Ruto’s Fuel VAT Cut: Relief or Economic Illusion?

President William Ruto’s decision to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 16 percent to 8 percent is being celebrated as a significant relief measure. However, this policy shift reveals a more complex and troubling reality.Kenya lacks full control over its fuel prices and the overall cost of

Kenya Wins World Bank Human Capital Champion Award at 2026 Spring Meetings

Kenya received the prestigious Human Capital Champion Award during a significant celebration hosted by the World Bank Group in Washington, D.C. This accolade recognizes the country's ongoing advancements in human capital development.Chris Kiptoo, the Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, accepted the award on Kenya's behalf at the Human Capital

Fuel Prices Surge Above Sh200 as EPRA Posts April–May 2026 Hike

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced on Tuesday that fuel prices for the April–May cycle will see significant increases nationwide, driven by rising global oil costs.In a statement, EPRA confirmed, “We have calculated the maximum retail prices of petroleum products, effective from April 15, 2026, to May 14,

IMF Assures Support for Kenya Amid Unstable Global Economy

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenya following high-level discussions aimed at bolstering the nation’s economic stability amid a volatile global market.In a statement released on their X account after the 2026 Spring Meetings held at IMF Headquarters on April 13, 2026, the National Treasury

CBK Holds Interest Rate at 8.75% Amid Stable Inflation

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) decided to keep the Central Bank Rate (CBR) steady at 8.75 percent during its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on April 8, 2026. This decision reflects the policymakers' careful observation of global trends, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted

US-Iran Ceasefire Reopens Strait of Hormuz, Oil Prices Drop

Iran and the US have reached a ceasefire agreement, contingent upon ensuring "safe passage" through the Strait of Hormuz.Since the US and Israel's assault on Iran on February 28, Tehran had effectively blocked this vital waterway, one of the busiest oil shipping routes globally.Typically, around 20% of the world's oil

Kenya Must Rethink Capital Strategy to Unlock Investment Growth – Experts

Kenya's potential for rapid economic growth and attracting substantial investment depends on its ability to effectively coordinate, structure, and utilize capital. This insight emerges from leading financial experts following the recent Kenya International Investment Conference (KIICO) 2026. Abdi Mohamed, CEO of Absa Bank Kenya, emphasized the need to move away

West African Resources Targets Up to 490,000 Ounces Gold Output in 2026

West African Resources is set to achieve a significant milestone in 2026, with projections of annual gold production between 430,000 and 490,000 ounces, primarily driven by its operations in Burkina Faso.This anticipated growth stems from the first full year of output from the Kiaka mine, the largest in the country,

Kenya LPG Deal with Saudi Aramco Collapses, Delaying Affordable Cooking Gas

Kenyans will face further delays in accessing affordable cooking gas following the government's announcement that negotiations with Saudi Aramco have failed. This setback hampers efforts to enhance availability and reduce costs of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).On March 31, 2026, the Ministry of Energy, led by Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, informed

Ruto Asks Envoys to Market Kenya Abroad, Cites Economic Stability and Rising Investment

Ruto Asks Envoys to Market Kenya Abroad, Cites Economic Stability and Rising Investment

President urges diplomats to leverage improved economic gains to expand Kenya's global influence amid shifting international order. President William Ruto has urged Kenyan diplomats to step up efforts to promote the country's economic and strategic interests abroad, citing improved economic stability and growing investor confidence as a foundation for stronger global