Kenya's Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 49.7 in August, slipping below the 50-point threshold and signalling a deterioration in operating conditions for the first time in three months. According to the survey, supply shortfalls and cost-saving measures led Kenyan firms to cut output and purchases during the month. A reading below 50 indicates contraction in private sector activity, suggesting renewed pressure on businesses after a period of relative stability.

Woolworths reported a difficult trading year in 2026, with its food division performing strongly while the retailer's other divisions struggled. According to The Citizen Business, chief executive Sam Ngumeni acknowledged that 2026 had been a tough year for the company. The results point to a mixed performance across the group, with resilient food sales offsetting weakness elsewhere in the business.

Rival retailers are leveraging Takealot's technology, which has resulted in significant business growth. According to The Citizen Business, revenue from 'fulfilment services' has nearly doubled within a year, indicating a highly profitable trend in the sector.

Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) reported a drop in net profit to Sh10.35 billion, attributing the decline to lower finance income. According to the company, finance income fell from Sh4.1 billion to Sh2.9 billion during the year. The results highlight pressure on the state-linked power generator's earnings, with the reduced finance income cited as the main driver of the profit decline for the period under review.

Moneyweb interviewed Makwe Masilela of Makwe Fund Managers about markets struggling to find direction at the end of the US earnings season. The discussion covered JSE performance, commodities and resources, China’s weaker-than-expected GDP, the US debt ceiling, share buybacks and Brent crude rising above $90 a barrel amid heightened Gulf tensions, according to the Moneyweb item.

Safaricom PLC reported a strong financial performance for the fiscal year ending March 2026, highlighting its status as a leading company on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The Group achieved higher revenue, improved profitability, and stronger returns for shareholders, driven by growth in Kenya's mobile data and M-Pesa services, along with positive developments in other areas.