Author: Kang'ethe Njoroge

A recent report has revealed that the ban on second-hand clothing, also known as mitumba, might not enhance Kenya’s textile industry as previously anticipated. The report commissioned by the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAS) on the Second-Hand Clothing Industry in the East Africa Community has cautioned against protectionism towards importing second-hand clothing.…

• East Africa’s largest economy Kenya grappling with about 79 per cent climate change financing gap. 
• The virtual academy will provide access to borderless, flexible, informative training to foster skills, knowledge and collaborations on climate change. 
• Lack of understanding about the effects of climate change has also contributed to the huge climate change financing gap.

Kenya is facing a 79 percent climate change financing gap amidst increasing global warming effects causing havoc in developing countries. The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) Climate Change Programme lead, Dr Joel Oyango, says the situation will turn worse if nothing is done to finance adaptation to climate change effects.

“Kenya is already feeling the effects of climate change. The widespread poverty, recurrent droughts, and floods coupled by inequitable land distribution. Overdependence on rain-fed agriculture and limited coping mechanisms all combine to increase people’s vulnerability to climate change,” Dr Onyango said.

He said many Kenyans …

Airtel Kenya has announced the launch of its fifth-generation network (5G) to take advantage of the increasing adoption of 5G devices. Last month, Airtel Kenya announced its intention to expand its network coverage to meet the growing demand for data services in East Africa. With this move, Airtel Kenya joins Safaricom among the network providers that have introduced 5G in the country.…

• Seven Responsible Care Codes will serve as the framework for the project by Kenyan manufacturers.
• The codes are community awareness and emergency response; employee health and safety; product stewardship; process safety; pollution prevention; distribution; and security.
• Industry lobby KAM says the new strategy will support competitiveness on a worldwide scale.

Industry lobby the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has committed members to promote the safe use of chemicals throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.

The move follow’s a pledge this week by KAM members to continuously improve the manner in which they handle chemicals. The lobby said the commitment will be under a new campaign dubbed the Responsible Care Initiative – Kenya Chapter.

KAM Chief Operating Officer Tobias Alando said through the Chapter, KAM member companies will run open and transparent reporting on how they handle chemicals as per the Responsible Care guiding principles.

“Our mission is to promote and facilitate safe …

• The Engineers Board of Kenya has now registered Zutari Kenya Ltd.
• Zutari has worked on a few projects in Kenya, such as the Two Rivers Mall.
• Zutari received a consultant position with the Kenya Water Security and Climate Resilience Project in 2017.

Consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory firm Zutari, which is headquartered in South Africa has officially entered Kenya after receiving registration as a fully licensed company.

Diplomatic relations between Kenya and South Africa have been growing since the introduction of a mutual visa-free agreement in January 2023. Engagements between Trade ministries from both countries are set to address trade barriers opening up of business opportunities for both countries.

“East Africa has long been identified as a growth area for Zutari, with Kenya at the centre of our expansion initiatives into the region,” says Zutari CEO Teddy Daka.

The advisory firm, which has been involved in a couple of …

Regional insurer Jubilee Holdings Limited has cut dividend payout to shareholders to $6.18 million in 2022 from $6.69 million a year earlier. The declaration follows shareholders’ endorsement of the payment of a dividend of $0.064 per share plus a special dividend of $0.021 per share during the 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM).…

The tightening of monetary policies in the US and Europe has had spillover effects on African markets. The challenging economic landscape has impacted interest rates and led to rising costs of debt servicing. As such, the African development bank has warned that Africa’s external debt could rise to $1.13 trillion this year from $1.1 trillion in 2022.…

• The Kenyan Shilling depreciated against major foreign currencies compared to the corresponding quarter of 2022.
• ICT recorded 8.7 per cent growth, transportation and storage 6.2 per cent, and financial and insurance 5.8 per cent.
• KStatistics agency attributes the growth to a rebound in agriculture, which grew by 5.8 per cent owing to sufficient rainfall.

Kenya’s GDP for the three months’ period to March 31 this year grew by 5.3 per cent compared to 6.2 per cent same period last year. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) attributed the GDP growth a rebound in agricultural activities, which grew by 5.8 per cent owing to sufficient rainfall.

Reduced activity in major economic sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation hampered the pace of  Kenya’s GDP growth – a measure of national economic output adjusted for inflation.

“Most macroeconomic indicators showed upward trajectory during the quarter under review. The performance was evident

• Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry emerge as top destination for huge oil and gas investments. 
• Due to growing energy demand, global investors are turning their attention to projects across the bloc.
• These countries could consider establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZ) or free zones to attract more investments.

The MSGBC region—comprising Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry—is emerging as an increasingly attractive energy investment destination that could see these West African countries earn oil and gas billions.

A chance for the MSGBC energy-producing nations to create their own energy free trade pact and eventually close the region’s energy deficit has been emphasized by recent geopolitics and the related trade restrictions implemented by the US and Europe against Russia.

Approximately 40 per cent of the natural gas and 27 per cent of the oil needs of the EU are met by Russia. The EU has been looking for new …

• From Nairobi, Air France-KLM will serve Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Djibouti, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana markets.
• Kenya has long been acknowledged as the primary business centre of East Africa – Air France-KLM’s Marius van der Ham.
• Kenya is primary business centre of East Africa, boasting a stable and dynamic business environment. The country offers world-class talent, and excellent connectivity across Africa. 

A streamlined organization in terms of product offering, great customer service, world-class talent and airport experience saw Air France-KLM pick Nairobi as its new Africa headquarters.

The move is part of the airline’s strategic plans to bolster its network and enhance services across Africa. From Nairobi, Air France-KLM will serve eight markets, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Djibouti, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana.

Air France-KLM’s regional manager for East and Southern Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria Marius van der Ham said: “We believe there is more potential to be …