SBM Bank Kenya has partnered with Mastercard to enhance its transaction capabilities and accelerate cashless payments in Kenya, phasing in new Mastercard-branded cards for customers.

• The transition aims to boost payment security, global acceptance, and digital wallet integration, including tap-to-pay features and fraud protection.
• SBM Bank Kenya CEO Bhartesh Shah stated this partnership reflects their strategy to deliver superior customer experiences and drive sustainable growth.
• This initiative follows SBM Bank's turnaround, posting a profit after tax of Sh202 million in the first half of the year, reversing a Sh943.1 million loss.

Kenya is strategically positioning its food culture to capture a larger share of the global culinary tourism market, which reached Sh1.09 trillion in 2024. This initiative aims to diversify revenue streams and attract high-spending international visitors, recognizing that 81 percent of international travelers now choose destinations based on food experiences.

• The global culinary tourism market hit Sh1.09 trillion in 2024.
• The initiative was highlighted during a cookout at Nairobi National Park, part of the 10th annual Week of Italian Cuisine in the World.
• Italian Deputy Ambassador Lorenza Gambacorta emphasized cuisine's economic and cultural value.
• Notable figures include Italian chef and digital influencer Lulu Gargari, and Chef Norah Bosibori from Utalii College.
• Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Marketing Director Lorna Nyaga stated this push is part of a broader strategy for higher-value growth.

Kenya has selected Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) to operate its first nuclear power plant, a pivotal step towards adding up to 10 gigawatts of new electricity capacity to support industrial growth.

• The planned plant will begin with approximately 2GW, scaling up to 6GW in later phases, developed jointly with the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA).
• Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announced this marks the beginning of Kenya’s nuclear-power era, anchoring the program in technical capability and public trust.
• A Joint Engagement Framework has been established between KenGen and NuPEA to guide public awareness, stakeholder consultation, and institutional readiness for nuclear power.