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KRA enforces digital alternatives to solve tax disputes

Val Lukhanyu
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KRA enforces digital alternatives to solve tax disputes

 Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has introduced online Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) sessions to enable taxpayers access to all essential services online a move to safeguard taxpayers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ADR sessions can now be held, uninterrupted through virtual facilities. The facilities bring together the taxpayer, the assessing Commissioner, and a facilitator who chairs the meeting as would happen in a face to face ADR session.

Taxpayers with disputes can still be heard and get solutions without physically attending ADR sessions. The online session is cost-effective and convenient to taxpayers as it covers a larger geographical area with the option of multiple individuals at different locations dialing in.

 “KRA can now connect with taxpayers and their agents from the comfort of their offices or homes through video/teleconferencing technology applications such as Zoom, Skype, and hangouts. While keeping the safety and security of these platforms in mind,” noted Ms. Rispah SimiyuThe Deputy Commissioner for Tax Dispute Resolution.

Ms. Simiyu further added that “KRA supports the use of technology as a business continuity model. We encourage parties with tax disputes, for example, assessing Commissioners and taxpayers together with their agents to continue engaging virtually under the ADR framework. ADR is cost-effective, presents an opportunity for faster resolution of tax disputes, improves

compliance and preserves the relationship between the disputants.”

ADR rolled out in June 2015 to complement litigation by providing an amicable and timely settlement of tax disputes. Since its roll-out, ADR has seen an increase in efficient and friendly settlement of disputes. The 2018/2019 financial year has the sharpest spike in ADR applications. 502 applications were received out of which 237 cases with a revenue yield of Kshs8.102 billion were resolved.

A phenomenal improvement compared to the 2017/18 Financial Year which yielded a revenue of Kshs 3 billion with only 90  resolved.  An analysis of the number of resolved cases in the two financial years indicates an increase of 147 cases. Which translates into 263 per cent increment.

The resulting revenue implication has been equally enormous. Recording a  revenue increase from Kshs 3 billion in 2017/2018 Financial Year to Kshs 8.102 billion in 2018/2019.

The increase in the number of applications and resolution rates indicates that.  ADR has increasingly gained acceptance, traction, and public confidence, thereby becoming a preferred avenue for tax dispute resolution.

Three local firms team up to develop app for COVID-19 contact tracing

Val Lukhanyu
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Three local firms team up to develop app for COVID-19 contact tracing

Three local firms have teamed to develop an application to help in the contact tracing of COVID-19 patients. Kenyans will now be able to know if they are within the vicinity of a person who has tested positive through Bluetooth enabled technology.

The app dubbed “Linda app” will be available on App-store within a week. It will rely on government data on Coronavirus to detect the contacts so that Kenyans can always be alerted to keep distance if they come into contact with someone. Also, health experts on the app will be able to trace people who have come into contact with a suspected case of Coronavirus.

“Once you download the Linda app on your mobile phone, you will be required to turn your Bluetooth on to get the notification. This allows you to receive a buzz cautioning you to maintain social distance,” said Bob Ndubi, Managing partner Silverhouse Capital Limited.

“We are trying to look at how we can help by becoming part of the solution. And we settled on technology,” added Bob.

The government has access to contacts of people who have tested positive and released. They are constantly monitoring them. Such that if your Bluetooth is on and theirs is on, and there are still traces of positive COVID-19. Then your Bluetooth will vibrate, alerting you to keep a distance.

The names of the identified contacts on the Linda application will remain obscure to the public. Instead, users will only receive a notification to keep a distance. They will capture the connections with color-coding, so they stay invisible.

“We want to make sure the data is anonymous but still alert the next user in their area. Like a hundred meters, there are suspected cases,” Said Eric Mungai, Silverhouse Capital Partner.

“To us, this is just another flower of what other Kenyans are doing, making sure that we preserve our lives. We should preserve life than mourn the death of a loved one,” added Mr. Mungai.

7 Ways to Finance Your Business

Fredrick Gitaka
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Business is a highly coveted career option, and many people plan their futures around it. It may be the case that doctors and engineers steal all the limelight often, but progress is slow and cumulative in those professions. Whereas in business, you can cash in on opportunities and even multiply your fortune overnight. All this can happen for you if you have the wealth to multiply.

Most people that drop the idea of setting up their own business are mainly because of the lack of funding. It is out in the open that you need a substantial capital amount to expand a business. This amount covers the cost of registration, real estate, equipment (if any), employee salaries (if any), goods, and all the other things that you might need depending on the nature of your business. The problem with this situation is that most people are unable to raise enough funds to cover this capital cost. As a result, they have to bail on the idea of setting up their work.

Fortunately, ambitious people pursuing this line of work soon realized this lapse and came up with multiple solutions to manage finances. Some are prepared for this time from a young age, while others get the help of some family members and friends. Those who failed to do any of that started discussing solutions to financial issues when expanding a business. The subject gained a lot of popularity, as significant talent and ideas were going to waste with the absence of this privilege. Consequently, multiple platforms started financing small business projects using loans, or as an investment. With time, the network grew as there were evident successful projects executed under this banner. Moneylenders became as interested and increased in number in financing activities as the people seeking finances. The current situation allows most visionary individuals to get the best short term loan lenders for prospective projects. In the case of smaller projects, you are an ideal candidate for even getting an unsecured loan. These factors motivate people to chase their goals with even greater determination.

So, if you are one of the bright entrepreneurial minds who think they can score big, if given an opportunity but still contemplating about sorting your finances, then don’t. Here are 7 effective ways to finance your business.

  1. Assets

An easy way to finance your business is simply by keeping your savings in the form of an asset, like a property. You can choose to either sell it off or mortgage it to raise the funding for your project. Since the issue that most people encounter while trying to manage finances is secure a lump-sum amount. This way, they can raise the sum almost instantly without being dependent on secondary sources and executing their plans. Once you have settled your feet, you can start expanding and expect better returns on your investments.

For instance, if you own a cleaning business and end up searching for quite some time and you’re not very fortunate with the results of how to expand it, you’re more than welcome to click here and learn some more.

  1. Crowdfunding/Shares

Another great source to finance your business is by either going with crowdfunding, where your friends, family, and some other strangers help you get the minimum funding required to expand the project. Or you can ask a friend or a family member to join you and divide the expenses. It is a great way to expand your business because your investments would go down to half the value. As a result, you can afford the expenditures and start collaborating to flourish.

  1. Investors

A popular option from the variety on the list is getting an investor on board. You have to market your idea in a way that it sounds tempting and promising to people who can afford to cover its expenses. You partner up with them, decide the terms of working with them and start growing your business. Once done, then you can use your brains to turn the project into a real money maker.

  1. Credit Cards

In case you don’t have the funding in hand, and you can’t find an alternate solution, you can always choose to max out your credit limits. It may sound like a risky move, but if you have your finances sorted, and can work up a feasible EMI plan with the bank, then it is always an option. You can get the base funding for a small-scale project and grow your business. Who knows? After you have set it up, you might make enough profits to afford a lot more than just EMI payments.

  1. Downsizing

Businesses can always be scaled depending on the people setting it up. For small projects that are struggling to set their foundations, starting small and downsizing investments is an efficient option. You can cut down on costs that don’t qualify as the primary needs of the project and focus on meeting the bare minimum requirements. As soon as you start generating some revenues, you can afford to check other things off your list using those earnings. This way, you will be able to set it up and maintain a smooth flow of work. 

  1. Loans

The best option on your list of finances – Loans! You can ask money lenders or banks to issue loans against assets or even personal loans to shoulder the base expenses. Besides this, there are unsecured loans with high interest returns, or credit card deductions, that MCAs or lenders would entertain. You can even choose to promise a percentage of your profits as collateral to get the amount. Moneylenders, when compared with banks, is a faster way to raise funds and start investing in your project. You can explore your options and choose the most feasible one to grow your business.

  1. Pre-sales

If everything else disappoints you, you can start the presale of your goods or services and raise some funding using them. It may seem like a longshot, but some businesses started small using these methods and then expanded eventually. The bigger problem is to execute the initiative. Once that is done, a business can support itself using the revenue generated with sales.

Conclusion

These were some of the best ideas that anyone can implement while trying to finance their business. You will need to make some efforts, and rely on luck in some cases, but the best-case scenario always leaves you with a positive outcome. All you need to explore your options thoroughly, and you can achieve your goals.

Mobile Phones Worth Kes 120 Million Stolen, DCI Report

Shera
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Mobile Phones Worth Kes 120 Million Stolen, DCI Report

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have indicated that they are hunting down a driver who went missing with assorted mobile phones valued at KSh 120 million.

According to the DCI, Daniel Kivuti, who is 40, was to transport 750 cartons of mobile phones from Africa Cargo Warehouse at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to another warehouse in Eastleigh, Nairobi. However, he never arrived to his destination. Since the search began, only seven cartons have been recovered.

“Upon search, the M/V was recovered within Mara road and seven cartons of assorted mobile phones recovered,” said the police

In a police report filed at Kamukunji Police Station, the lorry he was driving with registration number KBZ628X mysteriously got lost with the said cargo. “The said motor vehicle went missing before reaching the destination within Eastleigh Section III, the case was reported and search of the M/V vehicle was commenced,” read the police statement.

