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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.

Safaricom and Pesalink Address Merger Speculations Amid CBK’s Fast Payment System Plans

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Safaricom and Pesalink Address Merger Speculations Amid CBK’s Fast Payment System Plans

Mpesa and Pesalink merger talks have generated lots of buzz. But Safaricom and Integrated Payment Services Limited (IPSL) the company that runs Pesalink have clarified that there are no talks going on. This as the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) is set to launch a new Fast Payment System (FPS) that will connect payment services across banks and financial institutions and allow customers to send money across networks.

The Safaricom-Pesalink Partnership

The proposed merger was contained in a joint proposal to CBK by Safaricom and the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA). It would have made transactions between mobile wallets and bank accounts smoother and cheaper for users.

  • Safaricom’s Position: Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the company is not considering such a partnership at the moment but promised to inform customers if that changes.
  • Pesalink’s Position: Gituku Kirika, CEO of IPSL said Pesalink is open to partnerships with various financial and technology players. But no details on a merger with M-Pesa for now.

Central Bank of Kenya’s Fast Payment System (FPS)

The CBK’s FPS was announced in 2024 and is aimed at transforming Kenya’s payment space by creating a single platform for money transfers.

Key Features of FPS:

  • Connects all banks and financial institutions.
  • Allows 24/7 money transfers across all networks.
  • Reduces multiple intermediaries and potentially lower costs.

KBA has welcomed the initiative with CEO Raimond Molenje saying since 2017 the association has invested in IPSL which operates Pesalink—an ISO 20022 certified instant payment switch.

Advantages of a Safaricom-Pesalink Partnership

Although this is speculative for now, a M-Pesa and Pesalink merger could bring:

  1. Cheaper transactions: M-Pesa to bank account transaction fees could be slashed.
  2. Interoperability: Customers can move money between mobile wallets and bank accounts.
  3. Financial inclusion: More access to underserved communities by connecting financial platforms.

Techies think this could compete with the CBK’s FPS and be good for both consumers and businesses.

Next

While the CBK’s FPS will connect the country, Safaricom and Pesalink will continue to explore ways to improve financial services. Since both platforms are interoperable, the possibility of a single system for Kenya’s digital economy is high.

As the FPS rolls out and partnerships mature, Kenya’s financial space will change and benefit consumers and put the country at the forefront of fintech.

Kenya’s Startup Bill: A Game Changer for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Kenya’s Startup Bill: A Game Changer for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Kenya’s Startup Bill is waiting for Presidential assent and will provide a framework for innovation, support for startups and solidify Kenya as a global innovation hub. But startups that don’t meet its requirements will be excluded from registration and incubation programs.

Requirements for Startups

To be a startup under the proposed law you must:

  • Be headquartered in Kenya: Your main office must be in the country.
  • No distribution of profits: You shouldn’t distribute profits so that resources are reinvested for growth.
  • Ownership: Must be 100% owned by one or more Kenyan citizens.
  • Research focused: At least 15% of expenses must go towards research and development.

Startups that have been in existence for more than three years and those formed through mergers, acquisitions, splits or restructuring of existing companies are not eligible for registration or incubation under this bill.

New Incentives and Support

The bill has fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for startups, incubators and investors including:

  • Tax reliefs, grants and subsidies to reduce the burden on startups.
  • Government procurement opportunities to grow the business.
  • Fast tracked intellectual property (IP) registration through the Kenya Industrial Property Institute to protect innovations.

The Kenya National Innovation Agency and Kenya Industrial Estates will also play a key role in innovation, creation of a national incubation framework and linking startups with universities and the private sector.

Startup Fund and Compliance

Startup Fund will be financed through government appropriations, grants and donations and will provide resources to eligible startups.

Registered startups will be required to comply with:

  • Meet growth targets in human resource, assets and annual turnover.
  • Keep proper accounts and submit financial statements.
  • Inform the overseeing agency of any structural or operational changes.

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in deregistration after a compliance notice is issued.

Benefits to Kenya’s Startup Ecosystem

The bill will nurture the startup ecosystem through innovation and entrepreneurship support. Key highlights include:

  • Fast track Innovation: By fast tracking IP registration and academia-industry collaboration.
  • Young Innovators: Create a pathway for young entrepreneurs to turn ideas into sustainable businesses.
  • Attract Investment: Offer fiscal incentives to investors and position Kenya as the innovation hub.

Irene Mayaka one of the proponents of the bill said the law will give young innovators opportunity to grow their ideas into businesses and make Kenya a global innovation leader.

Challenges for Startups

While the bill has many benefits, it also has challenges:

  • Startups that are more than three years old or don’t meet research expenditure requirements will be excluded.
  • The no distribution of profits rule will deter startups from seeking external investment from profit oriented venture capitalists.

