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KTB named Africa’s best, Masai Mara Tops Safari Rankings

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Kenya has once again reinforced its status as Africa’s premier tourism destination after the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) was named the Best Tourism Board in Africa at the prestigious Africa Tourism Awards 2025 (The Balearica Awards) held in London. This recognition positions KTB at the forefront of destination marketing excellence, beating other notable African tourism authorities including Egypt, Rwanda, South Africa, Mauritius, and Cabo Verde.

Adding to Kenya’s triumph, the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve was crowned the Best Safari Destination in Africa, outshining other globally renowned parks such as Chobe, Kruger, Serengeti, South Luangwa, and Volcanoes National Parks. The accolade reaffirms the Mara’s unmatched wildlife experiences, highlighted by the annual Great Migration, and its pioneering efforts in community-based conservation that continue to set global standards.

Kenya’s performance extended beyond these headline wins, with KTB also receiving commendations for Best Tourism Video for its “This is the Real Deal” campaign, alongside recognitions for Best Country Destination, Best City Destination (Nairobi), and Best International Airport (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport). These multiple honours underscore Kenya’s holistic approach to tourism — blending exceptional natural heritage, infrastructure excellence, and innovative destination marketing.

KTB Acting CEO Allan Njoroge lauded the awards as a reflection of Kenya’s growing global appeal and its commitment to sustainable tourism. He noted that the Masai Mara remains Kenya’s “crown jewel,” representing the country’s dedication to preserving its natural assets while driving job creation and economic growth. The recognition, he emphasized, is also a testament to KTB’s creative marketing strategies and collaborative partnerships with global tourism stakeholders.

The awards were presented alongside the 2025 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, where Kenya’s vibrant delegation showcased the country’s diverse offerings — from adventure and cultural festivals to coastal escapes and eco-tourism experiences. Kenya continues to lead Africa’s tourism growth story, positioning itself as a destination that harmoniously blends world-class hospitality, cultural richness, and sustainable development.

Kenya Targets More Tourists From UK, Europe

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Kenya has set its sights on expanding its footprint in the lucrative UK and European tourism markets through its strong participation at the World Travel Market (WTM) London. The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, in collaboration with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), is leading a high-level delegation of over 30 travel trade professionals to showcase the country’s diverse tourism offering and strengthen ties with key European partners. This strategic engagement underscores Kenya’s growing focus on diversification, connectivity, and year-round appeal beyond the traditional safari experience.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, who is spearheading the Kenyan delegation, emphasized that the UK remains a central pillar of Kenya’s European tourism strategy. The market delivered 180,639 visitors in 2024, making it Kenya’s largest European source market. She highlighted that Kenya’s continued participation at WTM London reflects a commitment to evolving as a multi-dimensional destination, combining nature, culture, adventure, and wellness tourism to appeal to a broader audience of global travelers.

Kenya’s tourism growth strategy aims to attract 2.8 million international visitors by the end of 2025, building on the 2.4 million recorded last year. According to the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), UK residents made 94.6 million outbound trips in 2024, spending approximately £78.6 billion—signaling vast potential for Kenya to tap into. Europe accounted for 28.1% of Kenya’s international arrivals, with British tourists showing the highest per-capita spending and longer average stays. This aligns with Kenya’s objective to increase both quality and quantity of inbound tourism through tailored experiences and improved access.

Improved air connectivity is central to this ambition. Kenya Airways’ launch of direct flights to London Gatwick earlier this year, in addition to its Heathrow operations, has enhanced convenience and flexibility for travelers while boosting Kenya’s competitiveness against regional destinations. This dual-gateway strategy reflects a deliberate effort to make Kenya more accessible and visible to European travelers seeking authentic, sustainable, and adventure-rich destinations.

At WTM London, the KTB delegation, led by Acting CEO Allan Njoroge, is focusing on forging stronger partnerships with UK tour operators and travel agencies. The team is also promoting Kenya’s emerging tourism themes, including conservation experiences, cultural immersion, and wellness retreats. With nearly 4,150 exhibitors and over 46,000 global attendees, the 2025 edition of WTM London provides Kenya with a prime platform to solidify its position as one of Africa’s most dynamic, sustainable, and globally competitive tourism destinations.

