
CS Kagwe warns farmer Co‑ops against unsustainable borrowing as government tightens accountability
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe has cautioned farmer co‑operative societies against the growing habit of borrowing loans without clear repayment plans, warning that the government will no longer continue writing off debts that fail to benefit farmers. Speaking during a sector forum, Kagwe said stricter accountability measures have been put in place across agricultural…

Women-led enterprises driving innovation and economic growth across Kenya
Women are increasingly taking the reins of entrepreneurship, driving innovation and economic growth in the country. Globally, according to the World Bank, one-third of businesses worldwide have a woman among their principal owners. This number is steadily rising, with the number of startups with female founders doubling globally. Studies also suggest that women-led businesses are…

Macadamia farmers trapped between brokers and processors as Kagwe steps in
Macadamia farmers in Kenya may finally get relief from exploitative brokers after Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe issued a tough ultimatum to processors, warning that failure to pay fair prices will force the government to reopen raw in-shell exports. Speaking in Nyeri on Thursday, April 23, Kagwe said processors must buy all locally produced…

Government sets new minimum sugarcane price at Ksh5,500 per tonne
The government has announced a new minimum price of KSh5,500 per tonne for sugarcane, a move aimed at balancing the interests of farmers and millers while responding to changing market conditions in the country’s sugar industry. In a directive dated April 24, 2026, the Kenya Sugar Board instructed all licensed millers to adopt the new…

Co-op Bank plans shift to holding company, eyes regional expansion
Co-operative Bank of Kenya has announced plans to restructure into a non-operating holding company, a move that will separate its core banking operations from the broader group and position the lender for regional expansion. The development carries direct implications for Kenya’s 15 million member cooperative movement, which controls the bank through Co-op Holdings Co-operative Society…

MESPT launches Ksh 7.2 billion plan to boost financing for farmers, MSMEs by 2030
The Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) officially launched its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, bringing together key stakeholders committed to transforming Kenya’s agricultural and micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) landscape, as the organisation moves to address deepening gaps in credit access, market linkages and climate resilience. The plan was unveiled at a stakeholder forum in…

MSEA, SNV roll out fifth phase of MSME policy awareness forums across three counties
The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), in partnership with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, has launched the fifth phase of business awareness forums aimed at strengthening policy uptake and improving access to support services among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Kenya. The latest phase builds on four previous engagements and targets a more…

IRA warns public against unlicensed operators
The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) has cautioned members of the public against seeking insurance-related services from unlicensed operators. Speaking during the conclusion of the four-day grassroots engagement forum dubbed Bima Mashinani at the Kisii Agricultural Training Centre, IRA Corporate Communications and Public Relations Officer Evans Kibagendi noted the existence of illegal entities posing as insurance…

PS Kilemi warns SACCOS against risky investments outside regulatory framework
Cooperatives Principal Secretary (PS) Patrick Kilemi has warned Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) against venturing into unregulated investments, urging stronger governance structures and tighter internal controls to protect member funds. Speaking at the 1st Regulatory Policy and Legal Roundtables for NWDT SACCOs, PS Kilemi said the growing appetite for investments outside the regulatory framework…

94 farmer groups in Siaya benefit as county delivers quality breed dairy cattle
94 farmer groups in North Gem, Siaya County have received a major boost following the distribution of high quality Friesian, Holstein, and Ayrshire dairy cattle. According to Siaya County Governor James Orengo, the Ksh 12 million investment is aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes by introducing superior breeds capable of producing 10–20 litres of milk per…