African Development Bank (AfDB) reports that systemic challenges such as high informality and costly business practices hinder Kenya’s business capital growth, particularly affecting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

• Registering a business in Kenya can cost up to 15% of the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
• The AfDB identifies inadequate access to credit and high operational costs as key barriers for entrepreneurs.
• The report suggests digitizing financial systems and improving infrastructure to strengthen the business environment and support more formal enterprises.

Absa Bank Kenya has launched La Riba Timiza, the country's first fully Shariah-compliant mobile banking platform, aimed at enhancing financial inclusion within the growing Islamic finance market.

• La Riba Timiza allows users to make payments, access short-term financing, and save ethically, all while prohibiting interest.
• Abdi Mohamed, CEO of Absa Bank Kenya, highlighted the launch as a commitment to ethical banking.
• The service includes the La Riba Card, which offers riba-free payment options and other benefits tailored for customers interested in Shariah-compliant solutions.