Author: Korir Issa

Absa Bank Kenya has announced a new interest rate of 10% per annum on its Absa Digital Savings account, up from the previous 9% per annum. The new rate is effective from December 12, 2023, and will last until March 2024. The bank said the move is part of its efforts to empower its customers to save more and earn higher returns on their deposits. The Absa Digital Savings account is accessible to both Kenyans and the diaspora, who can open an account online via the app or website at any time. The initiative is also in line with the…

Kenya will be a visa-free country for all visitors starting January 2024. This means that anyone from any country will no longer need to apply for a visa to visit Kenya. According to President William Ruto, this decision comes as part of Kenya’s commitment to globalization and opening its borders to stimulate socio-economic development.  President Ruto emphasized that Kenyans have always embraced globalization and are not afraid of the world beyond their borders.  “It is with great pleasure, as president of this extraordinary country, to make a historic announcement of the decision of the Government of Kenya. Beginning January 2024,…

The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has announced that all Kenyans and employers will now be required to make their payments through the official government Paybill number 222222. The changes were communicated via a statement signed by Chief Executive Elijah Wachira and will take effect immediately. Read and share widely.#NHIF #NHIFKenya pic.twitter.com/YvUausFmYT — NHIF Kenya (@nhifkenya) December 10, 2023 “This is in line with the Kenya Gazette No. 16008 of 2022 and the Presidential Directive designating the use of paybill Number 222222 as the Government’s single payment platform,” the statement read in part. To make monthly contributions, NHIF members are…

French development finance institution Proparco and Mauritian conglomerate IBL Group have finalised the acquisition of a majority stake in Harley’s, a leading East African distributor of pharmaceutical products and medical equipment.  The deal, valued at €13 million (Sh5 billion), will enable Harley’s to expand its reach and improve access to essential medicines and healthcare supplies across the region. Damien Braud, Proparco Head of Equity for Africa and the Middle East said, “Harley’s is a historical player in the pharmaceutical sector, making a big impact on the lives of Kenyans, Tanzanians, and Ugandans. Proparco is very proud to support Harley’s and more generally…

Mara Napa Camp played host to a distinguished group of Hollywood stars and influential black travel business owners. The group included Olugbenga Enitan Temitope Akinnagbe and Anika Noni Rose, along with leaders in the black travel industry. The entourage was part of the #KenyaHomeofHumankind campaign, spearheaded by the Kenya Tourism Board through Magical Kenya and Swahili Village, which aims to showcase Kenya’s unique beauty, diversity, and welcoming spirit. Gbenga Akinnagbe, born in Washington, D.C., is widely recognized for his notable roles in acclaimed television series such as “The Wire” and “The Deuce,” where his commanding presence and nuanced portrayals captivated…

China-based smartphone manufacturer Itel introduced its latest A-series smartphone, the A70 4G, an upgraded version of the A60 that came out early in 2023.  The A70 has improved features and a new design that make it superior to the A60. itel A70 4G specs The A70 has the same 6.6-inch 720p screen with a 60Hz refresh rate as the A60, but it comes in four different colours: black, gold, green, and blue. The black colour has a shimmering effect, and all the colours have the Awesome logo on the lower back. The A70 also has a Type-C charging port, unlike…