Author: Kaluka wanjala

LG has unveiled its new audio product line of Bluetooth speakers and earbuds at CES 2025, created in partnership with multi-platinum musician and tech entrepreneur, will.i.am. This marks the debut of the “xboom by will.i.am” line, following the partnership announcement in early December. LG recently appointed will.i.am as the “Experiential Architect” of the LG xboom brand, aiming to establish it as a culture-forward brand that elevates the listening experience to new heights through completely new sound and design values. All “xboom by will.i.am” audio products are professionally tuned by will.i.am, delivering the xboom signature sound – characterized by a more balanced audio profile with warmer tones. The product…

Vertiv has announced the acquisition by its Chinese subsidiary of certain assets and technologies of BiXin Energy Technology (Suzhou), a manufacturer of chillers, heat pumps, heat-recovery solutions and air-handling units. Focused on expanding the Vertiv chiller family, the acquisition strengthens Vertiv’s portfolio of critical technologies and solutions in support of high-performance compute and AI applications globally. Founded in 2010, BSE brings to Vertiv an established and field-proven presence in the China market and other Asian regions, along with industry patents, advanced technology solutions and strong research and development capabilities that will reinforce Vertiv’s global offering. BSE’s core product offerings include…

Visa has officially opened applications for the 4th edition of the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator. This is its biannual program that seeks to offer startups access to all the necessary tools, industry connections and mentorship to scale their solutions across the continent.  The program was launched back in 2023 and is part of  Visa’s $1 billion commitment to advancing financial inclusion across Africa by 2027. Visa Fintech Accelerator’s last cohort concluded in December in South Africa with a Demo day. The program has supported over 64 startups so far resulting in 15 active partnerships. Some of the notable startups from…

PayMint, a leading financial technology company, has announced the approval from the Central Bank of Egypt to launch its first prepaid “Meeza” card in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) Egypt. This move is part of PayMint’s ongoing effort to enhance its offerings and expand its services in line with Egypt’s vision of fostering a cashless society. The prepaid card comes as a solution aimed at addressing the growing demand for flexible, secure, and efficient digital payment methods. By enabling PayMint customers to access a wide range of services, the new card allows for daily transactions, including cash withdrawals,…

Village Capital has announced the investment of $150,000 in two women-led startups, Rhea Soil Health Management (Rhea) and Regxta. This is facilitated through Standard Chartered’s Women in Tech Financing Facility that seeks to support alumni of Futuremakers by Standard Chartered initiative. Rhea is a Kenyan agritech startup founded in 2022 that provides affordable and accessible soil testing solutions for farmers. The aim of this is to help smallholder farmers improve yields while also promoting soil health.  “Building a science-driven hardware-software business in Africa’s agritech sector is challenging, especially with the need for continuous R&D and market-driven innovation. Village Capital’s investment…

Safaricom has announced the revised M-Pesa charges for sending and withdrawing money in 2025. With the updated rates, you will notice that Safaricom has harmonized them across all networks. This means that sending money to Airtel Money or Telkom’s T-Kash will attract the same charges as sending to an M-Pesa user. With Airtel Money maturing so fast, this is the right step for Safaricom to take with its mobile money service. Safaricom has also discontinued money transfers to unregistered users as most were associated with fraud. I was not expecting this but I do appreciate the changes, I hope it…

Uber has announced the launch of Uber Van in Kenya. This is its  largest ride option available that riders can get through the Uber app. The option connects riders with  vehicles having at least 6 passenger seats. It is perfect if you have a large group and want all people on the same trip. Whether you are going on a family holiday (and packed one too many bags), or going to an event with a group of friends, Uber Van has got you covered with rides in vehicles with more space and more seats. According to Uber, they are launching…

Fans of LG products are set to witness the launch of an exciting new indoor gardening appliance, which allows users to cultivate crops — including vegetables — in indoor spaces with minimal engagement.  The unveiling will take place at CES 2025, which takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from January 7-10. The new indoor gardening appliance will, especially, find interest in urban areas, like Nairobi, where living spaces are majorly confined to apartments and other high-rise buildings, which may not allow for outdoor cultivation. This latest personal horticultural solution combines an advanced system that encourages fast, healthy plant growth with a modern…

As the festive season approaches, many of us are tempted to indulge in big-ticket purchases, lavish holidays, or spur-of-the-moment splurges. While it’s essential to celebrate and reward yourself for a year of hard work, it’s equally crucial to think beyond the immediate and consider ways to build a brighter financial future. Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider, is here to help you make smarter decisions this festive season. Here’s why saving and investing should top your year-end list: Making your money work: How to invest smartly: The benefits of saving with Binance This festive season let’s…

Samsung has announced the availability of its latest smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy A06 and Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, in the Kenyan market. These new devices combine stylish design, impressive features, performance and affordability, making them ideal options for tech-savvy consumers on a  budget. The Samsung Galaxy A06 and Galaxy A16 5G showcase Samsung’s commitment to providing advanced technology and seamless connectivity for users across all segments. The Galaxy A06 offers excellent value with powerful features designed to enhance everyday smartphone experiences. Perfect for users seeking reliability, performance, and affordability in a stylish package.The smartphone boasts key features including a 6.7-inch HD+ display…