John Mutua
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Articles by John Mutua
Kenya applies for trade name for its Turkana oil, clearing hurdle for sale Original
Kenya has kicked off a search for a trading name for its crude oil from South Lokichar as the country prepares to export the commodity whose grade is considered cheaper to refine and cleaner. The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum on Friday gave Kenyans up to October 29 to submit proposals on the trading name of the crude whose commercial production is set to start on December 1, 2026.
Kenya buys London chancery in Sh2.8billon deal
Kenya has bought a building hosting its High Commission in London for £16,250,000 (Sh2.8 billion) as Nairobi shifts to property ownership for its diplomatic missions abroad to cut rental costs. A report tabled in Parliament shows that Kenya has already paid for the property located at 45 Portland Place and is awaiting registration and transfer of the title of the property. The building has been purchased under a 999-year lease.
Kenya buys London chancery in Sh2.8billon deal
Kenya has bought a building hosting its High Commission in London for ÂŁ16,250,000 (Sh2.8 billion) as Nairobi shifts to property ownership for its diplomatic missions abroad to cut rental costs. PRIME How Dangote beat top oil firms to 24.7pc KPC stake PRIME Dangote buys 24pc stake of Kenya Pipeline Company Login to join the discussion Don't have an account? Register
Nairobi County eyes multi-storey parking hub in congestion fight
Nairobi County plans to build a multi-storey parking facility in the city's central business district to host 5,700 vehicles daily, a move aimed at curbing traffic gridlock and boosting collections from its third biggest revenue stream. Disclosures show that the devolved unit plans to revamp a parking facility currently known as Sunken Park to accommodate 3,800 structured parking slots, up from the present 240. Sunken Park is located at the junction of Taifa Road and Harambee Avenue.
Nairobi County eyes multi-storey parking hub in congestion fight
Nairobi County plans to build a multi-storey parking facility in the city's central business district to host 5,700 vehicles daily, a move aimed at curbing traffic gridlock and boosting collections from its third biggest revenue stream. Disclosures show that the devolved unit plans to revamp a parking facility currently known as Sunken Park to accommodate 3,800 structured parking slots, up from the present 240. Sunken Park is located at the junction of Taifa Road and Harambee Avenue.
Makueni seeks PPP deal for Sh1bn fruit processing plant
The Makueni County government plans to hand over its Sh1 billion fruit processing factory to a private investor through a concession deal, which aims to maximise the output of the plant. The Public Private Partnership (PPP) unit of the National Treasury approved the concept note for the concession deal in September 2026, setting the stage for the project to progress to a feasibility study stage.
UMMA University eyes Sh770m student hostels in expansion push
Islamic faith-based UMMA University is set to build two hostel blocks for its students for Sh770 million as the institution races to provide accommodation for its growing population. PRIME Kenya’s economy grows 5.1pc despite Iran war price shocks PRIME KPA gets nod for Mombasa, Lamu port asset concession tenders Login to join the discussion Don't have an account? Register
UMMA University eyes Sh770m student hostels in expansion push
Prime President William Ruto is welcomed to Umma University by students during the commissioning of the instittution's Dr Abdulrahman Al-Sumait Complex in Kajiado County, a landmark Sh1.4 billion, 10-storey building designed to serve 10,000+ students. PCS Islamic faith-based UMMA University is set to build two hostel blocks for its students for Sh770 million as the institution races to provide accommodation for its growing population.
Fuel adulteration profits shrink as kerosene subsidy withdrawn Original
Removal of the fuel subsidy has reduced the price gap between kerosene and diesel to Sh7.89 per litre from a high of Sh90.14, a shift that is set to deter adulteration of fuel and protect motorists, farm machinery and industries. Kerosene has, over the years, received the steepest subsidy compared to diesel and petrol, making it significantly cheaper and attracting rogue dealers to adulterate fuel in a bid to increase their returns from selling diesel.
Kenya Pipeline profits rise 13pc as dividend payout falls
Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) net profit grew 13 per cent to Sh11.58 billion in the year to June 2026, allowing the firm to pay Sh5.81 billion in dividends. The firm, which listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in March, had paid a dividend of Sh5.9 billion to the National Treasury in the previous year, when it was the sole shareholder. The new dividend of Sh0.32 a share will be paid to shareholders who will be on record as of November 2026. The dividend payment date is yet to be fixed.
Fuel price soar to years high after subsidy withdrawal
PRIME State seeks to extend VAT relief on fuel to mid-December PRIME Costly fuel looms amid renewed Middle East hostilities Login to join the discussion Don't have an account? Register
Fuel price soar to years high after subsidy withdrawal
The State dropped the fuel subsidy for the first time since August 2025 as prices of petrol and diesel rose Sh12.93 and Sh9.90 per litre, respectively in the wake of renewed conflict in the Middle East. The subsidy withdrawals follow depletion of a kitty or the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund, which the State has used to ease costly petroleum. The levy is funded by consumers who pay Sh5.40 per litre of diesel and petrol and Sh0.40 for every litre of kerosene to kitty.
