Startup Kenya 💯

Safaricom PLC is set to expand its footprint in Kenya’s financial services sector by launching its second money market product, Ziidi. Approved by the Capital Markets Authority- Kenya (CMA), Ziidi will be offered in partnership with Standard Investment Bank, ALA Capital Chapter Limited, and Sanlam Investments East Africa Limited. This new product addresses the growing demand for accessible digital investment solutions, leveraging Kenya’s increasing smartphone penetration and digital literacy to target a broad base of retail investors. Ziidi aims to empower unit holders with low-risk investment opportunities such as government bonds and T-bills, contributing to the National Government’s financial inclusion strategy. The product builds on the success of Safaricom’s first money market fund, Mali, which was launched in 2019 and grew to an asset base of KES 3 billion ($23 million) by November 2024. As part of its strategic diversification, Safaricom will leverage its robust M-PESA network to reach unbanked and underbanked populations, offering seamless integration and instant withdrawals to M-PESA wallets. With over 35 million active smartphones in Kenya, Ziidi is well-positioned to compete with traditional banks, insurers, and fintechs. Safaricom’s M-PESA, which earned KES 77.22 billion ($596 million) in service revenue in the first half of 2024, remains a key driver of financial inclusion and revenue diversification. By embedding Ziidi into M-PESA Africa’s offerings, Safaricom continues strengthening its position as a leader in Kenya’s financial services landscape, addressing the needs of savers dissatisfied with low bank rates. Although specific details on interest rates and tax obligations for Ziidi are yet to be disclosed, its predecessor, Mali, allowed investments starting from KES 100 ($0.77), with attractive returns and instant access to funds. As Safaricom unveils Ziidi next week, it reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation and expanding financial services to meet the needs of Kenya’s evolving digital economy. #FinancialInclusion #DigitalInvestments #KenyaInnovation #SafaricomZiidi #MoneyMarketFunds #MPESA #EconomicGrowth #SmartphoneEconomy #KenyaFinance https://zurl.co/uRQv

Kenya’s digital economy is set for remarkable growth, driven by strategic investments in connectivity, cloud-first policies, and digital infrastructure. A new report, The Digital Opportunity of Kenya, conducted by Public First in partnership with the Ministry of ICT, Google, and other stakeholders, highlights the transformative impact of digital technology on the nation’s economy. The report reveals that Google’s products and services generated an estimated $900 million in economic value in 2023, empowering businesses, nonprofits, creators, and developers across Kenya. Key findings from the report underline the role of digital tools in fostering economic productivity. Google Search and Workspace saved knowledge workers approximately 5.5 million hours in 2023, resulting in productivity gains valued at $98 million. Additionally, over 300,000 young adults acquired new digital skills through Google tools, enhancing employability and economic participation. The report also highlights the immense potential of artificial intelligence, which could add $2.4 billion to Kenya’s economy by 2030, reinforcing the nation’s leadership in Africa’s digital transformation. Leadership voices in technology and policy emphasized the report’s implications. Agnes Gathaiya, Google Kenya Country Director, affirmed the commitment to empowering individuals and businesses with tools, skills, and infrastructure. Similarly, Stanley Kamanguya, PMP®, OGW, CEO of ICT Authority, Kenya, highlighted Google’s pivotal role in driving economic prosperity and unlocking opportunities for innovation. The report underscores the need for enhanced STEM education, AI fluency, and infrastructure development to prepare Kenya’s workforce for a tech-driven future. With a $1 billion commitment to accelerate Africa’s digital economy, Google’s initiatives like the Hustle Academy, and Black Founders Fund, and critical infrastructure projects such as the Umoja subsea cable are already making an impact. This collaborative effort reaffirms Kenya’s position as a digital leader in Africa. By scaling digital skills programs, fostering partnerships, and expanding infrastructure, Kenya has a unique opportunity to drive inclusive growth and leverage technology for sustainable development. #DigitalEconomy #KenyaInnovation #ArtificialIntelligence #GoogleKenya #EconomicGrowth #DigitalTransformation #TechnologyLeadership #KenyaTech https://zurl.co/T2uc

Kenya is rapidly establishing itself as a key player in Africa's burgeoning smartphone manufacturing sector, with over 2.5 million smartphones produced domestically. During the Smartphone for Africa Summit held in Nairobi, Stanley Kamanguya, PMP®, OGW, CEO of the Kenya ICT Authority, highlighted the country’s significant progress in local smartphone assembly and its pivotal role in advancing Africa’s digital economy. Kamanguya participated in a panel discussion titled 'State of Smartphone Penetration in Africa and Why Local Manufacturing is Important,' where he emphasized that smartphones are essential tools for improving access to critical services such as education, healthcare, and financial services. He pointed out that local smartphone manufacturing could dramatically reduce costs by lowering tariffs, making digital services more accessible across Africa, especially in rural areas. The summit also featured insights from other key industry leaders, including Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, MBS and Dr Juma Mukhwana, PhD, CBS, who discussed the broader impact of smartphones in driving digital service usage across various sectors. Kamanguya noted that Africa is well-positioned to leverage its rich natural resources, including minerals used in battery and chip production, to support local smartphone manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports. Looking ahead, Kamanguya stressed the importance of collaboration among African nations to harmonize trade regulations and policies, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. He also underscored Kenya’s commitment to creating a favorable investment environment in the ICT sector, which is poised to become a hub for innovation, particularly with the country’s new CHIPS Act agreement with the United States. #SmartphoneManufacturing #DigitalTransformation #TechInnovation #KenyaICT #SmartphonesForAfrica #AfricaTech #DigitalEconomy #Vision2030 #Semiconductors #ICTInvestment #InclusiveTech https://zurl.co/s7yD