Detectives are now in search of the driver who went missing with the vehicle. A day after it went missing, the vehicle was seen in Eastleigh section three. However, the driver of the vehicle has since been missing as DCI detectives from Buru Buru continue the manhunt for the driver in order to recover the remaining cartons.

 

How Cryptocurrency is Challenging Traditional Finance

Sam Amira
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How Cryptocurrency is Challenging Traditional Finance

You might have noticed that more online retailers are beginning to accept cryptocurrencies, like bitcoin, as payment for goods and services. These internet-based currencies have grown in popularity over the years. While you can’t hold or touch the money physically, you can trade cryptocurrency easily online. This is an entirely different form of banking that is unlike anything seen before. Because of this, many people feel as though it’s a threat to traditional finance and will eventually overtake all forms of physical money, like coins, cash and even gold.

Understanding Cryptocurrency

There are a variety of different cryptocurrencies currently available on the market. The most popular is bitcoin, but you may find people using Dash and Litecoin as well. Generally speaking, these assets are a form of digital currency that can be traded in exchange for goods and services purchased both online and off. One of the key features of these assets is that they are decentralized, which means they are not controlled by governments and are not specific to a country. Instead, they are regulated by a third party. They are both transacted and created online, and they are controlled both by internal networks and code.

How Does It Work?

Because many people are used to how traditional banks work, it can be somewhat confusing to understand how these are traded and what to expect when using these assets. Your bitcoin will essentially be stored on a public ledger. The ledger is responsible for using techniques to ensure that all transaction records are accurate and that the owner’s identity has been fully encrypted, or protected. Owners will have a digital wallet online, and the ledger that is used will help to keep the wallet accurate so that you know what your spendable balance currently is. The currency can then be used to purchase goods online and off, as many retailers are beginning to allow for its use.

What Challenges will Traditional Finance Face?

Because there has been a major shift in how people are able to trade and invest, it’s expected that more individuals will begin to use cryptocurrencies as a valid form of money. For people who might have been denied financing from a traditional bank, they may be able to receive the help that they need through online platforms. Many have compared the development of bitcoin to the motorcar when it was able to replace the railroad system. Because banks often charge fees and penalties for a lot of their transactions, people will benefit from the fact that these asset markets do not penalize customers. This can be very attractive to individuals who are otherwise tired of how traditional banks work.

How Banks are Responding

In an attempt to fight back against cryptocurrencies, many banks and financial institutions are implementing real-time services that keep people fully engaged with their money. This involves mobile banking, check depositing online and eliminating penalties and fees. Because many banks tend to have customer-unfriendly practices, like withdrawing money early and being late to deposit it, they have been making changes to offer more transparency to their clients.

10 Work from Home Jobs That Can Earn You Well

Selipha Kihagi
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If you are looking to start a new career while staying at home then there are tonnes of options to choose from, based on your skills and capabilities. We have listed here 10 such work from home options that will help you make good money every month.

1. Start a Blog:

Blogging is a great way to earn a good living if you are consistent with your efforts. You may not start earning immediately as it takes time to get good followers but once your blog is popular, the money flow will be consistent, remember to write high-quality content useful for your users.

2. Become a Freelance Writer:

A freelance writer can associate with different clients and write for their websites, blogs, and magazines without working for a specific company and the pay is consistently good.

3. Start Giving Home Tuitions:

You don’t have to do everything online as you can also physically start your own business at home by becoming a tutor to teach students the subjects you are good at. You can also teach students music, art or dance if you excel in those. Most people still prefer to physically send their kids to tuitions rather than enrolling them for online classes.

4. Become an Online Educator:

Starting home tuitions is a great idea but there are few limitations such as only students who live nearby your area would be interested, limiting your income hence another lucrative option is to become an online educator so you are not bound to teach only students in your location but can teach anyone who has the access to the internet.

5. Become a Social Media Handler:

There are businesses out there looking for someone who can handle their content on social media platforms. If you are a creative person, then this can be an interesting and challenging job for you to do from home, but it has its own perks as this kind of job really pays well.

6. Start an Online Store:

You can start your own e-commerce store, which will not take a lot of money for you to invest in. Many people who are doing this have no background in this field, hence if you are interested, you can look into this further.

7. Sell on Amazon:

Selling products on Amazon to make money is a great idea as Amazon already is a popular site, hence selling products there is easier than managing your own e-commerce store.

8. Flip Items:

Buying items at a low price on Craigslist or e-bay and reselling it at a higher price after flipping can be an interesting job you can opt for, which can be done from your home. For e.g., you can buy old furniture, refurbish them and sell it off for a higher price which will give you good profits from the very first month of starting the business.

9. Invest in Stocks or Bitcoins:

If you have a little money, to begin with then why not invest it in stocks or bitcoins so that the value of the money grows? You just need to get the hang of when to invest and when to pull off your funds to become a successful investor. For beginners, we highly suggest making safe investments in the bitcoin revolution website which has free software, a simple setup where you can start investing even if your funds are low and get consistent earnings. The withdrawal process is also simple, and you can start by setting up a demo account to test the waters before you make real investments.

10. Proofread Books and Resumes:

Is your grammar really so good that you find yourself correcting other people’s writing errors? Then this job is perfect for you as there are many people out there looking for proof-readers. You can also take the help of a few grammar-correcting software applications which can be downloaded for free from the net and get started today.

While choosing any job from the list above has the potential to help you earn well but do not be under the wrong impression that you will immediately start doing well as soon as you take up an opportunity as it will take some time to set up and get a few clients to begin working but once you have some knowledge of the job, you choose to do and work hard enough, the probability that you will do well from the comfort of your home is quite high.

8 Best Investments You Can Make In 2020

Selipha Kihagi
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8 Best Investments You Can Make In 2020

Looking to make the right kind of investments in 2020? Here are a few options that would work best in your interest.

1. Tweak Your Stocks Portfolio:

Investing in stocks is the first thing that comes into everyone’s mind but do not blindly follow your old investment strategy as studying the current market is essential to make sure that the value of your stocks goes up. 

Right now, the world is fighting against a pandemic, hence the economy has taken a hit. But the healthcare industry is doing well including the pharmaceutical sector hence explore stocks of this area as the probability that it will do well is quite high.

2. Real Estate Investment Trusts:

Real estate is considered as one of the best investments over the years as the returns are always good but investing in this business may seem like a full-time job that you may not have time for. Also, investing in individual properties has higher risk factors like tenants not paying rent or not getting tenants timely.

An easier way to tap interest out of the real estate is by investing through real estate investment trusts (REITs) which is like the mutual funds that specialize in certain sectors like retail space of office buildings.  You will save a lot of time and investing through REIT is a much safer choice.

3. Trade-in Bitcoins:

Crypto trading has picked up in the last few years as large companies are dealing in bitcoins hence this is the right time to make investments in this area using trading software from bitcoin loophole that combines powerful technical and fundamental strategies to trade the cryptocurrency markets with unrivaled accuracy and is highly secure.

4. Payoff Your Debt:

This may not seem like an investment but it actually is as credit cards charge a very high-interest rate which when eliminated will results in a high return every year. Once you pay off all debts, the cash flow will increase and give you more funds to invest in other areas.

5. Invest in a Side Business:

There are a lot of people out there who invest in a side business that has many benefits of its own. While most people are not passionate about their primary jobs, starting a side business you are passionate about can fill the satisfaction gap in your career life. 

It is also a safe way of earning extra money as you still have your primary job which will give you constant paychecks every month.

Most side businesses do not need a lot of starting funds and if it does not make money right away, you still will not end up poor.

6. Start Retirement Savings:

This is like stating the obvious, but you need to plan for your retirement starting today and invest immediately as the sooner you start your retirement savings, the more comfortable life you will lead post-retirement.

7. Invest in Yourself:

Other than a financial investment, you also need to invest in yourself by enhancing your skills as you are the biggest asset. As you gain more skills and certifications, it will help you excel further in your career, especially when there is so much competition in the job market. The only way you can keep yourself more relevant than others is by acquiring new skills.

8. Invest Time in Your Family:

When we talk about investments, it just does not mean only financial investments as it also includes investing time for your family as you may get too caught up in the process of making money which may lead to you missing out time with your family. Do not let that happen as you can earn back the lost money, unlike time.

When you plan your investments, remember that the goal should be to create enough funds to lead a comfortable life with your family now and post-retirement which will help you see things through a clear perspective and do not lose sight of what really matters in life which is your friends and family.

Nokia 4.2 now receiving Android 10 update

Val Lukhanyu
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Nokia 4.2 now receiving Android 10 update

Nokia 4.2 devices are now receiving an Android 10 update. the OS rollout is expected to be complete by April 14th. The update packs  Android 10 gestures, a native dark mode, privacy and location controls. Including an overall better user experience.

HMD Global launched the Nokia 4.2 in February 2019. The phone has been operating on an Android 9 pie initially pre-installed in the device.

The update has been confirmed by Nokia’s chief product officer Juho Sarvikas in a twitter post. ” Nokia 4.2 owners, your device just got even better. You can now update to android 10 with all-new features available”

The Android 10 brings in a redesigned UI to the Nokia 4.2 and Nokia 7.2  along with new gesture navigation, Smart Reply, new location and privacy controls, Family Link, and Focus Mode. The update will roll out in batches. With the first wave including 43 countries including some parts of Africa.