Fuel shocker as prices jump by up to Sh28 per litre Original
A fuel attendant dispenses fuel into a vehicle at Rubis Koinange Service Station on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) raises petrol prices in Nairobi by Sh12.93 to Sh226.96 per litre. Dennis Onsongo| Nation Media Group Prices of petrol and diesel have increased by Sh12.93 and Sh9.90 per litre, respectively, from midnight, in a move that will spark inflationary pressure as consumers take a hit from the resurgence of the Middle East conflict.
How KPC owners will share Sh5.8bn as profits rise 13pc
Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) cut its dividend marginally to Sh5.81 billion or Sh0.32 per share despite its net profit growing 13.08 percent to Sh11.58 billion in the year to June 2026. PRIME Advisors to earn Sh575m from Quickmart IPO PRIME Union petition over KPC board and chair rejected Login to join the discussion Don't have an account? Register
Brace for high pump prices: Kenya’s shrinking subsidy budget forces 90-day tax relief extension
The State is seeking to extend the eight per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel, petrol and kerosene from today to mid-December this year to cushion consumers from costly fuel amid escalation in the Middle East war. This is through the State-sponsored Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which, if approved, will see the current VAT of eight per cent extended by 90 days.
KPC cuts dividend as profit rises to Sh11.5bn
Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) cut its dividend marginally to Sh5.81 billion or Sh0.32 per share despite its net profit growing 13.08 percent to Sh11.58 billion in the year to June 2026. PRIME Advisors to earn Sh575m from Quickmart IPO PRIME Union petition over KPC board and chair rejected Login to join the discussion Don't have an account? Register
Brace for high pump prices: Kenya’s shrinking subsidy budget forces 90-day tax relief extension
The State is seeking to extend the eight per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel, petrol and kerosene from today to mid-December this year to cushion consumers from costly fuel amid escalation in the Middle East war. This is through the State-sponsored Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which, if approved, will see the current VAT of eight per cent extended by 90 days.
State seeks to extend VAT relief on fuel to mid-December
The State is seeking to extend the eight percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel, petrol and kerosene from today to mid-December this year to cushion consumers from costly fuel amid escalation in the Middle East war. This is through the State-sponsored Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 that if approved will see the current VAT of eight percent extended by 90 days.
Kibra set for one of Nairobi’s tallest residential buildings
Nairobi’s Kibra constituency is set to host one of the tallest mixed-use residential properties in the capital with the planned construction of a 27-storey building. PRIME Innovation turning bare land into real estate gold PRIME A homeowner cautions against common landscaping mistakes Login to join the discussion Don't have an account? Register
Businesses, homes owe counties Sh100 billion in levies, fees
Businesses, homes and individuals hold Sh100.38 billion in unpaid levies and fees to county governments, compounding cash-flow woes for the devolved units and hampering service delivery. Disclosures by the Controller of Budget’s office show that Nairobi accounts for 58 percent of the debt or Sh59.9 billion, followed by Nakuru (Sh12.57 billion or 12.5 percent), while Kiambu accounts for the third-largest share at 4.8 percent or Sh4.82 billion.
Businesses, homes owe counties Sh100 billion in levies, fees
Prime Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o. File | Nation Media Group Businesses, homes and individuals hold Sh100.38 billion in unpaid levies and fees to county governments, compounding cash-flow woes for the devolved units and hampering service delivery.
Employment boom for Kenya’s petroleum sector
Firms in the South Lokichar oil project are seeking to hire 68 employees including engineers and other professionals signalling an employment boom in the country’s petroleum sector ahead of two key projects. Oildrop Africa, a recruitment firm in the gas and oil sector, on Wednesday invited applications for six slots for engineers in the petroleum sector and one health expert vacancy ahead of the start of commercial production of crude oil by December 1, 2026.
Electricity bill savings hit Sh8bn as more firms shift to off-peak operations
Electricity bill savings have hit Sh8billion in five years as more industrial and business consumers shifted production to off-peak hours, lured by a discounted consumer tariff. An analysis of official data shows firms saved Sh1.87 billion on their electricity bills in the year ended June 2026 through the off-peak preferential tariffs, adding to the Sh6.26 billion they slashed between July 2021 and June 2025.
Businesses add 72,800 kW of solar power for own use
Businesses added 72,800 kilowatts (kW) of solar energy for their own use in the year ended June 2026, extending a trend in which a growing number of firms are turning to self-generation of electricity to lower their monthly bills and ensure steady supplies of electricity. The increase pushed self-generation of electricity, technically referred to as captive power, to 676.60MW in the year to June 2026, up from 603.8MW the previous year.
