News and Analysis
June 12, 2026
Hello and welcome to the Money News Roundup. Today, we explain why Kenyans may have to wait until August for major fuel price cuts despite the US-Iran ceasefire, and look at the growing investor shift to special funds.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi says Kenyans could see more significant fuel price reductions from August if stability is maintained in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz remains open.
Speaking on NTV, Wandayi explained that Kenya’s fuel pricing formula relies on international benchmark prices from the previous month, meaning any drop in global oil prices takes time to reach local consumers.
As a result, benefits from a ceasefire between the US and Iran would be felt progressively rather than immediately.
He also noted that current pump prices are partly supported by subsidies, meaning future reductions will be based on actual fuel costs. In the latest review, EPRA cut diesel prices by Ksh10 and petrol by Ksh0.22 per litre.
Currently, a litre of Super Petrol in Nairobi costs Ksh214.03, while a litre of Diesel costs Ksh222.86.
As reported by Al Jazeera, President Donald Trump announced that the US and Iran have reached a ceasefire agreement, ending hostilities between the two countries.
The deal includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route that had been largely disrupted during the conflict.
Trump said he had authorised the immediate removal of the US naval blockade and approved toll-free passage through the strategic waterway, allowing global oil shipments to resume.
The disruption at the Strait of Hormuz had affected Kenyans, as fuel prices rose sharply due to the conflict.
Special funds recorded a 23.9% market share in March 2026 as more investors shifted their savings to the investment vehicles in search of higher returns.
As reported by the Business Daily, according to the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Money Market Funds (MMFs) saw their market share decline to 51.9% from 64.4% a year earlier, despite continued growth in assets.
Total assets under management rose to Ksh851.7 billion in March 2026 from Ksh756.3 billion in December 2025. Assets in special funds jumped 25% to Ksh162.4 billion, while MMF assets grew 4% to Ksh423.7 billion.
The CMA attributed the trend to growing retail investor interest and increased demand for innovative investment products offering exposure to assets beyond traditional fixed-income investments.
KRA says it is losing about Ksh100 billion annually in rental income tax due to widespread tax evasion by landlords.
As reported by the Nation, newly appointed Commissioner General Adan Mohammed told MPs that only Ksh16 billion is currently collected despite the 7.5% rental income tax having the potential to generate far more revenue.
KRA also revealed it loses an estimated Ksh13 billion annually through smuggled mobile phones. The taxman has opposed plans to remove the 16% VAT on imported phones, arguing that VAT and a proposed 25% excise duty should be retained.
The Finance Bill 2026 proposes shifting phone taxation to the point of activation, a move KRA says could improve compliance and boost revenue collection.
Kenya Airways has announced the resignation of director Christopher Buckley following resolutions passed at the airline’s 50th Annual General Meeting held on June 12, 2026.
As reported by Eastleigh Voice, Shareholders re-elected Aviation PS Teresia Mbaika to the board. The meeting also approved the election of Esther Koimett, Kiprono Kittony, Chris Diaz, Prof. Winnie Nyamute and Dr David Ndii as directors.
Shareholders further approved the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as auditors and elected members to the Audit and Risk Committee.
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya is increasingly relying on negotiated settlements instead of court cases to resolve disputes and recover troubled loans.
As reported by the Kenyan Wall Street, the lender says the strategy has helped keep its non-performing loan ratio at 5.2%, among the lowest in the banking sector.
The bank's executives noted that many ongoing disputes are decades old, with some stretching up to 50 years. Over the last 18 months, the bank has concluded three major legacy cases, including a pension dispute involving former employees. The move reflects a broader banking sector shift towards faster, less costly dispute resolution methods.
Jubilee Holdings is targeting gig-economy workers, SMEs, women, and diaspora communities as part of a retail expansion strategy to drive future growth across East Africa.
As reported by Capital Business, the insurer reported an 18% rise in net profit to Ksh5.6 billion in 2025 and plans to expand access to insurance, health, savings and investment products.
The company says it is focusing on customer groups often overlooked by traditional financial services. To support the strategy, Jubilee is investing in digital platforms and AI tools, with over 90% of new retail policies now issued digitally.
.png){kind=small}
Join 1.5M Kenyans using Money254 to find better loans, savings accounts, and money tips today.
Money 254 is a new platform focused on helping you make more out of the money you have. We've created a simple, fast and secure way to find and compare financial products that best match your needs. All of the information shown is from products available at established financial institutions that our team of experts has tirelessly collected.