Tulivu Co-Working Space Occupies Former Nairobi Hilton Hotel

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The former Hilton building in Nairobi’s Central Business District has found new life as Tulivu Co-Working Space officially takes over the iconic property. This transformation marks a pivotal moment for the city’s commercial real estate landscape, repurposing one of Nairobi’s most recognizable landmarks into a hub for collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The Hilton Hotel, which closed its doors in December 2022 after decades of operation, now welcomes a new generation of professionals seeking flexible, modern, and design-forward workspaces.

Tulivu Co-Working Space, located along Mama Ngina Street, has been redesigned to meet the needs of startups, SMEs, freelancers, and corporate teams embracing hybrid work models. The facility features private offices, coworking desks, meeting rooms, a content studio, and a conference hall — all crafted to support productivity and creativity in a shared environment. According to Tulivu’s center manager, Blessed Muthoni, the space represents a new chapter for Nairobi’s evolving work culture, emphasizing functionality, design, and service as the foundation of modern professional life.

The launch comes at a time when Nairobi’s coworking sector is witnessing robust growth. A report by Knight Frank indicates that prime office occupancy rose to 77.7 percent by mid-2024, up from 72.7 percent in January. The city now hosts over 60 coworking spaces, primarily concentrated in key business districts like Westlands, Upperhill, and Karen. This trend underscores a growing appetite for premium and flexible workspaces, especially among entrepreneurs, business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, and multinational teams seeking scalable and sustainable office solutions.

Nairobi County’s Executive Committee Member for Business and Hustler Opportunities, Anastacia Nyalita, presided over the inauguration, signaling the county’s continued support for innovation-driven businesses. The shift toward shared and serviced offices reflects broader changes in global work dynamics, with many organizations adopting hybrid models that balance flexibility with connectivity. Recent expansions by firms like KOFISI, Workstyle, IWG, and Teleperformance further highlight the city’s momentum as a rising hub for coworking and business innovation.

As the market continues to evolve, analysts predict developers will focus more on refurbishing and upgrading older buildings rather than initiating new office projects. Sustainability, quality, and adaptability are becoming the defining benchmarks for Nairobi’s future workspace trends. Tulivu’s move into the former Hilton building not only preserves a piece of the city’s history but also symbolizes the reinvention of urban spaces to meet the demands of a dynamic, tech-driven, and collaborative generation.

Equity Group, iamtheCODE Partner To Train Youth on Digital and AI Skills

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Equity Group Foundation (EGF) has announced a transformative partnership with iamtheCODE, the world’s first African-led global STEAMD movement, to empower 600,000 young people across Africa with essential digital and artificial intelligence skills. This landmark collaboration aims to close the digital divide by offering free access to high-quality learning resources and certifications, equipping Africa’s youth with the technical and soft skills needed to thrive in the global digital economy.

Through the initiative, a comprehensive “Digital Academy” will be launched, featuring over 65,000 free online upskilling and certification resources. The program will be inclusive by design—ensuring access for women, girls, and youth from underserved and refugee communities who are often left out of traditional training opportunities. Combining a STEAMD (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Design) curriculum with leadership workshops, mentorship, and open-source courses, the initiative builds on EGF’s established education and leadership programs such as Wings to Fly and the Equity Leadership Program, which have already transformed the lives of thousands of young scholars.

Dr. James Mwangi, Executive Chairman of Equity Group Foundation, emphasized that the partnership responds to the urgent need to bridge the widening gap between formal education and the rapidly evolving demands of the job market. He noted that employability is increasingly dependent on digital competencies such as coding, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. Highlighting Africa’s advantage of a “digital native” youth population, Dr. Mwangi added that with the right training, young Africans can work remotely for the global market while living on the continent, helping to position Africa as a hub of digital talent.

Lady Mariéme Jamme, Founder and CEO of iamtheCODE, described the partnership as a critical response to Africa’s “skills emergency.” She emphasized the urgency of equipping Africa’s people with relevant skills to restore dignity, drive inclusion, and foster independence. “This partnership with Equity Group represents the spirit of collaboration Africa needs,” she said, reaffirming iamtheCODE’s mission to enable every young person, particularly women and girls, to unlock their potential through education and technology.

Beyond technical training, the partnership will provide participants with essential life and soft skills such as collaboration, empathy, and teamwork. Equity Group will also support learners through loans to purchase digital tools, internship opportunities, and startup financing for young entrepreneurs. By linking graduates to Equity’s network of 23 million customers, the initiative will help digitize small businesses and stimulate wider economic growth. This partnership stands as a model for how strategic collaboration can create lasting impact—empowering Africa’s youth to become the next generation of digital leaders and innovators.

