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Airtel Africa has announced its financial results for the Financial Year ended March 2025. This time, the revenues it garnered from the very competitive East African market grew and thanks to the appreciation of the Kenyan shilling, did not take a hit…

This and more stories in today's edition of our daily newsletter… I am Brian from The Kenyan Wall Street.

TELCO ON A FAST LANE : How Airtel Africa performed in FY 2024/2025

Airtel Kenya

Airtel Africa reported strong growth in its East African operations for the year ended March 2025, with revenues up 13.6% amid the Kenyan shilling’s appreciation. The telco saw a double-digit rise in customer numbers and a 30% jump in data usage per user.

In contrast, earnings in Nigeria were hit hard by naira devaluation, despite strong constant-currency performance. Across the group, Airtel Money continued its rise, now contributing over 20% of total revenue.

Below is an overview of the company's performance in the region :

How Airtel performed in East Africa 2024/2025

LAYING THE FOUNDATION: KCB, Superior Homes Strike Mortgages Deal

KCB and Superior Homes sign mortgage partnership

KCB and Superior Homes Kenya are teaming up to make homeownership more accessible for mid-income and premium buyers through tailored mortgage solutions. The partnership includes flexible repayment plans, longer loan tenures, and customer support powered by the KMRC facility offering up to 105% financing.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a diaspora investor, this deal makes owning a home feel a little less like chasing unicorns. Real estate now contributes 6.7% to Kenya’s GDP, but the mortgage uptake remains low. This initiative hopes to change that. The move aligns with the national housing agenda while giving buyers smarter and more sustainable pathways to invest in property. Read more >>>>>

In-depth 

ANALYSIS : Scaling Back on Innovation…

Microfinance banks in Kenya have significantly reduced their innovation efforts, especially in climate-related financial products and dedicated innovation teams, citing cost concerns.

A recent CBK survey shows a marked decline in the presence of such teams among MFBs, down from 100% in 2023 to 57% in 2024. While overall innovation in core services like credit and payments remains strong, the credit process itself is still largely undigitised.

Interestingly, MFBs are showing increased innovation in market support services, focusing on compliance and customer authentication. Cybersecurity and compliance risks are now among the top concerns for banking institutions when innovating. Read the full analysis here »»»»»

Markets 

🔴 𝐍𝐒𝐄 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐔𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟐

The Nairobi Securities Exchange has extended the suspension of Umeme Limited shares by an additional 30 days, now set to lapse on June 12, 2025. The move aims to allow completion of regulatory approvals, shareholder communication, and pending compliance tied to Uganda’s buyout of the utility firm.

NSE Gainers and Losers 

Source : NSE

On your watchlist 

Safaricom PLC has unveiled a new five-year strategy focused on transforming into Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company, with a strong emphasis on innovation, enterprise solutions, and strategic acquisitions…

Watch this interview with Safaricom's CEO Peter Ndegwa, unpacking these strategies…

Yesterday's Poll Results 

Do you think Kenya is serious with its food security goals? 

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Yes, this is just a small misstep (40%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 No, we are ages away from the goal (60%)

The world cares very little about what a man knows; it is what a man is able to do counts.

~ Booker T. Washington

Keep up with what’s happening on our X and LinkedIn pages. Stay updated with the latest financial news on our website The Kenyan Wall Street.