Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has achieved a global medical milestone after surgeons successfully performed the world’s first facial reconstruction surgery of its kind on a seven-year-old boy who was disfigured in a bandit attack.
The nine-hour operation, conducted on Thursday by a joint team of KNH and University of Nairobi specialists, restored both function and appearance to Ian Baraka, who was shot in the face during an attack at the Isiolo-Meru border in December 2023.
Illustration of the face and the face reconstruction.
KNH Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, praised the surgical team’s “remarkable expertise, dedication, and courage,” saying the breakthrough “demonstrates Kenya’s rising leadership in specialized healthcare and offers hope to patients across Africa and beyond.”
The complex procedure was led by Prof. Symon Gathua, Dr. Margaret Mwasha and Dr. Andrew Okiro, with support from Dr. Branice Munyasa, who ran two marathons to raise funds for Ian’s treatment.
Ian remains in the Intensive Care Unit under close monitoring. KNH said it would provide updates on his recovery while respecting his family’s privacy.
The surgery cements KNH’s role as a continental leader in medical innovation and marks a new chapter in Africa’s contribution to global healthcare.
MultiChoice is facing an exodus of Kenyan households from its pay-TV services, with its flagship platforms DStv and GOtv shedding a combined 1.2 million subscribers in just 12 months, according to fresh data from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
DStv subscriptions stood at just 188,824 by June 2025, a sharp fall from 1.2 million the previous year. GOtv, which had dominated the low-cost digital terrestrial TV segment, tumbled to 314,520 from 2.8 million.
Together, the two accounted for the bulk of a 77 percent contraction in the country’s broadcasting market—the steepest decline on record.
The rout was particularly brutal in the digital terrestrial TV segment, where GOtv competes with StarTimes.
Subscriptions in the category fell 89 percent year-on-year, with StarTimes itself plunging to 492,330 from 1.7 million. Direct-to-home satellite TV, dominated by DStv, also shrank 67 percent.
Only Wananchi Group’s Zuku bucked the trend, growing its cable TV customer base by 20 percent to more than 64,000 subscribers.
Analysts point to runaway pricing as a major trigger. MultiChoice has raised its tariffs five times in three years, pushing DStv Premium—the top bouquet to KES 11,700 ($91) a month, up from KES 7,500 ($58) in 2022.
Many households now find the service unaffordable, especially against the backdrop of high living costs.
“Take away the bars, restaurants, a few offices, and the neighbourhood football shacks, and there’s no one left,” said Paminus Osike, a former DStv customer who abandoned the service earlier this year.
Streaming alternatives are intensifying the pressure. Netflix, whose plans start at just KES 200 ($1.55) for mobile users, has rapidly grown as a go-to option for general entertainment, despite lacking live sports.
Showmax, also owned by MultiChoice charges KES 520 ($4) for its entertainment plan, but the shutdown of Showmax Pro in early 2024 alienated football fans who preferred watching matches on their TV screens rather than on mobile devices.
Piracy adds another headache.
Football matches and premium shows are widely streamed illegally through apps and websites, eroding demand for expensive pay-TV subscriptions.
MultiChoice’s Premier League rights, which expire this year, have also drawn criticism from Kenyan fans who argue that constant renewals merely translate into higher bills with little additional value.
Bars and hotels remain among the last bastions of DStv viewership, but even they are experimenting with cheaper or unauthorised solutions as margins narrow.
The mass customer flight coincides with MultiChoice’s change of control.
French broadcaster Groupe Canal+ recently closed its takeover of the Johannesburg-listed firm, securing 46 percent ownership with more acceptances expected. The merger gives the combined company over 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries.
Kenya’s sharp decline, however, illustrates the daunting task ahead: convincing value-conscious consumers to stay loyal to premium satellite television in a market that is shifting decisively toward streaming, free-to-air programming, and piracy.
Market Watch: What DStv, GOtv Collapse Means for Kenya’s Entertainment Market
Kenya’s broadcasting sector is undergoing a seismic shift as pay-TV loses ground to cheaper and more flexible alternatives. The collapse of DStv and GOtv subscriptions is not merely a MultiChoice problem—it points to structural change in how Kenyans consume entertainment.
The contraction of 77 percent in broadcasting subscriptions within a year highlights the vulnerability of business models built on premium sports rights and expensive bouquet packaging.
Industry insiders note that MultiChoice’s repeated price hikes have accelerated churn at a time when disposable incomes are already under strain.
Streaming platforms, both legal and illegal, are filling the vacuum.
Netflix, Showmax, and a growing universe of pirated apps now cater to households that once depended on set-top boxes.
With mobile data penetration climbing and smartphones becoming cheaper, the shift toward streaming looks irreversible.
The pain is not evenly shared.
Cable operator Zuku is emerging as a niche winner, growing 20 percent in the past year.
Its fixed-broadband customers are increasingly bundling pay-TV into internet subscriptions, offering better value. Analysts say this convergence of internet and entertainment could define the next phase of Kenya’s media market.
For advertisers, the collapse of pay-TV limits mass-audience reach but amplifies the value of free-to-air TV and digital platforms. Meanwhile, the looming expiry of MultiChoice’s Premier League rights could trigger a reset in sports broadcasting, with questions over whether local players or pirate operators will capture disillusioned football fans.
The broader takeaway: Kenya’s entertainment market is moving toward affordability, accessibility, and flexibility. Pay-TV, once a symbol of middle-class aspiration, is fast becoming obsolete.
By the Numbers: Kenya’s Pay-TV Meltdown
The collapse of traditional TV subscriptions has left MultiChoice scrambling to hold on to its Kenyan customers.
Kenya’s pay-TV market shrank sharply between 2024 and 2025, with DStv losing 84% of its subscribers and GOtv 89%. StarTimes dropped 71%, while Zuku was the only provider to record growth, up 20%.
The Kenya Revenue Authority has issued a final reminder to importers that all goods entering the country must be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin effective October 1, marking the end of a three-month transition period that began in July.
The requirement, outlined under Section 44A of the Tax Procedures Act, CAP. 469B, will apply to all consignments imported into Kenya with only a few exceptional cases receiving provisional measures for compliance ease.
The KRA confirmed this directive in a statement released on September 23, giving importers just seven days to ensure full compliance.
What Changes for Importers
The new regulation fundamentally alters Kenya’s import landscape by requiring documentary proof of goods’ country of origin before customs clearance.
KRA said this new requirement is set to change how businesses import goods, aiming to boost transparency and tighten compliance with trade laws.
For shipments lacking a Certificate of Origin, customs authorities will accept alternative documentation including Origin Declarations confirming goods’ source, Export Permits or Licenses from relevant authorities in exporting countries, Customs Export Declarations, or Pre-Export Verification of Conformity certificates issued by Kenya Bureau of Standards-authorized agents.
Exemptions Provide Limited Relief
Several categories of imports remain exempt from the Certificate of Origin requirement. Privileged persons and institutions listed in the Fifth Schedule of the East African Community Customs Management Act 2004 are excluded, as are used goods under the same schedule, including second-hand vehicles.
Personal items such as baggage, personal effects, mailbags, postal parcels, and human remains being repatriated do not require certificates.
Temporary imports under Section 117 of EACCMA and small medical packages with doctor’s prescriptions are also exempt.
Individual parcels meeting weight and value limits under Regulation 119(3) of EACCMA shipped via registered couriers similarly avoid the requirement.
Business Impact and Concerns
From October 1, 2025, all non-compliant goods will be treated as illegal under the new law.
This move will have widespread implications for businesses, especially small-scale importers, clearing agents, logistics firms, and international suppliers dealing with Kenyan clients.
Failure to comply could lead to seizure or forfeiture of the goods, as spelt out in the amended Tax Procedures Act under the Finance Act, 2025.
This enforcement mechanism represents a significant escalation in trade compliance requirements, potentially disrupting supply chains for businesses unprepared for the documentation demands.
The timing presents particular challenges for small and medium enterprises that may lack the resources to navigate complex documentation requirements or may depend on suppliers unfamiliar with Kenya’s specific regulatory demands.
Import-dependent sectors including retail, manufacturing, and construction face potential operational disruptions if their suppliers fail to provide proper documentation.
Revenue Authority’s Assurance
Despite the stringent requirements, KRA has committed to addressing implementation challenges on a case-by-case basis.
The Authority assured importers that any difficulties encountered in meeting the Certificate of Origin requirement would be handled individually while maintaining adherence to existing legal provisions.
This approach suggests recognition of the practical challenges businesses face in obtaining proper documentation, particularly from suppliers in countries with different trade documentation systems or less developed administrative structures.
The Certificate of Origin mandate represents Kenya’s broader strategy to enhance trade transparency and combat illicit trade flows. By requiring verifiable proof of goods’ origin, authorities aim to close loopholes that have historically enabled trade malpractices including undervaluation, misdeclaration, and smuggling.
The policy aligns with regional and international efforts to strengthen customs controls and ensure accurate trade statistics.
However, its success will largely depend on the business community’s ability to adapt to the new requirements and the Authority’s capacity to implement the policy without unduly disrupting legitimate trade.
For businesses, the October 1 deadline marks a critical compliance milestone that could determine their continued access to the Kenyan market.
Those failing to secure proper documentation risk significant financial losses through goods seizure, while compliant importers may benefit from reduced unfair competition from non-compliant traders.
The policy’s ultimate impact on Kenya’s trade flows, business costs, and economic competitiveness will become clearer in the months following implementation, as markets adjust to the new regulatory reality.
Kenyan authorities have approached the International Monetary Fund for fresh financial assistance, with a high-level mission team arriving in Nairobi this week to begin talks on a potential new programme.
The IMF confirmed that a staff team, led by Haimanot Teferra, mission chief for Kenya, will visit Nairobi from September 25 to October 9 to initiate discussions with Kenyan authorities on a possible IMF-supported program.
The mission comes six months after Kenya’s previous arrangement with the Washington-based lender collapsed amid political turmoil and failed conditionalities.
The discussions mark a critical attempt by President William Ruto’s administration to restore relations with international creditors following the termination of the country’s Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility programmes in March.
The Kenyan authorities and IMF staff reached an understanding that the ninth review under the current programmes would not proceed, with the IMF receiving a formal request for a new program from the Kenyan authorities.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Central Bank Governor Kamau Thugge are expected to lead negotiations during the two-week mission.
The talks will coincide with the fund’s annual Article IV consultations, which review member countries’ economic and financial policies.
The collapse of Kenya’s previous IMF arrangement followed deadly anti-government protests last year triggered by controversial tax increases proposed in the Finance Bill 2024.
The Finance Bill had proposed some of the most aggressive tax increments the country had ever seen, sparking protests that rocked Nairobi and several other counties, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 people and injuries of hundreds of others.
The government was forced to abandon the unpopular legislation after protesters stormed parliament in June 2024, though some tax measures were later implemented through parliamentary amendments in December.
Kenya’s exit from the IMF programme cost the country Sh110 billion in financing from the final tranche of the three-year arrangement.
The previous deal, worth approximately $3.9 billion, was designed to provide medium-term financial assistance as Kenya grappled with balance of payments problems and structural economic weaknesses.
However, the prospects for securing new IMF funding face significant constraints.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi
Kenya has already accessed nearly all of its quota or share of IMF resources, with a maximum of Sh64.8 billion available based on cumulative access limits through March 2025.
Treasury data reveals that Kenya has not projected any new IMF funding in its financial planning up to at least June 2030, reflecting official caution about the programme’s feasibility.
Mbadi has previously emphasised that the IMF should not be viewed as a primary source of external financing, noting that the fund’s main role is balance of payments support rather than budget financing.
“I want Kenyans to understand that the IMF’s primary responsibility is not to fund the budget of member countries and is instead for balance of payments support,” Mbadi said in an earlier interview.
“Going forward, we are trying to minimise our focus on the IMF, but it doesn’t mean that we are stopping our engagements.”
The mission to Nairobi underscores Kenya’s continued struggles with fiscal pressures and debt sustainability concerns. The East African nation faces mounting external debt obligations and revenue collection challenges that have strained government finances since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms Teferra, the IMF mission chief, said: “The IMF remains committed to supporting Kenya in its efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability, safeguard debt sustainability, strengthen governance, and promote inclusive and sustainable growth for the benefit of the Kenyan people.”
The talks represent a delicate balancing act for the Ruto administration, which must demonstrate fiscal discipline to international creditors while managing domestic political pressures from citizens already burdened by high living costs and unemployment.
Kenya’s return to IMF negotiations signals the government’s recognition that international support remains crucial for economic stability, despite the political costs associated with fund-sponsored reforms.
The outcome of the discussions will likely influence Kenya’s broader relationship with multilateral lenders and its ability to access external financing in the coming years.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the government’s decision to cancel the Sh337 billion High Grand Falls dam project, dismissing claims that taxpayers could lose billions of shillings from the termination.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mbadi assured Kenyans that no financial liability exists for the government following the cancellation of the mega infrastructure project that was set to be built along the Tana River by UK firm GBM Limited.
“Under the Public Private Partnerships framework, no obligation arises until a binding PPP Project Agreement approved by the PPP Committee is signed by project parties. We wish to confirm that no project agreement was signed for this project, and therefore no such liability exists for the government,” Mbadi stated in a press release.
The Treasury disclosed that the government approved termination of the project in the first week of July 2025, citing failure to meet key requirements in the Project Development Report submitted by the consortium.
The High Grand Falls project, originally conceived in the 1950s, was expected to generate 500 megawatts of hydropower, later scalable to 1,000MW, while providing over 5.6 billion cubic metres of water for irrigation across 400,000 acres in Kitui, Tharaka-Nithi and Embu counties.
GBM Limited, in partnership with Power China and Portuguese firm RCP Irrigation, was to own and operate the facility for 30 years before handing it over to the Kenyan government. The project promised cheap electricity at $0.08 per kilowatt hour and water at $0.04 per cubic metre.
Mbadi dismissed allegations that the PPP Committee acted under foreign influence, describing the committee as “an independent statutory body with fiduciary responsibility in the conduct of its business.” He noted that the GBM consortium’s proposal underwent evaluation and was accorded opportunities for clarifications before the final decision.
The Cabinet Secretary revealed that the project structure had changed from what was initially granted preliminary approval by the PPP Committee, particularly following the exit of ERG International as a partner. He also clarified that while GBM had participated in an earlier tender process under the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act in 2017, the current termination relates to a fresh application submitted under the PPP framework in January 2023.
“The news pieces give the misleading impression that the present termination was pursuant to a competitive process that GBM won. The tender process under the PPAD Act was duly terminated by the courts, following which GBM instituted another separate independent application under the PPP regime,” Mbadi explained.
The Treasury has indicated that the National Irrigation Authority, as the contracting authority, may subject the project to an open competitive tender under Section 46 of the PPP Act 2021, potentially reviving the ambitious infrastructure development.
Despite the setback, Mbadi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering viable infrastructure projects while maintaining transparency and accountability standards in all procurement processes.
The cancellation deals a significant blow to Kenya’s efforts to boost hydropower generation, particularly as locally-generated hydro remains the cheapest electricity source at an average of Sh3.83 per kilowatt-hour compared to geothermal at Sh10.28 per kWh.
Nairobi, Sept 24 – Global payments firm PayPal has announced a $100 million investment to accelerate digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa, a move expected to open up fresh opportunities for Kenyan fintechs and startups eyeing regional and global markets.
The funds, to be deployed through PayPal Ventures, acquisitions, and technology rollouts, will support entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to scale, expand their reach, and tap into the growing digital economy.
“The Middle East and Africa are home to some of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving businesses in the world,” said Alex Chriss, PayPal’s President and CEO. “By dedicating a $100 million investment to this region, we’re backing the technologies and partnerships that will help entrepreneurs expand beyond borders and unlock new growth opportunities.”