Zoho Study Reveals Kenyan youth Leading Privacy Innovation

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Zoho has released a new study revealing that Kenya is emerging as a continental leader in youth-driven, privacy-conscious AI adoption. The report, titled The AI Privacy Equation: Youthful Innovation Meets Privacy Leadership in Kenya, was conducted by Arion Research on behalf of Zoho and surveyed over 360 business professionals across multiple sectors. The findings show that 96% of Kenyan organisations have begun their AI journey—representing the highest adoption rate in Africa—driven primarily by a younger generation of senior decision-makers who are redefining how innovation and privacy coexist in the digital era.

According to the study, more than 35% of Kenyan organisations have already achieved advanced or widespread AI implementation, underscoring the nation’s position as a fast-maturing AI market that balances technological progress with robust governance. Veerakumar Natarajan, Country Head of Zoho Kenya, commended the country’s young digital leaders for proving that innovation and privacy are not opposing forces. Instead, he noted, Kenya’s approach reflects Zoho’s belief that privacy-first AI enhances both user trust and business sustainability.

The research highlights Kenya’s leadership in privacy and data governance. An impressive 82% of organisations have strengthened their privacy frameworks since adopting AI technologies—marking the highest rate of privacy improvement in Africa. Furthermore, 94% of businesses have dedicated privacy officers or teams, while 66% conduct regular privacy audits. The Kenya Data Protection Act has been pivotal in driving a 64% rise in regulatory awareness, with more than half of organisations allocating over 20% of their IT budgets to privacy protection. This shift demonstrates that Kenyan firms view compliance and trust not as obligations, but as key strategic advantages.

In addition to governance, the report showcases Kenya’s pragmatic approach to AI implementation. Despite identifying cost and technical expertise as the top challenges, many organisations are overcoming these barriers through strategic partnerships and custom or hybrid AI models. Kenyan firms are prioritising AI investments in customer service, software development, and marketing optimisation—areas that deliver measurable business value while building strong digital capabilities. This reflects a deliberate and results-oriented strategy toward AI adoption that maximises both efficiency and inclusivity.

Kenyan organisations are also investing heavily in developing the next generation of AI-ready talent. The study found that 63% of organisations are prioritising data analysis and interpretation training, 54.5% are advancing AI literacy, and 44% are focusing on prompt engineering to prepare for the generative AI era. These efforts are complemented by ongoing training in ethics, process optimisation, and technical integration—showcasing a holistic approach to responsible innovation. As Arion Research CEO Michael Fauscette observed, Kenya’s AI journey offers valuable lessons for emerging markets: that youth, when guided by strong frameworks, can drive responsible and sustainable technological leadership.

Unaitas, Pesalink Partner to Enable Instant SACCO Payments

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Unaitas SACCO has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Integrated Payment Services Limited (IPSL), the operator of Pesalink, in a move designed to enhance financial accessibility, speed, and convenience for its members. Through this collaboration, Unaitas has become the first SACCO in Kenya to integrate with Pesalink, signaling a major leap forward in digital transformation within the cooperative sector. This partnership underscores Unaitas’ commitment to empowering its members with real-time, affordable, and secure financial solutions.

With this integration, over 400,000 Unaitas members can now make instant payments directly from their SACCO accounts using the Mo-Cash App or by dialing *493#. This enables round-the-clock access to funds, effectively eliminating the constraints of traditional banking hours. The development reflects a major step in financial inclusion, allowing members—from individuals to small business owners—to transact seamlessly at any time, anywhere in Kenya.

According to IPSL CEO Gituku Kirika, the collaboration between Unaitas and Pesalink represents more than just technology adoption; it symbolizes the transformation of the SACCO industry through interoperability. He noted that Unaitas’ leadership in embracing digital innovation has changed the narrative for the entire cooperative sector, proving that technology-driven partnerships can deliver tangible impact by expanding financial inclusion and accessibility across communities.

Unaitas CEO Martin Muhoho highlighted that the integration with Pesalink has significantly improved efficiency, security, and member experience. By streamlining transactions and reducing manual processes, the SACCO has created a faster and more reliable payment ecosystem. Muhoho emphasized that this collaboration not only enhances convenience for members but also builds a strong digital foundation for future innovation and growth in the cooperative space.

