Kenya Minute.
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 15 August 2026
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Kenyan press · Organization

Central Bank of Kenya

Also known as: CBK

Central bank responsible for Kenya's monetary policy, forex reserves management, and banking sector oversight.

2026-04-292026-08-15
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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. May 2026

  2. The Standard

    … A 2025 report by the Central Bank of Kenya indicated that the banking sector is increasingly adopting AI-powered solutions to enhance efficiency and optimise decision making. …

    How AI is transforming financial services and business in Kenya

  3. The Standard

    Kenya’s foreign reserves dropped by about $800 million (Sh103 billion) in five weeks up to late April, as the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) used them to support the shilling during rising global oil prices caused by Middle East tensions, which have strained households and businesse …

    Forex reserves slide as Iran war tests Kenya economy firepower

  4. The Standard

    … Subscribe to our newsletterThe 2024 FinAccess Household Survey by KNBS, the Central Bank of Kenya and FSD Kenya found that while 28 per cent of the population had borrowed from the fund, youth exclusion in financial services was simultaneously on the rise.Salami argues that finan …

    Why Kenya's 'A' students are failing in the school of life
  5. April 2026

  6. The Standard

    … Financial and insurance services recorded the fastest growth at 6.5 per cent, followed by real estate at 3.9 per cent.The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) cut its benchmark rate to 9 per cent in December 2025 from 11.25 per cent a year earlier, with commercial bank lending rates falli …

    KNBS: Fish, vegetable prices jump by double digits despite easing inflation
Opinion

Kenya's arts sector emerging as significant economic driver

The News

An opinion piece argues that Kenya's creative economy is becoming a core engine of economic growth, with the arts sector strengthened by global shifts toward valuing human creativity and digital skills in the AI age. The author cites the 98th National Kenya Music Festival and notes that Kenya is demonstrating educational synergy between arts and technology, while developed nations still adjust their policies.

14 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Yesterday

  1. Kenya's arts sector emerging as significant economic driver

    An opinion piece argues that Kenya's creative economy is becoming a core engine of economic growth, with the arts sector strengthened by global shifts toward valuing human creativity and digital skills in the AI age. The author cites the 98th National Kenya Music Festival and notes that Kenya is demonstrating educational synergy between arts and technology, while developed nations still adjust their policies.

    14 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 13 August

  1. CBK assures Kenya has adequate forex reserves amid shocks

    Kenya's usable foreign exchange reserves provide about 6.2 months of import cover, well above the four-month minimum recommended level, according to CBK Governor Kamau Thugge. The assurance comes as El Niño-related disruptions to domestic production and the Middle East conflict threaten to increase import demands.

    13 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Wednesday 12 August

  1. CBK maintains benchmark lending rate at 8.75%

    The Central Bank of Kenya has retained the benchmark lending rate at 8.75 per cent for the third consecutive time since February, citing a positive outlook on the country's economic growth.

    12 August 2026 · The Standard →

  2. Court bars KCB from touching Sh145 billion in dispute

    Kenya Commercial Bank has been barred from interfering with Sh145 billion at the centre of a dispute with Fox-Capital Investment Ltd, which sued the lender for withholding funds wired by a Swiss company for six months without explanation. Commercial Court in Nairobi issued the restraining order pending the hearing of the application.

    12 August 2026 · The Standard →

  3. Universities compete at Kenya National Music Festival

    Kenya's universities are competing at the 98th Kenya National Music Festival in Bungoma County, held from August 7 to 14, showcasing musical excellence, cultural heritage and artistic creativity under the theme "Enhancing the Creative Economy through Knowledge, Skills and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development." Institutions including Kabarak University and Mount Kenya University are performing various musical pieces and competing for the national crown.

    12 August 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 6 August

  1. National Music Festival enters fifth day in Bungoma County

    The National Music Festival in Bungoma County has showcased talent from both established and little-known schools. Standout performers include Utwiini Primary School from Makueni County, which finished second in its category, along with winners in various competitions including Nzoia Sugar School in Choral Music for Junior Schools and Highlands Junior School in the Swahili Choral Verse category for Junior Schools.

