KISM BACKS THE ROLLOUT OF THE ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT SYSTEM

The Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) which registers,license, train, discipline and regulate supplies practitioners in Kenya mandated to regulate and professionalize the supply chain management practice is keen on

the successful rollout of the Electronic Government Procurement System (EGPS) which is currently a subject of national conversation.

 The Institute wishes to indicate that it

fully supports government initiative and policy

direction to digitize the public procurement process through the end to end E-GP System.This is a crucial step towards modernizing the procurement processes and the System shall not only enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability but also visibility and tractability of public procurement processes.

KISM boasts of huge  membership of over 28,000 Supply Chain Professionals registered by the Institute which form part of the backbone

of public procurement systems, and are the critical pulse required for seamless, effective and successful rollout of the EGP system, and actively engaged in this transition.

During the Heads of Procurement Forum

held in Mombasa from 12th to 16th August, 2024 officiated by the Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, EGH and the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, FCPA Hon. John Mbadi,

EGH, and the subsequent Heads of Procurement Forum held from 11th to 15th August, 2025 officiated by the Principal Secretary, Public

Investments and Asset Management, Mr. Cyrell Odede, the Supply Chain Professionals made a timely resolution to embrace, learn,

support and facilitate the rollout of the EGPS System.

The Institute in collaboration

with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), is running a successful capacity building program on ethics for supply chain

professionals thus EGPS is a saviour to

supply chain professionals as a driver of accountability and responsibility to aid in reducing the loopholes characterized by  manual processes but will also reduce any opportunities

for external influences and interference in procurement processes.

Following the Government Directive on this matter, the Institute has been able to undertake the following interventions during the last two

months it has offered technical Capacity development In collaboration with the

National Treasury the Institute has trained 1,317 supply chain management professionals marking a significant milestone in scaling up e-GP awareness and practical skills across the country.

KISM has also conducted Trainer of Trainers (ToT) Programme with the Institute 

nominating over thirty (30) Supply Chain Professionals who are currently being trained in collaboration with The National Treasury at the Kenya School of Government to aid entities in

capacity building and full implementation of the System. The ToTs will be graduating by the end of this week. This will also help meet the growing demand for capacity building by various

public entities for inhouse and structured continuous professional development programmes.

 The Institute and The National Treasury has

recognized that the intensive, practical nature of the course and shall continue to monitor the situation and update supply chain professionals on the emerging issues from time to time during

this transition period.

AGRA ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2025 VALUE4HER WOMEN AGRIPRENUERS OF THE YEAR AWARDS AT THE AFRICA FOOD SYSTEMS FORUM IN DAKAR

AGRA has announced the winners of the 2025 Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) during the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) held in Dakar, Senegal.The WAYA awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of women leaders who are transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape through innovation, resilience and a commitment to empowering their communities.

 This year's winners were selected from a highly competitive pool of almost 2000 applicants, representing the continent's most inspiring and impactful women in agribusiness. 

The finalists showcase diverse innovations in value addition, ag-tech, community leadership, and sustainable farming across Africa. Representing diverse countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.

A total of USD 300,000 in grant funding was awarded to the 10 winners announced during a live ceremony, in the categories: Grand Prize Winner, Women Empowerment Champion, Resilient & Inspirational Leader, Outstanding Value-Adding Enterprise, Female Ag-Tech Innovator, Young Female Agripreneur (Rising Star) Young Female Agripreneur (Rising Star) - Regional Winners.

The WAYA 2025 winners by category included:

Grand Prize Winner: Mathildah Amollo from Kenya was crowned the ultimate WAYA Grand Prize Winner.Women Empowerment Champion: Juliet Kakwerre N Tumusiime founder and CEO of Cheveux Organique, from Uganda.

Resilient & Inspirational Leader: Julienne Olawolé Agossadou founder of SEDAMI – La Reine des Champignons from Benin.

Outstanding Value-Adding Enterprise: Roberta Edu-Oyedokun, founder and CEO of Moppet Foods, Nigeria Female Ag-Tech Innovator: Joyce Waithira Rugano, founder of Ecorich Solutions Kenya.Young Female Agripreneur (Rising Star): Onicca Sibanyona Founder of Jwale Farms, South Africa.

Speaking during the fifth edition of the WAYA awarding ceremony, Alice Ruhweza, President of AGRA, remarked, “Across every category, these founders have turned constraints into thriving enterprises. Collectively, they’ve increased annual incomes by an estimated 35 per cent, saved millions of tonnes of produce from spoilage, and delivered food to over 500,000 households across the region. Their businesses prove that innovation and resilience are alive across Africa’s food systems.

 AGRA role is to back them with stronger policy support, smarter finance, and access to bigger markets so they can multiply their reach and drive systemic change.”Nana Yaa Boakyewaa Amoah, Director for Gender, Youth & Inclusiveness at AGRA, added, “The pipeline of women agripreneurs is deep and growing. We are seeing more technology-driven models, more regional trade links, and real evidence of job creation, especially for women and youth. 

VALUE4HER exists to open doors to capital, buyers, and the right networks so these women can lead from the front. Their success is vital to inclusive food systems transformation across the continent.”One of the WAYA 2025 judges, Martha Haile, Founder & CEO, Abze Africa, observed that this year's applicants highlighted the remarkable fortitude of women entrepreneurs:

“As a judge, I was consistently impressed by the ingenuity and grit on display. 

These women leaders faced significant barriers with an incredible ability to adapt. Examples ranged from using sensors to protect bee colonies to innovating waste-to-income models. Their work goes beyond mere survival; it redefines resilience. It is a true honour to celebrate a generation of leaders who are not only building and scaling their businesses but also uplifting entire communities.”

The WAYA initiative, launched at the AGRF 2021 Summit, has become a cornerstone of AGRA’s efforts to strengthen women’s agribusiness enterprises across the continent. WAYA is an inititaive of VALUE4HER, AGRA’s continental program that supports the ecosystem of womenin agribusiness.

LG ELECTRONICS AND OPALNET LTD HOST SEMINAR TO EMPOWER KENYA'S COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY SECTOR AS DEMAND CLIMBS 25%

The demand for commercial laundry services in Kenya has grown  tremendously over the last three years, with data from Opalnet Ltd, the leading distributor of LG Electronics (LG) 

products, indicating a 25% leap in uptake.

This surge is driven by rapid urbanization, currently estimated at 4.5% annually1, alongside an increasingly enlightened population supported by a 35% internet penetration rate2 Improved access to electricity has also been a key enabler, with the country recording a 42% rise in connectivity over the last decade to reach 79% today3

Eager to align with modern lifestyles, which include fast-paced jobs and limited time for household chores, Kenya’s upwardly mobile and youthful population is increasingly embracing commercial laundry services. The growth of the 

hospitality and medical industries has also contributed to an increase in demand for commercial laundry services,creating unprecedented revenue generation opportunities for entrepreneurs. 

Today, a single 8-machine laundromat can earn revenues of between KES 250,000 and KES400,000 per month depending on the location and foot traffic, with the initial investment recouped within 12–18 months for wellplaced laundromats.

To further strengthen capacity within this thriving sector, LG, in collaboration with Opalnet Ltd, hosted a Commercial Washing Machine Seminar in Nairobi on 29 August 2025. The event brought together approximately 60 industry 

professionals, entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders to explore the latest trends, technologies, and best practices 

in commercial laundry operations.

LG’s Home Solutions Product Director for East Africa, KH Jeong, noted that the company remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs who are investing in the laundromat business. 

“Commercial laundry services are today an essential solution in urban Kenya. Through this seminar, we equipped operators with knowledge and technology that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately deliver better 

service to customers,” he said.

LG, a global leader in home and commercial appliances, continues to innovate in the laundry segment by providing 

high-performance, energy-efficient washing machines designed for businesses of all sizes.

 The company’s commercial washers and dryers feature advanced technologies such as energy-saving Inverter Direct Drive 

motors, TurboWash™ cycles, and smart diagnostics.

1 https://unhabitat.org/kenya

2

https://datacommons.org/place/country/KEN?utm_medium=explore&mprop=count&popt=Pe

LG washers and dryers, for example, reduce energy costs by up to 40%, offer faster wash cycles, and have a lifespan of over 10 years, making them the most recommended choice for laundromats, apartments, hotels,hospitals, and boarding schools. These machines allow businesses to maximize throughput while delivering premium convenience to clients.

Speaking during the seminar, Opalnet’s B2B Business CEO, Brian Kitui, reaffirmed his company role in ensuring availability, after-sales support, and tailored solutions for local entrepreneurs.

“We recognize that commercial laundry solutions are becoming an important part of the Kenyan urban economy,and our role is to work closely with LG in delivering equipment and services that allow investors to maximize returns

while maintaining world-class standards,” said Opalnet’s B2B Business CEO, Brian Kitui.

The seminar also provided participants with case studies of successful laundromat businesses in Kenya,highlighting strategies for profitability, customer retention, and sustainability. Sessions covered topics rangingfrom machine maintenance and energy management to digital payment solutions that align with Kenya’s mobile first economy.

HR LEADERS URGED TO PROVIDE GREATER VALUE TO TALENT IN THE AGE OF AI

 

 Organizations have been challenged to build talent pipelines that are resilient, innovative, and fit for the future in the face of unprecedented disruption from artificial intelligence (AI), demographic shifts, and changing employee expectations.

Speaking at the opening of the HR Summit 2025, Karim Anjarwalla, Senior Partner at ALN Kenya, Anjarwalla & Khanna reiterated the urgency of rethinking talent strategies, highlighting the profound shifts AI and technology are bringing to the world of work.“Artificial intelligence is not just changing what we do, but how we learn, how we hire, and how we lead. Unlike past innovations that amplified human productivity, AI risks removing human beings from the centre of work. This is one of the generational challenges of our time, and Africa must be proactive in responding,” he said.

Mr Anjarwalla also noted that Africa faces a double challenge of bridging foundational education gaps while racing to catch up with AI’s exponential acceleration and emphasized that the real differentiator for organizations will be how they integrate talent and innovation to stay competitive.

According to Sundeep Raichura, Zamara Group CEO pointed to the realities of AI, shifting demographics, debates around globalization and protectionism, and growing expectations for equity, flexibility, and inclusion in the workplace.

“A few years ago, flexible work was seen as a perk. Today it’s a baseline expectation. AI was once dismissed as hype in HR circles, but in 2025, bots are reshaping talent acquisition, learning, and employee engagement. But the future of work cannot be about technology alone, it must be about people. Whether workplaces remain human-centered or become technology-dominated depends on the choices we make as leaders,” he emphasized.

“Innovation must serve humanity and not replace it. HR leaders are no longer backroom administrators, but are strategists, culture shapers, and in many ways, the conscience of organizations. Africa’s workforce should be our greatest asset, future-ready, not future-fearful,” he added.

Themed “Fit for Future”, this year’s Summit focuses on creating future-ready workplaces by addressing skills transformation, leadership resilience, and cultural adaptation. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, 83% of core skills will change by 2030, with AI literacy, data analysis, and technology fluency rising fastest.

KENYA POLICE HARASS HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH STAFF MEMBER

The Kenyan police should end its apparent harassment of Otsieno Namwaya, associate Africa director at Human Rights Watch, over his work documenting serious rights abuses in Kenya, Human Rights Watch said today.

Between August 23 and 25, 2025, security officials conducted surveillance at Namwaya’s house. The incidents followed weeks of attempts by individuals believed to be from the Operation Support Unit, which is based within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations of the National Police Service, to clandestinely get access to Namwaya.

“The surveillance of a Human Rights Watch staff member is a stark reminder of the ongoing threats and repression facing rights activists in Kenya today,” said Federico Borello, interim executive director at Human Rights Watch. “Instead of allowing police units to target activists, Kenyan authorities should be working to improve the space in which civil society operates.”

Three contacts in Namwaya’s neighborhood told him that on the evening of August 23, a group of six men, who appeared to be plainclothes officers, parked their three vehicles at a local police station. They then walked toward and around Namwaya’s neighborhood.

The sources said six men, apparently the same officers, returned on the morning of August 25, again parking apparently the same three vehicles at the nearby police station. Witnesses saw the six talking briefly with officers in the station which was open and then walked to Namwaya’s house, with one of them constantly on his phone.

Another contact in the vicinity at the time said the team of six, one of whom witnesses said seemed to be taking pictures of the house using his phone, stood around the house for a few hours while also talking on his phone. Then they returned to the police station, where witnesses again saw them talking briefly with the officers inside the station, and then drove off in the afternoon.

