Trade between Kenya and the United Kingdom surpassed KSh 340 billion (£2 billion) for the first time, marking an 11.9% increase from 2024, according to the UK Department for Business and Trade. Kenya exported goods and services worth KSh 134.5 billion, led by animal and vegetable products and beverages, while UK exports rose to KSh 134.6 billion. Trade PS Regina Ombam and UK envoy Ed Barnett said the renewed Strategic Partnership aims to double bilateral trade by 2030.

Chinese automaker Chery has debuted in Kenya through Caetano Kenya, introducing the Tiggo 4 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro, and Tiggo 8 Pro Max SUVs. The launch marks Chery’s broader push into Africa, backed by a seven-year or 200,000 km warranty and plans for local assembly by 2026 to create jobs and enhance skills transfer. Caetano said the SUVs blend advanced technology, safety, and modern design, offering affordable luxury for Kenya’s expanding middle class.

Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan launched a nine-week feasibility study for the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba railway extension, aiming to expand the Standard Gauge Railway to the South Sudan border. Transport CS Davis Chirchir said the project will ease cargo transport and cut logistics costs across the region. Uganda’s Fred Byamukama added that shifting freight from roads to rail will reduce congestion, boost trade, and strengthen East Africa’s economic integration.

Safaricom’s Kenyan operations posted strong results, with half-year profit rising 55% to KSh 65.2 billion, driven by growth in mobile data and M-Pesa services. The company’s service revenue climbed to KSh 199.9 billion, up from KSh 179.9 billion the previous year. M-Pesa earnings increased to KSh 88.1 billion, while mobile data usage continued to expand. CEO Peter Ndegwa said the performance reflects the solid execution of Safaricom’s Vision 2030 strategy and sustained customer demand.

Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Qatar Financial Centre to attract over USD 2 billion (KSh 258.4 billion) in investment by 2028. President William Ruto, attending the World Summit for Social Development in Doha, said the partnership will boost infrastructure, green energy, housing, and fintech. He noted that expanding Kenya’s energy capacity to 10,000 MW and constructing 50 megadam projects will drive food security, industrialization, and sustainable growth through private-sector collaboration.

Credit rating firm Agusto & Co. has urged Kenyan banks to adopt credit rating models to ensure fair loan pricing and transparency. The firm said reliance on collateral-based lending hinders risk assessment and recommends a data-driven evaluation aligned with the Central Bank’s new Kesonia benchmark. Despite CBK cutting the rate to 9.25%, bank lending spreads remain at a nine-year high of over seven points. Agusto noted that credit ratings will promote efficiency, transparency, and fairer financial practices.