Nairobi driving Kenya Power’s new electricity sales
The Nairobi region accounted for 45 percent of the extra 1.114 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity sold in the year to June 2026, underscoring the impact of heavy industrial presence and middle-class population in the capital and surroundings.
Rubis takes 34pc share of Kenya's jet fuel market
French oil multinational Rubis is the biggest seller of jet fuel in Kenya with the firm taking a leading 33.6 percent market share in the year ended June 2026, according to data from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra). The market share of the multinational, through its local subsidiary Rubis Energy Kenya, is more than twice the 14.01 percent held by its closest rival, Be Energy.
Rubis takes 34pc share of Kenya's jet fuel market
French oil multinational Rubis is the biggest seller of jet fuel in Kenya with the firm taking a leading 33.6 percent market share in the year ended June 2026, according to data from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra). The market share of the multinational, through its local subsidiary Rubis Energy Kenya, is more than twice the 14.01 percent held by its closest rival, Be Energy.
Electricity curtailment dips to second-lowest level in 5 years
The volume of deliberately suppressed electricity generation to balance demand and supply on the national grid dipped to the second-lowest level in five years in the year to June 2026, signaling increased consumption of power during off-peak hours. The concept technically known as electricity curtailment entails the pre-emptive cut or rejection of power generation by grid operators when output exceeds transmission capacity, system flexibility, or local demand.
New Kenya Power customers spend less on electricity
Monthly power bills of homes and businesses freshly connected to the national power grid have dipped below Sh1, 000, exposing the low living standards of households recently linked to the grid. An analysis of official data shows that new customers that Kenya Power connected in the year ended June 2026 spent an average of Sh818.68 per month compared to Sh1,061.76 the previous year.
New Kenya Power customers spend less on electricity
Prime Compiled by John Waweru | Designed by Stanslaus Manthi Monthly power bills of homes and businesses freshly connected to the national power grid have dipped below Sh1, 000, exposing the low living standards of households recently linked to the grid. An analysis of official data shows that new customers that Kenya Power connected in the year ended June 2026 spent an average of Sh818.68 per month compared to Sh1,061.76 the previous year.
State confirms new bosses at Epra, GDC and Ketraco
Edward Kinyua has taken over as the new Director-General of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra), headlining a list of three key appointments in the country’s energy sector. Mr Kinyua takes over from Daniel Kiptoo, was resigned from the position in April this year in the wake of a controversial importation of an emergency cargo of petrol outside the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) deal.
Explainer on the Net-metering electricity
Homes and businesses face fines if found to be illegally dumping excess electricity from their solar plants to the national grid. The fines are part of changes to the law that were gazetted on September 18, 2026. Introduction of the fines is meant to deter prosumers (Kenya Power customers with back-up power plants) from infiltrating Kenya’s electricity distribution network, which is constrained and highly vulnerable to shocks.
India, Europe hubs supply 25pc of Kenya’s G-to-G fuel
More than a quarter of petroleum shipments under Kenya’s Government-to-Government (G-to-G) deal were sourced from hubs in India and Europe in the year to June 2026, amid disruptions that forced Gulf oil majors to seek alternative loading points outside the Middle East region following the US and Israel war against Iran.
Sh2.2trn Dangote Lamu refinery’s dilemma: Where will crude come from? Original
Caption for the landscape image: Equipment on site at the Lamu Port on September 28, 2026 ahead of the Dangote East Africa Refinery groundbreaking ceremony set for September 30. Pool The biggest question surrounding Kenya’s planned Sh2 trillion oil refinery in Lamu is not how much fuel it will produce, but where it will get the crude oil needed to keep the giant facility running.
Jitters as electricity sales to new customers dip by Sh1bn
Revenue from electricity sales to new Kenya Power customers dropped by Sh1.07 billion in the year to June despite increased connections, signalling slowing economic expansion and increased adoption of off-grid solar alternatives.
Jitters as electricity sales to new customers dip by Sh1bn
Revenue from electricity sales to new Kenya Power customers dropped by Sh1.07 billion in the year to June despite increased connections, signalling slowing economic expansion and increased adoption of off-grid solar alternatives.
Oil drilling rig lands at Mombasa
The drilling rig to be used in the South Lokichar commercial oil project has arrived at the port of Mombasa, moving the country closer to becoming an oil exporter. On Friday, Gulf Energy E&P BV SEZ, the firm tasked with undertaking the commercial oil production, confirmed the arrival of the rig, setting the stage for its trucking to South Lokichar ahead as Kenya’s target to beat the December 2026 deadline for the first commercial production of oil.
