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Huawei Kenya Trains Top University Students for Regional ICT Competition

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Huawei Kenya Trains Top University Students for Regional ICT Competition

Huawei Kenya has welcomed 18 top university students to its offices for an intensive training program ahead of the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Final of the Huawei ICT Competition 2024-2025. These students won in the national finals and will be representing Kenya in the regional contest in late February 2025.

Kenya’s Next ICT Stars

The selected students are from top universities including Moi University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Machakos University, University of Nairobi’s ICT Center, Africa Nazarene University and Mount Kenya University. Over the next few weeks they will go through mentorship, hands-on training and workshops led by Huawei experts. The program covers advanced ICT domains such as networking, cloud computing and artificial intelligence so that the students can compete at the highest level.

Huawei’s Bridge between Academia and Industry

During the orientation Huawei Kenya’s Head of ICT Academy Program, Mr. Michael Kamau reaffirmed the company’s commitment to nurturing local talent.

“These students demonstrate the innovation and determination to drive Kenya’s digital transformation. Huawei will continue to support young talent by providing platforms like the ICT Competition that bridge the gap between education and industry. We believe they will represent Kenya well at both regional and global stages,” he said.

The Huawei ICT Competition is a flagship corporate social responsibility initiative that aims to develop a strong ICT talent pipeline by aligning students’ skills to global industry standards. Those who win at the regional finals will proceed to the global stage where they will compete for opportunities including internships, industry certifications and career development.

Meet Kenya’s Top ICT Talent

The national winners preparing for the regional finals are:

  • Ifrah Hussein – Moi University
  • Banzy Nyaga – JKUAT
  • Beverlyne Ndombi – Moi University
  • Wambura Harriet – Machakos University
  • Alvin Lanton Ng’ang’a – JKUAT
  • Tony Kipruto Oloibe – University of Nairobi
  • Karen Juma – Moi University
  • Mark Omaiko – Machakos University* Ian Omwenga – Machakos University
  • Ephraim Shikanga – JKUAT
  • Mwangi Grace – Africa Nazarene University
  • Leona Nyasani – Machakos University
  • Rukia Mwari Mohamed – JKUAT
  • Brian Kipkoech – Machakos University
  • Odanga Clement – University of Nairobi
  • Daniel Ochola – Mount Kenya University
  • Job Rosana – JKUAT
  • Kimanthi Vincent – JKUAT

Ifrah Hussein from Moi University said,

“This is an opportunity to learn from industry experts and compete against the best in Africa. We are ready to stretch ourselves and give our best.”

Global ICT Competition

After the regional finals Huawei will host the Global ICT Competition in May 2025 where top students from various regions including Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Europe, North Africa, Middle East and Asia will converge. The competition will give students a platform to showcase their technical skills and get global recognition.

Huawei’s investment in ICT training and mentorship is part of its mission to develop the next generation of tech leaders and drive digital transformation in Kenya and beyond.

Majority of Kenyans Dissatisfied with Communications Authority’s Complaint Handling

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Majority of Kenyans Dissatisfied with Communications Authority’s Complaint Handling

A new customer satisfaction survey by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has found that over 70% of complainants are not satisfied with how the regulator handles their issues. The survey shows a huge gap in consumer satisfaction particularly on effectiveness and speed of complaint resolution.

Only 29.3% of consumers who lodged complaints to CA were satisfied with the process, leaving a majority unhappy. The complaints cover various issues including scams, poor service from providers like Zuku and Safaricom, cybercrime, domain registrar issues and courier service problems.

It’s not just the telecom services that are unhappy but internet disruptions, illegal internet provision, TV and radio broadcast concerns and general network performance. The survey also shows that consumers reach out to CA through multiple channels—email (60.3%), phone calls (15.9%), website submissions (7.9%), social media (9.5%) and physical visits and letters. But despite the many channels available, less than half of those who filed complaints in the last one year found CA’s response satisfactory.

CA licensees—telecom companies, internet service providers, courier and postal services and broadcasters—reported higher satisfaction rate. Over 70% of licensees were satisfied with CA’s services particularly on speed, vigilance and accuracy of the quarterly reports.

While 54% of consumers who deal directly with CA are satisfied, a huge number of suppliers and partners are not. The survey shows that 38% of CA’s suppliers and 20.2% of its affiliates including donors and collaborating agencies were dissatisfied with CA’s services.

