Business & Money
Amsons Group Gets Comesa Approval for Bamburi Cement Buyout
The acquisition battle for Bamburi Cement underscores the intensifying competition in East Africa’s cement industry. If successful, Amsons’ entry into Kenya would boost its regional presence and provide valuable capital and synergies for Bamburi.
: Tanzania’s Amsons Group wins Comesa approval to acquire Bamburi Cement.
Competing bids and regional market growth add intrigue to the deal.
Tanzanian conglomerate Amsons Group has received regulatory approval from the Common
Market for Eastern and Southern Africa’s (Comesa) Competition Commission to acquire
up to 100% of Kenya’s Bamburi Cement.
The approval, confirmed on November 14, 2024, indicates the proposed acquisition does not
present any competition risks within the region. According to the commission, the transaction
aligns with Comesa’s public interest objectives and supports trade among member states.
“It is unlikely that the proposed merger will lead to the creation of a dominant
position that would enable the parties to engage in unilateral conduct in the market,” the commission stated.
The Committee Responsible for Initial Determinations (CID), a Comesa body, also
confirmed the transaction would not hinder competition.
“The CID determined that the merger is not likely to substantially prevent or lessen
competition in the Common Market or a substantial part of it, nor will it be contrary
to the public interest. The transaction is also unlikely to negatively affect trade
between Member States,” the statement added.
Competing Offers for Bamburi Cement
Amsons Group initially offered to acquire Bamburi Cement for KSh65 per share, valuing the
company at KSh23.59 billion. However, it faces competition from Savannah Clinker, owned
by businessman Benson Ndeta, which recently raised its offer to KSh76.55 per share, up from
its initial KSh70 per share bid in August 2024.
Strategic Expansion by Amsons
Amsons Group, a leading player in Tanzania’s manufacturing and energy sectors, is pursuing
the acquisition through its Kenyan subsidiary, Amsons Industries (K) Ltd. This move is part of
the Group’s strategy to establish a strong presence in the Kenyan market and enhance trade
across East Africa.
“The approval is a significant boost to our offer as we continue to engage investors
of Bamburi Cement and remain confident that our acquisition bid will be successful.
It presents a win-win scenario for investors and our two countries,” said Amsons
Group CEO Edha Nahdi.
The Group has appointed KCB Investment Bank as its transaction adviser, highlighting its
professional approach to entering the Kenyan market.
What’s Next?
The acquisition battle for Bamburi Cement highlights the growing competition in East Africa’s
cement industry. If successful, Amsons’ entry into Kenya would strengthen its regional presence while providing much-needed capital and strategic synergies for Bamburi.
However, Savannah Clinker’s improved bid signals a potential showdown as shareholders
evaluate which offer best aligns with their interests.
As Comesa emphasises trade integration and competition, the outcome of this acquisition will
likely have significant implications for Kenya’s industrial sector and the broader East African
market.
: KCB Group reports Sh44.5B ( US$ 342.31) nine-month profit, outpacing
Equity Bank. Learn about its 49% growth, challenges, and stock performance this
year.
KCB Group Plc has outperformed Equity Bank to cement its position as Kenya’s leading
lender, posting a net profit of Sh44.5 billion for the nine months ending September
This represents a 49% year-on-year growth, surpassing Equity Bank’s Sh37.5
billion profit during the same period.
Profit Growth Driven by Core Business Performance
The remarkable profit growth was fueled by higher earnings from both interest and non-
interest income streams. KCB’s diverse revenue base has been pivotal in maintaining
its dominance in the competitive banking sector.
Non-Performing Loans a Key Concern
Despite the impressive profit growth, KCB’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio rose to
18.5%, compared to 16.5% last year. This increase highlights persistent challenges in
managing credit risk, with Chief Financial Officer Lawrence Kimathi acknowledging it as
a “pain point” for the bank.
KCB Stock Outshines Peers on NSE
KCB’s strong financial performance has translated into exceptional stock market results.
The bank’s stock has risen 78.8% year-to-date, making it the best-performing banking
stock on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).
Plans to Sell National Bank of Kenya
Earlier this year, KCB announced plans to sell its struggling subsidiary, National Bank of
Kenya (NBK), to Nigeria’s Access Bank. While Nigerian regulators have approved the
deal, it is still awaiting clearance from Kenya’s Central Bank. The sale aims to
streamline KCB’s operations and address losses at NBK.
