Unlocking Kenya’s Economic Growth Through Competition Reform- OECD Peer Review Report
Kenya’s US$ 132 billion economy is dynamic but constrained by a restrictive regulatory environment and heavy state participation, which limit private sector growth. The 2026 OECD review finds that targeted competition reforms could unlock significant gains- boosting GDP and jobs- highlighting the need for stronger, more independent enforcement by the Competition Authority of Kenya.
Zamara Deal Enters EAC Probe as Amethis Seeks Minority Stake
The EAC Competition Authority has opened an inquiry into a proposed acquisition by Amethis Fund III S.C.A. SICAV-RAIF of a 39.5% stake in Zamara Holdings Limited,When Product Safety Fails Consumers, Markets Fail- CAK Director-General
Safe products create confident consumers and confident consumers drive thriving economies. It is time for businesses, regulators, and consumers to unite under this principle.
Parliament Clears Safaricom Stake Sale With Six Conditions
National Assembly approved the sale of a 15% government stake in Safaricom PLC to Vodacom Group on 10 March 2026, clearing the country's largest post-independence divestiture. The KSh 204.3 billion transaction gives Vodacom majority control at 55%. Parliament attached six binding conditions, including no staff redundancies, a 10-year dealer protection period, and ring-fencing of all proceeds into the newly signed National Infrastructure Fund. Four regulatory approvals remain outstanding, including a final determination from the Central Bank of Kenya, which has not yet cleared the change of control over M-Pesa.
WhatsApp Business Under COMESA Probe Over Monopoly Concerns
Coca-Cola HBC to Acquire Africa's Largest Coca-Cola Bottler at US$ 3.4bn Valuation
Coca-Cola will sell 41.52% out of its 66.52% stake in CCBA to Coca-Cola HBC, and Coca-Cola HBC is acquiring 33.48% of CCBA that is held by GFIItalian Packaging Firm Guala Closures to Acquire Metal Crowns Kenya
The COMESA Competition Commission has opened a formal inquiry into Guala Closures S.P.A.’s proposed acquisition of 100% of Metal Crowns Limited (Kenya). The review will assess whether the transaction could substantially lessen competition or raise public interest concerns within the COMESA Common Market, where the two firms have limited overlaps in metal crown sales.Starlink Rival Spacecoin Enters Kenya
Spacecoin, a U.S space startup building a decentralized internet network, has secured regulatory approval from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)Airtel Money Breaks 10% Market Share as M-Pesa Slips Below 90% for the First Time
Airtel Money reached 10.3% in the September 2025 quarter, entering double-digit market share for the first time. M-Pesa fell to 89.7%, its first drop below 90% in the available records. The shift comes as Kenya’s mobile-money ecosystem expands sharply, with 47.7 million active wallets and 91% penetration by June 2025. Long-term data shows rising transaction volumes and wider agent networks supporting this change.Directline Assurance Fined KSh 85mn Over Delayed SME Payments
CAK has fined Directline Assurance Company Limited KSh 85 million for abusing its bargaining power over small auto repair businesses.COMESA Probes Salvo Grima’s Bid for Majority Stake in Noble Outlook Kenya
The COMESA Competition Commission has opened an inquiry into Salvo Grima Kenya’s proposed acquisition of a 75% stake in Noble Outlook Limited."Cartels are an Invisible Tax On Consumers" -Competition Authority Director-General
Without the pressure to compete, cartel members have no incentive to innovate and improve their products and services, or processes.
