As the world marks Data Privacy Day on 28th January 2023, Kenya has been busy this week with a series of activities organized by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) to commemorate the day. The week-long events will culminate in a two-day Data
Zuku, an internet service provider owned by Wananchi Group, has recently faced sharp public criticism. The company received widespread backlash online from its customers over poor internet services. Zuku customers experienced internet outage, downtime, and slow speeds for an extended period. To further worsen the
The year 2022 saw the introduction of several legislative and regulatory updates. Similarly, Kenya launched some notable policies and strategies whose implementation will impact both the private and public sectors. As 2022 draws to a close, we look back at some of the key legislative
Kenya will be marking its 59th Independence Day on Monday, December 12, 2022. This year’s Jamhuri Day Celebrations, dubbed “Innovation Jamhuri Day,” will focus on technology and innovation. A departure from prior years’ celebrations, this year’s Jamhuri is poised to look back at Kenya’s digital
There are unique opportunities to use ICT for economic growth, productivity increase, and better service delivery. According to the International Cooperation Development 2019 report on Guidelines and Roadmap for full deployment of e-governance systems in Africa, there are two critical elements of e-governance: digital elements
What is country-by-country reporting? Multinational Enterprise Groups (MNEs) that are tax resident in Kenya with gross revenues of KSh 95 billion or more are required to submit an annual return of income for the year 2022 and subsequent years. The return should detail the group’s
In the financial year ended June 2022, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) recorded a historic high of KSh2.031 trillion against a revenue target of KSh1.882 trillion, representing a 21.7 per cent growth and the highest ever in its history. Despite this tremendous performance, the government
Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has recently been in the spotlight, and not for the right reasons. A storm started brewing following some of her county staff appointments. Beyond the hostility she has been facing from members of the County Assembly, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission
IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2022 offers IT, risk management and security leaders a lens into factors that can increase or help mitigate the rising cost of data breaches. It is a global report comprising data from 17 countries and regions, and 17
There has been much debate about the Shamba System over the past few days following remarks made by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding reintroducing the controversial system. What is a Shamba System? The word shamba in Kiswahili means a farm. As the name suggests, under
News Release by the World Health Organisation Today, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, launched a new report calling on global leaders to take urgent action on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for 17 million premature deaths every year. To accelerate action Dr Tedros renewed
What is Adjustment for Inflation? The Excise Duty Act and Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act provides for the Commissioner-General of the Kenya Revenue Authority, by Gazette Notice, to adjust the specific rate of excise duty every two years to take into account inflation. Recently, the
During President Ruto’s inauguration speech on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, he noted that his campaign team had received complaints from traders about the onerous burden involved in cash transactions exceeding KSh 1 million. He further asserted that many of them have reverted to storing money
Following the inauguration of Dr William Samoei Ruto on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, as President, he is now widely expected to release an executive order outlining the organisation of his government. The executive order to be released by President Ruto will supersede any other Executive
KENYA ‘Shame on Judiciary’, says Raila in first speech since Supreme Court verdict Azimio La Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga has spoken publicly for the first time Thursday since the Supreme Court upheld the presidential election results, by lashing out at the verdict as
The Kenya Kwanza manifesto proposes to set up a quasi-judicial commission of inquiry into state capture within 30 days of the new administration. The commission would aim to establish the extent of cronyism and state capture in Kenya and make recommendations. Transparency International has defined
Outcome 1 – Presidential election upheld If the Supreme Court issues a ruling that declares the presidential election as valid, the President-elect will be sworn in on the first Tuesday, 7 days from when the court issues its ruling – September 13, 2022. Outcome 2
Following the declaration of Deputy President William Ruto as the President-elect by the IEBC chairman, a number of elected Members of Parliament allied to the Azimio la Umoja coalition have shifted camp to the Kenya Kwanza coalition. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) party, a constituent
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) recently released the 2021 Financial Stability Report which discusses developments and risks in Kenya’s economy and financial sector in the post-Covid–19 pandemic recovery phase, and details how the financial sector has remained resilient. The report outlines some of the
KENYA Swearing-in date of president-elect to be public holiday, Kinyua says The date of the swearing in of the president-elect will be declared a public holiday, Kinyua clarified, adding that the mandate of the committee will be triggered once the electoral commission formally announces a
The announcement by Kenya Power to start building charging ports for electric vehicles has renewed the conversation on e-mobility in Kenya. Beginning next month, Kenya Power is set to commence the construction of electric charging systems for homes, businesses, and the public across the country.
