Bill Gates, OpenAI Bet US$50mn on AI-Led Healthcare in Africa
US billionaire Bill Gates and OpenAI are committing US$50 million to a multi-year initiative aimed at deploying AI tools across 1,000 clinics by 2028.
Regulator Approves KCB’s US$15mn Acquisition of Riverbank
The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has approved KCB Group’s acquisition of a 75% stake in Riverbank Solutions, a payments technology company.
Fitch Affirms Kenya's Credit Rating at B- as FX Reserves Hit KSh 1.60Tn, Debt Service and Deficits Weigh on Rating
Fitch Ratings on 23 January 2026 affirmed Kenya’s B- sovereign rating with a stable outlook, citing stronger external buffers after FX reserves climbed to KSh 1.60 trillion (US$ 12.4 billion) and recent Eurobond liability management reduced near-term risks.
The agency warned that heavy external debt service of KSh 684 billion in FY26, a wide fiscal deficit, weak revenue collection, and high interest costs continue to constrain the credit profile and limit upgrade prospects.
Kenya Faces Food Security Test as Court Weighs Rice Import Policy
With the High Court set to rule on January 29, 2026, on a challenge to the Government’s decision to allow time-bound, duty-free rice imports, the State has moved to reassure farmers
Safaricom's Looming Majority Control Shift Triggers EAC, COMESA Inquiries
Regional competition authorities have opened formal inquiries into a proposed transaction that would hand South Africa’s Vodacom Group control of Safaricom PLC
High Court Upholds WhatsApp, SMS Agreements as Proof of Contract
The court held that the WhatsApp exchanges did not read as casual chat but as ongoing business communication about payment obligations.
Libya's Energy Sector is Recovering
Libya’s oil production reached an average of 1.375 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025 and the government aims to reach 2 million bpd by 2030
Somalia-UAE Port Dispute Deepens, Carrying Implications for Kenya
Tensions between Somalia and the United Arab Emirates have resurfaced following Somaliland’s rejection of Mogadishu’s claims over the Berbera port and Jubbaland’s refusal to annul UAE-backed agreements at Kismayo. The dispute highlights unresolved constitutional and governance challenges within Somalia’s federal system and the growing role of external actors in Horn of Africa port infrastructure.
For Kenya, the standoff carries implications for regional trade routes, security cooperation, and infrastructure competitiveness, highlighting the need for careful diplomatic and economic positioning amid heightened regional volatility.
Why Afreximbank Ended its Relationship with Fitch Ratings
Afreximbank terminated its credit rating relationship with Fitch Ratings saying the global ratings agency does not understand its structure.
NSSF Assets Surge by KSh 173 Bn in FY2025, Investment Income More Than Doubles
NSSF delivered a record FY2025 as members’ funds rose 43% to 572.8 Bn, driven by a sharp rise in contributions and strong investment returns.
Member contributions increased 35% to 83.97 Bn, while net investment income surged 152% to 105.3 Bn, lifting returns to 22%.
Investment assets expanded to 558.0 Bn, led by higher Treasury bond, equity, and Eurobond holdings, marking the fastest balance sheet expansion in the fund’s history.
AfDB Approves US$16.5mn Loan for Menengai Geothermal Plant
AfDB approved a US$16.5 million loan to support construction of a new 35-megawatt power plant at the Menengai geothermal field near Nakuru
NSE Last Week: Indices Advance as Turnover Rises and Foreign Outflows Ease
The NSE closed Week IV with modest gains across major indices as turnover rose 24.65% to KSh 3.2Bn.