GLOBAL OIL PRICES REASON FOR HIGH FUEL COST NOW SAYS RULLING PARTY

The rulling party united democratic alliance (UDA) has issued a statement on the rising cost of fuel attributed to the US IRAN war which has increased shipping rates and caused longer maritime routes impacting the price of landing cost for the fuel.

The G to G arrangement has provided cushion to Kenyans, reduction of the VAT rate,and stabilization fund are among some of the key things the government had done to ensure the prices of fuel remain stable according to secretary general of UDA Hassan Omar alongside Interministerial engagements by the ministry of transport and energy.

Criminal activities,looting and arsons attack by criminal elements during the protest will be delt with accordingly.Omar has urged Kenyans not to be incited by opposition leaders against fuel prices saying the price of fuel is not in the hands of Kenyans but global market prices.

2.7 Billion released last night to bring down the cost of diesel by 10 shillings to retail at 232 shillings per liter, government now says the prices cannot go down further as the matatu operators want.

WHERE CONFLICT ONCE LIVED, AGREEMENTS NOW HOLD

Across the arid and semi arid lands of northern Kenya, a quiet transformation is underway. In regions once marked by cyclical conflict over pasture and water, a new culture of dialogue is taking root. Supported by systems from the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), communities that once clashed are now negotiating, coordinating, and building shared agreements before tensions can escalate.

For decades, life in northern Kenya has been defined by the search for resources. Pastoralist communities depend on access to grazing land and water points to sustain their livestock, which are the backbone of both culture and economy. But climate variability, prolonged droughts, and population growth have intensified competition.

Historically, that competition often turned violent. Disputes over grazing corridors, livestock movement, and access to boreholes disrupted livelihoods, displaced families, and fractured long-standing relationships between neighboring ethnic groups and conservancies. Retaliatory raids and mistrust became part of the landscape.

Today  a different approach is taking hold. Through peacebuilding systems supported by NRT, the focus has shifted from reaction to prevention. The model is built around regular, structured dialogue.“Peace is something that communities build,” says Josephine Ekiru, an NRT Peace Ambassador. “When people sit together and talk, they begin to understand each other.”

The process is deliberately straightforward but disciplined. NRT helps facilitate and strengthen local dialogue platforms that bring together elders, youth, women, and local leaders from different communities. These forums are not one off meetings.They are recurring across community owned spaces where issues are raised early planned livestock movements, dry season grazing agreements, water point schedules, and responses to isolated incidents of theft.

The goal is to address friction points before they escalate into conflict. By agreeing on rules of access and setting up communication channels between communities, rumors and misunderstandings are defused quickly.The impact is already visible across NRT member conservancies.Communities now map out wet and dry season grazing blocks together. This reduces unplanned incursions into another community’s territory, a major historic trigger for conflict.

 

Committees negotiate timetables for water points, ensuring herders from multiple groups can water livestock without confrontation. When livestock theft occurs, the dialogue networks are used to verify facts and recover animals peacefully, rather than defaulting to retaliatory raids with regular contacts rebuilt trust among Youths who once saw each other as rivals but now sit and reason together.

AIRTEL CUSTOMERS CAN NOW EARN FROM REFERRING FRIENDS TO THE MY AIRTEL APP

Airtel customers can now earn from referring family and friends to the MyAirtel App through a newly launched referral offer.

Dubbed Refer and Earn, the offer allows MyAirtel App users to share a referral link or code with friends, who will immediately receive 1GB of free data upon sign-up for the first time. The person referring will earn Ksh 20 monthly, for five months, paid into their Airtel Money wallet. This payment will be made once their referred friends purchase airtime or data worth Ksh 100 or more via the app.

“At Airtel Kenya, we continue to invest in our network, products, and services to deliver the best value to our customers. Digital transformation remains a key priority, and we are constantly enhancing our digital platforms to ensure all our offerings are easily accessible on the app. The MyAirtel App provides a seamless, user-friendly experience that enhances convenience and drives digital adoption,” said Airtel Kenya Managing Director Ashish Malhotra.