Overall, the dissatisfaction with CA’s services has gone up compared to last year. In 2024, 28.7% of the surveyed stakeholders were dissatisfied, up from 19.9% in 2023. This trend shows CA needs to improve its consumer engagement and complaints resolution mechanisms.

As CA is the key regulator of Kenya’s technology and telecommunications sector, addressing these gaps is crucial to restore public confidence. As the number of complaints continues to rise, we wait to see if CA will implement reforms to improve its responsiveness and service quality.

Kenya Records a Surge in Smartphone Adoption as Feature Phones Decline

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Kenya Records a Surge in Smartphone Adoption as Feature Phones Decline

Kenya has seen a smartphone explosion with 2.2 million smartphones bought in the 3 months to September 2024. This is the highest quarterly smartphone uptake since the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) started tracking these numbers.

Smartphone Penetration Growing

According to CA, the number of active smartphones in the country grew from 35.2 million in June 2024 to 37.4 million by September, that’s a 6.3% increase. This is a growing demand for modern devices with advanced features, especially internet and digital apps.

On the other hand, feature phone usage dropped by 200,000 in the same period to 30.7 million from 30.9 million. That’s a 0.6% decline, a trend that has been going on with basic mobile phones losing market share to smartphones.

Kenya’s Mobile Market: Highlights

CA’s latest sector report shows that by September 2024, the total number of devices connected to the network was 67.7 million. Mobile penetration was 131.5% with smartphones at 72.6%. But note that these figures are for multiple device ownership and not individual phone owners.

Why Kenyans are Switching to Smartphones

Here are the reasons:

  1. Growing Internet Demand – The need for internet for communication, work, education and entertainment has forced many to upgrade to smartphones.
  2. Affordable Financing – Mobile network providers and manufacturers have introduced payment plans and consumers can buy smartphones on credit and pay in installments.
  3. Aggressive Marketing – Smartphone brands are investing heavily in advertising and making consumers aware of the benefits of upgrading from feature phones.
  4. Local Assembly and Affordability – The launch of Kenya’s first mobile phone assembly plant in October 2023 by President William Ruto has made smartphones more available with some models retailing at $40 (approximately Ksh 5,170).

Feature Phones are Fading Away

Feature phones that only support basic functions like calls, SMS and simple media playback are being phased out as more Kenyans opt for devices with internet, apps and multimedia. In the last year alone, over 600,000 feature phones were abandoned for smartphones.

Conclusion

The growing smartphone penetration in Kenya will further drive digitalisation, in sectors like e-commerce, fintech and online education. As more people go digital, businesses and service providers must adjust to the changing consumer landscape.

With more affordability initiatives and a push for local assembly, Kenya’s smartphone uptake will continue to rise in the next few years and bridge the digital gap and increase mobile access across the country.

KNH Cybercrime Incident: KES 47 Million Lost, Security Measures Tightened

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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KNH Cybercrime Incident: KES 47 Million Lost, Security Measures Tightened

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has lost KES 47 million in the financial year ending June 2024 after 11 employees were suspended for cybercrime.

After an internal investigation, KNH has recovered KES 16 million and has referred the matter to Public Service Commission (PSC) and other investigative agencies.

Legal Action and Investigations

KNH CEO Evanson Kamuri says the suspects are in custody and their case is in court. He assures the public that KNH is working with investigators to ensure justice is served and prevent future occurrences.

This comes after Auditor General Nancy Gathungu conducted a forensic audit of KNH’s payment system over fraud and fund misappropriation concerns. The report is yet to be released.

PSC’s Figures in Dispute

Earlier, the PSC had reported KES 517.9 million loss at KNH. But KNH has since clarified that the actual figure was KES 47 million. KNH attributes the difference to errors in the PSC’s report.

Dr. Kamuri said,
“The KES 47 million was split among the 11 individuals under investigation, hence the KES 517.9 million figure.”

KNH has asked PSC to correct the report.

Cybercrime and Public Sector Corruption

The PSC report released in January 2025 shows that public sector corruption resulted in KES 643.59 million losses in the 2023/2024 financial year up from KES 605.1 million in the previous year. This figure may go down if PSC accepts KNH’s correction.

The report excludes losses from institutions under independent commissions:
✅ National Police Service Commission
✅ Teachers Service Commission
✅ Judicial Service Commission
✅ Parliamentary Service Commission
✅ County Public Service Commissions

Cybersecurity: A Public Institutions’ Concern

This shows the urgency for stronger cybersecurity in Kenya’s public institutions. As cyber threats get more complex, organisations must act now to secure their systems and protect public funds.

