Kenya's private sector activity contracted for the second consecutive month in April, falling to 49.4 on the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). This downturn was primarily driven by elevated operating costs stemming from high fuel prices and weakened consumer demand.

• The Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) recorded 49.4 in April, indicating a business slowdown.
• High fuel prices, with super petrol increasing by Sh19.32 and diesel by Sh30.09 per litre, significantly pushed up operating costs.
• Rising transport and shipping costs, influenced by Middle East tensions, impacted businesses involved in wholesale and retail trade, agriculture, and services.

Del Monte Kenya has significantly contributed to Kenya's economy, exceeding Sh100 billion ($800 million) in the past two decades (2004-2024).

• The company's contribution equals approximately 0.16 percent of annual GDP and 1.5 percent of agricultural output.
• Del Monte Kenya, a subsidiary of Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., is the nation's largest producer and exporter of processed pineapple and fruit juice.
• The firm generated about $101 million in export earnings in 2024 and supports nearly 20,000 jobs annually.

The Kenyan government is proposing new taxes on mitumba (second-hand goods) and mobile phones, aiming to simplify taxation and curb evasion, with changes set to take effect in July if approved by the National Assembly.

• A 5% presumptive tax on the value of imported used clothing, footwear, and other used articles will be levied at the point of importation.
• National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi presented the draft Finance Bill 2026, which also proposes a 25% excise duty on smartphones and related devices.
• While Mr. Mbadi claims these changes will simplify taxes and not increase costs for consumers, traders warn that the retail price of mitumba could rise by 15-20%.