On the Mobile Money front, this offer enables customers to refer multiple friends, unlocking ongoing earning potential and complements the existing cashback program dubbed Airtel Money ‘Rudishiwa,’ which offers 50% guaranteed cashback on transaction fees for all bill payments, all bank-to-wallet transfers, and all withdrawals done at any of the over 260,000 Airtel Money agents countrywide.

“Mobile money in Kenya has evolved from a simple platform for person-to-person transfers into a comprehensive wallet supporting everyday transactions. This offer is designed to drive app downloads to meet these evolving needs all under one platform while encouraging consistent app usage,” said Airtel Money Managing Director Anne Kinuthia-Otieno.

On the My Airtel App, customers can also enjoy app-exclusive offers such as 2GB valid for three days. The App works with any SIM slot and is accessible on Wi-Fi and Data even without active bundles, ensuring continued connectivity. It also allows customers to seamlessly send money to any network, its simple, user-friendly interface enables instant Airtel Money transactions, allows users to order, activate and top up home broadband (HBB) devices, and manage multiple HBB accounts and mobile numbers on a single platform. In addition, built-in data management features help customers control usage and avoid out-of-bundle charges.

PAYKIT LAUNCHES IN KENYA

Payments platform PayKit has launched in Kenya to help businesses manage complex, high-volume transactions more efficiently. Built to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and digital platforms, PayKit is positioning itself as the infrastructure layer for businesses that need to move money at scale.

Development began in 2023 and over the past three years the company has continuously refined its technology in response to market demand. During this period, the company focused on setting up its operations and securing the necessary regulatory approvals to operate in Kenya. This evolution took place against the backdrop of Kenya’s position as a global leader in digital payments, where mobile money penetration now exceeds 98% of the adult population, with more than 51 million active accounts, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya. Annual transaction volumes surpass KES 8.6 trillion. 

However, even with this scale and sophistication, a persistent gap exists for businesses managing complex flows of money. This gap is particularly significant given the trajectory of the broader market. Kenya’s digital payments ecosystem continues to expand rapidly, mirroring a continental trend where Africa’s digital payments market is projected to reach approximately $1.5 trillion (about KES 193 trillion) by 2030, driven by rising mobile adoption, e-commerce growth and deepening financial inclusion.

Despite this progress, most payment service providers in Kenya and the wider African continent still focus primarily on consumer-facing wallets or basic collections solutions. This leaves many businesses, especially SMEs, without the infrastructure required to manage more complex financial operations. This is especially important because Kenya has approximately 7.4 million MSMEs, which constitute about 98 percent of all business entities in the country, as per data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. These enterprises are vital to the economy, contributing roughly 30 – 40 percent to the GDP and employing over 14.9 million people. 

“Digital payments in Kenya have largely solved access. The next challenge is scale and efficiency because businesses today need need to send, reconcile, settle and manage funds across multiple channels and currencies in real time, in addition to receiving payments,” said PayKit’s CEO Beatrice Okeyo 

PayKit responds to the challenge by enabling high-volume disbursements, allowing businesses to pay suppliers and employees quickly and reliably. It also supports faster settlement, helping companies improve cash flow.

Regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya, the platform offers multi-currency capabilities, which are becoming increasingly important as Kenyan businesses expand across borders. The growth of regional trade, alongside the emergence of new payment corridors, now requires businesses to work with systems that can handle cross-border transactions seamlessly. 

Another key feature of the platform is intelligent reconciliation, which saves businesses from manual processes in matching payments with transactions, processes that often create inefficiencies and errors. PayKit automates reconciliation, giving companies better visibility and control over their financial operations.

In the past 2.5 months, PayKit has conducted a pilot phase, processing approximately KES 30 million in transaction value, demonstrating early traction and validation of its platform.

