Business & Economy
Featured News Stories
Kenya's China loan revamp sparks wider interest in yuan switch, AidData says
Kenya has successfully converted Chinese loans from US dollars to Chinese yuan to lower borrowing costs, generating significant interest from at least five other countries including Ethiopia, Mozambique, Zambia, Pakistan, and Indonesia, according to a study by AidData. The conversion represents a strategic financial move by Kenya to reduce its debt servicing costs. In a separate development related to Kenya's international financial arrangements, the government awarded a Sh154 billion contract to Chinese firm CRBC for JKIA expansion. However, a petition challenging the procurement process for this airport expansion has been filed, with the Attorney-General now seeking dismissal of the case in High Court.
Agencies defy Ruto's e-Citizen order, 1,695 services yet to be migrated
Numerous government agencies are failing to comply with President William Ruto's directive to migrate services to the e-Citizen platform, significantly lagging behind the targeted transition rate with 1,695 services yet to be migrated. This defiance comes amid broader concerns about government transparency and budget oversight. Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has raised serious concerns regarding a substantial allocation of Sh101.37 billion in the proposed 2026/27 national budget categorized as "Other Operating Expenses," arguing it lacks transparency. Separately, Kenya has increased the duty-free allowance for travellers to Sh260,000 for goods brought into the country, a policy aimed at easing the tax burden on returning Kenyans and visitors.
