The visit aims to accelerate the Arror, Kimwarer, and Itare dam projects. Ruto plans to expand irrigation to 2.5 million acres within seven years.

Ruto linked higher fuel prices in Kenya to its classification as a middle-income country. Pump prices rose above Ksh206 per litre for petrol and diesel on April 14.

In contrast, petrol sells for about Ksh185–190 per litre in Uganda and averages around Ksh191 in Tanzania. Ruto emphasized the disparity between Kenya and its neighbors.

“It is important to clarify that Kenya is a middle-income country, while many of our neighbours are classified as least developed countries,” he said. “That creates a significant difference.”

Kenyans need to understand that the country maintains over 20,000 kilometres of tarmac roads and has another 6,000 kilometres under construction. The target is to construct an additional 28,000 kilometres of tarmac roads in the next seven years.

Yet, rising fuel costs may impact transportation options, including easy coach bus fares across the region. Observers note that these fares could increase as fuel prices remain high.

The visit is part of a broader plan to enhance cooperation between Kenya and Italy. Details remain unconfirmed regarding specific investment outcomes from this trip.

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“We expect to list in the month of May, subject to regulatory approvals,” said Lazarus Muema, a representative of Family Bank, as the organization prepares for a significant milestone in its history.

Family Bank has announced a doubling of its dividend payout to shareholders, reaching Sh2.2 billion, following a remarkable 55.4 percent growth in full-year net profit. The bank reported a net profit of Sh5.37 billion for the year ending December 2025, up from Sh3.46 billion the previous year.

In addition to its impressive profit growth, Family Bank saw interest earned from Treasury bills and bonds increase by 44.1 percent, totaling Sh7.9 billion. The bank’s customer deposits also rose by 20 percent, reaching Sh151.8 billion, reflecting a strong trust from its clientele.

Paul Ngaragari, another key figure at Family Bank, noted, “If you look at the money we mopped up from our customer deposits, around Sh25 billion, and the other money we got from shareholders, around 8 billion, most of that money was purely deployed into investment in government securities.” This strategy has contributed significantly to the bank’s financial health.

Family Bank’s loan book grew by 14 percent to Sh105.8 billion, although it faced challenges with non-performing loans, which rose to Sh17.5 billion, accounting for 14.9 percent of its loan book.

The bank has been planning to go public for a decade, and the upcoming listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange is seen as a pivotal moment for the organization. Family Bank successfully raised Sh8 billion through a private placement, oversubscribing its target of Sh6.09 billion.

As Family Bank moves closer to its listing, the financial community is keenly watching its developments, particularly regarding regulatory approvals and market reception.

With a solid financial foundation and a clear strategy for growth, Family Bank is poised to make a significant impact on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and the broader financial landscape in Kenya.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact date of the listing and any further strategic initiatives that may follow.

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Centum Investment Company has completed the sale of its entire remaining interest in Sidian Bank as of March 12, 2026. This divestment marks the conclusion of Centum’s exit from Sidian Bank Limited, a journey that began in 2001 when Centum first invested in what was then known as K-Rep Bank.

Centum held a 50% stake in Bakki Holdco Limited, which in turn owned a 27.27% interest in Sidian Bank. The total cash recoveries from Sidian Bank now stand at approximately KSh 5.2 billion against a total investment of KSh 4.7 billion, reflecting a profitable exit for the investment firm.

The sale received regulatory clearance from the Central Bank of Kenya and the Competition Authority of Kenya, ensuring compliance with local financial regulations. James Mworia, Centum’s CEO, noted, “The financial effects of the transaction will be reflected in Centum’s next financial reporting cycle for the financial year ending March 31, 2026.”

Sidian Bank has seen significant growth over the years, with its assets increasing from KSh 19 billion in 2012 to KSh 94.8 billion by September 2025. This growth trajectory underscores the bank’s successful evolution in the competitive financial sector.

Prior to the sale, Centum’s investment in Sidian was valued at KSh 1.1 billion. The firm has been strategically reducing its stake in Sidian Bank through a series of transactions that began in 2023, indicating a shift in focus towards other investment opportunities.

James Mworia further stated, “The proceeds from this transaction will enable Centum to continue investing across key sectors in Kenya and the wider East African region.” This move aligns with Centum’s broader strategy to diversify its investment portfolio.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific terms of the sale and the future plans for Sidian Bank under its new ownership. Observers will be keen to see how this divestment impacts both Centum and Sidian Bank moving forward.

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