Author: Kaluka wanjala

LOOP  has unveiled a new device financing solution designed to make premium smartphones and other gadgets more accessible. The service has been launched in partnership with bolttech, a global insurtech company known for providing device protection and digital insurance solutions. The offering brings together LOOP FLEX, a Buy Now Pay Later solution with repayment periods of up to 12 months, and bolttech’s device protection cover. Customers who purchase devices through LOOP FLEX will enjoy protection against theft, accidental damage, liquid damage, mechanical breakdowns and repairs done only at authorised service centres using genuine parts.  LOOP says the service is aimed…

Access Bank Kenya and National Bank of Kenya, both subsidiaries of Access Bank PLC, have introduced the W Initiative in Kenya. This is a programme designed to increase financing and business support for women-led enterprises. The initiative is backed by Access Bank’s presence across Africa and seeks to promote financial inclusion and help women entrepreneurs access new opportunities for growth. Across the Access Bank network, the W Initiative has already disbursed 141 million dollars to women-owned and women-supported businesses. In Kenya, the programme brings together NBK’s existing women-focused offerings, NIA and Almasi Lady, into one comprehensive platform. The unified approach…

Airtel Money customers in Kenya can now pay DTB Till Moja merchants directly and deposit funds into DTB accounts from their mobile wallets.  The integration allows customers to manage their finances instantly and securely from their mobile phones without visiting a bank branch or payment outlet. Customers can also make Paybill payments and get a 50% guaranteed cashback in airtime. “At Airtel Money, we are committed to facilitating seamless flow of money across Kenya’s financial ecosystem,” said Anne Kinuthia-Otieno, Airtel Money Kenya Managing Director. “While customers have previously been able to send funds to DTB accounts, this new feature now…

Zoho has expanded its Young Creators Program (YCP) across East Africa, empowering students and professionals with hands-on digital skills in low-code application development. Through workshops conducted across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Madagascar, Zoho trained more than 150 participants to design and deploy business-ready applications using Zoho Creator, the company’s low-code development platform. These workshops were conducted in partnership with local institutions in each of the countries.  “Through the Young Creators Program, we are helping students and professionals across East Africa gain the tools and confidence to turn their ideas into impactful digital solutions,” said Veerakumar Natarajan, Regional Manager, Zoho East…

The Government of Kenya has announced a proposal to undertake a partial divestment of its shares in Safaricom PLC. If approved, the State will sell 15% of its Safaricom stake to Vodafone Kenya. This transaction is expected to generate approximately KES 240.5 billion to KES 244.5 billion. Treasury has noted that the valuation reflects a 23.6% premium on the six-month volume weighted average price. The Government will still retain a significant stake in Safaricom even after the sale. This will be Safaricom’s new ownership structure: Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the proceeds will become seed capital for the National…

Bolttech, the global insurtech firm, has acquired mTek, a Nairobi based digital insurance platform. The move is part of Bolttech’s wider strategy to grow its presence in East Africa and strengthen its embedded insurance capabilities in new markets. mTek launched in 2019 and built a digital platform that allows users to compare, buy and manage insurance policies through a paperless workflow. The company works with major insurers in Kenya including GA Insurance, Sanlam and Britam. In September, mTek and Mastercard announced a partnership that will bring embedded insurance solutions to customers across East Africa. If you have a startup you want featured…

Mauritius-based FinTech startup Black Swan has been crowned the winner of the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025. The pan-African pitch competition which is led by the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) and powered by Absa Group spotlighted startups building next-generation financial solutions aimed at boosting inclusion and improving lending, payments and digital services across the continent. Black Swan is building infrastructure that turns fragmented consumer and MSME data into real-time credit intelligence. The startup says its platform enables banks and lenders to run instant affordability assessments, making it possible to extend credit to borrowers typically excluded by traditional…

Wise has received conditional approval from the South African Reserve Bank to allow the company to operate as a Category 2 Authorised Dealer in Foreign Exchange with Limited Authority. This marks its first regulatory approval on the African continent and sets the stage for the company to begin offering international money transfer services to personal customers in South Africa. The approval allows Wise to officially enter South Africa. The country has significant cross-border payment activity which is mostly driven by high digital adoption and a huge diaspora community. These factors continue to increase demand for faster, transparent, and affordable global…

iColo has announced the appointment of Wanja Muriithi as its new General Manager in Kenya. The company says the appointment is part of its plan to accelerate business growth in the country and strengthen Digital Realty’s footprint across East Africa. Digital Realty already operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique and South Africa and Kenya remains a key market for its regional expansion. Muriithi will report to Marcel Louw, Managing Director for Africa at Digital Realty. The company highlighted her record of delivering operational excellence, providing strategic direction and driving sales growth while maintaining a strong focus on both customers and employees.…

Westcon-Comstor Southern Africa has been recognised with RUCKUS Platinum Distributor Status. RUCKUS Networks provides reliable wired and wireless networking solutions designed for complex and high-demand environments. Its technology is used in a number of sectors including education, hospitality, manufacturing and public services. The Platinum Status is awarded to distributors that demonstrate sustained excellence in revenue performance, solution capability and partner enablement. For Westcon Southern Africa, the recognition highlights its role as a specialist distributor that offers more than product fulfilment. Nickey Mannya, Director for Cyber Security and Next Generation Solutions at Westcon-Comstor Southern Africa, said the achievement reflects the company’s…