Bayer

Bayer Streamlines East African Operations By Partnering with Imperial Distributors

Bayer’s Transformation in East Africa Bayer has completed a major shift in its East African operations, transitioning its Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Health business models. This strategic move, effective May 1, 2024, involves outsourcing critical functions like transportation, warehousing, distribution, and customer support to Imperial Distributors. This allows Bayer’s Kenyan entities to focus on corporate affairs,…

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Sukkuk

The Inauguration of Linzi Sukuk Bond: A New Era for Islamic Finance in East and Central Africa

On July 31, 2024, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) saw a landmark event—the formal listing of the Linzi Sukuk bond. This event, attended by President William Ruto, marked the introduction of the first Islamic and Sharia-compliant financial asset on the bourse. This significant step reflects the commitment to diversifying investment options in Kenya’s financial market….

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Cbk Og Image

Investors Opt for Short-Term Gains as CBK Raises KSh 23 Billion Amid High Interest Rates

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) recently raised KSh 23 billion during its weekly auction, reflecting a cautious stance among investors. Despite high interest rates, there remains a strong demand for short-term securities, particularly the 91-day Treasury bills, which were oversubscribed. This trend highlights the market’s preference for short-term investments as a hedge against long-term…

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Dairy Cow

Proposed Kenya’s New Livestock Bill Imposes Heavy Fines on Unregistered Farmers

The proposed Livestock Bill 2024, introduced by Kikuyu legislator Kimani Ichung’wa, seeks to overhaul the livestock industry in Kenya. The bill mandates the creation of a new Authority responsible for regulating all forms of livestock, including cattle, pigs, poultry, bees, sheep, goats, and camels. Key Provisions of the Bill Implications and Challenges While the bill…

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Bamburi History.jpg

Amsons Group’s Bold KShs 23.59 Billion Bid to Delist Bamburi Cement from NSE

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…

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Cbk Dollar

Kenyan Microfinance Banks Report KSh 2.4 Billion Pre-Tax Loss in 2023 Because of Rising Expenses and Stiff Competition

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…

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Moodys Aaa Afdb

Moody’s Downgrades Kenya’s Credit Rating After Finance Bill 2024 Collapse

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…

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Kenya Mobile Cash Industry

Kenya’s Digital Gold Rush: Unlocking the Financial Markets Potential using Mobile Phones

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…

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