Author: Diana Mutheu

The Techstars Washington DC powered by J.P Morgan Accelerator has announced the 2024 Fall class of startups. According to the program, this diverse group of companies is pushing the boundaries of innovation across various industries, from healthcare and logistics to fintech and sustainability. “We are thrilled to welcome this talented cohort of entrepreneurs to our accelerator program,” said Adam H Phillips, Managing Director of Techstars. “These companies are not only driving technological advancements but also making a significant impact on their respective industries and communities.” A total of 20 startups from across the globe will take part in the program…

The upcoming AfricArena Nairobi Summit: Africa Climate Tech Week, scheduled for September 3-4, is poised to ignite Kenya’s growth and capital raising drive. This event, a precursor to the Africa Fintech Summit, will showcase the vibrant and promising tech ecosystem that Nairobi has become. Over 20 of Africa’s top tech startups operating in the climate tech and green economy sectors will pitch their innovative ventures at the summit. Nairobi, renowned as Africa’s Silicon Savannah, provides the ideal platform for these startups to connect with investors and potential partners. Christophe Viarnaud, CEO and founder of AfricArena, expressed enthusiasm for the summit’s…

A groundbreaking initiative has been launched in Tanzania to bring digital education to remote communities. Vodacom and Huawei have partnered to introduce the DigiTruck, a solar-powered mobile classroom designed to equip young people with vital digital skills. The DigiTruck, a recycled shipping container converted into a mobile school, is equipped with laptops, smartphones, and a reliable 4G internet connection. This innovative solution aims to bridge the digital divide in Tanzania, where many people, especially those in rural areas, have limited or no access to technology. Since its inception in 2014, the DigiTruck initiative has expanded to include six mobile classrooms…

In a bid to reclaim market share lost to the satellite internet provider Starlink, Kenya’s leading telecommunications company, Safaricom, has announced a significant reduction in its internet prices. Safaricom’s move comes as a direct response to Starlink’s aggressive pricing strategy, which has caused concern among other local internet service providers. Last week, Starlink introduced a new rental option in Kenya, allowing customers to rent a Starlink kit for just $15 a month. To entice customers who have switched to Starlink back to its fiber network, Safaricom is offering a promotional rate of $38.61 for a 40Mbps monthly package, a significant…

WhatsApp, the popular messaging app, has introduced a new labeling feature designed to help users better organize their chats and messages. With labels, users can create different categories or tags to group related conversations, making it easier to find and manage their communications To create a new label, users can simply tap on “Chats” > “Labels” > “Add” and enter a desired name. Once created, labels can be applied to individual messages or entire chats by tapping and holding the specific content and selecting the appropriate label. A particularly useful aspect of the labeling feature is its integration with marketing…

Empower and Serve (Empserve), a non-profit dedicated to empowering young people and underserved communities, has launched Kenya’s inaugural Eco-Village and Social Innovation Hub in Kajiado County. This groundbreaking project aims to address the region’s unique challenges through sustainable practices and community-driven solutions. Located in southern Kenya, Kajiado County faces harsh climate, water scarcity, food insecurity, and economic instability. These issues have hindered its development and the quality of life of its residents. Over the past six years, Empserve has equipped Kajiado’s youth with skills to overcome these challenges. One program trained over 60 young women rescued from female genital mutilation…

Data annotation company, Sama has partnered with University of Nairobi (UoN) aiming to propel the generative AI (GenAI) industry forward in Kenya. Generative AI alone could add $2.6-$4.4 trillion annually to the global economy. With 65% of organizations already integrating AI, its impact is undeniable, from enhancing customer service to revolutionizing industries. This collaboration forged from July 23rd, 2024, will provide valuable opportunities for UoN faculty and students. Yesterday the first public GenAI session was held at UoN attracting AI enthusiasts and Principal Secretary Information,Communications and Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui graced the event. The PS noted, “AI is no…

