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OPPO A5 Launches in Kenya: Power Meets Durability in a Stylish New Package

OPPO Kenya has launched the OPPO A5, the latest addition to the A5 Series. After the success of the A5 Pro, the OPPO A5 brings durability, long battery life and style at an affordable price.

Let’s get into what makes this phone a game changer in its price segment.

Built for Life: Rugged Yet Beautiful

The OPPO A5 is built for real life. Whether you’re hiking, on a dusty road trip or just dealing with life’s spills and slips, this phone is ready for anything.

  • IP65 Water & Dust Resistance: Rain, splashes, sand and lint.
  • Military-Grade Shock Resistance: Drops and knocks.
  • Double-Tempered Glass Display: Up to 160% more impact resistant than regular glass.

This is the perfect phone for outdoor lovers, students, workers or anyone who needs a phone that won’t quit.

A Battery That Goes and Goes…

One of the OPPO A5’s standout features is its 6,000mAh battery—perfect for the modern user who’s always on the go.

  • 16.34 hours of YouTube streaming
  • 26.6 hours of voice calls
  • 450 hours of standby time

It’s not just big; it’s smart. The battery retains over 80% of its health after 1,700 charge cycles meaning it’ll last you up to 5 years without replacement.

Top it off with 45W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charging and you’ll be ready in no time.

Smart, Fast and Effortless with ColorOS 15

Powered by ColorOS 15, the OPPO A5 adds intelligence and ease to your daily life.

  • Google Gemini AI Assistant helps you stay organized and efficient.
  • AI Camera Features for a smoother photo experience.
  • Trinity Engine for up to 4 years of fluid system performance backed by OPPO’s 48-Month Fluency Protection certification.

Capture your world with:

  • 50MP Main Camera
  • 2MP Depth Camera
  • 5MP Selfie Camera
  • Portrait Mode and AI enhancements for those Instagram worthy shots.## Ready for Entertainment and Multitasking

Under the hood the OPPO A5 runs on the Snapdragon® 6s Gen1 4G processor with:

  • Up to 8GB of RAM (expandable with OPPO’s RAM Expansion)
  • Up to 256GB of storage

For gaming and streaming you’ll love:

  • 1000nits Ultra Bright Display
  • 300% Ultra Volume Mode for clear and loud sound
  • Seamless Cellular/Wi-Fi Switching 2.0 for uninterrupted connectivity

Slim, Light and Stylish

Despite all its rugged features the OPPO A5 is sleek:

  • Just 7.99mm thick
  • Weighs 193g

Available in two beautiful colors:

  • Aurora Green
  • Mist White

Whether you’re at work, school or out with friends the A5’s design will always fit the occasion.

Pricing and Lipa Pole Pole Option

The OPPO A5 is available now across all OPPO Kenya stores and the OPPO Kenya website.

Retail Prices:

  • 6GB RAM + 128GB StorageKsh 22,500
  • 8GB RAM + 256GB StorageKsh 25,999

Buy Now, Pay Later (Onfon Mobile):

  • 6+128 model: Deposit Ksh 4,500 + daily Ksh 110
  • 8+256 model: Deposit Ksh 5,200 + daily Ksh 125

Conclusion

The OPPO A5 is not just another phone—it’s a statement of durability, performance and style all in one affordable package. Whether you need a phone that can keep up with your lifestyle or one that’s built to last the OPPO A5 is worth checking out.

What to Watch Out for Bets When Team News Breaks

Sports are so exciting to follow because the competition’s ferocity is never certain! To combat a sport’s inherent unpredictability, teams will have to be managed well and practice hard, as dictated by the incredible displays of athleticism, coordination, strategy, or a combination of any of these. 

But of course, anything can happen in sports. Team news can compose of player trades, strategy discussions, or injuries. These kinds of abrupt changes within the sport can shift results and odds for bettors. And when there are changes this frenetic, it can draw a lot of wagers on digital websites or mobile sports betting apps like betway. Make sure to look into these movements before placing a bet.

