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The Kenyan shilling remained relatively stable against major international currencies at the end of the trading week, according to the latest daily exchange rates published by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).

The CBK’s indicative rates for September 25, 2026 put the U.S. dollar at KSh129.62, while the British pound traded at KSh171.44 and the euro at KSh147.47.

photo: courtesy

The dollar rate was slightly higher than the KSh129.46 recorded by the CBK on September 22, indicating a small movement in the shilling’s value against the U.S. currency over the period. The CBK’s published rates are based on weighted-average spot transactions in Kenya’s interbank foreign-exchange market.

The central bank emphasizes that it does not set the exchange rate. Instead, the shilling’s value is determined by foreign-exchange market conditions, including supply and demand. Commercial banks and foreign-exchange bureaus subsequently set their own customer rates.

The latest figures show the pound at KSh171.44, compared with KSh173.10 on September 22, while the euro stood at KSh147.47, down from KSh148.46 over the same period.

These movements matter to Kenyan businesses that import goods, pay overseas suppliers, receive foreign-currency revenues or have international financing obligations.

For importers, a weaker shilling can increase the Kenya-shilling cost of foreign purchases. Exporters and businesses receiving payments in foreign currencies can experience the opposite effect when converting those earnings into shillings.

The CBK also publishes indicative rates for currencies used extensively in East African trade. Its September 22 data put the Kenyan shilling at approximately 30.39 Ugandan shillings and 20.39 Tanzanian shillings, while the rate against the Rwandan franc was 11.37.

For businesses operating across East Africa, these rates provide a useful reference when preparing budgets, pricing cross-border transactions and assessing the shilling value of regional revenues and expenses.

The latest CBK figures underline the importance of monitoring foreign-exchange movements as Kenyan companies plan purchases and payments in international currencies.

Because the CBK rates are indicative market reference rates rather than mandatory retail rates, the amount a customer actually receives when buying or selling foreign currency may differ depending on the bank, forex bureau, transaction size and applicable margins.

photo:courtesy

September 26, 2026

Global financial markets ended the week with a renewed appetite for technology stocks, but the rally is being tested by elevated oil prices and rising government bond yields that threaten to keep inflation and borrowing costs high.

Wall Street closed higher on Friday, with the S&P 500 gaining 0.51%, the Nasdaq 0.48% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average 0.93%. Technology shares led the advance, with Microsoft rising 3.7% after unveiling new artificial-intelligence capabilities for its Copilot platform. 

AI remains the market’s main growth story

Investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence has continued to support technology valuations despite growing questions about the scale of spending required to build AI infrastructure.

Advanced Micro Devices became the latest U.S. chipmaker to surpass a $1 trillion market valuation earlier this week, as investors continued betting on demand for AI computing. Reuters reported that AMD’s shares had nearly tripled during 2026 by September 21.

The Nasdaq has also recovered from a sharp summer decline. On September 22, the index briefly reached a record intraday level of 27,212.68, helped by falling oil prices and renewed confidence in technology companies.

Oil creates a counterweight

The enthusiasm around AI is occurring alongside a very different story in energy markets.

Oil prices remain above $100 a barrel amid disruption and uncertainty surrounding Middle Eastern supply routes. On September 20, Brent crude fell 3.4% to $100.34, while WTI fell 4.51% to $95.78 as markets responded to hopes for renewed U.S.-Iran diplomacy and signs of recovering Saudi shipments.

Iraq’s state oil marketer was also reported on Saturday to be offering last-minute crude cargoes as extremely high shipping costs complicate purchases from the Persian Gulf. 

Bond yields add another challenge

Higher energy prices are feeding concerns about inflation, while government borrowing costs have also climbed.

Reuters reported on Friday that the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield was around 5.17%, after reaching roughly 5.22% during the week. Japan’s 10-year government bond yield touched 3.115%, its highest level since 1996.

Higher yields matter for businesses because they increase financing costs and can make future corporate earnings less attractive relative to government bonds. They can also put pressure on highly valued growth companies whose valuations depend heavily on expectations of future profits.

What businesses are watching next

The final week of September brings a new set of economic indicators that could influence expectations for interest rates. Reuters identifies U.S. employment data and U.S. and euro-zone inflation figures as key events for markets heading into the fourth quarter.

For companies and investors, the central tension is becoming clearer: AI investment is supporting equity markets, while energy costs and higher borrowing rates are increasing pressure on the wider economy.

That combination is likely to keep corporate investment, technology spending, energy costs and interest rates at the center of business-market discussions as the fourth quarter begins.

Sources: Reuters reporting published September 21–25, 2026; Bloomberg reporting carried by Rigzone on September 26, 2026. 