Ride-hailing platform Uber has unveiled a new service called ChapChap Priority, which allows customers to pay an additional Ksh110 per trip to prioritize their match with a driver. The service will be activated only during peak demand periods, according to Imran Manji, Uber’s head of East Africa. Mr Manji explained that the pricing update is aimed at ensuring drivers can maximize their earnings while maintaining affordable fares for riders. “Uber drivers have the option to opt in to earn the additional amount on top of the regular fare,” he added. The introduction of ChapChap Priority comes in the wake of…

d.light, a leading provider of affordable solar solutions, has introduced a new customer loyalty program designed to reward consistent and timely payments. Launched in Kenya on August 7, the “d.light Points Program” aims to benefit over 500,000 customers by the end of 2024. The program will gradually expand to customers in Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria. Customers who make regular payments on their PayGo solar products earn points that can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases or free days of power. The firm says it plans to introduce additional rewards as the program expands to other markets. The program was…

The Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), in partnership with the IKEA Foundation, has announced a significant milestone in its Access to Green Finance Project, awarding a total of $700,000 to support entrepreneurs and green businesses in Kenya and India. This initiative marks a crucial step towards building a more sustainable and inclusive future by empowering small and growing businesses (SGBs) in the waste management and circular economy sectors. The Access to Green Finance Project focuses on overcoming a key challenge faced by green SGBs: access to finance. Through two key components, the project aims to bridge this gap: Kenya…

In a challenge to the algorithmic control of ride-hailing companies, Kenyan taxi drivers are defying low fares by setting their own prices. A price war between Uber, Bolt, and local competitors has driven fares down to unsustainable levels. “The cost of living has risen,” Dedan Kamau, a driver, explains, “and many of us have car loans.” Mr Kamau noted that he negotiates higher fares with passengers, with about half agreeing. This approach clashes with Uber’s guidelines, highlighting the tension between the tech-driven world of ride-hailing and the realities of Kenya’s market. Kenya, with its growing economy and low car ownership,…

Safaricom’s M-Pesa has once again been granted re-certification by the GSM Association, a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering secure, transparent, and reliable financial services. Initially awarded this prestigious accreditation in 2018, M-Pesa has consistently maintained its status as a leader in the mobile money industry. The GSMA Mobile Money Certification is a globally recognized standard designed to safeguard the integrity and robustness of mobile financial services. Certified providers must adhere to stringent principles that protect customer funds, safeguard personal data, prioritize system security, maintain transparent fee structures, and deliver exceptional customer service, including efficient complaint resolution. This…

BasiGo, a leading electric bus manufacturer, today announced a significant milestone in its mission to revolutionize Kenya’s public transportation with the acquisition of a $10 million loan from the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). This investment will accelerate the company’s production of electric buses and contribute to Kenya’s green industrialization goals. The announcement was made during a visit to the Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) assembly line in Thika by U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman. Ambassador Whitman emphasized the growing US-Kenya partnership and the United States’ commitment to supporting Kenya’s transition to clean energy. “This investment is a testament to…

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has announced significant changes to the Kenyan currency to uphold constitutional standards. The redesigned notes, affecting denominations from Ksh.50 to Ksh.1,000, will circulate alongside the existing ones. Key modifications include the signatures of the Central Bank Governor, Dr. Kamau Thugge, The National Treasury Principal Secretary, Dr. Chris Kiptoo. The year of print (2024), and enhanced security features such as color-changing threads. The new notes will have a distinct feel and texture, with a watermark of a lion’s head and a security thread that changes color when tilted. The Ksh.1,000 note will be the first…

The Data for Governance Alliance (G4DA) held its third convention from August 5-9, 2024, bringing together over 25 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and representatives from the African Union to discuss enhancing human rights in Africa. The event aimed to strengthen collaboration between African Union bodies and Pan-African CSOs to promote governance, democracy, and human rights across the continent. Chief Justice emeritus David Maraga emphasized the crucial role of CSOs in raising public awareness and seeking legal interventions to drive change. He highlighted the importance of data in advocating for human rights, stating that accurate data can strengthen CSO arguments and…

Google unveiled the Google TV Streamer, a next-generation streaming device that promises a personalized entertainment and smart home experience. Replacing the Chromecast, the Google TV Streamer boasts a faster processor, more storage, and a focus on user convenience. The Google TV Streamer integrates seamlessly with Google TV, offering access to over 700,000 movies and shows across popular streaming services like YouTube TV, Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV. But Google TV Streamer goes beyond just content access. It utilizes Google AI to curate personalized recommendations across all subscriptions, eliminating the need to jump between apps. “Streaming has exploded in popularity, and…

Kenyan automaker, Mobius Motors, has announced its impending closure. The company has initiated liquidation proceedings and appointed KVSK Satstry as the liquidator. “A shareholders’ meeting held on August 5, 2024, resolved to place the company under liquidation as stipulated in Section 393(1)(b) of the Insolvency Act,” said Nicholas Guibert, Director of Mobius Motors Kenya. “We have appointed KVSK Satstry as the liquidator to oversee the winding-up process.” A creditors’ meeting is scheduled for mid-August at the company’s Nairobi headquarters to discuss the liquidation process. Creditors can inspect a list of names and proxy forms starting from August 9, 2024, at…

Vertiv has introduced new 1kVA to 3kVA models of the Vertiv Liebert GXE, an online double-conversion, single-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for 230V applications, designed to support critical applications at the network edge. The Liebert GXE family now covers a full range of 1kVA to 10kVA capacities and is available for immediate shipping from stock within EMEA, Asia, and LATAM. The Liebert GXE 1-3kVA UPS is offered in a compact tower-only model or a flexible rack/tower convertible design, boasting efficiencies of up to 91% in online mode and up to 96% in ECO mode. It includes a battery management system for…

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has introduced two new monetization features for Kenyan content creators. The platform will now allow creators to earn money through In-Stream Ads on Facebook and Facebook Ads on Reels. These new features aim to empower Kenyan creators by providing them with additional revenue streams for their original video content. According to Moon Baz, Meta’s Global Partnerships Lead for Africa, Middle East, and Türkiye, this move is expected to boost the creative industry in Kenya. “We’re excited to empower Kenyan creators to turn their passion into a sustainable livelihood,” said Baz. “By…

The Paris Olympic Games are in full swing, and today is the second day of artistic swimming. This sport, also known as synchronized swimming, combines elements of swimming, gymnastics, and dance. It is both beautiful and graceful, requiring athletes to have strength, flexibility, and coordination. Today’s Google Doodle celebrates the second day of artistic swimming at the Paris Games. The Doodle features three swimmers performing a synchronized routine in a pool. They are dressed in colorful costumes and surrounded by bubbles, set against a light blue background with the Google logo in the bottom right corner. Google Doodle marks the…

A groundbreaking partnership between Kenyan startup Zendawa and tech giant Microsoft is set to revolutionize the pharmaceutical landscape in East Africa. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), the collaboration aims to empower small pharmacies, improve access to medicines, and stimulate economic growth. According to Microsoft, AI has the potential to significantly enhance the operations of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the pharmaceutical sector. By optimizing processes, improving service delivery, and facilitating access to financial services, AI can be a game-changer for these businesses. General Manager of Microsoft Africa Transformation Office,Gerald Maithya, emphasized the transformative impact of AI…

The economic landscape of Kenya and the broader region has taken a significant leap forward with the formation of the Association of Special Economic Zones (ASEZ). This newly established independent association aims to unify SEZ developers, operators, enterprises, investors, and service providers, promoting best practices and enhancing national and regional SEZ governance. David Langat, the Board Chairman of DL Group of Companies and founding Chairperson of ASEZ, highlighted the significance of this new initiative. “The establishment of ASEZ marks a pivotal moment for Kenya’s economic future. With the support of global and regional associations, we are dedicated to bridging policy…