Instant market shifts

When significant team news breaks, betting markets react almost instantly. For example, if a star player like Lionel Messi in football or Stephen Curry in basketball is ruled out due to injury, bookmakers will adjust odds to account for their absence. A team’s chances of winning may decrease, leading to longer odds, while their opponents may see their odds shorten.

Sometimes, coach statements can also sway the betting markets significantly. Sweeping statements during press conferences can help drive hype up, which can also push odds in any which way. So before placing a bet online on a digital sports betting website or mobile apps like betway, make sure to keep tracking the pulse in trusted sports news outlets like ESPN or Bleacher Report.

Going by the idea that anything can happen in sports news, live betting can also spring in surprises that could prove advantageous when placing wagers. Sudden injuries that wouldn’t be accounted for on a previously placed wager will be included for live bettors on sports betting websites or mobile apps that host it such as betway.

Market overreactions and mind games

There are a few sportsbook websites that may react excessively or uncharacteristically when adjusting the odds whenever there is relevant news coming out for the sport. For example, if a star player is ruled out, the public may overestimate the impact, causing odds to shift too far. Savvy bettors can assess whether the adjustment is justified or exaggerated.

Going back to press conference announcements, some teams are not above deploying what the community calls “smoke screens”. These are false flags within the team’s statements and this is done to obscure a possible strategy or weakness that could be exploited by the opposing team, such as a player competing through an injury. Bettors will have to discern this carefully for them to seize an advantage with their bets!

Team news is one of the most influential factors in betting markets, causing rapid adjustments in odds across all major markets. It can easily mess up preparations and brackets but for a critical bettor, there is opportunity in the uncertainty. By staying informed, reacting quickly, and identifying overreactions, bettors can gain an edge. Whether through pre-match analysis or in-play betting, understanding how news moves markets is essential for long-term success in sports betting.

OPPO Kenya Rolls Out Easter Deals with LOOP and UoN Campus Challenge Featuring the A5 Pro

OPPO Kenya has launched a fun filled Easter Sale with LOOP and is offering discounts on select smartphones including OPPO A38, Reno11 F, and Reno12 F. It’s not just a sales promotion, OPPO is combining offers with on-ground engagement – a campus activation at the University of Nairobi with a Football Dribble Challenge with Onfon Mobile.

The star of the show is the new OPPO A5 Pro – a phone that combines toughness with affordability making it a standout in the budget segment.

OPPO A5 Pro: Built for Everyday Life

Few phones in its class can match the protection and utility of the A5 Pro. With military-grade durability this phone is designed to survive real life accidents – from sudden drops on the pavement to constant jostling in your backpack or pocket.

It has reinforced double-tempering glass which offers 160% better drop resistance than regular glass. Everyday threats like keys, coins or accidental falls pose no risk to its display. Internally an AM04 aluminum alloy shield protects the motherboard while also enhancing heat dissipation thus extending device life.

IP69 Certification: Raising the Bar

A5 Pro goes beyond the typical IP68 rating found in premium phones. It has IP66, IP68 and IP69 certification making it one of the most water and dust resistant phones in its class.

To get this rating the A5 Pro underwent intense lab testing including:

  • IP66 test: 100 liters/min water jets sprayed from 12.5mm nozzles for 3 minutes.
  • IP69 test: Heated 80°C high-pressure water jets directed at the phone from multiple angles on a rotating platform for 2 minutes.

This certification means the phone can withstand rainstorms, splashes and high-pressure water environments – a true everyday companion for active users.

LOOP Easter Deals and Campus Activation

OPPO’s Easter campaign runs from April 17th to April 26th, 2025 and exclusive deals via the LOOP app. During this period customers can get discounts on:

  • OPPO Reno11 F 5G
  • OPPO Reno12 F 5G
  • OPPO A38

To further engage with the youth, OPPO will have a football-themed campus activation at the University of Nairobi. Students will get to showcase their football skills, participate in interactive experiences and win OPPO merchandise and smartphones.

“This Easter we wanted to give more than just offers – we’re giving experiences,” said Fredrique Achieng, PR Manager, OPPO Kenya.

