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Meta, Safaricom sign $2.9bn subsea cable agreement

September 3, 2025

Meta has officially taken a significant stake in Safaricom’s \$2.9 billion subsea fibre-optic cable project, known as the Daraja Fibre Optic Cable. This ambitious venture is set to link Oman and Mombasa, reinforcing digital connectivity between East Africa and the Middle East. Scheduled to go live in 2026, the project is designed to deliver faster, more reliable internet capacity to meet the surging demand across both regions.

The Daraja system will feature 24 fibre pairs, surpassing the typical 8 to 16 pairs found in existing cables, thereby offering unprecedented bandwidth. This higher capacity will support the rapid growth of 4G, 5G, and fixed broadband access, ensuring that hundreds of thousands of users benefit from faster and more reliable digital services. Safaricom’s proactive role as the project proponent underscores its growing influence in global connectivity initiatives.

Safaricom secured clearance from Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority (Nema) to land the cable at Nyali beach in Mombasa, with extensions into Tanzanian waters. This strategic location not only strengthens Kenya’s digital infrastructure but also positions Mombasa as a central hub for international connectivity. The project aligns with Kenya’s broader ambition to become a leading digital economy in Africa, supported by world-class infrastructure.

For Meta, this investment is part of a much larger strategy to create a 50,000-kilometre global subsea cable network. Alongside projects such as 2Africa and Pearls, the Daraja initiative expands Meta’s footprint in connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia. The move highlights how global technology companies are investing heavily in Africa’s digital future, ensuring robust and scalable networks for the next generation of users.

Kenya stands to benefit significantly from this investment, especially after recent costly internet disruptions caused by breaks in the Red Sea and East African cable systems. The Oman–Mombasa link will enhance redundancy, ensuring that businesses, governments, and individuals remain connected with minimal interruptions. By improving resilience and reliability, the project strengthens Kenya’s role as a digital leader in the region.

With projects such as Africa-1, PEACE, and the DARE1 extension already underway, the Daraja Fibre Optic Cable cements Mombasa’s position as a critical landing hub for subsea connectivity. This milestone underscores the importance of collaboration between global technology leaders and African enterprises in driving inclusive digital growth, bridging infrastructure gaps, and powering the continent’s future economy.

Meta #Safaricom #DarajaCable #DigitalConnectivity #EastAfrica #MiddleEast #SubseaCable #BroadbandExpansion #KenyaTech #DigitalTransformation #MombasaHub

Zoho uses Kenyan customer data to train AI

Editor

September 1, 2025

Zoho is taking bold steps in integrating generative AI into enterprise software for the African market, with Kenya playing a central role in this journey. While generative AI has only recently surged into global conversations, Zoho’s Zia has been in existence for close to 13 years, making it a long-standing part of the company’s vision for intelligent, context-aware enterprise solutions. The introduction of Zia LLM represents Zoho’s most advanced effort yet to seamlessly embed AI into its extensive suite of services.

Operating in over 150 countries, Zoho continues to expand its footprint across Africa, with Kenya serving as a strategic gateway into East Africa. The company has already rolled out early access to Zia LLM, powered by Nvidia’s AI-accelerated platform, to its customer base. Unlike many AI offerings that rely only on generic datasets, Zoho’s approach leverages both global training data and context-driven insights derived from individual customer data, ensuring relevance, accuracy, and adaptability for local businesses.

In Kenya, several industries have embraced Zoho’s AI-powered tools. From insurance providers using Zia chatbots to improve customer engagement and call centre efficiency, to IT hardware companies leveraging predictive analytics for identifying promising leads, the applications are vast. Consultancies are using Zia to better analyse client needs, while sales and marketing teams rely on its AI agents to score leads and boost revenue. The fintech and HR sectors are also seeing transformative benefits from these integrations.

Zoho’s customer base in Kenya is largely made up of SMEs, accounting for 50–70% of its revenue. However, the fastest adopters of Zia’s AI agents are mid-market companies with between 100–200 employees. These organisations are eager to optimise operations and gain a competitive advantage by integrating advanced AI-driven insights into their daily workflows. Importantly, Zoho is not currently charging an additional fee for access to these agents, though the company acknowledges the significant costs involved in maintaining AI infrastructure.