Kenya is seen as a strategic market in PayPal’s Africa play, given its reputation as the cradle of mobile money through M-Pesa, and the country’s thriving startup scene that has attracted record venture capital inflows in recent years. PayPal already partners with Safaricom, allowing Kenyans to transfer funds between M-Pesa and PayPal accounts, a service widely used by freelancers, SMEs, and exporters.
Otto Williams, PayPal’s Senior Vice President and Regional Head for the Middle East and Africa, said the investment would strengthen connections between local businesses and the global marketplace. “We’re focused on expanding our footprint in the region and ensuring millions of consumers and businesses can access more of the digital services they need to thrive,” he said.
Industry watchers believe Kenyan startups in e-commerce, logistics, and fintech could benefit the most from PayPal’s funding push, especially as competition heats up with rival global players and deep-pocketed Gulf investors betting big on the continent’s digital future.
The announcement builds on PayPal’s existing regional investments, including in Paymob (Egypt), Tabby (UAE), and Stitch (South Africa). With the new commitment, Kenyan innovators may soon find themselves in line for PayPal-backed growth capital and global expansion opportunities.
Kenyans will enjoy free access to all Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)-managed national parks and reserves on September 27, 2025, as part of celebrations to mark World Tourism Day.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua announced that the government had waived park entry fees for all citizens and residents to encourage domestic tourism and give Kenyans a chance to experience the country’s rich biodiversity without financial barriers.
“This is a day to celebrate our heritage and to give Kenyans an opportunity to explore the beauty of our land. Tourism is not only about foreign visitors; it is about our people connecting with nature, wildlife, and culture,” said Dr. Mutua.
The initiative is expected to boost visitor numbers in iconic destinations such as the Nairobi National Park, Amboseli, Maasai Mara, Tsavo, and the marine parks along the Coast. Families, students, and local communities have been urged to take advantage of the offer.
According to KWS, the waiver applies to all KWS-managed facilities across the country, including national parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and marine parks. Visitors will only need to cover personal expenses such as transport, accommodation, and meals.
Here is the full list of KWS-managed parks and reserves where Kenyans can enjoy free entry on September 27:
Aberdare National Park – Nyeri/Nyandarua
Amboseli National Park – Kajiado
Central Island National Park – Lake Turkana
Chyulu Hills National Park – Kibwezi
Hell’s Gate National Park – Naivasha
Kakamega Forest National Reserve – Kakamega
Kisite Mpunguti National Park & Reserve – Shimoni, Kwale
Kisumu Impala Sanctuary – Kisumu
Kiunga Marine National Reserve – Lamu
Kora National Park – Meru/Tana River
Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary – Elementaita
Lake Nakuru National Park – Nakuru
Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve – Malindi
Malka Mari National Park – Mandera
Marsabit National Park – Marsabit
Meru National Park – Meru/Tharaka Nithi
Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve – Mombasa
Mount Elgon National Park – Bungoma/Trans-Nzoia
Mount Kenya National Park – Nyeri/Nanyuki/Chogoria
Mount Longonot National Park – Mai Mahiu
Mwea National Reserve – Embu
Nairobi Animal Orphanage – Nairobi
Nairobi National Park – Nairobi
Nairobi Safari Walk – Nairobi
Ndere Island National Park – Kisumu
Oldonyo Sabuk National Park – Donyo Sabuk Centre
Ruma National Park – Homa Bay
Saiwa Swamp National Park – Kitale
Shimba Hills National Reserve – Kwale
Sibiloi National Park – Turkana
South Island National Park – Lake Turkana
Tsavo East National Park – Voi
Tsavo West National Park – Mtito Andei
Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve – Watamu
The free-entry day is part of government efforts to make tourism more inclusive and highlight Kenya’s natural heritage as a national pride.
The National Environment Management Authority has issued closure orders to 107 entertainment establishments across the country, with popular Nairobi hotspots Bar Next Door, Kettle House, Quiver Lounge and Habanos Lounge among those facing the axe.
The environmental watchdog issued the establishments with a seven-day ultimatum on Monday, September 22, to comply with licensing requirements or face immediate shutdown over persistent noise pollution complaints.
In a public notice that has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s nightlife industry, NEMA cited an avalanche of public complaints about excessive noise from clubs, lounges, bars and restaurants as the driving force behind the crackdown.
“NEMA has been receiving public noise pollution complaints from the public regarding clubs/lounges, bars and restaurants across the country,” the authority stated in the notice dated September 8.
The directive, issued under Section 101 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, requires the targeted facilities to submit comprehensive documentation including certificates of incorporation, Environmental Impact Assessment licenses, current Environmental Audits, and detailed noise pollution control measures.
Among the high-profile establishments caught in NEMA’s dragnet are some of Nairobi’s most popular entertainment venues.
The list includes Jambo Lounge, Cool Breeze Bar in Ruiru, Havana Lounge along Northern Bypass, Quiver Lounge in Eastlands, Kettle House, Ibiza Club and Paris Club.
Several upmarket hotels have also been flagged, including Clarion Hotel in Westlands and Eclipse Lounge located in Tatu City, Kiambu County.
The crackdown comes barely six months after NEMA ordered the immediate closure of Habanos Lounge along the Northern Bypass in April over persistent noise pollution, signaling the authority’s escalating war against establishments flouting environmental regulations.
The affected businesses have until September 29 to furnish NEMA with the required documentation at the authority’s Nairobi headquarters. Failure to comply will trigger enforcement actions, including permanent closure.
NEMA warned that establishments must provide essential environmental compliance documents or face shutdown, underscoring the seriousness of the directive.
The documentation required includes certificate of incorporation and list of Directors/owners, Environmental Impact Assessment License for the facility, current Environmental Audit, noise pollution control measures in place, and reasons why legal action or closure should not be taken against the facility.
The sweeping action represents one of NEMA’s most comprehensive enforcement drives against the entertainment industry, with establishments spanning from high-end venues to neighborhood bars feeling the heat.
The move follows numerous complaints from the public about loud music from clubs, lounges, bars, and restaurants, particularly those operating in residential areas where nightlife has increasingly encroached.
The timing of the crackdown aligns with Kenya’s preparations for World Cleanup Day 2025, as NEMA intensifies efforts to combat various forms of environmental pollution beyond just waste management.
Business operators now face a race against time to compile and submit the required documentation, with the authority making it clear that no extensions will be granted beyond the September 29 deadline.
The entertainment industry, already grappling with post-pandemic recovery challenges, now faces fresh uncertainty as venue owners scramble to demonstrate compliance with environmental regulations or risk losing their licenses entirely.
Kenya’s aviation sector faces imminent disruption as the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has issued a seven-day strike notice to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), threatening to paralyze operations at the country’s busiest airport from October 1.
The industrial action comes amid explosive claims by union leaders that the government is testing public opinion for a potential revival of the controversial Adani Group deal to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), using former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a conduit.
KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema has accused Odinga of serving as a front for interests seeking to resurrect the multi-billion-dollar airport modernization project that President William Ruto terminated in November last year following corruption allegations against the Indian conglomerate.
“When you hear Raila Odinga talking about Adani, he is testing the waters. He is being used to test the waters. And for a fact, Raila had a share in the Adani deal,” Ndiema declared, responding to Odinga’s Monday criticism of protesters who opposed the original agreement.
The ODM leader had defended the scrapped deal, arguing that Kenya “squandered a massive opportunity to modernise its main airport” and claiming Adani came to invest rather than exploit the country’s resources. However, Ndiema dismissed these assertions, alleging that Adani intended to use JKIA as collateral to secure loans rather than inject fresh capital.
“They were not coming here to invest even a cent. They wanted to use JKIA as collateral to borrow money. If that is the case, the KAA can use that collateral to borrow money directly. Do we need a middleman?” Ndiema questioned.
The union’s strike threat extends beyond the Adani controversy, encompassing six critical demands that paint a picture of systemic dysfunction at KAA. Chief among these is what Ndiema terms a “loss of faith in the KAA Board of Directors,” citing poor governance and systemic inefficiencies that led to questionable decisions including the now-defunct Adani lease arrangement.
