M-Pesa, a leading mobile money service, has signed an agreement with Dahabshiil, a major money transfer firm, to facilitate direct remittances to Ethiopia. This move is set to enhance financial inclusion and ease the money transfer process for Ethiopians living abroad. Convenient RemittancesThe collaboration aims to simplify how the Ethiopian diaspora sends money home, offering…
Surge in Import Traffic Mombasa Port has seen a 6.5% rise in import traffic, reaching 28,445 thousand metric tonnes to mid 2024, up from 26,713 thousand metric tonnes in mid 2023. This surge has prompted key agencies to enhance the pre-arrival clearance process, expediting cargo handling. Pre-arrival Processing The Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Ports Authority,…
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has taken another significant step in regulating the burgeoning digital credit sector. On June 27, 2024, CBK announced the licensing of seven more digital credit providers (DCPs), pushing the total number to 58. This move underscores CBK’s commitment to creating a well-regulated environment that fosters innovation while protecting consumers….
China’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, Neta, has officially entered the Kenyan market. This move marks a significant step in the expansion of Neta’s global footprint and underscores the growing importance of Africa as a market for EVs. The entry of Neta into Kenya is expected to stimulate competition and offer Kenyan consumers more choices in…
Amid political unrest in Kenya, the reliability of traditional internet infrastructure has come under scrutiny. On a recent Tuesday evening, internet speeds were throttled during anti-government protests, leading to public outcry. Kenyans turned to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to maintain their online connectivity. The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) denied any plans for an internet…
The Kenyan shilling has made significant gains against the US dollar this year, appreciating by 17.8% from January to June. This growth reflects a combination of favorable market conditions, increased foreign exchange inflows, and investor confidence. Weekly Performance and Key Drivers In the past week, the shilling strengthened by 1.06%, closing at 128.66 from the…
Value Added Tax (VAT) is a form of indirect tax levied on the consumption of goods and services. It’s a major source of revenue for governments around the world, including Kenya. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of VAT, covering its purpose, how it operates, and its impact on businesses and consumers. Purpose…
How the Integrated Customs Management System Works Customs agencies worldwide face the dual challenge of facilitating trade while ensuring regulatory compliance. To address these challenges, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has implemented the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS), a streamlined and efficient platform designed to integrate various customs processes into a cohesive system. This article…
