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Kenya Airways says Iran war has led to demand hike for its flights
Kenya Airways has reported a significant surge in flight demand, attributing the increase to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the US-Israeli war on Iran. This comes as Asian stock markets experienced a significant downturn as tensions between the United States and Iran threatened to escalate, with the conflict entering its fourth week. Global oil prices simultaneously plummeted and stock markets rallied after US President Donald Trump announced progress in talks aimed at halting the conflict in the Middle East. At the same time, COMESA warned businesses across its member states against exploiting the Middle East crisis for price gouging and engaging in anti-competitive practices.
Kenya remittances drop Sh21.6bn in March
Money sent home by Kenyans abroad experienced a significant drop of Sh21.6 billion as of March 16, 2026, according to new data released by the Central Bank of Kenya. Kenya's increasing reliance on domestic borrowing, now exceeding 54 percent of its total public debt, is sparking debate about its impact on the economy. The government's strategy shifts capital away from private sector growth, raising concerns about sustainability and governance. Separately, Kenya's insurance sector is experiencing significant growth in premium volumes and assets, but faces a critical challenge in public confidence due to opaque and slow claims processes.
War, supply chains, and the case for Africa's pharmaceutical manufacturing
Recent geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, are significantly disrupting global pharmaceutical supply chains, leading to increased costs and potential shortages of medicines in Africa. The National Farmers Union in the UK has warned that rising fuel and fertilizer costs, driven by the Iran conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, will likely lead to increased food prices. Meanwhile, a fierce competition is unfolding in the US weight-loss drug market, characterized by significant price cuts and direct-to-consumer sales as drugmakers struggle to gain traction due to a lack of widespread insurance coverage.
