Dashen Bank and Visa have signed a five-year agreement to expand digital payments in Ethiopia, the two companies announced in Addis Ababa on 16 September 2026.The partnership covers growing digital payment acceptance, expanding card issuance, strengthening cross-border payment capabilities and introducing new payment products, according to the announcement, though the companies did not disclose financial terms.Dashen Bank is one of Ethiopia’s private financial institutions, operating a nationwide network of branches, merchants and digital banking channels, the reach Visa will be plugging its payments infrastructure into as the two companies build out the partnership.Asfaw Alemu, CEO of Dashen Bank, said: “At Dashen Bank, innovation and customer value are at the heart of everything we do. This strategic partnership with Visa strengthens our ability to provide world-class payment solutions that are secure, convenient and accessible to more Ethiopians. Together, we will expand access to digital payments, enhance the customer experience and contribute to Ethiopia’s ongoing digital transformation by enabling individuals and businesses to participate more fully in the modern economy.”Yared Woldesenbet, Cluster Head for Eastern Africa and Country Manager for Ethiopia at Visa, described the deal as part of the company’s wider strategy for the country: “This agreement with Dashen Bank marks an important milestone in Visa’s commitment to advancing the future of payments in Ethiopia. By combining Visa’s global network, innovation capabilities and deep payments expertise with Dashen Bank’s strong market presence and customer reach, we will accelerate the adoption of secure digital payments, support financial inclusion and create new opportunities for consumers, businesses and the broader economy.”
Read briefing What to Expect at This Year’s ‘Unstoppable Africa’ Summit The Kenyan Wallstreet
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Read briefing Ndindi Nyoro turns Isiolo killings into 2027 attack on Ruto govt People Daily
Read briefing A British woman who was abducted in Malawi has been rescued and reunited with her family after a shoot-out between officers and the kidnappers, police said.
Read briefing A man has moved to court seeking orders to compel Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to go for the presidency and nothing else.
Read briefing Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa finds himself in the court of public opinion and deep in the throes of a credibility question, thanks to a damning revelation by the JKUAT.
Read briefing Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of attempting to take over Muthaiga Golf Club following an escalation in a land ownership dispute between the facility and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). Gachagua stated that club members contacted him expressing concerns over government plans to seize part of the course through KFS. “Members of Muthaiga Golf Club have woken me up at night, informing me that William Ruto, using the Kenya Forest Service, is planning to grab Muthaiga Golf Course after grabbing several parcels of land in the neighboring Kiambu County. I sympathize with them; just like the 55 million Kenyans, the Kenyan great grabber is on their case,” Gachagua stated. He claimed senior KFS officers accompanied by security dogs entered the facility and declared that a portion of the course belongs to Karura Forest. He claimed that Muthaiga Golf Club has existed since before independence and argued that successive head-of-states, including Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta, respected golf courses across the country without interference. “Members were shocked when senior KFS officers turned up at the club with killer dogs and declared part of the golf course as being in Karura Forest. William Ruto must know that Muthaiga Golf Club has been in existence since before independence, before he was born,” he added. Wa...
Read briefing A Kenyan voter has taken legal action against Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over public contributions made to the Linda Mwananchi political movement. The petitioner, Alan Masakhalia, filed a case at the High Court in Nairobi demanding a full accounting and disclosure of all funds collected through M-Pesa Paybill number 3033049. Masakhalia contributed KSh 55 to the initiative, stating he made the donation believing it was directly tied to supporting Senator Sifuna’s potential presidential bid in the 2027 General Election. The petitioner argues that Linda Mwananchi was promoted as a citizen-driven movement with public messaging that implied Sifuna’s 2027 presidential candidacy. Because Sifuna has recently indicated he may support other opposition leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, or Fred Matiang’i, contributors want guarantees regarding how their money is managed. “My contribution was clearly towards Sifuna’s Presidential Campaign kitty,” he states in the affidavit. The petition references reports that 9,419 people contributed approximately KSh 519,144 on the first day alone, with total collections quickly climbing to roughly KSh 2.21 million within 36 hours. “I am concerned that unless the 1st respondent (Sifuna) clearly confirms his candidacy, the funds may be transferred to a different candidate, supported by a different party,” he says. Masakhalia stresses tha...
Read briefing Speaking in Homa Bay County, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi disclosed explicit directives given to him by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga regarding the broad-based government. Addressing the crowd during President William Ruto’s development tour of Nyanza, Mbadi pushed back against claims that the former prime minister was hesitant about cooperating with the Kenya Kwanza administration. He cited his close working relationship with Odinga dating back to 1992, stating he could read his body language and understand his political posture. Mbadi stated that when Odinga brought ODM into the broad-based government, his instructions were clear: Mbadi was tasked with fully supporting President Ruto to deliver on his national transformation agenda. “When Raila brought us to the broad-based government, his words to me were very clear. He told me that I must make sure that I support President Ruto to deliver on his agenda,” Mbadi said. Odinga also personally facilitated discussions regarding Kenya’s public debt by directing Mbadi to Washington to consult with Professor Hino, a former economic adviser in Odinga’s prime ministerial office. Furthermore, Odinga had supposedly urged the president to focus heavily on flagship programs, including affordable housing and healthcare access. Additionally, the CS revealed that Odinga viewed Ruto as part of the broader political visi...
Read briefing The Nairobi City County Government has announced plans to roll out a specialized registration and identification system for street content creators and photographers operating across the capital. Governor Johnson Sakaja unveiled the proposed framework during a stakeholder engagement forum with local street photographers. Under the new initiative, legitimate creators will register with the county administration to receive official badges, establishing recognized legal status while working within the Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding urban zones. City Hall intends to build a comprehensive digital database of active photographers to streamline communication, improve public order, and shield creatives from harassment or extortion by unauthorized individuals and enforcement officers. Key Objectives of the Initiative Governor Sakaja highlighted the city’s commitment to supporting the youth-dominated creative economy, stating that formal registration enables the county to deliver structured municipal support, foster safer working conditions, and integrate local content creators into Nairobi’s broader economic and tourism vision. The registration framework organizes the rapidly expanding sector while creating a direct line of communication between creators and county authorities. “The County will introduce a formal registration and identification system for street photogr...
Read briefing Head of Public Service Felix Koskei led a high-level consultative meeting at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday to coordinate efforts to integrate systems used to authenticate academic qualifications. The initiative brings together the Public Service Commission (PSC), the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), and the Ministry of Education to streamline verification processes during public sector recruitment and appointments. Key Takeaways from the Consultative Forum The government aims to build a unified mechanism that links academic credential databases directly with hiring agencies, reducing verification delays and curbing fake certificates. PSC Chairperson Francis Meja emphasized that inter-agency collaboration remains critical for upholding institutional integrity. “The integration and streamlining of the authentication and verification of academic credentials is critical in safeguarding the integrity of recruitment processes,” Meja stated, noting that the approach fosters professionalism, competence, and meritocracy across the public sector workforce. The joint initiative focuses on bridging operational gaps between individual verification platforms, creating an efficient workflow for background checks before hiring or promoting public servants. Key Officials in Attendance The State House meeting brought together leadership across the education, examination, and huma...
Read briefing Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja announced new measures aimed at protecting Nairobi traders from fraudulent intermediaries and fake county enforcement officers. Addressing the Nairobi Business Breakfast Forum organized by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) on Thursday, September 17, Sakaja urged local business owners to apply for permits directly through official county channels without relying on third parties. Direct Online Licensing through Nairobi Pay The county government has integrated all business licensing processes onto its digital platform, Nairobi Pay (nairobiservices.go.ke). This portal provides easy access for Nairobi County customers to access a wide range of services, from business licenses to essential services. Traders can complete their applications, process payments, and print single business permits online, bypassing middleman networks that have historically defrauded business owners. “You do not need a middleman to obtain your county licence. Apply directly through our website, pay via Pay Nairobi and print your licence. That alone is enough,” Sakaja stated. Verifiable Identification for Compliance Officers To eliminate impostors posing as municipal inspectors, Sakaja announced that the county will roll out a verifiable digital identification system for all compliance and enforcement personnel within 30 days. The verification system...
Read briefing A two-month manhunt ended in Malindi after police arrested a Nairobi matatu driver accused of performing dangerous ‘manyoka’ stunts that resulted in a fatal crash along Enterprise Road in the Industrial Area. Sammy Murigi Maina appeared before Magistrate Paul Mutai to face multiple charges, including causing death by dangerous driving. According to the charge sheet, Maina faces three counts of causing death by dangerous driving contrary to Section 46 of the Traffic Act, Cap 403 of the Laws of Kenya. The prosecution alleges that on June 3, 2026, at about 8pm, Maina was driving Isuzu minibus registration number KDU 887C, commonly referred to by its street name “Detat,” and operated by Risen Sacco, along Enterprise Road opposite KCB Bank in Nairobi County. Court records detail how Maina drove the public service vehicle recklessly before losing control at a roundabout. The minibus struck the kerb and flipped over, blocking the road. The violent rollover killed three passengers – Charles Brandy Wahome, Tamia Kalekye Nyambura, and Edwin Kago – at the scene. Beyond the fatalities, Maina faces two counts of driving a motor vehicle on a public road without due care and attention contrary to Section 49(1) of the Traffic Act. These counts relate to passengers Eugene Ongundi and Dominic Mulwa, who the prosecution alleges sustained bodily injuries in the crash. Traffic authorities also cite...
