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HomeDaily NewsThursday, February 19, 2026Airtel Partners with Starlink, Pepsi Bottler to Build Plant, and KPC IPO is Extended in Kenya - February 2026
Business & Economy3 stories from 2 sources

Airtel Partners with Starlink, Pepsi Bottler to Build Plant, and KPC IPO is Extended in Kenya - February 2026

Varun Beverages, a major PepsiCo bottler, is setting up a manufacturing plant in Kenya, with construction slated for completion by Q4 2027. In the telecommunications sector, Airtel Africa is partnering with Starlink to significantly expand internet access in underserved areas across Airtel's 14 markets, including Kenya, by leveraging satellite technology. This collaboration aims to overcome backhaul infrastructure challenges hindering rural network expansion. Concurrently, the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) initial public offering (IPO) has been extended by three days to February 24, 2026. The extension was necessary as the state-owned firm struggles to reach its Sh106.3 billion sales target due to low uptake among high-net worth investors.

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Thursday 6:14 PMNation Business

Kenya Pipeline IPO extended as it struggles to hit sale target

Kenya Pipeline IPO extended as it struggles to hit sale target

The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) initial public offering (IPO) has been extended by three days to February 24, 2026, as the state-owned firm struggles to reach its Sh106.3 billion sales target due to low uptake among high-net worth investors.

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Key Highlights

The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) initial public offering (IPO) has been extended by three days to February 24, 2026, as the state-owned firm struggles to reach its Sh106.3 billion sales target due to low uptake among high-net worth investors.

  • The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) approved the extension after only 20 percent, or approximately Sh23 billion, of the offer had been sold by Tuesday.
  • The Privatization Authority stated the extension aims for broader participation as the government seeks to raise at least Sh53.1 billion, representing 50 percent of the offer shares, for the IPO to proceed.
  • The sale of a 65 percent stake in KPC is part of the Treasury's drive to divest from State companies, with shares priced at Sh9 each and scheduled to trade on the Nairobi bourse from March 9.
Thursday 1:00 PMCapital BusinessFirst

Starlink, Airtel deal to expand internet access in underserved areas

Starlink, Airtel deal to expand internet access in underserved areas

Airtel Africa is partnering with Starlink to significantly expand internet access in underserved and remote areas across Airtel's 14 markets, including Kenya. This collaboration aims to overcome backhaul infrastructure challenges hindering rural network expansion by leveraging satellite technology.

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Thursday 2:30 PMCapital Business

Pepsi bottler to open Kenya manufacturing plant by 2027

Pepsi bottler to open Kenya manufacturing plant by 2027

Varun Beverages, a major PepsiCo bottler, is setting up a manufacturing plant in Kenya, with construction slated for completion by Q4 2027. This move is part of the company's expansion into the Kenyan market, aiming to boost local production and investment.

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Key Highlights

Varun Beverages, a major PepsiCo bottler, is setting up a manufacturing plant in Kenya, with construction slated for completion by Q4 2027. This move is part of the company's expansion into the Kenyan market, aiming to boost local production and investment.

  • The new plant is projected to have a production capacity of between 12 and 15 million cases.
  • Varun Beverages will operate through its local subsidiary, VBL Industries (Kenya), which will handle manufacturing, distribution, and sales of brands like Pepsi and 7UP.
  • President William Ruto met with PepsiCo executives in 2023 to discuss establishing the facility, highlighting efforts to attract foreign direct investment.
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Key Highlights

Airtel Africa is partnering with Starlink to significantly expand internet access in underserved and remote areas across Airtel's 14 markets, including Kenya. This collaboration aims to overcome backhaul infrastructure challenges hindering rural network expansion by leveraging satellite technology.

  • The partnership involves integrating Starlink’s satellite broadband capacity into Airtel's network to support remote base stations, reducing the need for extensive fiber optic cable laying.
  • Airtel Africa Group Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar stated this addresses "a big challenge in expanding rural coverage is transmission or backhauling."
  • A second agreement will introduce direct-to-cell satellite connectivity for compatible smartphones, with a phased rollout starting in 2026 for basic messaging and selected data services, pending regulatory approvals.