Business & Finance - Sacco Review | The Leading Newspaper for Co-operative Movement in Kenya

Women empowerment eases shylock stress, SEZA chair says

Sacco ReviewAugust 18, 2026August 18, 202603 mins

SEZA Chairman Fred Muteti says women empowerment is reducing reliance on shylocks. He urged women to continue saving through chamas and table banking. The initiative supports women’s access to finance, markets and sustainable livelihoods. As the government continues empowering women through the women economic empowerment initiative, chairman Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) Fred Muteti has…

KDC unveils green financing strategy, banks on co-ops

Sacco ReviewAugust 17, 202606 mins

KDC has launched a green financing strategy, placing co-operatives and Saccos at the centre of climate finance. KDC plans to establish a dedicated green fund offering debt and equity to sustainable businesses. Its SAFER project has financed 41,741 MSMEs through 11 financial institutions, mainly Saccos. Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has launched a new Sustainability and…

SMEs urged to tap Chinese firms for global fashion reach

Sacco ReviewAugust 17, 202606 mins

Kenyan fashion SMEs have been urged to partner with Chinese firms to access global markets, technology and new business opportunities. Nearly 120 companies, including about 100 Chinese and 20 Kenyan firms, participated in the East Africa (Kenya) Fashion Life Show. Buyer supplier matchmaking sessions connected Kenyan businesses with Chinese manufacturers, distributors and investors to promote…

MSME Alliance opposes KRA’s Sh3.2m cargo benchmark

Sacco ReviewAugust 15, 202605 mins

MSME Alliance has opposed KRA’s proposed increase in the consolidated cargo customs benchmark from Ksh2.5 million to Ksh3.2 million. The alliance says the 28 per cent increase would raise import costs, squeeze working capital and threaten the survival of small businesses. It wants KRA to retain the Ksh2.5 million benchmark and consult traders before making…

CMA grants Rubiani Capital new investment platform licence

Sacco ReviewAugust 13, 2026August 13, 202603 mins

CMA has licensed Rubiani Capital as an Intermediary Service Platform Provider to offer digital investment services. The platform connects users to regulated capital markets products while licensed institutions handle execution and asset custody. CMA urged investors to use only licensed and approved capital markets intermediaries. Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has granted an Intermediary Service Platform…

Palm oil project worth Sh15B set for Lamu County

Sacco ReviewAugust 12, 2026August 12, 202603 mins

Lamu is set to host a Ksh15 billion palm oil project backed by CPF Group and Witu Nyongoro Ranch. The project is expected to create jobs and business opportunities in production, processing, logistics and value addition. Palm trees are expected to mature within three to five years, supporting long term economic activity in the region….

KRA customs revenue hits record Ksh92.53bn in July

Sacco ReviewAugust 12, 2026August 12, 202604 mins

KRA Customs collected a record Ksh92.53 billion in July 2026, exceeding the Treasury target by Ksh6.37 billion. Non oil revenue hit a record Ksh61.50 billion, supported by stronger compliance, technology and improved cargo management. The July performance marked a 15.3 per cent increase from Ksh80.29 billion collected in July 2025. Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Customs…

CBK holds benchmark rate at 8.75% for third straight meeting

Sacco ReviewAugust 12, 202603 mins

CBK has retained the benchmark rate at 8.75% for the third consecutive meeting. Inflation stood at 6.5% in July, while the economy grew 5.3% in Q1 2026. The unchanged rate is expected to keep borrowing costs stable for businesses and households. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has retained the Central Bank Rate (CBR) at…

Dangote Lamu refinery to cost Ksh2 trillion as construction starts in October

Sacco ReviewAugust 10, 202603 mins

Dangote plans to invest about Ksh2 trillion in a proposed 700,000 barrel per day oil refinery in Lamu, with construction set to begin in October 2026. The project is expected to take four years to complete and will be financed through 30 percent equity and 70 percent debt. The refinery is expected to strengthen Kenya’s…

Sugar suppliers sue State over Ksh173.6 million lease debt

Sacco ReviewAugust 8, 2026011 mins

Six sugar suppliers have sued the government for Ksh173.58 million they claim is owed after South Nyanza, Chemelil and Muhoroni sugar mills were leased to private investors. The businesses argue their outstanding claims were not addressed during the 30 year leases and want compensation, interest and lost profits. They are asking the High Court to…