2,000 Employees to Lose Jobs as Company Plans Layoffs 

Hello and welcome to the Money News Roundup, where we cover the mass layoff of 2,000 tea estate workers. We also cover the latest directives by KWS for Kenyans intending to visit the national parks and reserves on Saturday.

2,000 Employees to Lose Jobs as Company Plans Layoffs 

Over 2,000 employees at Browns Plantations in Kenya face retrenchment, just a year after the Sri Lankan firm took over tea estates in Kericho, Bomet, and Kiambu counties from James Finlay Kenya and Ekaterra Plc.

As reported in the Business Daily, the move has sparked outrage from the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU), local leaders, and workers, who say the layoffs are being implemented without proper consultation.

The company has offered voluntary early retirement with a gratuity package under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including 23 days' severance pay per year worked, bus fare, and support services such as financial training, psychosocial support, and extended medical cover. 

However, KPAWU argues that the plan violates clause 31 of the CBA, which sets the retirement age and does not provide for early retirement.

Union leaders allege the retrenchment targets unionisable employees to weaken labour representation and pave the way for outsourced labour at lower wages. They have threatened legal action and protests.

Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai and local MCAs have demanded that the process be halted and called for more local employment opportunities.

Browns acquired the plantations in 2023 and had initially pledged job security and no redundancies upon taking over operations.

KWS Sets Rules for Free Park Entry on Saturday

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued strict guidelines to ensure the safety of Kenyans and wild animals on Saturday, September 27, during the free entry day.

For instance, visitors must follow park rules, avoid feeding wildlife, and keep noise levels low. A 20-metre distance from animals is mandatory, and hooting or sudden movements are prohibited. 

Parks are plastic-free zones, and off-road driving is not allowed. Speed limits are capped at 40Km/h, with violators warned of penalties.

As reported by the Eastleigh Voice, tourists must remain in vehicles except at designated areas, and parks must be vacated by 6:00 pm unless approved for overnight stays. Night game drives require prior approval.

SASRA Raises Concern Over Unsecured Loan Issues to Influential People

The Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) and the Ministry of Cooperatives have raised concerns over a growing trend where influential individuals infiltrate SACCOS to secure large, unsecured loans. 

As reported in the Business Daily, these individuals contribute minimal savings but use their status to pressure SACCO officials into approving loans beyond regulatory limits. 

Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya warned that such practices risk collapse, citing the distressed Metropolitan SACCO, which has untraceable assets of Ksh50 billion. 

SASRA acting CEO David Sandagi noted an increase in cases of unsecured lending, urging saccos to adhere to lending rules. SASRA’s report revealed loans now exceed deposits by a record Ksh100.76 billion as of August 2025, reflecting rising loan demand and lax risk controls in the growing sacco sector.

Former CS Grows Over Ksh104 Million Wealth in 3 Years 

Former Labour and Social Protection CS Florence Bore, nominated as Kenya’s ambassador to Namibia, has grown her wealth by Ksh102 million in three years, raising her net worth to Ksh302 million. 

Documents tabled in Parliament show that her wealth, comprising property, financial investments, and movable assets, rose from Ksh200 million, as declared in 2022 during her CS vetting, reflecting a 14.72% annual growth rate.

Bore cited income from family tea and dairy farming and dividends from Saccos, including Pacoso, Imarish, and Kenya Highlands. Read more.

High Court Blocks KRA From Freezing KICC Accounts Over Ksh1.5B Tax Dispute

The High Court has granted the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) until February 4, 2026, to negotiate with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) over Ksh1.5 billion in tax arrears. 

Justice Josephine Mong’are extended orders restraining KRA from issuing agency notices on KICC’s bank accounts. 

As reported in the Business Daily, KICC had argued that freezing its accounts would cripple operations and disrupt major national and international events, harming Kenya’s global image. 

KICC CEO James Mwaura said the taxman’s demand, covering corporate tax, PAYE, VAT, and penalties, ignored an existing repayment plan and ongoing discussions with Treasury and Tourism officials. 

Kenya Eyes New US Trade Deal By December 

President William Ruto has announced that Kenya expects to sign a trade deal with the US by the end of 2025 and is pushing for a five-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), set to expire this month. 

Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Ruto emphasized AGOA’s role in strengthening US-Africa trade ties. The president also met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to advocate for its renewal.

As reported by Reuters, Kenya is seeking better US market access for products like tea, coffee, textiles, and avocados. 

Kenyans to Get HIV Preventive Injection at Ksh5,170 After Global Partnership Deal

Kenyans will access the HIV prevention drug lenacapavir for Ksh5,170 ($40) annually following a partnership between the Gates Foundation and India’s Hetero Labs to produce a low-cost generic version of Gilead Sciences’ original drug.

Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) taken twice yearly, is effective in preventing HIV. 

Initially, the Ministry of Health had set the price cap at Ksh6,000. However, the latest development could significantly lower costs and expand access for those most at risk. Read more.