The workers are particularly incensed by the proposed transfer of the Ground Flight Safety department from KAA to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, a move they warn could trigger massive job losses and revenue hemorrhaging. Additionally, the union demands confirmation of over 500 contract employees to permanent terms, issuance of substantive appointment letters to promoted staff, and settlement of six months’ overtime dues for Wilson Airport personnel.
Perhaps most damaging to staff morale is the alleged “crippling and dismantling” of the Human Resources department, which union officials say has paralyzed staff welfare and stalled collective bargaining processes.
The timing of the strike threat is particularly sensitive, coming as Kenya’s aviation sector seeks to recover from years of operational challenges and as JKIA handles increasing passenger traffic. Any industrial action would likely affect thousands of travelers and could damage Kenya’s reputation as a regional aviation hub.
President Ruto’s dramatic cancellation of the Adani deals in November followed mounting pressure from civil society groups, opposition politicians, and aviation workers who questioned the transparency of the procurement process. The President cited “credible information” about corruption within the Indian conglomerate as justification for the termination.
However, Ndiema’s latest allegations suggest that powerful interests may be maneuvering behind the scenes to revive aspects of the partnership, using Odinga’s recent public statements as a trial balloon to gauge public sentiment.
The union has demanded that Odinga release Adani’s original proposal for public scrutiny, challenging the former premier to demonstrate the supposed benefits of the arrangement he continues to champion.
With the seven-day ultimatum now running, KAA management faces the urgent task of addressing the workers’ grievances or risk a complete shutdown of airport operations. The authority has yet to respond publicly to the strike notice, but the implications for Kenya’s aviation sector and broader economy could be severe if the dispute remains unresolved.
The unfolding crisis exposes deeper governance challenges within Kenya’s aviation sector and raises uncomfortable questions about the transparency of major infrastructure deals, even as the specter of the controversial Adani partnership refuses to disappear from public discourse.
Kenya’s golden generation of athletes from the just-concluded 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo are set to receive substantial financial rewards, with the country’s medallists earning a combined windfall exceeding Sh100 million from both World Athletics and government incentives.
Kenya secured 11 medals to emerge second in the world, delivering one of their most successful campaigns at the biennial championships held at Japan National Stadium from September 13-21.
The prize money structure established by World Athletics ensured that Kenya’s medal winners will receive significant compensation for their outstanding performances.
Individual athletes and relay teams will compete for prize money at the World Athletics Championships, which will be held in Tokyo from September 13th to 21st, 2025. There is a total prize money pot of US$8,498,000.
Individual Payouts
For individual events, each gold medallist earned $70,000 (Sh9.03 million), silver medallists received $35,000 (Sh4.5 million), and bronze medallists took home $22,000 (Sh2.8 million).
The prize structure extended to non-podium finishers, with fourth-placed athletes receiving $16,000 (Sh2.06 million), fifth-place finishers getting $11,000 (Sh1.4 million), and sixth-place finishers earning $7,000 (Sh900,000).
Athletes who finished seventh received $6,000 (Sh774,851), while eighth-place finishers were entitled to $5,000 (Sh645,709).
Kenya’s Medal Harvest
Kenya’s medal collection was spearheaded by the women’s team, which dominated middle and long-distance events.
Beatrice Chebet emerged as the championship’s biggest earner among Kenyan athletes, completing a memorable double when she won the 5,000m gold medal at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday, having earlier claimed the 10,000m title.
The complete list of Kenya’s medal winners includes Peres Jepchirchir, who secured the country’s first gold in the women’s marathon on the second day of competition.
Faith Kipyegon added to Kenya’s tally with gold in the women’s 1,500m, while also claiming silver in the 5,000m.
Faith Cherotich dominated the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, and Lilian Odira capped Kenya’s women’s success with victory in the 800m.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi led from start to finish, winning by just four-hundredths of a second from Djamel Sedjati in a new championship record to claim gold in the men’s 800m final.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi.
Kenya’s silver medallists included Dorcas Ewoi in the women’s 1,500m, while Edmund Serem earned bronze in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, and Reynold Cheruiyot claimed bronze in the men’s 1,500m.
Financial Breakdown
From World Athletics prize money alone, Kenya’s medallists will share Sh78 million. Chebet leads the earnings with Sh18.06 million from her double gold medal performance.
The remaining gold medallists – Jepchirchir, Cherotich, Kipyegon, Odira, and Wanyonyi – will each receive Sh9.03 million.
Silver medallists Kipyegon (for her 5,000m performance) and Ewoi will each take home Sh4.5 million, while bronze medallists Serem and Cheruiyot will receive Sh2.8 million each.
Enhanced Government Rewards
The financial benefits extend beyond World Athletics prize money, with the Kenyan government implementing an enhanced reward scheme announced on September 3.
Under the new structure, gold medallists receive Sh3 million, representing a four-fold increase from the previous Sh750,000.
Silver medallists now earn Sh2 million, up from Sh500,000, while bronze medallists receive Sh1 million, compared to the previous Sh350,000.
This government contribution adds Sh27 million to the athletes’ combined earnings, bringing the total payout to Sh105 million.
Chebet stands to benefit most from the enhanced scheme, potentially earning an additional Sh6 million from the government for her two gold medals, bringing her total earnings to approximately Sh24 million.
Global Prize Distribution
The championships’ substantial prize pool of $8.498 million (Sh1.094 billion) was distributed among medal winners across 49 events.
As per the prize money structure, Jefferson-Wooden will pocket $140,000 for winning the 100m and 200m gold medals, as $70,000 is the reward for each gold medal, while she will make an extra $20,000 for the relay gold, highlighting the lucrative nature of the competition for successful athletes.
Additionally, World Athletics and TDK Corporation offered a special $100,000 (Sh12.9 million) award for any world record performances, though only Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis qualified for this bonus after his world-breaking 6.30m pole vault effort.
Enhanced Daily Allowances
Beyond competition rewards, the government has also improved daily allowances for athletes representing Kenya abroad.
Each team member now receives between $60 (Sh7,800) and $200 (Sh26,000) in daily allowances, while officials earn between $80 and $300 daily.
The enhanced reward structure also extends to other major competitions, with Commonwealth Games gold medallists now receiving Sh2.5 million, up from Sh500,000, silver medallists earning Sh1.5 million compared to the previous Sh300,000, and bronze medallists receiving Sh1 million instead of Sh200,000.
Kenya’s strong performance in Tokyo, finishing second in the global medal standings, demonstrates the country’s continued dominance in middle and long-distance running while highlighting the significant financial benefits that accompany international athletic success.
The substantial payouts represent not only recognition for the athletes’ achievements but also the government’s commitment to incentivising excellence in sports, potentially inspiring the next generation of Kenyan athletes to pursue greatness on the global stage.
Kenya’s Central Bank has revoked the licence of Bonto Kenya Money Transfer Limited, formalising the shutdown of the remittance fintech less than eight months after it began operations.
The Nairobi-based startup, which specialised in foreign exchange and remittance services, ceased processing transactions on August 15 before requesting licence revocation from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).
Governor Kamau Thugge confirmed the revocation took effect September 11, under money remittance regulations.
Bonto’s collapse highlights the mounting pressures facing smaller players in Kenya’s increasingly competitive remittance market, where established banks, mobile money services and global fintech companies are squeezing out newer entrants through lower fees and broader service networks.
Yoann Copreaux, Bonto’s founder and chief executive, attributed the shutdown to collapsing foreign exchange margins, minimal remittance fees, and escalating compliance costs that made profitable scaling “unrealistic.”
“FX margins collapsed, breakeven scale became unrealistic,” Copreaux said in a LinkedIn post announcing the closure. “Existing [money remittance providers] can survive on legacy clients. We were trying to build in the desert.”
The startup explored selling its licence to more than 50 fintech companies and received five offers, but none proved viable once regulatory approval timelines and mounting monthly losses were considered.