“There is a clear need for more advanced payment infrastructure because many businesses in Kenya, and indeed most of Africa, continue to face challenges such as limited interoperability and high operational overheads. In many sectors, cash and manual processes still play a significant role, highlighting the gap between access to digital payments and the ability to use them efficiently at scale. This is the gap that PayKit sufficiently bridges,” noted Ms. Beatrice

Looking ahead, PayKit has set ambitious growth targets, aiming to process between 50 million and 60 million transactions across its merchant portal and mobile application by the end of the year.

The company also plans to onboard approximately 15,000 merchants within the same period, while targeting 500,000 mobile app downloads as it scales adoption

PayKit’s focus comes at a time when Kenya’s payments ecosystem is maturing. Having gained traction during its pilot, the company’s next phase of growth is envisioned to make it a trusted partner for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.

Beyond Kenya, PayKit is already evaluating regional expansion opportunities within the next 18 to 24 months, with Rwanda identified as a priority market due to its enabling regulatory environment, which allows payment service providers to operate more seamlessly without the need to register afresh in the country.

UDA SET TO HOLD REPEAT GRASSROOT ELECTIONS TOMORROW AND SATURDAY

The rulling party will hold a repeat of it's grassroot elections following last year June elections which left some areas out,this will commence tomorrow Wednesday 23 April and expected to onboard 580 thousands members by the end of the exercise.

This repeat elections will be held in eighteen counties,kisii,siaya,migori,makueni, machakos,kwale,kilifi,lamu among others while kajiado repeat will be held on Saturday.

According to rulling party chairperson Cecily mbarire over eight million voters will participate in the phase two of the election which has already been conducted in 25 counties.

The voting starts at 8 am and is expected to close at 5pm.It will deploy the best technology to avoid malpractice.The party is urging it's members to maintain peace during the exercise to ensure free and fair elections.

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SHOWCASES CLIMATE SMART VILLAGE MODEL REAFFIRMING COMMITMENT TO AFRICAS INCLUSIVE ENERGY TRANSITION

As millions of people globally still lacking access to electricity  with Sub Saharan Africa accounting for the largest share of the gap   Schneider Electric has reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive energy transition across the region.

Speaking during a media session on the sidelines of the energy forum the president schneider  highlighted how the company is accelerating access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy while driving long term socio economic and climate resilience in underserved communities.

EAIF 2026 comes as Africa intensifies efforts to close its energy access deficit accelerating its transition to clean, reliable, and inclusive energy systems. Achieving universal access by 2030 will require accelerated deployment of distributed renewable energy solutions, alongside stronger collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders.

At the forum, Schneider Electric will showcase its portfolio of decentralized energy solutions designed to bridge the energy access gap. Central to its EAIF presence is the Climate Smart Village model  an innovative, community centered approach that combines technology, local engagement, and sustainable development to deliver measurable impact on livelihoods.

The model integrates solar microgrids, energy-efficient productive-use equipment, water pumping, cold storage, and digital monitoring, all tailored to community needs. By linking energy access with agriculture, health, education, and small enterprise, the approach aims to create climate resilience and income generation beyond basic lighting.

Schneider Electric’s session aligns with broader forum themes, including blended finance, productive use of energy, and commercial and  industrial applications. EAIF has evolved since 2016 into a key deal making platform for renewable electrification across Africa.

With 2030 universal access targets looming, stakeholders at EAIF 2026 are expected to push for faster project preparation and financing.

Schneider Electric’s Climate Smart Village model will be presented as a replicable blueprint for counties and rural districts seeking to combine energy, water, and livelihoods interventions. The company says its decentralized solutions are already deployed across multiple Sub-Saharan markets, with EAIF 2026 marking a renewed push to scale through partnerships.

AFRICA PUSHES FOR BANKABLE CLEAN ENERGY AS NAIROBI HOSTS ENERGY ACCESS INVESTMENT FORUM

Nairobi plays host to the Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) 2026 from April 21 to 24 at Safari Park Hotel, bringing together over 1,000 investors, policymakers, utilities, and energy innovators to accelerate renewable electrification across Africa. 

