'Don't lock out your rivals' - Competition Watchdog

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I am Brian from The Kenyan Wall Street. In today's newsletter edition, the Competition Authority is warning ISPs and real estate developers. Find out why? 

Also, here are other business stories we have compiled for you…

Main Stories.

📡 ISP-Estate Exclusivity Deals Illegal

By Brian Nzomo

The competition watchdog has declared exclusive ISP agreements in residential developments illegal, warning real estate developers and internet providers to cease the practice immediately. The Competition Authority of Kenya says these deals breach the Competition Act by locking out rival firms and denying consumers a choice.

Developers who sign restrictive contracts with single ISPs could face fines of up to 10% of their turnover or even jail time. The Authority says complaints have surged, with residents in high-density estates forced into poor service with no alternatives.

Starlink and new entrants like Vilcom Network are shaking up the market, challenging long-standing players such as Safaricom and Wananchi Group. As the digital turf war escalates, regulators are drawing a hard line to ensure competition reaches the last mile. Read it here »»»»»

🌿 The Pesticide Crackdown

By Fred Obura

The Ministry of Agriculture has yanked 77 pesticide products off the shelves and barred another 202 from use, citing unacceptable health and environmental risks after a sweeping scientific review. In a bold move, the state now demands all pest control products be registered in their country of origin and not banned under any global treaty, a clear nod to EU and US standards.

But even as the Ministry touts its alignment with international norms, the Pest Control Products Board remains under fire, especially over its defense of glyphosate, a controversial chemical long outlawed elsewhere. Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei isn’t buying it, citing local research that links the substance to cancer research the Board dismisses as fear-mongering. For now, Kenyan farmers are caught between political declarations, regulatory ambition, and a stubbornly persistent weedkiller.

💰 Peach Cars Raises Millions of Dollars in Series A 

By Brian Nzomo

In a US$11-million Series A, Peach Cars is laying the groundwork for trust in East Africa’s chaotic used-car bazaar, one inspection hub at a time. With backing from Suzuki Global Ventures and Japan’s state lender JBIC, the startup is digitizing everything from car vetting to credit scoring, dragging a mostly informal trade into the 21st century. Co-founder Kaoru Kaganoi calls it a fight for “dignity” in daily commerce, where a 225-point check is now the frontline of reform. Read more »»»»»

🚗 Be on the lookout! New Traffic Rules?

By Chelsy Maina

The transport ministry is tightening the screws on road safety with fresh traffic rules that double down on long-ignored offences. Vehicle inspections will now be mandatory for cars over four years old, especially PSVs and school buses, with private testing centers licensed to ease the burden. School transport faces stricter oversight, while drunk driving rules are sharpened with clear testing and court procedures. It’s not new law, but it’s a new seriousness. Read them here »»»»»

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