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Kenya Top Stories

for the 27 Oct - 02 Nov

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Mombasa Gains Direct Istanbul Flights
1. Mombasa Gains Direct Istanbul Flights

Turkish Airlines resumed direct flights between Istanbul and Mombasa after a five-year hiatus, operating three weekly services with an 8-ton cargo capacity. The maiden Boeing 737 flight landed at Moi International Airport on Monday, welcomed by a water cannon salute. Dignitaries, including Turkish Ambassador Subutay Yüksel and KAA Chairman Caleb Kositany, attended the event. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the return marks a major boost for tourism, trade, and global connectivity at the Coast.

Macharia Named Sidian Bank Chairman
2. Macharia Named Sidian Bank Chairman

Former Cabinet Secretary James Macharia became Chairman of Sidian Bank, succeeding Centum Investment CEO Dr. James Mworia. A banker with over 40 years of experience, Macharia earlier served as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Transport under former President Uhuru Kenyatta. He said he aimed to guide the bank’s next growth phase. Mworia, who chaired Sidian since 2014, will stay on the board as new members join to strengthen governance and strategy.

NSSF, CRBC Win KSh 171B Road Tender
3. NSSF, CRBC Win KSh 171B Road Tender

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) won the KSh 171.4 billion tender to upgrade the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway into a dual carriageway. The project, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), will be financed through 75% debt and 25% equity. KeNHA proposed a KSh 8 per kilometer toll fee once completed. The consortium will assume traffic and revenue risks, ensuring safer, faster travel and reduced congestion on the busy corridor.

Kenya Hikes Domestic, Foreign Air Fees
4. Kenya Hikes Domestic, Foreign Air Fees

Kenyans will pay higher air travel charges after President William Ruto signed the Air Passenger Service Charge Amendment Bill, 2025, into law. The levy on domestic flights rises from KSh 500 to KSh 600, while international passengers will pay KSh 6,500, up from KSh 5,000. Proceeds will fund the Kenya Airports Authority, Civil Aviation Authority, Meteorological Service, and Tourism Fund. Lawmakers defended the increase as essential for aviation safety and tourism development despite public criticism over its timing.

Family Bank to List on NSE by 2026
5. Family Bank to List on NSE by 2026

Family Bank shareholders approved plans to list the lender on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) by 2026 through an introduction, allowing existing shares to trade without issuing new ones. Family Bank Chair, Lazarus Muema, said the move reflects strong fundamentals and aims to position the bank as a Tier One institution. CEO Nancy Njau said the listing will boost transparency and governance as the bank seeks approvals from the Central Bank and Capital Markets Authority.

Spiro Secures KSh12.9B for Expansion
6. Spiro Secures KSh12.9B for Expansion

Pan-African electric mobility firm, Spiro, secured KSh12.9 billion ($100 million) to expand its battery-swapping infrastructure and boost clean transportation across Africa. The funding includes KSh 9.68 billion ($75 million) from the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the investment arm of Afreximbank. Spiro CEO Kaushik Burman said the partnership will accelerate sustainable, affordable transport solutions. Founded in 2022, Spiro operates in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, with pilots in Tanzania and Cameroon.