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SasaPay Strengthens Youth Digital Skills Drive at Moringa School Graduation

*SasaPay, under the leadership of **Managing Director Stephen Kaguchia, reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Kenya’s next generation of digital talent by participating in the *Moringa School Graduation Ceremony, where hundreds of graduates celebrated the successful completion of industry-focused technology programmes.

The event brought together graduates, technology leaders, development partners and industry stakeholders to celebrate young innovators equipped with future-ready digital skills that are increasingly driving Kenya’s digital economy.

SasaPay maintained a strong presence at the graduation through an interactive exhibition booth, where graduates and attendees engaged with the company’s team to learn about its innovative digital payment solutions. Participants received demonstrations of the platform’s seamless money transfer services, utility payments, merchant solutions and business payment products designed to simplify financial transactions for individuals and enterprises.

Speaking on the importance of nurturing digital talent, SasaPay Managing Director Stephen Kaguchia said the future of financial technology depends on investing in young innovators and providing them with platforms that enable them to thrive.

“Kenya’s young tech professionals are shaping the future of our digital economy. At SasaPay, we are proud to support initiatives that equip them with practical skills while providing secure, innovative and accessible payment solutions that power entrepreneurship and digital commerce,” he said.

The graduation also highlighted the growing collaboration between technology training institutions and fintech companies in bridging the gap between education and employment, ensuring graduates are equipped with market-relevant skills.

SasaPay’s participation underscored its broader mission of driving financial inclusion and digital transformation by connecting young professionals, startups and businesses to secure, efficient and affordable digital payment solutions.

Widely admired for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation, Stephen Kaguchia has become one of the respected voices in Kenya’s rapidly evolving fintech sector. His leadership at SasaPay reflects a forward-looking approach that prioritizes technological advancement, customer-centric solutions and meaningful partnerships that expand financial inclusion. Colleagues and industry stakeholders have praised his ability to inspire innovation while cultivating a culture of excellence, integrity and continuous improvement.

Under Kaguchia’s stewardship, SasaPay has continued to strengthen its position as a trusted digital payments platform, championing solutions that empower businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals to transact with greater speed, convenience and security. His emphasis on nurturing young talent and supporting technology-driven enterprises has resonated with Kenya’s vibrant innovation ecosystem, earning him recognition as a leader committed to unlocking opportunities for the next generation.

His participation in initiatives such as the Moringa School Graduation reflects a leadership philosophy that extends beyond business success to investing in people. By supporting institutions that equip young Kenyans with practical digital skills, Kaguchia continues to demonstrate his belief that the country’s greatest asset is its youthful talent. His dedication to mentorship, innovation and digital transformation continues to inspire confidence among partners and stakeholders who view him as a catalyst for sustainable growth within Kenya’s digital economy.

As Kenya’s fintech ecosystem continues to expand, Stephen Kaguchia said SasaPay remains committed to supporting innovation, empowering youth and accelerating the country’s transition towards a fully digital economy through strategic partnerships with institutions such as Moringa School. Under his guidance, SasaPay continues to position itself not only as a provider of cutting-edge payment solutions but also as a committed partner in shaping a more inclusive, innovative and digitally empowered Kenya.

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Business

Eng. Silas Kinoti Champions Smart Urban Mobility as KURA Convenes Landmark ITS and BRT Project Meeting

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) Director General, Eng. Silas Kinoti, has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to transforming urban transport after officially opening the inaugural Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Meeting for the multi-agency teams overseeing the implementation of the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Phases I, II & III and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects.

The high-level meeting, currently underway at the Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport, has brought together representatives from key implementing agencies to assess project progress, review implementation milestones, share status updates and strengthen inter-agency collaboration aimed at ensuring the successful and timely delivery of some of Kenya’s most ambitious urban mobility projects.

Speaking during the opening session, Eng. Kinoti underscored the importance of seamless coordination among all stakeholders, noting that the ITS and BRT programmes are central to the Government’s vision of creating safer, smarter and more efficient transport systems capable of meeting the demands of Kenya’s rapidly growing urban population.