Beyond individual member transactions, Unaitas is leveraging Pesalink’s Bulk Payment and Merchant Pay capabilities to facilitate payroll, supplier, and business payments. This advancement positions the SACCO as a key financial partner for SMEs, agribusinesses, Chamas, and other community-based organizations that depend on swift and dependable financial services. The partnership marks a significant milestone in redefining how SACCOs deliver value and digital empowerment to their members across Kenya.

Competition Authority Clears STOA Investment in Atlas Tower Kenya

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The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has granted unconditional approval for France-based impact investment fund STOA S.A. to acquire a 31.03% minority shareholding in Atlas Tower Kenya Limited. The transaction, which includes veto rights, marks a significant milestone in strengthening foreign investment in Kenya’s telecommunications infrastructure sector. Atlas Tower Kenya, a leading developer and operator of telecommunications towers, plays a critical role in expanding network coverage and connectivity across the country.

According to the CAK, the acquisition was assessed and found unlikely to substantially lessen competition in the telecommunications infrastructure market or raise any public interest concerns. This clearance underscores the Authority’s commitment to promoting a balanced and transparent investment environment that safeguards fair competition while supporting Kenya’s digital and economic growth.

The investment by STOA represents growing global confidence in Kenya’s infrastructure and digital transformation agenda. As a long-term impact investor focused on sustainable infrastructure and energy projects in emerging markets, STOA’s entry into Atlas Tower Kenya signals continued momentum toward developing robust, reliable, and inclusive digital connectivity solutions. This partnership is expected to inject both capital and expertise, accelerating the deployment of modern telecommunications infrastructure across Kenya.

Atlas Tower Kenya has been instrumental in developing and maintaining key telecommunications infrastructure, supporting operators and service providers in extending their network reach to underserved regions. The new investment will enable the company to scale its operations, increase the density of tower sites, and improve the quality of service delivery nationwide. This aligns with Kenya’s vision of achieving universal access to high-speed connectivity as part of its digital economy strategy.

The CAK’s approval of this transaction demonstrates Kenya’s attractiveness as a regional hub for investment in digital infrastructure. By fostering collaborations between local and international investors, Kenya continues to pave the way for sustainable growth, enhanced connectivity, and technological advancement that supports businesses and communities alike.

Davis Ongiro Named New CEO at Octagon Africa

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Octagon Africa has appointed Davis Ongiro as the new Chief Executive Officer for its Kenyan operations, marking a pivotal step in the company’s continued journey toward innovation and financial inclusion. As a leading regional provider of pension administration, insurance brokerage, actuarial, trust, and training services, Octagon Africa is entrusting Ongiro with steering its strategic growth and enhancing its market presence within Kenya’s evolving financial landscape.

In his new role, Ongiro will focus on strengthening client relationships, driving innovation across pension and insurance products, and expanding access to affordable retirement solutions for Kenyans. His leadership will be instrumental in deepening Octagon’s impact among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and large corporates, ensuring more workers across different sectors can plan for a secure and dignified retirement. According to Fred Waswa, Group CEO of Octagon Africa, Ongiro’s proven expertise and leadership within the organization position him well to lead this next chapter of growth and transformation.

Ongiro brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served as General Manager for Marketing, Product and Business Development at Octagon. In that role, he successfully led initiatives around product innovation, market expansion, and client engagement. His previous tenure as Senior Manager for Business Development at Octagon Pension Services Limited also contributed significantly to the firm’s growth and industry leadership. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science and currently pursuing a Diploma in Insurance and an MBA from the University of East London, Ongiro has consistently demonstrated commitment to professional excellence and financial inclusion.

Upon his appointment, Ongiro expressed his vision for the next five years, emphasizing Octagon’s mission to transform how Kenyans prepare for retirement. His focus will be on strengthening the company’s client-centric approach, advancing digital pension and insurance solutions, and forging strategic partnerships that promote financial security and inclusivity. He underscored that Octagon’s goal is to ensure every Kenyan worker—regardless of income level or employer size—can retire with confidence and dignity, reshaping the national conversation around retirement planning.

