Author: Khusoko

Handset adoption can guide the quantum leap to 4G With mobile connectivity now integral to the modern economy, a key part of any national development programme must be digital inclusion. This is being achieved by expanding mobile broadband coverage, but there is another important consideration: smartphone affordability.  A recent GSMA report shows that smartphones make up 39% of the 774 million mobile connections in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is projected to grow significantly, but for Africa’s people to fully reap the dividends of mobile connectivity, it is critical that 4G-enabled smartphone handsets be made more easily attainable for the entry-level market. …

The low level of economic diversification is a leading factor to economic fragility in Africa. The global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the risks of low levels of economic diversity and the reliance on limited economic activities, products or channels for trade and foreign direct investments. For example, over-dependence on one type of natural resource, singular economic activities in agriculture, trade with a limited number of countries, over-reliance on a narrow range of exports and/or imports and trade agreement restricted to specific regions or countries can be detrimental to the economy. Africa is endowed with minerals and…

Kenya’s sports’ betting is headed for interesting times following the entry of a new company with backing from billionaire British investors.  Triple 5bet which will officially be launched in Kenya soon has received the nod from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).  The company has partnered with one of the largest betting outlets in the UK, according to Triple5bet Operations Manager Jack Spencer, which will be unveiled during the launch. Some of the top UK betting companies are 888 Sports, Unibet and Hopa.  Following the partnership with deep-pocketed investors, Triple 5bet is bringing a gaming experience never seen before…

Integrated Payment Services Limited (IPSL), a fully-owned subsidiary of Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) has made changes to its board. IPSL which is the company behind Pesalink, a money transfer platform makes it easy and fast for inter-bank and inter-person cash transfers; brought on board four new non-executive directors effective 1st July. The four directors bring a vast experience spanning 89 years in various levels of management and roles in information technology. The directors, Jack Ngare, Dr. Shiko Gitau, Kevin Kinyanjui, and Moses Obonyo. “I am very proud of that new board,” says Agnes Gathaiya, CEO IPSL. Jack Ngare With over…

Kenya’s Sidian Bank has partnered with Aqua for All, Dutch Non-Profit institution to unveil 4 Million Euros Covid -19 Wash loan facility in bridging the service and financial gaps in the water and sanitation sector. Through the partnership, they will mobilise additional resources in support of the Government’s Emergency Response for COVID-19 pandemic.  The loan facility targets MSME’s in the water and sanitization value chain sector through short-term financing facilities in working capital, asset, and project finance.  Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Timothy Gitonga said Sidian Bank is committed to backing the government in combating the pandemic by supporting customers with…

The Kenyan Senate on Tuesday voted to adjourn debate on the Revenue Sharing Formula. According to the results, Senators voted 34-26 to adjourn the sitting, with one abstention on the Approval of the Third Basis for Revenue Allocation among the 47 County Governments. Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Murkomen moved the adjourn motion calling for dialogue that would lead to consensus. “For us to appreciate this kind of conversation, I’m requesting my colleagues let’s give dialogue one more chance. Let’s adjourn this motion for us to have a conversation on how to find a way forward that can unite all of us,”…