Since its rollout in September 2019, most devices have now received the update. Among other features. Android 10 lets you create a QR code for your Wi-Fi- network and scan the QR codes to join a Wi-Fi network.

Android 10 also adds more location control. You have the full control location updates. Prior to the update, once you gave the app access to your location, it will always have access. With Android 10, the app can only access your location information while only using it.

 

Maximizing Your CBD: 5 Methods

Fredrick Gitaka
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If you’re a CBD user, you’re probably always looking for ways to maximize your experience with your oils, tinctures, gummies, or however you get your dose. If you’re like most CBD users, you love taking CBD and the incredible benefits it offers; but what if you could get more from your CBD? 

Here we’ll discuss five ways to maximize your CBD experience by taking it at specific times or after specific activities. CBD oil is a powerful ally to have in your daily health regimen, and with few CBD oil side effects, it’s the perfect natural supplement for building up your personal healthy lifestyle. Here are five methods to maximize your CBD experience! 

1. Take CBD First Thing In The Morning

One of the best ways to maximize your CBD intake is by taking it first thing in the morning. You can take CBD oils or gummies with breakfast, or put CBD oil in your favorite drinks, smoothies, or morning meals. 

Love fried eggs? Drizzle some CBD oil on top of the finished egg. Need coffee first thing? Put your CBD oil dose in your coffee and add sugar. 

CBD oil is especially flexible, being food and drink-friendly. You can even buy specific flavors to match whatever you’re eating/drinking. If you like vanilla creamer in your coffee, you can get vanilla CBD oil to match it, so you won’t even taste the oil. 

If you like chocolate peppermint cookies, you can buy peppermint CBD oil to match the taste. There are dozens of flavor varieties available on the market.

Taking CBD first thing in the morning will allow it time to digest and kick in by the time you get to work or start your day. This way, you’re starting the day off with less anxiety, more energy, and a focus that will benefit you all day long. 

2. Take CBD Before Bed

Another great way to get your CBD oil and maximize your experience is to take it before you go to bed. Many CBD users actually take their oil or edibles right before better for a longer, more beneficial night of sleep. CBD helps calm both the mind and the body, eases pain and inflammation, and helps with focus. 

If you’re struggling to get to sleep, sometimes only a few minor adjustments can help. If you combine CBD with a more calming nightly routine, you might find that your sleep quality increases tenfold. 

Some tips for getting better sleep include turning off electronics an hour before sleep, reading a book before bed, finding the right mattress for your specific comfort needs, stick to a strict sleep schedule, and avoiding heavy meals right before bed. 

Sleep is one of the most important components of a healthy lifestyle, and when you introduce CBD into your nightly routine, you’re bolstering your health regimen and giving yourself the edge to excel the next day. 

3. Use CBD After A Workout 

CBD after a workout? Does that really work? CBD is used by athletes and gym-goers all over the world for their post-workout supplement, and when you understand how CBD works, it makes perfect sense. 

CBD is not only a natural painkiller (for those sore muscles), but it’s also an anti-inflammatory agent (also for those sore muscles). When you work out, your muscles become inflamed, and this can cause plenty of soreness and discomfort for days after an intense workout. 

Some users even report that CBD helps them rest and focus after a workout. CBD is a calming agent as well as an anti-inflammatory agent, so once you’re done pumping iron, you can ease into the rest of your day and get your focus back. 

With exercise and CBD combined, you’ll find that you have more energy, focus, and a clearer mind. Exercise gets the blood pumping, and since CBD is a vasodilator, it opens up blood vessels for healthier blood flow. It’s almost like CBD was made for workouts! 

4. Take CBD On An Empty Stomach

Taking CBD on an empty stomach can help it absorb into the body quicker since digestion takes a long time. If you’re taking oils via food or getting your CBD via edibles, you’ll find that it can take up to a few hours to actually feel any effects. 

When you eat a big meal with your CBD, it can actually take longer, since you’ll be trying to digest all of that food as well as the CBD. Try to keep your meals light when using CBD, or, in lieu of a light meal, take CBD on a completely empty stomach. 

You’ll find that many CBD products actually have this recommendation on the packaging. It’s a simple tip, but a great way to maximize how your body uses the CBD to its advantage. 

5. Choose The Right Delivery Method

Speaking of eating your CBD, according to Penguin CBD, the way you get CBD into your body also affects whether or not you’re maximizing the experience. As we’ve already covered, eating a big meal with your edible CBD can make the digestion process slower, and your CBD will take longer to get into your system. 

Some people choose to take their CBD under the tongue for a quicker effect, but this also doesn’t last as long as digesting the CBD. Topicals are generally recommended for localized pain or discomfort or skincare, but you certainly won’t get the same effects from putting CBD on the skin as you would by ingesting it. 

When you ingest CBD or put it under your tongue, it gets absorbed into the bloodstream via digestion or the blood vessels under your tongue. 

Tailor your delivery method to suit your specific needs; if you need a longer effect from your CBD, take it in the morning with your breakfast. If you’re looking for a quick or localized effect, try CBD topicals or oils under the tongue instead. 

Conclusion 

Maximizing your CBD intake is simple when you understand how it’s absorbed in the body. Taking CBD in the morning or before bed can have very specific effects throughout the day (or night). 

How you take your CBD matters and can make your experience more or less satisfactory depending on your body chemistry and habits. 

Usage Of GIFS During Covid 19 Shows How People’s Lives Have Changed

Shera
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Usage Of GIFS During Covid 19 Shows How People’s Lives Have Changed

Internet usage has skyrocketed throughout this period as people look for a way to entertain themselves. Entertainment outlets include streaming sites such as Netflix, which have received hikes in traffic, and search queries. This also includes gif usage, which allows people to express themselves when they communicate. Giphy has seen the usage of its GIFs rise 33% over the past month.

The company said in a blog post:

“Giphy is a natural form of expression for these digital conversations. As such, our data has become a barometer for how people are feeling and choosing to express themselves … While we have seen searches for ‘coronavirus’ increase significantly over the past month, we have also seen positivity and encouragement take flight on Giphy.”

Searches related to working from home skyrocketed by nearly 35 times compared with previous months.  There was also data suggesting changes in daily routine. Searches that were previously prone to morning or evening surges were more evenly distributed throughout the day.

Searches for sleep, conversely, were down, which Giphy attributed to the lack of commuting.

People are also consuming more content than ever, and there is plenty of evidence in Giphy’s search data. They found that searches related to television and entertainment were seeing massive spikes.

As for the elephant in the room, Giphy said searches for events such as International Woman’s Day dominated the beginning of March, with only minimal searches related to the coronavirus, but by the week of March 9, when quarantine orders began emerging, terms related to the coronavirus led Giphy.

 

8 Side Hustles to Make $1000 Monthly

Intizar Ali
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8 Side Hustles to Make $1000 Monthly

Whether you are off travelling, want to work from home or are simply trying to get some more money saved up each month, there are now more and more ways than ever to bring in some extra income without enrolling in a typical day job.

While there are plenty of opportunities in 2020 to start your own business, sometimes you want something that helps you bring in the cash without making any big commitments or investments. Luckily, there’s plenty of opportunities to do that too. Here’s 8 side hustles that can help you bring in $1000 monthly.

Online Tutoring

Being fluent in English is one of the biggest assets for earning cash wherever you are in the world. There are thousands of people all over the globe who want to learn English and lots of online platforms designed to help you teach them remotely. Most sites require a bachelor’s degree but not previous teaching experience. Sign up, complete the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course they provide and get started right away. TeachAway, iTutorGroup and VIPKid are popular options which provide you with simple syllabuses and easy-to-use lesson dashboards to tutor foreign children and adults. You can earn around $22 per hour and easily clock in enough hours per week to get paid a nice lump sum at the end of the month.

Take Online Surveys

Filling out online surveys for money might not bring in the big bucks each time but it’s an easy, mindless task which you can generate a nice income from if you complete enough each month. They can also be done from anywhere at any time, so you can even side hustle your extra cash on your daily commute or while you’re binging Netflix. Survey Junkie is a popular option if you are living in the US, Canada or Australia – it uses a point system, where each survey you complete gives you 50-450 points and 100 points equals $1. Swagbucks is a similar, international platform with the same points system and an added bonus of letting you earn points when you browse the web using its own search engine.

Join TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is a handy solution for people who don’t have the ability or time to carry out DIY tasks but do have the money to pay someone else to. Whether clients need help moving house, cleaning their kitchen or putting together IKEA furniture, you can get paid to carry out simple jobs at a rate of your choosing. There are also tasks which require more specialist skills, such as fixing someone’s toilet or rewiring someone’s wall, which you can fairly charge more for. Just download the app, browse for local tasks and start earning as much money on the side as you can.

Be a Social Media Manager

You would be surprised how many small businesses around you are only lacking in sales because they aren’t utilizing social media marketing properly. Setting a local business up on Google Business, Facebook and Instagram and helping them target content to the right audience will be invaluable to them, and can earn you anywhere between $20-200 per hour. Research which local companies could do with some digital help and create a short proposal to pitch to them. It’s a good idea to include statistics and examples which show how impressions, reach and engagement on social media can grow their business. 

