Home Blog

Safaricom Adjusts Prices and Eliminates Fair Usage Policy for 4G Wi-Fi Packages

Safaricom, a major telecommunications firm in Kenya, has implemented significant revisions to its 4G Home Wi-Fi product in order to overcome adoption challenges. Launched in 2019, the 4G Home Wi-Fi product was intended to provide fixed wireless connectivity to regions beyond Safaricom’s Home Fibre coverage. Nonetheless, the product has had minimal uptake due to insufficient customer awareness and certain individuals’ belief that the pricing is excessively expensive.

To address these issues, Safaricom has made several changes to the product, including a name change to 4G Wi-Fi for both home and business applications. The company has also adjusted the pricing and package model to offer customers more value, with the changes being implemented since March 2023.

The new pricing model involves a shift from speed-based to volume-based packages for existing and new products. The new products will have lower volumes to boost profitability, and Safaricom has removed the guaranteed minimum speeds, also referred to as the Guaranteed Bit Rate, for the new packages.

The old pricing model included four packages with varying speeds, volumes, and prices. The highest package, which offered unlimited data at a speed of 5 Mbps, cost KES 5,799. The lowest package, which offered a volume of 200 GB at a speed of 3 Mbps, cost KES 3,699.

Under the new pricing model, Safaricom is offering two fixed wireless access product offerings, both with a speed of 5 Mbps. The packages are priced at KES 3,000 for a volume of 90 GB and KES 6,300 for a volume of 200 GB. The prices of the routers, however, remain the same, with the Adrian router costing KES 10,000 and the Huawei model costing KES 11,000.

In addition to these changes, Safaricom has consolidated all its Fixed Wireless products for Home and Enterprise environments to simplify the 4G/Fixed LTE proposition. Customers will consume the same products, and what separates them will be their individual customer journeys.

Safaricom’s changes to its 4G Wi-Fi product are a step in the right direction in addressing concerns that have hindered its adoption. With the new pricing model, customers can get more value for their money, and the volume-based packages are likely to be more appealing to customers than the speed-based packages. These changes, coupled with Safaricom’s extensive coverage, make the 4G Wi-Fi product an attractive option for customers in areas not covered by Safaricom’s Home Fibre product.

Tecno Announces Spark 10 and Spark 10 Pro Series in Kenya, Price starts from Ksh 15,500.

TECNO, a popular smartphone manufacturer, has released its latest budget lineup – the Spark 10 series. This new series replaces last year’s Spark 9 lineup and features four different models: the Spark 10, Spark 10 Pro, Spark 10C, and Spark 10 5G.

The Spark 10 series comes with several upgrades over its predecessor, including a larger LED flash housing that gives the camera island a faux triple camera system design, similar to Apple’s Pro series of iPhones. The Spark 10 retains its predecessor’s dual 50MP camera setup, while the Spark 10 Pro features an upgraded Helio G88 processor, and both models come with 8GB of RAM and 8GB of virtual RAM.

The Spark 10 series supports dual 4G and has dual slots next to the expandable storage slot. Both models have high refresh rate screens, with the regular Spark 10 featuring a 6.6-inch 720p display, while the Spark 10 Pro boasts a 6.8-inch 1080p screen. Additionally, the regular model comes with a notch housing an 8MP selfie camera, while the Pro has a centred punch-hole design with a 32MP selfie camera.

Both models come with 5000mAh batteries and support 18W fast Type-C charging. For biometrics, there is a face unlock feature and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

The Spark 10 and Spark 10 Pro are available in five different colours: Meta Black, Meta Blue, Meta White, Meta Green, and Starry Black and Pearl White, respectively.

The Spark 10 series comes with Android 13 pre-installed with HiOS 12.6. The regular model starts at Ksh 19,300, while the Spark 10 Pro is priced at Ksh 20,500. The Spark 10C is the most affordable model at Ksh 15,500, and the Spark 10 5G Ksh 17,500, respectively. The TECNO Spark 10 series is available at TECNO’s official retail stores, Safaricom’s official retail shop, and online at Masoko, Jumia, and Kilimall.

Xiaomi Launches Redmi 12C in Kenya, Offering Budget-Friendly Features for Bargain Hunters

Xiaomi, the Chinese electronics manufacturer, has launched its Redmi 12C smartphone in Kenya, targeting the budget segment of the market. The device is aimed at customers who want a reliable phone without breaking the bank. The phone comes with a MediaTek Helio G85 processor and a 6.71″ HD+ Display. The Redmi 12C is available in Xiaomi stores, retail partner stores, and Jumia from March 13th, 2023.

