Mulembe Business Journal

Today, I apprised the Senate Committee on Trade, Industrialization and Tourism on the progress of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs), including projects ready for commissioning. The Government has fully funded CAIPs in 10 counties with KSh 250 million each and partially funded 12 others. CAIPs in Meru, Embu and Kirinyaga are now ready for commissioning, marking a major step in driving value addition, industrialization, jobs and wealth creation across our counties. I also updated the Committee on the progress of key Economic Partnership Agreements that we are leveraging to expand export markets, grow industries, and create opportunities for our people. Further, we discussed the state of the textile industry and quality assurance measures on products including cement. I reassured Senators that Kenya Bureau of Standards is enforcing standards to safeguard consumers and ensure the safety of buildings and infrastructure. I was accompanied by PS Industry Dr. Juma Mukhwana.

Inspected the ongoing construction of Shiatsala Market in Butere. The market is expected to be ready for use within the next 8 months. The market will provide traders with a modern, safe, and conducive environment for business and also boost economic activities in the area.

Presided over the annual Governor’s Day with Farmers event in Lumakanda, Lugari today, we reviewed the strides made in strengthening our food security pillar across Kakamega.

Delighted to host my colleague, Eng. Felchesmi Mramba, PS for Electricity and Renewable Energy in Tanzania during his courtesy call following the Africa Forward Summit. As members of the Eastern Power Pool, we reviewed the ongoing power trade between Kenya and Tanzania through the Ethiopia–Kenya–Tanzania interconnector, and discussed the need to enhance voltage stability and strengthen effective network operations. In our shared vision for geothermal development, we noted the progress being made in the Ngozi region, where KenGen has been contracted by Tanzania Geothermal Development Company to undertake geothermal exploration and drilling activities. Kenya and Tanzania continue to enjoy cordial collaboration in the energy sector, and we look forward to even more fruitful partnerships as we advance our shared regional goals.

Last evening, I received a briefing on the progress of the Lessos–Loosuk and the Kibos–Kakamega–Musaga transmission line projects, key investments aimed at strengthening Kenya’s national grid and improving reliability and efficiency of electricity supply. #PoweringTheNewKenya

𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲'𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 [𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔]: 1. TRIFIC has launched a KES 4.8B / USD 37.29M Green USD-denominated I-REIT offer targeting an 8% net USD dividend yield and 10% annual total return. The offer opens on 13 May and lists on the NSE on 23 June 2026, with a minimum investment of USD 1,000

Uganda is preparing its inaugural sovereign Sukuk issuance to fund 15% of the €2.7B Standard Gauge Railway project: —Uganda is currently on an East African investor roadshow covering Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar ahead of the planned issuance. —The SGR financing structure approved by Cabinet in January 2025 comprises: 60% from Export Credit Agencies, 15% from Sukuk and 25% from Development Finance Institutions

Kenya has taken a bold step towards becoming Africa’s leading hub for technology, innovation and advanced manufacturing following the assent to the Technopolis Bill by H.E. President @WilliamsRuto at State House, Nairobi. The new law establishes a comprehensive framework for the creation and governance of world-class technopolises, strengthens investor confidence through predictable long-term licensing, and positions Kenya as a premier destination for global investment, digital talent, research and innovation. This is a major milestone in accelerating our transition into a knowledge-based digital economy and advancing Kenya’s vision as the Silicon Savannah of Africa.

Kenya Airways has signed a deal with Rubis Energy Kenya to build Africa’s first sustainable aviation fuel refinery in Nairobi. The Sh10 billion project will turn waste cooking oil and animal fats into cleaner jet fuel.

Two Rivers International Finance and Innovation Centre Special Economic Zone has opened a Income Real Estate Investment Trust (I-REIT) seeking US$ 37.3 million. Proceeds will be used to fund the acquisition of the TRIFIC North Tower & the development of other premium, environmentally sustainable commercial towers within its Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The offer opens fromMay 13th & closes on June 12th, 2026.

