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TCL vs Hisense TVs: A Comprehensive Comparison for Kenyan Buyers

When starting life, the period between completion of tertiary education such as university and getting a job, there are a couple of things that can be daunting if not well planned. I remember the first time I went looking for a television set that would later serve me for years until I got married or the least got a better paying job, I did a couple of background checks on available models, but the choices weren’t as slim as they are nowadays.

Therefore, there’s no question that indeed television sets have grown to form an integral part of our lives, especially in modern homes, offering entertainment and connectivity. Here in Kenya, the market is now flooded with cheaper Chinese brands, and as I might imagine, it’s okay to look at them with a pinch of salt, not all of them are quality original brands. TCL and Hisense are some of the two popular brands dominating the market with their affordability, diverse features, and quality.

Most Kenyans nowadays would probably settle for either of the two in comparison with a decade ago when Japanese brands trounced the market. Choosing between the two can be challenging, especially if you have limited experience or information to help in making a choice for your set. Having used both, I can appreciate their similarities and subtle differences, and that is why I’ve prepared this guide to provide you with a fast-hand in-depth comparison of TCL and Hisense TVs that would hopefully help you decide which one suits your needs better.

Brand Overview

TCL

Most of us care very little about the full name of abbreviations, but just so you know, TCL stands for “The Creative Life,” and it’s a Chinese brand. The brand has gained traction here in Kenya and over the years, it has become synonymous with innovative technologies and value-for-money products. In this respect, TCL TVs have been popular not only because of their sleek designs but also for their superior picture quality as well as their seamless smart TV         functionalities.

Hisense

Hisense is also a Chinese electronic giant, with a niche in the global market for high-performance electronic devices such as TVs and Fridges that are often priced competitively in comparison to Japanese counterparts. Just a few years back, the brand was mainly identified by its TV sets, however, it currently has numerous electronic devices under its umbrella and for today, we are focusing on its TV’s which also happens to be its flagship product – just like you’re most likely going to associate Apple with the iPhones rather than MacBooks, given iPhones are the flagship devices for the brand. Hisense TV’S are known to deliver durability as well as advanced features and remains a favorite among budget-conscious buyers here in Kenya.

Picture Quality

TCL

High end TCL TVs come equipped with QLED technology which is known to enhance color and contrast of the TV screen. Some models that feature this outstanding technology include the TCL  6-Series which also comes with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ that further enhances the picture quality with some impressive detail. Color reproduction and the brightness that you get with TCL makes it a perfect device for those who love movies.

Hisense

In comparison, Hisense TVs utilize a different technology dubbed ULED which offers similar picture clarity to that achieved by TCL counterparts. Models with ULED technology can achieve higher levels of brightness, high contrast as well as a very sharp image.  Additionally, Hisense TVs are also equipped with Dolby Vision and are HDR10+ enabled thus providing a lot of options to viewers.

 Conclusion: In this category both brands provide the best picture quality, but TCL is somewhat more vibrant than Hisense.

Smart TV Features

TCL

Many of the TCL TVs are either Roku TV or Google TV enabled smart TVs, and this makes them quite simple to use and operate as they are both connected to thousands of applications. Both the two platforms are quite efficient, enabling fast access and use of various content streaming services.  It’s like having the whole internet at your fingertips, great for those cold nights in Nairobi when all you want to do is binge watch a series on Netflix.

Hisense

On the other hand, Hisense TVs are most often equipped with VIDAA OS or Android TV, and both are quite versatile and customizable. VIDAA OS is rather lightweight and efficient, while Android TV is incredibly flexible and supports a great number of apps, including Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. This makes it suitable for anyone who loves discovering new apps or streaming services.

Conclusion: It all depends on personal preference. If you are looking for a smart TV with a vast number of applications and integration with other devices, the Android TV by Hisense may be more suitable, while the Roku TV by TCL is much simpler and  more user-friendly.

Gaming Performance

TCL

With features such as low input lag, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), this brand makes a compelling case for gamers. Just to be safe, ensure you carefully do your background checks on available models to know which one supports them. Some of the higher-end models are capable of 4K at 120 Hz which is great news especially for the latest generation of consoles.

Hisense

The same can be said with Hisense as it also has features such as VRR and ALLM. But some models may have higher response time than TCL, for example. Nevertheless, Hisense is a good choice for a gamer, who needs reliable device, but doesn’t want to spend much money.

Verdict: TCL has an edge over Hisense especially because it has better optimization for gaming.

Build Quality and Design

TCL

TCL TVs are available with thin bezels and sleek designs thus giving it a stylish look. While the build quality is quite sturdy, it is often criticized for being not as strong as its more expensive counterparts. This is the kind of TV that you would love to mount on the wall to show it off to visitors.

Hisense

Hisense TVs are rather tough and durable, which is quite expected for their price. They have simple yet elegant designs and metallic finish which makes even their cheapest models look high-end. If you live in a house where someone is likely to accidentally spill a drink near the entertainment center, then you will love Hisense TV.

Verdict: Hisense is more durable than TCL while the latter is more focused on the design.

Sound Quality

TCL

Most of the TCL TVs also support Dolby Atmos which is greatly recommended as it enhances the audio experience of the set. However, the inbuilt speakers sound is not always as powerful and external soundbars are recommended for the best experience. It’s perfect if you’ve invested in a sound system as well.  

Hisense

Hisense TVs are known to have better inbuilt speakers than most of the TVs in its price range, and  they are also equipped with DTS Virtual:X technology. This makes them suitable for users who do not want to purchase extra audio equipment.

Conclusion: We can confidently state that Hisense offers better sound quality than TCL, especially when used without additional audio devices.

Pricing

Both TCL and Hisense TVs are relatively cheap as compared to other international brands. In Kenya their prices differ in accordance with the size of the screen and the features that they have. TCL is somewhat costly compared to the other brands due to the technologies that it incorporates while Hisense offers much more affordable prices yet very effective and quality products.

Conclusion: In this instance, Hisense is more advantageous as it is more affordable than TCL especially for the consumers with low budget.

After sales service and Market Coverage in Kenya

Both brands are well established in Kenya with their dealers and service centers in most of the towns. Spare parts and accessories are also easily available in the market. This is because Hisense has better local representation and may tend to offer better customer service. You will often hear someone say, I took my Hisense TV to the service center, and it was repaired/ fixed within no time.

Conclusion: Which Is Better for Kenyan Buyers?

The decision between TCL and Hisense will depend on your personal needs, preferences and budget. If you are looking for the latest technology, good gaming features, and vibrant picture quality then TCL is a good choice. On the other hand, if you are interested in durability, better sound, and an affordable price, then Hisense will be a perfect choice.

To a Kenyan consumer, Hisense may be more useful for day-to-day use due to it being less expensive than  TCL and being built to last. But the tech geeks and gamers will likely go for TCL due to its features. In the end, it comes down to the personal preferences and needs.

How to Search for Channels on a Vitron Smart TV and Enhance Your Viewing Experience

Smart TVs have revolutionized entertainment for people not just here in Kenya but across the world; unlike previous analog systems, users can easily access both free-to-air channels and online channels provided by different streaming service providers without the need to have an additional smart box or decoder. For most smart TV’s, and in this case – Vitron Smart TVs which have become popular in the country, especially for those people who are seeking to buy budget-friendly but TVs with the best value for their money. If you are using a Vitron Smart TV for the first time, then this guide is going to help you with channel searching and how best to utilize your TV.

1. How to Search for Channels on a Vitron Smart TV

Step-by-Step Guide:

Connect Your Antenna or Cable
Connect your digital antenna or cable correctly to the TV. You will require a digital antenna to access free-to-air channels. In most cases, analog TV antenna’s should do just fine, but I’ve realized manufacturers are also selling antennas that presumably are more compatible with the digital signal reception.

Power On the Television and Open the Menu
Power on your TV and press the Menu button on your remote controller. The primary menu will appear with Picture, Sound, Channel, and Settings options.

Locate Channel Settings
Using the remote controller, use the arrow buttons to navigate down to the Channel section.

Perform Auto Scan
Select Auto Scan or Auto Tuning to begin a channel search. Your Vitron smart television will automatically scan for available channels, whether digital or analogue, so long as it is connected to either an antenna or cable.

Let the Scanning End
The process will take a few minutes. After the scan is done, your TV will show how many channels it has found.

Save the Channels
In most cases, Vitron smart TV as well as other popular smart television sets, saves channels found during the scan automatically, but just in case, go through your channel list, to ensure that channels with a confirmed signal in the area have been saved.


2. How to Manually Add Channels

In case some channels are not found through auto-scanning, you can still add them manually:

Open the Channel Menu
Go to the Channel section from the main menu.

Select Manual Tuning
Look for the Manual Tuning or Channel Search option.

Enter the Frequency
Insert the frequency of the channel you want found online or from the channel’s website.

Search and Save
After the TV detects the signal, save the channel on your list.

3. Troubleshooting Some Common Issues

Weak or No Signal

Reposition the antenna for better reception or attach a booster. Make sure that the antenna is DVB-T2 compatible, as this is the standard for digital TVs in Kenya.

Few Channels Found

Rescan or add channels manually. Check the model of your antenna and correct positioning.

Disappearing Channels

Because of a weak signal or interference, some channels may disappear. Tweak your antenna or install one of a higher quality.

4. Tips to Further Improve Your Vitron Smart TV

a) Streaming Apps

Connect your TV to Wi-Fi and download a couple of apps such as YouTube, Netflix, and Showmax, among others, for unstoppable streaming.

b) Screen Mirroring

Make use of the screen mirroring option to display the content of your phone on the TV.

c) Adjusting Picture and Sound Settings

Adjust the brightness, contrast, and sound modes to your liking.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Watch DStv on a Vitron Smart TV?
Yes, connect a DStv decoder or download the DStv Now app.

How Do I Update Apps?
Go to your App Store, choose the app, and click on Update if available.

How Can I Improve Signal Strength?
Use a high-quality antenna, reposition for better reception, or invest in a signal booster.

6. Conclusion

Vitron Smart TVs offer a fairly inexpensive yet full avenue for entertainment in Kenya. From tuning into free-to-air channels to streaming your best shows, knowing how to maximize features offered by your TV means that you are in for a treat with unstoppable television moments. You can search channels with ease, solve problems, and enjoy more with your Vitron Smart TV by following this simple guide.

Samsung Launches Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A06 Smartphones in Kenya

Samsung Electronics East Africa is beefing up its product line in Kenya with the launch of Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A06. The devices are affordable, ensuring accessible smartphones across the region, trading off neither design, performance, nor price, an area most smartphone makers have been unable to chieve. Samsung has been known to be an all round phone maker, compared to the likes of Apple with devices featured in premium, mid-range and lower range/ budget segments.

Galaxy A16 5G Key Features

Galaxy A16 5G is for customers seeking affordable 5G without cutting back on performance. Some of the key features of the smartphone are:

  • Display: 6.7″ Full HD+ screen for vivid display and excellent viewing.
  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300+ allows for lag-free multitasking while efficiently handling tasks.
  • Camera: 50MP Triple Camera captures the special moments of life in great detail with less noise.
  • Battery: Long-lasting battery with support for fast charging.

Storage Options:

  • 4GB RAM + 128GB : Ksh 20,900
  • 6GB RAM + 128GB: Ksh 22,800

Galaxy A06 Key Features

The Galaxy A06 gives fans an everyday reliable smartphone experience; this time, the focus of the device is on catering to customers whose demands aren’t that extreme. Key features of the smartphone include:

  • Display: 6.7-inch HD+ display.
  • Processor: Optimised MediaTek Helio G85 processor for day-to-day activities and games.
  • Camera: Dual-camera setup houses a 50MP Primary Sensor for taking life-like photos and videos.
  • Battery: 5,000mAh All-Day Battery
  • 4GB RAM + 64GB storage – Ksh 12,900
  • 4GB RAM + 128GB storage – Ksh 14,700.

The two models come with expandable storage of up to 1TB for those who want to have more storage for photos, videos, and apps.

Smartphone Accessibility Financing Plans

Samsung has ensured the availability of flexible payment schemes through partnerships with other players like Watu Simu and M-Kopa. This will enable accessibility of these smartphones to an expanded consumer base.

Sam-“We are proud to unveil the Galaxy A06 and A16 5G in the Kenyan market. These innovative smartphones are designed to let consumers do more, know more, and enjoy every moment, while also availing value for money
In East Africa, Galaxy A06 and A16 represent the entry point toward Samsung Galaxy Ecosystem;
Both the Galaxy A16 5G and the Galaxy A06 are also currently on sale at Samsung Outlets countrywide and a leading retailer near you. Targeted towards affordability and thus positioned well as pocket-friendly devices, devices which users in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia shall adapt very fast.


Be it a 5G-supportive device or a pocket-friendly smartphone with increased storage, Samsung has newer offerings to solve different consumer needs.

How to Manage KPLC Prepaid Token Meters and Respective Codes

Prepaid KPLC token meters are Kenya Power’s way of adding convenience to energy management among Kenyan households and ensuring that the billing experience is as smooth as possible. There is no doubt that Kenya’s sole power distributor’s reputation is questionable, a scenario that has necessitated calls for abolishing monopoly in the sector, however there are some key codes that can be useful n managing your token meter. These meters have been designed to be fully digital prepaid devices that allow a household or any business to buy units in advance and monitor the efficiently. Here is everything you should know to operate KPLC token meters effectively.

How to Buy Tokens on KPLC Using M-Pesa

Buying via M-Pesa is quite easy, all you have to do is access your MPESA menu via any applicable methods such as dialing *334#, MPESA app or sim toolkit for android users as well as sim menu on iPhones.

  • On your Safaricom line, select M-Pesa.
  • Select Lipa na M-Pesa.
  • Paybill number is 888880.
  • Your account number is your meter number.
  • Enter the amount to pay and confirm the transaction.
  • Your token will be sent via SMS the moment the transaction is complete.

How to Check the KPLC Token Meter Number

Depending on the type of smart meter that you own, enter the following codes to get your meter number:

  • Conlog Meters: Dial #100#.
  • Actaris Meters: Press 100, then Enter.
  • Hexing Meters: Press 804#, then press the blue key.
  • Shenzhen Meters: Press 65.

How to Put Tokens in Your Smart KPLC Meter

For the different types of KPLC token meters:

  • Enter the token number that has been sent to your phone via SMS.
  • Press “Enter” or “#” to confirm and load the token.

How to Retrieve the Last Purchased Token

If you want to verify your last purchased token, use the following codes depending on your meter type to retrieve it:

  • Actaris Meters: Press 200>Enter.
  • Conlog Meters: Dial #215#>Enter.
  • Hexing Meters: Press 818#>Enter
  • Shenzhen Meters: Press 76>Enter

How to Stop the Beeping Sounds from a KPLC Prepaid Meter

To stop the annoying beeps:

  • Conlog Meters: Long press #.
  • Actaris Meters: Press Enter.
  • Hexing Meters: Press 812#.
  • Shenzhen Meters: Press 1037 and then Enter thrice.
  • Or press 00 then Enter or #. This will reset and disconnect the meter when there is 0 units.

Additional Help

In case you need more help with the KPLC token meters, feel free to:

  • Call the KPLC National Contact Centre: 97771.
  • Dial *USSD code 977#.

Understanding the above processes helps in good management of the meter, thus saving you the headache of wasting too much time and errors in your billings.