Additionally, the compliance demands and stringent growth targets may create barriers for some startups.

Kabogo Pushes for Full Digitalisation of Government Records to Boost Efficiency

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Kabogo Pushes for Full Digitalisation of Government Records to Boost Efficiency

The Ministry of Information, Communications and Digital Economy under Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has launched an ambitious plan to digitize all government records. This will boost service delivery, curb corruption and drive economic growth.

Whole of Government Approach

During a meeting with Heads of Departments and Divisions from the State Department of ICT, CS Kabogo said a coordinated approach across all ministries and agencies is needed to achieve full digitization. He said the Ministry of ICT will lead the way since technology is the backbone of all government operations.

He said in the past ministries have worked in isolation when introducing digital systems and that will not happen again. To address this he promised to stick to the guidelines and a single approach to ensure seamless integration across all departments.

Key Objectives and Timeline

Kabogo has given his ministry 90 days to go paperless in all communications including letters and memos. His ultimate goal is to have all government operations digital by the end of his term.

The digitization effort will:

  1. Eliminate Manual Records: All ministries and departments will digitize their records and automate backend processes.
  2. Increase Transparency: By making information available, the government will curb corruption and increase public accountability.
  3. Improve Efficiency: A digital system will enable real time data sharing, decision making and reduce delays in service delivery.

Fighting Corruption Through Technology

Kabogo said digitalization will make it easier for oversight bodies like the Controller of Budget and the Auditor General to track expenditure in real time. This will address issues of pending bills and ensure alignment between expenditure plans and available budgets.

He also suggested a “corruption fighting trophy” to be awarded to individuals and departments that are visible in promoting integrity in government operations.

Ministry of Lands

As part of the digitization efforts, Kabogo said Ksh3.9 billion has already been spent on digitizing records in the Ministry of Lands. Documents have been scanned and they are in the process of migrating to digital system and will not create new physical records.

ICT and Economic Growth

Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui said ICT is key in the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). He said the digital economy is growing 2.5 times faster than the physical economy and that connectivity and digital platforms will boost government performance.

Key areas of focus in the digital agenda are:

  • 1,450 digital hubs across Kenya.
  • Cybersecurity, misinformation and disinformation.
  • Digitization in ministries like Lands to get significant operational benefits.

Existing Challenges

Tanui said while some ministries have digitized, many have only scanned documents and not transitioned to full digital process. This has resulted to manual records being generated and undermining the benefits of digitization.

To resolve this, the government aims to:

  • Ensure complete migration to digital systems.
  • Enhance collaboration across ministries and agencies.
  • Scale up successful projects like the Lands Ministry’s digital system across other departments.

Glovo Chooses Nairobi for Global Real-Time Operations Centre

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Glovo Chooses Nairobi for Global Real-Time Operations Centre

Glovo has launched its biggest real-time operations (RTO) centre in Nairobi, which will oversee its operations in 23 countries. This solidifies Nairobi as the innovation and digital economy capital of Africa.

Why Nairobi?

Nairobi was chosen because of its tech ecosystem, Gen Z talent and strategic location as a gateway to Africa. The centre will have over 160 agents, operating 24/7, making it Glovo’s biggest hub globally.

RTO Centre functions

The Nairobi hub will do:

  1. Operational Efficiency: Streamline Glovo’s logistics and delivery services globally.
  2. Compliance Enforcement: Ensure Glovo’s operations comply with regulations across multiple regions.
  3. Rider Onboarding: Support rider recruitment and integration in different countries.
  4. Localized Language Support: Support in Arabic, French and other languages for key markets in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Boost to Kenya’s digital economy

Caroline Mutuku, Glovo Kenya GM, said the hub will showcase Kenya’s talent and innovation capacity, especially Gen Z.

Chidera Akwuba, Glovo’s Head of Public and Government Relations for Sub-Saharan Africa, said the centre will contribute to long term economic growth by:

  • Supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
  • Working with Kenyan businesses and stakeholders.
  • Inclusive development initiatives for the local economy.

The centre fits into Glovo’s overall vision of sustainable growth, using Nairobi’s innovation ecosystem to deliver social and economic impact.

Glovo’s market leadership in Kenya

A 2024 report by the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) ranked Glovo as the number one digital delivery platform in Kenya with 33% market share in food and grocery delivery. This solidifies Glovo as the pioneer multi-category platform in Southern and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.

A game changer

Abubakar Hassan, Investment promotion PS, called the RTO centre a model of innovation for Kenya’s digitalisation. The hub shows how global companies like Glovo are putting their money on Kenya’s talent and business friendly environment to grow globally.

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