Rent Out Your Belongings on Fat Llama

If you don’t want to sell that professional camera you rarely use or the expensive guitar you inherited, it doesn’t mean you can’t make some money out of it. Fat Llama allows you to rent out almost anything, allowing you to earn hundreds if not thousands of dollars a month without making any permanent losses. They help you connect with people who want to borrow what you have and cover the items you are renting up to £25,000 – all you have to do is upload some decent photos of your belongings and wait for a pick-up.

User-Test Websites

All businesses, corporations and independent individuals with a customer-facing website or app know that they need it to be as user-friendly as possible to make it worth their while. Enter Usertesting.com. They offer site owners user-testing to help them target, engage and convert their traffic efficiently, and they pay you to carry out those tests. You can get paid up to $60 to navigate a site and provide a commentary of your user journey, completing a set of tasks while recording your experience. All you need is a working computer with an internet connection and microphone, the ability to download their testing software, the ability to speak your thoughts aloud in English and be 18+ years old.

Write Content

Freelance writing is one of the biggest opportunities for people who have a way with words, and you get to do what you’re good at from anywhere in the world. Blogging is one of the most profitable ventures for writers, either ghost-writing or being a regular contributor of articles on a topic that you know well. Most blogs pay at least $50 per piece, with some niche websites even going up to $200. Research around your fields of expertise, whether it’s parenting, amateur golf or travel photography, and find sites with a “Write For Us” section. Note that it might be worth having a portfolio of previous written work to showcase, or even a freelance writer website, if you’re going to reach out and cold pitch to clients.

Online Website Tesst

Proofread

Authors, students and professionals from all over require proofreaders and it can be an easy side hustle provided you can get started. Proving that you are an expert proofreader can be tough and bid sites such as Upwork and Fiverr only offer very competitive rates for beginners. The trick is using your network – businesses or individuals that you know – to hire you via these platforms and show some glowing reviews that will get the ball rolling. Once you can demonstrate that you are a recommended proofreader and clients know that they can trust you, you’ll be able to set a much higher $ per hour and get enough projects to bring in some more serious income.

 

Who Can be a Legal Notary: Facts and Tips?

Intizar Ali
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Who Can be a Legal Notary: Facts and Tips?

you may have heard this word especially if you are living in the United States of America. Still, a lot of people are confused about the notary services, I have gathered some knowledge through various news and laws ascribed for notary services in various parts of the world. Especially in America where these services are considered quite common and reliable. 

Read more about DC Mobile Notary

Before we head-on, let us clear the impression of what a notary is? A notary can be an individual or a group of people. Without doubt of reproach, you can trust a person who has got the licensee for notary services. In America, there are services that can be trusted as it has offered many services. 

Coming back to the topic of discussion let us clarify our views about some legal; services that can be obtained ed by persons who claim to be a legal notary and apostille services. 

Usually, a solicitor is a notary who sometimes passes some exams developed and designed by the state and attains the legal license for the services. you need to check the following things before you hire a notary service.

Check If the Person is Reliable

This is the most important thing you need to check before handing over your documents. You may feel that the individual is reliable by the way he talks and describe a thing. 

The most solid way for checking the reliability is checking the license if the state has issues or the qualification which is required for a person for attaining this rank by the state. 

Fee is not a Sign of Trust Worthiness

In many states such as in developing countries, people tend to opt for these services for free. Thus, you cannot gauge the reliability of a notary just by reckoning his charges. 

Ask some experiences 

Because a notary can be anyone, even a schoolteacher who is capable of understanding state matters and have got the license. 

However, in different states and countries, they have got a list of professionals who can be a notary providing notary services. 

They are the following in America and Canada. Especially in America you can get a I-9 verification.

  • Notary public, many people confuse notary services with Notary public and think both are different but, in fact, a notary public is the organization having people who are eligible for attesting and approving your documents. 
  • Lawyers can be notary service providers, and in many cases, they are considered as the most reliable persons. 
  • People designated at embassies, they can also sign your documents for verification and reliability. 
  • Members of parliament, in many states they are also considered as one of the best possible options, but in developing countries, they are quite difficult to contact. 
  • A social worker, who have got the license and certificates for social work. You can consult them for your documents. 
  • A clerk at the city hall, a pharmacist, surgeon, doctor, teacher of high school preferably with a law degree or a social science degree. All these people can be quite helpful. 

This list will vary in different countries. But according to Carms.zensk.com these are the persons you must look for if you are asked to provide notarized documents. 

Lastly, a notary can not be a family member, in numerous states if your family member, mostly some form your immediate relations is a notary even if he is eligible to notarize people’s documents, he will not be eligible for verifying it. If you are in America you can contact DC mobile notary if you are unable to find any of these.  

Documents you need to notarize

There is a long list of documents you ought to notarize in case you have not notarized them by a reliable person or group the n while using them various strict states can stop you because they will not be trusting you. 

The following documents must be notarized before using them.

  • Educational and academic records especially if you will be using them for moving abroad. 
  • Legal documents such as case rulings and notices, if you will be utilizing them as pieces of evidence. 
  • Documents for immigration, they must be notarized by the embassy. 
  • Business documents and treaties. 
  • Land records and tax records which can be used for credibility. 
  • Documents for overseas marriage. 
  • Birth certificates and passport copies can also be notarized, this will come under personal documents.  

   

Drones Are Officially Legal In Kenya

Shera
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Drones Are Officially Legal In Kenya

The Civil Aviation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2019 Act has been approved, which means Kenyans have won the legal right to own and operate drones. Previously it was technically illegal for anyone but the military to have a drone in the country.

This win helps businesses and individuals who require the devices for photography or content creation, mapping or rescue missions among other things. For a long time, the law derailed drone programs from major players including Facebook, Uber Google, and the Kenya Red Cross. There has been an extensive history of getting drones approved for public use.

In 2016, drone enthusiasts insisted on a licensing system so they could use them in the country. This was easily granted, and in February 2017, Kenya became the second African country after Rwanda to approve the use of non-military drones. Regardless, the rules were still relatively strict, limiting the times and even models that could be flown.

Things took a turn in June 2018 when the Kenyan Parliament invalidated drone regulations from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). Flying a drone became punishable by a prison sentence of up to 12 months. These were due to several concerns, including a lack of public participation, insufficient attention to personal privacy, and inconsistencies in the application of fines.

However, in 2019 progress was made when Parliament considered revised rules, that have since been approved on the 30th of March 2020.

In determining whether to register a drone or issue any authorization licence, the Authority shall consider the following:

  • The national security of Kenya,
  • Terrorism or organized criminal activities;
  • Preservation of regional peace, security and stability;
  • Risk of diversion of UAS to unauthorized end user or end
    use;
  • Risk to public safety;
  • If applicant is subject of investigations in ongoing criminal
    or civil proceedings related to national security; or
  • If applicant is subject to administrative investigations by the
    Authority.

A person shall be eligible to own a drone if that person is –

  • A Kenyan Citizen or resident in Kenya of minimum age of
    eighteen years;
  • A company registered in Kenya: or
  • The national government or County government

A certificate issued by the Authority shall be valid for 12 months.

Exporting and Importing 

  • A person shall not import a drone or a component thereof without a permit issued by the Authority. Before issuing a permit , the Authority shall seek and obtain the necessary security clearance and approval from the Ministry for the time being responsible for matters relating to defense.
  • A person who intends to export a Kenyan registered drone shall notify the Authority in writing and obtain a deregistration certificate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPPO Reno 3 now available in Kenya for pre-orders

Val Lukhanyu
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OPPO Reno 3 now available in Kenya for pre-orders

 OPPO has opened the pre-order for its new generation of “Fashionable Image Master” Reno3 in Kenya. Part of OPPO’s flagship model category, Reno series. The OPPO Reno3 is set to empower users to capture clear images under any life scenario. Packed with a revolutionary camera, the versatile OPPO Reno3 marks another milestone of OPPO’s consistent pursuit of bringing the latest technology to its users.

The phone is now available in  Kenya for Pre-orders up to 12th April at KSH 39,999 ahead of its official launch on April 15th. The pre-order package includes a pair of OPPO headphones and an in-vehicle phone charger.

The phone houses a 48MP, 20x Digital Zoom Camera; a first-of-it’s kind 44MP Front Camera with Ultra Night Selfie Mode and Ultra Steady Video 2.0. Along with OPPO’s latest ColorOS 7 based on Android 10. Including many cutting-edge imaging technologies and design techniques. Perfectly fitted into the Reno3, making it a highly competitive and trendy photography smartphone.

According to Muthoni Wachira, OPPO Kenya PR & Corporate Communications Manager said, “We are confident that Reno3 will carry on the Reno legacy by providing its users with a holistic experience, further strengthening our regional market presence, and redefining the way trend-setting elites leverage new-age technology on their smartphones.”

lastly, Following the directive by the Government on the importance of social distancing. To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Customers can make their pre-orders for the OPPO Reno3 via the OPPO Kenya Facebook Page.