Bonto’s demise reflects broader consolidation pressures in Kenya’s $5.77bn remittance market. While inflows hit record levels in 2024, the sector has become increasingly dominated by global players including Western Union, MoneyGram and WorldRemit, which leverage partnerships with local banks and mobile operators to offer faster, cheaper services.
The regulatory framework governing money remittance providers requires a minimum core capital of $50,000 and strict compliance standards, creating high barriers for newer entrants.
As of May 2025, only 29 licensed providers operated in the market, down from previous years.
Kenya’s diaspora remittances remain crucial to the economy, reaching Ksh54bn in June 2025.
However, the combination of narrowing profit margins, intensified competition from mobile money platforms like M-Pesa, and rising operational costs has created a challenging environment for smaller operators.
The Central Bank’s decision to revoke Bonto’s licence underscores regulators’ focus on maintaining market stability while protecting consumers in an increasingly consolidated sector.
Industry observers expect further consolidation as smaller players struggle to compete against better-capitalised incumbents.
For Copreaux and his team, the closure marks the end of a two-year venture that struggled to gain traction in a market where timing and scale have proven decisive factors for survival.
How a young mother from football-mad Migori County rewrote Kenya’s athletics narrative with one stunning race in Tokyo
In the electric atmosphere of Tokyo’s National Stadium on September 21, 2025, as eight of the world’s finest 800-meter runners crouched at the starting line, few would have predicted that the woman positioned at the back of the pack would soon be standing atop the podium with gold around her neck.
But Lilian Odira of Kenya did exactly that, running away with a championship record of 1:54.62 in what marked her world championships debut.
The victory was more than just a personal triumph for the 26-year-old from Migori County.
It was a seismic shift that challenged decades of athletic orthodoxy in Kenya, a country where success in middle-distance running has long been synonymous with athletes from the Rift Valley regions.
Breaking the Mold
Born on April 18, 1999, Lilian Odira hails from Migori County in the larger Nyanza region, an area famous for producing the country’s top footballers rather than world-beating runners.
Her emergence as a world champion represents a fundamental break from the geographical stereotypes that have long defined Kenyan athletics.
“Migori County is synonymous with football,” explains a local sports analyst.
The lakeside region has historically been Kenya’s football heartland, producing numerous national team players and nurturing a culture where young people gravitate toward the beautiful game rather than the track. Odira’s success challenges this narrative entirely.
Her journey to the top has been anything but conventional.
In 2024, she became Kenyan national champion over 800 metres, retaining her title in 2025.
But what makes her story particularly compelling is the path she took to get there—one that included taking time off for maternity leave before returning to compete at the highest level.
A Champion’s Journey
Odira’s athletic breakthrough came relatively recently. Running for the Kenyan Prisons Service, she returned to competitive athletics in 2024 after serving maternity leave, a testament to the balancing act many female athletes face between motherhood and sporting ambitions.
The 2024 season marked her emergence on the international stage.
At the African Games in Accra, Ghana, she finished fourth in the women’s 800m with a time of 2:00.81.
By May 2024, she had claimed her first national title in Nairobi with a time of 2:02.21, before winning the Kenyan Olympic qualifier in June ahead of Mary Moraa with a time of 1:59.27.
Her consistency throughout 2024 earned her selection for the Paris Olympics, where she reached the semifinals—a performance that hinted at greater things to come.
She also claimed silver at the African Championships in Douala, Cameroon, recording 2:00.36.
The Road to Tokyo Gold
The 2025 season saw Odira elevate her game to new heights.
At the 2025 Absa Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, she won the women’s 800m in a personal best of 1:58.31, securing her spot at the Tokyo 2025 World Championships.
The home crowd celebration was a preview of what was to come on the global stage.
But perhaps the most telling preparation came at the Diamond League, where she set a personal best of 1:56.52, finishing runner-up to Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson—the same athlete she would stun months later in Tokyo.
The Race That Changed Everything
In Tokyo, Odira tactically waited at the back before taking down four rivals in the home straight, including Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, in what was described as one of the biggest surprises of the World Athletics Championships.
Her winning time of 1:54.62 was a personal best by nearly two seconds and became the 7th fastest 800m time ever run by a woman.
Lilian Odira during the women’s 800m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The victory was Kenya’s seventh gold medal at the championships, but arguably the most unexpected. Pre-race favorites Hodgkinson and compatriot Mary Moraa were left trailing as Odira perfectly timed her kick to perfection.
## Redefining Regional Athletics
Odira’s triumph extends beyond individual achievement. She has fundamentally altered perceptions about athletic potential across Kenya’s diverse regions. Her success joins a growing narrative of Kenyan athletes breaking traditional geographical barriers in world athletics.
The significance of her victory resonates particularly strongly in Migori County and the broader Nyanza region. For generations, young people in these areas have been channeled toward football, with athletics viewed as the preserve of their Rift Valley cousins. Odira’s world championship gold provides a powerful counter-narrative.
“She has changed the country’s perspective on sports, based on regional stereotypes,” notes a local sports journalist. “Coming from the lakeside parts of the country, a place synonymous with football, she joins the likes of world champions Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet as Kenya’s present icons in athletics.”
At 26, Odira represents a new generation of Kenyan athletes who are expanding the nation’s athletic footprint beyond traditional boundaries.
Her story is particularly inspiring for young women, demonstrating that motherhood need not derail athletic ambitions, and that geographical origins should not determine sporting destinies.
Her success has not gone unnoticed at the highest levels of government, with officials acknowledging the importance of supporting athletes regardless of their regional background.
The victory has sparked conversations about expanding athletics infrastructure and coaching in previously underserved regions.
As Odira returns home with her world championship gold, she carries with her more than just a medal. She represents possibility for countless young athletes in Migori County and beyond who may have never considered athletics as their path to glory.
Her achievement serves as a reminder that talent knows no geographical boundaries, and that the next world champion might emerge from the most unexpected places. In a country where athletics success has long been associated with specific regions, Lilian Odira has proven that champions can come from anywhere—even from the football-loving shores of Lake Victoria.
The girl from Migori who shocked the athletics world has not just won gold; she has opened doors for an entire generation to dream bigger and reach further than ever before. In doing so, she has ensured that her legacy will extend far beyond the 1:54.62 it took her to circle the track twice in Tokyo.
As Kenya celebrates its newest athletics hero, one thing is clear: the map of Kenyan athletics has been redrawn, and Migori County now has its place firmly marked upon it.
Private hospitals across the country have suspended medical services under the Social Health Authority (SHA), forcing patients to dig into their pockets or risk going without treatment.
In a notice issued on Sunday, the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) directed its members to stop offering care on the SHA cover, citing prolonged government delays in settling claims.
“Effective today, all healthcare services (unless otherwise stated) at this facility for Social Health Authority (SHA) beneficiaries will be provided on a cash basis,” the statement read.
RUPHA, which represents hundreds of private hospitals nationwide, defended the drastic move, saying delayed payments had left facilities unable to restock drugs, pay staff, or settle suppliers.
“We regret the inconvenience this may cause, but this action is necessary to ensure that hospitals remain open and staff can continue to serve with the highest standards of care,” the association said.
For patients, the decision has been devastating. At a private hospital in Nairobi’s Eastlands, 52-year-old diabetic patient, Mary Atieno, sat on a bench clutching her SHA card. She had been told to pay Sh2,500 in cash for her routine check-up and medication.
“I don’t have that kind of money right now,” she said, her voice trembling. “This card was supposed to help us poor people. Where will I go now? Public hospitals are already full.”
Nearby, Ali Hussein, a boda boda rider from Kiambu, said he had to borrow Sh5,000 to admit his wife, who was in labor. “If I didn’t have friends to help, what would have happened? They can’t tell you to pay cash at the maternity when your wife is already pushing,” he said angrily.
Doctors warn of “collapse”
Doctors in private hospitals say they are equally frustrated, caught between unpaid bills and desperate patients.
Dr. Esther Mwangi, who runs a 40-bed hospital in Nakuru, told The Informant that she had gone six months without receiving any reimbursement from SHA.
