News and Analysis
April 29, 2026
Hello and welcome to the Money News Roundup Newsletter, where we break down the top-paying jobs in Kenya as revealed by the Economic Survey 2026, and unpack the government’s explanation behind the Ksh188 per student capitation for primary schools.
Employees of foreign multilateral and non-governmental agencies remained the highest-paid private sector workers in Kenya in 2025, earning an average of Ksh372,399 per month, according to the Economic Survey 2026.
This marked a 5.5% increase from Ksh353,048 in 2024, widening their lead over other sectors.
Workers in the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning sector earned an average of Ksh218,259, up 6.3% from Ksh205,270, while those in financial and insurance services earned Ksh218,182, following a 10.1% increase from Ksh198,083.
These sectors have consistently ranked among the top-paying industries since 2014.
At the lower end, workers in water, sewerage and waste management earned Ksh30,053, while household-based workers earned Ksh30,092.
In the public sector, the highest earners were in accommodation and food services at Ksh253,474, transport and storage at Ksh221,025, and financial services at Ksh196,425. Health workers earned Ksh156,646, compared to Ksh116,203 in the private health sector.
The lowest-paid public sector workers were in agriculture at Ksh48,307, mining at Ksh49,831, and public administration at Ksh57,946.
The report by KNBS also noted that Kenya’s economy grew by 4.6% in 2025, creating 824,100 jobs, with 86.9% in the informal sector.
The government has confirmed that primary school learners will receive Ksh188 per student in capitation for the second term, according to a recent circular from the Ministry of Education.
According to the circular by Basic Education PS Julius Bitok, Ksh95.25 per learner has been set aside for teaching and learning materials such as textbooks and stationery, while Ksh93.08 will cater for school operations, including electricity, water, transport, administration, maintenance, and examinations.
As reported by Capital News, the Ministry clarified that the Ksh188 figure referenced in the circular does not represent the full capitation amount per learner, but only a portion of the total allocation.
Bitok noted that the annual capitation for each learner in public primary schools remains Ksh1,400, disbursed in instalments throughout the school year by the National Treasury using a 50:30:20 ratio across the three terms.
Despite the clarification, the allocation has sparked concern among education stakeholders, with the KNUT calling for an urgent meeting to address what it termed as inadequate funding.
KNUT officials argue that the Ksh188 allocation is insufficient to support effective learning, warning that it could shift the burden to parents.
The government has reduced investment of housing levy funds in Treasury bills as spending on affordable housing projects gains pace.
As reported by the Business Daily, data from the Economic Survey 2026 shows fund absorption rose to 96.3% of Ksh79.03 billion in the year to June 2025, up from 32.6% of Ksh78.18 billion previously.
Actual spending more than tripled to Ksh79.03 billion from Ksh25.49 billion, reflecting faster project rollout under the Affordable Housing Programme.
The levy, set at 1.5% of salaries and matched by employers, has boosted inflows, with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) collecting Ksh73.2 billion in 2024/25.
Over 205,000 housing units worth nearly Ksh500 billion are under construction.
Earlier, idle funds were invested in Treasury bills. While the government was earning through interest, the withheld funds had posed stallation risks for various projects.
Recently, Housing PS Charles Hinga asked for the release of Ksh25 billion that had been tied in the government securities to allow for the payments of contractors and fund projects.
Apartment prices in Nairobi’s suburbs declined in the year to March 2026 as supply outpaced demand, according to a report by HassConsult. Ten out of 18 areas recorded price drops, led by Westlands (-7.9%) and Upper Hill (-6.8%), with declines also seen in Lavington, Ongata Rongai and Ruaka.
In contrast, standalone house prices rose in most suburbs, with Karen and Lavington leading gains. Average property prices stood at Ksh38.7 million, with larger homes averaging Ksh45.8 million.
As reported by the Business Daily, rental prices increased by 4.5% in suburbs and 8.2% in satellite towns, pushing average rents to Ksh201,832 and Ksh64,765, respectively.
The report attributes falling apartment prices to oversupply, while rising rents continue to support returns. However, affordability pressures and potential inflation risks could slow demand, even as property yields remain competitive against government securities.
The High Court has dismissed a constitutional petition challenging a directive by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) requiring public service vehicles to remove graffiti, decorative artwork, and tinted windows, dealing a blow to operators defending nganya culture.
In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, Justice Bahati Mwamuye upheld the May 2025 notice, ruling it was lawful and necessary for road safety.
As reported by Citizen Digital, the petition, filed by Michael Makubo, claimed the directive violated constitutional rights and targeted matatu operators.
However, the court found no evidence of rights violations, noting that safety concerns outweigh artistic expression under Article 24. NTSA maintained that the directive is aimed at improving visibility and standardising the PSV sector.
The court upheld the directive but granted temporary relief, allowing operators time to comply or appeal before May 17, 2026.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has recommended disciplinary action against Alliance Girls High School Principal Margaret Njeru for implementing an unauthorised fee increase.
An assessment by the Ministry of Education found that fees were raised from Ksh53,558 to Ksh120,179 without approval, violating the Basic Education Act.
Ogamba said the principal oversaw a budget containing non-essential and unrealistic expenditures.
As reported by Citizen Digital, the report cited spending on trips, prize-giving, and administrative costs, including a proposed Ksh25,000,000 staff trip to Dubai.
In a separate directive, Ogamba also called for the dissolution of the school’s board, accusing it of failing to ensure prudent financial management.
The matter has been referred to the TSC for further action.
New motor vehicle and motorcycle registrations rose sharply to 395,235 in 2025, up from 267,193 in 2024, according to the Economic Survey 2026.
The growth was driven largely by motorcycles, auto-cycles and three-wheelers, which increased to 241,763 from 118,308.
As reported by the Star, newly registered vehicles rose slightly to 142,994 from 140,703 in 2024. Three-wheelers stood at 10,478.
The survey recorded 5,009 road fatalities and 19,896 injuries from 11,638 accidents, up from 11,165 in 2024.
Kenya’s paved road network reached 25,412 kilometres, while government spending on roads hit Ksh168.7 billion. Passenger and freight services generated Ksh21.4 billion.
Cargo throughput at the Port of Mombasa grew to 45.6 million tonnes. Construction jobs stood at 238,300, with housing expenditure rising to Ksh116.7 billion in 2025-26.
Safaricom has revamped its Home Fiber packages, increasing speeds across key tiers while cutting prices by about 25% for new subscribers.
Under the changes, Bronze now offers 40 Mbps at Ksh2,250 for new subscribers (from 15 Mbps at Ksh2,999), Silver rises to 60 Mbps at Ksh3,075 (previously at 30Mbps), while Gold jumps to 150 Mbps at Ksh4,725 (previously at 80 Mbps).
As reported by Techweez, Diamond and Platinum speeds at 500Mbps and 1,000Mbps remain unchanged
The discounted pricing applies to new connections between September 1, 2025 and April 29, 2026.
The move comes as rivals intensify competition. Airtel Kenya has introduced cheaper fiber packages, while Savanna Fiber is set to launch 100 Mbps at Ksh2,000.
Amazon is also set to launch satellite internet operations in Kenya with speeds of up to 400Mbps.
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