Author: Kaluka wanjala

Safaricom has today made some changes to M-Pesa transaction limits that will allow users to send money or make payments of up to Ksh 250K per transaction. We knew this was coming as Airtel Money made similar changes a few weeks back as Safaricom was to do the same. . The previous limit was Ksh 150K per transaction for both M-Pesa and Airtel Money. The introduction of the Ksh 150,001 to Ksh 250,000 transaction band does not affect the transaction fees as it remains Ksh 108 for any amount sent from Ksh 20,000 to Ksh 250,000. “We welcome the move…

The music streaming industry has seen impressive growth across the globe, and Kenya has been no exception to this trend. With the emergence of platforms like Spotify, Boomplay, mdundo among other, music enthusiasts in Kenya have gained access to an extensive library of African and international music,. This has effectively revolutionized the way music is consumed and promoted in the country. In an interview with Martha Huro, the Managing Director of Boomplay East Africa, we discussed the journey of Boomplay in Kenya and how it has become a pivotal force in the Kenyan music ecosystem. Boomplay’s Journey in Kenya Boomplay…

As the cost of living in Kenya continues to rise, it’s essential to find ways to save on transaction fees. One of the most convenient methods is transferring money from your bank account to your Airtel Money wallet. Airtel Money offers a cost-effective solution for this purpose. Know Your Bank Code First and foremost, you need to be aware of your bank’s USSD code for mobile banking. Each bank in Kenya has its unique code for this service. Here are the USSD codes for some popular banks: Dial the USSD Code Once you have identified your bank’s USSD code, it’s…

Turaco has expanded operations to Ghana after completing the acquisition of MicroEnsure Ghana. As a result of this deal, MicroEnsure will rebrand to Turaco Ghana. It will retain the existing team and leadership. Turaco says this move is part of its long term plan to provide insurance to over 1 billion people. With this expansion, Turaco now operates in 4 countries including Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and now Ghana. New and existing customers will benefit from improved tech-driven processes, which will reduce the turnaround time of claims paid out and optimise service offerings. The acquisition will also provide an opportunity for…

Sendwave has introduced a new banking product called “Sendwave Pay.” This innovative solution offers Kenyan migrants access to an FDIC-insured bank account, complete with a debit card, presenting a unique proposition in the remittance market. With the official launch of Sendwave Pay, the company aims to revolutionize the way Kenyans in the US manage their finances, ensuring they receive maximum value from their international remittances. Opening a bank account is a significant milestone for immigrants, and Sendwave Pay seeks to facilitate this process, enabling Kenyan expatriates to establish their financial autonomy in the United States. This development aligns with Zepz’s…

29 startups have been selected to receive funding and impact support from prominent organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, MSD, Microsoft, and others. The second cohort of the Investing in Innovation Africa (i3) program comprises these forward-thinking companies, drawn from 10 different African countries. This initiative aims to revolutionize healthcare supply chains across the continent, fostering growth, inclusivity, and gender diversity. The Investing in Innovation Africa (i3) program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and sponsored by Cencora, Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), Microsoft, and Chemonics, is dedicated to supporting early- and growth-stage startups in the…

By Bryan Hamman, Regional Director: Africa, NETSCOUT In recent times, cyberattacks, particularly Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, have been on the rise across Africa. It’s no longer a matter of ‘if’ your organization will be targeted, but rather ‘when.’ This year, businesses in African countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa have experienced the dire consequences of these incidents. Understanding DDoS Attacks A DDoS attack is an attempt to overwhelm an organization’s network, systems, applications, content, or services by inundating it with fake traffic. This renders genuine users unable to access these resources. Such attacks are highly destructive for…

The Africa Money and DeFi Summit is set to take place in Accra, Ghana on October 3rd and 4th. The showcase will have a lineup of nine cutting-edge Web3, Blockchain, Fintech, and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) ventures selected to showcase their innovations to investors and industry leaders. Among these promising startups is the Kenyan-based “Save App,” which is reshaping saving habits across Africa. Save App, a Kenyan startup, seeks to transform how African consumers view and interact with their savings. The company’s flagship product, “Ukonga,” is a micro-savings platform designed to empower users to save their spare change effectively, encouraging a…

The music streaming business is very competitive but is growing steadily thanks to availability of smartphones and internet access. Boomplay is one of the leading players in this sector. In a recent interview with TechArena, Martha Huro, Managing Director, Boomplay East Africa revealed that they have achieved a remarkable milestone in Kenya. With its roots planted in 2017, Boomplay has steadily grown its user base and brand recognition in the country, reaching 4.2 million monthly active users. This is not just the registered users but those actively using the service. Boomplay’s journey in Kenya has been one of steady growth…

Yesterday at the International Telecommunications Week (ITW) in Nairobi, Mugo Kibati, the CEO of Telkom Kenya, shared valuable insights on the future of Africa’s digital landscape and the role Telkom Kenya aims to play in it. The discussion covered a range of topics, from the impact of global events to the importance of digital connectivity and policy regulations. Kibati’s presentation began with a recognition of the significant global events that have shaped our world. These events have not only disrupted traditional business models but have also presented new opportunities for growth and adaptation. One of the central themes of Kibati’s…