NAIROBI, KENYA, MAY 26, 2026 – Family Bank Group has reported a 52.6% increase in Profit After Tax to KES 1.6 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, up from KES 1.0 billion recorded during a similar period last year.

The strong performance was driven by sustained growth in interest-earning assets and diversified income streams, supported by a strong balance sheet.

The Total operating income surged by 22.1% to KES 6.0 billion from KES 4.9 billion in the period under review. This was attributed to improved Net interest income which rose by 45.4% to KES 4.7 billion from KES 3.2 billion.

The group Total operating costs increased by 7.6% to KES 3.7 billion, due to continued investment in technology and branch optimization.

Total assets grew by 32.3% to KES 230.2 billion up from KES 174.0 driven by a 12.6% jump in loan book to KES 108.3 billion as the bank continues to deploy Credit to private sector.

Customer deposits expanded 27.1% to KES 168.1 billion demonstrating sustained market confidence and service excellence.

Additionally, Shareholders’ funds surged 42.2% to KES 34.7 billion, backed by recently concluded Private placement which was subscribed by 131% and capital retention as the Bank finalizes preparations for its upcoming listing by introduction on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

“Our first quarter results reflect the resilience of our business model and our commitment to delivering sustainable value to shareholders and customers alike. The continued growth in profitability, assets, and capital strength demonstrates the effectiveness of our long-term strategy as we position the Bank for sustained growth and stability. We remain focused on deepening financial inclusion, accelerating digital transformation, and creating long-term value for all our stakeholders,” said Nancy Njau, Chief Executive Officer, Family Bank.

The group maintained strong capital buffers, reinforcing its financial stability and robust balance sheet structure.

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 20, 2026 – NCBA Group PLC has delivered a robust performance in the first quarter of 2026, posting a profit after tax of KES 6.0 billion, representing a 9.0 percent increase from the KES 5.5 billion recorded in the same period last year, the lender announced today.

The strong earnings come as the Group rolls out a new four-pillar growth strategy, with operating income surging 15 percent year-on-year to KES 20.0 billion. Profit before tax stood at KES 7.4 billion, also up 9.0 percent from 2025.

“The Group delivered strong topline momentum, with operating income increasing by 15 percent year-on-year, reflecting sustained business growth, improved revenue diversification, and continued resilience across core operating segments.”

Operating expenses rose 9.0 percent to KES 9.7 billion, while provisions for credit losses increased sharply by 56 percent to KES 2.5 billion. Gachora attributed the rise to a “prudent approach to credit risk assessment given the heightened volatile operating environment.”

Despite the increased provisions, the Group’s capital position remained robust, with a total capital adequacy ratio of 21.8 percent, well above the regulatory minimum of 14.5 percent. Return on average equity (ROAE) held steady at 18.4 percent.

Customer deposits closed at KES 544 billion, a 10.0 percent increase, while total assets grew 13.0 percent to KES 741 billion.

NCBA Bank Kenya remained the Group’s primary profit driver, with profit before tax jumping 20 percent year-on-year to KES 6.5 billion. Regional operations in Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda delivered a combined PBT of KES 707 million.

Non-banking subsidiaries, NCBA Investment Bank, NCBA Insurance, Leasing, and BancAssurance, collectively reported KES 641 million in PBT. Assets Under Management at NCBA Investment Bank grew to KES 101.5 billion, with wealth customers crossing the 60,000 mark. The insurance arm saw Gross Written Premiums rise to KES 5.0 billion.

NCBA reinforced its position as the region’s undisputed digital lender, with digital loans disbursed reaching KES 391 billion in Q1 2026, a 27 percent increase year-on-year. The Group reported that 98 percent of all transactions are now digital.

The newly launched digitally accessible SME lending product, NCBA BOOSTA (valued at KES 35 million), is expected to accelerate the KES 8.3 billion in MSME lending reported for the quarter.

In asset finance, where NCBA commands a 32 percent market share, the digital vehicle trading platform CarDuka has onboarded close to 7 million users.

The Group also improved service uptime to 99.74 percent, supported by new technology infrastructure investments in cybersecurity, AI-powered onboarding, credit and claims processing, and CRM-driven customer experience. The Digital Channels Net Promoter Score rose to 62.

NCBA deepened its community development commitments in Q1 2026, positively impacting over 200,000 livelihoods. Nearly 200 students received scholarships, and more than 200,000 trees were planted in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service and Uganda’s National Forest Association.

On the green financing front, the Group acted as lead arranger for the KMRC green bond raising KES 3 billion, and served as Trustee and Receiving Bank for the KES 4.8 billion TRIFIC Green REIT. Green financing disbursements totaled KES 190 million.

Inclusive sports sponsorships benefited over 1,900 golfers and 800 cyclists, while creative economy activations empowered more than 600 talented youth.

“Our capital position remained robust… reflecting our continued long-term commitment to delivering value to our shareholders,” Gachora added.

Nairobi, Kenya - The inaugural edition of AI Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya will take place in Nairobi from 19-21 May 2026, positioning the region to secure a significant share of a projected US$16.5 billion continental AI market by 2030.

Organised by inD, the global organiser of GITEX events, in partnership with the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology of the Republic of Kenya and dx⁵, the event aims to amplify Kenya's position as a central node in advancing sovereign, inclusive, and investment-driven AI ecosystems across East Africa.