Recently, Octagon Africa partnered with Alexforbes, one of South and Central Africa’s leading financial services providers, to roll out an affordable retirement benefits solution tailored for Kenya’s MSME sector. Through the Octagon Umbrella Retirement Benefits Scheme, businesses with as few as three employees can now provide access to retirement savings, group life, and medical cover. This initiative reflects Octagon’s continued commitment to inclusion, innovation, and financial empowerment across Kenya and the wider region.

Kenya,South Korea Strengthen Smart City Collaboration

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Kenya is strengthening its partnership with South Korea in the development of smart and modern cities, marking a new chapter in its infrastructure growth agenda. The collaboration, led through the Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Cooperation (KIND), aims to leverage South Korea’s global expertise in smart urban planning and sustainable development. This initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader ambition to position itself as a hub for innovation, efficient infrastructure, and digital transformation across Africa.

During a meeting between John Tanui, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, and Ji Hye Choi, Managing Director of KIND Africa Office, discussions focused on how KIND can support Kenya in implementing smart city projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). The South Korean agency, KIND, is known for helping nations structure and deliver large-scale infrastructure projects that combine government and private sector resources to maximize efficiency and innovation.

Tanui highlighted that this collaboration is timely, as Kenya prepares to launch its new National Infrastructure Fund (NIF). The NIF is expected to transform how the country finances major developments by mobilizing both local and international investment. It will focus on critical sectors such as transport, energy, water systems, and urban development, with the goal of reducing dependence on borrowing while increasing the role of private investment and sustainable financing.

According to Tanui, the partnership with KIND has the potential to unlock new opportunities for job creation, technological advancement, and improved quality of life through the construction of smarter, interconnected urban spaces. This cooperation also builds on Kenya and South Korea’s ongoing ICT collaboration, which includes landmark projects such as the Konza Technopolis—a flagship smart city designed to drive Kenya’s innovation and knowledge economy.

In a related engagement, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, William Gitau, met with South African technology leader Andile Ngcaba to discuss the national connectivity programme. The initiative aims to deploy 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable, establish 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots, and develop digital hubs across the country. Ngcaba emphasized the importance of local capacity building and community participation, while Gitau reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for private sector-led digital transformation.

Yiri and Digital Africa Launch Accelerate X Fuzé Challenge

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Yiri by Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and Digital Africa have launched Accelerate X Fuzé, a strategic challenge aimed at identifying, supporting, and scaling East Africa’s most innovative transport and logistics startups. Scheduled for Friday, November 21, in Kigali, the program invites up to 10–15 startups to pitch digital innovation solutions that address the evolving needs of the mobility and supply-chain ecosystem. This initiative represents a powerful gateway for local startups to gain access to acceleration, investment, and transformational networks.

The top five selected startups will enter a six-month acceleration programme with AGL, while two of them will receive Fuzé investment and 12 months of structured support from Digital Africa under the AEDIB 2 initiative. This blend of funding, mentorship, and ecosystem integration is designed to propel startups beyond proof-of-concept into scalable growth phases, positioning them to solve regional transport and logistics challenges at large.

Applications open on October 27, offering ambitious entrepreneurs a unique platform to engage with key players in Africa’s mobility innovation ecosystem. The challenge emphasises not just solutions, but the capacity to deliver meaningful impact, drive operational efficiency, and harness digital technologies—such as IoT, data analytics, automation, and sustainability—in the transport and logistics sector. It is tailored for startups that are ready to accelerate, scale, and lead transformation in East Africa.

This announcement underscores the growing recognition of logistics and transport as critical enablers of Africa’s economic growth. By spotlighting startups in this sector, Yiri, AGL and Digital Africa are reinforcing the importance of innovation in closing infrastructure gaps, improving supply‐chain resilience and enabling regional trade. Startups selected through Accelerate X Fuzé will gain access to partnerships, markets and capital that are often hard to reach in the early stages of growth.

For entrepreneurs in East Africa working at the intersection of transport, logistics and technology, this challenge is more than a pitch competition—it’s a launchpad for accelerated growth, strategic partnerships, and real sector impact. With the backing of global innovation bridges like Global Gateway, D4D Hub, and Expertise France, as well as ecosystem organisers such as AGL and Digital Africa, this initiative is positioned to catalyse the next wave of mobility-tech breakthroughs in Africa.

Here is the Link to apply, https://kw20qfzcb92.typeform.com/to/ETfzilDK?typeform-source=www.linkedin.com