More Kenyans Opt Out of Affordable Housing, Withdraw Ksh2.56B From Boma Yangu

Welcome to the Money News Roundup. In today's edition, we look at the growing withdrawals from the Boma Yangu affordable housing savings platform. We also cover Nairobi County's proposal to increase daily parking fees from Ksh300 under a new pricing policy. 

More Kenyans Opt Out of Affordable Housing, Withdraw Ksh2.56B From Boma Yangu

Refunds by Kenyans saving to buy affordable houses through the Boma Yangu platform have surged to Ksh2.56 billion.

As reported by Nation, new data from the State Department for Housing shows that by the end of June, the platform had mobilised Ksh5.47 billion in cumulative savings, with nearly half of that amount already refunded to contributors who opted out. 

Refunds have more than tripled from Ksh788 million recorded in May 2025, while net savings have grown from Ksh926.4 million to Ksh3 billion.

The government says the withdrawals do not signal failure of the programme, arguing that contributors who have not been allocated houses are legally allowed to withdraw their savings, together with accrued investment income, after giving 90 days' notice.

However, the sharp rise in refunds comes as the Auditor-General warns of affordability and public perception risks affecting demand for affordable housing units.

Currently, about 30% of the platform's 1.26 million registered users are actively saving towards home ownership, while more than 270,000 affordable housing units are under construction nationwide.

Nairobi Plans to Increase Parking Fees to at Least Ksh535 

The Nairobi County Government plans to increase daily parking charges from Ksh300 to at least Ksh535 under a proposed tariffs and pricing policy for 2025-2030.

As reported by Business Daily, the draft policy introduces a zonal and time-based parking fee system, with the Ksh535 rate reflecting the estimated daily cost of providing a single parking space. Zone One will cover the CBD, Westlands, Upper Hill, Industrial Area, Kilimani and Nairobi West, while all other areas will fall under Zone Two.

The county says the review aims to align parking fees with service delivery costs, including security, street lighting, cleaning and road maintenance.

The proposal, which is expected to face opposition from motorists, will still require approval through the County Finance Act before the new charges can take effect.

US Confirms 7 Americans Quarantined in Laikipia Ebola Facility 

The US State Department has confirmed that seven American humanitarian workers are being quarantined at an Ebola isolation facility inside the Laikipia Air Base, despite ongoing High Court conservatory orders suspending the operationalisation of the facility.

According to a US State Department official who spoke to Nation, the seven aid workers, who volunteered on the front lines of the Ebola response in DRC, were moved to the Kenyan facility as a precautionary measure authorised by the Kenyan government.

The confirmation comes as Samaritan's Purse revealed that the humanitarian workers are being housed in large military tents, sleeping on army cots and receiving meals provided by the US military during the mandatory 21-day quarantine.

The development has raised fresh questions over compliance with the court orders, with the Kenyan government yet to issue a formal response following the confirmation by US authorities.

Uber to Acquire Glovo Kenya in Ksh1.95 Trillion Global Deal 

Uber is set to acquire Glovo Kenya as part of a Ksh1.95 trillion deal to buy Delivery Hero's food delivery business across 50 markets in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

As reported by Capital Business, if approved, the acquisition will combine Uber's ride-hailing business in Kenya with Glovo's food delivery and on-demand retail services, expanding the company's presence in the country.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the deal would create more opportunities for consumers, merchants and delivery partners.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, and once completed, Uber's combined mobility and delivery platform will operate in 99 countries.

MMF Investors Set for Better Returns as One-Year T-Bill Rate Tops 9% 

The interest rate on Kenya's 364-Day Treasury bill has risen above 9% for the first time in five months, reflecting growing investor concerns over inflation linked to renewed hostilities between the US and Iran.

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) accepted a yield of 9.04% at its latest auction, up from 8.99% previously, as investors demanded higher returns amid rising global oil prices.

Brent crude has surged to $86.75 per barrel following renewed attacks and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, fuelling fears of higher inflation.

Meanwhile, the CBK kept rates on the 91-day and 182-day Treasury bills largely unchanged by rejecting higher-priced bids. 

The rise in T-Bill rates could see MMF investors get better returns as funds are usually invested in short-term government securities.

KeNHA to Upgrade 25 Feeder Roads Along Western Bypass

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) plans to upgrade 25 feeder roads to bitumen standards along the 16.5-kilometre Nairobi Western Bypass to improve mobility and access in Kiambu County.

As reported by the Business Daily, the roads are Roselyne-Kang'ururi-Slaughter (1.6km), Slaughter-Gituamba-Gacharage (1.5km), Lily of Valley-Muya-Kagondo (1.5km), Lily of Valley-Muya-Christco (1.2km), Yamogo-Sacred Heart (3.5km), Gatwikira (1.5km), Kimachia/Mbari ya Njau (1.3km), River Side-King'eero SDA (1.8km), Marugu (1.1km), ACK St Mark Tito (1.1km), Karura-Kanyungu (1km), Cura/Gatumumu (1.4km), Rungiri Primary-PCEA (1km), Ndongoro/Kahingaru (1.5km), Rukubi Kwa Mbau (1km), Rubby/Gitaru (1km), Ruthiboi/Kanyariri (1km), and eight additional feeder roads identified under the project.

The Western Bypass links the Southern Bypass at Gitaru with the Northern Bypass at Ruaka, easing congestion through Wangige, Kihara and Ndenderu.