Homes, businesses face fines for illegal solar connections to Kenya Power
Homes and businesses with solar power plants face fines for illegally dumping excess electricity into the national grid, in new regulatory changes meant to protect Kenya Powerâs distribution network. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) has introduced a dumping surcharge in regulations that allow consumers to supply excess electricity from their solar plants to Kenya Power.
Homes, businesses face fines for illegal solar connections to Kenya Power
Homes and businesses with solar power plants face fines for illegally dumping excess electricity into the national grid, in new regulatory changes meant to protect Kenya Power’s distribution network. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) has introduced a dumping surcharge in regulations that allow consumers to supply excess electricity from their solar plants to Kenya Power.
How Kenya teetered on the brink of widespread power rationing
Kenya’s electricity reserve margin—the extra power generation capacity available above peak demand—was wiped out in the year to June 2026, heightening risks of widespread power rationing and blackouts. Kenya Power revealed that electricity reserve margins shrunk to negative 1.5 percent in the 12 months to June, a development that could mean inconvenience and extra operating costs for businesses seeking alternative power sources.
How Kenya teetered on the brink of widespread power rationing
Kenya’s electricity reserve margin—the extra power generation capacity available above peak demand—was wiped out in the year to June 2026, heightening risks of widespread power rationing and blackouts. Kenya Power revealed that electricity reserve margins shrunk to negative 1.5 percent in the 12 months to June, a development that could mean inconvenience and extra operating costs for businesses seeking alternative power sources.
Cooking gas price set to rise amid Middle East disruptions
Cooking gas prices are set to rise next month, driven by a surge in the cost of two key ingredients used to produce liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), industry executives said, citing market disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. LPG is produced by blending propane and butane hydrocarbon gases. PRIME Why big-engine car owners are turning to cheaper autogas PRIME Charcoal prices at 78-month high, households hit Login to join the discussion Don't have an account? Register
Cooking gas price set to rise amid Middle East disruptions
Cooking gas prices are set to rise next month, driven by a surge in the cost of two key ingredients used to produce liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), industry executives said, citing market disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. LPG is produced by blending propane and butane hydrocarbon gases.
Homes drive record-high electricity sales on increased connections
Households drove Kenya Power’s record high electricity sales in the year to June 2026, accounting for half of the additional 1,374Gigawatt-hours (GWh) the utility sold amid increased connections and widening use of power.
Report: Top State agencies shut out young jobseekers Original
State corporations and parastatals are struggling to open job opportunities for the country’s youthful population, undermining efforts to contain an unemployment crisis that mainly affects the youth. This is based on a review of the staffing composition at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), National Lands Commission (NLC), Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and Public Service Commission (PSC) that revealed that most of their employees are aged 50 years and above.
Kenya Power hires more staff in expansion drive Original
Kenya Power hired 1,154 new staff, including 435 engineers, in the year ended June 2026, marking the single highest number of new staff recruited in a year as the utility races to cope with workforce demand amid infrastructure upgrades and expansion. This marks the third consecutive year Kenya Power has hired new staff and reduced a staffing deficit that it put at 2,981 employees two years ago.
Kenya defends local oil marketers amid Uganda's exploitation claims
Kenya has defended the local firms importing refined fuel under the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) deal, days after Uganda said the deal was captive to middlemen, resulting in costly fuel in Kampala. Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Sunday said that the three Gulf oil majors supplying Kenya with the fuel handpicked the local firms to deliver the fuel, adding that the deal would have collapsed had Kenya insisted on nominating the companies.
Kenya Power spends Sh1.55bn to convert diesel mini-grids to solar
Kenya Power spent Sh1.55 billion to integrate solar into three diesel-powered plants, helping it cut operational costs and spare consumers steep prices. Disclosures by the utility show that the amount was spent on the integration of solar into its Elwak plant for Sh638.5 million, Habaswein (Sh578.5 million), and Merti (Sh335.6 million) in the year to June 2026.
Kenya Power spends Sh1.55bn to convert diesel mini-grids to solar
What you need to know: Kenya Power spent Sh1.55 billion to integrate solar into three diesel-powered plants The amount was spent on the integration of solar into its Elwak plant for Sh638.5 million, Habaswein (Sh578.5 million), and Merti (Sh335.6 million). Diesel-powered plants are the costliest source of electricity in Kenya. Kenya Power spent Sh1.55 billion to integrate solar into three diesel-powered plants, helping it cut operational costs and spare consumers steep prices.
Youth remain locked out of jobs in top public agencies
State corporations and parastatals are struggling to open job opportunities for the country’s youthful population, hurting efforts to contain an unemployment crisis that mainly impacts the youth. This is based on a review of the staffing composition at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), National Lands Commission (NLC), Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and Public Service Commission (PSC) that revealed most of their employees are aged 50 years and above.
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