Job Losses as Govt Shuts Down 158 Health Facilities in Nairobi

Hello and welcome to the Money News Roundup Newsletter, where we are covering the government closure of 158 health facilities in Nairobi and the plans to introduce premium services on eCitizen.

Job Losses as Govt Shuts Down 158 Health Facilities in Nairobi

A number of Kenyans have lost their jobs after the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) shut down 158 health facilities in Nairobi for operating illegally in its latest crackdown on quack clinics and unlicensed hospitals. 

As reported in The Star, out of 288 facilities inspected, 25 were downgraded while 105 were cleared to continue operating.

KMPDC CEO David Kariuki revealed that most of the closed facilities were unregistered, employed unqualified staff, or failed to meet minimum standards, posing serious risks to patients. 

Some also lacked pharmacies, maternity units, or laboratories, while others had poor sanitation and waste disposal systems.

Meanwhile, Kariuki urged Kenyans to seek care from compliant facilities to avoid jeopardizing their health.

While the number of affected employees and affected facilities is yet to be known, the government is expected to gazette the names of the closed hospitals in the coming days.

"The rules mandate regular inspections and annual license renewals, empowering KMPDC to suspend or revoke licenses of non-compliant facilities and practitioners," read the statement in part.

"These regulations are not only meant to enforce order but also to promote accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in healthcare delivery. By ensuring that only licensed, well-equipped and professionally staffed facilities operate in the country, the Council is working to reduce the risk of medical errors, malpractice and unsafe treatment environments."

PS Speaks on Plan to Introduce Premium Services on eCitizen

Immigration PS Belio Kipsang has explained the government’s plan to introduce premium services on the eCitizen platform, targeting exceptional cases that require expedited processing, such as urgent passports or certificates. 

He noted that, like visa systems abroad, premium services would demand extra resources, hence the additional cost. 

Kipsang assured Kenyans that standard services will remain available at regular rates, with the premium option being voluntary. 

He added that public consultations are ongoing, with rollout expected by year-end, subject to legal and operational approvals. Read more from the Business Daily here.

Govt Bans Prayer Days and Prize Giving Days in Third Term

The Ministry of Education has banned all extra-curricular and social activities in schools during the Third Term to allow candidates to focus on national examinations.

In a circular, Education PS Julius Bitok explained that the move was aimed at minimizing disruptions as exams begin. 

The KCSE will run from October 21 to November 21, 2025, while the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), Kenya Integrated Learning and Education Assessment (KILEA), Kenya Primary Learners Education Assessment (KPLEA), and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) will be conducted between October 27 and November 5, 2025.

As reported by Citizen Digital, the banned activities include AGMs, prayer days with parents or guests, prize-giving, and thanksgiving events

However, routine prayers led by chaplains and teachers will continue.

New Trick Rogue Cab Drivers Are Using to Con Riders

Rogue taxi-hailing drivers operating in the country are scamming passengers by falsely reporting unpaid fares after trips paid via cash or M-Pesa.

In the new scam, victims often discover fake debt claims on their accounts, leading to extra charges on future rides.

Business Daily reported that one of its reporters received a Ksh90 debt notice despite fully paying a Ksh250 fare. 

Taxi-hailing firms like Uber and Bolt have acknowledged the scam and issued warnings to drivers. Uber stated that falsely claiming non-payment violates their Community Guidelines and may result in driver deactivation.

The company stressed that such fraud harms its reputation, drives away legitimate users, and reduces drivers' earnings. Investigations are ongoing into the incidents.

17 Universities Flagged for Failing to Remit PAYE and Pension Contributions for Workers

As reported in the People Daily, 17 public universities have failed to remit statutory deductions amounting to Ksh29.6 billion, including PAYE, pension contributions, withholding tax, and other payroll obligations. 

Seven of the institutions lacked disclosures on penalties or repayment plans, breaching statutory requirements. 

Kenyatta University tops the list with unremitted deductions of Ksh17.3 billion, while Egerton University owes Ksh7.7 billion, including pension arrears and taxes. 

Multimedia University has liabilities of Ksh1.2 billion, and the University of Kabianga owes Ksh237.2 million. 

The report cited weak governance and disregard for financial regulations. Under the law, noncompliance attracts fines, penalties, and interest, with KRA alone owed Ksh7.5 billion from the universities.

Mineral Rich DRC Attracts Kenyan Investors  - Report 

In 2022, Kenyan investors poured nearly Ksh100 billion into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), driven by excitement over the country’s entry into the East African Community (EAC).

A government survey by KNBS, CBK, and KenInvest revealed that this investment spike cooled the following year due to persistent risks.

As reported by the Business Daily, the investors were seeking to reap big given the minerals that are in the country. The country is known for its gold, cobalt, and copper.

The country also has a population of 90 million, making it ideal for investors.

Before 2022, Kenya-DRC business ties were limited, with only a few players like Equity Bank and KCB Group venturing in. KCB’s Ksh15 billion acquisition of Trust Merchant Bank gave it a strategic foothold in the mineral-rich country.

Equity Bank had expanded earlier via BCDC. Other sectors, including BDO East Africa, followed suit. 

Jubilee Holdings Reports 21.7% Profit Growth Driven by Insurance Income

Jubilee Holdings’ net profit for the six months ending June 2025 rose 21.7% to Ksh3.06 billion, driven by higher insurance income. 

This growth allowed the company to maintain a Ksh2 per share interim dividend. 

Insurance service revenue increased 32.6% to Ksh16.68 billion, with the life business growing 44% and the health unit posting 29% growth.  Profit growth was fueled by better sales, claims control, and technology-driven efficiency. 

The company’s chairman Zul Abdul highlighted ongoing efforts in digital innovation and customer-focused solutions to deliver long-term value. Read more.