CBK in Nairobi/Photo File

Kenya’s banking sector shows resilience despite tight lending and rising credit risks, CBK 2024, 2025 report

Kenya’s financial sector remained resilient in 2024 and the first half of 2025, even as lending slowed and credit risks increased, according to the latest Financial Sector Stability Report released by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). The sector comprised thirty-eight commercial banks, one mortgage finance institution, and fourteen deposit-taking microfinance banks (MFBs), all under…

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Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and cooperative CS Wycliffe Oparanya check coffee brands during Ushirika Day.Photo Obegi Malack.

Coffee cooperatives reject Government’s direct pay to farmers

The National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU) has rejected a government directive seeking to implement a direct-to-farmer payment model under the Direct Settlement System (DSS), arguing that the policy threatens to dismantle long-standing cooperative structures that manage coffee earnings at pulping-station level. NACCU Chairman Felix Mureithi Mwai said the directive issued on November 2024 by Cabinet…

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FAO Assistant Country Rep. Hamisi Williams handing over KIAMIS to Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe, Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke and KADIC Director Betty Cheroigin and Juma Salim/ Photo Courtesy

Over 7 million farmers to benefit as Gov’t acquires digital agriculture system

Over 7 million farmers are set to benefit from a pivotal digital transformation in the agriculture sector after the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and development partners handed over the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS) to the Ministry of Agriculture. The handover witnessed during the ongoing Intergovernmental Forum on Agriculture in Naivasha was…

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Sugar Factory/Photo Courtesy

Cane farmers oppose proposals to exempt manufacturers, importers from 4% levy

Sugar cane farmers in the country have vehemently opposed proposals to exempt exporters and manufacturers importing white refined industrial sugar from paying the four per cent Sugar Development Levy. Sugar Campaign for Change (Sucam), coordinator Michael Arum said in a statement that farmers described the proposal by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) as “misguided, legally unfounded,…

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Agriculture and Livestock Development CS Mutahi Kagwe with senior officials from the General Administration of China Customs. Photo Courtesy

Kenya seeks zero-duty access for agricultural exports to China, calls for quick approvals

Kenya has intensified efforts to secure zero-duty access for its agricultural and livestock products in the Chinese market, with Cabinet Secretary Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe urging senior officials from the General Administration of China Customs (GACC) to fast-track long-pending approvals. In a high-level meeting held in Nairobi, Kagwe engaged a delegation led by…

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KCB group CEO Paul Russo. Photo Courtesy

KCB Group posts Ksh47.3 billion profit for nine months ending September 2025

KCB Group PLC has reported a profit after tax of Ksh47.3 billion for the nine months ending September 2025, a 3.5% increase from Ksh45.7 billion in the same period last year. The Group’s strong performance was driven by higher income across business lines and effective cost management, despite challenges in its markets. KCB’s balance sheet…

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SACCO stakeholders during International Cooperative Day Celebrations at KICC. Photo by Obegi Malack

SACCOs face challenges in partnering with housing cooperatives amid regulatory restrictions

The Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA), in partnership with the Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) and FSD Kenya comprehensive market study on the role of SACCOs in affordable housing finance has revealed that many Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) are increasingly separating their operations from affiliated housing cooperatives. This shift is largely in response…

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3rd Co-operative Movement Stakeholders’ Annual Conference and the 8th The Co-operative University of Kenya Annual Scientific Conference 2025 kicks off at Sawela Lodge, Naivasha. Photo Courtesy

SACCO usage rises from 9.6% in 2021 to 11.7% in 2024, FinAccess Surveys

SACCO membership and usage in Kenya continue to grow, with the latest 2024 FinAccess Household Survey (SACCO Sub-Sector Report) showing an increase from 9.6 percent in 2021 to 11.7 percent in 2024. The growth is attributed to more households joining SACCOs that offered relatively affordable loans during the high-interest-rate period. The FinAccess Surveys also highlighted…

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CS National Treasury and Economic Planning John Mbadi Ng’ongo during presentation of Ksh 4.2 trillion spending plan for the 2025 26 financial year/Photo Courtesy

Global economic slowdown, rising trade tensions pose risks to financial stability, CBK Report

The global economy is expected to slow in 2025, expanding between 2.8% and 3.0%, down from 3.3% in 2024, according to the Central Bank of Kenya’s Financial Sector Stability Report. The projected deceleration comes despite inflation returning to target levels, with the CBK citing escalating trade tensions, protectionist policies, and heightened policy uncertainty as key…

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SASRA Acting Chief Executive Officer, David Sandagi,
SASRA Chief Executive Officer, David Sandagi speaking during the Cooperatyive s forum in Naivasha/Photo Courtesy

SASRA CEO underscores key sector reforms at Cooperative Stakeholders’ Forum

The Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) Chief Executive Officer, David Sandagi, has outlined major reforms aimed at strengthening Kenya’s cooperative sector during a high-level panel discussion at the 4th Annual Cooperative Movement Stakeholders’ Forum held at Lake Naivasha Resort. The forum, themed “Shaping the Future of Co-operatives: Leadership, Innovation and Sustainable Growth,” brought together cooperative…

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