The thematic agenda centres on architecting East Africa's purpose-built AI systems, with a strong focus on investment, inclusivity, and sovereignty. The programme will explore how AI can transform critical sectors including agriculture, banking and financial services, climate resilience, cybersecurity, data centre infrastructure, ecommerce, education, energy, healthcare, and trade.

The event will unfold across two major venues, beginning with the Inclusive AI Summit at the Sarit Expo Centre on 19 May, followed by the AI Everything Kenya Expo and Conference at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre on 20-21 May.

The opening-day summit will convene high-level stakeholders including government leaders, global institutions, and industry pioneers to define Africa's AI blueprint. Sessions including "Kenya as the Heartbeat of Inclusive AI" and "Digital Sovereignty for the AI Age" will address priorities such as AI governance, talent development, and financing Africa's intelligence economy.

Across days two and three, the event will transition into a large-scale exhibition and applied AI conference, featuring sector-focused forums and interactive sessions. These include deep dives into intelligent food systems, climate AI, cybersecurity, energy and compute access, financial inclusion, and AI-driven public services.

Dedicated roundtables will reinforce East Africa's vision for strategic collaboration, including the AI Cyber Offense and Defense Roundtable led by ISACA, and the AI Readiness Framework led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The event also highlights Africa's growing investment appeal, staging dedicated investor programmes, venture scaling forums, and capital deployment pathway discussions. With Kenya emerging as Africa's top destination for venture capital in 2025, accounting for almost one-third of funding raised across the continent, Nairobi will serve as an influential nexus where capital, talent, and policy frameworks align to stimulate growth across East Africa's emerging digital economies.

Participating organisations include leading technology providers such as Cisco, Fortinet, Mastercard, ASUS, Odoo, and Zoho, alongside regional players including Mitsumi, Redington, MArt, IT Park Uzbekistan, and IX Africa Data Centre.

As global interest in East Africa's digital economy intensifies, organisers say the event arrives at a critical juncture, providing a platform where global ambition meets local innovation to unlock scalable, high-impact opportunities for the region.

Nairobi, April 30, 2026 — Absa Kenya Foundation, in partnership with GIZ and the African Guarantee Fund, today unveiled Kenya's first and largest CirculaRising Programme, a transformative initiative expected to create over 6,000 new and improved jobs by 2028.

The programme aims to empower more than 2,000 women and youth-led micro, small and medium enterprises operating within Kenya's circular economy, while recycling over 6,000 tonnes of waste and indirectly impacting more than 30,000 lives.

Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, Absa Bank Kenya Managing Director and CEO Abdi Mohamed framed the initiative as a collaborative response to a defining economic question of our time.

"For decades, global growth has largely followed a linear model where we take, make, use and discard," Mohamed said.

The programme, co-funded by the German government and IKEA Foundation, will be implemented through three tailored phases. The CirculaRising Academy, fully funded by Absa Kenya Foundation, will target over 2,000 microenterprises through training, coaching, market access, and financing support over 27 months.

GIZ's Employment promotion for women for the green transformation in Africa programme team leader Thomas Jaeschke noted that the partnership combines financial and advisory expertise to promote women in green value chains and drive Kenya's economic transformation.

The CirculaRising Accelerator will support 150 growth-stage small enterprises across Nairobi, Central, Western, Nyanza, and Coastal regions, while the Scale-Up component will target 25 to 30 medium and large enterprises generating high waste volumes.

Susan Mang'eni, Principal Secretary for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, reaffirmed government support, describing MSMEs as "the backbone of Kenya's economy." Her remarks were delivered by Mohammed Doyo, Secretary for MSMEs.

Dr. Selly Kimosop, Secretary for Environment, speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, said the programme is essential for supporting green enterprise development and driving climate action at scale.

African Guarantee Fund Group Director of Capacity Development Patrick Lumumba highlighted that while women own 40 percent of all MSMEs and contribute up to 20 percent of GDP, an estimated 70 percent lack access to adequate financing. The partnership leverages the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa initiative to bridge this gap.

By 2028, the programme aims to mobilise over EUR 2 million in financing while redirecting 6,000 tonnes of waste through reduction, reuse, repair, and recycling.

A year of standout growth powered by strong fundamentals and disciplined execution.

Airtel Africa PLC Group revenue in reported currency increased by 29.5% to $6,415m, with constant currency growth of 24.0% for the financial year ended March 31, 2026.

East Africa’s revenue grew by 18.9% in reported currency to $2,192m and by 13.8% in constant currency.

Reported currency revenue growth exceeded constant-currency growth, reflecting currency appreciation across most markets. In Q4’26, constant currency revenue growth of 22.3% was lower than the previous quarter (Q3’26) as Airtel Africa lapped the impact of the Nigeria tariff adjustments implemented during Q4’25.

FY’26 constant currency revenue growth was driven by Nigerian revenue growth of 47.5%, East Africa growth of 17.8%, and a strong performance in Francophone Africa, which saw revenue growth accelerate to 17.1% in the current financial year compared to 9.5% reported in 2024/25.

In his trading update, Airtel Africa Group CEO Sunil Taldar highlighted the role of digital technologies and AI in unlocking growth, improving efficiencies, and enhancing customer experience through site-level network optimisation, streamlined onboarding, and the rollout of the myAirtel app.