NAIROBI, Kenya — September 26, 2026

Kenyan supermarket chain Quickmart is preparing to list on the Main Investment Market Segment of the Nairobi Securities Exchange, potentially giving members of the public an opportunity to own a stake in one of the country’s expanding retail businesses.

The retailer plans to offer 2 billion ordinary shares, representing 50% of the share capital of Sokoni Retail Kenya Limited, its sole shareholder. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to launch around September 30. The owners have also indicated they could sell an additional 7.5% if demand is strong.

Quickmart currently operates more than 70 stores across Kenya. The company says its annual sales exceed KSh50 billion, while its June 2026 financial position showed only KSh6.8 million in borrowings and approximately KSh4 billion owed to suppliers under its supplier-financing model.

The planned transaction would represent a significant development for Kenya’s capital markets and retail sector, while providing existing shareholders with a route to partially realise their investment.

Photo: Quickmart supermarket .
Sources: Daily Nation, Business Daily, Quickmart.

Kenya, US Strengthen Health Cooperation After Duale-Rubio Talks

By Hadrine Joyce

NEW YORK, United States — Kenya and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the health sector following discussions between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, President William Ruto and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York and focused on the implementation of the Kenya-US Government-to-Government Health Cooperation Framework.

According to Duale, the discussions focused on strengthening Kenya’s health systems, expanding medical research and increasing capacity building in the health sector.

The Health Cabinet Secretary said the cooperation remains important to Kenya’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), improve access to quality healthcare and strengthen health outcomes.

The latest discussions build on a five-year Kenya-US health cooperation agreement signed in December 2025. Under the framework, the United States committed more than $1.6 billion in health assistance over five years.

The support targets areas including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, disease surveillance and broader health-system strengthening.

Duale said the partnership would also support professional training and research, helping Kenya strengthen its healthcare workforce and respond to emerging health challenges.

PHOTO CREDIT: @HonAdenDuale/X, as published by People Daily.

By.philes.Isaboke

For many young people, Sunday is becoming more than just the end of the weekend. It is a chance to prepare mentally and physically for the week ahead.
A Sunday reset can be as simple as cleaning the room, washing clothes, planning meals, organising schoolwork, preparing outfits and writing down goals for the coming week.
The routine has become especially popular on social media, where people share videos of themselves cleaning their rooms, planning schedules and preparing meals.
But behind the trend is a simple idea: starting Monday feeling organised can reduce some of the stress that comes with a busy week.
You don’t need an expensive planner or a perfect morning routine. Sometimes, a clean room, a prepared meal and a clear plan are enough to make Monday feel different.

By.philes Isaboke

With the rising cost of eating out, more young people are rediscovering the benefits of preparing meals at home.
For students and young professionals especially, cooking can be a practical way to control spending while also deciding exactly what goes onto the plate. Simple meals such as rice and beans, pasta, chapati and vegetables can be prepared creatively without requiring expensive ingredients.
Social media has also changed the way people approach cooking. Short recipe videos have made it easier for beginners to learn everything from baking to preparing international dishes.
For some, cooking has moved beyond a household chore. It has become a hobby, a way of experimenting and even a way of connecting with family and friends.

By.philes Isaboke

You don’t need a large garden to enjoy nature. Across urban areas, young Kenyans are finding creative ways to grow plants in small balconies, windowsills and rented spaces.
Potted herbs, flowers, vegetables and indoor plants can transform even a small room into a greener and more relaxing environment. Some people are also growing simple foods such as sukuma wiki, herbs, tomatoes and onions in containers.
Apart from improving the appearance of a home, caring for plants can become a relaxing hobby. For people living in busy cities, a few minutes spent watering or tending plants can provide a welcome break from the rush of everyday life.

The classic Wizard of Oz story is receiving a large-scale immersive presentation at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The production uses the venue’s giant LED screen and expanded 4D effects to create an experience combining film, sound and visual technology.
The new experience is part of the growing use of immersive technology to bring popular stories and entertainment to audiences in new ways.

American rapper Macklemore has announced plans for his own “Free Palestine Tour” after being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour. The announcement comes as the artist prepares to continue performing independently.
The development has attracted attention from music fans following the change in his touring plans.

Kenya’s Digital Essay Competition has attracted a record 24,984 entries from learners across the country. The competition, now in its 14th year, received submissions in 46 languages, including Kiswahili, Kenyan Sign Language and indigenous Kenyan languages.
The winners are expected to be honoured on September 25 during the Nairobi International Book Fair at Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi. The competition aims to promote writing, creativity, digital engagement and self-expression among young people.