The Director General observed that integrating modern technology into road transport infrastructure will significantly improve traffic management, reduce congestion, enhance road safety and provide commuters with more reliable, efficient and sustainable public transport services. He emphasised that the success of these flagship initiatives will depend on strong institutional collaboration, effective project management and the shared commitment of all implementing agencies.

The PIU meeting serves as a critical platform for aligning implementation strategies, addressing emerging challenges and ensuring that all agencies remain focused on delivering projects that will redefine urban mobility and support Kenya’s broader economic development agenda. Through initiatives such as ITS and BRT, KURA continues to position itself at the forefront of modern infrastructure development, embracing innovation to improve connectivity and enhance the quality of life for millions of urban residents.

Under the leadership of Eng. Silas Kinoti, KURA has continued to demonstrate its commitment to delivering world-class transport infrastructure that supports economic growth, environmental sustainability and efficient service delivery. His visionary stewardship has accelerated the adoption of smart transport solutions, reinforcing the Authority’s role as a key driver of Kenya’s urban transformation.

As deliberations continue, the meeting is expected to generate actionable resolutions that will strengthen project implementation, improve coordination among stakeholders and accelerate the delivery of intelligent transport systems and Bus Rapid Transit infrastructure that will shape the future of mobility in Kenya’s cities.

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Business

Richard Muteti Hails KEPSA SME Conference as a Defining Moment for Kenya’s Enterprise Revolution

Richard Muteti, OGW, HSC, a renowned MSME champion, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations, Chairperson of the COMESA Business Council SMEs Work-Group and a long-serving advocate for small business development, has welcomed the outcomes of the 3rd Annual KEPSA SME Conference, Awards and Exhibition, describing it as a landmark platform that reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to transforming Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into globally competitive businesses.

Muteti said the conference brought together an impressive coalition of government, private sector leaders, financiers, development partners and entrepreneurs united by a common vision of building resilient enterprises capable of driving inclusive economic growth and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

He particularly commended Principal Secretary for the State Department for MSME Development, Hon. Susan Auma Mang’eni, CBS, for articulating a bold vision that places MSMEs at the heart of Kenya’s economic transformation agenda.

According to Muteti, her emphasis on formalisation, affordable financing, mentorship and enabling policies reflects the practical interventions required to help enterprises transition from survival to sustainable growth.Muteti lauded the Government’s continued investment in enterprise development through initiatives such as the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project and the NYOTA Programme, saying the programmes demonstrate a deliberate commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, especially young people and women, with the resources and support needed to build thriving businesses.

He also praised KEPSA Chief Executive Officer Carole Kariuki, CBS, for her unwavering leadership in strengthening Kenya’s enterprise ecosystem through innovative programmes that integrate digital skills, access to finance and expanded market opportunities.

He noted that initiatives such as the Ajira Digital Programme, the Kenya AI Skilling Alliance and the MSME Financing Gateway are helping prepare Kenyan businesses for the demands of an increasingly digital global economy.

Muteti further applauded KEPSA Director for SMEs and Start-ups Mary Ngechu for ensuring this year’s conference delivered practical solutions through strategic masterclasses, advisory clinics, digital exhibition platforms and networking opportunities that directly respond to the needs of entrepreneurs.He welcomed Equity Bank’s continued commitment to closing the financing gap affecting MSMEs, noting that innovative financial products tailored to small businesses will significantly improve enterprise productivity, competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

Muteti equally commended Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Kenya for its continued support towards strengthening policy dialogue and creating an enabling environment that encourages innovation, responsible formalisation and the adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.According to Muteti, the conference theme, “Beyond Survival: Building Smart and Resilient Businesses,” perfectly captures the direction Kenya’s MSME sector must take if it is to unlock its full economic potential.

He observed that with an estimated 7.4 million MSMEs employing approximately 15 million people and contributing about 40 per cent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product, the sector remains the country’s single most important engine for job creation, industrialisation and inclusive economic development.

He noted that sustained collaboration between government, financial institutions, development partners and the private sector will be critical in addressing persistent challenges such as limited access to affordable finance, regulatory barriers, inadequate market access and low levels of formalisation.

