Kenya ranked fifth globally in cryptocurrency transaction volumes, driven by widespread use of stablecoins for remittances, retail payments, and cross-border transfers. A 2025 report by crypto exchange Bybit shows stablecoins such as USDT and USDC dominate activity, supported by Kenya’s strong mobile money ecosystem. Analysts say high peer-to-peer usage and growing on-chain transactions position Kenya as a leading hub for digital payments, although regulatory clarity remains a key factor for further technological adoption.

The United Nations adopted its first resolution focused on the environmental sustainability of artificial intelligence systems during UNEA-7 in Nairobi. The framework addresses AI’s growing energy and water consumption, mineral demand, and electronic waste while promoting responsible system design. It also emphasizes financing, capacity building, and technology transfer to support developing countries, particularly in Africa, to actively participate in shaping sustainable AI standards and future digital innovation.

Kenya is expanding the use of space technology to support economic growth, innovation, and development under Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. The Kenya Space Agency is promoting startups, policy development, and investment through the Kenya Space Innovation and Investment Forum 2025. Officials said space-based solutions can strengthen digital transformation, skills development, and value creation across Africa, while positioning Kenya as a regional hub for emerging technologies and data-driven industries.

Nairobi County is hosting the Nairobi Festival at Uhuru Park over a three-day period to mark the Jamhuri Day weekend. The event features food, music, art, and family-friendly entertainment, including street food showcases, live performances, and art installations. Highlights include the BEBA Awards matatu exhibition. County officials said the festival aims to celebrate urban culture, boost tourism, and provide accessible entertainment for city residents.

Migori County completed preparations to host the fifth edition of the Piny Luo Festival, marking the event’s first time in the county. Governor Ochilo Ayacko said logistics and security measures are in place ahead of the cultural gathering. The annual festival brings together Luo communities to showcase music, dance, art, and cuisine. Local tourism stakeholders expect increased visitor numbers and economic activity, supported by Migori’s cultural sites and attractions.

UNESCO added Kenya’s Mwazindika spiritual dance to its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee announced the decision during its session in New Delhi. The listing recognizes the Taita community’s endangered cultural tradition. Kenyan officials said the designation helps preserve the dance, strengthens cultural identity, and could boost tourism and community development. They also called for urgent documentation and transmission of the dance to future generations.

NCBA Bank and HEVA Fund have launched five financing products targeting Kenya’s creative sector. The offerings cover event financing, invoice discounting, LPO financing, working capital, and start-up incubation. The partnership aims to support production, equipment purchases, marketing, and distribution. HEVA said it committed $7 million to expand creative industry funding, while NCBA noted the initiative will also provide financial literacy and loans at 9% interest to improve access to capital.

Kenya’s energy regulator has kept fuel prices unchanged for the December 2025 to January 2026 cycle. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority said Super Petrol will sell at KSh 184.52 per liter, Diesel at KSh 171.47, and Kerosene at KSh 154.78 in Nairobi. EPRA noted that price stability reflects tax adjustments, global market trends, and exchange rate movements influencing landed fuel costs across major towns nationwide amid steady supply conditions and controlled distribution networks operations.

Airtel Money reached a 10.3% market share in Kenya, while Safaricom’s M-Pesa fell below 90% for the first time, according to Communications Authority data. The shift reflects sustained growth by Airtel since 2023, supported by lower fees and wider agent coverage. M-Pesa’s share has gradually declined as competition intensifies. Overall, mobile money usage continued to expand, with active subscribers rising to 47.7 million and transaction volumes remaining high across the sector.