Organised by the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) and co-hosted by the European Union and Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, EAIF is the top annual investment event fostering partnerships for energy access, productive use, commercial and industrial power, and the green energy transition.

The European Union Delegation to Kenya, led by Ambassador H.E. Henriette Geiger, said the forum reflects a broader push to scale up investment in sustainable energy under the Global Gateway framework. “EAIF provides a practical platform for translating policy ambition into bankable projects by connecting public and private capital to emerging energy markets,” she said.

The 2026 edition is expected to draw private equity firms, development financiers, government representatives and industry executives for deal-making sessions, exhibitions, and structured networking aimed at unlocking financing for clean energy projects. 

A key highlight will be the launch of COMESA’s ASCENT Project Preparation Facility, a US$25 million World Bank–funded initiative aimed at boosting renewable electrification across Eastern and Southern Africa. The ASCENT PPF will provide technical support to developers to ensure proposed initiatives are well structured, bankable, and ready for financing. Cygnum Capital has been appointed Fund Manager to oversee the portfolio and ensure projects meet international investment standards.

Africa faces one of the world’s largest energy access gaps, with around 600 million people lacking electricity and more than a billion without clean cooking solutions. EAIF has evolved since 2016 into a key platform for structuring energy access deals, particularly in renewable electrification and productive use of energy.

AGA KHAN FOUNDATION SIGNS PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH PORTUGAL TO ADVANCE COASTAL RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN KENYA

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) has signed a partnership agreement with the Camões Institute the Portuguese Cooperation Agency to support the ‘Gazi Bay Coastal Restoration and Eco-Tourism Initiative (G-CORE)’ in Kwale County, Kenya.

The partnership agreement signed during a visit to Kenya, will support coastal ecosystem restoration and community-led development in Kenya.

“The Aga Khan Development Network remains committed to working with partners across sectors to advance climate resilience, environmental stewardship, and inclusive development across the regions it serves. The visit by His Excellency Mr. Paulo Rangel, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic, underscores the deepening engagement between Portugal, Kenya and the Aga Khan Development Network and reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable development, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth,” said Amin Mawji, Diplomatic Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network in East Africa.

Through G-CORE, AKF Kenya and its partners are implementing a community-led approach that combines ecological restoration with economic opportunity. Activities include planting approximately 65,000 mangrove seedlings across six hectares, as part of AKF’s broader effort to restore 226 hectares of mangrove forest in Gazi Bay in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service, alongside training community members in conservation practices, upgrading eco-tourism infrastructure such as the Gazi Boardwalk and strengthening local enterprises, with a particular focus on women and youth. 

This initiative forms part of AKF’s broader Indian Ocean ‘ReGeneration’ Initiative and focuses on restoring degraded mangrove ecosystems while strengthening community livelihoods through sustainable eco-tourism.

Gazi Bay, a critical coastal ecosystem, has experienced significant degradation due to deforestation, altered hydrology and coastal erosion, compounded by climate-related pressures such as rising sea levels and storms. These challenges have adversely affected both biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities. 

Portugal’s contribution through the Camões Institute will partially fund the initiative, aligning with shared priorities on climate adaptation, marine conservation and the development of Kenya’s blue economy.

ABSA BANK KENYA PARTNERS WITH WORLD NAVI TO SIMPLIFY VEHICLE IMPORTATION

Absa Bank Kenya has announced a strategic partnership with World Navi, a global vehicle exporter headquartered in Japan. This collaboration, delivered through Absa’s Asset-Based Finance (ABF) offering, is set to transform the vehicle importation experience for Kenyan customers by making the process more accessible, efficient, and financially manageable.

The partnership integrates financing and vehicle sourcing into a single, seamless solution. Customers can directly import vehicles through World Navi while accessing structured asset financing from Absa Bank, simplifying what has traditionally been a complex and fragmented process.

