Kenya's successful conversion of Chinese loans from US dollars to Chinese yuan to lower borrowing costs has generated significant interest from at least five other countries, including Ethiopia, Mozambique, Zambia, Pakistan, and Indonesia, according to a study by AidData.

• Kenya reportedly saved $215 million (Sh27.8 billion) annually after converting three railway loans from US dollars to yuan with extended maturities and grace periods.
• The move aligns with China Eximbank's strategy to promote the international use of the renminbi (yuan) in cross-border lending.
• Ethiopia is identified as a prime candidate to benefit from similar debt restructuring, potentially saving between $169 million (Sh21.9 billion) and $778 million (Sh100.7 billion).

Numida has officially launched its Premium Lending offering in Kenya, aiming to provide established Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with faster, fairer, and more predictable access to working capital.

• Numida has supported over 120,000 MSMEs across East Africa since 2017.
• The new offering targets established entrepreneurs with monthly revenues of KES 300,000 and above.
• Numida's model combines digital lending speed with personalized, relationship-based service, offering loan decisions within 24 hours.

Kenya has significantly increased the duty-free allowance for travellers, raising the threshold to Sh260,000 for goods brought into the country. This change aims to ease the tax burden on returning Kenyans and other visitors.

• New duty-free allowance: Sh260,000 (up from Sh39,000)
• Announcement by: President William Ruto
• Context: Decision follows public criticism regarding luggage inspections and taxes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.