SMS Marketing Tips Every Start-up Owner Should Know

Fredrick Gitaka
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SMS marketing is one of the most effective ways of reaching an audience. Almost every message sent has a 99 percent chance of being opened within minutes of being sent. If you understand how to leverage this avenue, it will be easy to reap good results. It is about keeping it simple and direct to the point. It is considered one of the most effective channels due to its high read and response rates.

Here, we tell you how to do it right, give you top text marketing tactics and its effectiveness in a small business.

Do not Confuse your Audience

Text marketing may come across as fairly simple, but it must be done right and with caution. You want to avoid confusing consumers with short codes and keywords. Otherwise, if the people you are sending out the texts to do not understand them, they will not respond as intended.

The keyword is the product or service you are selling. For instance, if you offer cleaning services, ‘cleaning services at a discounted price’ should be your keyword. The point is using keywords that are easy to remember. Reread your SMS before sending to ensure your smartphone autocorrect does not alter them.

Do not go Over 160 Characters

Most consumers have a very short attention span. Use your words wisely, being careful only to include relevant phrases, and make it engaging and short. In text marketing, 160 characters is the pivotal number. It is a number that can redefine marketing. One of the best ways of saving space is by using a URL shortener when including links.

You could also create a branded short URL to boost the recognition of your brand. Text marketing intends to get consumers to click on a link not to oversell the benefits of your product. If you have a promotion, be brief on the benefits and the percentage they will be saving. For new releases, include the date, time and place.

Timing is the Ultimate Determiner of Success

In business SMS marketing, timing matters. Your timing must be optimised to fine-tune your marketing outreach. When it comes to sending out bulk messages to consumers, timing is virtual, crucial, and is everything. Begin by defining the most accurate time for mass marketing. It will be easy for you to predict the response level of your audience on your campaigns.

Try by sending on the best day of the week and the right time, such as a Friday mid-morning. For reminders, events and appointments, weekends, particularly Saturday, will be perfect. However, all this depends on the type of business you manage.

If you run a night club and are planning promotions, schedule your text message for evening hours. For a coffee shop, a morning text will yield the best results. Businesses are different, therefore, perform background research to identify when your target audience is more likely to make a purchasing decision.

Communicate your Agenda

Have a clear call-to-action. In text messaging, this is a rule you must never forget. This form of marketing is relatively new, and unfortunately, many marketers believe that it will automatically trigger a response.

However, you will need a clear objective in every message sent to prompt the recipient to act. It is also highly advisable to only send out the message to people who have expressed some interest in your brand. Segment your messages to reach your audience more strategically in terms of the tone and language used. Make it simple and non-intrusive.

A business SMS campaign is a promising channel for start-ups. Perhaps, there has never been a better time for small businesses to leverage text messaging. Although most consumers are online and on social media, a large number have phones and receive and send SMS messages. The trick is keeping it simple without making the recipient think too hard of what you mean.

Kenyan tech icon Ory Okolloh steps down from Omidyar Network

Milcah Lukhanyu
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Ory Okolloh will be stepping down from Omidyar Group’s Omidyar Network and Luminate Group where currently serves as Managing Director.

Ory announced on Twitter that she will be leaving the organization end of April after seven years of service. Luminate, part of Omidyar Group funds non-profit and for-profit organisations that improve advocacy, civic participation and transparency.

Ory has also been at the forefront of Omidyar Network’s investments in Africa. Prior to this, the law and political science graduate from the Harvard Law School and the University of Pittsburgh respectively was Google’s policy manager for Africa and co-founder and executive director of Ushahidi and Mzalendo.com.

Recently, Ory led the team that launched Baraza Media Lab in Kenya to support press independence. Launched in partnership with Mettā, the $1m Baraza Media Lab aims to boost the capacity of journalists and publishers to report in the public interest. It’s a space for Kenyan journalists, publishers, and media entrepreneurs to meet, collaborate and share skills.

For years, the Kenyan media sector has faced pressing challenges – including commercial pressure, low capacity, a legal framework fraught with gaps, and weak cooperation with external stakeholders. The Baraza Media Lab is expected to serve as a catalyst to rekindle strong skills development, more collaboration, and ultimately stronger independence in the sector.

“From providing an enabling environment for independent media to thrive, to supporting collaboration and providing the space for innovation to happen within the media industry, the Baraza Media Lab will be an important anchor for journalists and entrepreneurs alike,” Ory said during the Baraza Media Lab launch. “We look forward to working with the community and other partners as we build something transformative.”

Ory also serves on the Board of Directors of the Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company, Twiga Foods, Endeavor Kenya and Stanbic Holdings.

Twitter will be sharing your data with advertisers

Val Lukhanyu
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Twitter will be sharing your data with advertisers

Twitter has removed a feature that previously allowed users to stop sharing data with advertisers. Twitter has disabled the setting for users to help the company continue to operate as a free service. From now, the information will be shared by default.

The shared data will show the efficacy of advertising on the app. And it helps Twitter prove that people are actually watching, interacting with, and otherwise seeing the ads that advertisers are paying for.

According to a Twitter spokesperson, “the update is part of our ongoing work around transparency and control. We want to ensure that people understand the settings we provide, what they do, and how to use them.”

What happens is, when Twitter receives information about you, it will use that information to improve its services including personalizing your Twitter experience and for other purposes.  The process will involve sharing non-public personal information with their partners.

“The availability of ad data has had a big impact on Twitter’s earnings in the past. Last year, they blamed an earnings miss on a bug that prevented it from properly using and sharing this kind of ad data. At the same time”

Twitter had also mentioned that a bug had made them ignore some user settings to prevent certain data from being shared.

The mobile ad data will still be kept private for users in the European Union. The European Free Trade Association, and the United Kingdom. However, they can opt in to sharing their information is they so wish to.

 Additionally, though these partnerships may operate globally, the setting only applies in the specific regions.

Zipline rival Swoop Aero raises funding to help curb COVID-19 in Africa

Milcah Lukhanyu
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Swoop Aero, a Melbourne-based drone startup operating a fleet of drones delivering medical supplies in Malawi in a bid to help curb the COVID-19 pandemic.

Swoop Aero, founded in 2017, received a further Venture Capital investment, co-led by venture capital firms Tempus Partners and Right Click Capital to help it commence flight operations to deliver vaccines by drone in the Équateur province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The firm said it would use the funds to fuel its growth across Africa and into Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. The firm, founded by former air force pilot Eric Peck and mechatronics engineer Josh Tepper in 2017, competes Zipline, which has been in operations in Africa longer and has been championing pan-African expansion too.

Eric Peck, CEO and Co-Founder of Swoop Aero, said, “Looking to 2020, Swoop Aero is well-positioned to continue scaling its operations and transporting essential supplies and medical samples between an increasing number of locations around the world. We’re a growing professional organisation with an unbeatable technical background. Our operations team includes former air force pilots, current commercial pilots, and leading engineers, meaning we are ideally positioned to enable access for in-need communities in locations that have previously been the hardest places to reach in the world.”

Last year, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, VillageReach and Gavi, the vaccine alliance, Swoop Aero commenced drone transport flights in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) supplying life-saving vaccines and medical supplies following an Ebola outbreak in the region.

With the potential to carry vaccines and other essential medicines in remote communities, the firm is now helping curb the spread of COVID-19 by using drones to bridge the “last mile” between hard-to-reach populations and the vital healthcare products they need.

Powered by an in-house control system, leveraging high bandwidth, low-cost satellite links, the Swoop Aero drone are made of 3D-printed carbon fibre shell, commercial off-the-shelf components and use solar energy. The firm is currently working in partnership with USAID Global Health Supply Chain, UK Aid, and UNICEF in Malawi.

Swoop provides medical supplies for diseases such as AIDS but ready to carry COVID-19 test kits in Malawi and globally. One drone can carry 10 coronavirus testing kits into remote villages without risk of infection, across bad terrain.

Swoop Aero secured a multimillion-dollar investment from Australian venture capital firms Tempus Partners and Right Click Capital. Alister Coleman, Partner at Tempus Partners and Garry Visontay, Partner at Right Click Capital have both joined the Swoop Aero Board as Directors.

Right Click Capital invests in early-stage, high-growth technology businesses in the Asia-Pacific region, offering financial backing, the benefit of extensive experience in building and scaling technology businesses, and access to a global network through the Draper Venture Network.

Garry Visontay, Partner at Right Click Capital, said, “Our philosophy is to support founders who are building remarkable businesses, and work with them to make their vision a reality. Highlighted by their work in the DRC, Swoop Aero has an enormous potential to revolutionise on-demand medical care. Their unique technology enables the cost-effective delivery of essential medical services across inhospitable terrain, unpredictable waterways and mountain ranges. We’re delighted to continue supporting Eric and Josh as they grow their business and reach more of the world’s population that don’t have access to essential medical care.”

Tempus Partners, founded in 2013, has invested in revolutionary startups across the world such as Auror, HealthMatch, Ansarada and Freelancer.

In a statement, Alister Coleman, Partner at Tempus Partners, said, “Swoop Aero is an incredible company with a world class founding team. On-time delivery of pharmaceuticals and pathology across long distances holds back the progress of modern medicine, and Swoop Aero’s disruptive work across the globe, including in the DRC and Vanuatu, is re-shaping the bounds of healthcare, pathology and critical drug delivery. We are excited about the work the company is doing, and in Swoop Aero’s continued growth and expansion in the home markets of Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.”

