The Week In Markets
Kenya’s annual inflation rate remained unchanged at 3.8% in June 2025, according to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Month-on-month inflation stood at 0.5%, driven by modest increases in food, transport, and housing costs. The stability keeps inflation well within the Central Bank of Kenya’s target range of 2.5%–7.5%, offering some relief to households.
Safaricom Ethiopia has surpassed 10 million active customers, just four years after launching operations. With 4G network coverage now reaching over 50% of the population across more than 150 towns, the telco is adding 31,000 new users daily. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to transform Ethiopia’s digital landscape.
In this week’s Treasury bills auction, the government raised Ksh 21.8 billion out of a total offer of Ksh 24.0 billion. Investor demand remained strong, even as interest rates continued to ease below the 10% mark, an indicator of improved liquidity in the market.
Regulatory Updates
The Central Bank of Kenya revoked Bank Al-Habib’s license to operate a representative office in Kenya, effective May 15, 2025. The exit is part of the Pakistani bank’s global restructuring and does not pose any risk to Kenya’s financial stability.
Corporate Updates
NCBA Bank hosted its annual SACCO Empowerment Forum this week, bringing together leaders from Kenya’s cooperative sector to discuss governance, sustainability, and innovation. With the SACCO sector managing over Ksh 1 trillion in assets and serving more than 6 million members, the forum addressed key challenges such as fraud and governance gaps. NCBA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting SACCOs through strategic partnerships, technology, and training.
Equity Bank was named Kenya’s Most Admired Financial Services Brand by Brand Africa, following its recent recognition as the Most Valuable Brand by Brand Finance. These accolades highlight the bank’s broad impact, especially through initiatives like the #AfricaRecoveryandResiliencePlan.
Centum Investment Company has issued a profit warning, anticipating at least a 25% decline in net earnings for the financial year ending March 31, 2025. The reduction is attributed to lower fair value gains on investment property, a non-cash adjustment under IFRS, and does not reflect core business performance. The company continues to pursue long-term growth through its Centum 5.0 strategy.
Events
In the lead-up to World Youth Skills Day, we partnered with AIESEC for #THRIVECONKE2025; a high-energy forum focused on equipping young people with real-world life and career skills. As part of our ongoing Youth Skills Month campaign, we delivered a session on “Strategic Money Moves,” empowering university students and early career professionals to make informed financial decisions from the outset.
Coming Up
Preparations are underway for the 5th Abojani Economic Empowerment Conference, scheduled for 22nd November 2025. This year’s theme is “Ownership Economy & Self Sustenance for African Households and Businesses.”
And finally, the 69th Abojani Personal Finance, Saving & Investing Masterclass begins tomorrow at 7:00 PM sharp. Last-minute registrations are still open; we look forward to a transformative and insightful learning experience.
#Inflation Rate
CEO & Co-Founder, Abojani Investment
Robert Ochieng is a visionary entrepreneur and the co-founder of Abojani Investment, a leading financial education platform in Kenya that has empowered over 20,000 Africans to embark on their investment journeys. As CEO, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to financial literacy, successfully demystifying money and investments and making them accessible and relevant to individuals from all walks of life.
Running Thriving Investment Communities
Robert’s influence extends well beyond Abojani Investment’s core offerings. He has actively fostered a sense of community by running investment forums and groups with a vast following of over 300,000 Africans. These communities provide a safe space for individuals to exchange ideas, share experiences, and support each other on their investment journeys.
Vision for the Future
As co-founder of Abojani Investment, Robert envisions a financially empowered Africa. He strives to expand the reach of his financial education initiatives, enabling millions more to gain the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve their financial goals. His vision is to create a society where every individual has the tools and understanding to build lasting wealth and prosperity.
Professional Background
Robert Ochieng is a highly accomplished CEO at the helm of Abojani Investment, an investment and advisory firm in Kenya. He is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in IT, Finance, and leadership.
His career includes key roles at prominent institutions such as Equity Bank, Gulf African Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Airtel.
Robert’s expertise has also been sought after by the National Treasury for consultancy on planning and budgeting systems, showcasing his exceptional knowledge and skills in the field. Passionate about driving meaningful conversations and collaborations between academia, industry, and the public sector, Robert actively engages in research projects focusing on digital transformation within the financial services sector. With his visionary leadership and strategic insights, Robert Ochieng continues to make a significant impact in the business world.
