Hello, Janeffer here. Welcome to today’s edition of The Business Roundup. In this edition, we focus on these three top stories:
- New Tariffs Affecting Every Business in Nairobi
- JKIA Upgrade Update
- How KRA Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) Platform Will Work
Major This Week
Nairobi County Unveils New Tariffs and Pricing Policy
Nairobi City County unveiled a new five-year Tariffs and Pricing Policy (2025–2030) that will guide how it sets and reviews charges for key services.
This will include business permits, parking, building approvals, market fees, county housing, health services, wayleaves and outdoor advertising.
The framework targets eight revenue streams that account for about 80 percent of the county’s own-source revenue.
Key cost estimates under the policy include:
- Building plan approval: KSh39,443 per application.
- Parking services: KSh535 per parking slot.
- Market access: KSh2,270 per market stall.
- County housing: KSh5,938 per room.
- Food handlers’ medical examination: KSh2,730.
- Food safety inspection: KSh7,126 per premises.
- Pest control clearance certificate: KSh6,495.
- Wayleave access: KSh113 per metre.
- Outdoor advertising: KSh24,539 annually.
The policy is aimed at enhancing revenue collection, recovering the cost of services, and reducing the county’s dependence on allocations from the national government.
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JKIA Modernization Project Moves to Implementation Phase
In other news, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir witnessed the signing, which appointed Dar Al-Handasah Consultants to oversee the next phase of the redevelopment.
Under the contract, the firm will be responsible for design review, project management, contract administration and construction supervision to ensure the project meets international aviation standards.
Dar Al-Handasah had previously worked with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) on integrating the master plans for JKIA and Wilson Airport, paving the way for the airport’s redevelopment.
“The contract appoints Dar Al-Handasah Consultants to undertake design review, project management, contract administration, and construction supervision for the proposed design, development, and modernization of JKIA,” Davis Chirchir noted.
Explainer: KRA to Launch Advance Cargo Declaration Platform (ADC)
In a recent announcement, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced that it will roll out an Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) system for all containerized cargo destined for Kenyan ports from August 3, 2026.
The new platform will require exporters to secure an ACD reference code before cargo is loaded for shipment to Kenya.
To obtain the reference code, exporters will be required to upload the following documents:
| Required Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Draft Bill of Lading | Shipment details |
| Commercial Invoice | Value of the goods |
| Freight Invoice | Freight charges |
| Export Declaration | Export compliance |
How the system will work:
- Register on the ACD portal and upload the required shipping documents.
- Obtain an ACD reference code before cargo is loaded.
- Include the ACD reference code on all Bills of Lading.
- Submit the declaration for validation at least five days before the vessel arrives in Kenya.
- Present the validated declaration during customs clearance at the port of entry.
Also Read: JKIA Facelift Moves to Next Level as Kenya Inks Deal with Another Global Firm
ALSO, BIG THIS WEEK:
- Paul Muthaura has been appointed to the Board of Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Kenya as a non-executive director
- Stanbic Bank Kenya announced the appointment of Michael Mutiga as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2026
- The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) retained fuel prices for the July/August pricing cycle
Also Read: KRA Introduces New Cargo System Affecting All Importers and Exporters
CBK Exchange Rates
The Kenya shilling remained stable against major international and regional currencies during the week ending July 17, trading at KSh129.30 against the US dollar, down from KSh129.19 a week earlier.
Against other major currencies:
- Euro – KSh148.14
- Pound – 174.68
- South African Rand – KSh7.87
- Japanese Yen (100 units) – KSh79.69
Against regional currencies, the shilling exchanged at:
- Ugandan Shilling – 28.53, Tanzanian Shilling – 20.35, Rwandan Franc – 11.34
Sharpen Your Business Mind: Business Terms You Should Know
Before we wrap up this week’s Business Roundup, let’s build your business vocabulary with this week’s Business Word.
Treasury Bills vs Treasury Bonds
Treasury bills (T-bills) and Treasury bonds (T-bonds) are low-risk government securities used to raise funds for public spending and manage national debt. The main difference lies in their maturity periods and how investors earn returns.
- Treasury bills (T-bills): Short-term investments that mature in one year or less.
- Treasury bonds (T-bonds): Medium to long-term investments with maturities of one to 30 years.
We appreciate your readership. Stay tuned for the next edition next week.
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