Working Remotely Due to COVID-19? Here’s What Business Owners Need to Know

Milcah Lukhanyu
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If you’ve been forced to unexpectedly close the office due to the recent outbreak of Coronavirus, you may be apprehensive about how you’re going to keep your business running like clockwork without having the usual face-to-face contact with employees.

You may be in the fortunate position that your team can continue to work on a remote basis as you oversee their activity. If you have never run your business remotely before, it can be difficult to know how to do so effectively.

In this guide, we’re going to provide some useful tips for business owners to take into consideration on how to successfully run a business from the comfort of their own home, without unnecessary hiccups.

  • Set clear expectations

As you’ll be unable to assist employees by sitting down and talking through the task list, it’s important to set clear expectations and guidelines of their tasks. 63% of companies don’t have a remote working policy, which can lead to complications and limited productivity. Being clear and concise with your instructions and informing the team about what is happening across different departments of the company will boost collaborative working and limit confusion.

  • Be available

Make sure you’re willing to offer an open flow of communication with your employees so that they feel comfortable in asking for help and advice when they need it. If they’re unable to contact you when problems arise, problems can occur, which may result in lost time.

You may be happy to stick to traditional emails that are answered on an as-and-when basis, but if you’d prefer to answer queries rapidly, a live chat option may be best. Less formal chat platforms include Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp Business; however, Slack and Chanty are designed specifically for remote teams, allowing employees to communicate on group chats, send attachments, and conduct voice and video calls.

  • Use an HR platform 

When it comes to certain tasks such as payroll, time and scheduling, and even hiring employees and freelancers, being out of the office can prove problematic. You may even have had to make cuts to your staff as a result of the financial stress of COVID-19. Luckily, these tasks can be managed on specialized platforms, such as HRIS Zenefits, from the comfort of your own home. The advantage of this platform is that you don’t have to worry about hiring external workers to temporarily take care of these responsibilities.

  • Cloud-connected tools

Making sure that all your employees can stay connected is essential for remote-based working. Cloud computing is a vital component of completing tasks on a day-to-day basis, as documents can be accessed and shared easily between team members. You may already have this form of technology set up for your business, but if not, it’s certainly time you researched the best platforms to suit your company. There are several options to choose from, and they all have different benefits, including the likes of:

  • Sage Drive
  • Office 365
  • Dropbox
  • AutoEntry

Zoom removes meeting IDs to boost security

Val Lukhanyu
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Zoom removes meeting IDs to boost security

Zoom has released a new update that removes meeting IDs from the title bar during meetings to improve security for users. In recent days, the meeting ids exposed users to security threats, including unwanted guests crashing and harassing strangers in video chats.

Zoom has further removed the client IDs from the title bar when conducting a meeting. The app has updated to a new software version including changing of existing features, removing meeting IDs, moving invite button to participants panel among other features.

Following the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic, users have sort to use zoom for their meetings and everything video which has created a user upsurge. As of last month, the app reported over 200 million active users from 10 million in December.

Following the user complaints about the security, of the app last week, Zoom CEO Eric Yuan in a blog post. He announced that they would be working on the key areas to strengthen the app. Some of the features include freezing any work not directed towards safety. Or the privacy of the users for the next 90 days.

Additionally, the company was to conduct a review with third-party experts, running a series of security penetration among other tests. And also hold weekly webinars to provide updates to users in the 90 days.

As at now, Zoom has come up with two new developments that will help them bolster security on the app.  The events include forming a CISCO council and Advisory board that provides for security leaders from across industries.

“Within our CISO Council, we are establishing an Advisory Board that will include a subset of CISOs. Who will act as advisors to me personally. This group will enable me to be a more effective and thoughtful leader. It will help ensure that privacy and security are at the forefront of everything we do at Zoom. The initial members of our Advisory Board will include security leaders from VMware, Netflix, Uber, Electronic Arts, and others.” said Yuan.

As part of their 90-day commitment. Zoom has added Alex Stamos as an external advisor who is an expert in cybersecurity. He will help implement controls and practices.

Lastly, they hosted their first webinar yesterday to provide privacy and security updates to the zoom community.

Illustrator Creates Alternative Logos For Local Brands With A Covid 19 Twist

Shera
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Illustrator Creates Alternative Logos For Local Brands With A Covid 19 Twist

Many Kenyans are stuck at home in an effort to remain safe and avoid contamination, and as a result, a lot of them have found new ways to entertain themselves. Kenyans are becoming more creative with their content with more time on their hands.

One such Kenyan is an illustrator called Simon Kaguru who has gone viral on Twitter for his creative spin on local brand logos. He re-created the logos of several Kenyan companies including Safaricom, Kenya Airways, Java, and Telecom.

In recent weeks, we have been feed with messaging encouraging cleanliness or sanitizing, wearing masks, as well as staying home. However, what if brands decided to use their popular logos to spread hygiene awareness due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Kaguru took the words that have been edged into the minds of Kenyans for the past few weeks and included them in four of Kenya’s biggest brands.

On his Behance profile, he says that he borrowed the idea from another creative, Jure Tovrljan who imagined how logos from various brands would look like during this time. Jure used logos from Mastercard, Starbucks, NBA, Nike, Mobil, Olympics, LinkedIn and more. Jure’s creatives went viral back in March and Simon’s attempts to do something similar seem to be just as successful.

1. Safaricom

Illustrator Creates Alternative Logos For Local Brands With A Covid 19 Twist
image: Twitter

Safaricom has already done quite a lot for its customers in light of the economic situation caused by Coronavirus. They introduced a ‘Bonga Points For Good’ initiative that allows customers to shop at most local supermarkets with a specific number of points. They increased the M-Pesa transaction limit in March, as well as cut transaction fees for anyone sending money that is less than Kes 1000. However, they could still do more, like twitter user @derroh_ said, “Hey just like you did with Eliud Kipchoge, I think the first Logo will look good on you.”

2. Kenya Airways

Illustrator Creates Alternative Logos For Local Brands With A Covid 19 Twist

image: Twitter

To comply with a directive to cease all incoming and outgoing international passenger traffic, Kenya Airways decided to temporarily suspend all international services until further notice. This logo would go fantastic with their current efforts.

3. Java

Illustrator Creates Alternative Logos For Local Brands With A Covid 19 Twist
image: Twitter

Java has also taken note of how customers are unable to eat at their cafe outlets, and have provided take out offers so customers can continue enjoying the Java experience. This play on words on Java’s alternative logo could be just what the brand needs to get their customer’s attention during this time.

4. CIC Insurance

Illustrator Creates Alternative Logos For Local Brands With A Covid 19 Twist
image: Twitter

5. Cellulant

image: Twitter

Which do you prefer the most?

Pornhub Reports an Increase Especially After Coronavirus Outbreak

Vanessa Waithera
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Pornhub Reports an Increase Especially After Coronavirus Outbreak

As the coronavirus continues to spread, health officials around the world have called on the public to practice social distancing.

Schools have closed, major events have been canceled, and employees have been encouraged, or forced, to work from home.

For some, these disruptions to daily life have resulted in a lot of stress and additional free time, which has apparently boosted Pornhub views. No surprise there.

The popular adult site released some statistics that shed more light on the pandemic’s effect on its web traffic.

“As the coronavirus spread around the world, Pornhub’s traffic did grow, but perhaps more interesting, we found that people were choosing to visit Pornhub at different times,” the report read.Pornhub’s worldwide traffic 5.7 percent higher than usual for a Wednesday.”

The platform’s statisticians found that 2 a.m. was 11 percent higher than usual, while the 8 a.m. traffic took a 9 percent lower than the average.

Pornhub suspects these changes were due to the surge of remote work, as “people who did not need to commute to work the next day stayed up later and slept in longer than they normally would.”

According to the data, average traffic increased across 30 countries on March 11. There was a 2.5 percent spike in the U.S. and Canada, 5.9 percent in Spain, 8.2 percent in the United Kingdom, and 10. 9 percent in the Netherlands. The biggest surge, however, was the 13.8 percent surge in Italy, which was placed under a national quarantine on March 9.

Twitter CEO Allocates $1 Billion To COVID-19 Relief Efforts

Vanessa Waithera
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Twitter CEO Allocates $1 Billion To COVID-19 Relief Efforts

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey is allocating $1 billion in his personal share equity to a new fund that will initially aim to assist in COVID-19 relief efforts.

In a tweet thread, Dorsey explained that he has allocated more than $40 million to various causes and organizations over the years, though mostly anonymously. Now, Dorsey says, any donations and grants will be public. Given he’s utilizing share equity, as opposed to direct cash, that makes sense – though even with that concession, the allocation is significant.

Dorsey says that the funding will benefit both Twitter and Square over the long-term “because it’s helping the people we want to serve”.

As noted in Dorsey’s original tweet, once the COVID-19 pandemic is under control, the funding will switch to girls’ health and education, and universal basic income, which Dorsey says represent the best long-term solutions to the existential problems facing the world.

Many CEOs and billionaires have been criticized for keeping quiet amid the pandemic.

With systems collapsing, and people losing their jobs all around them, those with the capacity to offer the greatest financial assistance have largely remained out of the picture, with some even seeking additional government funding to prop-up their businesses.