One of the key features of the Redmi 12C is its big battery, which has a capacity of 5,000mAh, ensuring that users can go for long periods without worrying about running out of power. The phone also comes with a 10W fast charging capability, which is not the fastest on the market but is still more than adequate for most users. The phone also comes with a 10W in-box charger and a Micro USB port.

The Redmi 12C also features a large 6.71″ HD+ Display, which is perfect for watching videos, browsing the internet, and playing games. The phone comes with a 50MP main camera and a 5MP front camera, which is more than enough for taking high-quality photos and selfies. The megapixel count is an important specification, and while it does not always translate to great images, people tend to trust any optics that are served by high resolution.

In terms of security, the phone comes with a rear fingerprint sensor and AI Face Unlock, which ensures that your phone remains secure and your data remains safe. The Redmi 12C also comes with dual SIM support, allowing users to have two SIM cards in the phone at the same time, and a MicroSD card slot for expandable storage.

Equipped with a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, the Redmi 12C boasts a powerful chipset that can handle daily tasks with ease, ensuring smooth and lag-free performance. The phone comes in four vibrant colours – Graphite Black, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, and Lavender Purple.

The Redmi 12C is not alone in the budget segment of the market, as other brands such as Infinix, TECNO, Nokia, and realme also offer capable devices. However, Xiaomi has managed to pack in impressive features at an affordable price point. The Redmi 12C comes in three variants: 3GB + 32GB at KES 14000, 3GB + 64GB at KES 15000, and 4GB + 128GB at KES 17300. This is an excellent price point for a device with such impressive specifications.

The Redmi 12C is a great budget device that offers excellent value for money. With its large battery, impressive display, and high-quality camera, the phone is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. The Redmi 12C is available in Kenya from March 13th, 2023, and is sure to be a hit with bargain hunters in the country.

Exploring the Basics of Different Types of Bets

Are you looking to get into sports betting but don’t know where to start? BetKing is the leading online sports betting site, offering a safe and secure platform for all your sports betting needs. With our simple tips and tricks, you’ll be able to place smarter bets and have more fun with sports betting. We’ll cover the basics of different types of bets, what you need to know before placing your first bet online, as well as five simple tips for smart betting strategies. So let’s dive in!

5 Simple Tips for Smart Betting Strategies

When it comes to betting, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many types of bets, different strategies and odds to consider, and a whole host of other factors that could influence your decision. That’s why it’s important to know the basics before you start betting. With that in mind, here are five simple tips for smart betting strategies.

Understand the Basics

The first step in any successful betting strategy is understanding the basics. You need to know what type of bet you’re placing, the associated risks and rewards, and how odds work. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the different types of bets available—from straight bets to parlays—and understand their different advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these basic concepts will help you make informed decisions when placing your bets.

Research Your Bets

It’s not enough to simply understand the basics; you also need to research your bets before placing them. This means researching teams or athletes who have a good chance of winning or performing well, as well as looking at past performance records and current trends that could influence your bet’s outcome. Doing this research helps you make better decisions when deciding which type of bet to place and what odds or wagers to take on each individual bet.

Stay Up-To-Date on News & Events

Another key component of making successful bets is staying up-to-date on news and events related to the teams or athletes you’re betting on. Even minor changes can have an impact on the outcome of a game or match, so it’s important to stay aware of any changes that may affect your bet. By doing this, you can adjust your betting strategies accordingly, maximizing your chances for success in the process.

Manage Your Bankroll

Once you understand how odds work and become familiar with different types of bets, it’s time to start managing your bankroll responsibly. Make sure you only place wagers with money that won’t affect your budget negatively if lost—and never chase losses by doubling down on bets just because they didn’t pay off initially! Calculate how much money can be dedicated each week/month towards betting activities and stick within those limits – there’s no sense in risking more than necessary when building up a successful gambling career over time with smart decisions rather than bold moves will yield better results in the long run! 

Utilize Multiple Sportsbooks   

Finally, don’t forget about utilizing multiple sportsbooks for better deals and bonuses! Different sportsbooks offer different promotions that could give you an advantage over other punters depending on which one you use – make sure to shop around and compare offers before placing your bets. You may even find sportsbooks that specialize in specific types of betting or sports, which can give you an edge if you’re looking to bet on a certain sport or wager type.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different types of bets and strategies to consider when it comes to sports betting. However, with the right knowledge and research, you can become a smart bettor who knows how to make informed decisions about which wagers to place. Understanding the basics of odds is essential for any successful betting strategy, as is researching your bets thoroughly before placing them.

