News and Analysis
October 26, 2026
Hello and welcome to the Money News Roundup. Today, we look at the potential cost of cancelling Kenya’s Rironi-Mau Summit highway contracts with Chinese firms and the key checks in NTSA’s latest road safety crackdown.
Taxpayers face a potential Ksh180.73 billion liability if Kenya terminates the 30-year contracts for the Rironi-Mau Summit highway project.
The Business Daily reports that Treasury estimates show that cancelling the Rironi-Naivasha-Gilgil and Rironi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha sections could trigger Ksh93.38 billion in compensation, while the Gilgil-Nakuru-Mau Summit phase carries another Ksh87.35 billion exposure.
The figures form part of a Ksh413.81 billion maximum potential liability from terminating existing and advanced public-private partnership projects in the 2027/28 financial year.
The Treasury cautioned that these amounts are not expected bills, but estimates of maximum exposure should contractual conditions trigger compensation.
The government previously paid Ksh7.3 billion after cancelling an earlier highway expansion contract.
The government awarded the first phase of the highway project, covering the Rironi-Naivasha-Gilgil and Rironi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha sections, to China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) in partnership with NSSF. The Ksh96.382 billion project is under construction and will operate under a 30-year contract.
The second phase, covering the Gilgil-Nakuru-Mau Summit section, was awarded to Shandong Road and Bridge International (SDRBI) at a cost of Ksh86.346 billion, also under a 30-year contract.
The government has launched a 24-hour road safety operation targeting major transport corridors following a series of deadly accidents, with the NTSA prioritising night-time checks.
As reported by Nation, officers will monitor speeding, inspect speed limiters and verify that they transmit data to the Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).
They will also check driving licences, PSV badges, seatbelt use and alcohol consumption using breathalysers.
PSVs will undergo checks on passenger manifests, driver working hours, route licences, inspection stickers and authorised passenger capacity. Officers will also enforce permitted load weight limits.
NTSA urged motorists to slow down near checkpoints and cooperate with officers throughout the operation.
Wealthy Kenyan households and companies have increased foreign-currency deposits in commercial banks to a record Ksh1.52 trillion as they seek to protect their savings against economic uncertainty.
As reported by the Business Daily, KNBS data show the deposits grew by Ksh240.57 billion over the past year, reflecting increased demand for dollars, euros and British pounds.
Companies held Ksh957 billion, representing 71.3% of the deposits, while households accounted for Ksh386 billion.
The newspaper noted that analysts it spoke to say businesses are building cash reserves to pay overseas suppliers and hedge against currency fluctuations, while households are using foreign-currency accounts to preserve wealth amid inflation and uncertainty ahead of the 2027 General Election.
SBM Bank Kenya has partnered with Global Motors Centre Limited to offer up to 95% financing for customers purchasing new Jetour SUVs, reducing upfront costs.
As reported by the Star, the deal covers the Dashing, X70 Plus, T2 and T1 models, with repayment periods of up to 72 months. Customers will also access comprehensive motor insurance and financing for premiums.
SBM Bank’s Director of Corporate and Institutional Banking, Eric Wambua, said the arrangement would help individuals and businesses acquire vehicles under flexible terms.
The partnership comes amid growing competition from Chinese vehicle brands in Kenya. The financing allows buyers to spread vehicle costs over six years.
Kenya Railways Corporation is upgrading the 57-kilometre Nairobi-Thika commuter railway corridor through a Ksh65 billion (US$500 million) World Bank-funded project targeting 15 stations.
As reported in My Gov publication, the upgrade will connect Nairobi and Kiambu County hubs, including Dandora, Githurai, Ruiru, Juja and Thika, with modernised stations, repaired tracks and improved safety features.
Eight stations are operational, while four existing stations, including Kaloleni and Mutindwa, are earmarked for revitalisation. Three new stations will be built at KPCU, Maili Saba and Kalimoni in Juja.
The project will also provide footpaths, bicycle lanes, access roads and street lighting near stations.
Once completed, the railway is expected to reduce commuting times, ease congestion along Thika Superhighway and improve public transport connectivity.
APA Apollo Group has completed the acquisition of majority stakes in Tanzania’s Meticulous General Insurance Company and Metro Life Assurance Company, expanding its regional presence.
Also reported by Capital Business, the Nairobi-based insurer said the transaction had received all necessary regulatory and legal approvals, giving it control of both firms.
Meticulous General Insurance and Metro Life Assurance Chairman Protase Ishengoma said the deal would strengthen their products and services through APA Apollo’s technology, regional experience and technical expertise.
APA Apollo CEO Risper Ohaga said the acquisition aligns with the group’s 2026–2030 strategy to expand across East Africa.
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