The Age of Lamu Port

Kenya's #1 newsletter among business leaders & policy makers

March 23, 2026

Good morning from The Kenyan Wall Street. Here are a few stories to spark your day…

The Age of Lamu Port

The port of Lamu

By Chelsy Maina

Kenya’s Lamu Port is experiencing an increase in activity following the arrival of a second vehicle carrier this week, as the Middle East conflict disrupts global shipping routes.

  • The vessel, MV Grande Florida, operated by Italy-based Grimaldi Group, docked at Lamu carrying approximately 3,800 vehicles and assorted spare parts from Yokohama.

  • The shipment had initially been destined for Jebeli Ali Port but was diverted due to ongoing regional disruptions affecting shipping routes.

Read the article here »»»»»

Simbisa Kenya Grows Revenue 8%

By Harry Njuguna

Simbisa Brands' Kenyan operations delivered an 8% increase in US dollar revenue for the six months ended 31 December 2025, as customer volumes rose 12% year on year

  • The average spend in US dollar terms declined 4% year on year, as the company intensified promotional activity to drive footfall, betting on the volume uplift to compensate for the per-transaction decline.

  • Delivery orders grew 60% compared to the prior year period, building on a channel that already accounts for approximately 22% of Kenya revenue, with a medium-term target of 30%.

Read the full article here »»»»»

INTERVIEW : Kenya’s Net-Zero Manufacturing Strategy

Industry Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana

As Kenya prepares to host the Kenya International Investment Conference (KIICO) 2026 later this month, officials are sharpening a pitch that blends climate policy with industrial ambition. In an interview with The Kenyan Wall Street, Industry principal secretary Juma Mukhwana argues that Kenya’s electricity grid, more than 90% powered by renewables, gives manufacturers an unusual advantage in an era of carbon accounting. That energy mix, anchored by geothermal and expanding wind and solar, is now being tied to special economic zones (SEZs), green industrial parks, and new investor incentives. The message ahead of KIICO is simple: Kenya wants to sell itself not just as a manufacturing destination, but as a net-zero manufacturing hub for global supply chains.

Read the full interview here >>>>>  

Heads Up 

United Bank of Africa (UK), British International Investment Expand Trade Finance for African Businesses

United Bank for Africa (UK) and British International Investment (BII) have signed a letter of intent to explore a collaboration to expand trade finance access for businesses across Africa.

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I&M Bank and Sida’s USD 30 Million Partnership Set to Expand Green Lending in Kenya

The partnership, formalized at a signing ceremony in Nairobi, centres on a USD 15 million guarantee from Sida, with a coverage of eight years and a 50 percent risk-sharing structure

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53% Of Kenya’s Ride-Hailing Drivers Rely on It Full Time

A study by ride-hailing app Bolt, in collaboration with Ipsos, shows that 53% of ride-hailing drivers in Kenya now rely on the platforms as their main source of income.

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On Your Watchlist 

In this episode of Investing Like an Executive, Andrew Barden (CEO, The Kenyan Wall Street) sits down with George Olaka, the Country Head of Arise IIP Kenya, to discuss the massive scale of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) currently transforming the region.

Upcoming Webinar

Founded in 2012, the Africa CEO Forum has grown from a purely annual gathering into a permanent platform connecting African decision-makers year-round with peers, international investors, and institutions active across the continent.

More about the event here »»»»» 

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