Summary Of The Business Daily Newspaper -July 29,2025
Page 1: Reports that the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) fined nine steel manufacturers Sh338.8 million for price-fixing, relying on evidence from emails and WhatsApp chats. The appeal was dismissed, upholding the penalty for anti-competitive practices.
Page 2: Notes that institutional investors are returning to equities at the NSE as bond yields fall, while retail investors struggle due to reduced incomes. Foreign investors remain marginal, with institutions dominating due to steady inflows and higher risk appetite.
Page 3: Highlights that chronic symptoms like fatigue and brain fog in long Covid may stem from “zombie” senescent cells disrupting blood flow and immunity. Understanding this could lead to better treatments for post-viral syndromes affecting millions globally.
Page 4: Reports that Kenya’s government backed Tullow Oil in a Sh284 billion dispute with Turkana locals over alleged environmental harm. Tullow denies liability, while communities claim pollution and displacement from oil operations.
Page 5: Notes that the Comesa Competition Commission is probing airlines, including Kenya Airways, for failing to refund passengers after Covid-19 cancellations. Affected travelers are urged to file complaints for unpaid reimbursements.
Page 6: Reports that Standard Chartered Bank Kenya was ordered to pay Sh3.4 million to a wrongfully dismissed manager, Grace Mburu, after falsely claiming redundancy while rehiring for her role.
Page 7: Notes that Tanzania’s Amsons Group holds 99.98% of Bamburi Cement but faces delays in buying out minority shareholders. The NSE extended the trading suspension to finalize the compulsory acquisition process.
Page 9: Highlights Africa’s food insecurity crisis, with 64 million affected in East Africa, worsened by climate change and supply chain disruptions. Innovations like fortified rice in Kenya offer hope, but regional collaboration is key to sustainable solutions.
Page 14: Reports that IFC and Standard Chartered launched a $300 million trade finance facility for African SMEs, targeting agribusiness and manufacturing. The initiative will cover 50% of risk, benefiting over 300 suppliers and a million farmers.
Page 21: Notes that Kenyan retirees risk financial insecurity by using pension funds for property, undermining long-term savings. Experts warn young savers lack sufficient balances to qualify for mortgages, urging preservation for retirement income.
Page 22: Reports that Jennifer Muthike pivoted from an Air Force dream to black soldier fly farming, finding unexpected passion in entomology and insect breeding.
Page 24: Highlights the need for pension funds to conduct rigorous due diligence on infrastructure investments, balancing risks like delays and political interference. Strong governance and expertise are vital to protect member benefits and liquidity.