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

Gikomba Market transformation to boost safety and SME trade

Sacco ReviewAugust 20, 202605 mins

Gikomba Market is getting three modern blocks to improve safety and trading conditions. Phase One will provide stalls for up to 7,000 traders. The complex will feature a day care centre, ICT hub and fire station. Nairobi’s Gikomba Market is undergoing a major transformation, with three multi-storey blocks rising as the government replaces its congested…

KRA levy hike sparks cargo clearance boycott by small traders

Sacco ReviewAugust 20, 202604 mins

Small traders halt cargo clearance over higher KRA charges Importers warn rising costs could squeeze already thin profit margins Traders threaten nationwide protests if KRA does not review the charges Small-scale importers and micro-enterprises have suspended cargo clearance in protest against increased taxes, levies and administrative charges imposed after the expiry of a relief period…

Chesinendet ESP market nears completion, to boost SMEs

Sacco ReviewAugust 19, 202605 mins

Chesinendet modern market is nearing completion and expected to serve about 5,000 people More than 200 traders will get stalls with cold storage, ICT services and clean water facilities Women traders are set to benefit from safer trading spaces through the new market and Mama Shops initiative. The Chesinendet Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) modern market…

KKCF challenges Kakuma businesses to create more jobs

Sacco ReviewAugust 19, 2026August 19, 202605 mins

Turkana businesses are being urged to turn seed funding into bigger enterprises and more jobs County plans to expand Kakuma Modern Market and upgrade the Kakuma Letea road to boost trade Traders are eyeing wider markets as investment and business support expand in Kakuma Deputy Governor of Turkana County Dr John Erus has challenged beneficiaries…

Global payment firms restrict money transfer services to Kenya

Sacco ReviewAugust 19, 202603 mins

Kenyans relying on international payment platforms face new restrictions on receiving money from abroad Freelancers, remote workers and families could face delays or difficulties accessing overseas payments Kenya’s heightened scrutiny over anti money laundering rules is putting greater focus on customer verification and digital transfers Several international payment platforms have restricted or suspended services for…

Lugari traders sensitised on Kakamega County loan access

Sacco ReviewAugust 19, 202604 mins

Kakamega has set aside Ksh114 million for affordable loans to small businesses in 2026/2027 Market committees will help identify beneficiaries, track repayments and strengthen accountability Traders have been urged to borrow responsibly through registered groups and use approved payment channels Lugari traders have been sensitised on how to access affordable financing from the Kakamega County…

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…