Kenya faces higher import costs as a global shortage of empty containers coincides with severe congestion at the Port of Mombasa. The Kenya Ship Agents Association said slow operations, limited storage, and delays in berthing have reduced shipping efficiency and increased demurrage charges of $20,000 to $50,000 daily. Mombasa is holding up to 12,000 containers despite an 8,000-TEU capacity. The shortage threatens commodity prices and disrupts regional trade through the Northern Corridor.

Centum Investment reported a 6.1% rise in net profit to KSh 472 million for the half-year ending Sept. 2025, driven by improved real estate performance and lower liabilities. The firm generated KSh 703M in free cash flow, which supported debt repayment and reduced borrowings to KSh 605 million. Centum said its balance sheet strengthened as net asset value per share increased. The company plans to prioritize cash generation, cost control, and selective asset monetization.

Kenya Airways issued a profit warning, saying earnings will fall by at least 25% after three Dreamliners were grounded due to a global spare-parts shortage. The airline said the reduced capacity has lowered passenger numbers and disrupted operations. The warning comes one year after KQ returned to profitability following 11 years of losses. In 2024, the carrier transported 5.2 million passengers and moved more than 70,000 tonnes of cargo.

Kenya secured a KSh 23 billion concessional loan from China Exim Bank to fund the Intelligent Transport System Project. Treasury CS John Mbadi said the project will modernize traffic management, cut congestion, and support smart-city infrastructure. China Exim Bank reaffirmed its long partnership with Kenya, citing major past projects. The deal comes days after the US cancelled a USD 60 million MCC funding agreement that was meant to finance Nairobi’s Bus Rapid Transit system.

Kenya expanded its regulated investment products after the Capital Markets Authority approved eight new Collective Investment Schemes and several sub-funds, raising the total to 57. CMA CEO Wyckliffe Shamiah said CIS assets surpassed KSh 600B, reflecting growing demand from retail and institutional investors. The new products include money market, equity, fixed-income, multi-asset, and dollar-denominated funds. The approvals aim to deepen capital markets, diversify options, and strengthen investor protection.

Kenya launched a KSh 170B Public-Private Partnership project to upgrade the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit and Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha highways. The PPP model will finance, expand, operate, and maintain the corridors through private investment, easing pressure on public debt. The upgrades will add interchanges, pedestrian bridges, and intelligent transport systems to improve transport efficiency and regional trade. The project is expected to create 15,000 jobs and support Kenya’s wider national infrastructure program.