Banks, saccos and micro-finance lenders now face a fine of Sh2 million for every defaulter they deny loans to for being listed negatively with the country’s credit reference bureaus (CRBs). This new regulation represents a fresh attempt to unlock credit to firms and workers hard hit by effects of coronavirus pandemic. The Treasury has introduced the fine in regulations aimed at cleaning up the CRBs blacklist and enhancing borrowers’ chances of being able to borrow more.

Thousands of health workers on Sunday agreed to suspend a strike notice that was to start Monday after reaching a deal with the government. The health workers’ leaders had held talks with the Ministry of Health officials on Friday and agreed to push forward the strike by 21 days to give room for discussion.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards(KEBS) has suspended the permits of 8 local hand sanitizer brands for failing to meet its requirements. In a statement, the regulatory body said the brands were identified after constant surveillance and were effectively banned for being potentially harmful to consumers.

“KEBS shall continue to undertake market surveillance and factory inspections. Substandard products found will be seized for destruction at the expense of the owner in addition to any other legal action as provided under the law,” the statement said.