Kenya · Country watch

Nairobi Water Outage, ABC Bank Takeover Approved

Nairobi faces a three-day water outage affecting key areas, while ABC Bank's takeover by Jayesh Saini receives competition approval.

Florent Kalfon · 26 October 2026 · 5 articles read

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Business conditions in Kenya remain stable with a significant water disruption in Nairobi and a pending bank takeover. The water outage affects key sectors, while the bank acquisition awaits regulatory approval, maintaining a balanced outlook for the week.

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In this briefing Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company · Kenyatta National Hospital · Wilson Airport · Jayesh Saini · ABC Bank · Competition Authority of Kenya · Aden Duale · Ministry of Health (Kenya) · Afya House

Disruption

Public sector
Logistics

Nairobi Water Outage to Affect Hospitals and Estates

Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company announced an emergency shutdown of the NCT-Kigoro-Gigiri-Kabete pipeline, affecting water supply for three days starting from 11:59 pm on October 26, 2026. Key facilities such as Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, and Wilson Airport, along with large parts of the western and southern city, will experience disruptions. The company advises residents and institutions to prepare for the outage by storing adequate water for essential needs, according to Nairobi Wire.

Impact Hospitals, airports, and residents in Nairobi must manage operations with limited water supply for three days.

Sources: Nairobi Wire ↗

Companies

Finance

Jayesh Saini's Takeover of ABC Bank Gets Approval

The Competition Authority of Kenya has approved healthcare tycoon Jayesh Saini's acquisition of ABC Bank, as reported by Standard Media. The takeover is pending approval from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Saini aims to expand his financial interests through this acquisition, which aligns with his existing healthcare investments. The deal's completion will depend on the CBK's assessment of the transaction's impact on financial stability and market competition.

Impact ABC Bank's operations and strategy may shift under new ownership, affecting clients and competitors in the finance sector.

Watch The Central Bank of Kenya's decision on the takeover is pending.

Sources: Standard Media ↗

Politics

Public sector

Health CS Duale Warns Against Ebola Tender Corruption

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a warning against corruption related to the Ebola outbreak, stating that the government will not tolerate tender scandals similar to those during the COVID-19 pandemic. Duale emphasized that the Ministry of Health will ensure transparency and accountability in handling the Ebola situation, according to Nairobi Wire. This statement aims to reassure the public and deter potential exploiters from engaging in corrupt practices.

Impact Government contractors and suppliers in the healthcare sector face increased scrutiny and accountability measures.

Sources: Nairobi Wire ↗

Nothing significant reported today in Regulation · Internal tension · Safety & health · Markets · Trade.