Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Safaricom’s second money market product, Ziidi, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s financial inclusion journey. Offered in partnership with Standard Investment Bank, ALA Capital Limited, and Sanlam Investments East Africa Limited, Ziidi responds to the growing demand for accessible and digital-first investment opportunities in Kenya’s fast-evolving financial landscape.
Kenya’s digital economy is on a transformative trajectory, with recent findings from The Digital Opportunity of Kenya report highlighting the nation’s progress as a digital leader in Africa. Conducted by Public First and supported by the Ministry of ICT, Google, and other key stakeholders, the report underscores how technology is driving economic value and shaping the future of the nation.
Kenya is positioning itself as a significant player in Africa’s burgeoning smartphone manufacturing industry, having already produced over 2.5 million smartphones domestically. This milestone highlights the country’s growing capabilities in local smartphone assembly and its crucial role in advancing Africa’s digital economy. At the recent Smartphone for Africa Summit in Nairobi, Stanley Kamanguya, CEO of the Kenya ICT Authority, shared insights into the country’s achievements and its pivotal role in the continent’s digital transformation.
Safaricom has launched an innovative tech re-skilling program aimed at empowering young Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by equipping them with valuable digital skills. This initiative underscores Safaricom’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and supporting individuals with disabilities as they navigate the digital landscape. The program is designed to enhance employability and create pathways for PWDs to thrive in the tech industry.
Geoffrey Gitagia, Group IT Manager at Avenue Healthcare, has been named CIO of the Year 2024 at the 16th Annual CIO100 Symposium and Awards. Surpassing 17 other contenders, Gitagia was recognized for leading a groundbreaking project that integrated emerging technologies to deliver exceptional outcomes. His achievement reflects the critical role of IT leadership in driving innovation, business success, and digital transformation across Africa.
Kenya’s tourism sector has received a significant boost with the arrival of AirAsia X’s inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to attract tourists from Malaysia and the wider Asian market. The flight, D7 101, landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on November 15, carrying over 270 passengers. This direct connection between Southeast Asia and East Africa is expected to foster greater cultural exchange, bolster tourism, and provide vital links for business and trade between the two regions.
WhatsApp is rolling out an exciting new update for Android users, bringing an interactive feature that mirrors Instagram’s popular “Add Yours” sticker. Currently in beta testing, this new functionality is designed to boost engagement, offering users fresh ways to share and interact within their status updates. By allowing users to create prompts, the feature adds a layer of creativity, enabling them to inspire conversations, share personal stories, and initiate trends.
Diamond Trust Bank Kenya (DTB) has announced the appointment of Murali Natarajan as its new CEO, effective November 1, marking a significant leadership change. Natarajan succeeds Nasim Devji, who served as Managing Director for over 20 years and leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Natarajan’s appointment represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for DTB as it strives to deepen its regional presence and adapt to a rapidly changing financial landscape.
Jumia Kenya has kicked off its 10th Black Friday campaign, bringing exceptional discounts and unmatched deals to customers nationwide. Running from November 1st to November 30th, 2024, this year’s campaign offers discounts of up to 50 percent on over 10 million products across categories such as electronics, fashion, home appliances, and lifestyle items. The event promises to be the biggest retail highlight of the year, with customers eagerly awaiting these deals.
Mastercard and Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) have entered into a groundbreaking 10-year partnership aimed at transforming the digital payments landscape across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This collaboration is set to revolutionize the banking and digital payment experience for individuals and businesses in the region by introducing secure, innovative, and convenient payment solutions. The initiative’s centerpiece is the launch of Kenya’s first tokenization-based payment wearables, developed in partnership with Tappy Technologies, which brings state-of-the-art contactless payment technology to consumers nationwide
