Summary Of The Business Daily Newspaper -Aug 11,2025
Page 1: Reports President William Ruto has launched a Sh200 billion medical equipment upgrade program for county hospitals, involving seven firms. Meanwhile, high-value bank accounts (over Sh500,000) have declined to 0.65%, reflecting economic strain and rising inequality. The Central Bank of Kenya notes this trend underscores broader financial challenges.
Page 2: Notes Kenya’s GDP growth slowed to 4.7% in 2024 due to poor agriculture and reduced private lending. Digital banking adoption has surged, with more Kenyans using mobile platforms for smaller transactions, leading to fewer high-value accounts. Commercial banks are driving this shift by promoting digital account openings.
Page 4: Updates Kenya’s revised Privatisation Bill restores Parliament’s oversight in selling state firms after a court voided the 2023 law for lacking public input. The government aims to raise Sh149 billion via divestitures, including a Kenya Pipeline Company IPO. The bill also adjusts public shareholding rules for firms like Safaricom to ensure transparency.
Page 5: Findings The Central Bank fined 11 banks in 2024 for breaching lending limits, governance rules, and capital requirements. Nine banks exceeded single-borrower limits, while three had ownership violations and five lacked sufficient capital. The CBK’s stricter enforcement aims to bolster financial stability.
Page 6: Disputes Directline Insurance shareholders are challenging an AG-ordered probe into its finances and governance, triggered by a complaint from Royal Media’s SK Macharia. Majority owners argue the investigation was unlawfully initiated without court approval. The case is significant as Directline dominates Kenya’s PSV insurance market.
Page 7: Reports two logistics firms sued to overturn a procurement board’s decision upholding KNEC’s exam tender award, risking disruption of upcoming national tests. The firms allege unfair evaluation in the bidding process. The case arises as KNEC prepares for critical exams, including KCSE.
Page 8: Reports that Ugandan court denied bail to opposition leader Kizza Besigye, detained for nine months on treason charges, raising concerns of a pre-election crackdown. Critics, including Bobi Wine, accuse the government of targeting dissent ahead of 2026 polls. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, was forcibly returned from Kenya last November.
Page 10: Reports that Kenya aims to transition all 40,000 public schools to clean cooking by 2030, replacing firewood with efficient tech to cut emissions and improve health. Pilot projects show potential for 5.1 million metric tons of carbon credits yearly, funding school meals and infrastructure. The program aligns climate action with education and public health goals.
Page 12: Reports that Tech Kenya’s 2025-2030 AI Strategy seeks to leverage tech hubs and youth talent, despite skills gaps flagged by UNESCO. Microsoft’s AI training initiative is making the tech accessible to non-technical professionals. The plan aims to shift Kenya from AI consumer to producer through policy and skills development.
Page 14: Markets Kenya’s deal value fell 41.3% in Q1 2024 to $25.83 million, attributed to U.S. political uncertainty under Trump. Despite the drop, Kenya led East Africa in deals, with notable activity in financial services and agritech. Transactions like Alterra’s Java House buyout highlighted residual investor interest.
Page 19: Profiles Civil engineer Caroline Owako adapts her fitness routine to perimenopause, focusing on strength training and diet to manage aging proactively. She emphasizes self-care through intermittent fasting and nutrient-rich meals, inspiring others to approach midlife health consciously.
Page 21: Notes Kenya’s youth face trauma after anti-government protests, with families grieving victims like 12-year-old Bridget Njoki. Disillusionment grows as authorities avoid accountability, deepening distrust in institutions. Some find solace in dark humor or legal aid, but collective despair lingers.
Page 23: Notes that fuel theft costs Kenya’s transport sector up to 30% of budgets, prompting Horizon IoT to offer sensor-based tracking systems. Their tech detects siphoning and driver misconduct, cutting costs by 20%. The firm is expanding into AI-driven fatigue monitoring for fleets.
Page 24: Budget Kenya’s Sh4.3 trillion 2025-26 budget avoids new taxes, targeting 7% revenue growth to Sh2.75 trillion. Debt and recurrent spending dominate, leaving a Sh923 billion deficit to be covered by borrowing. PPPs like the JKIA-Adani deal aim to bridge gaps but face transparency concerns.