ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton alongside Equity GroupmLC CEO James Mwangi during the deal signing. Photo Courtesy
ITC, Equity Group sign deal to boost East Africa’s coffee, leather and creative Sectors
The International Trade Centre (ITC) and Equity Group Holdings PLC have signed a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating growth in East Africa’s coffee, leather and creative industries through enhanced access to finance, trade expertise and global market opportunities. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will initially be rolled out in Kenya before…
President William Ruto with leaders from Garissa, Mandera, and Wajir counties at the Wajir State Lodge during discussions on key development projects for Northern Kenya. Photo Courtesy
Ruto unveils Ksh45 Billion Affordable Housing plan for Northern Kenya
President William Ruto has announced a Ksh45 billion investment in affordable housing projects across Garissa, Mandera, and Wajir counties, describing it as one of the most significant housing investments in Northern Kenya since Independence. In a statement shared on his X account after hosting leaders from the three counties at the Wajir State Lodge, the…
Sugarcane being transported on a tractor. Photo Courtesy
Finance Bill 2026 exempts sugarcane transport from VAT, boosting farmers and transporters
Sugarcane farmers and transporters are set to benefit from a major tax reform under the proposed Finance Bill 2026, which will fully exempt sugarcane transport services from Value Added Tax (VAT). The move aims to reduce operational costs in the sugar industry, a sector that has long faced financial pressures from high transport and production…
agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe speaking during the flagging off of bulk milk coolers for dairy cooperatives at Uhuru Park in Nairobi on May 20, 2026-Photo|Courtesy
Gov’t moves to dispel myths on proposed 0.8pc Tea Levy, assures farmers of protection
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has moved to dispel growing concerns over the proposed tea levy, insisting that farmers will not bear the cost and that all proceeds will be reinvested directly into the industry. Under the draft framework, tea exports will attract a levy of 0.8 per cent of the auction value…
Agriculture Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Paul Ronoh-Photo|File
Government orders bulk purchase of local rice to stabilise market amid import concerns
Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Kipronoh Rono has directed the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) and the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to immediately buy all locally available rice stock from farmers’ stores to stabilise prices and support farmers, as production gaps continue to push Kenya to rely heavily on rice imports. The directive comes…
Members of Parliament during a previous session-Photo|Courtesy
Microfinance Bill seeks tougher oversight and consumer rights in Kenya’s lending sector
The microfinance industry is poised for its most sweeping regulatory overhaul in two decades, with a new Microfinance Bill before the National Assembly proposing tighter oversight, stronger consumer protections and expanded powers for the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Legislators say the reforms are necessary to modernise rules governing microfinance banks, which serve millions of…
Jamii DT Sacco CEO CPA Daniel Achieng' talking during the opening of Jamii DT Sacco's new Office at Mega Plaza, Basement Floor in Kisumu. Photo by Fredrick Odiero
Jamii DT Sacco opens branch in Kisumu in its expansion strategy
Jamii DT Sacco has opened a new branch in Kisumu as part of an expansion strategy aimed at growing membership, increasing lending and strengthening its presence in Western Kenya’s rapidly growing economy. The deposit-taking Sacco launched the branch at Mega Plaza in Kisumu City and said it would offer affordable credit facilities to small businesses,…
MicroSave Consulting Group Managing Director Graham A.N. Wright and Equity Group Managing Director & CEO Dr. James Mwangi during the signing of a partnership agreement between Equity Group and MicroSave Consulting-Photo|Courtesy
Equity Group, MSC partner to boost fish farmers with credit, insurance and digital tools
Fishing communities, aquaculture farmers and traders across Kenya are set to benefit from a new programme designed to expand access to credit, insurance, training and modern technology in the fisheries sector. The initiative, launched through a partnership between Equity Group and MicroSave Consulting (MSC), seeks to tackle long‑standing barriers that have slowed growth in Kenya’s…
Co‑operative Bank named Africa’s SME bank of the year at African Banker Awards
The Co‑operative Bank of Kenya has been recognised as SME Bank of the Year in Africa, underscoring its growing influence as one of the continent’s leading financiers of small and medium‑sized enterprises. The award was presented during the 20th African Banker Awards held on the sidelines of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings in…
I&M Group PLC Regional CEO, Kihara Maina-Photo|Courtesy
I&M Bank partners with Google to train Kenyan SMEs in AI and digital skills
Kenyan small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) are set to benefit from free Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills training through a new partnership between I&M Bank and Google, aimed at boosting competitiveness in an increasingly digital economy. The initiative will equip entrepreneurs with practical knowledge in AI tools, digital marketing, business strategy and leadership development,…