CEO Paul Russo Optimistic About Year-End Performance
“The journey has not been without its hurdles, but our ability to walk alongside our
customers has driven our success,” said KCB CEO Paul Russo. He expressed
confidence in closing the year on a high note, leveraging improving economic conditions
across the region.
Key Figures at a Glance
● Net Profit: Sh44.5 billion (+49%)
● Non-Performing Loan Ratio: 18.5% (up from 16.5%)
● Stock Performance: +78.8% year-to-date
KCB’s strong performance underscores its resilience in navigating challenges and its
commitment to sustaining growth in Kenya’s banking sector.
Business & Money
Top 10 Kenyan banks by total assets as of 2023, based on data from the Central Bank of Kenya:
KCB Bank Kenya Limited
Total Assets: KSh 1.425 trillion
Market Share: 17.4%
Equity Bank Kenya Limited
Total Assets: KSh 1.004 trillion
Market Share: 12.2%
NCBA Bank Kenya PLC
Total Assets: KSh 661.7 billion
Market Share: 9.2%
Co-operative Bank of Kenya
Total Assets: KSh 624.3 billion
Market Share: 8.8%
Absa Bank Kenya PLC
Total Assets: KSh 520.3 billion
Market Share: 6.6%
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya
Total Assets: KSh 429.3 billion
Market Share: 5.9%
Stanbic Bank Kenya
Total Assets: KSh 449.6 billion
Market Share: 5.8%
I&M Bank Limited
Total Assets: KSh 405.6 billion
Market Share: 5.4%
Diamond Trust Bank Kenya
Total Assets: KSh 399.6 billion
Market Share: 5.3%
Bank of Baroda (Kenya) Limited
Total Assets: KSh 201.9 billion
Market Share: 2.8%
These rankings illustrate the dominance of large Tier 1 banks, which collectively control over
76% of the market share. Strategic expansions, increased deposit mobilisation, and robust
lending practices underpin the sector’s strong performance
: Vasundhara Oswal, daughter of industrialist Pankaj Oswal, faces serious
charges in Uganda. The Oswals call for UN intervention amid claims of corporate
jealousy.
Vasundhara Oswal, the 26-year-old daughter of prominent Swiss-Indian industrialist
Pankaj Oswal, has found herself at the centre of a legal storm in Uganda.
Her father, a well-established business figure, is known for his diverse investments,
most notably a $150 million ethanol plant in Uganda.
This plant, the largest of its kind in East Africa, is a key part of Oswal’s broader strategy
to invest in industrial and eco-friendly solutions in the region. The facility produces extra-neutral alcohol (ENA), which is used in the beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
It is recognised for its modern technology and sustainable practices, such as zero liquid
discharge, emphasising the Oswal family’s commitment to both industrial growth and
environmental responsibility.
In addition to the ethanol plant, Pankaj Oswal has made strategic investments across
various industries, including petrochemicals, agriculture, and real estate.
His ventures reflect a global reach, extending to Australia and India, where he has
been involved in industries ranging from agriculture to renewable energy.
His diversified business approach and commitment to sustainability have made him a prominent figure in international business. However, in October 2024, the family’s legacy was overshadowed by the legal troubles surrounding Vasundhara Oswal.
She was detained on October 1, 2024, after being accused of involvement in the
alleged murder of Mukesh Menaria, a former employee who had worked with the
Oswals since 2017.
Menaria had accused the family of harassment but later testified under oath that they
had not harmed him Despite this, charges of kidnapping and murder were brought against Vasundhara.
Her family has strongly denied these allegations, claiming that the charges are
politically motivated and part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by their business rivals
in collaboration with corrupt officials in Uganda.
The Oswals have appealed to the United Nations, seeking intervention and asserting
that the legal proceedings against Vasundhara are unlawful. Vasundhara has actively managed the family business throughout her career, especially the ethanol plant, and led the company’s sustainable initiatives.
Beyond her business involvement, she has also been an advocate for community
welfare and mental health, further cementing the Oswal family’s reputation for corporate
social responsibility.
The unfolding legal drama has raised important questions about the intersection of
business, politics, and the legal systems in Uganda.
While the Oswal family’s ventures reflect a blend of industrial innovation and social
responsibility, the legal challenges Vasundhara faces have cast a shadow over their
business empire, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in East Africa.
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