“A growing number of Kenyans are opting to import vehicles directly from Japan due to the availability of high-quality units, competitive pricing, and a wider range of models. However, the process has traditionally been complex, often involving high upfront costs, fluctuating shipping expenses, and extended delivery timelines,” said Renato D’souza, Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director, during the signing ceremony in Nairobi.

“Through this partnership, we are seeking to address these challenges by offering an integrated solution that combines trusted vehicle sourcing with tailored financing support,” he added.

Customers will be able to access import financing that covers key upfront costs, including vehicle purchase and shipping expenses. This allows them to preserve working capital and better manage cash flow while still acquiring the vehicles they need. Additionally, customers will benefit from access to reputable, quality‑checked vehicles through a trusted partner and enjoy a smoother, guided process from Japan to Kenya.

On his part, World Navi Co. Ltd Managing Director Yoshifumi Sawada, said: “This partnership with Absa Bank Kenya represents a defining step for World Navi as we bring together our global vehicle sourcing expertise with Absa’s strong asset financing capabilities to deliver a seamless, trusted, and customer-centric importation experience. It not only expands access to high-quality vehicles for individuals, SMEs, and corporates, but also sets a new standard for industry by integrating financing and supply into one streamlined solution that prioritizes reliability, transparency, and value. Together, we are making the importation journey simpler, faster, and more predictable for Kenyan customers."

By leveraging World Navi’s expertise as a reputable global exporter, customers are assured of vehicles that meet international standards. The streamlined process is also expected to significantly reduce turnaround times, enabling faster delivery compared to traditional import channels.

Absa’s Asset-Based Finance (ABF) offers attractive financing options, including:

Up to 95% financing on general motor vehicle units.

90% financing on Chinese/Indian models.

100% loan-to-value (LTV) financing for personal units valued below KES 6 million, payable over up to 72 months.

Financing limits of up to KES 10 million for school buses.

Customers will also benefit from bundled insurance with Insurance Premium Financing (IPF) at no facility fees, alongside access to an additional 10% working capital facility to support their businesses.

In addition, the partnership offers a safe and reliable importation process, backed by rigorous quality assurance through physical inspections by Japanese engineers, certified genuine mileage, and guaranteed accident-free vehicles, as well as a 90-day warranty on engine and transmission. Customers will also enjoy faster delivery through priority shipping, seamless end-to-end handling from purchase to delivery, and dedicated local support in Nairobi and Mombasa for clearing, logistics, and vehicle handover. Altogether, the offering delivers a premium, customer-centric experience, with VVIP handling of transactions, pre-shipment service, and added value benefits such as a full tank of fuel on delivery.

This partnership reinforces Absa Bank Kenya’s position as a leading provider of asset-based financing solutions in the region. By integrating financing with trusted global supply partners, the bank continues to deliver holistic solutions that address real customer needs.

As demand for direct vehicle importation grows in Kenya, this collaboration marks a significant step toward making the process more efficient, predictable, and customer friendly.

JUBILEE LIFE INSURANCE UNVEILS ‘FAIDA ELIMU INSURANCE PLAN’ IN RENEWED EFFORT TO ADDRESS EDUCATION FINANCING GAPS

 In a move to address the escalating financial pressures on Kenyan households, Jubilee Life Insurance has officially launched Faida Elimu Insurance Plan, a transformative education protection and investment solution designed to ensure that a child’s academic journey

remains uninterrupted, regardless of life’s uncertainties.

While education is often hailed as a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, the reality for many Kenyan families is increasingly defined by education uncertainties and uneasiness.

According to Kenya’s Inequality Crisis Report by Oxfam, approximately 36% of Kenya’s population is under the age of 15, with over 14 million pupils currently enrolled in primary and secondary schools. However, significant financial barriers persist, with households spending up to 14% of their income on school fees alone.