“How do I pay my nurses, or order oxygen, if the government doesn’t release funds?” she asked. “We want to treat patients, but without money, hospitals will collapse. That is the painful truth.”
The SHA, introduced in October 2024 to replace the troubled National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), was meant to guarantee universal health coverage. But critics say the authority has been riddled with inefficiencies, slow claims processing, and lack of transparency.
Unless the government intervenes swiftly, experts warn, millions of Kenyans may be locked out of private care, leaving already overstretched public hospitals to absorb the surge.
For now, patients walking into private hospitals with their SHA cards are being met with a stark message: “no cash, no treatment.”
The Kenya Revenue Authority has intercepted 21,600 undeclared high-end smartphones valued at Sh16.1 million in unpaid taxes at Eldoret International Airport, dealing a significant blow to a sophisticated smuggling operation that has been bleeding the exchequer of millions in revenue.
The seizure, announced on Saturday, was part of a larger consignment that included 5,000 declared smartphones worth Sh6.4 million, alongside shoes, clothes, auto spare parts, household items and electronic accessories.
The cargo arrived aboard a plane that touched down on September 18, following what KRA described as an intelligence-led operation.
According to the tax authority, investigations revealed that the smuggled phones had been deliberately misdeclared or concealed under false categories in a bid to evade customs duties.
The consignment was destined for Pemba Cargo Limited but had been declared by Portyard Limited through consolidated cargo arrangements.
“The declarations of the goods were done either expressly or under consolidated cargo under each category,” KRA stated in its press release, indicating the sophisticated nature of the evasion scheme.
The operation represents a violation of Section 203 of the East Africa Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004, which criminalizes false customs declarations and fraudulent tax evasion.
Offenders face imprisonment for up to three years or fines not exceeding ten thousand dollars upon conviction.
The interception highlights the growing challenge of smartphone smuggling at Kenya’s airports, where high-value electronics are increasingly being trafficked through elaborate schemes designed to circumvent tax obligations.
The undeclared phones represent a significant loss to the government’s revenue collection efforts, particularly as smartphone imports continue to surge with growing digital adoption.
KRA’s Commissioner for Investigations and Enforcement emphasized the authority’s commitment to combating tax evasion, stating that such operations are crucial for boosting compliance and ensuring fair trade practices within the market.
The seizure comes amid heightened efforts by KRA to plug revenue leakages through enhanced surveillance and intelligence gathering.
The authority has been working to strengthen its enforcement capabilities at key entry points, with Eldoret International Airport being a critical focus area given its strategic location and growing cargo volumes.
Industry sources indicate that smartphone smuggling has become increasingly sophisticated, with criminals exploiting loopholes in consolidated cargo arrangements to disguise high-value electronics as lower-taxed household goods or clothing items.
The successful operation demonstrates KRA’s enhanced capacity to detect and intercept such schemes, potentially deterring similar attempts by other smuggling networks.
However, it also underscores the persistent challenges facing Kenya’s customs enforcement, where criminal networks continue to devise new methods to evade taxes on high-value imports.
The authority has indicated that investigations into the matter are ongoing, with officials working to identify all parties involved in the smuggling scheme.
This includes examining the role of clearing agents, cargo handlers and any other facilitators who may have enabled the operation.
The case is expected to serve as a warning to other potential tax evaders, particularly in the rapidly growing electronics import sector where profit margins can make the risks of smuggling appear attractive to criminal networks.
As Kenya continues to digitize its economy and smartphone penetration increases, authorities face the challenge of balancing legitimate trade facilitation with robust enforcement against smuggling and tax evasion in this lucrative sector.
The Kenyan government has unveiled a comprehensive overseas medical treatment scheme under the Social Health Authority that will provide specialized healthcare access abroad while maintaining strict financial controls and quality standards.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced on Saturday that the new framework caps overseas treatment coverage at Sh500,000 per patient, marking a significant shift from previous arrangements under the defunct National Health Insurance Fund.
The announcement represents what officials describe as a milestone in ensuring no Kenyan is denied access to life-saving medical procedures unavailable locally.
The scheme operates under stringent eligibility criteria that require beneficiaries to maintain up-to-date Social Health Insurance contributions.
Access is strictly limited to medical procedures that are not available in Kenyan hospitals, ensuring the program serves as a genuine safety net rather than a preference-based alternative to local healthcare.
Duale emphasized that the framework establishes “a transparent, evidence-based, and accountable system for Kenyans seeking treatment abroad.”
The new process represents a departure from previous arrangements, incorporating robust legal frameworks including the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023, attendant regulations, and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.
Central to the program’s operation is a rigorous approval mechanism managed by the Claims Management Office, which conducts peer reviews to ensure medical necessity and compliance with financial limits.
The system explicitly excludes unproven, experimental, or unconventional therapies, maintaining focus on established medical treatments with demonstrated efficacy.
The Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel has already gazetted an initial list of 36 specialized procedures eligible for overseas treatment.
This preliminary catalog will expand based on ongoing Health Technology Assessments, ensuring the program evolves with medical advances and identified gaps in local healthcare capacity.
Overseas healthcare providers must meet stringent accreditation requirements in their home countries and obtain official recognition from relevant Kenyan regulatory bodies.
A critical requirement mandates that overseas providers maintain partnerships with contracted health facilities in Kenya to ensure continuous follow-up care upon patients’ return, addressing concerns about treatment continuity and long-term patient management.
The Ministry of Health has positioned the scheme as both a safety net and quality assurance measure, stating that “no Kenyan should be denied life-saving care due to local limitations or personal cost.”
The framework aims to complement rather than compete with local healthcare services by integrating overseas care with domestic follow-up protocols.
Officials acknowledge that the Sh500,000 coverage limit may be adjusted as contracts with overseas providers are finalized and rate negotiations conclude.
The ministry has directed the SHA Board of Directors to proceed with empaneling and contracting overseas facilities while preparing public notification of contracted facilities to streamline approval processes.
The new framework addresses previous concerns about unregulated overseas medical tourism and ensures that patients receive treatment from accredited facilities with established quality standards.
By requiring partnerships with Kenyan hospitals, the system maintains continuity of care and supports the national health system’s development through knowledge transfer and capacity building.
This initiative emerges as Kenya continues implementing broader health sector reforms under the Social Health Authority, which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund as part of efforts to achieve universal health coverage.
The overseas treatment component represents a specialized aspect of these reforms, designed to address gaps in local healthcare capacity while maintaining fiscal responsibility and quality assurance.
The scheme’s success will depend largely on effective implementation of the peer review process, timely contracting of quality overseas providers, and seamless coordination between foreign treatment centers and local follow-up facilities.
As the program launches, healthcare stakeholders will monitor its impact on both patient outcomes and the broader goal of strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system.
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya finds itself embroiled in yet another pension dispute as 325 former employees have emerged from the shadows to demand compensation similar to that awarded to their 629 colleagues who successfully sued the lender in a case that dragged through the courts for 16 years.
The fresh claims come just weeks after the Supreme Court affirmed earlier judgments awarding the original group of 629 former workers approximately Sh7 billion in compensation for undervalued pension benefits.
The ruling, which Standard Chartered has accepted and begun processing payments for on September 22, was expected to finally close a contentious chapter in the bank’s history.
However, the emergence of the 325 additional claimants, who refer to themselves as the “Non 629 Former Employees,” threatens to reopen wounds and potentially expose the bank to billions more in liabilities.
These former workers argue they were similarly affected when Standard Chartered changed its pension scheme from a defined benefit to a defined contributory structure in 1999, the same transition that sparked the original lawsuit.
In a letter dated June 5 and addressed to both the bank and its pension scheme administrators, the group presented what they believe is a compelling case for inclusion in the compensation process.
They argued that despite not being part of the original tribunal proceedings, they were “similarly situated as employees of the bank and members of the same schemes during the period in question.”
The crux of their argument centers on fairness and equity.
“The utilisation of pension funds affected all members of the schemes in equal measures,” the group stated, requesting to be included “in the compensation process under the same terms as those granted to the 629 claimants by the Tribunal.”