TAAG Angola Airlines was among a select group of airlines shortlisted in the "Best Lounge in Africa" category, in an international assessment announced during the Aviation Week Africa 2026 Awards, held from 22 to 24 April 2026, in the city of Windhoek, Namibia.

The jury ultimately selected the excellence of the Imbondeiro Lounge, located at Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ), as the overall winner, an area designed to provide comfort, privacy, and a differentiated experience for the airline's premium international passengers.

This international recognition reinforces TAAG's institutional prestige, highlighting the airline's continuous commitment to raising quality standards and enhancing the customer experience.

The Imbondeiro Lounge represents an extension of Angolan hospitality, integrating elements of cultural identity with modern solutions for comfort and functionality. The space was designed to offer an exclusive environment that promotes passenger well-being, productivity, and rest, contributing to a premium experience aligned with the expectations of international travellers.

This distinction in the category underscores the investments made in infrastructure modernisation, service excellence, and the adoption of aviation industry best practices.

The election of the Imbondeiro Lounge as the best in Africa symbolises TAAG's consistent progress in building a brand that is increasingly competitive, reliable, and customer-focused.

Nairobi, Kenya, 23rd April 2026 – The Privatization Authority (PA) has officially handed over KES 103.454 billion in proceeds from the sale of the Government of Kenya’s 65 percent stake in the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) to the National Treasury, marking the largest transaction under the country’s new privatization legal framework.

The government sold 11.8 billion shares at an offer price of KES 9.00 per share, generating substantial resources that will now be channeled into the recently established National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), a dedicated financing vehicle designed to unlock large-scale private sector capital for commercially viable public infrastructure projects amid an era of constrained fiscal space and reduced borrowing.

Speaking during the ceremonial handover at Treasury headquarters, Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Hon. FCPA John Mbadi, emphasized the strategic shift in public finance management.

“Today’s ceremonial exercise marks the official close of the KPC IPO and represents a significant milestone in the operationalization of the National Infrastructure Fund. At its core, it speaks to how the government prudently manages public assets, how it mobilizes private sector capital, and how constitutional oversight is exercised in practice,” he added.

The KPC IPO was Kenya’s first fully electronic public offering, with all applications submitted digitally, making it a truly paperless and modern IPO. The proceeds from the IPO will form the ring-fenced seed capital for the NIF, which will finance large-scale development projects across key sectors including roads, airports, energy, transport, and water.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of the Privatization Authority, Mrs. Irene Wanyoike, a Board Director at the Authority, said the transaction reflects the strength of Kenya’s governance standards and the successful implementation of the privatization program under the new legal framework established by the Privatisation Act, 2025.

“The journey from the opening of the subscription period to today’s cheque handover was marked by discipline, coordination, and consistent engagement with the market at every stage of the process. In doing so, we have strengthened transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the management and strategic divestiture of government assets,” said Mrs. Wanyoike.

Following the successful divestiture, the Government of Kenya retains a 35% stake in KPC, while institutional investors hold 41%, East African Community (EAC) investors 21.22%, retail investors 2.56%, and foreign investors, KPC staff, and Oil Marketing Companies hold the remaining interests.

As one of the region’s most strategic energy infrastructure companies, KPC PLC plays a vital role in the safe, reliable, and efficient transportation and storage of petroleum products across Kenya and the wider East African region.

The focus now shifts to KPC PLC to sustain strong operational performance, uphold high governance standards, and deliver value for both shareholders and the country at large.

Nairobi, Kenya, April 21, 2026 – The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has issued a strong call for research driven, harmonised action across African nations to bolster the continent’s energy security, resilience, and investment appeal.

Speaking at the opening of the 7th Annual EPRA Research and Innovation Conference 2026 in Nairobi, Acting Director General Dr. Eng. Joseph Oketch urged regional stakeholders to move beyond siloed approaches and embrace coordinated energy systems capable of withstanding supply disruptions, price volatility, and the mounting pressures of the energy transition.

“The challenges we are facing now are a good opportunity to collaborate across sectors and the region to collectively address vulnerabilities in our energy supply chains while building systems that are flexible, integrated, and informed by credible research,” Dr. Oketch said.

His remarks come as Eastern African countries move closer to operationalising a fully integrated electricity market, a development expected to enable cross border power sales at competitive prices, improve system efficiency, and drive down consumer costs.

Under the theme “Advancing Energy Affordability and Security in Sustainable Development,” the week long conference has drawn researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, private sector players, and development partners from across the continent. Discussions are focused on balancing surging energy demand with the imperative for affordable, reliable, and resilient supply.

EPRA emphasised that realising this vision will require harmonised regulatory frameworks, aligned energy policies, and coordinated market structures. By standardising pricing mechanisms and introducing targeted policy incentives, the region can attract investment and deliver affordable energy at scale.

The Authority also pointed to continental initiatives such as the M300 Initiative, which aims to connect 300 million people in Sub Saharan Africa to electricity, as a powerful example of what coordinated regional action can achieve.

“Africa’s energy future should be anchored in robust regional energy systems,” Dr. Oketch added, positioning research informed collaboration as the cornerstone of a stable and prosperous energy landscape for the continent.

