached record-high volumes. According to a joint report by VFS Global and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Africa’s travel and tourism industry could contribute up to $168 billion to the continent’s economy and generate at least 18 million new jobs. However, the report notes that such growth depends on supportive policies, including improved air infrastructure, streamlined visa services, and enhanced tourism marketing. With demand for visa appointment slots rising, scammers are taking advantage by posing as employees, intermediaries, or agents of legitimate…
Author: Victor Adar
Victor Adar
Victor Adar holds a Diploma in Mass Communication, Print, from Technical University of Mombasa. He has worked before for Reuters, Go Places travel magazine and Aden Associates International. As one of the old hands at NBM, having joined the team in 2012, Victor is one of the most reliable writers in the editorial team. He writes more on enterprise, corporate affairs, HR and technology.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fast emerging as a transformative force in Kenyan healthcare, particularly in simplifying clinical decisions and improving the overall quality of medical care. In many rural and peri-urban clinics, junior doctors are often forced to make complex medical decisions without access to senior mentorship or specialist support. This frequently leads to delayed diagnoses, suboptimal treatment, and inconsistent adherence to clinical guidelines. The good news is that AI is increasingly being used to assist in diagnosing illnesses by examining patient data, medical imaging, and other inputs to detect patterns and anomalies that may indicate specific conditions. With the…
CFAO Mobility Kenya has signed a partnership with Sharia-compliant Almasi Financial Services Limited to boost the transport and logistics sector by offering entrepreneurs affordable access to heavy commercial trucks. The financing package covers a range of robust vehicle models, including Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Buses, Hino, and Sinotruk. Under the deal, customers can access up to 90 per cent financing, repayable over 60 months at competitive rates. “Through this arrangement, our customers will not only enjoy a convenient payment plan but also a simplified, accessible path to acquiring critical business assets, with a Sharia-compliant financing partner. This is an empowering offer…
As Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi read the Sh4.24 trillion budget speech to a barely full National Assembly on the afternoon of 12 June, most Kenyans and various stakeholders were certain the government would not introduce new taxes, as has often been the case. Mr Mbadi, the second CS to head the Treasury during a period marked by rampant wastage, corruption, pilferage, and ballooning public debt, also addressed concerns around over-taxation, the rising cost of living, economic stabilisation, and the need to support struggling businesses. According to a recent analysis by audit, advisory and tax firm PwC, Mr Mbadi’s budget…
A proposed 16 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on solar equipment under Kenya’s 2025 Finance Bill could increase the cost of a typical off-grid solar home system by Sh2,000, according to GOGLA, the global association for the off-grid solar industry. GOGLA warns that the tax could shrink Kenya’s off-grid solar market by 20 per cent within a year and reverse gains made in expanding electricity access, especially in underserved areas. The organisation also cautions that over 10,000 jobs are at risk if the VAT is implemented. Patrick Tonui, GOGLA’s Head of Policy, noted that a similar move in 2020–2021…
The constituent companies of Reportage Properties LLC, Reportage Properties Limited and Shree Satya Sankalp (SSS) Developers Limited, have unveiled a luxurious affordable housing project dubbed “DG JKIA” designed to set new bench-mark in the real estate investments space. Reportage Properties, a division of SSS Developers on Saturday, June 7, broke ground at the DG-JKIA site, a first of its kind luxury hotel apartments investment where customers will own property operated and serviced inside a hotel in close proximity to the international airport. Present were SSS Developers CEO Mr Jay VALA, Chairman of the consortium Mr Elly Owuor, Cabinet Secretary ICT…
Family Bank has relocated its Ngara branch to the ground floor of Blue Hut Hotel on Park Road, Ngara, in a bid to enhance support for the business community through a more convenient, accessible, and secure location. The branch relocation reflects the lender’s ongoing commitment to supporting SMEs by optimising its branch network to better serve its customers. The new location is designed to meet the needs of small businesses, market traders, and individuals—offering modern, accessible, and customer-focused banking facilities. “Ngara’s growing commercial importance, led by small traders and wholesalers serving the CBD and greater Starehe sub-county, presents a promising…
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has introduced express lanes for prepaid ticket holders, opened additional gates, and is exploring the construction of a new Southern Bypass entry at Nairobi National Park. This initiative aims to alleviate long-standing visitor frustrations. “We understand that extended waiting times at entry gates over the weekend may have impacted your experience,” said Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano. Effective immediately, the newly operational East Gate (off Mombasa Road) and Mbagathi Gate (Magadi Road, opposite Multimedia University) will help reduce congestion and save visitors valuable time. According to the 2025 Economic Survey released by the…
The long-awaited Galana Kulalu food security project is now ready for full operationalisation, following the completion of construction works on its siltation basin and canal, President William Ruto has announced. Construction of key infrastructure for the Sh519.4 million project — including an intake, pump station, inlet canal, reservoir, outlet canal, and off-take reservoir — began two years ago. The infrastructure, which comprises a 753-metre inlet canal, a 450 million-litre reservoir, a 1,210-metre outlet canal, and a 20 million-litre off-take sump, now appears to be fully complete. “For a long time, there has been a lot of talk about this project.…
Kenya’s wealthy are adjusting their investment strategies in response to rising global economic uncertainty, with not only as an investment but also a symbol of prestige. According to the Kenyan edition of “Wealth Report 2025” released by Knight Frank real estate firm on Tuesday, May 13, 72 per cent of Kenya’s wealthy expressed interest in acquiring art, with classic cars following closely at 50 per cent. Jewellery and high-end furniture both garnered interest from 44 per cent of high net worth individuals. Rare, high-quality pieces, especially those with historical significance or find craftsmanship, have demonstrated potential for appreciation over time.…