Kenya’s private sector economic output has started on a high note as the latest (PMI) Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) which is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to purchasing managers stood at 53.7 in December. The data reveals that, along with November’s reading of 55.0, the last two monthly PMI figures are the highest recorded in four years, with private companies recording solid upturn in the final month of 2025 thanks to a robust increase in customer demand and slight cost pressures. It also points to a strong business growth momentum in sectors such…
Author: Victor Adar
Victor Adar
Victor Adar is a seasoned journalist with a Diploma in Mass Communication (Print) from the Technical University of Mombasa. He has previously worked with Reuters, Go Places travel magazine, and Aden Associates International. Since joining NBM in 2012, he has become a key member of the editorial team, covering enterprise, corporate affairs, HR, and technology.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has approved 42 more digital credit providers (DCPs), bringing the total number of licensed players in the space to 195. Experts say digital lenders generally provide education loans, development loans, short-term personal loans, asset-financing, and business loans. As of November 2025, licensed DCPs had granted 6.6 million loans valued at Sh109.8 billion, according to the CBK. As DCPs continue to carry out their lending activities digitally, including through USSD codes, it is still unclear how the latest review will affect borrowers. “The focus of engagements with DCPs has been on business models, consumer protection,…
Cement and concrete products manufacturer, Bamburi Cement, has signed a Sh32 billion ($250 million) Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with Sinoma CBMI Construction company for the construction of a new clinker factory in Matuga, Kwale County. The 1.6 million tonnes-a-year plant is expected to create employment opportunities during construction and operations, boost local business participation, and stimulate economic activity in the wider Coastal region. Speaking at the EPC signing ceremony witnessed by President William Ruto and Amsons Group Managing Director Mr Edha Nahdi, and Bamburi Cement Chairman John Simba, among other dignitaries, Bamburi Cement CEO Mr Mohit Kapoor said…
Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Allan Kivaluka is set to exit the national career after six years of being at the helm. According to a statement released on Tuesday, December 16, by the airline’s board of directors, effective December 16, KQ Chief Operating Officer (COO) Captain George Kamal will take over in acting capacity as Kivaluka proceeds on terminal leave as the company embarks on a competitive recruitment process to appoint a substantive CEO. “During his tenure, Allan served with commitment, dedication, honour and diligence, steering the Company through the turbulent COVID-19 period which affected the aviation…
Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), the German Embassy in Nairobi and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ Kenya) have released a study that shows that Kenya has been missing out on $5.3 billion a year in unmet export potential and nearly $10 billion in broader export opportunities that remain unrealised. The study has exposed Kenya’s lack of “export competitiveness” and comes at a time when experts say the country is grappling with a widening export deficit despite availability of regional and global markets ready to absorb more Kenyan products. Peter Njoroge, Director of External Trade at the State Department for…
Formal move by Eritrea to withdraw from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on claims that the regional body has failed to ensure development, peace and stability, just two years after its return to the bloc, has sparked regrets and fears of internal conflicts that could spill to Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan. The Horn of Africa country self-suspended its participation from IGAD for nearly two decades before formally rejoining following the 14th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government held in June 2023. All Member States cordially welcomed it back on that occasion, demonstrating their shared commitment to inclusivity,…
Cosmetic and pharmaceutical company with French origins, Pierre Fabre and Africa-based healthcare and consumer-health distributor, Groupe Ethica, has entered the Kenyan market with the roll out of Avène and Ducray brands. While Avène dermo-cosmetic brand is for sensitive skin, Ducray is globally recognised for its medical-grade solutions for acne, eczema, hyperpigmentation, hair loss, and scalp disorders. The Ducray range includes Keracnyl, Dexyane, Icytane, Anaphase+, and Melascreen. “Kenya is one of the most dynamic dermatology markets on the continent,” said Rosemary Ayieko, the Head of East Africa, Groupe Ethica. “The endorsement from the Kenya Association of Dermatologists also affirms the relevance…
Government has pledged to begin the construction of 50 mega dams in northern and coastal regions that it says will enable the irrigation of 1.5 million acres of land in bid to make those areas Kenya’s new food baskets. According to President William Ruto, through irrigation, the two regions that had been declared low-potential areas will now become high-potential agricultural producers. “In our plan for placing 2.5 million acres of land under irrigation, 1.5 million of those will be from Northern Kenya and the Coast regions,” Ruto said at Masalani in Ijara Constituency, Garissa County, during the wedding ceremony of…
It is a new era for farmers as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is all set to digitize agriculture and livestock data thanks to the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS) — marking one of the biggest digital milestones in Kenya’s agricultural transformation journey. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and development partners on Friday, November 28, during the ongoing Intergovernmental Forum on Agriculture in Naivasha, officially handed over KIAMIS to Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe. Hamisi William, FAO Deputy Country Representative, who presented the system to the CS…
Twenty-four Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have received growth grants of KSh100,000 each after completing the Inuka Enterprise Accelerator Program, a banking industry-led initiative implemented by the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) through the Centre for Sustainable Finance and Enterprise Development (CSFED). The enterprises selected for the pilot 12-week accelerator were drawn from key sectors — including manufacturing, agriculture, trade, textile, and leather— and were identified from the more than 130,000 MSMEs that have benefited from the broader Inuka Enterprise Program since 2018. KBA Chief Executive Officer Raimond Molenje noted that MSMEs are the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing over…
