Banking on MSMEs for 2025 | Business Redefined
In 2024, rising interest rates placed Micro, Small & Medium size businesses on the backfoot with majority falling into default as they were unable to keep up with the cost of credit. Kenya's largest bank by asset base, KCB, however, posits that 2025 could be the year when Micro, Small & Medium size businesses rebound & offer a silver lining for lenders looking to significantly grow their loan books. Business Redefined sat down with the Managing Director, Annastacia Kimtai, for insights into this & more
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Economic Fiscal Outlook 2025 | Business Redefined
2025 promises to be an exciting year in Kenya from a fiscal perspective.
Among the key issues we are looking forward to:
- The country's US$3.6 billion programme with the International Monetary Fund lapses in April. What does the road ahead look like? Possibly another funded programme? Is Kenya re-routing itself to a precautionary arrangement with the fund? No successor programme at all?
- The first tranche of Kenya's 2027 US$900.0M 7.0% coupon eurobond (issue USDXS1843435840) maturity is due this year. It will be a US$300.0M payment. On the whole, external debt service obligations for 2024/25 stand at US$4.56 billion
- Revenue outturn for 2024/25 was off to a bumpy start after the collapse of Finance Bill 2024. Now that we have the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024 & the Tax Procedures (Amendment) Act 2024, can this be salvaged? Will the US$1.35 billion worth of additional revenue targeted via the two tax laws be realised?
- With Supplementary Appropriations II 2024/25 in the horizon, will Kenya still maintain the <4.3% fiscal deficit to GDP target in line with the programme with the International Monetary Fund?
From Legacy System to ITax | Business Redefined
2024 has been heavy on the public finance side & there's one last thing before we close the year:
- Are we all ready for the migration of ledger balances from the legacy system to iTax?
- Has KRA communicated to you about the balances on your ledger due for migration?
- KRA gave tax payers until December 31st, 2024 to raise any concerns regarding Value Added Tax & Income Tax balances being migrated from the legacy system to iTax
- Effective Jan 1st, 2025, any debit balances migrated will be deemed to be outstanding taxes, any credit balances migrated will be deemed to be overpayments available for utilisation in offsetting future tax liabilities
Corporate Banking in 2024 | Business Redefined
On this episode we look at the corporate banking landscape in the country in 2024 with KCB's Group John Okulo
December 24, 2024
Investment Play 2025 | Business Redefined
What can investors expect from the financial markets in 2025?
Business Redefined sat down with Lofty-Corban's Senior Investment Manager, Teddy Yanga, to unpack this.
- After a drastic correction in early 2024, the Kenya Shilling is expected to remain broadly on a plateau
- The lapsing of the US$3.6 billion programme with the International Monetary Fund in April 2025 remains a wild card with the expectation that Kenya will scout for a new programme
- The tumbling of yields witnessed in late 2024 is expected to soften in 2025
Unlocking Shariah Compliant Finance | Business Redefined
On this episode, we have a conversation with Jersey Finance's Middle East, India & Africa Director, Faizal Bhana on Shariah finance & opportunities for Kenya & the wider Global South. Is there opportunity for a sovereign sukuk by the Kenyan Government?
December 13, 2024
The Petroleum Industry | Business Redefined
On today's episode on the petroleum industry in the region with Hass Petroleum Group Chief Executive, Mohamud Salat.
On the discussion:
- Kenya's government-to-government fuel sourcing arrangement from a merits & demerits perspective
- The regional landscape, pricing differences & stability of supply
- The competitive landscape & the evolving proposition of fuel stations
- Operating environment, regulatory landscape & margins
- The green transition & implications for the business
The Financial Reporting Excellence (FIRE) Awards 2024 edition | Business Redefined
The Financial Reporting Excellence (FIRE) Awards 2024 edition places the spotlight on sustainability & integrated reporting. With the Conference slated for Dec 5th & Gala Dinner slated for Dec 6th, Julians Amboko sat down with the Chief Judge, Prof Jim McFie, to discuss what to expect from the awards
November 29, 2024
The State of Financial Markets | Business Redefined
This week, we had a conversation with Stella Mambo - Director of Global Markets on a raft of issues including:
- Unpacking the nuances of the 8th Edition of the ABSA Financial Markets Index
- The Issuance of Kenya's bond issuance calendar & what it means for the market
- Rethinking distribution in solving for retail investors in Kenya's & East Africa's, capital markets
- Emerging issues such as the proposed withholding tax on infrastructure bonds
50/50 Women On Boards | Business Redefined
Governance is emerging as a key pillar of sustainability in businesses with a growing focus on the need for gender parity across leadership and operations. 50/50 Women on Boards is a global nonprofit founded in 2010 with a mission to accelerate gender balance and diversity on corporate boards. With a vision for women to hold 50.0% of corporate board seats & women of colour to hold 20.0% of all corporate board seats, the non-profit invests 84.0% of our funds in its educational programs & advocacy efforts to empower women to lead as board directors. Business Redefined hosted the co-founder of the Africa Chapter, Philana Mugyenyi, & the Nation Media Group COO, Monicah Waceke, to explore what this means Kenya & Africa
November 25, 2024