Author: Kaluka wanjala

Microsoft has partnered with Kenyan health-tech startup Zendawa to roll out an AI-powered platform to help independent pharmacies across the country to improve efficiency, reduce medicine wastage and grow revenues. The solution is built on Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365 Copilot and Power BI. It enables small and medium-sized pharmacies to digitise inventory management, access real-time business insights and make data-driven decisions. These decisions were previously difficult to achieve with manual systems. If you have a startup you want featured on TechArena, let us know through this contact form here. Zendawa’s AI-driven platform replaces manual inventory tracking with predictive analytics, automated reporting, and demand…

Global fintech trading platform Capital.com has received regulatory approval from the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) of Kenya, allowing it to operate as a licensed Dealing Online Foreign Exchange Broker in the country. The licence, issued under number 244, authorises Capital.com to offer regulated online forex and trading services to Kenyan clients. Capital.com emphasised that compliance, risk management, and transparency remain central to its operations. To lead its local operations, Capital.com has appointed Samwel Kiraka as Chief Executive Officer, Kenya. Kiraka brings experience in managing financial services within regulated markets and will oversee governance, compliance, and day-to-day client operations as the…

According to data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), licensed digital lenders have disbursed Ksh. 109.8 billion across more than 6.6 million loans in the first 11 months of 2025, Mobile-first lending platforms are now a central part of how many Kenyans access quick financing, particularly outside traditional banking hours and physical branches. Mobile loans are designed for speed and convenience. Approvals are instant and disbursement is done through USSD and mobile apps. This accessibility has made them attractive to informal traders, gig workers and salaried employees who want short-term liquidity. Against this backdrop, Faulu Bank has expanded access…

Vertiv has announced new configurations of the Vertiv MegaMod HDX, a prefabricated power and liquid cooling infrastructure solution engineered for high-density computing environments, including artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) deployments. The new configurations give operators flexibility to support rapidly increasing power and cooling requirements while optimising space and deployment speed. The models are available globally. Vertiv MegaMod HDX integrates direct-to-chip liquid cooling with air-cooled architectures to meet the intense thermal demands of AI workloads, supporting pod-style AI environments and advanced GPU clusters. The new compact solution has a standard module height and a maximum of 13 racks and power…

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has directed all licensed mobile network operators (MNOs) and internet service providers (ISPs) to temporarily suspend public internet access and certain mobile services during the ongoing election period. The directive, effective 13th January at 18:00, comes on the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Security Committee. UCC cited concerns over the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and incitement of violence. Services Affected The suspension includes: The shutdown covers multiple networks: mobile broadband, fibre optic, leased lines, fixed wireless, microwave links and satellite internet services. What Is Exempted Certain critical services will remain operational, strictly…

Kenya-based optical retail startup Mamy Eyewear has secured a strategic investment from Japan’s Ikemori Venture Support (IVS). IVS is a Japan-based family office that backs high-potential consumer and technology businesses with a strong focus on long-term impact across Africa and Asia. The firm said its decision to invest in Mamy Eyewear was driven by the company’s combination of innovation, operational execution and commitment to expanding access to essential eye care services. If you have a startup you want featured on TechArena, let us know through this contact form here. Mamy Eyewear operates a network of modern optical stores offering free AI-powered eye tests,…

OPPO Kenya is set to launch the Reno15 Series later this month.  The series will include three models, Reno15 Pro, Reno15, and Reno15F. OPPO is positioning the range as a balance between style and everyday reliability. The official launch is expected to take place on 23 January 2026, with pricing and availability to be announced at the event. Despite its slim profile, the Reno15 Series is built using OPPO’s All-Round Armour Body. This combines internal shock-absorbing structures with an aerospace-grade aluminium frame. The devices also carry IP68 and IP69 ratings, offering protection against dust, water immersion and high-pressure water jets.…

Phyllis Migwi, Microsoft’s Country General Manager for Kenya, has announced that she will be stepping away from her role this February. In a LinkedIn post shared this week, She confirmed that she will be transitioning into a new chapter, while inviting applications for the role she will soon vacate. “It has been a profound honor to lead this work, but the time has come for me to pass the baton,” Migwi wrote. She emphasized that the work Microsoft is doing in Kenya and the region remains critical, noting that there is still significant untapped potential to scale impact across public…

The ADI Foundation has announced a new partnership with M-Pesa to roll out blockchain infrastructure to markets where the mobile money platform operates. The collaboration outlines a framework for deploying ADI Chain, a regulatory-focused blockchain network, across eight countries where M-Pesa is active. These include Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Lesotho, Mozambique and Tanzania. Both organisations have framed the initiative as an infrastructure-level collaboration rather than an immediate consumer-facing rollout. The ADI Foundation partnership seeks to introduce blockchain capabilities behind the scenes, particularly for institutional use cases such as cross-border settlement and SME payments. “M-Pesa has…

African defense technology startup Terra Industries has emerged from stealth with an $11.75 million funding round. The round was led by U.S.-based venture firm 8VC, founded by Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, with participation from Valor Equity Partners, Lux Capital, SV Angel, Leblon Capital, Silent Ventures, Nova Global and several angel investors including Micky Malka. As part of the investment, Alex Moore, Defense Partner at 8VC and a board director at Palantir, joined Terra Industries’ board last year. If you have a startup you want featured on TechArena, let us know through this contact form here. Founded in 2024 by Nathan Nwachuku and Maxwell…