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How Kenya Became Africa’s Leading Investment Hub in 2024

March 4, 2025

Kenya’s startup ecosystem continues to make waves, securing $638 million in funding in 2024, surpassing traditional powerhouses Nigeria and South Africa. Despite a 25% decline in overall African startup funding, Kenya maintained its resilience, attracting 29% of Africa’s total funding and 33% of East Africa’s share. This growth underscores Nairobi’s emergence as “Silicon Savannah”, a thriving hub for innovation, venture capital, and entrepreneurship.

One of the biggest drivers of Kenya’s funding success has been climate tech, with companies like M-Kopa ($51M), d.light ($176M), and Sun Culture ($12M) collectively raising $1.5 billion since 2019. These companies leverage Kenya’s 90% renewable electricity grid, attracting impact investors committed to sustainable energy and water solutions. Andreata Muforo, Partner at TLCom Capital, highlights that Kenya’s business-friendly environment has played a key role in attracting investment to climate-tech ventures.

Beyond climate tech, retail supply chain startups like Twiga Foods, Wasoko, and Copia Global have collectively raised $400 million since 2019, demonstrating the strength of Kenya’s logistics and e-commerce sectors. Meanwhile, e-mobility startups like BasiGo have benefited from rising fuel prices and Kenya’s renewable energy grid, making electric vehicles (EVs) more competitive than traditional fuel-powered cars. The government’s draft e-mobility policy, tax incentives, and local EV manufacturing push further support this transition.

The government’s proactive policies, including the Startup Act 2022, have provided a conducive environment for innovation and investment. By establishing innovation hubs, tax breaks, and regulatory frameworks, Kenya has positioned itself as one of Africa’s most attractive destinations for venture capital. The country also leads in angel investor and VC participation, with 134 investors backing Kenyan startups in 2024.

This momentum continues into 2025, with January alone recording $289 million in African startup funding, a 240% increase from January 2024, thanks in part to major Kenyan deals like PowerGen’s $50M renewable energy platform. Kenya’s dominance in African startup funding is no accident—it is the result of strategic investments, a young tech-savvy population, and a government dedicated to fostering innovation.

With a strong foundation in fintech, agri-tech, climate-tech, and mobility, Kenya is proving to be a global leader in startup funding and innovation. As investment interest continues to grow, the country is poised to solidify its position as Africa’s premier startup ecosystem, offering a blueprint for tech-driven economic growth across the continent.

#KenyaStartups #SiliconSavannah #VentureCapital #StartupFunding #ClimateTech #Fintech #AgriTech #Innovation #AfricaTech #Mobility #Entrepreneurship #Sustainability

Safaricom Uses Red Hat OpenShift to Upgrade M-PESA Infrastructure

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March 4, 2025

Safaricom is taking a major leap forward in its technology modernization journey by deploying Red Hat OpenShift as its common cloud platform. This strategic move enables greater agility, stability, and scalability for mission-critical applications, including M-PESA, which serves 51 million customers and facilitates over $314 billion in transactions annually across Africa. By shifting to a cloud-native, containerized, and microservices-based architecture, Safaricom is reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-performance, secure, and innovative digital services.

Previously, Safaricom faced stability challenges with upstream Kubernetes, prompting the shift to Red Hat OpenShift—an enterprise-grade, carrier-grade Kubernetes-based platform that offers robust security, reliability, and production-ready capabilities. With Red Hat’s technical expertise and enterprise support, Safaricom has enhanced platform availability from 93% to 99.98%, significantly reducing downtime and improving overall customer experience.

The collaboration with Red Hat and Copy Cat Group, an experienced systems integrator, has been instrumental in ensuring a seamless transition. Joint technical workshops and developer training sessions have helped align security, application development, and platform teams with DevOps and agile methodologies. In 2024, Safaricom expanded to Red Hat OpenShift Platform Plus, leveraging advanced cluster security, orchestration capabilities, and a secure private registry to further enhance its cloud operations.

The impact of this modernization is already evident. Solution deployment time has been cut in half, with some initiatives, like Hustler Fund, moving from conception to market in just one month. Cluster deployment time has reduced from two days to just two hours, thanks to increased automation. Safaricom teams now operate in a more collaborative, agile, and scalable environment, allowing them to adapt quickly to high and low traffic peaks while ensuring optimal performance for users.

