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…
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.
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.…
Google has upgraded its Messages app by introducing a “delete for everyone” feature in an effort to make messaging more private, secure, and interactive amid rapid digital transformation. This means that users will be able to correct messages sent to the wrong person or group. All one needs to do is touch and hold the message to be deleted, then tap “delete”. The message will be removed from both the sender’s device and that of the recipient. To find the “delete” option in the pop-up menu and be able to delete a message or chat, Google says to scroll to…
Kenya is among the countries that inspire content creators from different parts of the region, according to tech experts. It is on the back of this that, for the second time, the annual International Creators Day will be held at the University of Nairobi on May 14 to celebrate the discerning artist, writer, musician, vlogger, designer, and anyone who contributes to the world through creativity and innovation and seeks to execute their vision in a country that clicks with their identity and aspirations. Teki CEO, Mr. Martin Muli, says the celebration is a way of showing appreciation and spreading awareness…
Safaricom has recorded revenue growth of 11.2 per cent to Sh388.7 billion for the financial year ended March 31, 2025, driven by its expansion into Ethiopia, M-PESA growth, and digital transformation. Net income also rose by 10.8 per cent to Sh69.8 billion during the same period. CEO Peter Ndegwa said on Friday that the results are not only a reflection of past performance but also a foundation for the telco’s vision of becoming Africa’s purpose-led tech firm by 2030. “We have delivered excellent group performance with double-digit growth on both the top and bottom lines. This strong set of results…