The Tatu City Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has launched Kifaru Exim SEZ Ltd, a new facility aimed at boosting Kenya's export capabilities by equipping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with global trade infrastructure. This development highlights the private sector's confidence in Kenya's SEZ program and aims to integrate SMEs into the international market.

• Since 2011, Tatu City has attracted US$ 3 billion in investments and created 15,000 jobs.
• The Principal Secretary, State Department of Investments, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, highlighted the project's role in creating jobs and export opportunities.
• Kifaru Exim SEZ offers nine Grade A warehouses, covering 10,165 square meters, with individual units up to 1,229 square meters.

Safaricom has launched B-Live, a new time-based internet bundle offering continuous browsing for a set duration instead of data limits. This initiative aims to provide more flexible and affordable internet solutions for its diverse customer base in Kenya.

• Customers can purchase one-hour bundles at Sh20, three hours at Sh50, or six hours at Sh150.
• Safaricom’s Chief Consumer Business Officer, Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, stated this move expands bundle options for customers who prefer managing usage by time.
• The service targets various users, including students, digital creators, and remote professionals, addressing the rising demand for flexible internet in Kenya’s fast-growing digital economy.

Standard Bank Group has named Dr. Joshua Oigara, the CEO of Stanbic Kenya, as the new Regional Chief Executive (RCE) for East Africa. He will continue to lead Stanbic Bank Kenya, a position he has held since December 2022, with this move potentially positioning him for future top leadership at the group level.

• Dr. Oigara previously served as Group CEO of KCB between 2013 and 2022.
• He became the youngest chief executive of a Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed bank at age 37.
• This elevation coincides with the scheduled retirement of Group CEO Sim Tshabalala and CFO Arno Daehnke by 2027, creating a two-year window for internal candidate grooming.

SBM Bank Kenya and Caetano Kenya have partnered to offer financing solutions for new vehicles and equipment, making them more accessible for individuals and businesses across Kenya.

• Loan amounts will commence from Sh300,000, featuring repayment periods extending up to 72 months, with an interest rate of the Bank’s base lending rate of 17.35% plus 1%.
• The agreement allows for financing of up to 100% of the cost of selected new vehicles and equipment from brands such as JMC, KIA, Hyundai, Ford, Renault, and Hyundai Forklifts.
• Aurelien Glay, Managing Director of Caetano Kenya, stated the initiative addresses high upfront costs for SMEs and individuals, enabling easier access to necessary assets.