KENYA Uhuru plotting to disrupt elections, William Ruto now says Deputy President William Ruto Thursday launched a scathing attack on President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing his boss of planning to disrupt the General Election set for Tuesday. The Kenya Kwanza Alliance presidential candidate claimed the president
On Wednesday, July 27, 2022, the Central Bank of Kenya launched the Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing National Risk Assessment Report (NRA). The report identifies and assesses Kenya’s Money Laundering (ML) and Terrorism Financing (TF) risks at a national and sectoral level. The overall ML
The Supreme Court dealt a final blow to Mike Sonko’s stab at the Mombasa gubernatorial race when it dismissed his appeal concerning his impeachment from the office of the Governor of Nairobi City County. In the shortened version of its decision, the Supreme Court noted
KENYA Venezuelan found with IEBC stickers detained at airport Preparations for the upcoming elections were Thursday thrown into confusion after customs officials at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) detained suspicious election material from a foreigner who had just arrived in the country. Venezuelan Comarco
The Government Printer has come under increased scrutiny this week after the Speaker of the National Assembly called off a special sitting following the failure to gazette the special sitting. Speaker Justin Muturi had called for a special sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday,
The only feasible way to get money to pay for government expenditure on the products and services that most of us need is through taxes. However, establishing an effective and fair tax system is far from easy, especially for developing nations that seek to integrate
KENYA Boycott election? Never, we’re not cowards, vows Azimio flagbearer Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga has declared that his team will not boycott the August 9 General Election even as he exuded confidence that they would win by more than
KENYA Why Ruto changed tune on his plan to abolish CBC Deputy President William Ruto has made a major turnabout on an earlier pledge to abolish the competency-based curriculum (CBC). Dr Ruto has instead promised a hybrid system of education if his Kenya Kwanza Alliance
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 Political parties participating in the General Election to submit their Party List to IEBC. 25th June, 2022 Political parties and candidates to appoint and submit to the IEBC the
The Public Investments Committee of the National Assembly has called upon the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) management over delays in the construction of a transmission line to connect the Lake Turkana Wind Power plant to
The Employment and Labour Relations Court has recently quashed the appointment of board members of certain state corporations, citing a lack of transparency and competitiveness in the recruitment process. The latest casualties include the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards
KENYA Inside the deal that saw Kalonzo rejoin Azimio coalition Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has secured Cabinet slots and a commitment of law change to create the post of Prime Minister, which he will hold, should Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga form the next government.
National Assembly Bills, 2022 The Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2022. The Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2022. The Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, 2022. The Unemployment Insurance Authority Bill, 2022. Legislative Supplements, 2022 The Microfinance Act—Exemption. The Legal Aid (General) Regulations,
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Official campaign period. 29th May, 2022 – 6th August, 2022 Nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates for the County Woman Member to the National Assembly elections. 1st June, 2022 to 3rd June, 2022. Nomination of political party
HOMA BAY The County Executive Committee member for Health Services has gazetted notice of the appointment of various persons to serve as members of Hospital Management Boards, for a period of three (3) years, effective 1st March, 2022. KILIFI The County Executive Committee member for
KENYA In the Iron Lady of Kenyan politics, a statement of belief Raila Odinga’s running mate Martha Karua has excited sections of the population, especially the millions of Kenyan women and young girls who see her as the embodiment of a promise come true. Whether
KENYA KCB first quarter profit jumps to Sh9.9 billion KCB Group net earnings grew by more than half in the first quarter ended March, helped by higher interest and non-interest income and lower loan loss provisions. The lender’s net profit in the period stood at
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates for the Presidential Election 29th May, 2022 to 6th June, 2022. Nomination of political party candidates and independent candidates for the National Assembly Elections 29th May, 2022 to 31st May, 2022
The Central Bank of Kenya on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, issued a press release in relation to licensing of Digital Credit Providers (DCPs). The deadline for licensing of DCPs is September 17, 2022. The announcement by CBK serves to remind DCPs that are yet to
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) recently released the Economic Survey 2022, detailing how various sectors and job markets performed and offered insight into the post Covid-19 recovery. Kenya’s economy rebounded in 2021 compared to 2020, with most sectors recording significant improvement. According to
Acts The County Governments Additional Allocations Act, 2022 National Assembly Bills, 2022 The Public Procurement and Asset Disposal (Amendment) Bill, 2022 PUBLIC SECTOR Appointments The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, has gazetted the appointment of Prof.
