Kenya’s largest telco, Safaricom Plc, in partnership with the Nairobi Securities Exchange, launched Ziidi Trader, a new feature on the M-PESA app that lets Kenyans buy and sell NSE-listed shares straight from their phones.
With this move, Safaricom is taking financial inclusion to the next level, making investing simple, secure, and accessible for millions.
On the economic front, the Central Bank of Kenya’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met this week and cut the Central Bank Rate (CBR) by 25 basis points to 8.75%, marking the 10th consecutive cut in the current easing cycle. The move comes as inflation remains low and stable at 4.4% (January 2026), while private sector credit growth continues to improve, aiming to boost lending, investment, and broader economic activity.
It was also an eventful week for leadership in Africa’s corporate scene. Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, the MD of M-PESA Africa, has been appointed as Chief Executive for Personal and Private Banking at Absa Group, effective April 2026. He leaves Safaricom after nearly 15 years, during which he played a key role in transforming M-PESA into one of Africa’s leading fintech platforms.
Meanwhile, the banking sector also saw a major leadership change. Rebecca Mbithi, former MD & CEO of Family Bank, has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Ecobank Kenya Limited. A lawyer, certified accountant, and holder of an MBA in Strategic Management, Rebecca brings deep expertise in governance, finance, and strategy, marking a strong return to the executive stage after stepping down from Family Bank in 2023.
Additionally, Former KCB Boss, Dr. Martin Oduor-Otieno, PCC, has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Sanlam Allianz Holdings Kenya PLC. Dr. Otieno is the Founder and CEO of The Leadership Group Limited, serves as Group Chairman of East African Breweries Ltd, sits on the boards of BAT Kenya and the AfricaNenda Foundation, and is Chancellor of KCA University, bringing a wealth of experience in governance and strategy.
The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has granted regulatory approvals for new fund managers and collective investment schemes. Notable entrants include Mema Asset Management, CPF Asset Managers, and Dyer & Blair Investment Bank, who will now offer a mix of unit trusts, sub-funds, and multi-asset investment products. The move expands the range of professionally managed investment options available to Kenyans, giving retail and institutional investors greater access to diversified portfolios and specialist funds under the regulator’s oversight.
This week, KenGen released its half-year results for the period ending 31st December 2025, showing strong growth. The company posted a Profit After Tax of Ksh 4.2 billion, supported by stable revenue and disciplined cost management. Total assets stood at Ksh 505.3 billion, while shareholders’ funds reached Ksh 282.8 billion.
In corporate moves, CIC Insurance Group Plc successfully closed the sale of a 50-acre block near Tatu City and 100 acres in Kajiado, injecting Ksh 1.8 billion into the group’s balance sheet. According to CEO Patrick Nyaga, the transactions strengthen liquidity and improve overall performance, reflecting the group’s ongoing focus on optimizing its investment portfolio in land and real estate.
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