One of the challenges facing AI adoption globally is data privacy and compliance. For Zoho, customer trust remains a priority. Although Kenyan customer data is stored in the United States, Zoho assures compliance with international and local data protection regulations, including Kenya’s Data Protection Act 2019 and the GDPR. Furthermore, Zoho operates its own data centres globally, avoiding reliance on third-party providers like AWS or Google. While there is currently no data centre in Africa, Zoho has invested in infrastructure that reduces latency for African customers to near-negligible levels.

Looking ahead, Zoho is expected to launch the fully advanced version of Zia LLM in Kenya by the end of the year. This milestone will reinforce its commitment to empowering African enterprises with AI that is not only powerful but also contextualised and secure. By bridging global technology with local relevance, Zoho is helping businesses unlock new opportunities for efficiency, growth, and customer engagement across the continent.

Zoho #AIinAfrica #KenyaTech #EnterpriseAI #GenerativeAI #DigitalTransformation #DataPrivacy #BusinessInnovation #FutureOfWork #ZiaLLM

Bolttech, LOOP Unveil LOOP FLEX Partnership in Kenya

Editor

September 1, 2025

Global insurtech giant bolttech has officially entered the Kenyan market through a strategic partnership with LOOP, the fintech subsidiary of NCBA Group. Together, the two companies have introduced LOOP FLEX, a first-of-its-kind device financing and protection program set to roll out in October. This launch marks a major step in addressing the growing demand for affordable and secure device ownership in Kenya’s fast-paced digital economy.

LOOP FLEX is a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solution designed to make smartphones and essential gadgets more accessible to Kenyans. Beyond financing, it uniquely combines affordability with protection, allowing customers to spread the cost of their devices while safeguarding them from theft, accidental damage, and breakdowns. This seamless integration of financing and insurance sets LOOP FLEX apart from traditional BNPL models, offering customers both flexibility and peace of mind.

The program’s standout features include theft protection, where customers receive a voucher towards a new device after 30 days with only a 10% deductible; one-time repair cover for cracked screens, damaged casings, battery issues, internal faults, and liquid damage; and certified repairs with genuine parts carried out by authorized service providers. Additionally, customers enjoy coverage for repairs up to the original device value, with all claims processed and tracked through bolttech’s digital platforms for ease and convenience.

Kenya’s digital economy thrives on smartphones, which are central to payments, work, education, and entertainment. However, the high upfront costs of devices, coupled with risks of theft and damage, often limit access for many. LOOP FLEX addresses these challenges head-on by offering affordable monthly payments combined with robust protection. This innovation ensures that more Kenyans can own and maintain the devices that power their daily lives without financial strain or uncertainty.

Commenting on the partnership, Eric Muriuki, CEO of LOOP DFS, highlighted the customer benefits, noting that LOOP FLEX empowers customers with access to essential devices through affordable financing while providing them with confidence through comprehensive protection. Stephan Tan, CEO EMEA and Group CIO of bolttech, emphasized Kenya’s position as one of Africa’s most dynamic digital economies and expressed excitement at embedding protection directly into the device ownership journey through this collaboration.

For bolttech, this launch represents more than just a new product—it marks the company’s official entry into Africa. By partnering with LOOP, bolttech gains strong local credibility while LOOP strengthens its product offering with global expertise. This collaboration not only empowers customers but also reinforces Kenya’s position as a hub of fintech innovation, bridging global technology with local needs in shaping the future of digital access and protection.

#bolttech #LOOPFLEX #DigitalEconomy #BNPL #DeviceProtection #FintechInnovation #KenyaTech #EmbeddedProtection #Insurtech #AfricaTech

Kenya Selected in EU Broadband Project

Editor

August 28, 2025

Kenya has joined ten other African countries set to benefit from the European Union’s $16.5 million Africa Broadband Mapping Systems (Africa-BB-Maps) project. The initiative, launched in Nairobi, is a significant milestone in bridging the continent’s digital divide and advancing connectivity across underserved regions. As part of the broader EU digital agenda, the project aims to expand subsea cable infrastructure and enhance broadband accessibility, positioning Kenya as a central player in Africa’s digital transformation journey.

