Category
Business
Kenya business news: markets, SMEs, banking, trade and the economy. Practical context for workers, founders and investors.
MPs back Gold Processing Bill creating a nine-member regulator and Sh10m fines
The National Assembly approved the Gold Processing Bill, 2023, to create a nine-member corporation for licensing, refining and standards, with unlicensed exploration facing up to Sh10 million or 10 years; licences would run 25 years plus a 15-year renewal.
Treasury tells engineers to drive economic planning, not only build projects
At Kenyatta University’s AJERI conference, Treasury’s message via PPP director Eng Kefa Seda urged engineers into planning, PPPs, green bonds and climate-resilient design, arguing budgets only become wealth after rigorous engineering.
High Court keeps duty-free rice case alive after strike-out bid fails
Justice Edward Muriithi declined to strike out Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango’s challenge to Treasury’s duty-free rice imports, holding the food-security versus farmers’ property clash raises weighty constitutional questions.
Safaricom rolls Pata More to Rift Valley to cut costs for small traders
Chief Consumer Business Officer Fawzia Ali said Pata More targets Rift Valley customers with doubled data offers (e.g. 250MB daily for Sh20) and M-Pesa tools for market vendors, bodabodas and matatus after traders cited fee friction on Pochi.
Small traders oppose planned 28% consolidated cargo cost hike from August 21
Nyamakima and Kamukunji business leaders led by David Njoroge opposed a planned 28 per cent increase in consolidated cargo costs from Sh2.5 million to Sh3.2 million effective 21 August, blaming KRA customs pressure on MSMEs.
Treasury ordered to flag agencies missing 30% youth-women-PWD tenders
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei directed Treasury to configure e-GP and IFMIS to flag and potentially restrict institutions that fail to reserve 30% of procurement for youth, women and persons with disabilities.
Millers warn delayed wheat import approvals risk higher flour and bread prices
Cereal Millers Association CEO Paloma Fernandes said delayed C60 import approvals are adding demurrage and storage costs after millers committed to local wheat at Sh5,100 per 90kg bag; consumers may face higher flour and bread prices.
High Court freezes new gambling and casino licence fee hikes pending hearing
Justice William Musyoka varied a stay to block Gambling Regulatory Authority enforcement of higher fees and gambling capital under the Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2026, while a challenge proceeds; a fresh case seeks to nullify the rules.
Fire guts stock at Mombasa Maize Millers HQ in Shimanzi as multi-agency teams respond
A Monday morning fire at Mombasa Maize Millers headquarters in Shimanzi destroyed stock worth millions of shillings; county fire engines, KPA, Kenya Navy and other responders contained the blaze by afternoon as investigations opened.