Kenya and Tanzania to Link SGR Projects in New Plan

Welcome to the Money News Roundup. In today’s edition, we look at how Kenya’s SGR will connect with Tanzania’s railway network through Uganda. We also cover the extension of the AGOA deal, which secures continued duty-free access for Kenyan exporters to the US market. 

Kenya’s SGR to Link With Tanzania’s Rail Network via Uganda 

Kenya and Tanzania are advancing plans to connect their standard gauge railway (SGR) networks through Uganda, creating a regional rail corridor linking Mombasa and Dar es Salaam with Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. 

As reported by the Business Daily, Kenya has launched the Naivasha-Malaba extension, which is expected to reach the Ugandan border in 2027.

Uganda is prioritising the Malaba-Kampala SGR, while a future southern Ugandan line to the Rwandan border would eventually connect with Tanzania’s network.

On its side, Tanzania has started extending its SGR from Dodoma to Kigoma and plans a Tanga-Musoma line that would bring its railway close to Uganda and Rwanda. 

The connection between the Kenyan and Tanzanian systems would therefore be achieved through Uganda’s planned SGR links. Kenya aims to raise up to Ksh390 billion through securitised Railway Development Levy-backed bonds to finance its extension.

CA Says Cyber Cafés Will Not Record Customers’ Browsing History in New Rules

Cyber café operators will not be required to keep or monitor customers’ browsing history under new licensing rules issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). 

As reported by Citizen Digital, the Authority clarified that the regulations are intended to strengthen security and improve compliance, not restrict access to digital services. 

Under the rules published in the Kenya Gazette on August 7, 2026, operators must verify customers, display charges, issue receipts, and maintain basic records such as customer names and ID numbers.

The operators are also expected to keep records of start and end times of each customer session for three years. The new conditions take effect on September 7, 2026.

Businesses that violate the rules face fines of 0.2% of annual turnover, with a minimum penalty of Ksh500,000.

Safaricom Appoints 2 Vodacom Executives to Board

Safaricom has appointed Vodacom Group Fintech CEO Mariam Cassim and Chief Human Resources Officer Matimba Mbungela as Non-Executive Directors, effective August 13, 2026, subject to regulatory approval. 

As reported by the Star, the appointments coincide with the resignation of James Ludlow and Dr John Kipngetich Mosonik from the board.  Safaricom said Cassim brings expertise in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, debt structuring, commercial management and innovation.

Mbungela has led human resources at Vodacom Group since 2014 and has held senior roles across Vodacom and Vodafone. He also serves on the boards of Vodacom Tanzania, Mozambique and Lesotho. 

The move comes after Vodacom bought a 15% stake from the government in a deal estimated at Ksh245 billion.

TSC to Take Disciplinary Action Against Teachers Over Social Media Misconduct

TSC has warned that teachers who engage in cyberbullying, harassment or other unprofessional conduct on social media risk disciplinary action. 

As reported by Nation, Acting CEO Evaleen Mitei said teachers are expected to uphold the dignity, integrity and reputation of the profession both offline and online. 

TSC acknowledged the constitutional right to freedom of expression but said it does not protect hate speech, incitement to violence, ethnic incitement or discrimination. 

The commission also reminded teachers to protect the privacy of learners and colleagues when using digital platforms and warned that violations could result in disciplinary action.

Kenyan Exporters to Access US Market Duty Free as AGOA Extended to 2028

Kenyan apparel manufacturers, exporters and workers have received a boost after the US Senate extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by two years, securing duty-free access to the American market until December 31, 2028. 

As reported by Standard, the Kenyan government said the extension provides much-needed certainty for businesses planning production and investment. 

Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui noted that apparel accounts for about 70% of Kenya’s exports to the US. The extension also retains the third-country fabric provision, allowing EPZ manufacturers to source materials globally and export garments duty-free.

Exporters who paid duties during the gap period following AGOA's expiration in September 2025 will be eligible for refunds. Apparel exports under AGOA reached Ksh60.6 billion in 2024.

First Assurance Investments Limited in Talks to Buy Absa Insurance Stakes

First Assurance Investments Limited is in talks to acquire Absa Group’s majority stakes in Absa Life Assurance and First Assurance Kenya.

As reported by the Business Daily, Absa announced it had signed a sale agreement with First Assurance Investments Limited, an existing shareholder in both companies. The South African lender is exiting insurance operations in several African markets as it shifts toward a bancassurance model.

Public records show First Assurance Investments is partly owned by Syndicate Nominees, a company linked to Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi. 

Absa holds 63.32% in each insurer, with the deal estimated at about Ksh3.8 billion. The transaction would see the Kenyan investors regain shares sold to Barclays Africa in 2015 for Ksh2.2 billion.