But there are exceptions. Facebook Mark Zuckerberg has donated millions to research and relief efforts through the Chan Zuckerberg initiative, which he operates with his wife Priscilla, while Microsoft founder Bill Gates recently announced that he would be investing billions to fund the construction of factories for COVID-19 vaccines, despite the fact that a lot of that money will go to waste on vaccine trials that don’t eventually make it through to production. Yet, even so, building the infrastructure is necessary for testing, which will speed up the process, and ensure the delivery of a viable vaccine faster than normal methods.

Dorsey says that he hopes his donation will inspire others in similar positions as him to do the same.

“Life is too short, so let’s do everything we can today to help people now.”

Given that Dorsey is also under pressure to retain his job as Twitter CEO, it’s a significant commitment. And it will, indeed, be interesting to see if other billionaires follow Dorsey’s lead, and look to donate for the greater good.

Best DVRs to get your hands on in 2020

Fredrick Gitaka
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It won’t be wrong if I say that the Best DVR is just an arm’s length away. I have taken the labor of testing some of the top-rated ones based on factors like best value overall, best for local channels, best pick on a budget, best one for storage, and the best fit for multi recording. These were some of the considerations before coming up with a final list, read on and see which one suits your particular needs best.

Hopper 3 DVR from DISH: Best Overall

The DVR that comes with DISH subscription has the ability to record up to 16 shows simultaneously with 2TB (500 hours) of recording capabilities. The cost starts at $15 per month, a bit pricey but if you’re a TV fanatic, the features it comes packed with, will conveniently do justice to the attached price tag and it is the most satisfying thing after the Breaking Bad season finale. The 2TB of storage can hold entire 30 seasons of the Simpsons good for an entire month, in case you are stuck at home.

Hopper 3 supports a smart home perfectly, just keep those Echo Dots handy to have a hands free TV watching experience in any part of your house with the Joey receivers helping you connect extra TVs. Moreover, in case you wish to move away from your living room and want to take your TV with you, the Dish anywhere app lets you download recorded programs on your mobile phones and tablets, conveniently.

Contour Record 6 DVR from Cox: Best Basic DVR

This one doesn’t look like much when compared to the set of features offered by the Hopper 3, however, it still manages to keep up with the expectations of a digital TV viewer. Cox knows how to treat a couch potato right, see cox cable prices for more competitive packages and discounts. The Contour Record 6 comes with a storage space of 250 hrs, with the ability to record 6 shows simultaneously, it has a live TV fast-forward feature with a scan-able display screen, TV show, and movie recommendations. However, you need a cox cable subscription to enjoy these features.

Cox also offers an app that can let you watch live and some on-demand shows on your phone or tablet while on the go so you are never bored while waiting for your turn at the Doctor’s clinic. I won’t say that this DVR is perfect but it certainly isn’t a bad choice if you like to keep things rather simple.

TiVo Bolt VOX DVR: Best third-party DVR

TiVo might not look as big as the Amazon Fire recast but that doesn’t make it any less than that. It has over 1TB in storage with 150 hours of recording space. Moreover, it comes with four tuners to let you record four different TV shows from four different channels simultaneously.

The best part, once you make the purchase of this DVR, you no longer have to pay that monthly rental fee, which lets you access all the recordings whenever you want. The controller comes with very natty features, such as speaking in the controller lets you change channels, record and even schedule TV shows. The best part, all you need is to press a single button and you are saved from the pain of watching that never-ending train of advertisements.

TiVo remote comes with a lot of buttons and this might come off as a little too overwhelming for someone who likes things to be minimalistic. However, if buttons don’t bother you much, TiVo is the one for you. The only con that I came across was the hefty subscription fee that you still have to pay. Share your experience in the comments below!

Facebook announces new Messenger desktop app Mac OS and Windows

Val Lukhanyu
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Facebook announces new Messenger desktop app Mac OS and Windows

Facebook has recently announced a new messenger app for Mac and Windows. The launch comes after the company recorded a 100 per cent increase in audio and video calling.

The new messenger app will enable Facebook users to make video calls from their desktop. The app will also support chats just the mobile version. Currently, the app is available on Microsoft store for windows 10 and Mac App Store for OS X 10.10 or later.

“Now more than ever, people are using technology to stay in touch with the people they care about, even when physically apart. Over the past month, we saw more than a 100% increase in people using their desktop browser for audio and video calling on Messenger. Now with apps for macOS and Windows, the best of Messenger is coming to desktop, including unlimited and free group video calls.”

Some of the highlights on the messenger app include group video calls on a larger screen which means you can stay in touch with friends and family without necessarily having to meet them.

The messenger app is easy to connect. As well, you are ankle to multitask as your chats are easily accessible. You can also enable chat sync so that you never miss a call or an update at any time.

Additionally, the app allows notifications while still giving you full control to either mute or snooze at any time.  you can quickly find the chat you’re looking for.

Compared to the mobile app, the larger desktop screen gives you a great view and easy connection with anyone you are friends with on Facebook. This will also reduce the use of emails or phone calls significantly.  A major win is on the dark mode and the fact that it allows you to multitask.

 

Huawei set to launch Huawei Y7p featuring a 48MP AI Triple camera setup

Val Lukhanyu
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Huawei set to launch Huawei Y7p featuring a 48MP AI Triple camera setup

Huawei Mobile Kenya is set to launch Huawei Y7p on April 17th 2020. The device is a step from other smartphones in the mid-range segment. The phone features a  48MP AI Triple camera setup, which is comprised of a 48MP main camera that focuses on high-resolution images and videos. It comes with an 8MP ultra-wide camera for 120-degree ultra-wide photos and videos. It comes with a 2MP depth assist camera for depth-of-field effects. 

Huawei Y7p is being touted because of its 48MP AI Triple Camera targeted at youthful lovers of photography and social media apps such as Instagram.

Speaking on the launch, Huawei Mobile Kenya Country Head, Jim Zhujie said, “Mid-range smartphones are often limited by their price point. And in most situations, they have to sacrifice key features. Even users who opt for smartphones in this segment have to settle for less”

“However, Huawei’s famed Y series adds a spin to this segment with smartphones that bring powerful features and trend-setting designs seen on flagship devices. The latest addition to this series is the HUAWEI Y7p. Which brings to the segment a powerful 48MP AI Triple camera. It also adds a stylish design, solid performance features and a lot more.” 

“Huawei Y7p also brings to the segment powerful AI camera. Which recognizes more than 500 scenes in 21 categories such as beaches, sky and fireworks. It adjusts the required settings for a perfect shot. This set up will surely give its users a chance to get creative. And also allow them to enjoy the best of smartphone photography and videography, without having to go out of their budget.’ He concluded.

Key Specs Huawei Y7p

Width:   76.13 mm
Height:   159.81 mm
Depth:   8.13 mm  
Weight: Approx 176 g ( plus battery)  
Colour Midnight Black & Aurora Blue
Display 6.39 inches
CPU:         Kirin 710F Octa-core Processor 4 x Cortex-A73 Based 2.2 GHz + 4 x Cortex-A53 Based 1.7 GHz  
GPU:   Mali G51-MP4
OS   EMUI 9.1 (Based on Android 9)
RAM   4 GB
MEMORY 64 GB ROM External Memory Support: Micro SD Card, up to 512 GB
Rear Camera:     48 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP
Front Camera:     8 MP
BATTERY 4000 mAh (Typical Value)  

llara Health launches readiness package to fight COVID-19 in Kenya

Val Lukhanyu
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llara Health launches readiness package to fight COVID-19 in Kenya

llara Health has launched a  readiness package that will allow Kenyan peri-urban clinics and pharmacies to be the first line of defence against the COVID-19 pandemic. The package will include a self-assessment chatbot and clinic-based triage tools for symptom checking. It will also include digital symptom checkers including a COVID-19 health assessment tool and clinical decision support software.

The readiness package will prepare small first-stop health facilities to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic through a better point of care diagnostic equipment and tools for improved clinical decision support and guidelines for self-care. The package will also alleviate part of the burden on the national public hospital infrastructure by helping manage patient flow and promoting information transfer to minimize alarm in these peri-urban areas.

“Our llara Health COVID-19 readiness package is focused on protecting and preparing the small clinics we work with. They have usually forgotten areas, such as the peri-urban communities. Our accessible point of care systems will help them identify those patients with underlying conditions. Who are most susceptible to serious COVID-19 complications and can play a crucial role in patient triage at the primary care level. As we have seen across the world, having an effective first line of defence can be a very effective tool for flattening the curve of COVID-19 cases. Our readiness package is a fast, safe and practical solution to this epidemic. It can be managed locally relieving pressure from national facilities who would struggle to cope under sustained pressure.” said Emilian Popa, CEO and Co-founder of Ilara Health

70 per cent of clinical decisions require diagnostic tests before undergoing the required, curative treatment. Over 500 million people across Sub Saharan Africa struggle to access or afford basic diagnostic services.  The llara Health point of care (PoC) diagnostic device offers financing to medical facilities in peri-urban areas across Africa. Facilities that were previously unable to access the prohibitively expensive legacy devices. Are now able to offer their patients desperately needed diagnostics through Ilara Health’s affordable PoC devices.

