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Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
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Kenyan press · Organization

African Continental Free Trade Area

African Continental Free Trade Area — continental trade agreement referenced in coverage of Kenya-Uganda agricultural trade negotiations and regional economic integration.

2026-04-282026-09-23
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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. April 2026

  2. The Standard

    … By addressing real constraints at the border, these investments are making trade more reliable and cost-effective, while contributing to increased regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” said Lillian Mwai, Kenya Country Director at TMA. …

    Malaba Border goes solar as KRA targets 90pc energy cost reduction, faster trade

  3. Capital News

    … A deeper alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area could unlock new trade corridors and strengthen economic integration. …

    India–Africa Summit Signals Strategic Reset in Trade, Energy and Global South Partnerships

  4. Capital News

    … Karugu noted that the corridor plays a pivotal role not only for Kenya’s economy but also for broader regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework. …

    Kwale Key to Kenya–Tanzania Trade Link: PS Karugu

  5. The Standard

    … s sector gathered in Kisumu County on Monday to advance a regional initiative to transform fish trade across Africa, with a strong focus on women and youth empowerment, inclusive market access, and the expansion of intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area …

    Kisumu fisheries plan targets 250,000 jobs for women, youth under AfCFTA

  6. The Standard

    … "By addressing real constraints at the border, these investments are making trade more reliable and cost-effective, while contributing to increased regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area. …

    Solar brings relief to Malaba's busy border
World & Region

DRC joins Pan-African payment system, advancing continental integration

The News

The Central Bank of Congo has formally joined the African Payments and Settlement System (PAPS), bringing the total connected countries to 31 with 16 payment switches and over 200 commercial banks or financial institutions. The move was announced at the 48th Annual Meeting of the Association of African Central Banks in Nairobi, where PAPS is targeted to reach 39 countries by the end of 2026.

22 September 2026 · The Standard →

Yesterday

  1. DRC joins Pan-African payment system, advancing continental integration

    The Central Bank of Congo has formally joined the African Payments and Settlement System (PAPS), bringing the total connected countries to 31 with 16 payment switches and over 200 commercial banks or financial institutions. The move was announced at the 48th Annual Meeting of the Association of African Central Banks in Nairobi, where PAPS is targeted to reach 39 countries by the end of 2026.

    22 September 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 17 September

  1. Ramaphosa rests on medical advice, pauses public engagements

    South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has stepped back from public engagements on the advice of his medical team to rest and recover. Cabinet ministers will represent him at scheduled engagements where possible.

    17 September 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 16 September

  1. East Africa horticulture leaders convene to address trade barriers

    East African horticulture exporters face costly freight, weak cold chains, and fragmented trade procedures that threaten competitiveness. Government officials, exporters, and logistics companies will meet in Nairobi on September 22–23 to identify measures to ease cross-border movement of fresh produce, coinciding with the launch of the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa (HoCEA).

    16 September 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Horticulture leaders meet in Nairobi on trade, logistics

    Industry and government representatives from Eastern Africa will convene in Nairobi on September 22–23, 2026, to address trade and logistics barriers affecting horticultural products. The event will include the official launch of the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa (HoCEA), a regional private-sector platform established to strengthen coordination and market access.

    16 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 15 September

  1. Kenya to receive 10 mother-child hospitals from Amsons Group grant

    Kenya is set to receive 10 specialised mother-and-child hospitals under a $35 million grant from Amsons Group. Construction has begun on the first 250-bed Level 4 hospital in Chebunyo, Bomet County, which will provide maternity, neonatal, and antenatal care services.

    15 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Africa must plan long-term food systems beyond crisis management

    An opinion piece argues that African leaders should focus on deliberately designing sustainable, efficient, and inclusive agrifood systems for 2046, rather than only reacting to immediate challenges like droughts, floods, and supply-chain disruptions. The continent has strengths in agricultural resources, a youthful population, and growing technological capabilities to shape this future through the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan 2026-2035.

    15 September 2026 · The Standard →

  3. Chelimo SEZ positioned to transform Kericho into industrial hub

    Kenya's Special Economic Zones Authority is advancing the Kericho Special Economic Zone at Chelimo as a major industrial project intended to create jobs and shift the region from exporting raw materials to producing finished goods. The master plan identifies seven key industrial clusters including agro-industry, business process outsourcing, veterinary medicine, and biotechnology.

