The Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has injected Sh500 million into Githunguri Dairy Cooperative Society (GDC) to boost financing for MSMEs under the World Bank-backed SAFER Programme. This initiative aims to expand access to long-term, affordable credit for investors and capital-intensive projects in Kenya.

• KDC is considering extending lending periods from seven to ten years and reducing interest rates from 9% to 8%.
• Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui highlighted the goal of making long-term credit more accessible for industrial projects.
• To date, KDC has disbursed Sh3.2 billion to 11 SACCOs, supporting 36,990 MSMEs and creating 25,637 jobs across 32 counties.

Kenya's agricultural sector is advocating for a 10-year stable tax framework to enhance competitiveness and encourage long-term investment, citing that inconsistent fiscal policies are hindering growth.

• Stakeholders highlighted pending VAT refunds exceeding Sh150 billion, which they claim is forcing businesses to scale down or close.
• The proposal was presented during a forum convened by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, with attendance from National Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo and Council of Governors Chair Ahmed Abdullahi.
• Concerns were also raised regarding high taxes on packaging materials, some duties reaching up to 60 percent, and the new E-TIMS rollout potentially pushing produce into informal markets.

Corteva Agriscience Kenya has launched Verpixo® 100 SC, a new fungicide based on Adavelt™ technology, to support Kenya's floriculture sector. This product aims to help rose growers combat powdery mildew and botrytis, diseases that threaten the quality of export-bound flowers.

• The fungicide, Verpixo® 100 SC, contains Florylpicoxamid, a novel active ingredient offering a new mode of action against fungal resistance.
• Charles Mutema, Business Lead – Corteva Agriscience, emphasized the company's commitment to local innovation and sustainable agriculture in Africa.
• The floriculture industry is one of Kenya's top export earners, making disease-free roses critical for meeting international standards.