Kenya loses Sh20.4bn as GMO approvals stall
Regulatory delays have kept three improved crop varieties out of Kenyan farms. Researchers warn that restrictions are raising production costs and weakening agricultural competitiveness. Kenya risks falling behind as more African countries embrace genetically modified crops. Kenya has lost an estimated Ksh 20.4 billion over five years because regulatory delays have held up the approval…
Kamaki Beekeepers Cooperative representatives and MaCuisine officials during the signing of a honey offtake agreement to provide Kitui honey producers with a reliable market.
Kitui beekeepers sign deal to sell honey to MaCuisine
Kitui beekeepers secure a new commercial market through a partnership with MaCuisine. The agreement aims to protect honey producers from exploitative middlemen and unstable prices. A government donation of 50 beehives is expected to boost local honey production. Beekeepers in Kitui South Sub-County now have a guaranteed buyer for their honey after the Kamaki Beekeepers…
APA Life Chief Executive Officer Eric Wanting speajs during a past forum./ courtesy
Sacco leaders challenged to rethink growth amid rising competition
APA Life and Apollo Asset Management are bringing Sacco leaders together for a strategic growth forum. Rising competition from banks and fintechs is forcing Saccos to rethink their traditional business models. The forum will examine investment diversification, stronger governance and technology-driven growth. Sacco chief executives and board members will gather in Loresho on November 19,…
KRA Board Chairman Ndiritu Muriithi. PHOTO| courtesy
KRA promises easier tax compliance through prefilled returns
KRA is introducing new measures to simplify tax filing and improve taxpayer convenience. Prefilled returns are expected to improve accuracy and ease compliance ahead of the new deadline. The authority is expanding grassroots services as it seeks to bring more registered taxpayers into active compliance. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to…
Staffers of a Sacco in Embu and Kirinyaga County display their marketing materials during a
recent Ushirika International Day. PHOTO| Robert Nyagah
Saccos help rural Kenyans fight poverty, study finds
Rural Saccos are helping low-income Kenyans embrace saving and access credit for investment. Financial literacy is encouraging women’s and self-help groups to build savings and creditworthiness. Researchers are calling for stronger policies, digital services and partnerships to expand rural Saccos. Community based Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) have been described as a key foundation…
Govt releases Sh400m to complete Mwea irrigation project
Government releases Ksh400 million to revive the stalled Mwea irrigation canal project. The expanded scheme targets an additional 10,000 acres, with half already under irrigation. Farmers anticipate reliable water supplies as Kenya seeks to reduce its reliance on imported rice. The government has allocated Ksh 400 million towards the completion of the stalled Mwea Irrigation…
Migori cane farmers demand weighbridges ahead of board polls
Migori sugarcane farmers have outlined key demands ahead of the November 24 board elections. Growers want mobile weighbridges to improve transparency in cane deliveries and payments. Import controls and faster harvesting are among the priorities facing incoming farmer representatives. Sugarcane farmers in Migori County have told National Sugar Board candidates to fix cane weighing, imports…
At least six dead, five rescued as building collapses along Mombasa Road
Six people have died and five others rescued after an eight-storey building collapsed along Mombasa Road. Emergency teams are continuing searches for workers who may still be trapped beneath the rubble. The tragedy comes weeks after another deadly building collapse in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area. Six people have died and five others have been rescued alive…
Charles Hinga, PS State Department for Housing and Urban Development./ courtesy
Affordable housing levy raises Sh200bn amid land row
Kenyans have contributed more than Ksh200 billion to the housing programme. Lawmakers have questioned land ownership records across hundreds of project sites. Housing officials face pressure to address documentation gaps affecting future home ownership. Kenyans have contributed more than Ksh 200 billion to the Affordable Housing Programme, Principal Secretary (PS) Charles Hinga has announced. Hinga,…
Garissa pastoralists buy livestock vaccines at Sh3 a dose
Garissa pastoralists are benefiting from a subsidised livestock vaccination programme targeting remote communities. Private animal health providers have been brought on board to improve vaccine distribution and availability. The initiative combines disease prevention with wider efforts to protect livestock and strengthen pastoralist livelihoods. Pastoralists in Garissa County can now buy livestock vaccines at Ksh 3…