In the event, the virus becomes more generalized and starts to affect peri-urban populations. Ilara Health’s partner facilities will be ready to deploy additional tools.  Depending on need, the facilities can play a key role in conducting rapid COVID-19 tests for screening, referral, or treatment. Or even instituting a government-linked patient registration tool and referral system for patient management and follow-up. As well as possibly converting these small facilities into in-patient clinics should demand to require.

Ilara Health has partnered with more than 50 clinics in Kenya. Enabling access to a life-saving point of care diagnostic tools to thousands of patients. Its innovative underlying technology seamlessly integrates diagnostic tools into easy to manage tablets and mobile phones. Which require minimal training to operate.

5 Ways to Make an Office Move Less Stressful

Shiko Gathoni
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It’s a matter of joy for every entrepreneur when it comes to growing the business and needing more space for it. As we develop our business, we tend to have more and more clients over the long haul. But, relocating an office can be daunting at times. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most stressful moments that business owners dread. 

Moving an office is not only a stressful event for the business owner, but also the employees feel the stress at the same time. There is going to be a lot of emotional involvement when you are moving an office. For that reason, you have to make sure that you make a move as smooth as possible for your employees. 

If you don’t do your homework and don’t go through thorough research regarding your office move, the chances are that you are going to miss plenty of things that lead to things going wrong. Fitting new desks and carpets, packing, and unpacking boxes are not the only things that are included in the office relocation planning. One needs to consider the scenario in its entire complexity. The world has come this far, and people love to conduct almost all works on the internet, including you. Hence, when the time of moving an office comes, we also have to run a whole lot of IT infrastructure along with the office. To reduce the stress from your head, especially when you move to another state, you have to guarantee that your employees are going to work effectively with the same setup, and there are going to be no errors with the installation at the new address. 

In this article, we have demonstrated five amazing tips that are going to help the entrepreneurs when it comes to moving an office. After reading the entire article, you are likely to be able to reduce the stress from your head. Let’s get started.

Failing to plan means Planning to Fail

Many people make the mistake of planning late. They tend to plan a few days ahead of the official plan, which is not a good practice to do. Moving is not as easy as it sounds. Are you planning to move your office in 3 months? Or, six months? Plan it now. The location might be huge, and you have a lot of equipment to move. Get a notebook and highlight the things that you need the most and things that you need to let go of. These tactics make your office move a lot less stressful.

Inform your employees ahead of time and let them know about your plans. It is a significant thing to let them know what is going to happen during the transition. Make sure that you determine whether you want to put the apparatus on sale that is no longer needed, or you want to give them away. It’s wise to contact a group of people who want to take over your unwanted things so that you don’t have to bear extra hassle for this issue.

Get Professional Help

Hiring a professional does not work when you tend to improvise. You have to get straight to the point in this stage. Ask for quotations from moving companies that have been playing a significant role in the moving industry. They are responsible for your office move, and they will plan everything ahead of time. In this way, you can mitigate a lot of headaches. Some companies do not happen to be professional; they pack and unpack the things on each end. This may leave your equipment and apparatuses messed up as the moving company does not take enough care of these things. In such a case, you have to hire a removal company that may come in handy for the internal IT department.

Organized space means Organized Mindset

When you move your office, you ultimately get the chance of clearing things up. We all have plenty of pieces and equipment that lie around the office, such as old computers, old chairs, tables, etc. While we relocate the office, we have to get rid of these things. You can likewise invite your employees to tidy up their folders and desks in such an event. Advise your employees to get rid of things that are no longer necessary. Be careful to back up all your important files and documents on cloud storage so that you don’t have to pay any losses with regards to office movement.

Do Not Cut Off Your Business Plan

Relocating your business does not mean that you have to stop all your business processes for a while. You have to plan to have coverage for the duration of the move. While making the actual move, you have to ensure some assistance for who can be working on behalf of you on the other side. In this way, you can focus on your business, and the assistants can look after the office move from the other side. This is the best strategy to carry on as usual with as few hiccups as possible.

Change Your Business Details

Once you have checked all the things done that are mentioned above, now you can check the finer details. Details on your business materials such as business cards, websites, brochures, phone listing, etc. have to update immediately. You would never want your clients to be falsely navigated to the wrong place after your office move. The details can be small, but their impacts are enormous.

Relocating the office is never an easy task; there is a lot of planning, and implementations are included in the whole scenario. You have to ensure that you eventually enjoy the result. To enjoy the result, you have to get each detail right so that things will not go wrong. Therefore, follow the tips that are mentioned above and see how smoothly you can conduct with your office move in the end.


How To Limit Distractions When Working From Home

Vanessa Waithera
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How To Limit Distractions When Working From Home

Now that most people are working from home increasing productivity can be quite a challenge especially when you’re not used to it.

However, your employer still expects their work done and on time regardless of your work environment. One of the biggest challenges when working from home can either be the number of people around you or entertainment. It takes a certain level of commitment and discipline to actually work from home especially when you’re not accustomed. But these tips will definitely help you if you’d like to limit distractions.

1. Create a Dedicated Office Space

You might not have an office in your house but you can definitely create one. It could be on your bed or a small corner in your sitting room but all in all you need to have a space that is dedicated to just working. If your home is big enough to accommodate an entire room dedicated solely to work, you’re one of the lucky ones. If not, simply establish an area where you can use your computer, talk on the phone, and keep important documents stored.

2.Create a Daily To-Do List

Setting priorities is important at the office and infinitely more so when working from home. Without a boss peering over your shoulder or colleagues to bounce ideas off of, it’s up to you to put your to-do list in order. It can help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Quickly jot down what needs to be done during a particular workday, then number each item in order of priority. When the day is done, immediately transfer anything you didn’t accomplish to the next day’s list to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.

3. Explain to your family

Even if you don’t have kids, you may have to communicate your need for a quiet working environment to your significant other. If your spouse or partner works in a more traditional setting, the idea of a home office may seem casual to them, resulting in noise and disruptions when you’re trying to concentrate. Set ground rules for your workspace, such as knocking before coming into your office or respecting quiet time between certain hours.

4. You need to stay on task

Keep your phone away and only look at it when need be. Keep relevant tabs open on the computer and everything else that needs to be closed never open it.

Checking your email is a necessity when you’re telecommuting, especially if it’s your colleagues’ favorite method of communication. However, constantly clicking on that email tab can impede your own projects and disrupt workflow.

5. Be very organized

When you’re working from home, your job can actually become more stressful. Suddenly, you’re battling between home and work life, and a cramped schedule can disrupt your workflow. That means you have to do everything you can to optimize and organize your home office. Structure your day like you’re at the office and give yourself deadlines to complete your projects.

6. Set Office Hours

Use your office hours to guide you. This means that you should still wake up early enough and end your day when you’ve actually completed your tasks which greatly depends on you.

7. Use earphones

Earphones are great for limiting distractions. Think of all the at-home noises that can disrupt your concentration. A ringing phone, a loud TV, kids playing, the doorbell, and even regular conversations can cause you to lose your train of thought or become frustrated. And, since it’s not feasible (or fair) to expect all noise to simply stop when you’re working, earphones are the next best thing.

Kwara launches free Pronto digital banking platform for SACCOs

Val Lukhanyu
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Kwara launches free Pronto digital banking platform for SACCOs

Kwara, a digital banking platform in Kenya has today launched “Kwara Pronto” a digital banking software for SACCOs at risk during the Coronavirus pandemic. The platform will allow SACCOs to continue business operations and serve their customers amid the social distancing measures for the next three months.

Due to government-enforced restrictions on movement and social distancing measures during COVID-19, SACCOs are unable to operate at full capacity. As a result, members face challenges applying for loans, transacting and accessing their funds.

The new Pronto product will enable both BOSA and FOSA SACCOs to quickly and easily go digital. They simply need to provide minimum mandatory KYC requirements. And a snapshot of financial data, all of which are protected under NDA. Staff can work remotely, process the high volume of incoming loan requests quickly, disburse funds, and easily get in touch with members. Members, in turn, can begin to transact digitally and view their finances and loan eligibility in real-time. Eligible SACCOs will also get a free website to enhance their digital presence.

Kwara is offering access to an essential version of its core digital banking platform. Which will enable SACCOs who qualify to bring their operations online, at no cost, for the next 3 months. This is an effort to enable SACCOs and their members to keep transacting while observing social distancing.

“The COVID-19 crisis will inevitably disproportionately impact the financially vulnerable, who rely heavily on SACCOs for access to fair loans and a safety net when they need it,” said Kwara CEO Cynthia Wandia. “Traditionally, SACCOs rely on face to face interaction to serve their customers. Today they are facing significant challenges trying to operate in this new environment. Our platform is designed to kickstart their digital transformation. We are offering an essential version of our platform for free.  SACCOs can continue serving the members that need them and get through these difficult times.”

“The Kwara core banking platform is stable and secure, with incredible dedication and commitment in providing support to its clients. I commend them in making an effort to focus on helping SACCOs keep issuing loans through this time,” said Kenya Bankers SACCO Chief Information Officer Steve Biko, of the company’s clients.

Kwara serves more than 27,000 SACCO members via SACCOs. Including Kenya Bankers Sacco Ltd in Kenya and has over Ksh 8bn in assets under management on its platform.

 

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