    6 August 2026 · The Standard →

  2. Court dismisses Sh3.5 billion claim against CBK in Goldenberg case

    The Court of Appeal has dismissed a long-running dispute involving the Central Bank of Kenya and a company linked to Goldenberg suspected mastermind Kamlesh Pattni, saving taxpayers from a potential payout of more than Sh3.5 billion. The case arose from the sale of the Grand Regency Hotel, which was auctioned to help recover money lost in the 1990s scandal.

    6 August 2026 · The Standard →

  3. Kingdom Bank partners with AWEP Kenya on women-led business support

    Kingdom Bank and the African Women's Entrepreneurship Programme Kenya have launched a partnership to connect women-led SMEs with tailored financial products, business development support and market access through the bank's Faidi Dada women's banking solution. The move addresses data showing women-owned businesses receive only Sh354 for every Sh1,000 extended to male-owned firms.

    6 August 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 5 August

  1. eSIM providers target Kenyan diaspora workers abroad

    eSIM providers are exploring Kenya's diaspora market, particularly targeting workers abroad who struggle with expensive roaming charges and connectivity issues. The article notes that slow adoption is hindered by the need for high-end smartphones to support eSIM technology, which many diaspora workers do not possess.

    5 August 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 4 August

  1. Government pushes commercialisation of student creative talents for economic growth

    Kenya's government announced plans to commercialise student talents to tap into the global creative economy, aligning educational programmes with national economic priorities. The Basic Education Principal Secretary stated the state aims to turn co-curricular activities into viable economic pathways as part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

    4 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Monday 3 August

  1. Kenyan Web3 startups raise $14 million in 2025

    Kenyan-founded Web3 startups raised $14 million in disclosed funding in 2025, marking the sector's second-highest annual investment total on record, according to a report by venture capital firm Hashed Emergent. Finance-focused ventures accounted for $10 million of the capital raised this year, driven by demand for stablecoin-powered payments, crypto on- and off-ramps, and digital banking solutions.

    3 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Sunday 2 August

  1. Safaricom cuts M-Pesa merchant fees by up to 50 percent

    Safaricom has reduced charges on transferring funds from M-Pesa business tills to mobile wallets and Paybill numbers by as much as 50 per cent, effective 7 August 2026, aligning with Central Bank of Kenya pricing principles and providing relief for small traders and consumers.

    2 August 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 31 July

  1. Alternative finance institutions reshape Kenya's small business funding

    Entrepreneurs and small businesses in Kenya are increasingly turning to SACCOs, fintech lenders, venture capital firms and development finance institutions instead of commercial banks, which have high collateral requirements and rising borrowing costs. Together, these alternatives help address Kenya's estimated Sh2.5 trillion MSME financing gap by prioritizing savings history, cash flow and community guarantees over traditional collateral.

    31 July 2026 · Capital News →

Thursday 30 July

  1. Ex-Treasury CS Ndung'u accuses Ruto of weakening institutional independence

    Former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u has accused President William Ruto of overrunning government institutions and forcing civil servants to conform out of fear, thereby weakening institutional independence. Speaking at a forum in Sweden, Ndung'u argued that strong institutions rather than individuals are key to fighting corruption and addressing poverty, describing both corruption and poverty as fundamentally institutional problems.

    30 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Former Treasury CS accuses Ruto of dominating state institutions

    Njuguna Ndung'u, former National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, has accused President William Ruto of overrunning state institutions, saying fear of lifelong repercussions forces officials to conform. Ndung'u said he refused to engage in deals during his tenure despite pressure, warning that consequences of compromising public office can last a lifetime.

    30 July 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 29 July

  1. Kenya's debt hits Sh12.82 trillion, loan repayment consumes 71% of revenue

    Kenya's public debt has reached Sh12.82 trillion, with loan repayments consuming 71 per cent of government revenue and leaving just 29 per cent for salaries, public services and development projects, according to Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o. She warned Parliament that the mounting debt burden has severely constrained fiscal space and the country must continue borrowing to stay afloat.

    29 July 2026 · Capital News →

  2. President Ruto signs Central Bank Amendment Act amid gold scam concerns

    President William Ruto has signed the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Act into law, raising questions about the rationale given Kenya's minimal domestic gold production and comparisons to the historic Goldenberg scandal.

    29 July 2026 · The Standard →

  3. Parliament committee demands EADB oversight answers from directors, Treasury

    The National Assembly Finance Committee said it will require East African Development Bank directors and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to appear before it to explain the bank's operations and required disbursements. The committee Chairman Kuria Kimani said the Committee must ensure the proposed amendment bill does not breach the Constitution and that EADB, if undertaking banking transactions, should be subject to Central Bank of Kenya supervision.

