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NCBA Group Launches NCBA Now Mobile App for Seamless Digital Banking Experience

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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NCBA Group has unveiled a new mobile application dubbed ‘NCBA Now’ that the company says is going to elevate customer experience to another level. The bank expects the new mobile application to enhance its efforts in becoming even more accessible and offer its customers a more efficient usability experience as well as a ton of its current services.

The bank expects the new mobile application to increase its standing in the current banking space to even higher heights since it showcases its enhanced approach to fostering financial inclusion as well as presenting customers with unrivalled experiences. The app encompasses innovative digital solutions that are customized to meet current and emerging needs.

NCBA Now will offer a range of services that are customized to enable customers have access to a number of solutions in real time such as account monitoring, seamless card management, streamlined service requests, customizable alerts, diverse money transfer options, hassle-free bill payments, and instantaneous mobile wallet transactions which will all be accessible at the touch of a button.

John Gachora, who is the current Managing Director of NCBA Group, stressed on the institution’s digital-first approach where he indicated that it was dedicated on to leveraging technology in driving financial inclusion across the East African region. Additionally, he reiterated the bank’s resolve to address customer challenges while delivering tailored financial solutions that resonate with market demands.

Customers can download the newly launched app from respective app stores – Google PlayStore for android users and the App Store for iOS users. Just head over to your respective app store and search for ‘NCBA Now’ and proceed to tap on download so that it’s downloaded and installed on your device.

HMD Launches Its First-Ever Affordable Pulse Series Smartphones in Kenya

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Remember them days when Nokia devices used to rule the world? Well HMD global which gained rights after the Finnish phone maker went down to sell Nokia branded phones is finally feeling confident enough to sell its own branded devices. The phone maker has unveiled a series of HMD branded phones here in Kenya and we couldn’t be more excited. The firm has unveiled its first-ever original HMD-branded smartphones in Kenya which are going by the name HMD Pulse series that promises to blend affordability with functionality, a move that’s expected to appeal more to the diverse needs of Kenyan consumers.

The lineup includes the HMD Pulse, HMD Pulse+, and the flagship HMD Pulse Pro which all come with a blend of aesthetics and somewhat impressive specifications that should appeal to most of us at a surprisingly budget-friendly price point.

Key Features:

Let’s delve into some of the key features you should expect on the HMD Pulse devices. It’s normal to expect some cues that we are usually accustomed to on Nokia phones given it’s the same manufacturer.

HMD Pulse:

  • It packs a decent 90 Hz refresh rate on a 6.55-inch HD+ touchscreen display.
  • Under the hood, the device is powered by an octa-core Unisoc T606 processor and 4GB of RAM.
  • Comes preloaded with Android 14
  • Has an impressive 5000mAh battery suitable for prolonged usage.
  • Features a 13-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera.
  • Priced at an attractive £100, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.

HMD Pulse+:

The HMD Pulse+ surprisingly shares similar specifications with the HMD Pulse, including the 90 Hz refresh rate and 6.55-inch HD+ display. However, there are a couple of tweaks to suit a specific group of consumers in matters photography.

  • It packs a decent 90 Hz refresh rate on a 6.55-inch HD+ touchscreen display.
  • Under the hood, the device is powered by an octa-core Unisoc T606 processor and 4GB of RAM.
  • Comes preloaded with Android 14
  • Has an impressive 5000mAh battery suitable for prolonged usage.
  • Features a 50-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera.

HMD Pulse Pro:

Now this one is touted to be the flagship of the series and HMD tweaked some areas to make sure it was worth it. Since it’s been positioned as the premium offering among the series, it comes with a higher RAM as well as internal storage capacity.

  • Packs a 50-megapixel primary camera and a dual-camera setup for versatile photography options.
  • Offers a sleek design, modern aesthetics, and robust performance, priced competitively at £150.

During the launch event, Sanmeet Singh Kocchar who is the current Vice President of HMD in Africa, Middle East, and Asia (AMEA), noted the company’s commitment to innovation as well as excellence in serving diverse markets. He also added that the Pulse series exemplifies a new era of smartphone sophistication where it combines style, substance, and affordability.

On his part, Joseph Umunakwe who is serving as the General Manager West, East, and Central Africa (WECA), emphasized the company’s dedication to championing creativity while empowering consumers with a focus on repairability as well as consumer preferences in which case the company aims to cater to the evolving needs of the tech-savvy generation.

Samsung and Jambojet Elevate Consumer Engagement with #GalaxyInTheSky Campaign

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Samsung Electronics East Africa and Jambojet have forged a new partnership that will see one of JamboJet’s plane branded with a Galaxy S24 in a campaign dubbed #GalaxyInTheSky. The campaign targets to enhance consumer engagement with Samsung’s latest flagship which essentially marks a milestone for the two companies in establishing real connections with the users.  

The #GalaxyInTheSky campaign will see Samsung decorate one of Jambojet’s aircraft with its cutting-edge Galaxy S24 Ultra devices a move that honestly speaking is a one of its kind that we’ve heard so far here in Kenya. The move is also expected to represent the two firm’s commitment to innovation as well as producing products and services that are customer centric. According to the two companies, customers as well as potential customers and enthusiasts are encouraged to participate by sharing their experiences on social media platforms thereby amplifying the campaign’s reach.

According to Antony Hutia who is the Head of Mobile Division at Samsung Electronics East Africa, the partnership represented the firm’s dedication to innovation and memorable consumer experiences through initiatives such as the #GalaxyInTheSky.

The partnership goes beyond just celebrating Samsung’s latest flagship device which has since garnered respectable reception here in Kenya to also reaffirm Samsung’s global leadership in the mobile segment. On his part Mr. Karanja Ndegwa who is the CEO/MD of Jambojet, emphasized the importance of the partnership in delivering to its diverse customer base especially business travelers, who form a significant portion of their passengers.

Cisco Establishes Africa’s First Cyber Security Technology Experience Center at UoN

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Cisco Establishes Africa’s First Cyber Security Technology Experience Center at UoN

Cisco, a global technology company has opened its first Cybersecurity Technology Experience Centre in Africa. This special centre is located at the University of Nairobi and it becomes an important place for creativity and teamwork in digital security field.

The joint effort was organized with the help of ICT Authority (ICTA) and the University of Nairobi and represents a major step in Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) worldwide initiative. The CDA program runs in 50 countries and has more than 1,600 projects aimed at creating strong and fair societies using advanced technology.

The special launch event was honored by important and influential figures like Francine Katsoudas who is Cisco’s Executive Vice President as well as Chief People, Policy and Purpose Officer along with Prof. Stephen Kiama – Vice Chancellor at the University of Nairobi creating an atmosphere filled with promise for change. Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary for ICT and The Digital Economy explained various roles that the modern center will play such as becoming a place known for its excellent training in cyber security, the heart where the country’s strategic knowledge about cyberspace security is built up.

Utilizing the changing power of AI and VR, the Center is ready to transform cyber security education and awareness. Using immersive learning methods, it aims to provide government officers and industry-related people with deep knowledge about cyber threats and ways for lessening them across Africa.

Eng. Tanui emphasized how working together helps both sides, going beyond normal partnerships to help Kenya become more digital and successful. Francine Katsoudas also said it’s very important for communities to be strong against changing cyber threats. The team-up between CDA and Cisco Networking Academy is good news because it helps fix the lack of skills and makes Kenya’s cyber defenses stronger, matching the country’s plans for growth.

Shain Rahim, who takes care of Cisco’s interests in Kenya, called for everyone to join forces in fighting cybercrime. He asked government, schools, and businesses to work together on this important task.

As cyber-attacks keep happening worldwide, and more people need to be good at cyber security, Cisco is determined to help. By creating Africa’s best Cybersecurity Technology Experience Centre, Cisco shows it’s committed to making sure everyone can use technology safely and fairly.

Telkom, Faiba, and Zuku Lead in Fixed Internet Speeds, Safaricom Trails Behind

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Kenya’s internet service providers are battling out for potential consumers and a report released recently with regards to their speeds might just sway the tide in favor of those able to sustain decent download and upload speeds. According to a recently unveiled report, Telkom, Jamii Telecommunications Limited (JTL)-owned Faiba and Wananchi Group’s Zuku have taken the top spot for having the best overall download and upload speeds in various situations. Notably, they have outpaced the defactor industry leader Safaricom who didn’t manage to cope up with the competition.

nPerf, a renowned French network-testing firm unveiled it’s report on performance of various service providers in the country with Telkom showcasing a remarkable performance with an average download speed of 33.04 megabits per second (Mb/s) and an upload speed of 29.97 Mb/s over the 12 months leading to March 2024. Faiba which is onwed by Jamii Telecomms followed closely managing download speeds of 27.73 Mb/s and upload speeds of 21.63 Mb/s. On the other hand, Zuku secured a set at the to of the table with download speeds averaging 22.75 Mb/s and upload speeds at 17.04 Mb/s. However, Safaricom which is currently dominating the market fell short with average download and upload speeds of 19.76 Mb/s and 15.81 Mb/s, respectively.

In terms of latency, which determines the responsiveness of a network, Zuku excelled with the shortest delay at 39.46 milliseconds (ms), followed closely by Mawingu at 40.93 ms. Telkom and Safaricom lagged behind with latency times of 68.39 ms and 51.48 ms, respectively.

While Safaricom dominated YouTube streaming speeds at 74.53 percent, Faiba emerged as the leader in web browsing speed at 37.74 percent, closely followed by Safaricom and Zuku at 36.93 percent and 36.76 percent, respectively.

Despite Safaricom’s stronghold in the fixed data market with a 36.7 percent share, the report underscores the notable strides made by competitors such as JTL, which holds a 23.7 percent market share, reflecting a shifting landscape in consumer preferences and provider performance.

The study, renowned for its robust methodology, employs stringent filtering techniques to accurately reflect real customer experiences, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the findings.

As the competition intensifies in Kenya’s internet landscape, consumers stand to benefit from the continuous innovation and advancement driving the pursuit of superior internet connectivity and service delivery.

Safaricom Launches Connect Academy to Train 10,000 Fibre Optic Technicians

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Safaricom has teamed up with the ICT Authority in a bid to train and upskill 10,000 fiber optic and fixed wireless technicians for the next five years. The initiative which is dubbed as ‘Connect Academy’ is intended to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the telecommunications sector which is aligned with the wider goals of the presidential DigiTalent Programme.

The Connect Academy is anticipated to have an impact on cultivating a top tier talent pool focused on broadband connectivity. Through a combination of skill building strategies like hands on training, mentorship, educational programs and certification, the initiative aims to prepare Kenyans with the knowledge needed to succeed in the ever-evolving telecommunications sector. The partnership with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) underscores Safaricom’s dedication to establishing collaborations that promote economic progress.

Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi who is the Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom, highlighted the significance of the initiative in creating employment opportunities for youths as well as establishing for them clear career pathways. The first cohort of 200 participants is slated to commence training in May where they are expected to undergo intensive sessions led by seasoned engineers every Friday for three months. