business
2 storiesKenyan firms modestly increased prices in September amidst easing cost pressures and improved activity. Meanwhile, many Kenyan companies lose significant revenue due to disorganised data, despite tech investments.
The DPP has approved charges against seven individuals in Kilifi for a 2 million Kenyan Shillings Social Health Authority fraud, while former KeRRA DG Philemon Kandie and a bank manager face graft charges for allegedly siphoning over 52 million Kenyan Shillings. The KDF has warned against recruitment scams. WADA has spared Kenya sanctions after a corrective action plan for doping compliance. In politics, cracks are emerging in the opposition as Gachagua and Matiang’i clash over the 2027 presidential candidate selection. President Ruto appointed Claris Awour Ogangah as the new KNCHR Chairperson. Kakamega Senator Khalwale faces a petition after physically confronting a county official. Nairobi Governor Sakaja is under fire as heavy rains caused night floods. CUE plans to cap admissions to 'unmarketable' university courses.
Cracks have emerged within Kenya's United Opposition as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i clashed over the method for selecting their 2027 presidential candidate. In a separate incident, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale is facing calls for an investigation after he physically confronted Kakamega County's Executive Committee Member for Finance, Benjamin Andama, during a Senate committee oversight visit. Additionally, the National Police Service (NPS) strongly refuted claims by the Standard Media Group concerning missing funds for police officers deployed during the African Nations Championships. The NPS accused the media house of misinformation and personal attacks against Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.
The Director of Public Prosecutions approved charges against seven individuals in Kilifi County for a Ksh2 million fraud targeting the Social Health Authority. A senior bank operations manager in Kisii was charged with siphoning over Ksh52 million from the institution and faces 134 criminal charges. Concurrently, former Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) Director General Philemon Kandie was arrested by the EACC over graft allegations during his tenure. In a separate case, a Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company official was convicted and fined Kshs. 100,000 for using a fake diploma to secure employment. Meanwhile, Directorate of Criminal Investigations detectives arrested a woman at JKIA for attempting to smuggle cocaine to Dubai. Additionally, a Busia Deputy Headteacher was convicted of committing indecent acts against male pupils.
President William Ruto announced the waiver of the national ID card replacement fee, stating the measure will remain in place until after the elections to encourage voter registration. He also appointed Claris Awour Ogangah as the new Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), filling a vacancy left after the death of the previous appointee. This appointment followed the rejection of a different nominee. Speaking at the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church’s centenary celebrations in Vihiga, the President publicly demanded recognition for a Sh10 million donation he had made. During the event, President Ruto also pledged an additional Sh50 million for a new PAG headquarters.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) intercepted a truck in Busia County carrying 1,500 cartons of smuggled Supermatch cigarettes, which would have avoided an estimated Sh70 million in taxes. In the broader business landscape, Kenyan companies are suffering significant revenue losses due to disorganised and fragmented data, hindering their competitive advantage despite investing in advanced technologies. This occurs as other Kenyan firms modestly increased selling prices in September after August's 12-month low. The price shift came despite easing cost pressures across various sectors. Businesses also reported improved activity and output, indicating a cautious recovery.
Several technology companies have recently unveiled new initiatives and products in Kenya. The TechTrends AI Breakfast Forum in Nairobi brought together leaders to discuss AI's applications and challenges in Africa. In a separate move, TikTok partnered with the Kenyan government to expand its #LevelUpAfrica program, aiming to upskill 3,000 creators. Furthermore, itel launched its SUPER 26 Ultra smartphone in Machakos, a device priced under $175 with features like a curved display and a 6000mAh battery. Safaricom Business also convened over 50 senior IT and security executives in Nairobi to present its Managed Security Operations Centre (MSOC) as a solution for enterprise cybersecurity.
Low voter registration turnout has been reported across Kenya in the first week of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise. A total of only 7,048 Kenyans were registered as new voters, a stark contrast to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) target of 6.3 million voters. Due to the low turnout in many areas, efforts to encourage Kenyans, particularly youth, to register are intensifying at the grassroots level. In line with this, members of a Pentecostal church are urging Kenyans to register to vote, stating that it is crucial for bringing about change in the country.
President William Ruto has defended the effectiveness of the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance scheme, stating that more Kenyans are benefiting from specialized medical treatment compared to the previous NHIF system. Concurrently, an ongoing healthcare fraud investigation involving the SHA and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has resulted in the arrest of five individuals. In one case, a Vihiga health center is implicated in a fraudulent payment scheme for claiming Ksh 4.9 million instead of a legitimate Ksh 18,000.
Kenyan firms modestly increased prices in September amidst easing cost pressures and improved activity. Meanwhile, many Kenyan companies lose significant revenue due to disorganised data, despite tech investments.
Gen Z are crowdfunding for a hospital, showing distrust in government, yet voter enlistment remains low among youth. Meanwhile, Gideon Moi will contest the Baringo senatorial by-election, setting up a political rematch.
Sports Kenya spent 607.2 million shillings on non-existent stadiums, raising accountability concerns. Meanwhile, Nairobi United won their SportPesa Premier League debut, while Tusker FC's winless streak continued.
TikTok partners with the Kenyan government on #LevelUpAfrica, aiming to upskill 3,000 creators. TechTrends Forum discussed Africa's AI future. Safaricom Business launched a Managed Security Operations Centre for enterprises. itel unveiled the SUPER 26 Ultra smartphone in Machakos.
The DPP has approved charges against seven individuals in Kilifi for a 2 million Kenyan Shillings Social Health Authority fraud, while former KeRRA DG Philemon Kandie and a bank manager accused of siphoning over 52 million Kenyan Shillings face graft charges. KDF warns against recruitment scams. WADA has spared Kenya sanctions after a corrective action plan for doping compliance. In politics, cracks emerge in the opposition as Gachagua and Matiang’i clash over the 2027 presidential candidate selection. President Ruto appointed Claris Awour Ogangah new KNCHR Chairperson. Kakamega Senator Khalwale faces a petition after physically confronting a county official. Nairobi Governor Sakaja is under fire as heavy rains caused night floods. CUE plans to cap admissions to 'unmarketable' university courses.
