The Green Thinking Action Party urged the Kenyan government to take urgent action to protect tea farmers and restore confidence in tea exports. The party cited policy failures, weak oversight, and cartel influence as drivers of the sector’s decline, worsened by Iran’s 2023 import ban. It called for transparent payment systems, stricter regulation of exporters, traceability of consignments, and swift reforms to safeguard livelihoods and stabilize one of Kenya’s key foreign-exchange earners.

Shippers and traders in Kenya have called for a three-month suspension of cargo clearance within the Port of Mombasa to ease congestion caused by rising cargo volumes and vessel traffic. The Shippers Council of Eastern Africa proposed shifting clearance to inland depots and container freight stations. Stakeholders warned that delays, equipment breakdowns, and storage shortages are increasing costs, demurrage charges, and operational strain across the port system.

Cooperative Bank of Kenya and M-Kopa were named among Africa’s fastest-growing firms in the latest Financial Times and Statista ranking. Other Kenyan companies listed include KCB Bank Group, Quickmart Supermarket, and Victory Farms. The ranking tracks compound annual revenue growth from 2020 to 2023, highlighting Kenya’s strong performance across banking, fintech, retail, agriculture, and technology sectors despite regional expansion challenges.

Kenya faces rising rice prices as erratic weather disrupts production and a court case threatens emergency imports. The Ministry of Agriculture said domestic output supplies less than 20% of national demand, leaving a widening deficit. Government lawyers warned that blocking duty-free imports could intensify food inflation, with knock-on effects on maize and other staples, disproportionately impacting low-income households and drought-affected counties already facing food insecurity.

Public participation on the proposed sale of the government’s 15% stake in Safaricom has closed, paving the way for parliamentary review. The National Assembly received more than 12,000 submissions, with indications that many opposed the deal. The process supports plans to raise Sh244.5 billion through partial divestment, amid concerns from lawmakers and the public over valuation, pricing, and the long-term impact on Kenya’s most profitable listed company.

Kenya’s private sector growth eased slightly in December, even as job creation reached its fastest pace in more than six years, according to the Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index. The PMI slipped to 53.7 from 55.0, remaining in expansion territory. Strong festive demand supported new orders, hiring, and purchasing activity, especially in construction. However, rising input costs and weaker wholesale and retail output signaled emerging pressures despite improved supply chains.

The Jubilee Party defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta amid renewed disputes over funding linked to Raila Odinga’s 2022 campaign. The party said rival politicians made the accusations to score political points and distract from the government’s current challenges. Jubilee rejected claims of fund mismanagement. It warned that the attacks could deepen political and ethnic divisions ahead of future elections.

Governor Anne Waiguru confronted Kirinyaga MPs amid rising divisions in the United Democratic Alliance ahead of internal elections. The dispute followed several MPs opening an unsanctioned party office. Waiguru said the move undermined party unity and structures. She reaffirmed her role as the county’s senior UDA leader, warned against parallel leadership claims, and called for disputes to be resolved through official party elections.