Business

Samsung confirmed that Gemini Pro, Google’s most advanced multimodal AI model, will be available natively within core apps like Samsung notes, gallery, video player, internet, and calendar.

Fringe benefits tax applies to employees, directors, or their relatives who receive welfare perks such as low-interest loans from their employers. The tax is charged on the difference between the actual interest paid and the prevailing market interest rate.

This figure surpasses the set target of Sh2.55 trillion, representing a 6.8 per cent growth from the previous year’s collection of Sh2.40 trillion.

The initial phase of implementation, scheduled for the 2025/26 financial year, is expected to cost Sh5.8 billion.

The House committee also wants clarity on why 30 mini-grids built using public funds in arid and semi-arid areas are still not operational more than three years after being handed over to Kenya Power.

The probe follows a forensic audit by the Auditor General, which raised concerns over the structure, licensing, and beneficiaries of the contracts.

Despite their current challenges, most respondents said they do not intend to default permanently, expressing fear of being blacklisted by the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)—a consequence they are eager to avoid.

According to KEBS, the sockets lacked essential safety features required under local standards, posing a significant risk of electrocution and fire.

The move aims to make it easier for manufacturers to import raw materials, machinery, and spare parts without facing delays and added expenses at the ports.

The new “Manage subscriptions” tool is being introduced to select users on the web, Android, and iOS, with a wider rollout expected in the coming weeks.

The posts, which also targeted individuals with Jewish surnames and made racially charged statements, have since been deleted by xAI, which said it is working to prevent similar incidents in the future.

KRA said the new requirement is part of stricter enforcement measures under the Finance Act, 2025, warning that non-compliance will result in goods being seized or forfeited to the state.

All importers will now be required to have key vehicle documents validated before their vehicles are inspected, regardless of whether the car has already undergone inspection abroad or not.

Kenya was listed among countries that spend at least 6.5 per cent of export revenues to repay external public debt.

Current AI does not genuinely “think”. Instead, it relies on logical shortcuts, known as heuristics, that sacrifice precision for speed. This means that, despite speaking like a person, it cannot reason, feel, care, or desire anything.

The app forms a local mesh network, allowing messages to hop across multiple nearby devices within a 300-metre range, and potentially farther if more users are connected in the area.

In a notice, the Ministry of Agriculture said the levy must be remitted by the tenth day of the month following the sale or importation, with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) appointed to collect the charges.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced the disbursement via his official X account, confirming that the release includes Sh13 billion owed from the 2023/24 financial year.

The price cuts come amid growing competition from international streaming services and increasing mobile internet penetration. MultiChoice says the adjustment is meant to keep Showmax competitive and accessible, especially for younger, mobile-first audiences.

Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11, with recent updates focusing on AI-powered productivity tools, a redesigned File Explorer, improved gaming performance, and native Android app support through its partnership with the Amazon Appstore.

Between January and March this year, 529,591 passengers travelled on the SGR, down from 531,673 during the same period last year, and 597,506 in the first quarter of 2023 as reported by Business Daily.

The data shows that interest income from MSME loans increased from Sh79.1 billion in 2022 to Sh91.8 billion in 2024, marking a 16 per cent jump.

The survey, which runs until July 15, 2025, seeks input from customers of commercial banks, mortgage finance institutions, microfinance banks and the general public.

CAK boss David Kem noted that digital platforms have increasingly become hotspots for sophisticated anti-competitive practices, with businesses using complex algorithms and systems to exploit consumers while evading detection.

The new provisions empower KRA to pursue taxes from persons who are not based in Kenya but earn income subject to taxation under Kenyan law, including income from employment, business operations, or investments within the country.

While 71 per cent of digital lenders screen their customers against global sanctions lists and 62.7 per cent offer some form of staff training, only 47.5 per cent regularly update the sanctions lists.

With support from Kenyan trainers, the initiative equips beneficiaries with skills to transform discarded coconut shells into jewellery, home décor, and practical household items such as spoons, bowls and keyholders.

The Magic V5 measures just 8.8mm thick when folded shut, shaving off a fraction of a millimeter from rival Oppo’s Find N5.

The CPF Individual Pension Scheme, designed for the self-employed and informal sector, posted notable performance.

An analysis of data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) shows the Kenyan shilling closed the first quarter of 2025 with a 14 per cent year-on-year gain against the greenback.

The funds, released on June 30, represent 35 per cent of the total Sh10.52 billion allocation owed to counties.

The downturn follows a seven-month streak of growth that began in October last year to April this year, signalling a notable shift in economic momentum.

For users globally, including in Kenya, this signals the arrival of faster, smarter, and more intuitive writing and email experiences.

The latest figures by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) show the country’s current account balance widened by 58 per cent, rising to Sh66.6 billion from Sh42.1 billion during the same period last year.

A high-level meeting at 10 Downing Street on Tuesday renewed the Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership, anchoring the major urban regeneration plan that is expected to reshape Nairobi’s transport, housing and economic landscape.

Hiding apps can offer greater privacy, organisation, and peace of mind, especially for those sharing devices with children or co-workers.

These losses, driven by unremitted deductions, liquidity issues, and failure to meet required financial standards, are threatening the stability of the sector and the trust of its members.

According to the latest quarterly GDP report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the plateau in growth is largely due to a slowdown in several high-impact service sectors.

During the nine months from July 2024 to March 2025, both counties and national government departments spent Sh3.16 trillion in total. Out of this, Sh1.2 trillion was allocated to development projects, which should have been disclosed on the PPIP.

KRA said the transfer of customs-related dispute resolution to the Tax Dispute Resolution Division under the Legal and Board Services Department will be done in stages.

The report found that 60.48 per cent of those interviewed had bought counterfeit goods at some point, with many saying they could not tell the difference between fake and original items.

He maintained that the logistics sector currently lacks a dominant firm and therefore does not meet the threshold that could justify setting aside any portion of the market.

The ICT Authority called on citizens, experts, and stakeholders to submit feedback on proposed national guidelines for fibre optic networks and public Wi-Fi deployment.

The move follows a series of benchmark rate cuts by CBK over the past year and a half, including the latest reduction in June, which brought the Central Bank Rate down to 10 per cent from 10.75 per cent.

In Nairobi’s Tassia estate, Sakina Service Station was found offering super petrol originally intended for export. The operator paid Sh2,866,116 in taxes and penalties before reopening.

Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority (NIFCA), operating under the National Treasury and led by CEO Daniel Mainda, spearheaded the signing of the MoUs.

Beyond route expansion, the two airlines said they are exploring further cooperation in cargo operations, airport and ground services, loyalty programmes, procurement, and maintenance, repair and overhaul.

The feature closely resembles Instagram’s existing DM system, offering disappearing messages, emoji reactions, and read receipts. However, Threads places a stronger emphasis on minimalism and privacy, restricting DMs to mutual followers by default.

The Supreme Court found that the procurement process that KPA used breached Articles 10(2)(c), 201(a), and 227(1) of the Constitution, which enshrine the principles of good governance, fiscal prudence, and fair competition in public procurement.

According to the company, its 4G network now covers more than half of the population, with 3,141 live sites in more than 150 towns and cities.