The surveillance of Namwaya’s house follows months of efforts by government security officials to locate and access Namwaya through people known to him. Unofficial police sources told Human Rights Watch that the team monitoring Namwaya is led by a senior member of the Operation Support Unit, which is based within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

Namwaya has led Human Rights Watch work in Kenya for over 13 years, during which he has documented the use of excessive force and other abuses by the Kenyan security forces, including the police, in the context of protests. He documented recent abuses during the 2024 and 2025 protests, as well as ongoing repression against human rights advocates in the country.

Research by Human Rights Watch and other human rights organizations show that, together with the National Intelligence Service and other security formations, such as the Operation Action Team, officials of the Operation Support Unit have been implicated in the ongoing abduction and disappearance of protesters since 2024.

On August 27, Human Rights Watch wrote to the inspector general of police, Douglas Kanja Kirocho, asking if a court has issued a warrant for Namwaya’s arrest and, if so, for clarification regarding the allegations against him. The letter also requested specific security guarantees for Namwaya and his family within 24 hours. The inspector general has not responded.

Since the June 2024 protests against a controversial tax law, Kenyan authorities have targeted civil society organizations and rights activists. In mid-July 2024, President William Ruto accused the Ford Foundation of sponsoring the “violence and mayhem” but offered no evidence. A few days later, in an apparent effort to link the Ford Foundation to the protests, Kenyan authorities accused most of 16 human rights organizations funded by the Ford Foundation of being behind the protests.

The president later backtracked on the unfounded allegations against the Ford Foundation. The government has continued to target activists and social media influencers with abductions and disappearances. In one instance, on August 19, 2024, plainclothes officers abducted three human rights activists—Bob Njagi, Aslam Longton, and Jamil Longton—and detained them incommunicado for 32 days.

The activists told Human Rights Watch that their abductors threatened, beat, and starved them in detention, accusing them of leading and funding protests.

The whereabouts of many other protesters, activists, and social media influencers, whose friends and family have informed Human Rights Watch that they had been abducted by uniformed police officers and, in other instances, unidentified individuals, since June 2024, remain unknown.

Kenyan authorities should provide Namwaya the legal basis for surveillance and clarify why they have not used legally appropriate procedures to summon him or serve him a warrant, Human Rights Watch said. Kenyan authorities should ensure that Namwaya and his family are protected from arbitrary or unlawful legal action and immediately end all harassment against them.

Kenya’s international partners should press Kenya to end its ongoing harassment of civil society and human rights activists and, most importantly, to ensure accountability for serious human rights abuses, including abductions and disappearances.

“Targeting staff working with international organizations clearly highlights the lack of accountability by Kenyan police for their ongoing ruthless attacks on civic and rights actors in the country,” Borello said. “The police leadership should publicly guarantee to protect activists and hold to account those responsible for the abusive practices.”

THE ROLE OF MULTI-STAKE HOLDER PARTNERSHIPS IN TRANSFORMING SMEs

By Elizabeth Wasunna Ochwa, Business Banking Director, Absa Bank Kenya

Stakeholder outreach to small businesses, regulators, lobby groups, and financial partners has unveiled significant opportunities for enhancing the resilience and sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during challenging economic times. By engaging in collaborative business caucuses, these small players are able to tap into expert advice, share effective coping strategies, and forge meaningful connections that can pave way to transformative outcomes for their businesses. 

The challenges facing SMEs in recent years have been immense, heightened by external factors such as high inflation rates and increased interest rates, which have severely constrained cash flow and dampened overall sales. These economic pressures have put significant strain on many small businesses, pushing some to the brink of closure and threatening their long-term viability.  

SMEs are vital to our economy, driving job creation and strengthening community welfare. Globally, over 90% of businesses are SMEs, and they account for more than half of all jobs. In Kenya, this sector employs over 15 million people and contributes around 30% of the GDP, according to the Kenya Bankers Association's 2021 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Survey Report. Given their significant impact, it's crucial to implement targeted support measures to bolster SMEs and help them thrive, even in challenging times.

Considering the vital role SMEs play, financial institutions have a responsibility to innovate and adapt their services to ensure the sustainability of these businesses during tough times. This adaptation involves forging deeper relationships with SMEs that extend beyond transactional interactions, transforming them into meaningful partnerships. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, banks have established robust support systems for small businesses, encompassing efforts such as restructuring loan facilities, providing critical cash flow support, and assisting with the development and execution of turnaround strategies. 