Looking ahead, Safaricom is exploring the expansion of Red Hat OpenShift into its 5G core network, marking another bold step toward becoming a fully technology-driven organization. The company is currently running a proof-of-concept to evaluate the benefits before scaling the solution across its entire network infrastructure. This initiative will further solidify Safaricom’s role as a pioneer in digital transformation across Africa.

By leveraging Red Hat OpenShift, Safaricom is not just upgrading its IT infrastructure—it is creating a future-ready, innovation-driven ecosystem that empowers businesses and enhances customer experiences. This partnership highlights the power of open-source solutions in enabling financial inclusion, operational excellence, and scalable digital growth. As Safaricom continues its evolution into a techco, this transformation sets the stage for next-generation connectivity and digital services across the region.

#DigitalTransformation #CloudComputing #Kubernetes #OpenSource #FinancialInclusion #TelecomInnovation #Safaricom #RedHatOpenShift #5G #MPEngineering #TechInnovation

Kenya Designates Olkaria a Special Economic Zone for Clean Energy

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March 4, 2025

Kenya is taking a bold step toward green industrialization with the establishment of the Olkaria Special Economic Zone (SEZ)—the country’s 16th SEZ and a game-changer for industrial investment. Spanning 8,292 acres, Olkaria is set to attract both local and international investors by offering tax incentives, world-class infrastructure, and direct access to affordable geothermal energy. This initiative aligns with Kenya’s commitment to net-zero industrialization, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable economic development.

Strategically located near Naivasha, along major transport corridors such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Olkaria connects Kenya’s Eastern and Western economic regions, ensuring seamless trade and logistics. With abundant geothermal power—accounting for 40% of the country’s electricity supply—industries operating within the SEZ will benefit from low-cost, reliable, and renewable energy, making it an attractive hub for green manufacturing and technology-driven industries.

The Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), which operates all five geothermal power plants in the region, will directly supply energy to industries in the SEZ. This means companies in manufacturing, agro-processing, electric mobility, and data centers can significantly lower their operational costs while achieving their green energy commitments. This transition to clean, renewable power strengthens Kenya’s reputation as a global leader in sustainable industrialization.

The Olkaria SEZ will also be linked to KenGen’s Green Energy Park, an initiative that integrates renewable energy solutions into industrial operations. By reducing carbon footprints and increasing energy efficiency, businesses in Olkaria will not only contribute to economic growth but also lead the charge in eco-friendly industrial practices.

Government support and private sector engagement will be instrumental in making Olkaria a key pillar of Kenya’s industrialization strategy. As KenGen CEO Peter Njenga emphasized, connecting industries directly to geothermal power will lower costs and strengthen Kenya’s position as an investment destination for green industries. This initiative is a clear demonstration of Kenya’s ambition to drive industrial growth while preserving the environment.

With its strong policy framework, renewable energy advantage, and investor-friendly incentives, the Olkaria SEZ is poised to become a regional hub for sustainable industrialization. This is not just an economic milestone—it’s a step toward a greener, more resilient future for Kenya and Africa.

#Kenya #GreenIndustrialization #RenewableEnergy #GeothermalPower #OlkariaSEZ #SustainableDevelopment #Manufacturing #ElectricMobility #DataCenters #NetZero

Kenya Revising Visa Rules to Attract More Cruise Tourists

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February 24, 2025

Kenya is making bold moves to boost cruise tourism by revising visa and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) requirements for passengers arriving at the Port of Mombasa. President William Ruto announced that the introduction of a multiple-entry eTA will allow cruise tourists to explore Mombasa seamlessly, eliminating unnecessary paperwork and delays. This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to make Kenya a more attractive destination for international travelers.

The announcement coincided with the arrival of MS Norwegian Dawn, the largest cruise liner ever to dock at the Port of Mombasa, carrying over 3,100 passengers. This milestone underscores the growing potential of cruise tourism in Kenya, which saw a 163.5 percent increase in cruise tourist arrivals last year. By enhancing entry procedures, the government aims to build on this momentum and attract more luxury liners to the Kenyan coast.

President Ruto emphasized that the visa and eTA changes will align with recent reforms implemented for international arrivals at Kenya’s major airports, ensuring a uniform and hassle-free entry process. Simplifying these procedures will enhance Kenya’s competitiveness in the global cruise market and solidify Mombasa as a premier destination for cruise travelers.

Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, highlighted that Kenya is set to receive eight more cruise ships this season. Increased investment in port infrastructure and streamlined entry processes will play a crucial role in sustaining this growth. These efforts are expected to boost local businesses, create jobs, and elevate Kenya’s position as a leading cruise tourism hub in Africa.

Kenya’s tourism industry continues to show impressive growth, with international tourist arrivals increasing by 15 percent to 2.4 million in 2024. Inbound tourism earnings also surged by nearly 20 percent, reaching $3.49 billion. The government is calling on the private sector to expand hospitality facilities to accommodate the rising number of visitors and enhance the overall tourist experience.

With strategic policy changes and investments in infrastructure, Kenya is poised to reclaim its place as a top cruise tourism destination. As more cruise ships set sail for the Kenyan coast, these developments will open up new economic opportunities and strengthen the country’s appeal as a global travel destination.

#KenyaTourism #CruiseTourism #MombasaPort #TravelIndustry #EconomicGrowth #VisaReforms #ExploreKenya

KQ, London Metropolitan University Partner to Enhance Aviation Training

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February 24, 2025

Kenya Airways (KQ) is elevating aviation education in Africa through a strategic partnership with London Metropolitan University. The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will see KQ’s training arm, the Pride Centre, collaborate with the UK-based institution to offer specialized aviation programs, strengthening industry expertise and professional development.

This transformative partnership is a key milestone in KQ’s strategy to upskill employees with modern learning and innovative ways of working. By integrating academic excellence with real-world aviation expertise, KQ is bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and industry demands, ensuring its workforce remains globally competitive.

The collaboration will introduce degree, master’s, and PhD-level aviation courses, initially tailored for KQ employees before expanding to serve aviation professionals and the broader public. This initiative aligns with global best practices and reinforces Kenya’s position as a leader in aviation training across Africa.

London Metropolitan University’s Vice-Chancellor, Julie Hall, expressed enthusiasm for this landmark agreement, highlighting it as the institution’s first partnership in Africa. She emphasized the university’s commitment to equipping aviation professionals with the skills needed to excel in a rapidly evolving industry.

With a focus on aviation management, digital aviation futures, and other specialized areas, the partnership will ensure that training aligns with international standards. This move is set to open doors for professionals seeking cutting-edge education and career advancement in the aviation sector.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this are crucial in fostering innovation and expertise. By investing in knowledge and skills development, Kenya Airways and London Metropolitan University are shaping the future of aviation training in Africa and beyond.

#AviationTraining #KenyaAirways #EducationPartnership #AviationExcellence #SkillsDevelopment #FutureOfAviation

Kenya Pioneers Africa’s Ocean-to-ocean Connectivity Expansion

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February 24, 2025

Kenya is taking a bold step in transforming Africa’s digital landscape with an ambitious project to enhance connectivity between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide across the continent by creating a seamless technological link between coastal and landlocked nations, fostering economic growth and digital inclusion.

At the heart of this project is Mombasa, Kenya’s coastal hub, which is already home to multiple undersea cables. Leveraging this strategic advantage, Kenya is collaborating with the World Bank and regional partners to extend connectivity across Africa, ensuring that more nations benefit from high-speed, reliable internet infrastructure.

John Tanui, Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, emphasized the importance of this initiative at the Nation Digital Summit in Diani, highlighting Kenya’s commitment to driving technological advancement. The country is actively working with South Sudan to extend connectivity to Juba, with long-term plans to reach the Central African Republic and Cameroon, ultimately linking to the Atlantic Ocean.

With seven submarine cables already connected at the port of Mombasa, Kenya is well-positioned to become a digital gateway for Africa. This project will not only strengthen cross-border communication but also enhance trade, innovation, and access to digital services for businesses and individuals across the continent.

By investing in robust digital infrastructure, Kenya is reinforcing its role as a key player in Africa’s technological revolution. The success of this initiative will rely on strong partnerships, strategic planning, and continued investment in cutting-edge connectivity solutions.

As Africa accelerates its digital transformation, projects like these will play a crucial role in shaping the continent’s future, ensuring that no region is left behind in the global digital economy.