The Africa-BB-Maps project will run from 2025 to 2028 under the leadership of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with EU funding. Its primary goal is to build or strengthen harmonized national broadband mapping systems across 11 countries, including Kenya, Angola, Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and others. This effort will ensure that governments, regulators, and stakeholders have access to accurate data for policy-making and investment planning, enabling more equitable Internet access across both urban and rural areas.

In addition to the $16.5 million allocated for the Africa-BB-Maps, the EU has pledged a larger investment of $330 million to accelerate digital infrastructure development across the continent. In Kenya, the initiative will directly benefit communities by connecting 1,000 primary schools to broadband, providing students and educators with access to digital tools and resources critical for education in the modern age. This marks a major step in improving both learning outcomes and digital inclusion.

The Communications Authority of Kenya highlighted the urgency of such interventions, noting that only 47.5% of Kenyan households have Internet access, with rural penetration as low as 26%. Addressing this gap is essential for driving economic growth, creating opportunities, and supporting innovation. With 164 sub-locations in Kenya still lacking 3G and 4G coverage, the Africa-BB-Maps initiative represents a crucial opportunity to bring affordable, reliable connectivity to communities that have long been left behind.

Kenya to End Manual Tax Return Filing to 2026

Editor

August 28, 2025

The KRA(KENYA REVENUE AUTHORITY) has announced a groundbreaking change set to take effect in January 2026, transforming how employed Kenyans file their tax returns. For the first time, salaried workers will no longer need to manually fill in their P9 forms or navigate tedious data entry on iTax. Instead, the process will be fully automated, requiring only a national ID number to access income and tax details directly from integrated government systems. This marks the end of years of manual filing challenges that often-caused delays, errors, and unnecessary penalties.

This shift will be especially beneficial to low-income earners making KES 24,000 or less per month, as their nil returns will be filed automatically, eliminating unnecessary paperwork. Salary-only employees will also enjoy immense time savings since the system already contains all relevant tax details, including gross pay and PAYE deductions. By reducing complexity, the reform will not only increase efficiency but also improve compliance, ensuring that taxpayers can meet their obligations with ease and accuracy.

KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga explained that this transition has been made possible by integrating KRA’s systems with other government databases such as the Business Registration Service and Citizen Registration Services. This interconnectivity creates a complete and accurate tax profile while aligning Kenya with international standards set by the OECD. Such integration also enhances Kenya’s ability to participate in global information-sharing frameworks, reinforcing transparency and modern governance in tax administration.

The changes come after significant challenges during the 2024 filing season, when KRA had to extend deadlines and waive penalties due to system strain. The new automation seeks to prevent such issues by reducing bottlenecks and ensuring smoother operations. Additionally, taxpayers can now log in to iTax using either their KRA PIN or national ID, making access even more convenient. Collectively, these reforms reflect Kenya’s commitment to leveraging technology to simplify taxation, promote compliance, and strengthen trust between citizens and the tax authority.

Kenya Partners Chinese Tech to Advance Africa’s Green Aviation

Editor

August 28, 2025

Kenya’s aviation sector is embracing modernization through strategic cooperation with China, marking a significant step towards building a globally competitive industry. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has procured advanced air traffic control simulators from China for the East Africa School of Aviation, a move expected to greatly enhance training, improve safety, and align Kenya with international aviation standards. This partnership reflects the country’s commitment to adopting modern technologies that can shape the future of air travel across the region.

Speaking at the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO) Africa Conference 2025 in Nairobi, KCAA Director-General Emile Arao emphasized the importance of this collaboration, highlighting how access to advanced Chinese technology supports Kenya’s aviation growth. Discussions are also underway regarding drone technology, which could further boost technology transfer, skills development, and investment, ultimately reinforcing Kenya’s role as a leading regional aviation hub.

The modernization drive is also strongly tied to sustainability goals. Kenya, as a signatory to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), has already adopted regulations to monitor, report, and offset carbon emissions from international flights. These measures align with Kenya’s broader climate action agenda, ensuring the aviation industry actively contributes to reducing greenhouse gases while expanding its capacity.