Safaricom PLC has launched a new tech re-skilling program to empower young persons with disabilities (PWDs) by equipping them with essential digital skills to enhance their employability. This initiative is a key part of Safaricom's commitment to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that no one is left behind as the world embraces digital advancements. Currently in its pilot phase, the program offers a 23-week software engineering module at Moringa School, providing participants with in-depth training in one of the fastest-growing sectors. Alongside technical skills, the program includes career mentorship and coaching, ensuring participants gain the confidence and knowledge necessary to thrive in the competitive IT industry. Florence Nyokabi, Safaricom’s Chief Human Resources Officer, emphasized that the program aligns with the company’s broader goal of becoming Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company by 2030. With the current representation of persons with disabilities at 3.3% of the workforce, Safaricom aims to increase this figure to 3.5%, demonstrating their commitment to diversity and inclusivity through initiatives like this. The re-skilling program builds on the success of the IT Bridge Academy, held in 2022 in collaboration with several key organizations. Safaricom continues to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion by weaving these values into every aspect of its operations, from talent acquisition and retention to customer engagement and community outreach. #DigitalInclusion #TechForGood #PWDsInTech #Safaricom #SoftwareEngineering #CareerDevelopment #DiversityEquityInclusion #YouthEmpowerment #AccessibilityInTech #InclusiveTech https://zurl.co/nbDb

The 16th annual CIO100 Symposium and Awards concluded with Geoffrey Gitagia, Group IT Manager at Avenue Healthcare, being crowned CIO of the Year 2024. Surpassing 17 contenders, Gitagia was recognized for spearheading a groundbreaking project that integrated emerging technologies to deliver exceptional results. His achievement underscores the transformative role of IT leadership in driving innovation and business success across Africa. Organized by CIO Africa by dx5, the awards celebrate individuals and organizations using IT to create business value through competitive advantages, process optimization, growth, and digital transformation. The three-day symposium featured keynotes, roundtables, and networking sessions under the theme “Innovation at Scale: Driving Business Growth Through IT Leadership,” highlighting the impact of innovative technology in reshaping industries. This year’s ceremony celebrated excellence across various categories. Avenue Healthcare earned the Health Sector Award for its outstanding IT contributions, while other notable winners included Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Konza Technopolis, and British American Tobacco Kenya. The event also introduced the African Technology Awards, recognizing top vendors like SEACOM LTD and Fortinet for their pivotal roles in the continent’s technology ecosystem. dx5 Chairman Harry Hare praised Gitagia for his resilience, creativity, and vision, emphasizing the importance of African technology leaders in shaping the digital landscape. Gitagia dedicated his win to his team and peers, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives innovation. This year’s symposium and awards continue to spotlight Africa’s growing influence in global digital transformation efforts. #CIO100 #InnovationAtScale #DigitalTransformation #TechnologyLeadership #ITExcellence #AfricanTech #Sustainability #HealthcareInnovation #dx5

Kenya’s tourism sector has received a major boost with the historic inaugural flight of AirAsia X to Nairobi, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to attract tourists from Malaysia and the wider Asian market. The direct flight from Kuala Lumpur, Flight D7 101, arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on November 15, bringing over 270 travelers. This new route aims to foster greater cultural exchange and stimulate tourism, trade, and investment between Southeast Asia and East Africa. The arrival of AirAsia X’s first low-cost carrier service to Kenya underlines the growing importance of Kenya in the global tourism and travel landscape. Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, expressed excitement over the new connection, emphasizing Kenya’s role as a regional hub and leader in African air transport. The route further strengthens Kenya's position as a key player in the global tourism industry, providing an essential link between Kenya and Southeast Asia. AirAsia X CEO, Benyamin Ismail, highlighted the airline's commitment to affordable connectivity, celebrating the success of the Nairobi-Kuala Lumpur route with an impressive 70% load factor. This direct air link aligns with AirAsia X’s mission to enhance global connectivity and inspire travel to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. The service marks a significant achievement for the airline, opening up new opportunities for travelers and businesses across both regions. Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei also noted the strategic timing of the flight, coinciding with the upcoming peak festive season. This new route is expected to further strengthen Kenya’s tourism industry by attracting visitors from Malaysia and beyond, while also bolstering trade relations and fostering investment cooperation between Kenya and Southeast Asia. #KenyaTourism #AirAsiaX #GlobalConnectivity #TourismGrowth #SoutheastAsia #TravelOpportunities #TradeAndInvestment #CulturalExchange #KenyaTourismBoard #AffordableTravel #EastAfrica #TourismIndustry https://zurl.co/WZ54