    29 July 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 28 July

  1. EAC targets 2031 single currency, boosts gold reserves

    East African central bank governors have committed to accelerating plans for a single regional currency by 2031 while increasing domestic gold purchases to diversify foreign reserves amid geopolitical tensions and rising energy costs.

    28 July 2026 · The Standard →

  2. Kenyan banks explore AI system to predict loan defaults early

    Kenyan commercial banks are in talks with US technology firm IronOne Technologies to deploy an AI platform called "Smart Delinquency Predictor" that predicts borrower defaults up to six months in advance, enabling banks to intervene before loans deteriorate rather than managing debt reactively.

    28 July 2026 · The Standard →

  3. South African banks pursue Kenya shares after retail failures

    South African companies are increasing their stake in Kenya's financial sector through investments in NCBA, Safaricom, and Absa Bank Kenya, after previous retail ventures like ShopRite and Massmart failed in the market.

    28 July 2026 · The Standard →

  4. EAC central banks aim for single currency by 2031

    East African central bank governors have vowed to accelerate plans for a single regional currency by 2031 while pursuing aggressive diversification of foreign reserves through domestic gold purchases, amid geopolitical conflicts and soaring energy costs threatening macroeconomic stability across the bloc.

    28 July 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 27 July

  1. Oduor wins CBK Golf Tournament in Kisumu

    Nyanza Golf Club vice captain Maurice Oduor won the Central Bank of Kenya Golf Tournament in Kisumu after two days of competition, returning 43 points and beating a field of more than 150 golfers from clubs across the country. Oduor credited his victory to keeping his game simple, staying patient, and avoiding unnecessary risks.

    27 July 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 26 July

  1. Postbank Women's Volleyball unveil new kit for 2026/27 season

    Postbank Women's Volleyball Club unveiled their official playing kit for the 2026/27 Kenya Volleyball Federation Women's National League season through a sponsorship partnership with microfinance firm FinCredit. The team, which was promoted to the top-flight league in 2022 and finished fifth last season, received the kits during a ceremony at Two Rivers Mall in Nairobi.

    26 July 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 23 July

  1. Court permits Sh5 trillion infrastructure fund with quarterly reporting

    Kenya's High Court has allowed the Sh5 trillion National Infrastructure Fund to proceed but placed it under judicial oversight, requiring the National Treasury to file certified accounts and transaction reports to the court every three months pending determination of a constitutional petition challenging the fund.

    23 July 2026 · Capital News →

Wednesday 22 July

  1. SBM Bank Kenya posts 548M half-year profit, earnings up 171%

    SBM Bank Kenya recorded a 171.3 per cent increase in profit before tax to KSh548 million for the first half of 2026, driven by growth in lending, deposits, and non-interest income. Operating profit rose 279 per cent to KSh852 million, customer deposits increased 24 per cent to KSh94 billion, and net loans and advances grew 18 per cent to KSh54.1 billion.

    22 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. CBK seeks regulatory powers for microfinance anti-money laundering

    The Central Bank of Kenya is seeking powers to regulate, supervise, and enforce compliance for anti-money laundering under the Microfinance Bill 2026.

    22 July 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 20 July

  1. Banks urged to embrace AI, reduce collateral reliance for credit access

    At the 23rd East African Banking School Conference in Diani, banking regulators and executives discussed how artificial intelligence and alternative data can expand credit access for young people and small businesses, while the Central Bank of Kenya Governor cautioned that AI models must remain transparent, explainable, and subject to human oversight.

    20 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Kenya's financial inclusion outpaces financial literacy

    Kenya has achieved high financial inclusion, with 84.8 per cent of adults accessing formal financial services by 2024, but financial literacy has not kept pace; only 44.1 per cent of adults use more than one formal financial product, and young Kenyans are gaining access to financial tools faster than the knowledge needed to use them well.

    20 July 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 19 July

  1. President Ruto signs Central Bank gold amendment, sparking scandal concerns

    President William Ruto has signed the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Act into law, prompting questions about the rationale behind the move given Kenya's minimal domestic gold production.

    19 July 2026 · The Standard →

Central Bank of Kenya — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute