Gov’t targets threefold boost in bixa production for farmers
Government plans to triple Kenya’s annual bixa production to at least 3,000 tonnes through certified seedlings, extension services, farmer cooperatives and affordable financing. Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe said the initiative will increase farmer incomes, create jobs and strengthen rural economies by expanding the bixa value chain along the Coast. Farmers currently earn about Ksh 152,000…
MPs raise alarm over CBK’s proposed new bank levy
MPs have raised concerns that a proposed Central Bank of Kenya levy on banks could lead to higher banking charges and loan costs for customers. The proposal would replace the current fixed annual fee with a levy of 0.15 per cent of a bank’s gross annual revenue. Lawmakers questioned the levy’s legal basis, penalty provisions…
Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development
Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya speaking during the official opening of the 2026 Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) Hand in Hand Local Private Sector Investment Forum in
Nairobi on Thursday, July 30. Photo/courtesy
Oparanya calls for action on coffee sector reforms
CS Wycliffe Oparanya urged investors and cooperatives to act on coffee sector reforms to revive Kenya’s coffee industry. The government has disbursed over KSh6 billion through the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund to support smallholder farmers. Oparanya said the Cooperative Societies Bill and other reforms will strengthen governance and boost the sector’s recovery. Cooperatives and…
Kisumu hands over Pap Konam Agricultural Training Centre to KSA
Kisumu has completed the Pap Konam Agricultural Training Centre and will hand it over to the Kenya School of Agriculture. The centre will offer training in modern agriculture to boost farmer skills, livestock productivity and incomes. Pap Konam becomes the 10th campus of the Kenya School of Agriculture The County Government of Kisumu has completed…
KRA and KEPSA officials during a high level engagement. Photo/courtesy
KRA promises fair tax system after KEPSA talks
KRA says it is implementing reforms to build a fair, transparent and predictable tax system that supports business growth. Authority plans to integrate iCMS with iTax and cut eligible VAT refund processing times to under 10 minutes. KEPSA urges KRA to speed up tax dispute resolution and expand Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms. The Kenya Revenue…
KRA to link NSSF data with PAYE in new tax push
KRA to match NSSF records with PAYE filings to identify tax defaulters. Treasury says KRA will also use Kenya Power data to improve rental income tax compliance. Plan is part of efforts to boost revenue collection and reduce reliance on borrowing. Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) plans to cross check National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contribution…
Nairobi County approves Ksh 49.27bn budget, boosts MSMEs, co-ops
Nairobi approves Ksh 49.27bn budget with no new taxes or fee hikes. Ksh 190m set aside for MSMEs, alongside funding for markets and local hubs. Infrastructure spending expected to support traders and strengthen Sacco growth. Nairobi County Assembly has passed Ksh 49.27 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, with fresh funding directed at small…
Bura irrigation investors eye more jobs as sugar, rice projects take shape
Investors are expanding sugarcane and rice projects at Bura Irrigation Scheme, creating new jobs. Sukari Industries has begun seed cane development and plans to build a sugar processing factory. Local leaders welcomed the investment, citing jobs and infrastructure development. Investors at Bura Irrigation Scheme in Tana River County are set to expand jobs after securing…
Treasury, state agencies in court over unpaid insurance benefits
The National Treasury, SHA, IRA and other state agencies have been sued over alleged failures to manage public servants’ insurance schemes and settle claims exceeding Ksh20 billion. The petition alleges decades of unpaid death, disability and work injury benefits affecting civil servants, teachers and security officers. The case seeks a court declaration that the government’s…
KRA Customs revenue hits record Ksh 988.8bn in FY2025/26
KRA Customs collected a record Ksh 988.8 billion in FY2025/26, beating its target. Revenue grew 12.4 per cent as stronger compliance and technology boosted collections. KRA is expanding digital customs systems to improve trade and revenue collection. The Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) Customs and Border Control (C&BC) Department has surpassed its target of Ksh 980.794…