Britam has today introduced the Britam Whole Life Insurance Plan, a permanent life insurance solution designed to help Kenyans secure their financial future, protect their wealth, and provide lasting support for their loved ones across generations.

Unlike traditional term insurance, which expires after a defined period, the newly unveiled Whole Life Insurance Plan offers coverage that lasts a lifetime. To safeguard against inflation and rising costs, the benefit payable to chosen beneficiaries increases by 3 percent annually, ensuring the policy's value endures over time. All benefits under the policy, including payouts for death, disability, and critical illness, remain entirely tax free.

A key differentiator of the plan is its structured approach to estate planning. Policyholders can name Britam Trust as a beneficiary, allowing death benefits to be administered through a formal trust arrangement. This gives customers greater control over how and when funds are distributed to their heirs, helping to cover estate related costs, reduce family uncertainty, and ensure an orderly transfer of assets.

The plan offers flexible payment options to suit varying financial circumstances. Customers can choose monthly premiums starting from as low as 3,000 Kenyan shillings over 10, 15, or 20 years, or opt for a one off single premium. Medical examinations are only required for coverage exceeding 15 million Kenyan shillings, lowering the entry barrier for many Kenyans.

Optional add ons include Permanent Total Disability, Critical Illness, and Funeral Expense cover, the latter providing up to 500,000 Kenyan shillings, offering comprehensive protection for life's unexpected moments.

Britam says the new product expands its portfolio of long term protection solutions and directly responds to growing customer demand for tools that support wealth preservation, family security, and multi generational legacy planning.

"We listened to what customers and partners were telling us: they want protection that is accessible, lasting and built around real life needs," added Mr. Gitogo. "This plan brings together lifetime cover, flexible payment options and simple entry requirements in a way that supports legacy planning."

The Britam Whole Life Insurance Plan is now available to customers across Kenya.

Kenyan motorists and businesses will face significantly higher fuel costs starting tomorrow, after the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced sharp increases in maximum retail prices for Super Petrol and Diesel.

Retail Price Comparison - Nairobi (KShs/litre)

The authority attributed the sharp rise to a dramatic surge in landed costs driven by volatility in international markets. Super Petrol jumped by 41.53%, while Diesel costs increased by 68.72% in just one month.

To cushion consumers, the government reduced VAT from 16% to 13% and utilized KShs 6.2 Billion from the PDL Fund for stabilization. Prices remain highest in remote towns, with Mandera hitting KShs 229.15 for Petrol.

Breakdown of Costs (Nairobi)

The Government of Kenya and private sector leaders have today committed to a major push to transform the country’s pig value chain, aiming to close a widening gap between soaring pork demand and limited local production while lifting 1.5 million households.

At a high-level stakeholders’ sensitization forum convened at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, the State Department for Livestock Development and Farmer’s Choice Limited unveiled a coordinated roadmap to address chronic constraints—from disease outbreaks and costly animal feeds to broken cold-chain infrastructure.

Despite low annual per capita pork consumption, the sector already contributes KES 19.5 billion, representing 5% of national livestock output. With demand projected to surge by over 125 percent by 2030, driven by rapid urbanization and shifting diets, stakeholders described the moment as a critical inflection point.

Speaking as chief guest, Hon. Jonathan Mueke, CBS, Principal Secretary for Livestock Development, said the government is prioritising the sector as part of broader efforts to strengthen food security and agricultural productivity. “The pig value chain presents a significant opportunity for Kenya to diversify its sources of animal protein while improving incomes for smallholder farmers,” he said.

Recurring outbreaks of African Swine Fever, weak biosecurity, and the high cost of quality feeds were identified as urgent threats. Farmer’s Choice CEO Felisters Gitau Mutugu emphasised the need for coordinated action: “We must invest in farmer capacity, strengthen traceability and food safety systems, and build consumer trust.”

The forum forms part of the National Pig Value Chain Development Strategy (2025–2029), which prioritises public-private collaboration to professionalise the sector through farmer training, public education, and investment in cold-chain infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses.

PS Mueke reaffirmed that developing the value chain is integral to the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, focusing on empowering women and youth through enterprise development and access to finance.

Huawei has reinforced its commitment to advancing digital inclusion in Kenya through a donation of broadband equipment to an ICT Hub classroom at the New Mukuru Primary School, located within the Mukuru Affordable Housing Project.

The technology firm has developed a low-cost, quick-to-install, and easy-to-maintain internet infrastructure solution known as DQ-ODN. Enabled by Safaricom, the system offers entry-level unlimited home fiber access from just 800 KES per month between 50 and 70 percent cheaper than regular packages.

The donated equipment includes a fiber-to-the-office solution, five Wi-Fi 7 access points capable of supporting a large number of high-speed devices, two CCTV security cameras, and a smart screen (IdeaHub). Together, these tools will enhance connectivity, safety, and digital learning for one of Nairobi’s fastest-growing urban communities.

“At Huawei, we believe connectivity is the foundation of opportunity,” said Freshina Morogo, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Manager at Huawei. “By supporting the Mukuru community with digital infrastructure and tools, we are not only connecting homes but enabling access to education, livelihoods, and a better quality of life. This initiative reflects our long-term commitment to building inclusive digital ecosystems across Kenya.”