#AfricaConnectivity #DigitalTransformation #KenyaTech #SmartAfrica #ICTInnovation #EconomicGrowth

Huawei Hosts Forum to Inspire Women and Girls to STEM

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February 18, 2025

A young African American woman is happy with a laptop computer. — A young African American woman is happy with a laptop computer

In celebration of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS), Huawei Kenya hosted the UniTech Talk, a pivotal event dedicated to empowering women and girls in STEM. Bringing together industry leaders, educators, and aspiring young women in STEM, the event served as a platform for mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and discussions on breaking gender barriers in the technology and innovation sectors. The initiative aligns with Huawei’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

The event featured inspiring contributions from key leaders, including National Youth Council CEO Gloria Wawira, who encouraged young women to embrace STEM boldly and use it as a tool for solving real-world challenges. She emphasized the need to address gender stereotypes and biases that hinder women’s entry and advancement in STEM fields. Highlighting the expanding career opportunities in artificial intelligence, robotics, medicine, and data science, Wawira urged women to take charge of their futures and become creators of technology, not just consumers.

President’s Advisor on Women Rights, Hon. Harriet Chiggai, underscored the importance of accelerating youth and women inclusion in STEM. She highlighted how strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors can drive gender equality and innovation. Chiggai also called on young women to leverage their strengths, pursue careers in STEM, and develop creative solutions to today’s challenges, reinforcing the message that digital skills are more critical than ever in shaping the future.

Huawei Technologies CFO Maggie Gao Junhui reiterated the company’s dedication to advancing women in STEM through initiatives such as Seeds4theFuture and Women in Tech (WIT). These programs focus on mentorship and leadership development, equipping young women with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in STEM careers. Additionally, Huawei’s DigiSchool program, in partnership with UNESCO, is helping bridge the digital divide by connecting schools to the internet and providing essential ICT resources.

The Huawei ICT Competition, DigiTruck, and the University Career Fair further reinforce Huawei’s commitment to building a strong pipeline of female tech professionals. This year, nearly 3,000 students participated in the Huawei ICT Competition, with 32 percent being female. Notably, five young women have advanced to the Regional Finals in South Africa, demonstrating the growing impact of these initiatives. Maggie emphasized that increasing women’s participation in STEM is not just about compliance—it is a strategic imperative that drives innovation and success.

As Kenya advances its digital transformation agenda, the call to action is clear: women and girls must be at the forefront of innovation and leadership in STEM. The UniTech Talk served as a reminder of the need to create an inclusive environment where women can thrive and contribute to Kenya’s digital economy. By fostering mentorship, education, and collaboration, Huawei and its partners are ensuring that women and girls have the tools and opportunities to excel in STEM and shape the future of technology.

#WomenInSTEM #DigitalTransformation #GenderEquality #Innovation #TechForGood #STEMEducation #HuaweiKenya #Mentorship #DiversityAndInclusion

AI Drives Smart Household Appliance Adoption in Kenya

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February 18, 2025

Glass smartphone, high tech innovation AI technology

Kenya’s smart household appliance market is poised for remarkable growth, with penetration expected to more than double from 2.8 percent in 2025 to 5.8 percent by 2029. This surge, projected to impact over 831,700 households, is driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), revolutionizing how consumers interact with everyday home devices.

The increasing demand for convenience, energy efficiency, and advanced technological features is fueling the adoption of smart appliances across the country. Products such as refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and air conditioning units are integrating internet connectivity, allowing users to control them via mobile applications or voice assistants. Features like temperature control, inventory tracking, and predictive maintenance alerts are making household management more seamless and efficient.

One standout innovation in this space is the LG InstaView refrigerator, equipped with ThinQ technology. This AI-powered feature enables users to monitor and optimize performance, receive notifications when the door is left open, and activate ‘vacation mode’ to reduce power consumption. Such advancements highlight the increasing role of smart technology in improving energy efficiency and sustainability.

According to LG’s President for East Africa, Donghun Lee, the last decade has witnessed a major transformation in home appliances, with LG at the forefront of innovation. The company anticipates that its smart appliances will be in millions of Kenyan homes in the coming years, shaping the future of household convenience and automation.

Beyond innovation, several factors are making smart appliances more accessible to a wider demographic. Consumer-friendly financing options, government incentives for energy-efficient products, and the accelerated rollout of 5G technology are creating a favorable environment for widespread adoption. These developments are ensuring that more households can experience the benefits of connected living.

As Kenya moves toward greater home automation, industry analysts note that this growth aligns with global trends in smart technology. Consumers are not only seeking convenience but also sustainable solutions that enhance their quality of life while minimizing energy consumption. The future of home living in Kenya is undoubtedly smart, connected, and increasingly efficient.