🪘🪘🪘🇰🇪

The redevelopment of the Homa Bay Pier continues to mark a major milestone in the transformation of Kenya’s maritime and regional transport infrastructure under the Blue Economy agenda and the aspirations of Kenya Vision 2030. The project, which is converting the Homa Bay lakefront into a modern feeder port and integrated economic hub, is expected to significantly enhance trade, transport connectivity, tourism, fisheries, and investment opportunities within the Lake Victoria region. The ongoing works include the construction of modern terminal buildings, warehouses, ferry waiting bays, power houses, water storage facilities, security infrastructure, and a permanent office for the Kenya Ports Authority. Upon completion, the upgraded pier will support safer and more efficient maritime transport while strengthening connectivity between Homa Bay, Kisumu, Mbita, Migori, Siaya, Busia, and neighboring regional trade corridors. The redevelopment forms part of broader efforts to revitalize Lake Victoria transport systems and unlock the economic potential of lakeside communities through improved infrastructure and enhanced water transport services. The project also supports planned ferry operations and facilitates the movement of goods and passengers across the lake. In addition to the port infrastructure, the project incorporates complementary developments such as a modern fish market and a lakefront amphitheatre aimed at promoting value addition in fisheries, tourism growth, cultural activities, and local enterprise development. Collectively, these investments are expected to create employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and improve livelihoods across the region. #Kenyavision2030

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞!!! 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐏𝐢𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲

CMA CGM said the partnership is aimed at expanding port capacity, modernising freight management systems and improving inland logistics networks linking Kenya to the wider East and Central African region kenyans.co.ke/news/123318-fr…

Gavana Ochilo Ayacko: Taifa letu linahitaji usimamizi wa kisasa. Taarifa hii ya nia ya kimataifa itasaidia kuongeza riziki. Viwanda vinahitaji gharama kubwa lakini havileti faida kwa urahisi, huku rasilimali kama vile umeme na mbinu za usafiri zikihitajika #SemaNaCitizen

Meli kubwa yawasili Lamu Meli kubwa ya mita 369 yatia nanga bandari ya Lamu. Meli hiyo ilianza safari kutoka India. Nahodha atoa mpango wa kupanga upya kontena za mizigo #SemaNaCitizen

In Mt Elgon subcounty, Bungoma County today I have encouraged farmers to plant Hass Avocado in order to participate in our export markets and create prosperity.

JUST IN: Tanzania is constructing the Kilimanjaro International Conference Centre (KMICC) in Arusha, set to become EAC’s largest conference venue. The project, formalized between AICC and PSSSF since March 8, 2025, will host up to 15,000 attendees and include a 1000-room hotel.

Interesting takeaways from the Kenya-Tanzania Business Forum at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Tanzania: — KCB CEO Paul Russo said the bank has deployed ~$520M (~KES 67.6B) over ~2.5 years into 4 Tanzania-linked transactions, including ~$180M (~KES 23.4B) for a cement acquisition, ~$120M (~KES 15.6B) for fleet/cement assets, ~$110M (~KES 14.3B) for construction and another ~$100M (~KES 13.0B) for an undisclosed facility. — Taifa Gas argued that governments alone cannot fund development and that capital will only follow well-prepared, bankable projects with clear risk allocation. — Amsons Group said it is anchoring regional integration through its ~$300M (~KES 39.0B) Bamburi Cement acquisition, 69% stake in East African Portland Cement, and ~$250M (~KES 32.5B) clinker plant commitment. — Kenya Private Sector Alliance and Tanzania Private Sector Foundation said Kenya–Tanzania anchor a >$200B (~KES 26.0T) economy and 300M+ market, but non-tariff barriers, standards misalignment, border delays and overlapping taxes continue to suppress trade. — The private sector committed to a joint Kenya–Tanzania Business Council, coordinated lobbying against new non-tariff barriers, and more joint ventures. At the same time, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar chambers signed an MoU on investment access, market intelligence, and trade-barrier resolution. — President Ruto said EAC trade rose 25% to ~$156B (~KES 20.3T) in 2025, while intra-EAC trade rose 28% to ~$19.3B (~KES 2.5T), though it still accounts for only ~12% of total regional trade. Also said that Kenya–Tanzania bilateral trade fell to ~$860M (~KES 111.8B) in 2025 from ~$950M (~KES 123.5B) in 2024, with ~$100M (~KES 13.0B) lost to non-tariff barriers. — Ruto said ~20 non-tariff barriers have been identified for resolution by the end of May 2026, shifting the focus from dialogue to time-bound execution and monitoring. — Ruto confirmed feasibility work for a Tanzania–Mombasa gas pipeline, highlighted the ~500km power interconnector, and set targets of $500M (~KES 65.0B) in new cross-border investments and $1B (~KES 130.0B) in trade over three years. — President Samia said Tanzania Vision 2050 will be ~70% private sector-led, 22% government-led, and 8% public enterprise-led, framing Kenya–Tanzania integration as an execution agenda rather than a diplomatic talking point.

Kenyan exhibitors are proudly showcasing their products and innovations at the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF 2026) in Bulawayo, highlighting the country’s growing industrial strength and commitment to regional trade and collaboration.