French shipping giant CMA CGM will invest $820 million (Sh105 billion) to upgrade and expand two terminals at the Port of Mombasa, Kenya.

• Investment of $820 million to modernize two terminals at the Port of Mombasa.
• The deal was signed between CMA CGM and the Kenyan government on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
• The upgrade aims to increase cargo-handling capacity, strengthen regional trade, and improve Kenya's global shipping connectivity.

African media stakeholders at the Pan African Media Summit have strongly rejected proposals for government bailouts for struggling traditional media outlets.

• The rejection centers on concerns that state financial support could compromise editorial independence.
• Key stakeholders emphasized the need for measures that bolster media safety instead.
• Participants warned against dependence on government funding, advocating for alternative sustainability models.

The KCB Foundation has launched the "Tujenge Pamoja" initiative, a European Union-funded program aimed at accelerating Kenya's shift to a circular economy.

• The initiative will support 3,200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting sustainable business models.
• Key partners include Hivos, Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Somo, and United States International University-Africa.
• It focuses on repair, reuse, and recycling to move Kenya away from the "take-make-dispose" model, prioritizing women-led, youth-led, and marginalized enterprises.

A proposed Tobacco Control Amendment Bill 2024 has ignited a significant debate in Kenya concerning the regulation of new nicotine products.

• The central question is whether emerging products like vapes and nicotine pouches should be governed by the same rules as traditional cigarettes.
• Key stakeholders involved in the debate include health experts and policymakers.
• The discussion highlights the need to update existing legislation to address the evolving landscape of nicotine consumption.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is seeking expanded powers through the Finance Bill 2026 that would allow them to freeze taxpayer bank accounts and assets even when a tax assessment is under appeal.

• The proposed amendment seeks to delete a clause in the Tax Procedures Act currently protecting taxpayers with appeals from KRA agency notices.
• This marks the fifth attempt by the National Treasury to introduce this change, previously including requirements for taxpayers to pay a percentage of the disputed tax.
• Tax experts express concern that this could be abused and may lead to liquidity issues for businesses, potentially mirroring practices in Uganda and Tanzania.