As Kenya accelerates the delivery of affordable housing, the focus is increasingly shifting beyond physical structures to access to opportunity. Reliable internet connectivity is now fundamental for education, employment, digital finance, and government services. Huawei’s intervention aligns with its global digital inclusion vision under the Huawei Tech4All initiative and builds on its commitment announced at Mobile World Congress 2026 to connect 170 million people worldwide by 2030.

The Mukuru Affordable Housing Project reflects a broader shift toward integrating digital infrastructure into urban development from the outset. Kenya’s recent building code reforms requiring fiber-ready infrastructure in new developments underscore the importance of embedding connectivity during construction rather than retrofitting it later.

“The donated equipment will deliver immediate and tangible benefits to over 500 learners and neighboring Mukuru affordable housing project residents,” Morogo added. “Reliable Wi-Fi connectivity will enable access to online learning, digital work opportunities, and e-government services. The IdeaHub smart screen will enable interactive, digital-first learning experiences, expanding access to knowledge and improving learning outcomes within the ICT hub.”

The Affordable Housing Programme is designed to deliver dignity, inclusion, and opportunity. Integrating digital infrastructure into these developments ensures residents are not left behind in the country’s digital transformation. Partnerships of this nature demonstrate how public and private sector collaboration can accelerate the development of smarter and more inclusive communities.

This initiative contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on quality education, industry and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, and sustainable cities. Huawei has reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside government, developers, and communities to scale similar initiatives across Kenya and the continent.

The Family Group Foundation has signed a strategic partnership with the Military Wives Association of Kenya to formally institutionalise technical and vocational skills training within the Kenya Defence Forces, marking a significant step toward scaling youth empowerment and economic inclusion among military families.

The programme has so far benefitted 290 dependents, aged 18 to 25 years, of service personnel in the Kenya Defence Forces, with the goal of enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Speaking during the fourth cohort graduation of 89 dependents of Kenya Army servicemen and women, held at Embakasi Garrison, Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri commended the programme's impact in equipping young people with marketable skills. "I would like to appreciate the strong partnership of the Military Wives Association of Kenya and The Family Group Foundation. This is indeed a truly great creation that has equipped these young men and women with not only technical skills but has also instilled in them confidence," he said.

The partnership has now successfully graduated four cohorts, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 290. The first cohort saw 51 graduates from Kenya Army dependents, the second cohort saw 50 graduates from Kenya Air Force dependents, while the third cohort included 100 graduates from Kenya Navy dependents.

Family Bank CEO Nancy Njau said the initiative reflects the lender's broader commitment to positive social impact and youth opportunity. "At Family Bank, we believe in promoting positive social impact. This partnership represents our commitment to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for our young people. By formalising our partnership with the Military Wives Association, we look forward to empowering the next generation through education, skills development, and mentorship, ensuring that every young person has the tools to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society," she said.

Since graduation, beneficiaries of the programme have made a notable impact in the job market, transitioning into the Kenya Defence Forces as skilled tradesmen, moving into employment, and establishing their own businesses.

Military Wives Association of Kenya Chairlady Grace Kahariri said the collaboration is helping young people build resilience and practical pathways into the future. "Through our partnership with The Family Group Foundation, these students have been equipped with essential skills to navigate the complexities of modern life and build a more resilient future. This joint effort strengthens our mission to empower and uplift young talent," she said.

Beyond entrepreneurship, the partnership will also look to support high school scholarship programmes, psychosocial support initiatives, and climate action efforts, including environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration, in line with the shared vision of both organisations to drive inclusive socio-economic development.

Kenya's telecommunications sector is entering a phase of maturity, with overall mobile subscriptions showing only marginal growth as usage patterns evolve rapidly. According to the latest Communications Authority of Kenya Q2 2025/26 report, total mobile SIM subscriptions stood at 78.4 million, a 0.1 per cent increase from the 78.3 million recorded in Q1 2025/26.

Despite the slow growth in subscriber numbers, activity remains strong, particularly in mobile money and data services. Mobile money subscriptions grew by 5.6 per cent to 51.36 million, signalling continued expansion in digital financial services. While Safaricom retains a dominant position with about 89 per cent market share, other players are gradually increasing their footprint. Airtel Money Kenya's market share rose from 10.3 per cent in Q1 to 11.0 per cent in Q2, pointing to early competitive shifts within a highly concentrated market.

Voice services, meanwhile, continue to play an important role. Industry trends indicate stable to moderate growth in traffic, driven by increased cross-network communication. Airtel Kenya recorded 11.83 billion minutes of voice traffic in Q2, up from 11.55 billion in Q1, representing a 2.4 per cent increase. Notably, off-net traffic grew by 8.4 per cent, suggesting rising cross-network engagement and strengthening relevance beyond its own subscriber base.

Usage patterns also highlight the role of pricing and perceived value. Average call durations remained higher across networks, with Airtel users averaging about 2.7 minutes per call, compared with shorter durations of about 1.6 minutes on Safaricom. This points to affordability as a key factor shaping access and influencing how consumers use voice services.

Mobile data subscriptions increased by 2.9 per cent, broadband connections rose by 9.3 per cent, and overall data consumption grew by 12 per cent during the quarter. This growth is closely linked to a 9.1 per cent increase in smartphone adoption, alongside a decline in feature phone usage, reinforcing the transition toward more data-driven digital ecosystems.

