ROUNDUP: Power Plays in KIM Suspension Saga and Why KRA Ended Nil Returns

Hello and welcome to today’s edition of The Business Roundup with Daisy. Today, we track the key developments shaping the business landscape.

In this edition, we focus on these three leading stories:

• Fate of KIM Students as Court Rules on Closure
• Why KRA Ended Nil Returns
• Treasury Revokes Kenya Pipeline’s Status as a National Government Entity

Major This Week

Fate of KIM Students as Court Rules on Closure

The fate of the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) students remains undetermined following a series of events since the institution’s closure this week.

On April 20, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) revoked the accreditation of KIM and ordered the immediate closure of all its campuses under the TVET Act (Cap 210A).

The regulator accused KIM of operating beyond its approved mandate and issuing unrecognized qualifications, stating that KIM was only accredited to offer programs assessed and certified by TVET-CDACC.

Here is what followed:

• In response on the same day, KIM said it was reviewing the notice and engaging regulators to address the issues raised.
• On April 1, KIM clarified that the dispute mainly affected diploma and certificate programs under TVET regulation, while corporate training, consultancy services, membership programs, and COYA awards continued operating.
• The matter escalated to court after KIM filed a challenge against the decision.

The High Court in Milimani, on April 22, certified the case as urgent and issued a stay order suspending TVETA’s directive to revoke and close pending a full hearing. The case will be mentioned on April 29 for further directions.

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“The honorable court be pleased to grant leave to apply for judicial review… to quash the decision of the respondent to revoke the applicant’s accreditation. In the meantime, there shall be a stay in terms of prayer 5 of the ex parte chamber summons,” the ruling said.

KIM announced the resumption of full operations following the court ruling, confirming that academic programs, corporate training, membership services, and administrative functions had resumed even as the legal process continued.

Why KRA Ended Nil Returns

Previously, once you got a KRA PIN, you were automatically expected to file an annual return, even if you had no income, including students.

Individuals were frequently penalized for late or non-submission of Nil Returns despite having no taxable income to report, creating a system widely viewed as procedural, punitive, and administratively burdensome.

In 2026, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has been shifting its focus from chasing “zero‑income” filers to using transaction‑based data to verify who has taxable income, even if they previously claimed “Nil”.

As a result, KRA scrapped the requirement for filing nil returns for individuals with no income.

Under the new system, eligible taxpayers can apply for a “PIN with No Obligation” status, which eliminates the need to file annual tax returns.

Also Read: Inside KRA Proposal to Scrap Ksh5 Million VAT Threshold: What It Means to Businesses

The category applies to individuals without taxable income, allowing them to remain compliant without repeated filing obligations.

To apply for the PWO:

• Log in to the iTax portal
• Go to the registration section and select the PWO option
• Confirm details
• Declare no taxable income
• Submit for review
• Upon approval, the PIN is updated to PWO status

Treasury Revokes Kenya Pipeline’s Status as a National Govt Entity

The National Treasury has finalized the partial privatization of Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) PLC, marking a major shift in the State’s role in the strategic energy transporter.

In a gazette notice dated April 22, 2026, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi revoked the KPC’s status as a National Government Entity, effectively removing it from the list of state corporations.

“The Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury revokes the declaration of Kenya Pipeline Company as a National Government Entity as declared under Schedule II of the Declaration of the National Government Entities (State Organs) published as Legal Notice No. 33 of 2015,” the notice read.

This move follows the conclusion of the company’s privatization under the Privatization Act, 2025, which saw the government offload a 65 percent stake to the public through an Initial Public Offer (IPO).

Kenya Pipeline Company PLC was incorporated by the Government of Kenya in 1973 as a private limited liability company and began commercial operations in 1978.

Also Read: Treasury Revokes Kenya Pipeline Status as a National Government Entity

The firm was converted into a public limited company in January 2026 ahead of its planned privatization through an Initial Public Offer (IPO).

The privatization was executed through the sale of 65 percent of its issued ordinary shares to the public, with the stock listed on the Main Investment Market Segment of the Nairobi Securities Exchange on March 10, 2026.

ALSO, BIG THIS WEEK

• The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has begun sending personalized tax compliance messages to individuals as part of efforts to enhance transparency and improve revenue collection.
• The Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o, has raised concerns over the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2026, warning that its investment framework is overly broad and lacks sufficient safeguards.
• Kenyans seeking loans are set to face stricter repayment checks as banks, fintechs, and mobile money providers will now assess borrowers’ repayment capacity before approving loans, as the tightens lending rules.

Coming Up

The Court has scheduled the KIM case for mention on April 29 for further directions.

NSE Trends Today

The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) recorded mixed trading activity today, with select counters posting strong gains while others declined across key sectors, including manufacturing, financial services, and agriculture.

The top 10 and the worst 10 performers are as follows.

Quote of the week

As we call it a wrap on this week’s Business Roundup, for those navigating the realities of the business world, it is worth reflecting on the words;

“If you’re not fair with people, you’re not running a business, you’re running a game of power,”~Dave Ramsey