#SmartHomes #AI #IoT #TechnologyInnovation #HomeAutomation #EnergyEfficiency #Kenya #LGThinQ #Sustainability

LiuGong Establishes Construction Equipment Plant in Kenya

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February 18, 2025

LiuGong, a global leader in construction equipment manufacturing, has set its sights on the booming infrastructure sector in East Africa with the launch of a new assembly plant in Syokimau, Machakos County. This strategic move positions Kenya as the regional business hub for LiuGong Machinery East Africa Limited, a subsidiary of the China-based LiuGong Group. The facility is expected to play a key role in supplying cutting-edge construction machinery to support multibillion-shilling projects across the region.

Beyond expanding its business footprint, LiuGong is committed to knowledge transfer and workforce development in Kenya. The company plans to collaborate with local institutions of higher learning to equip young engineers with advanced mechanical engineering skills. According to LiuGong Group CEO Guangan Zeng, the company aims to build a robust talent pool that will drive Kenya’s manufacturing and industrial sectors forward.

South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) has already expressed interest in partnering with LiuGong, allowing its School of Engineering students to gain hands-on experience with emerging construction technologies. Such collaborations will ensure that Kenya benefits not only from world-class equipment but also from the expertise necessary to sustain long-term industrial growth.

The new hub will serve all eight member states of the East African Community (EAC), a region with a combined GDP of $295 billion and a rapidly growing population of 350 million. With increasing investments in infrastructure projects such as roads, dams, and urban development, LiuGong’s presence in Kenya is set to enhance the availability of high-quality construction equipment and after-sales support services.

At the official opening of the Syokimau plant, CEO Guangan Zeng reaffirmed LiuGong’s commitment to bringing the latest construction technologies to the region. From road and dam construction equipment to customer service and technical support, the company is dedicated to ensuring efficiency and reliability in the industry.

Ranked as the world’s 10th-largest construction equipment manufacturer and the largest producer of wheel loaders, LiuGong offers a diverse range of heavy-duty machinery, including excavators, dozers, graders, air compressors, forklifts, cranes, concrete mixers, and road rollers. This expansion into Kenya marks a significant step in the company’s mission to strengthen its presence in Africa and support the region’s growing infrastructure needs.

#InfrastructureDevelopment #ConstructionTechnology #Manufacturing #Engineering #SkillsDevelopment #LiuGong #Kenya #EastAfrica #EconomicGrowth #TechnologyTransfer

Old Mutual Introduces New Digital Savings Plan

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February 18, 2025

Old Mutual Kenya has taken a bold step in simplifying and modernizing insurance savings policy management with the launch of the Lengo Digital Savings Plan. This innovative solution allows customers to invest, manage, and monitor their savings seamlessly, offering both financial growth and insurance security in one convenient platform.

Designed with evolving customer needs in mind, Lengo empowers individuals to save while enjoying the benefits of life assurance. Whether planning for education, homeownership, or a major milestone, customers can now take control of their savings journey through a user-friendly digital experience integrated into the Old Mutual website.

According to Loreen Makwanya, Managing Director of Old Mutual Life Assurance Kenya, the company remains committed to innovation and digital transformation. She emphasized that this solution aligns with the changing financial landscape, providing customers with a smarter way to plan and secure their financial future while also benefiting from tax advantages associated with long-term savings.

The Lengo Digital Savings Plan is more than just a savings tool—it is designed to enhance financial literacy and decision-making. Customers can track the growth of their investments, monitor progress toward their goals, and gain full visibility into premiums, policy charges, and encashment benefits, ensuring a transparent and well-informed savings experience.

This initiative is part of Old Mutual’s broader strategy to enhance customer experience by leveraging technology. By removing the complexities traditionally associated with savings and life assurance, the company is making financial services more accessible, efficient, and tailored to the modern consumer.

As emphasized by Arthur Oginga, Group CEO of Old Mutual East Africa Group, the goal is to ensure that customers have access to reliable and affordable financial solutions. By embracing digital innovation, Old Mutual is reaffirming its commitment to helping individuals and families achieve long-term financial security with confidence.

hashtag#DigitalSavings hashtag#Innovation hashtag#FinancialPlanning hashtag#LifeAssurance hashtag#InsurTech hashtag#OldMutualKenya hashtag#FinancialSecurity hashtag#SmartInvesting

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