Safaricom Revolutionizes Gadget Insurance in Kenya with Innovative, Affordable Plans

Kenyan leading telco Safaricom is set to disrupt gadget insurance in the country by partnering with insurance cover providers to insure phones against risks such as theft, breakage, and accidental damage. The initiative, fronted by Safaricom Insurance Agency Limited, seeks to cash in on Safaricom’s strategic foray into insurance at a time when it is leveraging an already established customer base and infrastructure. Here is a sneak peek at this innovation:

Scaling Up Device Insurance in Kenya

Safaricom ventured into the insurance business with a pilot dubbed SIAL where it has already issued over 117,000 policies at a premium estimated to be worth Ksh 22 million and gave a sum assured of Ksh 975 million. These policies were sold alongside phones on the highly affordable “Lipa Mdogo Mdogo” payment plan, showing how much demand for gadget insurance is in Kenya.

Insurance Tiers

The proposed insurance products shall be three-tiered to include:

Screen-only Protection

  • Covers accidental screen damage.

Screen and Damage

  • Expands to include additional physical damage.

Comprehensive Coverage

  • Includes screen damage, device damage, loss, and theft.

Each of these is targeted at different consumer needs with the aim of ensuring affordability and flexibility.

Risks Covered

The insurance products will cover:

  • Accidental damage, including liquid and fire damage.
  • Loss due to theft or natural disasters such as floods.
  • Mechanical or electrical failure
  • Damages or loss while abroad

Safaricom will be partnering with insurers offering prompt claim approval, within 24 hours, and who can quickly repair gadgets within seven working days, while applying stringent fraud detection mechanisms.

A Paperless Approach

The telco targets a seamless way of filing claims through a digital platform accessible either in Safaricom shops or by the customer directly. The innovation is in line with the firm’s commitment to digital transformation.

Economic Impact and Reach

Still, on insurance, Safaricom can drive the country’s insurance penetration using over 33.5 million active users transacting over Ksh 1.74 trillion every month via M-Pesa. Currently, insurance penetration in the country is below 3 per cent.

Communications Authority of Kenya Suspends Telegram Services During KCSE Exams

Communications Authority of Kenya has ordered a temporary suspension of Telegram services during the KCSE exams as a measure of curbing examination malpractice. This move further adds Kenya to a growing list of countries taking radical measures against encrypted messaging platforms thought to be abetting cheating.

On November 8, 2024, CA Director General David Mugonyi wrote to the country’s four leading telecom operators—Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom, and JTL—instructing them to block Telegram access from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM during weekdays until November 22, 2024.

The move was occasioned by reports from the Ministry of Education, indicating cases of supervisors of examinations trying to sneak in mobile devices and materials to candidates. According to Basic Education PS Dr. Belio Kipsang, such activities merited quick intervention as a way of cushioning national examinations from malpractices. The action by the government points to growing unease about technology being abused to confer unfair benefits in academic fields.

Why Target Telegram?

With its strong encryption and limited content moderation policy, Telegram has repeatedly locked horns with many regulators worldwide. While the platform remains popular among users who want to keep their communications private, it has also repeatedly been criticized for hosting groups and channels through which illicit activities can take place, including exam leaks. This decision of the CA reflects frustration over perceived non-cooperation on the part of Telegram Inc. regarding monitoring or taking down suspicious content.

According to the CA Director General, David Mugonyi, the platform “continues to host offending forums” that are too difficult for authorities to manage; hence, the drastic measures. Global internet observatory NetBlocks has shown the effect of the restriction on accessibility of Telegram in Kenya by using network metrics to show reduced traffic to the app during the hours blocked.

A Global Trend of Telegram Restrictions

The move, which suspends Telegram in Kenya, forms part of the wider trend where governments are increasingly clamping down on encrypted messaging apps to prevent misuse. In September 2024, Telegram made headlines over changes it introduced to its privacy policies that allowed the sharing of user data with law enforcement agencies under certain conditions. It had been under considerable pressure from European regulators who were concerned about how the platform was being used for unauthorized content sharing.