Standard Chartered’s response, delivered in an August 19 letter, was swift and unambiguous.
The bank rejected the claims outright, stating they “lack any merit in law or fact.”
The lender’s legal team emphasized that the Supreme Court judgment was specific to the parties involved in the original proceedings and could not be extended to cover additional claimants who chose not to participate in the initial case.
The bank’s response carried a stern warning, telling the 325 claimants that “any action brought against the bank or the scheme shall be strenuously defended at your peril in respect to resultant costs.”
This aggressive stance suggests Standard Chartered is determined to prevent what could become an avalanche of similar claims from other former employees.
The timing of these fresh claims is particularly challenging for Standard Chartered, which had just begun to quantify the financial impact of the original judgment.
The bank issued a profit warning on Monday, projecting that its net earnings for 2025 would fall by at least 25 percent due to the pension payouts.
With 2024 net profits standing at Sh20.06 billion, the warning effectively caps 2025 profits at approximately Sh15.05 billion.
Despite the financial hit, Standard Chartered appears well-positioned to handle the original settlement.
By June 2025, the bank’s retained earnings stood at Sh48.4 billion, up from Sh43.7 billion in December 2024, while its liquidity ratio of 64.47 percent remains comfortably above the statutory minimum of 20 percent.
However, if the 325 additional claimants were to succeed in their pursuit, the financial implications could be substantial.
While the exact value of their claims remains unclear, a proportional calculation based on the original settlement could potentially add several billion more to Standard Chartered’s liabilities.
The case highlights the complex legacy issues that can haunt financial institutions decades after corporate restructuring.
The 1999 pension scheme change, initially viewed as a standard corporate reorganization, has now resulted in one of Kenya’s most expensive employment-related legal settlements.
For the 325 former employees, the battle represents more than just financial compensation.
Many of these workers likely believed they had missed their opportunity when they failed to join the original lawsuit, only to watch their former colleagues receive substantial settlements while they were left empty-handed.
The legal landscape surrounding their claims remains uncertain.
While Standard Chartered’s position appears strong given that the Supreme Court judgment was specific to the original parties, employment law experts suggest the claimants might explore alternative legal avenues, potentially arguing that they were denied due process or that the original proceedings should have included all affected parties.
As Standard Chartered prepares to defend against these fresh claims, the case serves as a cautionary tale for other financial institutions about the long-term consequences of pension scheme changes and the importance of ensuring all affected parties are properly consulted and compensated during such transitions.
The outcome of this latest dispute will likely influence how similar cases are handled across Kenya’s banking sector and could set important precedents for corporate pension scheme reforms.
For now, Standard Chartered faces the prospect of another protracted legal battle, even as it works to put the original 16-year saga behind it.
Safaricom PLC has announced that its flagship mobile money platform, M-Pesa, will undergo a scheduled system upgrade on Monday, September 22, 2025, between 12:30 am and 3:30 am.
In a notice to customers, the telco said the three-hour maintenance window is part of ongoing efforts to improve the reliability, security, and performance of M-Pesa services.
“For 18 years, M-Pesa has continued to transform lives across Kenya, connecting you, our customers, to opportunities every day. To support this and meet our promise to offer always-on, safe, secure, and worry-free financial products and services, we will be conducting a scheduled system upgrade,” Safaricom said in a statement.
During the upgrade period, all M-Pesa services, including airtime purchase, will be temporarily unavailable.
The company emphasised that the timing has been carefully chosen to minimise inconvenience and urged customers to plan transactions in advance.
Safaricom also apologised for the disruption and expressed gratitude to customers for their continued trust, noting that such upgrades are necessary to sustain M-Pesa’s role as a backbone of Kenya’s digital economy.
Launched in 2007, M-Pesa now serves over 32.1 million customers in Kenya alone and has been a key driver of financial inclusion, raising access to formal financial services from 26.7% in 2006 to 83.7% in 2021.
The platform generated Sh139.9 billion in revenue in 2024 and continues to expand globally, with a footprint in more than 170 countries and over 70 million active users.
The mobile money service also supports over one million businesses and agents across markets including Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Ghana, and Egypt.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is preparing for a significant healthcare overhaul that will see all 415,000 teachers and their dependents moved from their current medical insurance provider to the newly established Social Health Authority by December 1, 2025.
Acting TSC CEO Evaleen Mitei revealed the ambitious transition plan during her appearance before the National Assembly’s Committee on Education, announcing that teachers will be onboarded to the Public Officers’ Medical Scheme Fund under the Social Health Authority once their current contract with the Minet Kenya-led consortium expires on November 30, 2025.
The announcement represents the culmination of months of behind-the-scenes planning that began in May 2025, involving multiple government agencies working to address the growing dissatisfaction with the current healthcare arrangement.
Teachers across the country have been voicing complaints about service quality under the Minet Kenya cover, calling for a change of provider amid concerns about delays, limited hospital networks, and bureaucratic hurdles.
The transition involves complex logistical and legal considerations, prompting the formation of a technical working group comprising representatives from the National Treasury, the Attorney-General’s office, the National Police Service, and the Social Health Authority.
This multi-agency approach reflects the scale and complexity of moving nearly half a million teachers and their families to a new healthcare system within a matter of months.
Legal Director Calvin Ayuor sought to reassure legislators that the new scheme would maintain the structural benefits teachers currently enjoy while potentially offering improvements.
The SHA has already empaneled hospitals, ensuring teachers will retain the freedom to choose their preferred healthcare facilities.
However, legislators expressed concerns about the tight timeline for developing the transition framework and the practical challenges of onboarding such a large population in just two months.
The current Minet Kenya medical cover operates on a tiered system that aligns benefits with job classifications.
Chief principals enjoy the most comprehensive coverage, including inpatient limits of up to three million shillings, outpatient cover of 450,000 shillings, and substantial maternity and funeral benefits.
Senior secondary school teachers access inpatient cover of 1.3 million shillings, while primary school teachers at entry level receive inpatient coverage of one million shillings with varying outpatient allocations.
Despite these seemingly generous provisions, the Minet arrangement has faced significant criticism.
Some network hospitals have been temporarily suspended following investigations into fraudulent practices, while teachers have complained about delays in pre-authorization processes, mandatory referrals from specific facilities, and inadequate numbers of qualified doctors at empanelled hospitals.
The healthcare transition occurs against the backdrop of broader changes in Kenya’s medical insurance landscape and represents a return to government-managed healthcare for public sector employees.
Prior to 2012, teachers received monthly medical allowances that proved insufficient for actual healthcare costs, leading to the establishment of the current medical insurance scheme for teachers, civil servants, and disciplined forces.
President William Ruto’s recent meeting with teachers’ unions and associations at State House added political weight to the transition, with promises of a more comprehensive medical insurance scheme than the current Minet arrangement.
The President announced the formation of a technical committee involving the TSC, Ministry of Education, teachers’ unions, and head teachers’ associations to review the new scheme’s implementation.
The announcement comes at a crucial time for the teaching profession in Kenya, as educators continue to face various challenges ranging from working conditions to career progression.
The success of this healthcare transition could significantly impact teacher morale and the government’s relationship with education sector stakeholders.
TSC officials emphasized their commitment to stakeholder engagement, with Acting CEO Mitei scheduled to meet with officials from the Kenya National Union of Teachers and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers to discuss the transition details.
The commission has assured teachers that they will not lose any existing benefits under the new arrangement and has submitted cost projections to the National Treasury for budget allocation.
As the November 30 deadline approaches, the education sector watches closely to see whether this ambitious healthcare transition can deliver on its promises of improved medical services for Kenya’s teaching workforce.
The success or failure of this move could have lasting implications for public sector healthcare policy and the government’s credibility in managing large-scale institutional changes.
The TSC’s confidence in completing the framework by the end of September 2025 will be tested against the practical realities of coordinating with multiple government agencies, securing adequate funding, and ensuring seamless service delivery for hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries during the transition period.
Kenya’s government has committed Sh41 billion toward a comprehensive expansion of the Port of Mombasa as cargo volumes surge beyond current infrastructure capacity, positioning the facility to handle projected growth that could see throughput reach 2.4 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units this year.
President William Ruto announced the substantial investment during the launch of a commuter rail service in Mombasa, emphasizing the critical need to align port infrastructure with rapidly expanding cargo demands.
The expansion comes as the port is projected to handle over 2.4 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) this year, up from two million TEUs at the end of 2024.
The ambitious project will involve constructing a new cargo yard at the Mombasa port beginning at year’s end, designed to accommodate the increasing volume of goods flowing through East Africa’s premier maritime gateway.
This development represents a significant scaling up from the total container capacity for both container terminals one and two at the port of Mombasa stands at 2.1 million TEUs currently.
“We need to match cargo capacity and the infrastructure; that is why we shall be investing more in different port projects in the coming years,” President Ruto stated during the announcement, underscoring the government’s recognition that port limitations could constrain regional trade growth.
The expansion initiative has already begun with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) mobilizing to the site to demolish the decommissioned Kipevu Oil Terminal.
This demolition work paves the way for a major infrastructure upgrade, as the old terminal was retired following the completion of Kipevu Oil Terminal 2 approximately two years ago.
The newer facility boasts enhanced capacity to simultaneously handle four vessels, demonstrating the scale of modernization taking place.
Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director William Ruto outlined plans to expand Terminal 19, which will add more than 450 million TEUs of capacity through sea reclamation once the demolition phase concludes.
This expansion represents one of the most significant infrastructure developments at the port in recent years.
Beyond physical expansion, the port authority is collaborating with Container Freight Station owners to modernize their facilities, addressing a capacity bottleneck that has remained static for two decades despite consistent increases in cargo flow.
“Apart from port expansion, we are working with other stakeholders, including CFSs, to expand their facilities to accommodate increasing cargo throughput in the country,” the KPA Managing Director explained.
The port’s performance metrics illustrate the urgency behind these investments.
Last year, Mombasa handled approximately 2.1 million TEUs, with in-transshipment traffic recording 491,666 TEUs—reflecting a remarkable 132.9 percent increase equivalent to 280,593 additional TEUs compared to 2023 figures.
The expansion strategy extends beyond immediate port infrastructure to encompass broader economic development initiatives.
President Ruto revealed that the government has partnered with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to finance various projects surrounding the port, including the strategically important Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone.
This collaboration aims to support trade facilitation and attract trade-related investments to Kenya.
Afreximbank has ratified multiple initiatives designed to advance Kenya’s industrialization and export-led development agenda by funding the Dongo Kundu, Naivasha, and Vipingo Special Economic Zones.
Under these arrangements, Afreximbank will finance the development and execution of industrial parks and special economic zones through its affiliate company, Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms.
These proposed industrial parks are designed to create sustainable environments where export-oriented industries can flourish by leveraging economies of scale, shared infrastructure, and enhanced access to global markets.
The three Special Economic Zones form part of Kenya’s fourth medium-term plan spanning 2023-2027 within the broader Vision 2030 framework, intended to accelerate Kenya’s capacity to export value-added goods both within Africa and globally.
The Sh41 billion allocation comes as part of Kenya Ports Authority’s broader Sh310 billion ports investment program, demonstrating the government’s commitment to maintaining Mombasa’s position as East Africa’s primary trade gateway.
Recent infrastructure investments have already included new gantry cranes worth $31.5 million (Sh4.1 billion) as part of its efforts to strengthen its operations, acquired in 2024.
The expansion project positions Kenya to capitalize on growing regional trade volumes while addressing capacity constraints that could otherwise limit economic growth.
With construction of the new yard scheduled to begin before year-end, the project represents a critical investment in Kenya’s trade infrastructure that will serve the broader East African region’s commercial needs for decades to come.
The timing of this investment aligns with Kenya’s broader infrastructure development initiatives and reflects the government’s strategy to position the country as a regional hub for trade and manufacturing.
As cargo volumes continue their upward trajectory, the Mombasa port expansion will be essential for maintaining Kenya’s competitive advantage in regional maritime trade.
Mombasa residents now have a reason to smile as they navigate the bustling coastal city’s notorious traffic jams.
The newly launched Mombasa Commuter Rail Service, officially commissioned by President William Ruto on Wednesday, promises to revolutionize urban transport by connecting key areas of the city through an efficient and affordable rail network.
The commuter service operates along a strategic route that links Mombasa Terminus at Miritini with the Central Business District’s Mombasa Railway Station, making crucial stops at Changamwe West, Changamwe East, Shimanzi, and Mazeras.
This 13.8-kilometer rehabilitated line, complemented by a 2.8-kilometer link to the Standard Gauge Railway, represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s transport infrastructure development.
Affordable Travel for All
Kenya Railways has set the fare at an remarkably affordable Sh50 for the entire journey, positioning the service as an accessible transport option for residents across different economic backgrounds.
The service operates on a carefully planned schedule designed to maximize convenience for commuters.
Trains departing from Mombasa Terminus run at 4:10 am, 7:20 am, 2:25 pm, 6:25 pm, and 9:00 pm, providing options for early morning commuters, midday travelers, and evening passengers.
Return journeys from Mombasa Railway Station to the Terminus are scheduled at 6:25 am, 12:35 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:20 pm, and 7:55 pm.
Seamless Integration with Long-Distance Services
One of the most impressive aspects of the new commuter service is its strategic integration with the Madaraka Express, Kenya’s flagship long-distance passenger train connecting Nairobi to Mombasa.
The scheduling has been meticulously planned to ensure smooth connections between the two services.
Passengers arriving on the 8:00 am, 3:00 pm, and 10:00 pm Madaraka Express trains from Nairobi can seamlessly transfer to link trains departing Mombasa Railway Station at 6:25 am, 12:35 pm, and 7:20 pm respectively.
Similarly, those traveling to Nairobi can catch connecting services from Mombasa Terminus at 4:10 am, 2:25 pm, and 9:00 pm to meet the 4:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 8:30 pm Madaraka Express departures.
Beating the Traffic Nightmare
Anyone familiar with Mombasa’s traffic situation understands the daily struggle commuters face navigating the city’s congested roads.
During peak hours, what should be a 30-minute journey can easily stretch to over an hour, causing frustration and lost productivity.
The commuter rail service addresses this challenge head-on by providing a reliable alternative that bypasses road traffic entirely.
Kenya Railways has positioned the service as more than just a transport option but as a lifestyle improvement for residents.
The promise of a smooth ride across Mombasa while avoiding traffic snarls represents a significant quality-of-life enhancement for thousands of daily commuters.
Speaking at the launch, he emphasized that the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service is part of an ambitious plan to expand Kenya’s rail network from Naivasha to Malaba through Kisumu and across the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport corridor.
“The Mombasa Commuter Rail Service marks a bold step in transforming transport by linking the city center with the SGR terminus at Miritini and other key stops, easing congestion and offering Kenyans a faster, safer, and more reliable transport system,” the President stated.
This vision positions Kenya as the gateway to Africa, with Mombasa serving as a crucial hub for both domestic and regional connectivity.
The rehabilitation of the line, which closes a historic gap at Kilometer Zero, represents more than infrastructure development; it symbolizes Kenya’s commitment to modernizing its transport sector.
The launch of the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service represents the beginning rather than the end of Kenya’s urban rail ambitions.
Kenya Railways has indicated that this service is part of a broader plan to expand commuter rail transport in major cities across the country, suggesting that residents of other urban centers might soon enjoy similar services.
For Mombasa residents, the immediate benefits are clear: affordable fares, reliable scheduling, traffic avoidance, and seamless connectivity to long-distance travel options.
As the service becomes operational, it will be interesting to observe its impact on traffic patterns, urban development, and the overall quality of life in Kenya’s coastal city.
The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other African cities grappling with similar urban transport challenges, potentially positioning Kenya as a leader in sustainable urban mobility solutions across the continent.
