News and Analysis
July 9, 2026
Welcome to the Money News Roundup. Today, we break down a new proposal that could make NEMA emissions tests mandatory for all vehicle owners. We also cover KRA's plan to scrap Excel-based tax return filing in favour of a new web-based system.
Kenyan motorists could soon be required to obtain an annual emissions certificate before renewing motor insurance or securing vehicle inspection certificates under a new Senate Bill.
As reported by the Kenyan Wall Street, the proposed Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Amendment) Bill, 2026, would require emissions testing at privately accredited centres linked to a National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) digital platform.
Motorists who fail to comply could face fines of up to Ksh500,000, one year in prison, or both, with repeat offenders risking penalties of up to Ksh1 million.
The Bill would also introduce mandatory emissions testing for factories and other pollution sources, although testing fees will be determined later through regulations.
The fees for the tests are yet to be known. However, the bill proposes that testing centres retain 60% of the fee charged, while 40% goes to NEMA.
The proposal comes amid plans by NTSA to introduce annual inspection tests for all private vehicles above 4 years from manufacture date.
KRA plans to replace the current Excel-based income tax return filing system with a web-based platform from 2027 as part of reforms to enhance tax compliance.
As reported by the Business Daily, the new system will allow taxpayers to file returns directly through a web browser, eliminating the need to download and complete Excel files. KRA says the change will simplify filing and improve system stability.
The Finance Act of 2026 also introduced staggered filing deadlines from January 1, 2027. Individual taxpayers will be required to file returns by April 30, while companies will continue filing by June 30.
However, those filing nil returns will have to do so in January 2027.
KRA also plans to expand income tax return filing through its AI-powered WhatsApp assistant, Shuru. Initially designed for taxpayers with simple employment income, Shuru will be upgraded to handle more complex tax returns.
Additionally, the tax authority is laying the groundwork for auto-populated tax returns using data from eTIMS invoices, withholding tax certificates, customs records and other third-party sources, reducing the amount of information taxpayers will need to enter manually.
South Sudan has nominated three additional oil marketers to import fuel under its Government-to-Government (G-to-G) arrangement with Kenya, ending the exclusive import rights previously held by Pacific Petroleum.
As reported by Nation, the new firms are Kenya's Gulf Energy and South Sudan-based Sovereign Energy Oil Trading LLC and Skysoar Holding Company.
Juba said expanding the programme will boost competition, increase fuel lifting from the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) system and strengthen supplies along the Northern Corridor.
The move comes amid pricing disputes and supply challenges that have slowed fuel imports, raising concerns over possible shortages. The G-to-G arrangement is also facing a legal challenge in South Sudan after a court ordered the programme suspended pending the determination of a case.
The World Bank has projected Kenya's economy will grow by 4.3% in 2026, the slowest pace since the COVID-19 pandemic, down from 4.6% expected in 2025.
As reported by Bloomberg, the lender attributed the weaker outlook to higher global oil and fertiliser prices following the US-Israeli war on Iran, declining remittances, high debt-servicing costs and reduced government spending.
It also warned that political uncertainty ahead of the 2027 General Election could delay private investment and slow economic reforms.
Despite the challenges, the World Bank expects inflation to remain within the Central Bank of Kenya's target range, while the budget deficit is projected to narrow in the 2026/27 financial year.
Harambee Deposit Taking SACCO has written off Ksh230.37 million after fully providing for unreconciled and unsupported bank account balances, according to its 2025 audited financial statements.
As reported by Capital Business, the SACCO also maintained a full impairment of Ksh42.02 million deposited with the troubled KUSCCO, citing uncertainty over the recovery of the funds.
Despite the provisions, Harambee DT SACCO reported improved financial performance, with total assets rising to Ksh41.29 billion and its net loan book increasing to Ksh34.28 billion.
KUSCCO remains under investigation following a forensic audit that uncovered an estimated Ksh13 billion fraud.
Kenya Power has clarified that the removal of 15 transformers from Mbeere North, which were installed during the 2025 by-election, was part of a routine maintenance programme.
As reported by Citizen Digital, the utility firm noted that the removals were carried out between May and June, adding that the transformers had developed technical faults, including water ingress and other defects that could not be repaired on site.
According to the company, 14 of the transformers have already been repaired and returned to service, while the remaining unit was vandalised last week and is set to be replaced on Friday, July 10.
The clarification comes after residents raised concerns that the transformers, which had been installed under the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, had been removed and allegedly relocated to Ol Kalou.
Oak Special Fund KES delivered a net return of 3.19% in the second quarter of 2026, bringing its first-half net return to 8.06%.
The performance translates to an annualised net return of 16.77% when compounded.
Oak Special Fund USD posted a net return of 2.35% in the second quarter of 2026, lifting its first-half net return to 5.40%. This represents an annualised net return of 11.10% when compounded.
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