The High Court has extended a freeze on the sale of a 15 per cent stake in Safaricom Plc to parent firm Vodacom Group Limited, delaying a potential Sh244.5 billion windfall for the National Treasury.

• The deal's delay means the National Treasury may retain a Sh16 billion dividend if it maintains full ownership of its 35 per cent shareholding until August.
• Key parties involved include the High Court, the National Treasury, Safaricom Plc, and Vodacom Group Limited.
• The court dismissed the government's argument that halting the transaction would harm investor confidence, stating constitutional compliance cannot be subordinated to commercial convenience.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has raised concerns that the proposed Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024 could exacerbate the illicit tobacco trade, estimated to cost the government Sh12 billion annually in lost taxes.

• An estimated 47 percent of cigarette consumption in Kenya in 2025 was illicit, up from 37 percent the previous year.
• The KNCCI argues that additional licensing requirements risk increasing compliance costs and driving small businesses into informal channels.
• The lobby group also opposes proposed bans on single-use plastics linked to tobacco products and restricts sales near areas frequented by those under 18, citing potential supply chain disruptions and unintended consequences for formal traders.

Equity Group Holdings has reported a significant 24 per cent year-on-year rise in Profit After Tax, reaching Sh19.1 billion for the first quarter ended March 2026. This growth was primarily fueled by strong performance from its regional subsidiaries and insurance arm.

• The group's Profit After Tax increased to Sh19.1 billion from Sh15.4 billion in the same period last year.
• Key drivers included stronger earnings from Equity Bank Tanzania (up 150 per cent), Equity Bank Rwanda (up 36 per cent), and Equity Bank DRC (up 32 per cent).
• The insurance business also saw substantial growth, with gross written premiums increasing by 30 per cent.