News and Analysis
March 24, 2026
Hello and welcome to the Money News Roundup Newsletter, where we cover the demand by fuel dealers for the increase in pump prices. We also cover plans to make Type C charging ports mandatory for all phones in Kenya.
Petroleum dealers have threatened to halt fuel supply nationwide unless the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) increases pump prices.
Through the United Energy and Petroleum Association (UNEPA), dealers say the current regulated prices are no longer sustainable, citing rising global fuel costs driven by the ongoing Middle East crisis.
As reported by Nation, UNEPA Chairperson Irene Kimathi warned that many dealers have been operating at a loss, with some already experiencing fuel shortages or struggling to access supplies.
The association is now pushing for the suspension of price controls to allow pump prices to reflect the true market cost, warning that failure to act could force dealers to stop selling fuel altogether.
EPRA maintained fuel prices for the period ending April 15 at Ksh178.28 for Super Petrol, Ksh166.54 for Diesel, and Ksh152.78 for Kerosene.
EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo said the prices were based on earlier shipments and may not yet reflect the full impact of the Middle East crisis on global fuel costs.
Dealers have also raised concerns about government subsidies, arguing that delayed payments and the scale of support required make the current system unreliable.
If the situation persists, they warn that suppliers could divert fuel to neighbouring countries with liberalised pricing, putting Kenya’s fuel supply at even greater risk.
The government will require all mobile phones sold or imported into the country to support USB Type-C charging, in line with global efforts to standardise chargers and reduce electronic waste.
As reported by the Business Daily, the new rules, introduced by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), apply to smartphones, tablets, and feature phones, effectively phasing out older charging systems like Micro-USB.
Under the regulations, charging cables must be detachable from power adapters, and devices must meet minimum performance standards, including at least eight hours of talk time and 24 hours of standby. Power plugs must also comply with Kenya’s three-pin Type G standard.
The directive could impact imports of low-cost phones and older devices, including pre-2023 iPhone models before iPhone 15 that use Lightning ports.
The move mirrors the European Union's common charger policy aimed at improving compatibility, reducing costs, and cutting e-waste globally.
More than 50 digital asset firms, including Binance, are in talks to set up regional headquarters in Nairobi, drawn by tax incentives and rising crypto adoption.
As reported by the Business Daily, the Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC) says the move aims to attract investment and create jobs.
Firms operating under NIFC incentives will enjoy reduced corporate tax rates of 15% for 10 years and 20% for the next decade, compared to the standard 30%, provided they meet investment and local staffing thresholds.
Kenya ranks among Africa’s top crypto markets, with over 733,000 users, according to Chainalysis.
New regulations assign licensing to the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), paving the way for the formal entry of crypto firms.
I&M Bank Kenya has declared a dividend of Ksh3.75 per share, up from Ksh3 in 2024, following a strong financial performance.
Profit after tax reached Ksh18.8 billion, while profit before tax grew to Ksh24.2 billion from Ksh19.8 billion declared last year.
Total operating income rose by 19% to Ksh60.3 billion, supported by a 15% increase in total assets to Ksh669 billion and customer deposits of Ksh484 billion, up 17% year-on-year.
The contribution of the banks' subsidiaries to the profit before tax was Kenya (76%), Rwanda (13%), Tanzania (5%), Mauritius (3%) and Uganda (2%).
The bank currently has over 965,000 customers, with Kenya leading with 973,600 customers.
Kakuzi has doubled its dividend to Ksh16 per share after reporting a net profit of Ksh387.5 million for the 2025 financial year, rebounding from a Ksh131.6 million loss in 2024. Total revenue rose to Ksh5.4 billion.
As reported by Capital Business, chairman Nicholas Ng’ang’a noted that while the company has overcome previous challenges, geopolitical tensions continue to affect its avocado exports.
Managing Director Chris Flowers highlighted efforts to diversify, including expanding rainwater storage by one million cubic metres to a total of 13 million cubic metres.
The firm is boosting domestic sales and value addition, with local revenue surpassing Ksh50 million from products such as macadamia, avocado, blueberries, and tea. Avocado profits rose 96% to Ksh709 million, while macadamia earnings grew to Ksh365 million. The company is exploring alternative markets in China and India to reduce dependence on Europe.
Kenya Airways has reported a pre-tax loss of Ksh17.93 billion ($138.3 million) in 2025, a setback after posting its first pre-tax profit in over a decade in 2024.
As reported by Reuters, total revenue fell by 14% to Ksh161.47 billion ($1.24 billion) due to an 18% reduction in capacity.
Acting CEO George Kamal said the airline plans to boost performance by adding an extra aircraft on its London Heathrow route in July and introducing Boeing 777 freighters to increase haulage capacity by 250 tons by the end of 2026.
CFO Mary Mwenga attributed part of the weaker performance to three wide-body Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners being temporarily grounded amid global supply chain constraints.
The airline also benefited from increased seat demand from Europe, the U.S., and Asia, partly due to rerouted passengers affected by the Middle East conflict.
Nairobi County has intensified revenue collection by engaging professional debt collectors as the March 31 deadline for land rates payment approaches.
As reported by Citizen Digital, this marks a shift from over a year of leniency, structured payment plans, and stakeholder engagement to strict enforcement, aimed at plugging revenue leakages that have limited funding for essential services.
Land rates fund infrastructure projects such as roads, drainage, and waste management, but compliance has been uneven. Under the Rating Act, 2024, defaulters now face penalties, legal action, and possible property auctions if arrears remain unpaid.
City Hall is still offering a final window for voluntary compliance, allowing property owners to settle dues and avoid penalties.
Kenya and China have signed four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation, covering an Early Harvest Arrangement on economic partnership, agriculture, livestock, and trade.
As reported by KBC, the signing followed talks between President William Ruto and China’s Vice President Han Zheng at State House, Nairobi.
President Ruto noted that the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development will allow Kenyan products duty-free, quota-free access to the Chinese market starting in May.
He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects under public-private partnerships, including the Standard Gauge Railway extension from Narok to Kisumu and Malaba, and the Rironi-Mau Summit highway.
The agreements also focus on digital innovation, intelligent transport systems, green energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
Sidian Bank posted a record profit after tax of Ksh1.73 billion for 2025, a sixfold increase from Ksh287.35 million, driven by strong public sector deposit growth.
As reported by the Kenyan Wall Street, total assets rose by 50.8% to Ksh90.8 billion, while customer deposits surged by 62.9% to Ksh72.3 billion, largely from Nairobi County and state institutions.
Interest income from loans fell slightly to Ksh4.48 billion, but net interest income rose by 54.6% to Ksh4.43 billion, and non-interest income more than doubled to Ksh3.8 billion, led by “other income” of Ksh2.09 billion. Government securities now make up 54% of total assets.
The bank underwent a major ownership overhaul, with Centum exiting and a consortium led by Wizpro Enterprises taking the lead. Shareholders’ funds grew 41.1% to Ksh9.72 billion, positioning Sidian as a Tier 2 bank with ambitious expansion plans.
Airtel Africa has successfully tested satellite-based data and messaging services in Kenya in partnership with SpaceX, using Starlink Mobile technology to connect standard 4G smartphones in areas without terrestrial coverage.
During trials, users in remote locations accessed messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, navigation tools, voice calls, and mobile financial transactions.
The technology leverages low Earth orbit satellites to deliver connectivity where traditional networks cannot reach.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the tests demonstrate the company’s commitment to expanding access, with plans to roll out services across its 14 markets pending regulatory approvals.
Future phases will introduce voice and broadband capabilities via Starlink Mobile V2, further improving digital access in underserved regions. Read more
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