Kenyan Business Feed

Kenya has been ranked first globally in AI usage, with 97% of internet users aged 16 and above using AI, according to the Digital 2026 Mid-year Global Update Report. The UAE follows at 94%, while Indonesia ranks third at 93%.

Kenya plans to borrow about Sh39 billion from China through its first-ever Panda Bond. The government also plans to raise Sh105 billion through a Eurobond and more than Sh64 billion from Japan through Samurai financing in the 2026/27 financial year.

OPEC expects global oil demand to grow by 600,000 barrels per day by the end of 2026, down from its earlier forecast of 800,000 barrels per day. For 2027, oil demand is projected to increase by 2.2 million barrels per day.

Elon Musk’s Tesla plans to unveil its new high-speed electric sports car, the Roadster, this month, nearly a decade after it was first announced. The car could feature small gas-powered devices developed with SpaceX to provide additional power.

Jeff Bezos is now a part-owner of Liverpool FC after a consortium including the billionaire acquired a roughly 30% stake in the English football club from Fenway Sports Group.

CBK says Kenya’s inflation could rise to 8% if global oil prices average $110 per barrel amid a prolonged Middle East conflict. Kenya’s inflation currently stands at 6.5%.

Nation Media Group reported a Sh357 million net loss in the first half of 2026, up sharply from the Sh41.7 million loss recorded during the same period last year. The company attributed the weaker performance to lower print revenue, higher debt provisions and rising fuel costs.

Patients without SHA cover are reportedly being denied treatment at government hospitals, with some pregnant women allegedly being sent home. Efforts to enforce SHA should not prevent Kenyans from accessing essential healthcare.

HELB could be scrapped and replaced by a new Tertiary Education Funding Authority under a proposed Bill. The new body would oversee student loans, scholarships and other forms of tertiary education funding.

Kenya’s forex reserves fell by $3 million this week to $15.2 billion. Meanwhile, the Kenyan Shilling closed the week trading at Sh129.80 against the US dollar, according to @carrington_fx.