    15 September 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 12 September

  1. Ruto clarifies Kenya welcomes foreign investors and workers lawfully

    President Ruto said Kenya remains open to foreign investors and workers who comply with Kenyan laws and regulations, stating that the government has removed barriers to investment. He noted foreign direct investment had grown from $1.6 billion to $3.2 billion.

    12 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 10 September

  1. Mudavadi urges Kenyans abroad to comply with host nation laws

    Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on Kenyans in neighbouring East African Community countries to comply with entry and residency laws, saying Kenya upholds mutual respect under the EAC. This follows President William Ruto's directive that foreign nationals in Kenya secure necessary documentation to operate small-scale businesses.

    10 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Kenya pitches itself as regional hub to US business delegation

    Kenya's Foreign Affairs PS hosted a U.S. Chamber of Commerce and U.S.-Africa Business Center delegation in Nairobi, positioning the country as a market and strategic hub for value addition and technology transfer while encouraging American businesses to use Kenya as a base for accessing East African markets.

    10 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Wednesday 9 September

  1. Ruto reassures foreign investors on Kenya policy predictability

    President William Ruto addressed the American Chamber of Commerce Business Summit, pitching Kenya as an investment gateway and emphasising that capital flows on clear rules, timely licensing, and contract respect rather than presidential directives alone. His remarks come amid debate over the government's approach to foreign investment, including disputes involving Tata Chemicals.

    9 September 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Mungatana condemns anti-Burundi sentiment following government crackdown

    After President William Ruto directed a crackdown on foreign nationals operating illegally in Kenya, the government issued a 90-day compliance notice and faced criticism from Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, who condemned anti-Burundi sentiments and called for swift action against harassment of fellow Africans.

    9 September 2026 · The Standard →

  3. EAC citizens raise concerns over Kenya crackdown on foreign traders

    Citizens of the East African Community and those committed to regional integration have expressed concerns about how Kenya is communicating and implementing measures targeting foreign informal and small-scale traders, calling for enforcement to be lawful, proportionate, and non-discriminatory under Kenya's Constitution, the EAC Treaty, and the Common Market Protocol. The group welcomed a 90-day regularisation period following President Ruto's pronouncement on foreign nationals operating small businesses but described it as "a reprieve, not a remedy," citing distress already caused to foreign traders.

    9 September 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 8 September

  1. President Ruto directs expansion of Local Content Bill for traders

    President William Ruto has directed that the Local Content Bill, 2025 be expanded to create a framework governing participation in small-scale trade and enterprise, following complaints from Kenyan traders about the growing presence of foreign nationals in the informal sector. The directive affirms the government's responsibility to protect economic opportunities for Kenyan citizens in the micro and small enterprise sector.

    8 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Kenyan delegation condemns harassment of Burundian nationals in Kenya

    Kenya's delegation to the Pan-African Parliament has condemned reported anti-Burundi sentiments and attacks targeting Burundian nationals, particularly in Nakuru, calling on the Ministry of Interior and security agencies to investigate and take action against those responsible.

    8 September 2026 · Capital News →

  3. Kenya, Uganda deepen AfCFTA maize trade with safety standards

    Kenya and Uganda are pushing for increased agricultural trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, with maize as a key commodity. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said Kenya is ready to increase maize imports from Uganda but insists on strict food safety standards, particularly requiring maize to be dried and free of aflatoxin contamination before crossing the border.

    8 September 2026 · Capital News →

  4. Ruto urges Mombasa SEZ to build factories and create jobs

    President William Ruto has challenged developers of the Mombasa Special Economic Zone to move beyond agreements to building factories, creating jobs, and producing goods. Ruto said the zone must help Kenya stop exporting raw materials and importing finished products at higher prices, and described the zone as a step towards transforming Mombasa into a manufacturing, processing and logistics hub.

    8 September 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 7 September

  1. Mudavadi says Kenya deepens strategic partnership with US

    Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi said Kenya regards the United States as a critical strategic partner, with cooperation expanding across security, trade, health, technology and economic development. Kenya and the US have signed a Bilateral Work Agreement and are preparing for the Fourth Session of the Kenya–US Bilateral Strategic Dialogue scheduled for early December 2026.

