Kenya’s digital lending space is undergoing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence (AI) transforms traditional credit scoring models. With over 50 digital lenders now using AI-powered algorithms, the rules of borrowing are changing dramatically. But how exactly are these systems making lending decisions, what data are they using, and crucially – are they fair to…
Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) prepares to unveil a new loan pricing model in April 2025. This highly anticipated move comes amid growing concerns about high borrowing costs and lack of transparency in how banks determine interest rates. But what exactly will this new model entail, and how will it affect millions of Kenyan borrowers?…
In today’s fast-paced financial landscape, two powerful models have emerged as game-changers for underserved populations: microfinance and digital banking. Both aim to bring financial services to those excluded from traditional banking systems, but they do so in fundamentally different ways. As technology advances and the demand for inclusive financial solutions grows, the question arises: What…
Nairobi Kenya: The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has set an ambitious target to bring in 9 million retail investors over the next five years. The plan, launched in early 2024, seeks to revive activity in the stock market by making investments more accessible to ordinary Kenyans and the diaspora. Currently, out of the 1.5 million…
Nairobi Kenya: A total of 23 commercial banks in Kenya have lowered their lending rates following successive interest rate cuts by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). The move is expected to make borrowing more affordable and stimulate economic activity across various sectors. According to data released in December, the average lending rate declined to…
Mobile money, a cornerstone of Kenya’s financial landscape, has seen a sharp decline in transactions, dropping by 14.5%. This marks a significant shift in a sector that has long been heralded as a driver of financial inclusion and economic growth. The downturn, coupled with government plans to trace transactions, signals both challenges and opportunities for…
Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Group, East Africa’s banking giant, has announced a net profit of KSh 45.8 billion for the first nine months of 2024, reflecting a 21.4% year-on-year increase. This growth comes amid economic headwinds, highlighting the resilience of KCB’s diversified business model and its strategic focus on digital transformation and regional…
Zanzibar has taken a bold step in technology by launching a National Blockchain Network Sandbox. This initiative aims to position the island as a hub for global innovation, fostering collaboration among innovators, corporates, and governments worldwide. The project is set to revolutionize how blockchain technology is utilized across various sectors, cementing Zanzibar’s place on the…