Additionally, staying up-to-date on news and events related to teams or athletes you’re interested in betting on will help ensure that your decision making process is sound. Lastly, manage your bankroll responsibly by dedicating only what you can afford towards gambling activities each week/month – this way you won’t risk more than necessary while still enjoying yourself! With these tips in mind, good luck out there and happy betting!

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Sports Betting

Sports betting has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it allows people to place bets on their favorite sports teams and players. With the rise of online gambling platforms such as Bet9ja, placing a bet is now easier than ever before. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages that come with betting on sports. You can explore how to place a bet on Bet9ja, while also discussing the pros and cons of taking part in sports betting.

Advantages of Sports Betting

One of the primary advantages of sports betting is the chance to make some money in return for your investment. Even if you are only wagering small amounts, there is always the chance to win more than you put in with careful selection and analysis. There is also a certain level of excitement when watching sport with a financial stake in it; this adds an extra dimension to the spectator experience beyond just enjoying your favourite teams or players. Finally, sports betting can be enjoyed relatively easily with online sites making it convenient and secure to place bets quickly and conveniently from home or on the go.

Disadvantages of Sports Betting

While there are some clear benefits associated with sports betting, there are also potential downsides which must be taken into consideration as well. Financial losses are always possible when gambling on sporting events, as even seasoned punters can end up losing money over time due to unpredictable results or bad luck. It’s important not to chase losses or get caught up in the thrill of winning too much; this could lead to problem gambling behaviour which could have far-reaching consequences. Additionally, it may be challenging for new bettors who need time to develop their strategies and understand how different bets work before they start making profits consistently.

5 Simple Tips for Smart Betting Strategies

If you’re new to sports betting or looking for ways to improve your game, then these five simple tips should help: 

• Set limits – Before starting out with any type of gambling activity it’s important that you set limits on what you’re willing to invest both financially and emotionally into the game. This will help ensure that your losses don’t spiral out of control during difficult times when Lady Luck isn’t on your side! 

• Make informed decisions – Don’t rely purely on luck when deciding what bets to place; try to carefully analyse each opportunity from all angles before committing your hard-earned money. Doing research into teams/players/odds etc., will give you an edge against other bettors who might not take this approach as seriously as you do! 

• Find value – It may seem obvious but remember that finding value means uncovering opportunities where the odds offered by bookmakers are longer than they should be due to mistakes in their calculations or simply because the market is unaware at present!          • Consider long-term goals – While trying big accumulators once in a while can provide great thrills (and potentially huge returns!), think carefully about whether such investments make sense in terms of helping reach any long-term goals such as building wealth via successful investments rather than just providing short-term entertainment value! 

• Have fun! – Above all else remember why most people engage in sports betting activities: because they enjoy it! Make sure that even after taking into account all these tips and advice above, you still have lots of fun doing whatever activity pleases you most!

What You Need To Know Before Placing Your First Bet Online

Before registering at any online bookmaker site there are certain things that players should consider such as reputation (check reviews!), promotions & bonuses available for new customers, payment methods accepted (including minimum deposits) as well as customer service options if any problems arise during playtime – this will help ensure that your first foray into sports betting goes smoothly without costing too much financially or emotionally speaking!

Conclusion

Sports betting is a fun activity which many people enjoy worldwide; however it requires skill and knowledge in order to be successful. By following the tips listed above as well as taking time to understand the basics & explore different types of bets, one can create an edge over other bettors who might not be taking this approach seriously. In addition to this setting limits both financially and emotionally (having fun!) will help ensure that the first foray into sports betting goes smoothly!  Good luck and may your bets be a success!

Safaricom to Use Loyalty Points to Settle Debts for Okoa Jahazi Service Users

Safaricom, the largest telecommunications company in Kenya, has announced a new plan to settle the debts of customers who delay paying their Okoa Jahazi credit advance by debiting their loyalty points. The move is intended to reduce the value of outstanding Bonga points, which have become a liability to the company.

The Okoa Jahazi service allows Safaricom customers to request a credit advance, which they must repay within five days. A 10% advance fee is charged for each Okoa Jahazi request, and customers receive 90% of the credit advance. With the new plan, Safaricom will automatically debit a customer’s loyalty points to settle the outstanding debt if the customer fails to repay the advance on time.

The Bonga loyalty program, initiated by Safaricom in 2017, permits both prepaid and postpaid subscribers to earn points for every KES 10 spent on the company’s network. These points can be utilized to redeem rewards, such as talk-time, data bundles, messaging bundles, and merchandise at selected retail outlets when using the Lipa na M-Pesa service.

However, the Bonga program has become a liability to Safaricom, with billions of shillings worth of outstanding points that have not been redeemed. In March 2022, the company had accumulated liabilities of KES 4.5 billion, prompting the company to consider putting an expiry date on the program. This plan was later reversed, and the company is now using loyalty points to settle the debts of customers who use the Okoa Jahazi service.

The move is expected to encourage customers to redeem their loyalty points, which will reduce Safaricom’s liabilities. Each point is estimated to be worth 30 cents, and customers can redeem them for a range of rewards. For example, 50 Bonga Points can earn a customer four minutes of talk time, while 600 points can give 3,500 SMSs valid for 30 days.

Aside from settling debts, Safaricom has also imposed a time limit on the usage of data resources purchased through its Bonga loyalty points. Previously, Bonga data bundles had no expiration date, but now they are only valid for seven days.

The move by Safaricom to use loyalty points to settle debts is an innovative approach to addressing the company’s liabilities while encouraging customers to redeem their rewards. It remains to be seen whether the plan will be successful in reducing the company’s liabilities and incentivizing customers to use their loyalty points. Nonetheless, it is a positive step towards addressing the challenges facing Safaricom’s loyalty program and improving the company’s financial position.

DStv Subscription Fees Increase from April Sparks Concern Among Customers in Kenya

DStv, a popular pay TV platform in several African countries, including Kenya and South Africa, has announced an increase in its subscription fees, starting in April 2023. The move has not gone down well with customers, who are already facing the impact of a struggling economy and price hikes in other products and services.

DStv’s Premium package, which offers access to all content, including live game streams from different parts of the world, has seen the biggest increase of KES 600, making it prohibitively expensive for many consumers. The Compact Plus, Compact, Family, and Access packages have also seen increases ranging from KES 100 to KES 400.

The price adjustments come at a time when DStv is facing increasing competition from video-on-demand apps such as Netflix, which recently adjusted its pricing for Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa. The Premium package now costs KES 1100, down from KES 1450, and allows customers to watch content on up to four active screens.

While DStv’s monopoly on live game streams has made it popular among sports fans, the platform has been trying to catch up with video-on-demand apps by launching Showmax to compete with the likes of Netflix. However, Showmax is limited to just one screen, whereas Netflix allows customers to watch content on multiple screens simultaneously.

The high cost of DStv’s Premium package has been a point of contention for some time, and the latest price hike may prompt many consumers to consider switching to more affordable alternatives. The struggling economy and price hikes in other products and services only add to the challenge for DStv, which will need to find new ways to stay competitive and retain its customer base.

PackageCurrent price in KESNew price from April 2023 in KESDifference in KES
Premium89009500600
Compact Plus55005900400
Compact30003300300
Family16001750150
Access11501250100
Dstv to increase prices from April 2023

The increase in DStv’s subscription fees has sparked concern among consumers, who are already facing the impact of a struggling economy and price hikes in other products and services. While DStv’s monopoly on live game streams has made it popular among sports fans, the high cost of its Premium package and increasing competition from video-on-demand apps such as Netflix may prompt many consumers to consider switching to more affordable alternatives. DStv will need to find new ways to stay competitive and retain its customer base in the face of these challenges.

Kenya’s Business Registration Service Undergoes System Upgrade to Enhance User Experience

Kenya’s Business Registration Service (BRS) is set to undergo a major system upgrade to improve its performance, reliability, and security. During this time, services under the business registry on the government portal, the e-Citizen, will be temporarily inaccessible. The BRS Director-General, Kenneth Gathuma, has stated that the new system will include new features, additional services, and benefits that will enhance user experience.

The BRS is responsible for registering companies, partnerships, and corporations, as well as business name searches, bankruptcy filing, hire-purchase, and security rights. Its services have been available on the eCitizen portal, Kenya’s official digital payments platform for government services.

In the previous financial year, the BRS registered over 73,000 entities, including 50,876 business names, 34,697 private firms, and 50 public companies. Additionally, it registered 100 foreign companies, 251 companies limited by guarantee, and 278 limited liability partnerships. However, the BRS also struck off 1,068 entities from the registry in the same period.

The Kenyan government has been committed to digitizing its services to streamline processes and make them more accessible. The eCitizen portal is a vital component of this plan, offering citizens the chance to access a range of government services online.

This system upgrade is an essential step towards this goal of digitization, ensuring that government services are more secure, efficient, and accessible to everyone. Although the inaccessibility of services may cause some inconvenience during the upgrade period, it will provide a long-term benefit to businesses registered in Kenya and contribute to the country’s overall economic growth.