At the same time, SMS usage continues to decline across the sector. Airtel Kenya recorded a 7.1 per cent drop in SMS volumes during the quarter, compared with an overall market decline of 2.6 per cent, including trends observed on Safaricom and other operators. This reflects a structural shift toward internet-based messaging platforms rather than any reduction in overall communication.

Safaricom continues to lead across key segments, including subscriptions and mobile money, though its growth is relatively slower in certain areas compared with emerging competitors. Airtel Kenya, with a market share slightly above 30 per cent, continues to strengthen its position through pricing and usage-led strategies. Other operators such as Telkom Kenya and Jamii Telecommunications remain niche players in the mobile segment, while new entrants like Starlink are beginning to reshape the conversation around connectivity, especially in underserved regions.

The latest CA report suggests that growth in Kenya's telecom sector is no longer defined by subscriber acquisition alone but is increasingly driven by how effectively operators deepen engagement, expand financial services, and support evolving digital lifestyles.

As the market continues to mature, the competitive edge will lie in delivering value, improving accessibility, and building ecosystems that integrate seamlessly into everyday life. Shifts in mobile money adoption, data usage, and cross-network engagement offer a clear indication of where the sector is headed.

TAAG Angola Airlines has successfully operated its first commercial passenger flight to Abidjan in the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, marking a major milestone in the carrier's strategy to expand its destination network and deepen regional air connectivity across Africa.

The inaugural flight landed at Felix Houphouet-Boigny International Airport on April 6, officially opening the new Luanda-Abidjan route. The service will run three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, mainly using the Airbus A220-300, a 137-seat aircraft designed for efficient and comfortable regional operations.

The new route forms a core part of TAAG's wider expansion drive into key African markets. It also reinforces Angola's Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ) as a growing regional hub and a strategic gateway linking Africa with South America and Europe.

With Abidjan now added to its network, TAAG continues to position itself as a carrier focused on making African air travel more accessible, reliable, and interconnected.

Beyond passenger transport, the route is also expected to support air cargo growth between Angola and Cote d'Ivoire, helping move agricultural products, manufactured goods, and perishables more quickly between the two countries and strengthening trade flows.

A symbolic ceremony at Felix Houphouet-Boigny International Airport brought together officials from Angola and Cote d'Ivoire as well as civil aviation stakeholders from both countries. Participants described the new service as a practical step toward stronger regional integration, deeper economic cooperation, and more connected African aviation networks.

Bamburi Cement Plc, a leading cement and concrete solutions provider in East Africa, has announced the appointment of Mr. Geoffrey Ndugwa as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026. He takes over from outgoing CEO Mr. Mohit Kapoor, who successfully concludes his tenure with the company.

Mr. Ndugwa is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience across sub-Saharan Africa, having held multiple strategic roles within the Holcim Group. Most recently, he served as Mergers and Acquisitions Projects Director for the Holcim Group MEA Region and previously as CEO of Lafarge South Africa.

Confirming the appointment, Bamburi Cement Board Chairman Dr. John Simba praised Mr. Ndugwa as a transformative leader known for driving sustainable profitability and establishing strong governance frameworks. "The Board is delighted to welcome Mr. Ndugwa. He is a seasoned business leader who has successfully held several strategic roles across the continent, delivering excellent corporate results," said Dr. Simba. He also extended sincere gratitude to Mr. Mohit Kapoor for his leadership in stabilizing the business during a critical transition phase.

Mr. Ndugwa holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School (Heriot-Watt University, UK), a B.Eng. (Hons) in Civil Engineering from the University of East London, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the UK Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), where he is also a Chartered Marketer.

He began his career as a Structural Engineer before joining Lafarge in Uganda in 2001. His leadership journey includes serving as General Manager of Marketing, Innovation & Corporate Sales at Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc, Commercial Director for Bamburi Cement Ltd, Country CEO of Lafarge in Malawi, and most recently, Country CEO of Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe.

In recent months, Bamburi Cement, a member of the Ammons Group has reinforced its strategic ambition to secure long-term clinker self-sufficiency, enhance production capacity, and support national infrastructure demands.

Late last year, the company signed a US $250 million (Kshs 32 billion) Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with Sinoma CBMi Construction Co., Ltd for a turnkey clinkerisation factory in Matuga, Kwale County. The state-of-the-art plant will have an annual capacity of 1.6 million tonnes and incorporate advanced, carbon-neutral technologies.

Upon completion, Bamburi Cement aims to more than double its clinker production from 1 million to 2.6 million tonnes, and cement production from 1.8 million to 4 million tonnes annually, underscoring the scale of the mandate Ndugwa is taking on as he assumes leadership of the company.

Global technology company Zoho reported impressive 39% year-over-year revenue growth in Kenya for 2024, driven by surging demand for scalable, unified solutions and substantial local investment. The announcement, made during the Zoholics Kenya user conference in Nairobi, coincided with the launch of a significant expansion to Zoho's AI capabilities, headlined by its proprietary large language model, Zia LLM.

Zoho's sustained commitment to Kenya is evident in its 25% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past three years. In 2024 alone, the company expanded its local partner network by 83% and grew its Kenyan workforce by 72%. Key products fueling adoption include Zoho One, Workplace, CRM Plus, Books, and Zoho Desk, serving vital sectors like IT services, financial services, manufacturing, and telecommunications.

