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….
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…
Tether, the leading stablecoin issuer, has announced a groundbreaking profit of $5.2 billion in the first half of 2024. This milestone highlights Tether’s robust financial strategy and its expanding role in global markets. Key Financial HighlightsIn the second quarter alone, Tether’s net operating profit surged to $1.3 billion, a significant increase from the $1 billion…
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) plans to raise KSh50 billion in August through a tap sale of reopened infrastructure bonds. These bonds, initially issued in 2023, are 6.5-year and 17-year terms with remaining maturities of 5.8 years and 15.7 years, respectively. They offer tax-free returns, with coupon rates of 17.93% for the 6.5-year bond…
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…
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:…