Muteti also praised the organisers for recognising outstanding entrepreneurs and MSME ecosystem enablers through the SME Innovation Excellence Awards, saying celebrating innovation, resilience and enterprise excellence inspires more entrepreneurs to pursue business growth and value addition.

He encouraged entrepreneurs across the country to take full advantage of available government programmes, digital technologies, regional trade opportunities and business development services to strengthen their enterprises and expand into new markets.

Muteti reiterated that Kenya possesses one of Africa’s most vibrant entrepreneurial populations and expressed confidence that with sustained policy support, strategic partnerships and increased investment in innovation, the country’s MSMEs will become globally competitive enterprises capable of driving economic prosperity for generations to come.

He concluded by congratulating KEPSA, the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSME Development, development partners, financial institutions and all participating entrepreneurs for organising a conference that not only addressed the challenges facing MSMEs but also presented practical solutions that will shape the future of enterprise development in Kenya.

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Business

TECNO ELLACLAW HANDS-ON: SMARTPHONE AI UPGRADED

Nairobi Kenya, July 9th, 2026- AI is everywhere in smartphones now and every brand is talking about smarter assistants, better recommendations and more AI-powered features. TECNO has described this as: Practical AI. Now, with EllaClaw, the Tecno’s AI agent currently available in closed beta, that idea starts to feel much more concrete.
AI can do more than chat in a text box. It can understand what you want, plan the steps, use tools, and complete tasks on your behalf. In EllaClaw’s case, that means AI that can actually act for you. It can remind you to bring an umbrella before you head out, summarize your day or help you book a ride through an app with just one request.

Setup and First Impressions: Surprisingly Easy
EllaClaw is embedded directly within the TECNO AI Assistant Ella and so it has no need for set up. After updating the CAMON 50 Ultra 5G to the beta software build and activating EllaClaw, the setup process is straight forward. It guides you through interaction preferences and let me customize the assistant’s personality.
After the initial setup, it quickly becomes clear that EllaClaw wants to be the kind of AI agent you can use every day it is built around three core capabilities: One-Tap Phone Caretaker, Seamless Cross-App Intelligence, and Proactive Digital Companion.

Keep Your Phone Smooth, Cool, and Under Control
Modern smartphones are already powerful, but long-term use still comes with familiar problems. Your phone gets hot, apps start draining the battery, background processes slow things down. Mobile data gets used faster than expected. For many users, fixing these issues can still be tedious and confusing. EllaClaw tries to reduce that friction. You can simply prompt EllaClaw, “My phone feels a bit hot. Help me cool it down’ and within seconds, EllaClaw will understand the request, select the right tools and start optimizing the device and after a few minutes, the back panel temperature dropped perceptibly. In simple terms, you do not need to know which setting to change. You just tell EllaClaw what is wrong. Smart Data Guardian is a feature that is also part of EllaClaw. It monitors mobile data usage, learns consumption patterns, and proactively flags unusual activity.

Get Things Done Across Apps with One Request
EllaClaw becomes more ambitious when it starts interacting with third-party apps. The promise is simple: instead of opening multiple apps, tapping through menus, entering information, and repeating the same routines, you can ask EllaClaw to handle the workflow for you. You don’t have to toggle between apps to request a ride after your errands. Now, with EllaClaw, the process becomes much simpler. All you need to do is ask EllaClaw to request a ride. Behind these experiences is TECNO’s Seamless Cross-App Intelligence. EllaClaw can visually interpret app GUIs and navigate apps much like a human user would and with explicit user authorization, it can operate across supported app categories including transportation, food delivery, shopping, smart home, travel, and system-level apps.
You state the goal, and EllaClaw figures out the steps. Of course, this is still a beta experience which is not entirely perfect across every application but when it works, the value is immediately clear.

Stay Ahead of Your Day
Right now, mobile devices already contain a lot of useful information from calendar events to travel plans. In most cases, the phone waits for us to open the right app and look for the right information ourselves.By learning user habits and preferences through a persistent memory system, EllaClaw can gradually understand routines, preferences, and recurring needs and become more like an adaptive digital companion that can anticipate what might be useful.
SMS management is another very practical example. EllaClaw can review incoming messages, filter irrelevant content, extract useful information such as bills, reservations, appointments, and reminders, and organize them into structured notes.

