Kenya's economic landscape is diversifying beyond its traditional commercial capital, Nairobi, with regional cities like Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret emerging as specialized economic hubs.

• Nairobi generated 27.5% of Kenya’s Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2023, but its dominance is being challenged by other counties.
• The shift is driven by factors such as improved infrastructure, county-led investment promotion, and devolution, encouraging businesses to leverage distinct competitive advantages.
• Notable developments include Mombasa leveraging the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, Kisumu reviving trade on Lake Victoria, Nakuru capitalizing on industry and geothermal energy, and Eldoret emerging as the North Rift’s commercial capital.

Acorn Student Accommodation Income Real Estate Investment Trust (ASA I-REIT) reported a significant increase in net profit for the first half of 2026, driven by strategic acquisitions and financial management.

• Net profit rose to Sh285.2 million from Sh251.6 million in the same period last year.
• The growth is attributed to higher rental income, improved occupancy, and a 36.3 percent reduction in finance costs by Acorn Investment Management Limited.
• Total assets increased by 21.7 percent following the acquisition of Qwetu Karen and Qejani Karen, expanding the REIT's total accommodation beds to approximately 20,000.

CIC Insurance Group has launched a new dedicated microinsurance subsidiary, CIC Impact, to expand affordable insurance coverage to low- and middle-income earners and MSMEs in Kenya.

• The new subsidiary aims to reach the informal sector, which employs about 83 percent of Kenyans.
• Key figures involved in the launch include CIC Insurance Group Chairman Dr. Nelson Kuria and CIC Insurance Group Managing Director and CEO Patrick Nyaga.
• CIC Impact will offer simplified products with annual premiums starting below Sh3,000, distributed through digital platforms and partner networks.