Changes to its privacy policy mark a major about-face for Telegram, an instant messaging app that had always been marketed as a service with an attitude toward the protection of user privacy and with as little interference in what users did as possible. This is, however, a delicate balance to strike between full privacy and the need for regulatory compliance in the face of efforts across the globe by governments to curb the misuse of such platforms for malicious purposes.

The Suspension Aftermath

Although this current restriction in Kenya is temporary, it may portend a more long-term trend in which authorities could implement even harsher controls on messaging platforms during times when events are considered sensitive, such as during national exams. The Kenyan government claims that this move is to protect the integrity of its education system; however, this raises questions about what the implications mean on a wider scale concerning digital rights and access to information.

Most challenging of all is how Telegram will be able to keep its user base and reputation for privacy in the face of increasing regulatory pressures. While the suspension in itself is not necessarily affecting how Telegram’s business model works, repeated similar actions may force the company to actually reassess their approach to government requests for cooperation or forfeit access to certain markets altogether.

Final Thoughts

This tension between examination integrity and Internet freedom goes to the core of a broader challenge facing many nations. In fact, as more governments resort to restricting the use of the Internet to enforce their regulations, applications like Telegram might have to make certain compromises if they intend to survive in these environments. For now, the suspension of Telegram by Kenyan authorities indicates an intention to take the interest of the nation over the uncompromising use of technology, especially when such technology is deemed to threaten the welfare of the public.

The recent tussle between those who fight for privacy and government regulators brought one thing to the fore: how digital platforms balance user privacy against the need to comply with lawful frameworks. With the examination season in Kenya getting underway, its success and possible fallout will, no doubt, be a reference point for future regulatory actions, from across Africa to the globe.

vivo V40 Lite: A Stylish New Contender Coming to Kenya on November 11th, 2024

vivo has officially announced that its latest smartphone offering, the vivo V40 Lite, will launch into the Kenyan market on 11th November 2024. Sleek look accentuated, more powerful features will be embedded to bring fashion with the latest technology together for Kenyan audiences keen for fashion-conscious devices.

Sleek Design – Unique Twist

The refreshed design language endows the vivo V40 Lite with a fresher look than any of its ancestors. These will come in two chic color options: Titanium Silver and Emerald Green. The back camera setup sits inside a module called Cushion-Cut Diamond Camera Shape, highlighting the blend of soft curves and geometric precision. This modern and refined design breaks away from the rounded aesthetic that defined vivo’s traditional V series to give users something new and premium.

This adds more rigidity to the already-released Emerald Green variant, while infusing a native, vivid feeling into the phone design. Durability has not been sacrificed in the new ultra-slim V40 Lite profiles. IP64 Dust and Water Resistance gives this gadget the ability to hold its own against wear and tear. Its Wet-hand Touch Technology, even if the screen is wet, allows the gadget to remain fully workable—a trusted companion in whatever situation arises.

Powerful Performance and Long-lasting Battery Life

V40 Lite is designed to bring a seamless user experience due to its robust hardware. Core specifications of the device look somewhat like this:

  • Snapdragon® 685 Processor for seamless and efficient performance.
  • 8GB RAM + 8GB Extended RAM, free the user to run multiple apps easily.
  • 256GB internal storage allows storing more apps, photos, and videos.
  • 120 Hz AMOLED Display, presenting colorful and fluent visuals.
  • Equipped with a 5000 mAh battery and 80W FlashCharge technology, rest assured it’s going to charge fast and last even longer. Moreover, it has a 4-year battery health guarantee, which makes it a reliable long-term investment.

Camera Capabilities: Up Your Photography

The V40 Lite is going to bring a whole new dimension to mobile photography, of which any photography enthusiast could only dream of:

  • Image quality as crisp and detailed as life can get with its 50 MP Main Camera.
  • A 2 MP Bokeh Camera for stunning portrait shots with silky-smooth background blur.
  • New revolutionary AI Aura Light Portrait feature that does a great job capturing a well-lit portrait against the night sky.

