Investment professionals from the Chartered Financial Analysts Society East Africa have urged for the harmonisation of African Capital Markets, highlighting the need for legal and regulatory reforms during a conference in Kigali, Rwanda. Key sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and agriculture were identified as essential for economic growth and job creation. The experts also emphasized the importance of dismantling trade barriers, enhancing regional integration, and investing in infrastructure. Rwanda's Finance Minister Uzziel Ndagijimana described the efforts as part of a transformative chapter for Africa's economy. Partnerships with local Rwandan authorities aim to improve investment and financial literacy, with FinAcco Hub training 175 candidates for the CFA Programme by December 2023.

Watu Credit has pledged Sh1.3 billion to support Kenya's transition to electric mobility by financing over 500,000 electric motorbikes by 2030. The company is collaborating with manufacturers like Arc Ride and GOGO Electric to provide locally suitable electric bikes and develop a network of battery swapping stations. This initiative aligns with the Kenyan government's draft National Electric Mobility Policy, which aims to guide the development of electric transportation across various modes and promote the adoption of electric vehicles through measures like green-colored number plates.

East African Cables is leading an environmental sustainability campaign in Kenya, encouraging school children to plant trees to help achieve the country's goal of 10% forest cover by 2030. The initiative, which started in 2021, has seen 20 schools plant 8,000 trees. The company aims to mitigate its environmental impact and ensure a sustainable supply of packaging materials. Partnering with the Centre for Leadership and Character Development, the campaign aligns with Kenya's Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. The effort supports President William Ruto's national goal to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, contributing to Kenya's green economy and increased forest cover.

The Kenya Dental Association has partnered with GSK Limited to provide free dental checkups to 400,000 Kenyans starting next month. This initiative aims to improve oral health services across the country.

East African Portland Cement (EAPCC) has initiated a 25-day maintenance shutdown costing Sh400 million to enhance capacity, efficiency, and reputation. Managing Director Oliver Kirubai aims to increase production to one million tonnes by June 2026. The shutdown, ending on April 5, focuses on upgrading machinery and improving operational efficiency. The firm has a business continuity plan to maintain operations during this period. Last year, the government found a buyer for a 30% stake, pending presidential approval. EAPCC's revenues rose to Sh2.9 billion from Sh2.1 billion the previous year.

Kenya's inclusion in the global money laundering watch list by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) could deter foreign investment and business operations in the country. The grey list highlights deficiencies in handling money laundering and terrorist financing, necessitating critical changes to Kenya's financial infrastructure. Local anti-illicit financial flows organizations, including Global Financial Integrity and Transparency International Kenya, call for stringent measures to avert a crisis. The report indicates significant AML events globally, with drug trafficking and financial fraud being prevalent. Kenya's reputation as a stable financial environment is at risk, potentially reducing foreign direct investment and other inflows, which could harm the economy. Kenya joins other African countries like Tanzania and South Sudan on the grey list, while Uganda was recently removed.

Cooperative Bank Group shareholders will receive Sh8.8 billion in dividends following a 5.5% growth in net earnings for 2023. The bank's profit after tax rose to Sh23.2 billion, driven by strategic focus on sustainable growth and efficiency. Shareholders' funds increased to Sh113.6 billion, and the bank's gross profit grew by 10% to Sh32.4 billion. The bank's digital initiatives, including the Mco-op Cash mobile wallet, contributed significantly to non-funded income streams. Subsidiaries, including Co-op Consultancy and Bancassurance Intermediary, and the Group's South Sudan subsidiary, also reported substantial growth in earnings.

Kenya has the lowest percentage of youth Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) in Africa at 15%, with a notable gender disparity as females are almost twice as likely to be NEET compared to males. The country's high literacy rate contributes to this, with men more educated than women. The Africa Youth Employment Clock, developed by World Data Lab and the Mastercard Foundation, shows Kenya's youth employment in services at 52%, with 89% of jobs created between 2020 and 2023 in this sector. Despite a high youth employment rate of 60%, 89% of young Kenyans work in the informal sector. The Clock aims to provide real-time job growth data and forecasts for African youth employment trends through to 2030, supporting the Mastercard Foundation's mission to enable 30 million young Africans to find dignified work by 2030.

Nigeria's Access Bank is set to acquire the National Bank of Kenya from KCB Group, pending regulatory approvals from various bodies including the Central Banks of Kenya and Nigeria. The deal, struck at 1.25 times book value, is expected to enhance shareholder value for KCB Group and expand Access Bank's footprint in the Kenyan market. Both banks emphasize the strategic importance of the acquisition in supporting economic prosperity, financial inclusion, and trade in East Africa. KCB Group shares rose by 9.9% following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the transaction.

Trade value among the eight-member East African Community (EAC) has decreased by 30% over the past three years, with Kenya experiencing significant impacts due to intensified regional economic rivalry.