Author: Muindi

Switzerland’s Roche has announced its 10-year Africa strategy to increase access to diagnostics by a factor of 10 in the next 10 years. The Swiss pharma giant has also expanded its diagnostics legal presence in Kenya as part of the execution of this bold ambition. A report by Biomedical Central states that about 19% of the population in Low-to-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) has access to basic diagnostic testing (excluding malaria and HIV testing kits). By contrast, access to diagnostic testing in high-income countries approximates at 49% in primary care and 68% in hospitals. These statistics highlight major gaps in diagnostics, particularly…

Absa Bank Kenya has appointed Abdi Mohamed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after receiving regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Kenya. Mohamed takes over from Yusuf Omari, who has been serving in this capacity on an interim basis. The lender’s board chairman, Charles Muchene, confirmed that Mohamed’s tenure will begin effective May 1, 2023. “The Board is pleased to welcome Abdi back home, particularly at a time when the banking industry is experiencing increased digitalization, innovation, and significant shifts in demography and consumer behaviour,” Munene said in a statement. “Within this context, Abdi will steer the Bank’s next strategic…

Realme, a leading smartphone brand in Kenya, has launched the Realme C55 in the East African market, introducing innovative features to the mid-range segment. The Realme C55 stands out with Android’s first Mini Capsule, a dynamic interface that adapts intelligently to the display and integrates seamlessly with the punch-hole camera cutout. https://twitter.com/realmeglobal/status/1633007071577927680?s=20 The device features a 6.72-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals, a 64MP dual rear camera for high-quality photography, and a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging for extended usage. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G88 chipset, it offers up to 8GB of…

Chinese smartphone maker OPPO says it has opened its largest Service Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Consumers who visit the Service Center located at Emperor Plaza, Koinange Street will get to experience top-level one on one consultation with OPPO’s technicians on their repairs reducing phone repair wait time to under an hour with genuine OPPO spare parts and warranties. “At a time when customer satisfaction is at the core of business growth and statistics indicating that 86%, good customer service turns one-time customers into long-term brand champions according to Khoros, OPPO is focused on giving the best experience it can offer…

The Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) has planned a major shift in how it creates awareness of child protection laws and safeguards against abuse and bullying in the digital space. The Authority hopes to educate and sensitize the public on emerging issues through play, poetry, spoken word, cultural dance, singing games for young children, and narratives. Mr. Ezra Chiloba, the Communications Authority Director General, emphasized the need to protect children in the wake of massive technological advancements leading to numerous threats online at the ongoing 61st edition of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festivals (KNDFF). As the theme sponsor…

Kenya plans to raise $2 billion from the international market in the next fiscal year (2023-2024) to repay a 10-year Eurobond maturing in June 2024. The National Treasury has invited expression of interest from reputable financial institutions to provide transaction advisory services for the proposed Eurobond.  Kenya’s Public Debt came in at Kshs 9.1 trillion (equivalent to 63.0% of GDP) as of December 2022, an 11.2% increase from the Kshs 8.2 trillion (66.2% of GDP) recorded in December 2021.  Additionally, the public debt to GDP is expected to marginally decline to 60.0% in 2023, on the back of the government’s continued focus on prioritizing…