Choosing the right SACCO in Kenya remains one of the smartest moves for building wealth through savings and credit, especially in 2026. With over 5,000 SACCOs operating nationwide, many Kenyans rely on them for better returns than traditional banks, affordable loans, and community-driven growth. Yet the landscape has shifted. Recent governance failures, including major losses at some institutions, have prompted stronger oversight from the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA). Proposed reforms include tougher supervision, mandatory professional registration for executives, and plans for a Deposit Protection and Savings Stabilisation Fund to safeguard member funds. These changes aim to protect savings amid emerging risks like liquidity strains and economic pressures. While dividends on share capital and interest on deposits stay attractive, payouts have moderated in some cases as SACCOs prioritize capital buffers and compliance. Average dividends on shares dropped ...

Many Kenyans find themselves caught in the cycle of mobile lending traps. Fuliza overdrafts and M-Shwari loans offer quick access to cash, but their costs add up fast when balances linger. Fuliza applies a one-off access fee of one percent plus daily maintenance charges that vary by amount, often ranging from a few shillings to tens per day after any grace period. These accumulate quickly, creating effective rates that feel punishing over weeks or months. M-Shwari loans carry a facility fee around seven point five percent per loan disbursed, plus excise duty, repayable within thirty days, with rollovers adding more fees. The traditional debt snowball method starts with smallest balances first for quick wins and motivation. In Kenyan mobile debt reality, this approach needs adjustment. Fuliza stands out because any incoming funds to M-Pesa get deducted automatically toward the outstanding balance plus fees. This automatic recovery makes it behave differently from M-Shwari, w...

The side hustle landscape in Kenya remains dynamic in 2026 with high mobile penetration, M-Pesa convenience, and urban demand driving quick-start opportunities. Many Kenyans supplement income through low-capital ventures that leverage local markets, social media, and everyday needs. Here are five practical side hustles you can launch this weekend with under KSh 10,000. Each fits the high-hustle, low-entry model and shows real earning potential based on current market realities. 1. Phone Accessories Resale   Smartphones dominate daily life across Nairobi and beyond, creating constant demand for chargers, cases, earphones, screen protectors, and cables. Start small by sourcing affordable stock from wholesale spots like downtown Nairobi or online importers via platforms like Jumia or direct contacts.   Startup breakdown: KSh 5,000 to 8,000 for initial stock plus KSh 1,000 for basic packaging and transport. Sell via WhatsApp groups, Instagram, TikTok videos ...

As a financial journalist who has followed Kenya's money markets through multiple rate cycles, I continue seeing this question surface among readers planning emergency funds in 2026. With the Central Bank of Kenya maintaining the policy rate at 9.00 percent and signaling a cautious stance into the year, short-term returns have found a new equilibrium. Treasury Bills remain the classic safe choice, while Money Market Funds keep drawing attention for their blend of yield and convenience. Both instruments fit the conservative profile needed for emergency savings, yet they differ in meaningful ways on yield, access speed, and underlying safety. Here is a clear comparison using the most recent available data from January 2026 auctions and fund reports. Current Yields in January 2026   Treasury Bills still anchor the risk-free rate spectrum. In the latest Central Bank of Kenya auctions:   91-day paper settled around 7.7 percent.   182-day paper came i...

This beginner's guide serves as a practical roadmap for everyday Kenyans eager to enter the Nairobi Securities Exchange without large capital or complicated processes. In early 2026 low entry investing stands more accessible than before. The NSE eliminated the old 100 share minimum board lot rule back in mid 2025 allowing single share purchases on main boards. Combined with affordable broker apps educational tools and mobile innovations you can realistically start under KSh 1,000 including fees. Many listed shares trade below KSh 30 so KSh 500 to 800 can secure a first position in familiar names like Kenya Power Co operative Bank or Safaricom while some lower priced counters sit under KSh 2. This article outlines the precise steps highlights beginner friendly broker apps and covers the current status of M Pesa integration for easier deposits and trading. Why Start Investing in the NSE Now Kenya's stock market grants ownership in everyday companies from banks and tel...

The classic 50/30/20 budgeting rule offers a clean framework for managing money: allocate 50 percent of after-tax income to needs (essentials like housing, food, utilities, transport, and minimum debt payments), 30 percent to wants (dining out, entertainment, subscriptions, non-essential shopping), and 20 percent to savings, investments, or extra debt repayment. This approach, popularized by financial experts, aims to build financial stability while allowing some enjoyment of life. In Nairobi, however, rent often consumes far more than the recommended portion of needs. Recent data shows one-bedroom apartments averaging KSh 50,000 to 90,000 in mid-range or central areas, with city-centre options around KSh 56,000 and more affordable outskirts closer to KSh 27,000. For many earning the typical Nairobi salary (often KSh 60,000 to 100,000 monthly after taxes, based on various reports from Glassdoor, Paylab, and economic sources), rent can easily hit 50 to 60 percent or higher o...