Key steps:
🔹 Regular cybersecurity audits to detect vulnerabilities.
🔹 Strengthened security infrastructure with advanced fraud detection tools.
🔹 Employee training on cybercrime prevention.
🔹 Tight access controls and monitoring of financial transactions.

KNH says it’s putting in place new measures to prevent future cyber fraud and protect public funds.

Kenya Digitizes Marine Cargo Insurance: What Importers Need to Know

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Kenya Digitizes Marine Cargo Insurance: What Importers Need to Know

Kenya is going to disrupt marine cargo insurance by making it fully digital for all importers from February 14, 2025. Under the new rule importers will have to get marine insurance from local insurers online before getting customs clearance.

Some might see this as an extra step but this is the culmination of policies that started with the Finance Act of 2017 which required all cargo coming into Kenya to be insured locally. The digital shift is meant to simplify compliance and strengthen the insurance industry.

How the Digital Marine Insurance Works

The system brings together key players:
✔ Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA)
✔ Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
✔ Insurance underwriters

The process is built around the Import Declaration Form (IDF), a paperless, seamless workflow. Importers and clearing agents must:

1️⃣ Get their IDF via approved platforms (M-PESA Super App, web portals, or insurance platforms).
2️⃣ Fill the digital Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate.
3️⃣ Pay the premium.
4️⃣ Submit the certificate to the IRA platform.
5️⃣ The system will automatically send it to KRA’s ICMS.

Where to Get Digital Marine Insurance?

Kenya has put the service on multiple digital platforms to make it easier for importers to comply. These are:

  • M-PESA Super App (via Coral Mini App)
  • Web portals of approved insurers
  • Dedicated insurance underwriter platforms

Why This Matters

🔹 Simplifies compliance – No paperwork, no delays.
🔹 Strengthen the insurance industry – Keep insurance revenue in Kenya.
🔹 Boost trade efficiency – Faster clearance through seamless integration.
🔹 Transparency – Reduce cargo insurance fraud.

By requiring local digital insurance coverage Kenya is digitizing import processes and keeping marine cargo insurance under local control. A big step in using technology for trade and growing the local insurance industry.

Safaricom Unveils ‘Data Dabo Dabo’ Promotion, Offering Free Data Bundles

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Safaricom Unveils ‘Data Dabo Dabo’ Promotion, Offering Free Data Bundles

Safaricom has launched a new customer promo ‘Data Dabo Dabo’ where we are giving more value to our customers through free data bundles. The three month promo runs until 23rd April 2025 and offers Buy One Get One Free on select data bundles.

**How ‘Data Dabo Dabo’ Works

Customers who buy eligible data bundles will get an equal amount of bonus data for free. The bundles can be accessed through:

  • mySafaricom App
  • USSD 544#
  • Other Safaricom shortcodes

The free data bundle is awarded instantly upon purchase and is valid until midnight of the purchase day.

Who is eligible for the Offer?

  • The promotion is open to both Pre-Pay and Post-Pay customers.
  • The free data cannot be transferred or shared—it’s for individual use only.
  • Customers can use the bonus data for browsing, streaming, social media, research and online shopping without restrictions.

Check Bundle Balance

Customers can check their purchased and bonus data balance through:

  • *USSD 544#
  • mySafaricom App

Safaricom’s Connectivity Pledge

Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa said of the launch: “We know how important connectivity is in this digital age and we are committed to providing solutions that meet our customers’ needs. The ‘Data Dabo Dabo’ promo allows our customers to explore, connect and thrive online—whether for work, learning, entertainment or to stay in touch with loved ones”

Internet Expansion

‘Data Dabo Dabo’ launches as Safaricom expands its internet footprint in Kenya. The company recently applied to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to build its own undersea cable which will boost internet connectivity and affordability.

With this promo, Safaricom is meeting the growing demand for mobile data and making internet more accessible and affordable for our customers.

Safaricom Seeks Approval to Build Undersea Cable, Challenging Starlink’s Market Presence

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Safaricom Seeks Approval to Build Undersea Cable, Challenging Starlink’s Market Presence

Safaricom is seeking approval from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to lay its own undersea fiber-optic cable, a move that will change the internet landscape in Kenya and beyond. This puts Safaricom head to head with Elon Musk’s Starlink which launched in Kenya in 2023.

