Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui has welcomed the U.S. House of Representatives' decision to pass a bill extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by three years. This extension offers significant relief to Kenya's textile and apparel sector.

• The extension offers relief to over 80,000 Kenyans directly employed and approximately 250,000 others indirectly supported by the apparel and textile sector.
• The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill with a vote of 340 to 54, and it now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
• Kenya is a leading beneficiary of AGOA, with apparel and textiles forming the bulk of its exports to the U.S., alongside coffee, tea, and horticultural products.

The Kenyan government has reaffirmed its commitment to upgrading Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), signaling that long-delayed expansion plans are back on track. This renewed focus comes as Kenya aims to maintain its position as a leading aviation and diplomatic hub amidst growing regional competition.

• The upgrade is critical for Kenya's ambition to remain the top aviation, business, and diplomatic hub in East and Central Africa.

• President William Ruto recently restated the importance of modernizing JKIA.

• The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is now tasked with the execution, including securing financing and showing visible progress, as regional rivals like Ethiopia and Rwanda advance their own airport projects.

Uber has ceased accepting Visa card payments on its Kenyan platform, effective January 14, citing rising global payment processing costs. This decision follows a routine review of payment options to manage expenses.

• Uber's decision is due to rising global payment processing costs.
• The change affects only Visa cardholders in Kenya.
• Payments via Mastercard, American Express, M-Pesa, and cash remain available.