    7 September 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Ruto urges African leaders to prioritize nations over politics

    President Ruto said at Zambia's presidential inauguration that political contests should not undermine national unity, stability and development, and that African leaders must compete vigorously without becoming enemies or excluding others.

    1 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Ruto calls for deeper Kenya-Zambia trade, investment ties

    President William Ruto, speaking at Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema's second-term inauguration in Lusaka, called for Kenya and Zambia to deepen trade and investment relationships, saying bilateral friendship should be measured by economic opportunities, job creation, and infrastructure development.

    1 September 2026 · Capital News →

  3. Ruto urges Africa to pursue economic freedom through industrialisation

    President William Ruto called on African countries to move beyond political liberation and pursue economic independence through industrialisation, manufacturing and intra-African trade, arguing that Africa's next historic task is to convert its natural resources, markets and young population into prosperity for its people.

    1 September 2026 · Capital News →

  4. Ruto urges African leaders to keep politics peaceful, unity intact

    Speaking at Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema's second-term inauguration, President William Ruto called on African leaders to ensure political competition does not degenerate into national conflict, saying elections should determine who governs but never who belongs to a country. He stressed that democracy is tested most when citizens and leaders disagree, and urged African countries to strengthen institutions and respect the rule of law.

    1 September 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 29 August

  1. Standards harmonisation delays hinder Africa's intra-continental trade

    Kenya and other African countries are pushing for harmonised standards and single testing of goods to boost intra-Africa trade, but slow adoption by only a handful of nations has made exports and imports difficult across the continent, raising trade costs and creating non-tariff barriers under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    29 August 2026 · The Standard →

  2. South Africa's xenophobic violence threatens African unity ideals

    An opinion piece arguing that the resurgence of xenophobic violence in South Africa undermines Pan-African aspirations for continental unity, mutual respect, and collective prosperity as envisioned in the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    29 August 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 21 August

  1. Kenya trade expansion requires stronger cargo risk protection strategies

    An opinion piece argues that as Kenya's trade grows and goods movement through ports and border points increases, marine cargo insurance must evolve beyond serving as a mere import clearance document to address modern supply chain risks including shipping cost volatility, climate impacts, and regulatory changes.

    21 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 18 August

  1. IGAD pushes mutual recognition agreements for regional food trade

    The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is accelerating efforts to remove technical trade barriers across East Africa through Mutual Recognition Agreements under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework, aiming to facilitate seamless cross-border agricultural trade and harmonize standards among member states.

    18 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Monday 17 August

  1. East African trade pact seeks billions in food commerce

    The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and AfCFTA Secretariat are pushing member states to adopt Mutual Recognition Agreements that would allow inspection and certification results from one country to be recognised by another, eliminating duplicate border checks. For farmers and traders, the reforms could reduce transport costs, post-harvest losses, and accelerate access to regional markets.

    17 August 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 14 August

  1. Kenya fashion industry seeks Chinese manufacturing technology partnerships

    Kenya's fashion industry is pursuing partnerships with China's manufacturing and technology sector to boost local production and competitiveness. The third East Africa Fashion Life Show, held in Nairobi from August 13–15, brought together nearly 120 companies, including about 100 Chinese exhibitors and 20 Kenyan businesses.

    14 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Wednesday 12 August

  1. Nairobi summit to harmonise African intellectual property policies

    Nairobi will host the seventh All African Intellectual Property Summit from November 11 to 13, 2026, bringing together policymakers, creators, researchers, innovators and businesses to discuss implementation of a continental intellectual property framework and align national policies with the AfCFTA intellectual property protocol.

    12 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Wednesday 5 August

  1. Digital visibility essential for regional business growth

    A Kenyan skincare manufacturer lost a potential Rwandan retailer due to poor online discoverability. Small and medium enterprises that rely on local referrals and walk-in customers remain invisible beyond their locality; a professional digital presence—including a simple website with business information—is necessary for cross-border trade.

    5 August 2026 · The Standard →

African Continental Free Trade Area — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute