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Recent Topicals

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Update on Effect of Interest Rate Cap on Credit Growth & Cost

Jul 23, 2017

Two recent events have led us to revisit the topic of the effect of the interest rate caps on credit growth and costs: First, the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) and the Central Bank (CBK) made public a Cost of Credit website in which commercial banks and micro-finance institutions are required to publish their true cost of credit, which revealed that the average true cost of credit is at 16.7%, and is as high as 20.6%, which is way above the statutory limit of 14.0%, based on the interest rate cap legislation that limit the lending rate to 4.0% above the Central Bank Rate (CBR), and, CBK came out this week and set out new regulations that will see commercial banks incur heavy penalties, of up to a maximum of Kshs 20.0 mn, from Kshs 5.0 mn previously, for failure to disclose the true cost of credit to consumers. Given that it is now almost a year since the legislation, this write up...

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Kenya Economic Review

Jul 16, 2017

Introduction There has been a couple of reports and statics that have been released which provide investors and business decision makers with insights on economic stability, growth and progression. This week, we seek to review the performance of economic environment in Kenya and take a view as to the likely direction of the country’s economic performance. The upcoming general elections have been at the centre stage of influencing trends in economic activity in recent past. Political stability has complimented the economic stability of the country and infrastructural spending has supported growth of the economy with developments such as the Standard Gauge Railway being launched in June this year. Below, we discuss some of the key themes that have shaped the economic environment in Kenya. GDP Growth The country’s GDP growth for Q1’2017 came in at 4.7%, lower than 5.9% in the same period in 2016. The decli...

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10 Key Steps to Financial Security

Jul 10, 2017

Living a fulfilling life is important for everyone. For one to do so, planning all of the five key pillars of life, namely; (i) health & well-being, (ii) religion or spirituality, (iii) friends, family & community, (iv) learning & knowledge, and (v) financial security, is a must. Financial planning is the road that leads to financial security. So how can you tell that you are working towards financial security, where you are able to meet your life goals through proper management of your finances? Individuals are different in various aspects such as age, income level, future plans and lifestyle, just to mention a few, hence each plan is different. However, here are 10 things to do to attain the financial security we all look forward to: Invest before you spend: Your monthly consumption should be equal to your income (net of all taxes) minus your monthly investments. Regular investment every month grows your wealth, so your money is makin...

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Cytonn Corporate Governance Index Report - 2017

Jun 25, 2017

Corporate governance constitutes the mechanisms, processes and relations through which companies are controlled and governed. Corporate governance is founded on the pillars that, businesses have to practice accountability to stakeholders, fairness, have transparency in business activities and exhibit independence in decision making. Corporate governance has become even more crucial given the recent global financial crisis in the West, and close to home given the recent bank failures and operational crisis in firms such as: Imperial Bank, which was placed under receivership by the CBK following unsound business conditions in the bank, Chase Bank, which was also placed under receivership following cases of unsound banking practices such as large unsecured loans to directors, Uchumi and Nakumatt which have experienced cash-flow problems due to mismanagement of the retailers, Kenya Airways, whose issues around governance came i...

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Focus of the Week: Kenya Listed Banks Q1’2017 Report

Jun 18, 2017

Following the release of the Q1’2017 results by banks, we undertook an analysis on the Kenyan Banking sector to point out any material changes from the FY’2016 Banking Report. In our Q1’2017 Banking Report, we analyze the results of the listed banks in order to determine which banks are the most attractive and stable for investment from a franchise value and from a future growth opportunity perspective.The report is themed “Consolidation and prudence in a challenging operating environment” as the banking sector is witnessing increased consolidation while remaining prudent following rising non-performing loans and the capping of interest rates. Below are some of the themes that shaped the banking sector in the first quarter in 2017: Co...

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