Safaricom and GulfCap Launch Ziidi Shari’ah Money Market Fund
Safaricom PLC and GulfCap Investment Bank have launched the Ziidi Shari’ah Money Market Fund, expanding access to Shari’ah-compliant investments for M-PESA customers.
Customers can access the fund through My OneApp and USSD code *334#, with an initial investment of just KES 100 and subsequent top-ups from KES 10.
The launch adds another investment option within the M-PESA ecosystem, allowing customers to start investing with relatively small amounts through familiar digital channels.
Safaricom Introduces SD-WAN Services for Businesses
Safaricom has launched Safaricom Business SD-WAN, a managed service designed to help businesses with multiple branches manage their network connections through a single intelligent network.
Software-defined wide area networking, or SD-WAN, helps organizations manage connectivity across different locations through a centrally managed system. For businesses operating across multiple branches, this can simplify network management and support more coordinated connectivity.
The launch expands Safaricom’s business technology offering beyond connectivity into managed network solutions for organisations.
Britam Launches Two Special Investment Funds
Britam Asset Managers has introduced two investment products: the Britam Enhanced Global Equities Special Fund and the Britam Multi Asset Special Fund.
The Enhanced Global Equities Special Fund gives Kenyan investors access to global equity markets, while the Multi Asset Special Fund offers exposure to a broader mix of local and international assets.
The two funds expand the range of investment options available to Kenyan investors seeking exposure beyond traditional domestic investment opportunities.
Eric Muriuki Appointed to Pan-African Strategy Role at Absa Group
Eric Muriuki, previously the NCBA Group Director for Digital Business, has been appointed Managing Executive for Pan-African Growth Strategy, Platforms, and Digital Ventures at Absa Group.
The appointment places Muriuki in a group-level role focused on pan-African growth strategy and digital ventures, drawing on his previous experience in digital business leadership at NCBA.
CBK Holds Benchmark Lending Rate at 8.75%
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has maintained its benchmark lending rate at 8.75% for the fourth consecutive policy meeting.
The decision is intended to keep inflation expectations within the target range while supporting exchange-rate stability. The Monetary Policy Committee is scheduled to meet again in December 2026.
The decision keeps the benchmark rate unchanged as the CBK continues to assess inflation developments, currency stability and conditions in the domestic economy.
Private-Sector Credit Growth Rises to 10.6%
Growth in lending to Kenya’s private sector increased to 10.6% in August 2026, up from 10.3% in the previous month, according to the figures provided.
The increase was driven by a decline in bank lending rates. Lower borrowing costs can improve access to credit for households and businesses, although the cost and availability of loans continue to vary across borrowers and lending institutions.
Government Seeks KES 50 Billion Through Reopened Treasury Bonds
The Government is seeking to raise KES 50 billion for budgetary support through the reopening of two 30-year fixed-coupon Treasury Bonds: SDB1/2011/030 and FXD1/2026/030.
The bonds carry coupon rates of 12% and 12.5%, respectively. Investors interested in participating must submit their bids by 10:00 a.m. on 14 October 2026.
Treasury Bills Auction Raises KES 45.5 Billion
The latest Treasury Bills auction attracted KES 75.4 billion in bids against the KES 28 billion offered by the Central Bank of Kenya.
The CBK raised KES 45.5 billion, reflecting strong demand relative to the amount on offer. The weighted average interest rate on the 364-day Treasury Bill stood at 9.0352%.
Kenya’s Private-Sector Activity Returns to Growth
Kenya’s private-sector business activity returned to growth territory in September 2026, with the Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 51.3, from 49.7 in August.
A PMI reading above 50 indicates an expansion in private-sector activity, while a reading below 50 signals contraction. The move above the 50-point threshold therefore marks a return to growth after the previous month’s reading indicated a contraction.
World Investor Week: Lessons on Investing While Young
As part of World Investor Week, Abojani hosted an X Space in partnership with NCBA on Investing While Young, bringing together speakers from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The discussion explored the role of early investing, financial education and consistent habits in building long-term wealth. Key takeaways included:
☑️ Time is an advantage. Starting young gives investors more time to build wealth, learn from experience, make mistakes and recover.
☑️ You do not need a large amount to begin. Starting with what you can afford can help you develop an investing habit.
☑️ Understand your investments. Take time to learn what you are investing in before committing your money.
☑️ Consistency matters. Regular investing can help build the habits and discipline needed over time.
☑️ Make informed decisions. Listen to different perspectives, but take responsibility for your own investment choices.
☑️ Keep learning. Join investment forums, learn from others and continue building your financial knowledge.
The discussion reinforced the importance of combining early action with informed decision-making and consistent financial habits.
Coming Up
Corporate Action to Watch
Thursday, 15 October 2026: Absa is scheduled to distribute an interim dividend of KSh 0.50 per share. The supplied announcement states a total distribution of KES 2.7 million.
KBA CEO Chat 2026
The Kenya Bankers Association’s (KBA) My Chat With A Bank CEO returns with its first session featuring Rajeev Pant, CEO of Prime Bank.
The session will explore “Turning Your Opportunity into a Sustainable Business” on Friday, 16 October 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
The discussion will focus on building a sustainable business from an opportunity and will be available to watch live on YouTube and LinkedIn.
Register here: https://chat.kba.co.ke
#KBACEOChat.
6th Abojani Economic Empowerment Conference
Preparations for the 6th Abojani Economic Empowerment Conference are gaining momentum, with an NSE-listed company now on board as a sponsor.
The conference takes place on 21 November 2026, bringing together participants to explore investing, financial empowerment and strategies for building and preserving wealth.
Book your ticket: Here
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.
