Stima Sacco partnered with Pesalink to launch an instant payment service that allows more than 220,000 members to send and receive up to KSh 999,999 through the M-Stima app and USSD. Officials said the integration enables faster transfers between Sacco and bank accounts and improves reconciliation through real-time confirmations. The system also supports business and chama payments and includes name-validation checks to reduce errors. The rollout positions Stima Sacco as an early adopter of national instant payments.

Vodacom is in discussions to increase its stake in Safaricom. The South African operator currently holds about 39.93% of Kenya’s largest telecom company, valued at roughly KSh 1.19 trillion. The negotiations come as Kenya considers possible structural changes at Safaricom. Neither Vodacom nor the Kenyan Treasury has commented publicly. Increasing its holding would expand Vodacom’s position in one of East Africa’s most significant telecom markets.

Kenya’s low-cost carrier Jambojet announced plans to triple its fleet over the next five years to expand operations across Africa. The airline, a Kenya Airways subsidiary, currently operates 11 aircraft and intends to acquire larger planes to serve West, South, and North Africa. Jambojet holds a dominant domestic share and has carried over 9 million passengers since 2014. Management said the fleet growth will support rising regional demand and improve connectivity within Africa’s aviation market.

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) urged the government and regional partners to reduce non-tariff barriers to boost Kenya’s participation in COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade. KAM CEO Tobias said slow customs procedures, regulatory hurdles, and policy inconsistencies continue to limit regional market access despite existing free trade frameworks. He said easing business costs and harmonizing trade rules would help Kenya expand manufacturing-led exports as intra-Africa trade discussions intensify under COMESA and AfCFTA.

Safaricom received approval to issue a KSh40 billion medium-term note, marking one of the largest corporate bond programs in Kenya. The company plans to release the bond in tranches, including green and sustainability-linked options, to support infrastructure projects in Kenya and Ethiopia. Analysts said the issuance reflects renewed activity in the corporate bond market, following recent offerings from EABL, Family Bank, and KMRC. The trend indicates rising demand for long-term financing instruments among Kenyan firms.

Kingdom Bank opened a new branch in Nairobi’s central business district as part of its expansion targeting small businesses. The bank said the branch will provide personal and business services, including working capital, asset financing, and payment support for high-volume enterprises operating in the area. Management described the move as an effort to improve access to banking for MSMEs by offering closer, in-person service within one of the city’s busiest commercial corridors.