Today is Wed, 19 Nov 2025
Executive Walkway![]()
J.D. Vance’s State Visit to Kenya
President William Ruto is set to host U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance from November 24th to 27th, 2025, during a visit that highlights Kenya’s strategic importance in the global race for critical minerals. The discussions are expected to focus heavily on Kenya’s significant deposits of rare earth minerals, niobium, and coltan, which are vital for advanced technology, clean energy, and defence industries. Supplying these minerals is crucial for Kenya to leverage its natural resources for economic growth, attract foreign investment, and secure a strong position in global supply chains amid U.S.-China competition for access to these resources. While trade, investment, and security cooperation will be addressed, the visit is also expected to set the stage for the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) benefits, following U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s earlier engagement with Kenyan officials.
Parliamentary Aisle![]()
KEPSA Speaker’s Roundtable with the National Assembly
The National Assembly will engage with the private sector from this Thursday to Saturday to ensure the formulation of policies that enable the growth of Kenya’s private sector and facilitate a conducive regulatory and policy environment. The event, dubbed “The Speaker’s Roundtable”, will be held at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa and will provide a platform for lawmakers and industry leaders to collaborate, address sector-specific challenges and shape business-friendly legislation. Participants are expected to cover their own accommodation and transport; registration is open at http://bit.ly/4n1KjWo.
Corridors ofJustice![]()
Omtatah to Move to Court Over Privatisation Act, 2025
Senator Okiya Omtatah has announced that next week he will move to court to challenge the recently enacted Privatisation Act, 2025. He argues that the law allows the transfer and privatisation of public land and assets without proper Senate oversight, which he contends violates Article 68 of the Constitution that mandates the protection and conservation of public land. Omtatah also claims the Act bypassed the required bicameral legislative process, undermining the role of the Senate in safeguarding county and public interests. He plans to seek a court declaration that the Act is unconstitutional and therefore invalid from inception.
Talking of Which![]()
Continuous Voter Registration Ahead of November By-Elections
Voter registration continues across Kenya, despite the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) observing low turnout in some areas. This initiative takes place ahead of the by-elections scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, which will fill vacant seats in the National Assembly, the Senate, and the County Assemblies. Key constituencies include Baringo County (senatorial seat) and National Assembly seats in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja. Candidate nominations occurred on October 8th and 9th, 2025, with campaigning from November 8th to October 24th, 2025. The by-elections aim to fill these vacancies and maintain ongoing representation and participation in Kenya’s legislative and county governance.
Watch out for![]()
MoneyAura Africa Summit
The MoneyAura Africa Summit is set to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from November 26th to 27th, 2025. Powered by Haleef Global, the summit will bring together senior leaders from banking, fintech, payments, and digital inclusion sectors to discuss emerging trends such as real-time payments, embedded finance, financial identity, and the role of AI in finance. The event will open with a Pre-Summit Welcome Dinner on November 26, followed by the Main Summit the following day, and conclude with the MoneyAura Awards (Africa) gala celebrating excellence in financial services.
MovingUp![]()
James Macharia, Chair, Sidian Bank
Former Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has been appointed Chairman of Sidian Bank, succeeding Dr. James Mworia, CEO of Centum Investment Company Plc, who had led the bank since 2014. The appointment follows Centum’s sale of its 64% stake in Sidian Bank for KSh 3.2 billion and marks a new phase focused on institutional growth and renewed strategic direction. Macharia’s return to banking brings over 30 years of experience, including his tenure as CEO of NIC Bank (now NCBA Group), where he oversaw regional expansion and transformation. His leadership is expected to strengthen Sidian’s competitiveness and drive its growth in Kenya’s MSME and retail banking sectors. The transition also comes alongside broader board restructuring that has introduced new members such as Paul Gachanja, Apollo Ong’ara, and Madhav Bhandari, signalling a commitment to stronger governance and strategic oversight. Macharia’s appointment sets the stage for Sidian Bank’s next chapter, centred on innovation, expansion, and financial inclusion.