Industry leaders at the CANSO forum noted that Africa, contributing about 3 percent of global air traffic, has a unique opportunity to establish a greener aviation industry without dependence on outdated systems. Experts underscored the importance of advanced air traffic management systems, sustainable aviation fuels, and renewable-powered airports in achieving this vision. With collaboration, innovation, and public-private partnerships, Kenya and Africa at large are charting a path toward a safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable aviation future.

Equity Bank Places Swafi Foods Under Joint Administrator

Editor

August 28, 2025

1 hour ago • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn

Equity Bank Limited Kenya has placed Swafi Foods Limited under administration, marking a significant step in addressing the company’s financial challenges under the Insolvency Act of 2015. Effective August 18, Kamal Anantroy Bhatt and Jai Kamal Bhatt of Anant Bhatt LLP were appointed as joint administrators, granting them full authority over the company’s assets and business operations. This move transfers all management powers previously held by Swafi Foods’ directors to the administrators, who will now oversee restructuring efforts and handle financial obligations on behalf of the company.

Swafi Foods Limited, incorporated in Kenya in 2011, has built a solid reputation in the tea industry through its production and exportation of high-quality teas. As a member of the East African Tea Trade Association and a registered company with the Tea Board of Kenya, Swafi Foods has established itself as a trusted brand locally and internationally. Its diverse product portfolio includes Premium, Classic, and Economy teas, as well as Swafi Spaghetti and Swafi Rice, underscoring its commitment to providing high-quality and affordable food products while maintaining integrity and ethical business practices.

In line with insolvency procedures, parties with claims against Swafi Foods are required to submit written claims with supporting documentation to the administrators by September 18. The administrators, acting solely on behalf of the company, are not personally liable for its obligations. This process provides an opportunity for creditors to present their claims as restructuring plans unfold, with Anant Bhatt LLP serving as the point of contact for all inquiries and related matters from its offices in Mombasa.

This development comes as Equity Group continues to demonstrate financial resilience, reporting a profit after tax of Ksh34.6 billion, a 17% increase from the previous year. The bank’s growth was supported by a 9% rise in net interest income, coupled with an 18% reduction in interest expenses, and further boosted by its strongest quarterly performance in four years. Equity’s robust financial position, reflected in the expansion of its loan book to Ksh825.1 billion and customer deposits rising to Ksh1.32 trillion, highlights the Group’s ability to balance strategic transformation with consistent profitability. This resilience is particularly significant as it continues to support key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and SMEs within Kenya’s economy.

Dr. Sara Ruto Appointed as a Non-Executive Director at Longhorn Publishers

Editor

August 28, 2025

Longhorn Publishers Plc has announced key changes to its board of directors, signaling a strengthened focus on governance and leadership in the education sector. The publishing company has appointed renowned educationist Dr. Sara Ruto as a non-executive director, effective August 22, in compliance with CMA regulations, NSE listing rules, and the Companies Act, 2015. Dr. Ruto brings more than 30 years of experience in educational policy, reform, and leadership across Africa, making her a significant addition to Longhorn’s board.

Dr. Ruto’s career journey reflects her lifelong dedication to education. From her early days as a language and literature teacher in Kenya to her role as a lecturer and researcher at Kenyatta University, she has consistently championed school reform and girls’ education. Her pioneering work at Uwezo Kenya introduced citizen-led assessments to track learning outcomes, a model that expanded into Uganda and Tanzania before inspiring the creation of the People’s Action for Learning (PAL) Network. Today, this network spans 17 countries, advancing foundational learning and accountability across Africa.

In addition to her professional milestones, Dr. Ruto has held prominent positions, including Chief Administrative Secretary at Kenya’s Ministry of Education and CEO of the PAL Network. She currently supports strategic grant making at Echidna Giving and serves on several boards, such as the Kisii University Council and UNESCO’s International Institute for Educational Planning. Her contributions to education have earned her both national and international recognition, including Kenya’s Elder of the Burning Spear honor and recognition as a finalist for the African Education Medal in 2023.