SMEs are the heartbeat of our communities, and it's essential for financial institutions to evolve alongside them, especially in challenging times. Rather than simply processing transactions, banks should now forge genuine partnerships with small businesses. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, banks have stepped up by restructuring loan facilities, providing crucial cash flow support, and collaborating on turnaround strategies to ensure that SMEs not only survive but thrive. Yet, further progress can be achieved by expanding capacity-building programs to equip SME owners with the skills needed for long-term success.

A prime example of this commitment is Absa Bank Kenya's "Wezesha Caravan," an empowerment initiative designed to connect with customers and business leaders across the country. The Caravan hosts town hall style meetings across key counties such as Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa, Nyeri, and Kisumu, providing a dynamic forum where business owners can exchange ideas, network, and gain valuable insights from industry experts. The initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and aims to form cohesive business clubs that foster a sense of community among SMEs.

 

In my view, transforming SMEs into resilient, sustainable enterprises depends on strong partnerships between government and the private sector. Such collaborations can spark progress and innovation. Government agencies are essential, they provide regulatory oversight, craft supportive policies, and mobilise vital resources. Equally, private sector players, especially financial institutions, play a critical role by delivering innovative solutions, offering mentorship, and expanding market access. Together, these partnerships create a comprehensive ecosystem that empowers SME growth.

Over the years, as part of our ongoing commitment to SME empowerment, Absa Bank has periodically leveraged the Wezesha Caravan to collaborate with local governments and business associations. These tailored financial training sessions have consistently brought together industry experts and key stakeholders to deliver critical insights and practical strategies, enabling entrepreneurs to navigate economic volatility. By addressing fundamental challenges such as liquidity constraints and market access, these engagements have not only strengthened SMEs’ resilience but also fostered an ecosystem where business leaders are empowered to drive sustainable growth.

As we strive to achieve the milestones set out in Kenya Vision 2030 this year,, it is imperative that empowering SMEs remains a fundamental priority. The government's proactive role in establishing a conducive environment through strategic policy frameworks, infrastructure development, and capacity-building initiatives is critical. At the same time, the private sector must continue to innovate, offering cutting-edge solutions to stimulate entrepreneurship and drive SME growth.

At Absa Bank, our commitment to SMEs transcends traditional financial support. As we strategically pivot to strengthen our SME proposition, we offer a suite of both financial and non-financial solutions, which include coaching, mentorship, market linkages, and sustainable financing tailored to key sectors like health, manufacturing, and natural resource management.

On our part as financial sector leaders, we must drive greater investment in the SME sector. The future of our economy hinges on the resilience and innovation of these enterprises, which require far more than traditional financial support. It is time to broaden our perspective and adopt a more holistic approach, integrating comprehensive solutions such as coaching, mentorship, market linkages, and sustainable financing, especially in critical sectors like health, manufacturing, and natural resource management.

Our collective experience shows that when SMEs are equipped with tailored, non-financial tools alongside capital, they are better positioned to navigate today’s complex challenges and drive impact. I call upon my peers in the industry to redefine our support for SMEs, embrace a holistic strategy, and work together to empower these vital engines of innovation. The opportunity to shape a more resilient and prosperous future is in our hands, and our commitment today will determine the success of the businesses that power tomorrow.

The “Wezesha Caravans” model has proven that strategic collaboration is the key to unlocking SME potential. By fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, we pave the way for growth, resilience, and a future-proof economy. When SMEs thrive, they fuel innovation, strengthen communities, and drive economic progress, ensuring a more prosperous future for all.

 The writer is the Business Banking Director, Absa Bank Kenya PLC

SPORTYBET TAKES OVER KENYAN MARKET

SportyBet has made a bold comeback in a bid to take over the Kenyan market  positioning itself as one of the fastest rising betting platforms built on innovation, convenience, and trust.

Registration is simple and seamless, funding your account is designed to be hassle free. With M-Pesa Paybill 590555, players can deposit instantly through the SIM Toolkit. For even greater ease, SportyBet offers a direct online deposit option, removing unnecessary steps and letting users start without delays.

At the heart of SportyBet’s experience lies the Cashout Revolution, a game changing feature that puts control firmly in the hands of players.

Regular Cashout allows bettors to secure profits or cut losses before a match ends.

Partial Cashout lets one bank part of their wager while keeping the rest active.Auto Cashout gives one the freedom to set personalized rules, ensuring bets are automatically cashed out once preferred conditions are met.“Cashout is no longer just a feature but a tool of empowerment. At SportyBet, we’re giving players the freedom to decide their own risk levels and safeguard their returns whenever they choose,” said Samuel Muchai, CEO of SportyBet Kenya.

