New Filings Reveal Kenya Pipeline’s Largest Shareholders

Welcome to the Money News Roundup. Today, we look at new filings that reveal NSSF as Kenya Pipeline Company's second-largest shareholder, ahead of Uganda. We also cover KRA's higher customs valuation benchmark for consolidated container cargo imports. 

NSSF Emerges as Kenya Pipeline’s 2nd Largest Shareholder After Ksh38.2 Billion Investment

NSSF has emerged as the second-largest shareholder in Kenya Pipeline after investing Ksh38.2 billion in the firm's oversubscribed initial public offering (IPO).

Regulatory filings show the State-backed pension fund acquired a 22.2 percent stake, behind the government's 35 percent holding and ahead of Uganda National Oil Company’s 20.15 percent stake.

NSSF's investment was largely hidden through nominee accounts, a structure used by many top KPC investors.

The KPC IPO raised Ksh106.3 billion and achieved a subscription rate of 105.7 percent. NSSF and Uganda together invested more than Ksh72 billion, helping the offer exceed the minimum threshold required for success.

The investment is NSSF’s largest listed equity holding and reflects its growing financial muscle following higher member contributions.

Combined with the government's stake, State-linked entities now control about 57.2 percent of KPC, giving them majority influence over the company.

KRA, Police to Access Parcel Records Under New Rules for Uber, Bolt and Glovo

KRA and police will have access to parcel records held by app-based courier platforms such as Uber, Bolt, Glovo and Little under new licensing rules issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

As reported by the Business Daily, starting September 20, the platforms will be required to verify and record parcel contents, sender details and recipient information, and provide the records to government agencies upon request as part of efforts to curb illicit trade, including drugs and firearms.

The new requirements form part of a 10-year licence category for digital courier service providers. Companies must allow senders to declare parcel contents and establish mechanisms to verify the identities of senders and recipients.

The rules also require firms to compensate customers for lost, delayed or damaged parcels within 90 days of a complaint and provide real-time parcel tracking and rider identification features.

KRA Increases Reference Value for Consolidated Cargo Imports to Ksh3.2 Million

Small traders importing goods through consolidated cargo shipments will face a higher customs valuation benchmark after KRA increased the minimum reference value for a consolidated 40-foot container to Ksh3.2 million from Ksh2.5 million.

As reported by Capital Business, the new benchmark took effect on August 20 and could raise the tax base used to assess consolidated imports. Cargo consolidation allows several importers to share container space and lower shipping costs.

KRA said the move is intended to curb undervaluation and promote fair competition. The authority noted that Ksh3.2 million is only a reference benchmark and not a fixed valuation for all containers.

The previous benchmark had remained unchanged for about six years. 

Kenya Airways Posts Ksh16.1 Billion Loss in 2026 H1

Kenya Airways posted a net loss of Ksh16.1 billion in the first half of 2026, up from Ksh12.2 billion a year earlier, as high fuel costs, geopolitical challenges and reduced capacity weighed on performance. 

As reported by Citizen Digital, operating losses rose to Ksh10.6 billion from Ksh6.2 billion. Revenue increased 9 per cent to Ksh81.3 billion, the second-highest half-year revenue in seven years, while cargo revenue grew 18 per cent to Ksh8.8 billion.

Fuel costs alone consumed Ksh29 billion. The airline's debt stood at Ksh152 billion, with 90 per cent owed to the government, which continues to provide financial support.

Meanwhile, the airline has announced that it will roll out free in-flight Wi-Fi on all long-haul flights starting in the second quarter of 2027.

Court Suspends Mandatory Ksh6.4M Travel Health Insurance for Tourists

The High Court has suspended the government's requirement for foreign visitors to have mandatory travel health insurance worth at least Ksh6.4 million. 

As reported by the East African, Justice Francis Rayola Olel issued the temporary orders after two Marsabit residents challenged the policy, with the case set for hearing on September 16.

The contested Gazette Notice required visitors staying in Kenya for less than 12 months to hold insurance with minimum benefits of Ksh6.4 million ($50,000). Petitioners argue the policy was introduced without adequate public participation, lacks a proper legal framework and poses privacy and data protection risks.

They also claim the Health Ministry exceeded its mandate by assigning insurance verification duties to Immigration.

Also in the News

• The National Police Service will on Friday unveil a new police uniform for General Duty officers during the Kiganjo pass-out parade, with nationwide rollout beginning next week, replacing the current blue attires. Read more