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Ruto Announces Up to 15pc Wage Increase for Workers on Labour Day
President William Ruto announced a wage increase for Kenyan workers on May 1st, coinciding with Labour Day, to help mitigate the rising cost of living. This announcement comes amid ongoing economic pressures facing Kenyan households. The timing of the announcement on International Workers' Day underscores the government's focus on labor welfare. Separately, Naivas Supermarket CEO Andreas von Paleske outlined a strategic expansion plan focusing on people and partnerships to transform the retailer into a regional powerhouse. Meanwhile, a senior official at the Kenya Revenue Authority has vehemently denied circulating online claims targeting Commissioner George Obel, which falsely stated he was under investigation for unexplained wealth totaling Sh30 billion.
Safaricom Boosts Home Fibre Speeds by Up to 2.5 Times
Safaricom has significantly upgraded its Home Fibre internet speeds by up to 2.5 times for all packages, with no increased cost to customers. This enhancement comes as Kenya demonstrates remarkable leadership in artificial intelligence adoption, with a significant majority of its internet users actively engaging with AI tools according to a new report. The surge in AI usage positions Kenya to attract further investment and accelerate growth in its digital economy. Additionally, the World Health Summit Regional Meeting convened in Nairobi with over 2,000 delegates from more than 50 countries discussing reimagining African health systems.
China Scraps Tariffs for All But One African Nation
China is set to remove tariffs for 53 African countries, excluding Eswatini, as part of a policy expansion effective Friday, May 1st, lasting until April 30, 2028. This trade policy expansion represents a significant development in China-Africa economic relations. In contrast, the High Court in Eldoret dismissed a case filed by Green Planet Initiative 2050 Foundation against Earthbanc AB concerning the Regeneration Kenya Project, ruling in favor of Earthbanc and finding the plaintiff's claims lacked merit while ordering them to pay legal costs. Separately, Apple announced record sales growth in the first quarter with its iPhone 17 launch described as the most popular launch in Apple's history, with overall sales jumping 17% to $111bn driven significantly by a 28% increase in China.