Equipped with other AI-powered enhancements, the V40 Lite boasts AI Erase, which removes unwanted elements from photos for better composition, while the AI Photo Enhancement increases image clarity for professional quality photos from your smartphone.

A Word from vivo

Mr. James Irungu, vivo Brand and Communications Manager said during the launch:

“At the core of our product design lies a close attention to the user’s needs. We work relentlessly to make top-notch materials and innovations accessible to all, opening access to the very best technology available. vivo V series has always trended in the smartphone industry to be an immediate companion with our users 24/7. We anxiously wait for the response the market will give to the coming vivo V40 Lite.”

Conclusion: Where Fashion Meets Function

The vivo V40 Lite promises more than being a smartphone; it’s one fashion statement for those who would never compromise on style and performance. From stylish and sleek design to powered-to-perform features, vivo is set to capture Kenyan consumers’ hearts in search of the perfect reliable and trendy device.

With its imminent launch, the V40 Lite could soon become one of the hottest smartphones this season. Mark your calendar for 11th November 2024 and brace yourself for a phone that will marry elegance with technology.

Stay tuned as we go further into what the V40 Lite has in store for us!

Bolt Awards 10 Drivers and Couriers in Kenya €20,000 for Business Innovation

Estonian-born ride-hailing and food delivery startup Bolt has rewarded 10 Kenyan drivers and couriers with €20,000 in reward for innovative business ideas as a move to foster entrepreneurial talent. The competition initiated by Bolt is aimed at equipping the participants with sharpened business skills and triggering fresh ideas into the industry.

Finalists Receive Seed Funding and Mentorship

It is drawn from Bolt’s accelerator program, in which winners will each get €2,000 in seed funding to financially support their ideas, the amount is equivalent to Sh 289,166.63 Kenyan shillings. Drivers and couriers will also get a six-week mentorship journey to keep molding their business ideas. The mentorship will involve matching them up with industry experts to guide and connect them with key contacts who will enable them to thrive in business.

According to Bolt, the effort seeks to provide “guidance, mentorship, and access to a network of industry experts so that they are better equipped with the tools and the support to drive businesses to success.”

Innovative and Brilliant Business Proposals

The presentations were varied with a wide array of pitches showcasing different unique business ideas during the pitches as finalists presented their creative and innovative ideas. Among those that impressed the panel were:

  • Ideas ranged from the creation of fixed charging centers through to portable electric car and bike charging. This showed the increasing number of requirements towards structural adjustment in favor of transition towards green energy.
  • Business Hubs for Drivers: Other business proposers aimed at coming up with facilities offering vital services and assistance to drivers.
  • Vehicles for People with Disabilities: Another brilliant idea was investment in disability-compliant vehicles, a plea for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in transport.
  • Food and Grocery Deliveries Powered by Technology: A number of participants sought ways of leveraging technology to guarantee efficient last-mile delivery of food and groceries in the blossoming e-commerce industry.

Identifying Extraordinary Talent

Among the winners, three other individuals excelled in their contributions. Adrian Kagiri Amunga was recognized for having the most innovative idea, while Antony Gwaro Nyangaresi won for the most scalable idea. Teddy Muthami Muriithi won the best pitch award, complementing the array of talent that existed within the competition.

Investing in the Future of Bolt’s Community

Bolt General Manager Rides Kenya, Linda Ndungu, recognized the importance of drivers and couriers in the company’s ecosystem, saying they are not just service providers but part of the community that connects millions of people in Kenya. She said their effort should be recognized, successes celebrated, and investment in their futures.

“To the winners, your effort and innovation indeed deserve this award, complete with €2,000 seed funding. We can’t wait to see what happens next for them on their entrepreneurship journey,” added Ndungu.

The Winning Projects Move Kenya’s Innovation Forward

For small business owners and innovators in the transport and delivery industries, these awards and accelerator programmes go beyond just money; it’s the beginning of their empowerment. This means mentorship, geared with financial support to make those ideas successful and benefit the local economy and culture through innovation.