The platform also takes live betting to a new level with a fast, sleek, and interactive interface. Players can place bets in real time as the action unfolds, reacting instantly to game changing moments.One of SportyBet’s greatest advantages is its instant withdrawal system. Unlike traditional delays, winnings are transferred immediately to M-Pesa wallets, guaranteeing users fast and secure access to their cash.

Beyond sports, SportyBet keeps entertainment alive with 24/7 virtual games, ensuring adrenaline and fun around the clock, even when live matches are off.Every aspect from deposits and cashouts to live betting and withdrawals is crafted around speed, control, and user trust, cementing SportyBet’s reputation as a platform that puts players first. “Kenyans deserve a betting experience built on transparency, speed, and choice. SportyBet delivers exactly that. If you want a smarter, faster, and more reliable way to bet, this is where you belong,” added Samuel Muchai.

SAFAL MRM FOUNDATION HOSTS FREE MEDICAL CAMP IN KAJIADO COUNTY

The Safal MRM Foundation  in partnership with Mabati Rolling Mills (MRM) Premchandbhai  Foundation, and other stakeholders,hosted a two day free Medical Camp  and  humanitarian Aid program in Oloika Village, Kajiado County  targeting over 1,000 vulnerable  residents. 

The camp will deliver critical healthcare services including consultations, screenings,medications, and health education while Premchandbhai Foundation will lead food donations  as part of broader relief efforts, including clothing and school supplies for underserved families. The foundation activities will include  medical Services free consultations, health screenings, medications, and specialized  care for persons with disabilities ,humanitarian Aid Premchandbhai foundation food distribution, clothing and  school supplies.

 

This intervention builds on the Foundation's track record in Oloika which includes flood  relief (2024) and solar lamp distributions for off grid students. "We're honored to return to Oloika with holistic support," said Siprosa Rabach, Head of Safal  MRM Foundation. "With Premchandbhai Foundation's partnership in nutrition and MRM's  commitment to sustainable solutions, we are addressing both urgent needs and systemic  challenges." 

The Safal MRM Foundation based in Kenya, is a philanthropic enterprise of Mabati Rolling Mills  and the Safal Group. The Safal MRM Foundation investments are aimed at alleviation of human  suffering and empowering communities to better their lives in line with the SDGs efforts to end  poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

The current and past investments have been designed to provide solutions to social challenges  such as lack of access to education and quality health care as well as mitigation of the adverse  effects of disasters like drought, famine and floods, all which fall under the four  strategic pillar  Education, Health, Environment and Shelter. 

The Foundation's SDG aligned interventions have impacted more than  200,000 beneficiaries through healthcare 50 medical camps serving 35,000 patients annually while in education Scholarships for 1,200 students at Mabati Technical Institute and  disaster relief for over 5,000 households supported during droughts and floods.In environment   more than 20,000 trees have been  planted in arid regions.The foundation continues to manage both the Mabati Technical Training Institute and the Mabati Medical Centre  in Mariakani.

FAMILY BANK REPORTS 38.7% JUMP IN PROFIT AFTER TAX FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2025

 

 Family Bank Group has posted a 38.7% increase in Profit After Tax to KES 2.2 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2025, up from KES 1.6 billion in the same period last year.

The performance was driven by sustained revenue growth, prudent cost management and a robust balance sheet, underscoring the Bank’s operational resilience in a dynamic economic environment.

The Bank’s balance sheet strengthened significantly, with total assets growing by 21.8% to KES 192.8 billion. This was driven by a double-digit expansion of 10.4% in the loan book to KES 100.9 billion, supported by recent funding partnerships with British International Investment and the European Investment Bank, which have expanded access to financing for SMEs.

The bank net interest income surged by 39.9% to KES 6.9 billion, buoyed by a 48.7% growth in interest income from Government securities and a 14.8% increase in interest income from loans and advances which closed at KES 7.7 billion

Speaking during the release of the results, Family Bank CEO Nancy Njau attributed the performance to the Bank’s strategic execution and customer focus.

“Our strong half-year results reflect strategic clarity, operational excellence, and the trust our customers place in us. This momentum is further supported by our 2025–2029 strategy, which focuses on scaling SME lending, driving innovation and digital transformation, and delivering a customer experience that positions Family Bank as the financial partner of choice for individuals and businesses across Kenya,” she said.

Customer deposits rose by 25.7% to KES 149.7 billion, boosted by the Bank’s branch optimisation strategy, including continuous expansion. During the period, the Bank opened 96th branch in Kilifi.

Operating expenses saw a notable rise of 36.3%, climbing from KES 4.9 billion to KES 6.7 billion. This increase was primarily driven by strategic investments in marketing initiatives to strengthen brand visibility, the expansion of the branch network, and the modernization of digital infrastructure.

The Bank recorded a 15.4% reduction in net non-performing loans, driven by improved asset quality and sustained recovery efforts.

“To further reinforce this progress and cushion against potential sector-wide risks, we increased our loan loss provisions by 68.4% to KES 663.5 million as a prudent risk management and proactive approach to safeguarding assets,” said Family Bank Chief Financial Officer Paul Ngaragari.

Core capital stood at KES 16.5 billion, up from KES 14.5 billion, while the Bank’s liquidity ratio strengthened to 53.1%, well above the statutory requirement of 20%, reflecting strong capital adequacy.

The Bank’s digital channels continue to offer unmatched convenience for our customers with over 90% transactions conducted through non -branch channels. 

ENGINEERS TEE OFF AT RUIRU TO FUND STUDENT MEMBERSHIP IN IEK

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) hosted its inaugural Engineers Golf Day at the Ruiru Sports Club, drawing hundreds of engineers for a unique event that blended sport, networking, and mentorship. The tournament’s central goal was to raise funds to support engineering students across the country in joining IEK as members, ensuring that no student is locked out of professional growth opportunities due to financial barriers.

IEK President Eng. Shammah Kiteme underscored the importance of the initiative, noting that the funds raised would cover membership fees for students in engineering programs across Kenya’s 17 universities. “Today we have Engineers Golf Day here at Ruiru Sports Club. The intention is to raise funds so that we can allow as many engineering students to be members of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya. Every year, about 2,500 students enroll in engineering programs, and we want to ensure none of them misses out on mentorship and the chance to transition smoothly into the profession,” he said.

Ruiru Sports Club Captain Justus Mathenge welcomed the engineers, describing the event as a vibrant blend of sport and professional dialogue. “We are hosting about 250 players today. Beyond golf, the engineers are sharing ideas on how their agenda supports national development. Ruiru prides itself as the home of hospitality, and we are proud to host this noble cause,” he remarked.

Electrical engineer Eng. Titus Koech, who also took part in the tournament, emphasized the wider societal role of engineers. “Part of our responsibility is to support community development social, economic, and infrastructural. IEK has been instrumental in nurturing young engineers like myself, and I encourage students to join early to prepare for their transition into professional and consulting engineers,” he said.

Participant Eng. Derek Okova described the tournament as a platform not just for networking but also for nurturing the next generation of engineers. “We realized that young engineers face challenges in paying membership fees. This golf day allows us to create a kitty that ensures students can join IEK free of charge. We are grateful to sponsors such as Galana Energies, Kenya Pipeline, KERA, Davis & Shirtliff, and ICA, who made this possible. Our hope is to make it an annual event to continually support future engineers,” he explained.

With mentorship, networking, and fundraising all in play, the Engineers Golf Day signaled IEK’s commitment to investing in the future of engineering in Kenya, with organizers pledging to make it an annual tradition.

LAWYER LEMPAA SOYIANKA GOES TO COURT TO STOP COMPENSATION OF PROTEST VICTIMS COMMITTEE

 

Lobby groups lead by lawyer Lempaa soyianka has threatened to go to court next week to obtain a court order stopping the newly formed Professor Makau Mutuku committe on compensation of Gen Z killed and injured during the protests last year and since the coming to power of Kenya kwanza regime.

Speaking to journalists during in Diani kwale county Lempaa Soyianka has equated the compensation program to Hustler fund.According to Lempaa the whole process is illegal and cannot be allowed to start.

Lempaa spoke few minutes after the scholar and presidential advisor tasked to lead the committee spoke saying they whole compensation will take hundred and twenty days to all families who lost loved ones.This has been contested by lobby groups from inception with critics arguing the legal scholar has watered down all his legacy by accepting to work with the government he was once a firce critic.