Iran Reopens the Strait of Hormuz
Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels, ending a seven-week disruption that has upended economies and societies across the globe, the country's foreign minister said on Friday.
Saudi Arabia Fears Yemeni Houthis Might Blockade Crucial Red Sea Strait
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by the U.S Navy has escalated fears of retaliation by Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthis across a narrow strait in the Red Sea called the Bab al-Mandeb
Kenya Raises Diesel Prices to Highest in History
EPRA has raised super petrol by KSh 28.69 to KSh 206.97 and diesel by a record KSh 40.30 to an all-time high of KSh 206.84 in Nairobi for the April 15 to May 14, 2026 cycle. Kerosene remains unchanged at KSh 152.78. The increases follow a 68.72% jump in diesel landed costs and a 41.53% rise in petrol landed costs, driven by Middle East supply disruptions. The government cut fuel VAT from 16% to 13% and deployed KSh 6.2 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy Fund to cushion consumers. Without the kerosene subsidy, the product would retail at approximately KSh 260 per litre.
Kenya’s Complicated Place in the New World Order
The military part of the Gulf Crisis might be finally coming to an end, but the world will never be the same again. It’s time to redefine Kenya’s place in it.
CBK Trims 2026 GDP Growth Forecast to 5.3% as Middle East Conflict Raises Energy and Current Account Risks
Kenya's economy grew an estimated 5.0% in 2025, up from 4.7% in 2024, but the 2026 growth projection has been trimmed to 5.3% from 5.5% as the Middle East conflict raises energy costs and widens the current account deficit. Headline inflation stood at 4.4% in March 2026, within the 2.5%-7.5% target range. The current account deficit widened to 2.4% of GDP, with the 2026 projection revised up to 3.0% of GDP. Forex reserves stood at USD 13,354 mn, equivalent to 5.68 months of import cover.March Wipes KSh 343Bn From NSE Shareholders as Middle East War Bites
The NSE closed March 2026 with every major index down between 8.5% and 10.5%. The NSE 10 led losses at -10.49%, the Banking Index fell 8.89%, and the NASI declined 9.84%. Only 7 of 69 listed stocks gained. Foreign investors sold KSh 4.28Bn net across 17 of 22 sessions. Market cap fell KSh 179Bn to KSh 3.23Tn, though the KPC listing in early March masks a deeper KSh 343Bn hit to existing shareholders. Week 13 erased KSh 231Bn, the second worst week since 2008. Banks closed at a median 5.4x P/E and 8.3% dividend yield amid record earnings.DRC Budgets US$30mn for its Second Census
Kinshasa has mobilised US$30 million from the state budget for the census, while the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire pledged support for data collection equipment and knowledge exchange.Afreximbank Underwrites US$ 2.5bn in Dangote Refinery's US$ 4bn Loan
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has underwritten US$2.5 billion in the US$4-billion senior syndicated term loan in favour of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE (DPRP).How Kenya Can Navigate Economic Shocks from the Middle East War
Kenya’s current “wait and hope” approach is not economically or politically feasible. Calm and calculated decisions have to be taken to avoid a deeper crisis.
How the World Is Handling the Worst Energy Crisis in Decades
Across the world, economies are staring at multifold crises triggered by the latest, ongoing conflict pitting Israel and the United States against Iran.Why France Excluded South Africa, Invited Kenya, to G7 Summit
France has defended its decision to disinvite South Africa, a member of the G20, from the upcoming G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, choosing instead to invite Kenya as Nairobi prepares to host the Africa-France Summit in May.NSE Banking Index Posts Worst Day Since Launch as Four-Day Rout Wipes KSh 215Bn
The Nairobi Securities Exchange lost KSh 64.34Bn on Thursday March 26, extending a four-day selloff that has erased KSh 215.58Bn in market value, the third worst week since 2008. The Banking Index fell 3.91%, its worst session since launching in October 2025, with six of eleven banks dropping more than 4%. KCB traded 8.95 million shares worth an estimated KSh 595M. The selloff is being driven by the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruption, with Brent crude above $106 and Kenya facing a fuel price shock at the April 15 EPRA review. Market cap fell to KSh 3,257Bn. YTD gains have narrowed from 12.24% to 5.27%.