Faida Elimu Insurance Plan strengthens the Vision 2030 Goal by the Kenyan Government to achieve basic education supported by the state’s primary mandate to ensuring successful transition through the education system by enforcing policies that prevent learning disruptions by empowering parents to proactively secure their children's transition to the next education level, thereby supporting national human capital development.

Faida Elimu Insurance Plan moves beyond traditional insurance by functioning as a high-yield, investment-linked policy that mandates a long-term savings discipline. It is engineered to provide a financial safety net against school fee shocks, the sudden disruptions caused by loss of income or family tragedy that often force children out of school.

Asman Mugambi CEO and Principal Officer at Jubilee Life Insurance Company Limited said, “As a company, we are called to think beyond products and intentionally design practical solutions that relieve both the psychological and financial burdens among Kenyan families. Every parent wants their child to go further than they ever did, without anything limiting that dream. Predictability and dignity ensure that a child’s education journey continues even when life takes unexpected turns.”

Faida Elimu Insurance Plan is designed for accessibility, allowing for monthly contributions starting from as low as KES 5,000 or a one-off deposit of KES 100,000 with a top option. It integrates an investment-linked with Life risk component that offers competitive returns alongside a mandatory Last Expense cover of KES 100,000 and Life cover of up to KES 1M. 

This structure is specifically tailored for Kenyan parents and guardians who are navigating the rising costs of private and specialized education and seek a secure way to plan, save, and protect their children’s academic future.

BEAMS GLOBAL TARGETS EAST AFRICA EXPANSION WITH CLEAN ENERGY, WATER AND EV CHARGING SOLUTIONS

 

BEAMS GLOBAL CEO DURING A MEDIA BRIEF IN NAIROBI 

Beams Global, a California-headquartered clean technology multinational, has announced plans to establish its African headquarters in Kenya as part of an aggressive push into East Africa’s renewable energy and mobility markets.

Speaking in Nairobi during his East Africa tour, Beams Global CEO Desmond Whealley said the company is eyeing Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda to roll out off-grid solar solutions aimed at improving energy access, mobility, water security, and public infrastructure.

“We see enormous potential in East Africa. Kenya will be our base to serve the region with technology that delivers immediate impact and long-term value for communities,” Whealley told reporters. “Our focus is safe, reliable energy, clean water access, and charging infrastructure for electric mobility.”

Beams Global’s expansion is anchored on four flagship solutions:

- Beam Sport, Off-grid solar-powered community hubs providing lighting, device charging, and Wi-Fi for sports and recreation centers.

- Beam Well: Solar desalination and water purification units designed to deliver clean water without grid connection or high installation costs.

- Beam Mobile: Rapid-deploy solar EV charging stations for motorcycles, tuk-tuks, and electric buses in urban and peri-urban areas.

- Beam Patrol, Solar-powered security and surveillance infrastructure for public spaces, roads, and critical facilities.

Whealley emphasized Beam Well’s role in water-scarce counties. “Our off-grid solar desalination is not expensive to install and offers immediate impact. Communities can access clean water within days, not years.”

During the Nairobi leg of his tour, Whealley held meetings with county officials from Machakos, Kiambu, and Nairobi counties to explore public-private partnerships. The discussions centered on piloting Beam Sport hubs in youth centers, deploying Beam Well units in water-stressed wards, and integrating Beam Mobile chargers into county-level e-mobility programs.

“Counties are the frontline of service delivery. Working directly with them ensures our solutions match real local needs,” Whealley said.

From Kenya, the Beams Global CEO flew to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for talks with energy and infrastructure stakeholders before concluding his tour in Kigali, Rwanda. The company says Rwanda’s national e-mobility strategy and Tanzania’s push for rural electrification align closely with its product suite.

Beams Global has not disclosed investment figures but confirmed that Kenya will host its first African assembly and service center, creating technical jobs and local supply chain opportunities.

The company’s entry comes as East Africa accelerates clean energy adoption, with Kenya’s grid already 93% renewable and regional governments targeting wider EV uptake and universal water access by 2030.