Motorists to Pay Ksh1,000 Daily to Access Some Areas in Nairobi

Hello Moneymakers, Washington here. In this newsletter, we are covering the new proposals by Nairobi County that will see motorists pay Ksh1,000 per day to access some areas of the city. Additionally, we cover the potential loss of jobs in Kenya as the US-AGOA deal nears its end.

Nairobi County to Introduce Low-Emission Zones

Motorists driving diesel and super petrol fuel-powered vehicles could, in the coming years, pay Ksh1,000 per day to access some areas in Nairobi.

As proposed in the Nairobi City County (Low Emission Zones) Regulations, 2025, the county government will designate some areas within the city as low-emission zones.

Consequently, diesel and petrol-powered vehicles will be required to pay a daily fee of Ksh1,000 or an alternative of Ksh250,000 to access the zones.

Why It Matters: If approved, the new proposals will see motorists incur additional costs. This will make it expensive to operate vehicles in some areas in Nairobi, forcing residents to opt for public transportation. On the other hand, for matatus, the additional costs could see an increase in fares.

Vehicles that will be exempted from paying the fee include fully electric vehicles or vehicles that use biodiesel or hydrogen for propulsion.

“The committee member shall designate Low Emission Zones within five years of these regulations coming into effect. No permit shall be required for a non-motorised vehicle or a non-motorised mode of transport or an emergency or police vehicle or utility vehicles,” read part of the bill.

“Any person who is denied approval may appeal to the committee member within 14 days of being informed of the refusal by the chief officer.”

16,000 Kenyans Face Uncertainty as AGOA Deal Nears End

Jobs for thousands of Kenyans are hanging in the balance as companies exporting products to the US express fears over the impending lapse of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

As reported by the Associated Press (AP), among those who could be affected by the expiry of the deal are 16,000 workers of the United Aryan - a company that is behind notable apparel that is exported to the US.

As a result, companies are calling on President Donald Trump to extend the deal that gives Kenyan exporters duty-free access to the US market.

‍Tough Times Ahead for Businesses as Govt Plans for Local Loans

In a report by the People Daily, the government is set to borrow Ksh591 billion from the local market in the upcoming financial year.

This move is expected to deal a blow to the Kenyans who rely on local banks to finance their businesses. 

Usually, most financial institutions, such as banks, prefer lending to the government because of the guarantee of getting repayments, unlike private businesses.\

Also Read:  ‍Kenyans Lose Millions Online Overnight, 2 Million Stare at Job Losses

‍Equity Bank Targets 2,000 Employees in Mass Firings

According to a report by Nairobileo.co.ke, more employees at Equity Bank are set to be let go following investigations regarding fraudulent payments made to their bank and M-Pesa accounts.

Already, 400 staff members have been sent home, with an additional 1,400 workers undergoing disciplinary action. In the end, it is expected that close to 2,000 employees will be let go. Those affected are set to receive salary compensation for remaining leave days in addition to one month’s salary.

"Upon a carefully analysis of your written and verbal explanations, it was established that you received amounts into your account number and/or M-Pesa number account number under circumstances that were irregular and unethical, and which involved and/or were connected to Bank customers or entities with a relationship with the Bank," read the letter in part.

"Your actions mentioned above amounted to gross misconduct and are contrary to the Group's Code of Conduct and Work Ethics. Your actions have also undermined the trust that the Bank had in you as its employee, making your continued employment untenable."

Mbadi Says IMF Funding Omitted From Budget Over Uncertainty

Treasury CS John Mbadi has said that funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was omitted from the 2025/26 Budget over uncertainty.

According to Business Daily, the Treasury could not guarantee that the ongoing renegotiations would yield an agreement that would unlock funds. Earlier this year, Kenya cancelled a 4-year deal with the IMF, arguing that it was out of step in the face of new US tariffs and last year's protests.