Trust Before Autonomy: You Stay in Control
Greater autonomy inevitably raises an important question: how much control should users give an AI agent? Privacy, security, and permission management remain some of the biggest concerns surrounding agentic AI, especially when an assistant is capable of interacting with personal data and third-party apps. To TECNO’s credit, EllaClaw has been designed with transparency at its core.

Every interaction involving sensitive information or third-party apps requires explicit user authorization. EllaClaw does not access third-party apps without permission, and users can manage or revoke app operation permissions at any time through the App Control Permission settings. Users can watch each tap, swipe, and navigation step as it happens, with clear visibility and control. At any point during execution, users can pause, interrupt, or stop the task entirely.For sensitive actions such as making calls, sending messages, or deleting or modifying contacts and messages, EllaClaw requires explicit confirmation before moving forward. If the user does not respond, the task is paused. EllaClaw also does not access any payment, transfer, or wallet-related interfaces.This combination of visible execution, strict opt-in access, confirmation-first design, and continuous user oversight goes a long way toward addressing one of the biggest challenges facing agentic AI today: trust.

Conclusion: A Glimpse at Agentic AI Going Mainstream
TECNO has talked a lot about Practical AI, and EllaClaw, with its agentic AI capabilities, may be one of the clearest examples of what that can mean.
From cooling down the phone and managing mobile data to booking rides, organizing messages, and preparing daily briefings, EllaClaw shows how AI can become less of a feature you open and more of a companion that helps in the background. It is still in beta, and there will be limitations and some rough edges. But the direction is exciting.
After all, the true value of agentic AI may not be about making people do more, but about giving people more time for what matters. By taking care of routine tasks and everyday details, AI can help users spend less time managing their phones and more time focusing on creativity, relationships, and the moments that deserve their attention.
That is what makes EllaClaw exciting. It does not just talk, it acts.

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Business

EABC Takes Part in Berlin Mission to Strengthen Cooperation with German Institutions

The East African Business Council (EABC) participated in the Berlin Mission aimed at strengthening dialogue, learning, and cooperation between African business associations and German institutions. The mission was organized by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.

During the mission, Mr. Ahmed Farah, EABC Executive Director engaged with German business associations, chambers of commerce, policymakers, development institutions, BusinessEurope, and private sector leaders. Discussions focused on the role of strong and representative business associations in policy advocacy, trade and investment promotion, SME development, industrialisation, and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

A key lesson from Germany’s experience is that business associations are most effective when they are transparent, credible, independent, well-organised, and able to speak with one voice on behalf of the private sector. Structured dialogue between business and government was highlighted as essential for building trust, improving policies, and creating a predictable environment for investment and economic growth.

With the AfCFTA now operational, African business associations have an even greater responsibility to lead, coordinate, and advocate with purpose. Associations must help businesses understand emerging market opportunities, address barriers to cross-border trade, promote investment, and support the growth of competitive African industries.

This mission has strengthened EABC’s capacity to advocate for improved regional trade and investment policies. Members stand to benefit form expanded partnerships with European and African institutions, and enhance access to market intelligence and business networks.

EABC remains committed to advancing a more integrated, competitive, and prosperous East Africa while contributing to a stronger and more coordinated African private sector voice across the continent.

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Business

MAXIMUM RETAIL PETROLEUM PRICES IN KENYA FOR THE PERIOD 15TH MAY2026 TO 14TH JUNE 2026

In accordance with Section 101(y) of the Petroleum Act 2019 and Legal Notice No.192 of 2022, the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has calculated the maximum retail prices petroleum products which will be in force from 15th May 2026 to 14th June 2026.
In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for Super Petrol and Diesel increases by KShs.16.65/litre and KShs.46.29/litre respectively while the price of Kerosene remain unchanged.
The prices are inclusive of the Value Added Tax (VAT), in line with the VAT Act, 2013, the Finance Act, 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024 and the revised rates for excise duty
adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020. The Authority has calculated the prices basis 8% VAT on petroleum, products pursuant to Legal Notice No.70 dated 15th April 2026.
Further, the Government will in this cycle, cushion the consumers through the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund by utilizing approximately KShs.5 Billion to subsidize the prices of Diesel and Kerosene.
The average landed cost of imported Super Petrol increased by 10.00% from US$823.27 per cubic metre in March 2026 to US$906.23 per cubic metre in April 2026; Diesel increased by 20.32% from US$1073.82 per cubic metre to US$1291.98 per cubic metre while Kerosene
increased by 1.59% from US$1311.93 per cubic metre to USS1332.73 per cubic metre over the same period.

