World Bank Explains Delay in Approving Kenya’s Ksh77.5 Billion Emergency Loan

Welcome to the Money News Roundup. Today, we explain why the World Bank has delayed approving Kenya's Ksh77.5 billion emergency loan request. We also cover government plans to disband six regional development authorities.

World Bank Explains Delay in Approving Kenya’s Ksh77.5 Billion Emergency Loan

Kenya's request for a Ksh77.5 billion ($600 million) emergency loan from the World Bank has been delayed after the lender sought more details on how the funds would be spent.

As reported by the Business Daily, the financing, requested in April through the World Bank's Rapid Response Option (RRO), was expected by the end of June to cushion the economy from the effects of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, including potential fuel and fertiliser shortages.

World Bank Kenya Operations Manager Anne Bakilana said the government had signed up for the facility, but discussions were ongoing to determine which emergency expenditures would be covered.

The RRO allows countries to quickly redirect up to 10% of their undisbursed World Bank financing to respond to crises such as conflicts, pandemics or floods.

The World Bank separately approved Ksh97 billion ($750 million) under its Development Policy Operations (DPO) programme in June, but has yet to decide on Kenya's emergency funding request.

Meanwhile, as reported by Nation, the lender has urged Kenya to prioritise cutting wasteful spending, reforming procurement, and containing the public wage bill rather than repeatedly increasing taxes. It says stronger fiscal discipline and more efficient public spending would improve investor confidence, reduce borrowing costs and support long-term economic growth. 

Analysts Warn of Fuel Shortage After Trump's Plan to Impose 20% Hormuz Cargo Fee

Analysts are warning of a potential global oil shortage after US President Donald Trump proposed a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global crude exports.

As reported by CNBC, Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, said the market had expected stronger oil supplies following last month's US.-Iran memorandum of understanding, but those expectations are now under threat.

Lipow estimates that Trump's proposed fee could effectively add about Ksh2,067 ($16) per barrel to crude oil shipped through the strait, although the U.S. administration has not yet clarified how the charge would be implemented.

The concerns have already pushed oil prices higher, with experts cautioning that prolonged disruptions could force producers to cut output and keep prices elevated.

During previous disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Kenya experienced fuel shortages and price hikes. In May, EPRA set pump prices in Nairobi at Ksh214.25 per litre for Super Petrol and Ksh242.92 per litre for Diesel.

Directline Reclaims Top Spot in Kenya's Matatu Insurance Market

Directline Assurance has regained its position as Kenya's largest insurer of public service vehicles (PSVs), overtaking Amaco after losing the lead last year.

As reported by the Business Daily, the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) data for the first quarter of 2026 shows Directline earned Ksh610.16 million, representing 62.11% of the Ksh982.41 million in PSV insurance premiums. This was a sharp rise from a 35.67% market share a year earlier.

Amaco's share fell to 21% from 54.71%, while GA Insurance, First Assurance and Intra Africa completed the top five.

The recovery comes despite Directline's prolonged ownership disputes, which previously unsettled policyholders. 

58% of Kenyans Rely on Digital Loans During Emergencies - Report

More than half of Kenyans rely on digital loans to cope with financial emergencies, according to Tala's 2026 MoneyMarch Report.

As reported by Kenyans.co.ke, the study found that 58% of respondents turn to mobile credit during emergencies, while 24% would be unable to sustain their current lifestyle for more than one month if their income stopped.

The report attributes the growing reliance on digital borrowing to rising living costs and weak financial resilience. It also highlights the need for better budgeting, saving and debt management. As of May 2026, the Central Bank of Kenya had licensed 259 Digital Credit Providers (DCPs).

Govt to Disband 6 Regional Development Authorities

The National Treasury and the Public Service Commission (PSC) are set to take over the operations of six regional development authorities under the proposed Regional Development Authorities Laws (Repeal) Bill, 2026. 

As reported by the Kenyan Wall Street, the agencies are the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA), Ewaso Ng'iro South Development Authority, Ewaso Ng'iro North Development Authority, and Coast Development Authority. 

The Treasury will inherit their assets, liabilities, contracts and ongoing court cases, while the PSC will absorb all employees without affecting their terms of service or retirement benefits.

House Prices Surge in Parklands and Westlands as Apartment Values Decline

Detached house prices in Nairobi's middle-income neighbourhoods, including Parklands, Westlands, Hurlingham, Kileleshwa and Kilimani, rose 20.4% between the first quarter of 2025 and the same period in 2026, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). 

As reported by the Business Daily, prices of standalone homes also increased in Karen, Runda, Nairobi East, Mavoko and the Coast.

In contrast, apartment prices fell 4.8% in Nairobi's upper-income areas and 3.3% in middle-income estates. 

Analysts attribute the trend to strong demand for larger homes, limited supply and improved infrastructure connecting Nairobi to satellite towns.