Safaricom PLC recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) virtually, where shareholders approved a final dividend of KES 0.65 per share, amounting to KES26.04 billion for the financial year ended 31 March 2024. Following an interim dividend of KES 0.55 per share, totaling KES 22.04 billion, that was paid in March 2024, this brings the total dividend payout for the year to KES 1.20 per share, representing a total of KES 48.08 billion. “In the financial year under review, the business displayed significant resilience in producing outstanding growth in both our top and bottom lines. This enabled us to achieve…

Google today announced the 8th cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program. This year’s cohort features ten innovative startups from Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa, selected from nearly 1,000 applications, highlighting the remarkable talent and creativity within the African tech ecosystem.   Startups are the backbone of economic development and technological innovation in Africa. By tackling local challenges with tailored solutions, these startups are not only creating jobs but also improving the quality of life across the continent. Despite the current “funding winter” in Sub-Saharan Africa, where investment has slowed, African entrepreneurs continue to demonstrate resilience and…

Kenya’s digital economy is under the new leadership of the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Margaret Ndung’u, replacing Eliud Owalo. This significant change is part of President William Ruto’s recent cabinet nominations aimed at fostering national unity and addressing the country’s pressing challenges. On Wednesday, July 24, President Ruto announced the second half of his proposed Cabinet, which is now awaiting vetting and approval from the National Assembly. This follows an initial list released on July 19, 2024, where he named 11 new Cabinet Secretaries, with several familiar faces returning in different roles. The newly nominated Cabinet includes key figures…

Google has been celebrating the Paris 2024 football (soccer) tournaments with quirky and fun Doodles! During the kickoff of the Olympics, google displayed an interactive illustration featureing two chickens battling it out – one attempting a powerful header with an avocado as the ball, while the other eagerly awaits its turn. This lighthearted Doodle marks the beginning of the highly anticipated men’s and women’s football tournaments. Teams from powerhouse nations like France, Japan, the US, and Spain will be vying for gold in both categories. Google’s Doodle for July 29, 2024 celebrates artistic gymnastics. The animated illustration features birds performing…

YouTube has announced six key strategies for creators to foster channel growth and success. The platform’s latest blog post, written by YouTube Contributor Julia Lee Harter, offers actionable advice for both seasoned creators and those just starting their YouTube journey. Harter emphasizes the importance of authentic content creation, consistency, audience understanding, and experimentation with different formats like Shorts and Live. The post also highlights the value of learning from established creators and leveraging trending topics to boost visibility. “2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for YouTube creators.We’re committed to providing our community with the tools and insights…

The High Court has halted any further progress on the new digital identity cards, popularly known as Maisha Namba, until a lawsuit filed by the Haki na Sheria Initiative is settled. On July 24th, Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued the order, citing the potential for irreversible harm if the court ultimately finds the process unconstitutional. “Based on the latest information,” the judge stated, “the court is convinced that an order suspending any further or continued implementation of Maisha Namba, Maisha card and Maisha Database pending the hearing and determination of this application ought to be issued.” Haki na Sheria Initiative brought…

In a move poised to revolutionize Liberia’s technological landscape, the government of Liberia is considering the introduction of Starlink satellite Internet service, developed by SpaceX. This follows a recent virtual discussion between President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. and Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of SpaceX. During their conversation, both leaders underscored the transformative potential of advanced technology, particularly in enhancing access to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and economic development in rural areas of Liberia. Recognizing the potential impact, President Boakai extended an invitation for Musk and his team to visit Liberia, signifying a commitment to ongoing dialogue and…

Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has entered into a partnership with Network International to drive digital payment innovation in Kenya. The collaboration aims to align with DTB’s digital-first strategy by leveraging Network International’s cutting-edge processing platform. This partnership will empower DTB to offer a diverse range of payment solutions, encompassing debit, credit, and prepaid cards, while simultaneously strengthening security measures through fraud prevention and 3D Secure authentication. Jamie Loden, Chief Operating Officer at DTB, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with a market leader like Network International will help us satisfy the growing demand among our customer base for…