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline IEBC to publish in the Gazette, the names and symbols of persons intending to contest in the election as independent candidates 13th May, 2022. Political parties intending to present a Presidential and Deputy Presidential candidates through party primaries or
The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has published draft rules that will, among other things, provide for share buybacks by listed companies in Kenya. Despite the Companies Act, 2015, introducing the concept of share buyback in the country, the CMA expressed concerns that the move could
KENYA Azimio, Kenya Kwanza allied MPs turn Kibaki sitting to political duel A special sitting of the National Assembly to mourn former President Mwai Kibaki was reduced to a political duel between Azimio la Umoja, One Kenya and Kenya Kwanza coalitions. The sitting was called
KENYA Safaricom gets Sh46bn loan for Addis licence Standard Chartered Bank Kenya was one of the major banks that lent Safaricom a total of $400 million (Sh46.3 billion) last year, helping the telecom operator pay for its Ethiopian licence. “The $400 million facilities comprised a
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names
Kenya is poised to introduce coding for secondary and primary school students. This is after the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) approved a new syllabus that offers to equip children with coding skills. The rollout of the syllabus in Kenya will be a first
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts. 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC. 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names
The essence of administration is to rescue companies that are under financial distress while safeguarding the interests of creditors and other stakeholders in the company. One of the key objectives of administration as set out under the Insolvency Act, 2015 is to achieve a better
The Tax Talk Series hosted by the Kenya Revenue Authority held a webinar on April 8, 2022, to discuss the post budget effects on taxes. The session which lasted for close to an hour was moderated by Nixon Omondi – Manager, Digital Economy, Tax Office.
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC. 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names
KENYA Uhuru’s own goal: How President’s hand in BBI campaign bungled initiative President Kenyatta seems to have scored an own goal in his quest to amend the Constitution through the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). This is after the Supreme Court held on Thursday that his
Legislative Supplements, 2022 The Interpretation and General Provisions Act – Delegation of Power. The Traffic Act—Exemption The Protected Areas (Energy Sector) Order, 2022 National Assembly Acts, 2022 The Kenya Roads (Amendment) Act, 2022 The Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Act, 2022 The Asian
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts. 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC. 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names
MAKUENI Governor of Makueni County, Kivutha Kibwana (Prof.), has appointed Redempta Kavindu to be the secretary of the Makueni County Public Service Board. TANA RIVER Governor of Tana River County, Major (rtd) Godhana Gaddae Dhadho (Dr.), has appointed various persons to be members of the
Digital access is no doubt double edged. On one hand it exposes children to a wealth of benefits and opportunities, but on the other a host of risks, including access to harmful content, sexual exploitation and abuse, cyber bullying, and misuse of their private information.
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names
Digital lenders have up to September 2022 to comply with regulatory requirements, including licensing by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). The Central Bank of Kenya (Digital Credit Providers) Regulations, 2021 (“Draft Regulations”), which are expected to be published before the end of March 2022,
KENYA Make public coalition deal, Azimio parties now demand Five disputes are derailing the Azimio la Umoja agreement, with protests by some parties about the document that named Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga the coalition’s presidential flag bearer. The Nation has established that
KENYA Banks abandon CBK’s SME mobile loans deal Four lenders selected by the Central Bank of Kenya to give low-cost mobile loans to small businesses under a programme dubbed ‘Stawi’ have abandoned the deal. The Business Daily can reveal that the platform has not issued
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names
In this second part of our series on the Central Bank of Kenya National Payments Strategy for 2022 – 2025 (NPS Strategy), we examine CBK’s strategic initiatives under the principle of security. A core focus of the strategic initiatives under security is ensuring adequate protection
KENYA Kenyan politics marred with blackmail, intimidation, Ruto tells Americans Deputy President William Ruto has said that there is a lot of blackmail and intimidation ahead of the August 9 polls. Speaking at the Karson Institute for Race, Peace and Social Justice in Maryland, US,
KENYA Why Uhuru is Ruto’s new nightmare President Uhuru Kenyatta’s aggressive performance on the political stage could upset his deputy’s strategy and potentially dismantle Kenya Kwanza’s political arithmetic. Uhuru on Wednesday began mobilising his Mt Kenya political backyard to support ODM leader Raila Odinga and
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit party membership lists to the IEBC 9th April, 2022 Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) unveiled its National Payments Strategy for 2022 – 2025 (NPS Strategy) this week. The NPS Strategy is anchored on the vision of a secure, fast, efficient and collaborative payments system that supports financial inclusion and innovations that benefit Kenyans.