Central to Zoho's AI strategy is the launch of Zia LLM, a fully in-house developed large language model built on NVIDIA's accelerated computing platform. Designed specifically for business use cases with privacy and governance as core tenets, Zia LLM offers three model sizes: 1.3B, 2.6B, and 7B parameters optimized for tasks like data extraction, summarization, RAG, and code generation. Crucially, Zia LLM allows customers to leverage advanced AI while keeping their data securely on Zoho's servers, avoiding transmission to external cloud providers, a key differentiator that also reduces inference costs. The model is currently in internal testing across Zoho's app portfolio and will be available to customers soon, with plans to scale model sizes starting late 2025.

Complementing Zia LLM, Zoho unveiled a comprehensive suite to democratize AI agent creation and deployment. Over 25 pre-built, context-aware agents are now embedded directly within Zoho products. Examples include a Customer Service Agent for Zoho Desk that processes and triages requests; Ask Zia, the platform-wide assistant now enhanced with BI skills for data professionals; a Candidate Screener; a Deal Analyser; and a Revenue Growth Specialist. The Zia Agent Studio provides a significantly simplified, primarily prompt-based, with a low-code option, no-code builder, enabling users to create agents leveraging over 700 pre-built actions. These agents can be deployed autonomously or triggered in various ways, and can even be provisioned as "digital employees" adhering to organizational permissions. A Zia Agents Marketplace serves as a hub for deploying these agents, with plans to soon allow partners and developers to contribute.

Further enabling this ecosystem is the Model Context Protocol (MCP), now in early access, which allows secure interaction with workflows across 15+ Zoho apps, extendable to third-party tools via Zoho Flow. Zoho also launched proprietary Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) models for English and Hindi, boasting up to 75% better performance than competitors at low computational load, with more languages planned. Future developments include adding finance and support skills to Ask Zia and implementing an Agent2Agent (A2A) protocol for cross-platform collaboration.

Executives emphasized Zoho's unique approach. Veerakumar Natarajan, Country Head for Zoho Kenya, stated, "Our differentiation comes from offering agents over our low code platform so that there is a human in the loop for verification and modification, co-creation with the AI agent. It's simpler to verify output via UI than code." Premanand Velumani, Associate Director, Strategic Growth Zoho MEA, added, "Zia LLM is trained for business, keeping privacy and governance core. This lowers costs, passing value to customers, while ensuring productive AI use. Developing entirely in-house gives us strict data control for key markets like Kenya."

Zoho's announcements underscore a major push to deliver powerful, context-aware, and privacy-centric AI tools integrated directly into business operations, particularly for growing markets.

Family Bank Group Profit After Tax surged by 55.4% from KES 3.5 billion to KES 5.4 billion for the financial year ended 2025, while Profit Before Tax rose by 61.6% to KES 6.3 billion.

The lender said the performance was driven primarily by growth in interest-earning assets and improved income generation, supported by a strengthened balance sheet.

Total assets grew by 23.8% to KES 208.7 billion, helped by a 20% increase in customer deposits and a 46% rise in shareholders' funds, reinforcing the bank's funding base and overall financial position. During the year, the bank raised KES 8 billion in equity capital through a private placement that was oversubscribed by 131%.

Net loans and advances expanded by 14% to KES 105.9 billion, mainly driven by lending to MSMEs, while investment in government securities recorded 45% growth to KES 74 billion.

The rise in interest-earning assets translated into stronger income performance, with net interest income climbing by 46% to KES 15.6 billion and non-interest income posting a 5% increase to KES 4.6 billion.

Family Bank CEO Nancy Njau said 2025 marked the opening chapter of the lender's new five-year strategy, centered on customer propositions and digital transformation. She said the bank continued to invest in digital capabilities and the optimization of its distribution network to improve customer experience and strengthen product offerings for sustainable growth.

Njau added that continued investment in staff through capacity building and an enabling work environment contributed significantly to the bank's strong showing. She said partnerships with Development Finance Institutions also strengthened Family Bank's ability to lend to key sectors such as SMEs, agribusiness, and manufacturing, supporting the expansion of its loan book.

The bank said its liquidity ratio remained well above the statutory requirement at 60.9%, while all capital adequacy ratios stayed comfortably above the regulatory threshold, underlining a strong prudential position alongside the earnings growth.

Nairobi, Kenya: 27th April 2026 Smart Applications International (Mauritius), a Kenyan-based health-tech giant, has been awarded the prestigious Product and Service Innovation of the Year award at the 3i International Conference 2026, held in Mauritius.

The award, presented during a global forum convened by the Insurers Association of Mauritius, recognizes Smart’s continued leadership in delivering cutting-edge, technology-driven solutions that are fundamentally transforming healthcare and insurance systems across Africa and beyond. The honor reinforces the company’s mission to build integrated platforms that enhance operational efficiency, strengthen accountability, and improve patient and claims outcomes for both insurers and healthcare providers.

The 3i International Conference serves as a premier gathering for global industry leaders to dissect emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of insurance. This year’s high-level discussions focused heavily on the expanding role of artificial intelligence, the urgent need for stronger insurer–provider collaboration, and the immense value of integrated digital ecosystems.