Flexible Financing via Onfon Mobile

A5 Pro is now available at a recommended retail price of KES 29,999 but OPPO has partnered with Onfon Mobile to make premium smartphones more accessible. The “Lipa Pole Pole” plan allows customers to pay a 20% deposit and the balance in monthly installments.

vivo V50 Launches in Kenya: Raising the Bar for Mobile Portrait Photography

vivo has launched its latest flagship device in Kenya, the vivo V50, setting a new standard in mobile portrait photography. Engineered with cutting-edge ZEISS Professional Portrait technology, the V50 is for users who want high-performance imaging, sleek design and long battery life in one device. Its launch marks vivo’s move to dominate the premium mid-range segment with innovation for both professional creators and everyday users.

A New Era of Portraits

At the heart of the V50 is its main feature — a 50 MP ZEISS Co-engineered All Main Camera setup that turns the phone into a professional portrait machine. vivo’s long term collaboration with ZEISS has resulted to what is arguably the brand’s most advanced camera system yet.

The ZEISS OIS Main Camera with 1/1.55″ sensor captures more light even in low light. With VCS Camera-Bionic Spectrum, the system mimics the human eye’s color perception resulting to more natural and vivid photos. The mini gimbal and CIPA 4.0 certified design ensures sharp and blur-free photos especially in low light and action shots.

AI Aura Light Portrait 2.0 and ZEISS Style Bokeh

The V50 introduces AI Aura Light Portrait 2.0 with 143x ultra-soft fill light. It adjusts to different skin tones and lighting environments. New cinematic portrait modes such as Rembrandt Lighting and Butterfly Lighting add drama to photos while ZEISS Multifocal Portrait modes (23 mm, 35 mm and 50 mm) with 7 ZEISS Style Bokeh filters replicate DSLR effects with subtlety and depth.Selfies are not an afterthought either — a 50 MP ZEISS Group Selfie Camera with 92° wide-angle lens and AI 3D Studio Lighting 2.0 gives you detailed and flattering results anywhere. A 119° ultra-wide rear camera for group photos and landscapes and 4K video recordingFilm Camera Mode, and AI Image Studio for cinematic creativity in your hands.

Style Meets Substance

Beyond its camera capabilities, the vivo V50 is a work of art in modern smartphone design. The Ultra Slim 4D Infinity Curved Screen gives you immersive visuals in a super lightweight body. The 41° Golden Curvature and center frame is designed for extended use in entertainment, gaming and productivity.

The V50 comes in Mombasa Blue and Satin Black colors inspired by nature. The Dual Ring Camera Module has luxurious details — a Diamond Pattern matte finish and high-gloss corner cuts showing vivo’s attention to form and finish.

Long Lasting Battery and Flagship Grade Performance

Underneath the sleek body lies a 6000 mAh (TYP) BlueVolt Battery, with second generation silicon-carbon anode and encapsulation technology for longer life and better thermal control. With 90W FlashCharge, you can get up to 6 hours of talk time from just 10 minutes of charging.

Performance is powered by the Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, with 15% CPU boost and 50% GPU boost over the previous generation. An enhanced AI Neural Engine and ISP optimizes everything from app launches to camera functions. With 12 GB RAM and 12 GB extended RAM, the V50 can run more than 40 apps simultaneously — perfect for power users and creatives.

The phone is also IP68/IP69 water and dust resistant, so you can use it in rugged or unpredictable environments.

Price and Availability in Kenya

The vivo V50 is now available in authorized online and offline stores in Kenya for Ksh 69,999. With pro-grade photography, beautiful design and reliable performance, the V50 is the perfect choice for Kenyans who want value without compromise.

High Court Declares Mandatory School Fee Payments via eCitizen Unconstitutional

Government’s eCitizen Directive Overturned

The High Court of Kenya has ruled that the government’s directive to pay school fees through the eCitizen platform is unconstitutional. This follows a petition by Dr. Magare Gikenyi and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) who argued that the directive was not properly consulted and lacked legal backing.

eCitizen Directive Overturned

The government issued a circular in January 2024 requiring parents and guardians to pay school fees exclusively through eCitizen. The aim was to streamline revenue collection and integrate digital transactions in the education sector. But stakeholders raised concerns about its feasibility, accessibility and legality.

Judge Chacha Mwita ruled that the directive had no legal basis and was enforced without public participation. He said school fees are not government revenue and should not be collected through a national platform.

Legal Concerns and Public Outcry

The petitioners raised several key issues with the eCitizen mandate:

  • No Public Participation – The government did not engage parents, schools and stakeholders before implementing the policy.
  • No Alternative Payment Methods – Many rural parents pay school fees through barter trade (maize, beans) which the directive ignored.
  • Lack of Transparency – The court questioned the integrity of the eCitizen platform in handling school funds and accountability.
  • Unjustified Transaction Fees – The KSh 50 convenience fee per transaction was ruled unlawful. Justice Mwita said forcing parents to pay extra fees is double taxation.

What this means

The court’s decision sets a precedent for future digital policy implementations in Kenya. It also shows the need for legal backing and public consultation. It also highlights the need for financial flexibility for parents especially those in marginalized areas who may not have access to digital payment methods.

While digital platforms like eCitizen are convenient forcing mandatory use without alternatives can exclude sections of the population. Going forward the government may need to find a more inclusive approach and allow parents to choose between mobile money, bank payments and digital platforms.

Final thoughts

This is a big win for financial freedom and consumer rights in Kenya. Digital transformation is inevitable but it must be inclusive, legal and transparent. The government may need to rethink its approach to ensure future policies comply with the constitution and cater for all economic classes.

As Kenya goes digital, the balance between convenience and accessibility is key. What do you think about this ruling? Should digital payments be mandatory or should parents have multiple payment options?

OPPO Reno13 Series: Elevating Mobile Gaming with Advanced Performance and Connectivity

As mobile gaming continues to change the game, eSports is one of the hottest trends of the generation. To keep up with the evolving needs of gamers, the OPPO Reno13 series gets major upgrades, a perfect companion for mobile gaming enthusiasts.

Hardware and System Optimization for Seamless Gaming

For gamers, performance is key, but achieving consistency on a phone requires a combination of hardware upgrades, game-centric design and deep system-level optimizations. The Reno13 series delivers this by packing in cutting-edge tech for sustained and reliable gaming.

Better Thermal Management for Peak Performance

Thermal management is crucial for stable performance during long gaming sessions. The Reno13F 5G has a VC cooling area twice the size of its predecessor, 4,364 mm². This means even and efficient heat dissipation, no overheating and no performance drop.

Plus, OPPO’s Frame Partition Technology optimizes internal heat conduction pathways, so heat is kept away from areas where gamers hold their phones, making it more comfortable during long gaming sessions.

Optimized Connectivity with AI LinkBoost 2.0

A strong and stable network connection is important for competitive gaming, the Reno13F 5G has a 360-degree surround antenna system with 10 antennas. So no matter how you hold your phone, you won’t get disconnected.

Key connectivity upgrades:

  • AI LinkBoost 2.0: A network priority algorithm and intelligent multi-antenna switching to boost cellular performance by 175% and reduce gaming latency by 35%.
  • Low-Frequency Antenna Technology: Enhances signal stability in weak coverage areas like underground garages, rural areas and remote locations.
  • Geographic Fencing and Intelligent Network Selection: Optimizes network performance in high-traffic areas, reduces lag and disconnection.

Game Developer Collaborations for Better Gaming

To improve in-game performance, OPPO has collaborated with leading game developers such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and PUBG Mobile (Global Version) to optimize the Reno13 series for heavy gaming scenarios.* In Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, the Reno13 series performance is maxed out during team fights, visuals are smooth, controls are responsive.

  • For daily gaming, the phone maintains stable frame rates and reduce power consumption for longer playtime.

The Gaming Phone

With a powerful chipset, game-centric hardware and system-level performance boost, the Reno13 series delivers seamless gaming experience. With OPPO Adaptive Frame Booster, it boosts gaming performance and efficiency, so you can game carefree.

Availability and Price

The OPPO Reno13 series is available nationwide and eCommerce at Ksh 37,999 (RRP).

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

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.