KENYA Kalonzo: OKA and Azimio in talks to form super alliance Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has given the clearest hint that a deal between the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) and ODM leader Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja could be sealed soon. Mr Kalonzo said although
The Cabinet Secretary for Health has published the National Health Insurance Fund (Contributions) Regulations, 2022 (Draft Regulations). The changes are meant to boost Universal Health Coverage (UHC), but for the changes to work, Ms Mugo, Executive Director of FKE, stated that NHIF needs to step
Central Bank Digital Currency discussion: The pros, cons and reading between the lines The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) recently released a discussion paper on a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) intending to tease out a conversation around the possible introduction of a digital currency
Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit Party Membership lists to the IEBC April 9, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the names of personscontesting in the
In exactly 179 days, Kenyans will be heading to the polls in what is shaping out to be a hotly contested General Election. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is tasked with conducting and supervising the election. History shows that various challenges have marred
Election timelines and activities Activity Timeline Resignation of public officers intending to vie for elective posts 9th February, 2022 Political Parties to submit the Party Membership lists to the IEBC 9th April, 2022. Political parties intending to present candidates in the election to submit the
KENYA Kimunya election bill causes online storm The introduction of a Bill seeking to bring back manual transmission of election results, which was last used in 2007, has elicited mixed reactions on the internet since Wednesday, February 2, and the better part of Thursday morning.
Recent media revelations paint a shocking picture of vast amounts of unclaimed assets that lie idle despite Kenyans going through a tough economic season. According to the media reports, the amount of unclaimed assets currently stands at KSh 55 billion, with a paltry KSh 1
KENYA Uhuru’s assent to coalition parties bill opens new political battlefront President Uhuru Kenyatta’s speedy assent to the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill has heralded a new political order that will see presidential contenders compete to form coalitions with rival camps, and potentially thrown the August
On Thursday, President Uhuru Kenyatta signed into law the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (“Amendment Act”). Following an acrimonious debate in the National Assembly, the Senate on Wednesday, January 26, passed the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2021, without any amendments. The new law now sets
KENYA Uhuru bans scrap metal business over increased vandalism President Kenyatta has banned exports and dealings in scrap metal, hitting hard traders currently operating in the sector. Speaking at the National Police College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, during a passing out parade on Wednesday, Mr
This week, the Central Bank of Kenya released the results of the first-ever Diaspora Remittances Survey (the “Survey”). The Survey was conducted between March and May 2021 by the Central Bank of Kenya in collaboration with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry
KENYA OKA principals snub Uhuru, Raila meeting with pro-handshake MPs One Kenya Alliance (OKA) principals yesterday skipped a luncheon organised by President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga, reportedly scuttling the agenda of the State House meeting. The Standard has established that OKA principals
On January 1, 2022, several key tax amendments contained in the Finance Act, 2021 (the Act) took effect. We take a look at these changes and the likely impact on taxpayers. Requirement for multinational enterprises to file returns on activities in other jurisdictions An ultimate
KENYA Whistleblowers to get 10pc of cash recovered Whistleblowers whose disclosure results in the recovery of money or assets will get 10 percent of the cash or the value of the asset if MPs approve a new Bill. The Whistleblower Protection Bill seeks to establish
The mandatory resignation requirement for public officers vying in the 2022 General Election has run into legal headwinds. Public officers eyeing elective political seats are required by law to resign at least six months to the polls. However, the requirement, anchored under section 43(5) of
KENYA Civil servants face Sh1m fine for failure to declare wealth by end year Civil servants risk a Sh1 million fine or a jail term of two years if they fail to declare their wealth and that of their spouses and children ahead of the
Several legislative interventions that have affected the private sector came into force in 2021. As the year draws to a close, we look back at some of these interventions and their resultant impact. The Finance Act, 2021 (the Finance Act) exempted resident persons from Digital
KENYA No More Harambees for 2022 Elections Aspirants (Source: Daily Nation) Political aspirants will from 9th December not be allowed to participate in harambees for the benefit of others, thus ending a campaign issue that has fuelled conflict between Deputy President William Ruto and opposition
Kenya’s economy has been on a path to recovery in 2021 following the easing of Covid-19 containment restrictions. As the economy rebounds, the country heads into an election year. Against this background, the Parliamentary Budget Office recently released the 13th edition of the Budget Options
