Airtel Africa has signed a landmark agreement with SpaceX to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across its 14 African markets. This breakthrough will extend mobile network access to a combined customer base of 174 million subscribers, enabling connectivity in regions where terrestrial coverage is limited or unavailable. Service Launch Timeline: 2026 Rollout The satellite-to-mobile service is scheduled to launch in 2026, beginning with data services for select applications and text messaging. The partnership also supports Starlink’s first broadband Direct-to-Cell system, powered by next-generation satellites capable of delivering up to 20x faster data speeds compared to earlier capabilities. Rollout will depend…
Author: Muindi
Muindi
Experience working on communication and marketing departments and in the broadcast industry. Interested in sustainable development and international relations issues.
Kenya Airways has announced a major leadership shift, appointing Captain George Kamal as Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer effective 16 December 2025. The move follows the departure of Mr. Allan Kilavuka, who exits after six years in the role as he proceeds on terminal leave ahead of his contract expiry. Kilavuka, who led the airline through the COVID-19 turbulence and subsequent recovery, is credited with stabilising operations and boosting freight volumes. “Allan served with commitment, dedication, honour and diligence,” the Board noted, adding that he “steered the Company through the turbulent COVID-19 period… reaffirming the operational viability…
The Ministry of Education released the 2026 academic calendar for all basic education institutions, including pre-primary, primary, junior and senior secondary schools, and Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs). The schedule was issued through a circular by the State Department of Basic Education, signed by Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, copied to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogambo, and served to all regional, county, and sub-county directors of education on October 13, 2025. Basic Education Term Dates Term Opening Date Closing Date Duration Midterm Break Holiday Term I Jan 5, 2026 Apr 2, 2026 13 weeks Feb 25 – Mar 1, 2026 Apr 7…
Safaricom PLC on Tuesday listed the first tranche of its Domestic Medium-Term Note (DMTN) Programme at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), marking a milestone in Kenya’s capital markets. Record Oversubscription Applications received: KES 41.4 billion against an initial target of KES 15.0 billion Subscription rate: 275.7% Accepted amount (after exercising KES 5.0 bn greenshoe option): KES 20.0 billion Coupon rate: 10.4% per annum Tenor: 5 years, maturing 11 December 2030 Issue price: Par Minimum denomination: KES 50,000 This makes it Kenya’s largest green bond and the largest corporate bond ever issued by Safaricom. Safaricom described the uptake as a reflection of…
The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a KSh 5 trillion National Infrastructure Fund, a step in Kenya’s long-term plan to accelerate economic growth. National Infrastructure Fund as Central Investment Engine According to a Cabinet Dispatch issued on December 15, the Fund will be incorporated as a limited liability company and serve as the central vehicle for mobilising and deploying capital into priority infrastructure projects. “Approved as a limited liability company, the National Infrastructure Fund will serve as the central engine for aligning the administration’s financial resources with national development priorities,” the dispatch stated. Unlike traditional taxation, the Fund will…
Kenya’s green activism has a new face. Truphena Muthoni, popularly known as Muthoni Baby Top, has officially been recognised by Guinness World Records (GWR) for hugging a tree continuously for 48 hours, a feat that has captured the imagination of Kenyans and the world. Guinness World Records Recognition On December 12, 2025, Guinness World Records publicly confirmed Truphena’s achievement, just days after she attempted an even longer 72‑hour hug in Nyeri. In a private email, GWR wrote: “We are thrilled to inform you that your application for Longest marathon hugging a tree has been successful and you are now a…