The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) plans to increase the minimum capital requirement for banks from KSh 1 billion to KSh 10 billion. This aims to strengthen the resilience of the banking sector and encourage mergers and acquisitions. Banks will have three years to meet the new requirement. The change is intended to fortify the…
The Capital Markets Authority of Kenya (CMA Kenya) has recently welcomed Infiniti n Beyond Limited into its Regulatory Sandbox to trial OwnMali, a pioneering blockchain-powered real estate tokenization platform. This move marks a significant step in integrating blockchain technology into the Kenyan real estate sector. What is OwnMali? OwnMali aims to democratize property ownership by…
Old Mutual Kenya has partnered with Absa Bank Kenya to launch Linda Biz, a comprehensive insurance product designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This product aims to mitigate various risks that SMEs face, enhancing their sustainability and growth potential. Core Features of Linda Biz Linda Biz offers a range of insurance covers, including:…
Amsons Industries, part of Tanzanian Amsons Group, plans to delist Bamburi Cement from the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) after securing at least 75% acceptance for its KShs 23.59 billion buyout offer. This offer values Bamburi Cement at KShs 65 per share, a 44% premium from its June 9th closing price. Holcim, Bamburi’s majority shareholder, supports…
Kenya’s microfinance banks (MFBs) are grappling with substantial financial setbacks, recording a loss of KSh 2.4 billion before tax by December 2023, a sharp increase from KSh 980 million in the previous year. This rise in losses signals serious difficulties in the sector, influenced by several critical factors. Key Factors Behind the Losses Major Contributors…
Moody’s Downgrade: A Wake-Up Call for Kenya Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Kenya’s credit rating from B3 to Caa1 after the Finance Bill 2024 failed to pass. This bill aimed to increase government revenue but was abandoned due to public opposition and concerns about its economic impact. As a result, Kenya’s fiscal deficit is projected to…
The Mobile Revolution Kenya, with over 32 million smartphones in use, is undergoing a financial transformation. Mobile money platforms like M-Pesa have revolutionized transactions, allowing many Kenyans to save, send, and receive payments without traditional banking. This change has been pivotal for 44% of the population previously excluded from formal banking services. Now, a new…
Africhange, a Nigerian fintech company, has launched its operations in the UK. The company aims to meet the growing demand for convenient remittance services between the UK and Nigeria. This expansion marks a significant step for Africhange as it seeks to provide a seamless and cost-effective platform for money transfers across various regions. Global Reach…
