Central Bank of Kenya Stories

Analysis: Kenyan shilling marks first year-on-year gain in four years in 2024
Alfred Onyango  |  Jan 01, 2025

As Kenya moves to 2025, the recovery of the shilling remains a key indicator of the country's economic health.

Kenya's small businesses hope for a better 2025 after struggling in 2024
Alfred Onyango  |  Dec 29, 2024

The Institute of Economic Affairs growth will remain moderate and uneven in the coming year unless significant structural reforms are implemented.

CBK: Money from Kenyans in diaspora down by Sh1.8 billion in November
Alfred Onyango  |  Dec 21, 2024

So far this year, the months of January, August, September and October recorded the highest dollar inflow from diaspora remittances.

State's high domestic borrowing draining credit for private sector – World Bank
Lucy Mumbi  |  Dec 10, 2024

The report emphasised the urgency of accelerating structural reforms, particularly in light of Kenya’s fiscal constraints.

KBA announces plans to make borrowing affordable with lower interest rates
Lucy Mumbi  |  Dec 09, 2024

Gachora acknowledged that many borrowers continue to face financial strain due to rising living costs.

Pushed to the wall, Kenyans take up more loans as savings diminish
Alfred Onyango  |  Dec 04, 2024

Out of the total households surveyed, the trend shows a 7.9 per cent dip in the savings culture of Kenyans from 2021, the previous survey period, to d...

Mbadi says state to review taxes on salaries to ease burden on workers
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Dec 04, 2024

The CS said that taxes currently take up 8 per cent of employees' salaries, a burden that many find excessive.

Relief for banks as MPs propose more time for raising minimum capital to Sh10 billion
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Dec 04, 2024

Currently, banks must maintain a core capital-to-risk-weighted assets ratio of 10.5 per cent and a total capital-to-risk-weighted assets ratio of 14.5...

I’ll tackle money laundering and terrorism financing – CBK deputy governor nominee
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Nov 26, 2024

Arita, a seasoned financial expert, outlined his plans to establish a dedicated team within CBK focused solely on addressing these issues.

CBK to start rolling out new currency notes with updated features
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Nov 20, 2024

The contract for the printing was awarded to the German firm Giesecke+Devrient, chosen for its industry reputation and quality.

New Bill seeks to give CBK control over 'buy-now-pay-later' firms to curb exploitation
Lucy Mumbi  |  Nov 18, 2024

The Bill proposes the removal of definitions such as digital channel, digital credit, digital credit business, and digital credit provider from the Ce...

Kenya drops to sixth position in Africa trade rankings amid economic, credit challenges
Alfred Onyango  |  Nov 02, 2024

The country ranks after South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Tanzania and Nigeria. However, it has outperformed Ghana, Zambia, Uganda and Angola.

CBK says banks gave Sh783 billion in loans to Kenyan SMEs in 2023
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Oct 16, 2024

President William Ruto said the figure represented an increase of about Sh75 billion.

CBK cuts benchmark rate by 75 basis points to 12.0 per cent on easing inflation
Alfred Onyango  |  Oct 09, 2024

This is a 75 Basis Points slash, a larger cut compared to August's review when the apex bank lowered the benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points fro...

CBK approves 27 more digital lenders to offer credit services in Kenya
Alfred Onyango  |  Oct 01, 2024

The move brings to 85 the total number of licensed digital credit providers in the country.

Kenya, Rwanda boast over 20% return on assets in banking sector- Central Bank Governor
Lucy Mumbi  |  Sep 26, 2024

Kenyan banks currently operate 133 branches in Rwanda, with KCB leading the pack with 84 branches.

Six candidates shortlisted for CBK Deputy Governor post
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Sep 26, 2024

Among the candidates include Charles Ringera, the Chief Executive Officer and Board Secretary at the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).

Kenyan banks to spy on customers’ large transactions under new rules
Alfred Onyango  |  Sep 20, 2024

CBK said the proposed go-live date for the new guideline will be September 30, 2024, as per the revised plan.

What benchmark US Fed rate cut means for Kenya's economy and consumers
Alfred Onyango  |  Sep 19, 2024

Apex banks globally use the interest rates as either a gas pedal or a brake on the economy when needed.

CBK turns to German firm for printing new currency notes
Bashir Mohammed  |  Aug 07, 2024

The switch to the German firm follows CBK’s decision to halt orders to De La Rue Kenya for at least 12 months, affecting the joint venture in which th...