Smart Applications International Group was represented at the forum by a high-powered delegation including Harrison Muiru, Group Managing Director; Esther Muiruri, Group Director, Insurance Business; and Yan Jouan, Country Manager, Mauritius. The team actively contributed to panels exploring the real-world impact of AI in healthcare, advancing collaboration across the insurance value chain, and leveraging digital platforms such as MediSmart and Smart Insure to drive system-wide efficiency.

Speaking following the recognition, Harrison Muiru reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to technological transformation.

“This recognition is a strong validation of our commitment to delivering meaningful, technology-led transformation in healthcare and insurance,” said Muiru. “As systems grow in complexity, the need for intelligent, integrated platforms becomes even more critical. Our focus remains on building solutions that not only improve efficiency but also strengthen trust, transparency, and collaboration across the entire ecosystem.”

Yan Jouan, Country Manager for Mauritius, emphasized that resilient healthcare systems rely on a combination of intelligent digital infrastructure and strong local expertise. He highlighted that solutions like MediSmart and SmartInsure help insurers automate processes, significantly reduce administrative costs, and scale sustainably, all while maintaining essential human oversight.

The award highlights Smart’s rapidly growing footprint in international markets and its established role as a trusted partner in advancing digital transformation within the insurance and healthcare sectors. Through its flagship solutions, the company continues to enable seamless service delivery, enhance real-time claims management, and support data-driven decision-making for institutions across the continent.

As global conversations increasingly shift toward the practical application of AI and digital technologies, Smart Applications International remains firmly at the forefront, driving innovation that delivers measurable, on-the-ground impact for institutions and the millions of people they serve.

NAIROBI, Kenya 27th April 2026 BlockCoop SACCO has today launched Kenya's first blockchain-powered SACCO, marking a historic milestone in the evolution of cooperative finance and reinforcing the country's position as a leader in financial innovation across Africa.

The initiative introduces a transformative model for SACCOs, leveraging blockchain technology to address long-standing challenges plaguing the sector, including illiquid shares, restrictive loan requirements, limited member participation, and lack of transparency.

Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, BlockCoop SACCO Director Mr. Gideon emphasized the significance of the innovation in strengthening the cooperative sector.

"As we advance cooperative finance, our focus is on leveraging innovation to address structural challenges while expanding access and trust. Blockchain technology enables us to build a more transparent, inclusive, and efficient SACCO model," he said.

Through its digital share token, BLOCKS, BlockCoop SACCO has transformed traditional SACCO shares into tradable assets, enabling liquidity and opening up participation to a global market. The model also replaces conventional guarantor requirements with guarantor pools and trust-based scoring, providing a more inclusive approach to credit access.

Since launching share trading on 1st October 2025, the SACCO has experienced remarkable growth, reaching an estimated market capitalization of KES 1.3 billion and attracting a rapidly expanding base of members and investors. This growth reflects rising confidence in the blockchain-powered SACCO model and signals a broader shift toward modern, technology-driven cooperative finance systems.

Building on this momentum, BlockCoop SACCO has launched the "Lipa na BLOCKS" loyalty campaign, an innovative initiative designed to reward its growing community while turning everyday spending into an opportunity for saving and investing.

Through this program, participants can acquire BLOCKS from the secondary market and enjoy discounts when making payments via Till numbers, Paybill, or mobile transactions. The program is open to the public and accessible through lipanablocks.com, offering everyone an opportunity to participate.

In a major boost to its ecosystem, BlockCoop SACCO also announced strategic partnerships with Nomachain and HF, aimed at accelerating the digitization and scalability of SACCOs across the region.

HF will provide compliant SACCO infrastructure, ensuring that cooperative systems meet regulatory standards. Nomachain will power the tokenization of SACCO assets and shares, enabling cooperatives to unlock the value of traditionally illiquid assets such as land and buildings.

These partnerships are expected to address limited liquidity challenges and open up new pathways for investment, growth, and financial inclusion across the continent.

As the cooperative sector continues to evolve, BlockCoop SACCO remains committed to driving innovation that empowers members and builds a more inclusive financial future for all Africans.

Airtel Africa and SpaceX have successfully completed the testing of data and messaging services using Starlink Mobile in Kenya, marking a major step toward commercial satellite-to-mobile connectivity across the continent.

The trial focused on areas with no conventional mobile coverage, showing that users carrying standard 4G-compatible smartphones could connect directly through Starlink's satellite network without relying on terrestrial towers.

During the pilot, the service supported practical, everyday digital tasks that matter to both households and businesses. Users were able to place WhatsApp calls, exchange messages through WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, navigate with map services, and complete Airtel app transactions while in remote areas with no normal signal.

Sunil Taldar, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, said the Kenya tests turned a strategic partnership into visible, field-level results. He said the goal is to make sure Airtel customers remain connected even when they move beyond the reach of existing ground-based networks.

The Kenyan rollout is also serving as a learning ground. Airtel Africa and Starlink Mobile say the technical and operational lessons from the tests will guide expansion plans across Airtel Africa's 14 markets, subject to approvals from regulators in each country.

The companies added that future phases are expected to introduce voice calling and broader data capacity through Starlink Mobile V2 technology, which is designed to deliver stronger broadband-style connectivity directly to ordinary mobile phones.