The Public Service Commission (PSC) will play a central role in determining the future of employees as the government moves to merge two state corporations under proposed changes aimed at streamlining Kenya's irrigation and water storage functions.•The proposed Irrigation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 provides that employees of the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA) will automatically transfer to the new National Irrigation and Water Storage Authority once the law takes effect.
Blog
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Kenya Softens Stablecoin Capital Rules, Keeps Reserve Mandate
Kenya has lowered the highest capital hurdle in its new virtual-asset regime, trimming the paid-up capital required for stablecoin issuers by 40% after industry consultation while leaving intact some of the framework's most consequential controls over digital-dollar businesses.•The National Treasury's March draft regulations indicated stablecoin issuers would need up to KSh 500 million in paid-up capital but updated regulations gazetted last week instead require KSh 300 million, reducing the single highest capital threshold in the licensing regime.
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Jean Ojiro Crowned Miss Universe Kenya 2026 and Set to Represent Kenya on the Global Stage
Jean Ojiro has officially been crowned Miss Universe Kenya 2026 after emerging victorious at this year’s national pageant, marking a major milestone in her modeling and media career. Her victory came after months of competition that tested contestants in areas including confidence, communication, leadership and stage presence. The glamorous grand finale brought together some of Kenya’s most promising beauty queens, with Ojiro standing out as the contestant who impressed both the judges and the audience. As part of her achievement, she received the prestigious national crown, a brand-new Nissan Note and the honor of representing Kenya at the upcoming Miss Universe competition. Her victory has been widely celebrated across Kenya, with supporters praising her determination, elegance and ability to inspire young women.
The road to becoming Miss Universe Kenya 2026 was highly competitive, attracting hundreds of hopeful contestants from across the country. The selection process involved auditions, interviews, intensive training sessions and elimination rounds before the finalists reached the grand finale in Nairobi. Contestants were evaluated on much more than physical beauty, as the competition emphasized intelligence, confidence, advocacy and leadership qualities. Jean Ojiro successfully navigated every stage of the contest, demonstrating consistency and professionalism throughout the competition. Her ability to connect with both the judges and the audience ultimately secured her the coveted national title.
Beyond the crown itself, Ojiro’s victory comes with a prize package designed to prepare her for international success. One of the most notable rewards is a brand-new Nissan Note, which was presented as part of her winnings. She also earned the opportunity to represent Kenya at the 75th Miss Universe competition, where contestants from more than 100 countries and territories are expected to compete. The international pageant offers contestants a platform to showcase not only their beauty but also their culture, advocacy work and leadership abilities. Representing Kenya on such a prestigious stage is both a significant honor and a major responsibility, making Ojiro’s achievement even more meaningful.
Jean Ojiro is already well known in Kenya as a model, media personality and digital content creator. Over the years, she has built a strong reputation through commercial campaigns, television advertisements, runway appearances and partnerships with leading brands. Her experience in front of cameras and on fashion runways has helped her develop the confidence required for major pageant competitions. In addition to modeling, she has established a growing online presence by creating lifestyle, fashion, beauty and travel content that resonates with thousands of followers. Her diverse professional background provides a strong foundation as she prepares to compete against some of the world’s best beauty queens.
Winning Miss Universe Kenya is about much more than wearing a crown. During her reign, Jean Ojiro will serve as an ambassador for Kenya while participating in official events, charitable initiatives and promotional activities. She is expected to champion meaningful causes and use her platform to inspire young people across the country. Modern beauty pageants increasingly focus on social impact, personal development and leadership, giving titleholders opportunities to influence communities in positive ways. Ojiro now carries the responsibility of representing Kenya’s diversity, culture and ambition both at home and on the international stage.
As preparations begin for the Miss Universe competition, many Kenyans are optimistic about Jean Ojiro’s chances of making a strong impression globally. She will spend the coming months refining every aspect of her presentation, from public speaking and fitness to cultural representation and advocacy. Her experience in modeling and media is expected to be an advantage as she competes alongside delegates from around the world. The journey ahead will require dedication, discipline and resilience, but her national victory has already demonstrated her ability to rise to the occasion. Jean Ojiro’s crowning as Miss Universe Kenya 2026 represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and with her Nissan Note, national title and opportunity to represent Kenya at the Miss Universe competition, she now has the platform to leave a lasting mark on both the national and international pageant stage.
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Dragon Fruit Farming in Kenya: Costs, Returns & Profitability Guide
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya and often nicknamed “Pink Gold,” is quickly becoming one of Kenya’s most profitable fruit crops. Demand continues to rise among supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, and health-conscious consumers, while local production remains relatively low.However, unlike many fruit crops, dragon fruit farming requires a significant upfront investment.
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Kenya Sets Rules for Tokenising Real-World Assets in Updated Crypto Guidelines
Kenya has established its first legal framework allowing land, buildings, and other real-world assets to be converted into blockchain-based digital tokens and sold in fractions, creating a solid regulated pathway for a market that has until now operated as a regulatory experiment.•The provisions, contained in the Virtual Asset Service Providers Regulations, 2026, allow businesses to issue digital tokens representing ownership or economic rights in tangible and intangible assets, subject to licensing and approval by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).
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Capital A, EFG Hermes Extend Brokerage Grip in Bonds and Equities
Capital A became the first intermediary to cross KSh 1 trillion in annual bond turnover as EFG Hermes retained the equities lead in 2025, according to the latest data by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).•Bond turnover rose 75.5% to KSh 5.42 Tn from KSh 3.09 Tn in 2024, while double-sided equities turnover increased 37.5% to KSh 290.94 Bn from KSh 211.94 Bn.
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Embedded insurance Gains Traction as Insurers Target Kenya’s Gig Economy
Kenya's insurance industry is increasingly embracing embedded insurance as firms seek to expand health cover beyond traditional employer schemes by integrating protection into digital platforms that millions of consumers already use.•The shift is gathering pace as insurers target informal workers, gig economy players and low-income households, groups that are underserved despite facing some of the highest financial risks from illness and accidents.
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Kenya Remittances Post Steepest H1 Decline Since 2009
Kenya’s diaspora remittances fell 3.03% to KSh 315.74Billion (US$ 2.442Bn) in the first half of 2026, the steepest H1 contraction since the global financial crisis, as an 11.61% drop in North American inflows erased gains from Europe and other markets.•The country received KSh 9.87Bn (US$ 76.36Mn) less than the KSh 325.62Bn (US$ 2.518Bn) recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
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Kenya’s Forex Traders Lost KSh 7.12Billion in 2025, 85% of All Outcomes
Kenyan online forex traders suffered US$ 54.80Million (KSh 7.12Billion) in gross trading losses in 2025 despite a sharp decline in market participation, as the number of active accounts fell 46.2% to 152,110, according to the latest data by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).
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In Search of Unstoppable Africans, GABI Invites Nominations from Across the Continent
New York – The search is on for “Unstoppable Africans”. The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) has opened nominations for a new community-led campaign to recognize and celebrate entrepreneurs, business leaders and changemakers whose ideas, leadership and actions are driving Africa's economic transformation.