News and Analysis
April 24, 2026
Hello and welcome to the Money News Roundup Newsletter, where we break down why some Kenyan households are receiving fewer electricity tokens than expected, and the conditions set by the World Bank for Kenya to access a Ksh96 billion loan.
Kenya Power has begun recovering Last Mile Connectivity loans from customers who were connected under the programme.
As reported by Kenyans.co.ke, the issue came to light after a customer noticed a discrepancy in the units received from two separate Ksh500 token purchases made on different meters. In one instance, the purchase yielded 19.4 units, while the second delivered just 9.7 units.
Kenya Power clarified that the second meter had an outstanding last-mile connection debt, which is now being recovered at a rate of 50 per cent on every token purchase.
This means that for a Ksh500 purchase, about Ksh250 is deducted towards debt repayment, leaving a significantly smaller portion to buy electricity units, alongside other statutory charges.
The Last Mile Connectivity Programme is a government-backed initiative launched in 2015 to expand electricity access by subsidising connection costs.
According to a report by the Auditor General in March 2023, Kenya received a Ksh47 billion loan from the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the project.
Meanwhile, as reported by the Capital Business, EPRA has introduced three new charges that will raise electricity bills for April 2026.
In a Gazette Notice, EPRA announced a Foreign Exchange Fluctuation Adjustment, a Water Resource levy, and a Fuel Energy Cost Charge (FECC), all applied per kilowatt-hour. The forex adjustment adds 123.41 cents per kWh.
Consumers will also pay a 1.54 cents per kWh levy on hydropower generated from dams such as Gitaru Dam, Kiambere Dam, and Masinga Dam.
The biggest increase comes from the FECC at 347 cents per kWh, driven by fuel costs in thermal generation. EPRA says the changes reflect rising fuel prices and currency shifts, with off-grid regions expected to be hardest hit.
Kenya risks missing out on a Ksh96.9 billion budget support loan from the World Bank unless it fast-tracks key regulations before June 30.
As reported by the Business Daily, the funding, offered under the Development Policy Operations programme, is meant to support salaries and essential government operations. However, disbursement depends on meeting three conditions.
These include defining how beneficiaries of social stipends are identified, setting rules for sustainability-linked bonds, and establishing a legal framework to raise national tree cover to 30 per cent by 2032 under the Forest Conservation and Management Act.
The conditions follow Kenya’s request for financial support amid economic strain linked to global shocks. With less than two months remaining, attention shifts to Parliament’s ability to pass amendments and the executive’s speed in publishing regulations.
Failure could derail access to funds needed to cushion a Ksh1.22 trillion budget deficit, as the government prepares a Ksh4.738 trillion budget.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has directed all school transport operators to present their vehicles for inspection as it intensifies the nationwide Operation Watoto Wafike Salama ahead of school reopening.
As reported by Eastleigh Voice, NTSA said the move aims to ensure all vehicles are roadworthy and compliant with safety regulations.
The authority noted that multi-agency teams will increase checks on major roads and school transport routes across the country.
Schools have also been urged to hire qualified drivers, ensure buses have functional seat belts and speed limiters, and enforce discipline among drivers and conductors.
NTSA also confirmed it is investigating a fatal crash along the Narok–Mai Mahiu highway that claimed seven lives after a trailer collided head-on with a Toyota Voxy.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to resolve persistent challenges in teachers’ medical cover or face a nationwide strike as schools reopen.
The union says recent agreements involving the Ministry of Health, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have not fully addressed key concerns.
As reported by the Eastleigh Voice, KNUT officials argue that teachers continue to face double deductions under the Social Health Authority (SHA) while receiving reduced benefits.
They also cite limited access to preferred health facilities and high out-of-pocket costs despite the removal of co-payments.
Grassroots union leaders warn that the unresolved issues could disrupt learning once the notice lapses.
Equity Bank has been named the Overall Best Bank in Kenya at the Think Business Banking Awards, after topping multiple categories in the annual rankings.
The lender won 10 categories and placed second in two, highlighting strong performance across key banking segments.
As reported by Capital Business, Group CEO James Mwangi was also named CEO of the Year.
The Nairobi event brought together industry players, with evaluation based on financial strength, innovation, governance and customer focus. Equity ranked top in retail banking, product innovation, agriculture and livestock financing, asset financing, microfinance, and corporate social responsibility.
It also received a special judges’ award for innovation and placed second in trade financing and Tier One category. Chief judge Priscillah Mogaka said 160 entries were assessed using a rigorous 100-point framework.
Çelebi Aviation is exiting Tanzania after its concession expired, as it shifts focus to Kenya following a Ksh5.2 billion acquisition.
As reported by the Kenyan Wall Street, the firm said the move follows a strategic review and is aimed at concentrating on higher-value markets, not reducing its regional presence. Çelebi recently acquired Transglobal Cargo Centre Ltd, strengthening its foothold at JKIA.
The facility handles a significant share of Kenya’s air freight, positioning the country as a regional logistics hub. Kenya’s aviation cargo market is projected to grow by about 5 per cent annually over the next five years.
Çelebi, founded in 1958 and listed on Borsa Istanbul, operates across Europe, Asia, and Africa, serving hundreds of airlines.
As reported by the Business Daily, a conflict between two laws has stalled the government’s plan to sell its 43.77 per cent stake in Kwal Holdings East Africa Limited (KHEAL), delaying a transaction valued at about Ksh3.3 billion.
The amended Privatisation Act exempts firms where the State is a minority shareholder from strict approval processes. However, the Public Finance Management Act, 2012 requires both Treasury and Cabinet approval, creating a legal impasse.
The Privatisation Authority had invited bids in 2024, targeting local and international investors, but the process was halted as it sought guidance from the Attorney-General.
The stake’s valuation has since dropped from Ksh4.1 billion to Ksh3.3 billion. Meanwhile, Heineken, which holds 55 per cent in KHEAL, lacks pre-emptive rights, setting the stage for a competitive bidding process once the legal issues are resolved.
The Ivy League Beauty Shop has launched the Skincare Wallet, a new payment solution that allows customers to save gradually and redeem funds for skincare and premium beauty products.
The platform enables users to deposit flexible amounts over time, helping them manage costs and maintain consistent skincare routines.
The innovation targets a key gap in a market where premium skincare is often perceived as expensive, offering financial flexibility without compromising quality.
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