News and Analysis
July 23, 2026
Welcome to the Money News Roundup. In today's edition, we look at a proposed new law that would regulate fares and commissions charged by ride-hailing platforms. We also cover Nairobi's proposed underground railway project and its estimated Ksh1 trillion price tag.
Ride-hailing drivers using platforms such as Uber and Bolt could benefit from proposed competition law changes aimed at preventing digital platforms from abusing their market power.
As reported by the Business Daily, the Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2026, tabled by the leader of the Majority in the National Assembly, seeks to stop companies from imposing unfair commercial terms, slashing fares unilaterally, or using their influence to dictate trading conditions.
The Bill introduces the concept of a strategic market position, allowing the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) to regulate companies that can influence prices, services, or market conditions even if they are not dominant. It also creates a superior bargaining position category to protect businesses that depend heavily on a platform and have few viable alternatives.
The proposals follow years of disputes between ride-hailing companies and drivers, who have accused platforms of using algorithms to reduce fares and maintain high commissions, hurting their earnings.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has revealed that the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transit System (NMRTS), featuring an underground railway line through the CBD linked to a line serving Eastlands, will cost about Ksh1 trillion (USD7.78 billion).
As reported by Kenyans.co.ke, speaking before the Senate National Security Committee, Sakaja said the project will be financed through a mix of national government funding, pension funds, and transport-oriented development. The government is expected to contribute about Ksh388 billion to the project.
The NMRTS, approved by the Nairobi County Cabinet, includes the country's first underground rail line integrated with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and other transport systems.
Sakaja said the metro will ease congestion, cut transport costs, and boost Nairobi's long-term economic growth.
Global oil prices have climbed to Ksh12,999 ($100) a barrel for the first time since May as escalating conflict in the Middle East raised fears of supply disruptions.
As reported by BBC, Brent crude surged more than 6% after renewed US strikes on Iran and attacks by Yemen's Houthi militia on oil tankers in the Red Sea, a key export route.
The rise is expected to increase petrol and diesel prices and could push up the cost of transporting goods, adding pressure on inflation worldwide.
In Kenya, the Ministry of Energy warned that renewed tensions could lead to a spike in prices in future pricing cycles.
Maize prices have surged across parts of the Rift Valley after poor harvests caused by erratic rainfall tightened supplies.
As reported by Nation, in Nakuru, a 90-kilogram bag has risen from about Ksh3,700 two months ago to Ksh4,500-Ksh4,600, while in Narok it is selling for Ksh4,000-Ksh4,600.
Farmers in major maize-growing counties, including Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia and Nandi, have reported low yields due to prolonged dry spells, uneven rainfall and crop diseases.
The government has dispatched scientists to assess the extent of crop failure, with Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh warning that maize imports could be approved if food security is threatened. Farmers are also calling for compensation to cushion them against mounting losses.
BAT Kenya has announced an interim dividend of Ksh10 per share after its profit before tax rose 2% to Ksh4.4 billion in the first half of 2026.
As reported by Capital Business, net revenue increased 5% to Ksh12.3 billion, driven by a recovery in export sales and growing demand for oral nicotine pouches. The company said performance was achieved despite rising illicit cigarette trade, weak consumer spending and inflationary pressures.
Managing Director Sidney Wafula warned that illicit cigarettes now account for an estimated 45% of the domestic market, costing the government about Ksh12 billion annually in lost tax revenue, and called for stronger enforcement.
The High Court has declined to suspend the government's Ksh5 trillion National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), ruling that freezing the fund would disrupt executive functions and ongoing public projects.
As reported by Nation, Justice Patricia Nyaundi, however, ordered the National Treasury to file certified accounts within 30 days and submit transaction reports every three months while a constitutional petition challenging the fund's legality is heard.
The fund, seeded with Ksh20 billion from the planned Kenya Pipeline Company stake sale and Ksh244 billion from the proposed Safaricom stake sale, is intended to finance infrastructure without increasing public debt.
Petitioners argue the fund was created without adequate public participation and lacks sufficient parliamentary oversight.
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