The Kenya Women's Amputee Football Team is preparing for an exciting semi-final match against the host nation, Colombia, in the ongoing Women's Amputee Football World Cup in Barranquilla, Colombia. After a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ukraine in the quarter-finals, Kenya has earned its place in the final four, showcasing determination and skill. This victory followed a strong group stage performance, where Kenya emerged undefeated with wins over England and Peru, plus a draw against Haiti. Meanwhile, Colombia is also a strong contender, having triumphed 4-0 against Peru in their quarter-final. The host nation is riding high on confidence as they aim for glory on home soil. In the other semi-final, the USA will face Poland, following their narrow 2-1 win over England and Poland's 1-0 victory over Ecuador. This competition, which marks a historic milestone as the first Women's Amputee Football World Cup, features teams from around the globe, including Kenya, Colombia, Ukraine, the USA, and others. The tournament is a powerful demonstration of resilience and strength, highlighting the ability of women with disabilities to compete at the highest level of sport. Kenya's remarkable journey to the knockout stages is a testament to their skill and spirit. The semi-final clash against Colombia promises to be a thrilling match, one that will certainly be remembered as a milestone in the growth of amputee football. #AmputeeFootball #WomensFootball #Kenya #Colombia #InclusiveSports #FootballForAll

WhatsApp is rolling out a new update for Android users, introducing a feature that closely resembles Instagram's "Add Yours" sticker. This new feature, currently in beta testing, aims to enhance user engagement by enabling users to share and interact with status updates in more creative ways. With the introduction of prompts through status updates, users can now initiate trends, share personal stories, or simply add spontaneity to their interactions. The feature will allow users to set themes, questions, or activities, inviting others to participate by sharing their own status updates. Unlike Instagram, however, WhatsApp will keep the identity of the original poster and those who participate anonymous, maintaining privacy and security, thanks to the platform's end-to-end encryption. This ensures that interactions remain private, with only selected audiences able to view the status updates. Additionally, this update will work similarly to WhatsApp's recent poll feature, where users can share content stickers to create polls within their status updates. These polls will remain private, ensuring that users cannot see who voted or reach out to those who participated. All interactions, including poll results, will be encrypted, maintaining user confidentiality while encouraging greater participation. The introduction of this feature marks a significant step in enhancing WhatsApp's interactive capabilities, providing a more dynamic way for users to connect and share content. It also highlights WhatsApp's commitment to user privacy, ensuring that new features align with the platform's strong encryption standards. #WhatsApp #AndroidUpdate #SocialMediaFeatures #UserEngagement #Privacy #DigitalCommunication #TechInnovation

Mastercard and Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) have entered a landmark 10-year partnership to deliver customized digital payment solutions across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the digital and banking experience for both individuals and businesses in the region by introducing innovative, secure, and convenient payment options. Central to this initiative is the launch of Kenya’s first tokenization-based payment wearables, developed in partnership with Tappy Technologies, which brings cutting-edge contactless technology to consumers nationwide. The introduction of tokenization-based payment wearables marks a significant advancement in secure payment methods. These wearables allow users to make contactless payments effortlessly by simply tapping their device at any enabled point-of-sale terminal. Utilizing Mastercard’s Gemini Pro AI, the technology ensures that sensitive payment data is replaced with encrypted tokens, providing enhanced security and reducing the risk of data breaches. This innovation not only enhances user convenience but also promotes digital literacy and financial inclusion by making advanced payment technologies more accessible to a broader audience. Mark Elliott, Division President for Africa at Mastercard, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Diamond Trust Bank and Tappy Technologies to launch these game-changing innovations. By combining our expertise in digital payment solutions with DTB’s strong market presence, we are enhancing the banking experience and providing customers with more secure and convenient ways to pay.” Nasim Devji, Group CEO of DTB, added, “This collaboration with Mastercard will help accelerate our digital transformation journey and significantly enhance our ability to deliver innovative financial solutions to our retail, SME, corporate, and fintech clients.” This strategic partnership underscores Mastercard and DTB’s commitment to driving digital transformation and financial inclusion across East Africa. According to Mastercard data, one in nine transactions at point-of-sale terminals in the MEA region is contactless, highlighting the growing demand for secure and convenient payment solutions. The collaboration is set to deliver substantial benefits across the financial ecosystem, including enhanced consumer convenience and security, faster checkout experiences for merchants, increased transaction volumes for financial institutions, and greater customer adoption for fintechs through innovative solutions like wearables. Together, Mastercard and DTB are poised to lead the region’s digital revolution, fostering a more inclusive and technologically advanced financial landscape. #Mastercard #DiamondTrustBank #DigitalPayments #FinancialInclusion #ContactlessPayments #Tokenization #Fintech #EastAfrica #Innovation #FinancialTechnology #SecurePayments

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