Read briefing Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has officially disowned an engineering degree certificate associated with Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa, stating that he was never enrolled as a student at the institution. In an official response dated September 14, 2026, addressed to the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK), JKUAT Registrar of Academic Affairs Dr. Aggrey Wanyama confirmed that the lawmaker’s credentials could not be verified. The university confirmed that Barasa’s name does not exist anywhere in its historical academic or alumni records. Dr. Wanyama clarified that JKUAT held no graduation ceremony in May 2008, rendering any certificate bearing that date invalid. Consequently, the university formally declared the Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering certificate presented under Barasa’s name as “NOT GENUINE.” “His name doesn’t appear on our alumni records, and JKUAT did not have a graduation in May 2008. His certificate for Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Programme is therefore “NOT GENUINE,” Dr Aggrey Wanyama, JKUAT Registrar of Academic Affairs said. Dr. Wanyama noted that the institution has already provided these findings to key regulatory and anti-graft oversight bodies. “This matter has previously been investigated by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and Engineers Board of Kenya (EB...
Read briefing The Kenyan passport has fallen 52 places to 120th globally among 199 countries in the latest report compiled by Passport Reports. The country now holds a Mobility Score of 75, giving passport holders access to 75 destinations without needing a visa in advance. This marks a significant drop from its previous global ranking of 68th. Despite the global decline, Kenya maintains a strong position within the continent, ranking 10th among 54 African nations. It trails behind Seychelles, Mauritius, South Africa, Botswana, Morocco, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini, and Malawi. Visa Requirements and Access Rates Kenyan travelers currently face visa requirements for 123 destinations, while 37 countries offer visa-free entry and 33 provide other forms of facilitated access. Five additional destinations accept Kenyan visitors through an electronic travel authorisation (eTA), giving the passport a worldwide access rate of 37.9 percent. Regional access varies significantly for Kenyan passport holders: The Caribbean: Highest access rate at 81.3 percent Africa: 71.7 percent access Oceania: 57.1 percent access North America: 52.2 percent access Asia: 28 percent access South America: 16.7 percent access Middle East: 5.9 percent access Europe: Lowest access rate at 2.1 percent Kenya Ranks Second in Global Hospitality Despite the dip in passport mobility, Kenya performed exceptionally well in the welcomi...
Read briefing Digital strategist Pauline Njoroge has pushed back against claims that former President Uhuru Kenyatta tasked her with managing funds for the Linda Mwananchi political movement. Njoroge questioned why government agencies have not intervened or seized the alleged funds if the state truly believes the former president is bankrolling the initiative. “In Ruto’s rally yesterday, I heard the broad-based fellows who ate agents’ money in 2022 claim that I am the one carrying Uhuru’s money,” Njoroge stated. “Now that they have the state machinery and all the instruments of power, why haven’t they waylaid me and taken the money so that they cripple Linda Mwananchi financially if they actually believe that it’s Uhuru’s money that’s propelling the movement?“ Njoroge’s response comes after Suna East MP Junet Mohamed alleged that Kenyatta appointed Njoroge to oversee financial operations for the political group. “The sponsor, Uhuru Kenyatta, has sent a cashier, a woman named Pauline Njoroge, who is counting the money for Linda Mwananchi,” Junet claimed. Uhuru Denies Role as Political Sponsor The exchange follows statements from former President Kenyatta addressing repeated claims by President William Ruto and his allies regarding the movement’s funding. Speaking in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Kenyatta rejected the “sponsor” label and advocated for political freedom. “I do not want to be call...
Read briefing Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa finds himself in the court of public opinion and deep in the throes of a credibility question, thanks to a damning revelation by the JKUAT.
Read briefing ROYAL insiders tonight questioned the motives of Earl Spencer’s vicious attack on the King. Diana’s brother claimed in a memoir that Charles was “giddily elated” when the Earl broke the news of her death in a Paris car crash in 1997. But a source said grief-stricken Charles fought for his ex-wife to have a royal...
Read briefing Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa finds himself in the court of public opinion and deep in the throes of a credibility question, thanks to a damning revelation by the JKUAT.
Read briefing GARY O'NEIL has announced the tragic news that his father, Graham, has died. The Ipswich boss released an emotional statement on Instagram paying tribute. O'Neil shared a picture as a child of himself and his late father. He said: "Thanks for everything Dad! I couldn’t have done any of it without you. "You taught me...
Read briefing Amason Group to Construct 10 Hospitals in Kenya - Business Today Kenya
Read briefing Tragic night: Several feared dead after fuel tanker explodes in Uasin Gishu Tuko News
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