A Safaricom executive told Business Daily, “We are investing more to bring in more capacity to support growing customer demand for high speed internet.” Details of the cable’s length, cost and consortium members are still not public but the company has already formed a consortium to drive the multi billion project.

How Subsea Cables Work and Why They Matter

Subsea cables are fiber-optic cables laid on the ocean floor to transmit internet data between continents and countries. They are the foundation of global internet infrastructure, high speed and low latency.

Unlike satellite internet which relies on signals from space, subsea cables offer stable and high capacity connections, perfect for data hungry services such as:

  • Cloud computing
  • Video streaming
  • Online communication and gaming

For telcos like Safaricom, investing in undersea cable infrastructure means reliable, scalable and cost effective internet services.

Why Safaricom is Laying an Undersea Cable

Safaricom’s investment is in line with its strategy to:

  1. Increase internet penetration across Kenya, urban and rural.
  2. Reduce costs by reducing dependence on third party infrastructure.
  3. Improve service reliability and support growing demand for high speed internet.
  4. Strengthen its market leadership as the number one internet service provider in Kenya.

Competition with Starlink: Fiber vs Satellite Internet

Safaricom’s move puts it head to head with Starlink which uses low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high speed internet, in areas where fiber infrastructure is not available.

Safaricom vs Starlink:

FeatureSafaricom (Subsea Cable)Starlink (Satellite)
Speed & LatencyFaster, lower latencySlower, higher latency
ReliabilityMore stable, less affected by weatherAffected by weather and obstructions
CoverageBest in urban & semi-urban areasBest for remote & underserved areas
CostLower due to economies of scaleHigher due to expensive equipment & subscription fees
ScalabilityEasily expandable through fiber networkLimited by satellite capacity

While Starlink is good for remote areas, its high cost makes it not accessible to most Kenyan households and businesses. Safaricom is looking to scale up affordable internet solutions for the mass market.

Kenya’s Digital Future

The fiber vs satellite internet competition is a sign of Kenya’s growing digital economy. With more infrastructure investment, Kenyans can expect:

  • Faster internet and better reliability
  • More affordable options
  • More technology adoption in business and education

As both Safaricom and Starlink roll out, consumers will be the ultimate winners.

Kenya Power Token Purchase Issues on M-Pesa Leave Customers Frustrated

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Kenya Power Token Purchase Issues on M-Pesa Leave Customers Frustrated

Kenya Power tokens on M-Pesa are not working. Since 6pm customers have been experiencing issues ranging from failed transactions to no response after payment.

M-Pesa Users are getting failed transactions

Customers trying to buy tokens on M-Pesa are getting the following error messages:

“Transaction failed, M-PESA cannot complete payment of Ksh50.00 to KPLC PREPAID. Try again later.”

But not all are getting error messages; some are not getting any response after payment.

Kenya Power Confirms

In a public notice KPLC confirmed:

“We are working on a glitch that is causing delays in token vending. Sorry for the inconvenience.”

Alternative Payment Option

In the meantime KPLC has advised customers to use its USSD platform to get tokens. Customers can access it by:

  1. Dial *977#
  2. Select 1: Prepaid Services (Token)
  3. Select 2: Latest Token
  4. Select meter or add new meter.

USSD challenges:

  • USSD is not free and costs KES 10.
  • Users are reporting delays or errors when getting tokens via this method.

The Kenya Power mobile app is also not working. Users are getting error messages and can’t access their accounts.

Working Options

For now customers can use other payment platforms that are working:

  • Equitel
  • Airtel Money (currently has zero transaction fees for KPLC payments)
  • Co-op Bank
  • KCB Bank

These are working and are a temporary solution for the affected customers.

Customer Experience and Frustration

Not being able to buy tokens is causing a lot of inconvenience especially since electricity is an essential service. Many customers rely on M-Pesa for its convenience and wide reach, so this is a big disruption.

With KPLC’s other platforms also not working, it’s clear we need more reliable systems to support digital payments for critical services like electricity.

What’s happening next?

KPLC has not given a timeline to fix the issue but customers are advised to use alternative payment platforms meantime. We will get updates from Kenya Power and Safaricom as they work to restore services.

As the situation unfolds, this incident highlights the importance of redundancy in payment systems for essential services to avoid such disruptions in the future.

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