Alongside her appointment, Longhorn Publishers announced the entry of Mr. Thomas Omondi as an alternate director to Mr. Fredrick Murimi longhorn, representing Centum Investment Company Plc. While Centum has resigned from the board, it will remain a shareholder of the company. These appointments highlight Longhorn’s commitment to reinforcing strong governance structures and leveraging education leadership to drive growth and innovation in the publishing industry.

Huawei, Partners Equip 500 Women Youth Digitally in Murang’a

Editor

August 28, 2025

Digital empowerment is no longer a luxury but a necessity, and this reality was clearly demonstrated in Murang’a County, where 500 women and youth recently completed a transformative five-day Digital Skills Training Program. The initiative, now in its third edition in the county, was made possible through a strategic partnership between Huawei Kenya, Computers for Schools Kenya (CFSK), the Joyful Women Organization, and MaMa Doing Good. By equipping participants with essential, market-relevant digital skills, the program has opened new doors to opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation, and employment.

Organizers emphasized that digital literacy is the new currency of opportunity, with the power to shape economic independence and resilience in today’s fast-changing economy. The training was designed to go beyond basic digital knowledge, focusing instead on practical competencies that prepare women and youth to thrive in an increasingly connected world. Participants were empowered to embrace technology as a tool for self-reliance, positioning them to take advantage of digital opportunities that can create long-term sustainable livelihoods.

This initiative also highlights the urgency of addressing Kenya’s digital divide, particularly between urban and rural populations. According to the World Bank’s 2023 Digital Inclusion Report, only 38% of rural youth in Kenya possess basic ICT skills compared to 67% in urban areas. With projections indicating that more than 60% of jobs in Kenya by 2030 will demand advanced digital and cognitive skills, initiatives like this training are timely and essential. By bridging this gap, the program not only enhances employability but also ensures that women and youth in underserved areas are not left behind in the country’s digital transformation journey.

The success of the Murang’a program reflects a strong and shared commitment by Huawei Kenya, CFSK, Joyful Women Organization, and MaMa Doing Good to empower women and youth as leaders in the digital economy. Through partnerships such as these, the vision of building a more inclusive, equitable, and connected society is being brought to life. This training is more than just capacity building—it is an investment in Kenya’s future, where technology becomes a catalyst for prosperity, inclusion, and resilience.

Tiktok Introduces Dedicated Platform for Artists in Kenya

Editor

August 28, 2025

TikTok has officially launched TikTok for Artists in Kenya, introducing an innovative insights platform tailored to support musicians, their labels, and teams in understanding and leveraging the power of data for career growth. Following its global debut earlier this year, the platform provides daily dashboards and in-depth analytics to give artists a clearer picture of how their music performs, how fans interact with their content, and how to strategically engage audiences. This launch marks a significant step in strengthening Kenya’s music industry by empowering artists with data-driven tools to expand their reach and impact.

The platform offers a wide range of features, including detailed song and post performance tracking, follower insights, and resources designed to help artists navigate TikTok’s ecosystem effectively. Step-by-step guides to TikTok tools are included to help creators maximize opportunities on the platform while providing long-term strategies for building sustainable music careers. A standout feature is the Pre-Release tool, which enables artists to create campaigns around upcoming projects, giving fans the ability to pre-save directly on leading streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

Toyin Mustapha, Head of Music Partnerships for the UK, Ireland, and Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok, emphasized that TikTok continues to be one of the most influential spaces for music discovery, promotion, and global reach. With the rollout of TikTok for Artists in Kenya, the platform is ensuring that artists have access to transparent, actionable insights that can inform their decisions, amplify fan engagement, and help elevate their music on both local and international stages. This move reflects TikTok’s commitment to fostering music ecosystems across Africa and connecting artists with worldwide audiences.

Available for all artists with a certified TikTok Artist Account, TikTok for Artists also allows access to be extended to managers and label teams, ensuring collaborative efforts in planning and executing campaigns. By placing critical data into the hands of creators and their support teams, TikTok is not only democratizing music promotion but also positioning Kenyan artists for greater visibility in the global entertainment landscape. This launch demonstrates the growing importance of digital platforms in shaping the future of the music industry.

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