News and Analysis
March 23, 2026
Hello and welcome to the Money News Roundup Newsletter, where we cover the fuel shortage in major petrol stations. We also cover the end of the Kenya Police deployment to Haiti.
Oil marketing companies are facing intermittent fuel supply disruptions at some stations, even as it dismisses fears of a shortage.
As reported by the Business Daily, major outlets in Nairobi and Kiserian have reported running out of diesel or petrol.
Officials of the stations have noted that the intermittent shortage was caused by high demand during the weekend.
However, there have been supply pressures linked to the ongoing Israel-Iran war, which has disrupted refinery operations and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Kenya relies on imports from Gulf suppliers under a government deal. Notably, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) refinery supplying Kenya and Uganda shut down due to the ongoing Iran-US-Israel conflict.
Adnoc invoked a force majeure clause and halted fuel production, after safety concerns in the Strait of Hormuz which disrupted shipments.
Currently, Kenya imports petrol via Adnoc and diesel through Saudi Aramco under a government-to-government (G-to-G) deal that was extended to 2028.
With marketers holding limited reserves and no adequate strategic fuel stocks, prolonged disruptions could trigger wider shortages, as seen in countries already rationing fuel.
The Court of Appeal has overturned a Ksh4.4 million compensation award to former CMC Motors Group brand manager Yasser Said Swaleh, whose employment was terminated for misreporting sales, causing the company losses of Ksh6.2 million ($48,000).
As reported by Nation, Swaleh had claimed he lacked proper training, but the court rejected this, noting that he applied for the role knowing the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
The appellate judges found that Swaleh, with his senior experience and international exposure, could not escape liability by citing inadequate training.
He had misreported sales, received undue incentives, and misadvised the business, despite having access to colleagues and superiors for guidance.
CMC Motors had demonstrated that Swaleh was adequately trained, including overseas, and the termination followed proper disciplinary procedures. The court ruled that his dismissal was lawful and procedural, setting aside the Ksh4.4 million award.
The court ruling now sets a precedent, sending a strong warning to job seekers and employees that accepting a position without the necessary skills or competence can have serious consequences.
The Office of Deputy President is seeking an additional Ksh450 million for hospitality and helicopter leasing, according to documents presented to Parliament.
As reported by Nation, the office had initially been allocated Ksh523 million for hospitality, but now wants an extra Ksh350 million, raising the total to Ksh873 million before the financial year ends in June.
The budget defines hospitality as expenses such as catering and entertainment during official functions.
In addition to hospitality spending, the DP’s office has already incurred Ksh100 million in helicopter leasing, citing the need for reliable transport as the Deputy President moves across the country to monitor and supervise government projects.
If Parliament approves the additional Ksh1.9 billion sought by the office, its total budget will rise to Ksh4.9 billion—a 64% increase from the Ksh2.97 billion approved in June 2025.
The third contingent of over 200 Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission is set to return home Tuesday night via Kenya Airways, landing at JKIA.
Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat led the team, accompanied by senior officers and received by Gabow Noor.
Kenya’s personnel, deployed since June 2024, helped stabilize critical infrastructure, trained over 2,000 Haitian officers, and played a key role in anti-gang operations, despite losing three officers.
The mission is now in a transition and drawdown phase, with the final team expected home by April 15.
The Kenyan police led mission is set to be replaced by Gang Suppression Force (GSF) that was approved by the UN Security Council.
The mission led by Kenyan police faced funding shortages, raising only Ksh12.5 billion of the Ksh75 billion needed every year to sustain it.
Kenya has exported its first batch of agricultural products to China under a duty-free arrangement, boosting access to the vast Asian market.
The shipment was flagged off by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki alongside China’s Vice President Han Zheng at the SGR Nairobi Terminus.
The consignment included fresh avocados, avocado oil, coffee, green beans, hides and skins. Kindiki urged the private sector to tap into China’s 1.4 billion market, saying the zero-tariff deal will expand exports and drive growth.
In 2025, Kenya’s coffee and tea exports to China hit Ksh3.2 billion ($24.46 million), accounting for 10.8% of agricultural exports, while avocado and macadamia exports reached Ksh2.6 billion ($19.9 million). Read more
Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) posted a 21% rise in net profit to Ksh10.7 billion for the year ending December 2025, driven by cost discipline and stronger business performance.
As a result, the bank has raise its dividend to Ksh9 per share, compared to Ksh7 per share that was paid out last year.
Total revenue grew by 14%, while operating expenses declined by 7%.
As reported by Capital Business, customer deposits increased 14% to Ksh509 billion, with net loans rising to Ksh324 billion, supported by growth in SME, retail, and mid-market segments.
The bank’s customer base expanded to 4.5 million from 3.1 million, aided by branch expansion and digital platforms.
Asset quality improved, with the non-performing loan ratio dropping to 10.8% from 12.3%. CEO Nasim Devji said the results reflect strong strategy execution, with digital investments expected to drive long-term growth.
Williamson Tea has appointed Angus Nyariki Omete as its new Managing Director and CEO, effective April 1, 2026.
As reported by Capital Business, he will replace Alan Laurence Carmichael, who retires after leading the firm since 2008.
Omete currently serves as Group CFO and Executive Director, with over 26 years’ experience in the tea industry. He joined the company in 1999 as a graduate trainee and has held several senior roles.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from Kenyatta University and is a member of ICPAK and ICS.
M-Pesa is expanding into Ethiopia’s public-sector payments after signing an agreement with the Amhara Regional State Revenue Bureau, allowing taxpayers to pay taxes via the platform.
As reported by the Kenyan Wall Street, the move reduces reliance on in-person offices and manual processing, improving compliance and record-keeping.
The platform, already serving 3.4 million users in Ethiopia, now supports tax payments in addition to peer-to-peer transfers and bill payments, further embedding itself in the country’s formal financial system.
Getachew Mengeste said the agreement provides practical digital tools for public services, while Mengesha Fentaw noted it enhances accuracy in transaction records.
The Amhara pilot could pave the way for similar deals in other regions, boosting M-Pesa’s role in government payments.
As reported by Reuters, Kenya Airways has seen a sharp rise in flight demand following the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, as travelers seek alternatives to Middle East routes.
Load factors, which were around 70% in January, have surged to nearly 100%, with the biggest gains coming from Europe, the US, and Asia, acting CEO George Kamal said.
The conflict has disrupted global aviation, prompting some airlines to cancel flights, adjust schedules, or raise fares.
Kenya Airways currently has about 56 days of jet fuel supply and is sourcing more from India, according to flight operations head Paul Njoroge.
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