The Finance Bill 2026 widens the scope of capital gains tax to include the alienation of shares by non-residents where the underlying value derives from Kenya, or where the transaction results in a change of group membership of a Kenyan-resident company. The change has significant implications for diaspora investors and cross-border deal structures.
Every business day the Central Bank of Kenya publishes an indicative exchange rate for the Kenyan shilling against major currencies. The number is not a fixed price but a market average, and understanding how it is built helps diaspora senders avoid bad fills, hidden margins and avoidable losses on transfers home.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, now fully reconstituted under Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, announced in 2026 that there will be no boundary delimitation before the 2027 general election. Constitutional timelines, unresolved census disputes and a tight preparatory window made the decision inevitable.
The Social Health Authority replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund in late 2024, and by 2026 it has become the gateway to publicly funded care in Kenya. Diaspora Kenyans are not legally required to enrol, but voluntary contributions remain attractive for those with dependants at home or plans to return.
The National Treasury wants to apply 16% Value Added Tax to fees charged by M-Pesa, Airtel Money, Pesapal, Kenswitch and dozens of other payment platforms. Although the levy targets platform operators, industry watchers expect higher costs to filter down to consumers, including diaspora Kenyans who send money home.
EPRA pushed up Kenya Power tariffs in April 2026 by adding about KSh4.70 per unit before taxes, and a new three-year base tariff takes effect from July 2026. The change reshapes the monthly electricity bill for diaspora-funded households and rentals.
Education CS Julius Ogamba released the 2025 KCSE results on 9 January 2026 at AIC Chebisaas in Eldoret. With 993,000 candidates, 27.18 per cent at C+ and above, and the 2026 KUCCPS portal opening, diaspora families need a clear map of placement, fees, and HELB.
Kenya re-entered international capital markets in February 2026 with a $2.25 billion dual-tranche Eurobond, then used the proceeds to buy back high-coupon 2028 and 2032 paper. The exercise, the next IMF programme, and the KSh12.4 trillion debt stack are now reshaping the macro picture for diaspora investors.
By March 2026, KRA had collected KSh2.038 trillion at a 96.1% performance rate against target and a 11.4% year-on-year growth. The full-year target sits at KSh2.97 trillion. The eTIMS rollout, the Significant Economic Presence tax, and tougher non-resident rules reshape compliance for diaspora Kenyans.
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