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Business

KNCCI President Dr. Eric Ruto meets ICC Secretary General Barbara Didonno

KNCCI President Dr. Eric Ruto, alongside the KNCCI delegation in Italy, met with ICC leadership at their offices, where they were received by Secretary General Barbara Didonno and Chief Operating Officer Ercole Vitto.

He was accompanied by Director Cynthia Kamau and Chairman Salim Mohamed.The ICC noted its membership of nearly 200 entities, including Italian companies, lawyers, accountants, Unioncamere and other associations.

Also in attendance was Mr. Velom Vezetti, a marketing consultant keen on partnering with Kenyan businesses. The Secretary General, who also serves as a professor at Luiss University, discussed potential collaboration with KNCCI through the Chamber Business Academy, focusing on business training, exchange programs and postgraduate opportunities.

Discussions centered on strengthening business ecosystems, fostering enterprise linkages, facilitating collaborations, deepening private sector engagement and enhancing information sharing between ICC and KNCCI.

ICC invited KNCCI to its upcoming conference and exhibition in October, while KNCCI extended an invitation to ICC for its 60th anniversary celebrations scheduled for 7th–9th October 2026 in Nairobi

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Business Kenya Uncategorized

Kenya’s GDP projected to grow by 4.9% in 2022, says NCBA Economic Outlook report

Kenya’s GDP projected to grow by 4.9% in 2022, says NCBA Economic Outlook report

Nairobi, June 20th 2022: Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to expand by 4.9 %in 2022, says NCBA Economic Outlook Report; a 0.3 percentage point decline from their initial 5.2% forecast in November 2021. 

The downgrade reflects the negative spillover effects of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, an uncertain external landscape, tightening local and external credit markets, domestic election jitters, and climate-related concerns, according to the NCBA Group research.

The research also argues that the third quarter will be most challenging due to a combination of election-induced lull and the full effects of the lingering external shocks especially the knock on effects of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. The bank, however, is optimistic about prospects for the final quarter, boosted by prospects of a trend reversal in business investments from the much expected transition dividends.

Rising inflation and interest rates have been a major concern for Kenyans as food and energy costs hit record highs. Elevated inflation is eroding household real income, lowering standards of living and dampening consumption. The growing threat of a cost of living crisis comes against a backdrop of limited fiscal space, suggesting that scope for government intervention is significantly limited.

According to the report, supply chain shocks will be prolonged by the Russia-Ukraine crisis, whose end is still not in sight, with negative ramifications for production and distribution of food and energy and consequently, prices.

“Food inflation is expected to remain in double digits this year, owing to long-term disruptions in global food supply networks, domestic weather shocks, high input costs, and growing transportation and value-addition costs,” says NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora, Energy prices will continue to rise with the uncertainty around Russia’s output, OPEC+ production decision and the ability of the US and other energy producers to scale up output. For Kenya, the report argues that the elimination of gasoline subsidies will accelerate inflation towards double digits. The threat of excessive inflation will be exacerbated by a weak shilling, the report adds.

According to the report, NCBA does not foresee any significant post-election disruption owing to Kenya’s demonstrated institutional capability to manage election disputes in a way that limits any disruptions to the economy. However, the report attributes the election anxiety to the ongoing combination of global economic and social challenges.

The report also discusses the shilling’s continued weakness against the dollar, which can be ascribed to the balance of payment shocks from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and capital reversal due to rising global interest rates and a strong US dollar.

“We expect the deteriorating global sovereign credit outlook, along with other highly leveraged and frontier economies, to underpin further capital reversal and diversion away from Kenya in the short term,” says Raphael Agung’, NCBA’s Chief Economist. “So far, domestic interest rates are still significantly low relative to the premium being demanded by investors.”

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