Royal Media Services Limited

What can Kenyans expect next following the cabinet recently approving the 2025 budget policy statement setting a 4.2 trillion shilling budget for the 2025-2026 financial year? Listen exclusively to citizen Digital X Spaces this Tuesday at 7pm as we engage experts and break down president William Ruto's third budget and discuss supplementary estimates. Hosted by Claire Munde.

Starting May, motorists may need to budget for toll charges on major highways as the government advances plans to introduce road tolling. With increasing traffic and limited funds, tolling is viewed as a sustainable way to maintain and expand Kenya’s extensive 239,122 km road network. Current funding sources like RMLF and the exchequer fall short of the estimated Ksh.5.2 trillion required over the next decade. Public feedback on the proposal begins next week, aiming for a policy finalization by April. Transport CS Davis Chirchir emphasizes that tolling will enable heavy-traffic commercial roads to self-finance and attract further investment.

What does the outcome of the much-awaited and just-concluded African Union Commission chairperson election portend for Kenya and the wider Africa region? Listen exclusively to Citizen Digital X Spaces this Tuesday at 7pm as we engage analysts in a post-voting analysis and break down the election intrigues, power shifts and what to expect next. Hosted by Claire Munde. 

Kenya Power is experiencing rapid growth in electricity demand, with an average monthly increase of 14.5 MW over the last eight months. By January 2025, peak demand reached 2,304 MW, reflecting investments in grid stabilization and key infrastructure projects like the Kimuka 220/66kV substation and the Narok-Bomet interconnector. With over 198,535 new customers connected in six months and plans to add 289,121 more through Last Mile Phases IV and V, Kenya Power is driving connectivity while promoting e-cooking and electric motorization. An investment of Ksh.258 million in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure further supports this shift toward sustainable energy use. While these gains showcase progress, peak demand nearing capacity poses a challenge, underscoring the need for strategic planning to ensure reliability and efficiency.

78% of Kenyans reported lower incomes in 2024 compared to 2023, according to Old Mutual's 2024 Financial Services Monitor. Many face rising costs, job insecurity, and financial stress, with 4 in 10 Kenyans feeling highly stressed and 15% overwhelmed by their responsibilities. Despite these challenges, resilience shines through—63% of Kenyans expect their financial situation to improve in the next 6 months through better jobs, business growth, or investment opportunities. As families cut costs and adapt, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions to navigate these uncertain times.

We honor the incredible power of radio, a platform that informs, entertains, and unites us. For generations, radio has been the lifeline of communities, connecting people through stories, music, and news. At Royal Media Services, we are grateful to be part of your everyday moments—amplifying your voices, sharing your stories, and keeping you informed.

What do you bring to the table? This Tuesday Citizen Digital X Spaces brings you the valentine's open mic edition and we're inviting you to Come to the table and share your thoughts around relationships, situationships, dating in the digital era, romance & finance and more. Listen in this Tuesday at 7pm and let your voice be heard. Hosted by Claire Munde

Kenyan businesses face a mixed outlook for 2025, according to the KNCCI Business Barometer. While high taxation, rising input costs, and regulatory hurdles continue to challenge growth, there are glimmers of optimism: - Sectors Driving Growth: Education (69%) and energy (67%) sectors are most optimistic about workforce expansion. - Revenue Growth Expectations: 65% of businesses anticipate modest revenue growth, driven by an expanding customer base and improved marketing strategies. - Tech & Macroeconomic Positivity: Businesses aim to leverage technology and benefit from improving interest rates and inflation. However, 24% of businesses expect stagnation or declines, citing the high cost of living and regulatory inefficiencies. Experts stress the need to address taxation burdens and capital constraints to unlock the private sector’s full potential.

From US President Donald Trump’s administration rescinding orders on a freeze in federal funding, to the DRC conflict and the AU, how are geopolitics affecting Kenya and its diplomatic relations? Listen to Citizen Digital X Spaces this Tuesday at 7pm as we engage experts on the topic: Kenya and geopolitics. Hosted by Claire Munde.

A recent survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics highlights the growing impact of mobile phones on financial inclusion, with 53.7% of Kenyans owning a phone. However, affordability remains a significant challenge, particularly for rural communities, where phone ownership is only 48.6%. The rise of hire purchase plans, popularly known as Lipa polepole, has become a lifeline for low-income earners. These plans allow individuals to pay daily installments to own smartphones, enabling access to digital services and financial tools. Uptake has surged from 579,242 users in 2021 to over 1.7 million in 2024. While this model promotes digital inclusion, it raises concerns. Consumers often end up paying nearly double the market price of the phones, straining their financial stability. Retailers, on the other hand, mitigate default risks through high-interest rates and phone-locking mechanisms. Economists caution that these plans, while addressing short-term affordability, may hinder long-term financial health for low-income earners. Addressing affordability more sustainably could be the key to fostering inclusivity without exacerbating financial burdens. Read the full story in the link https://lnkd.in/d_HNQk5D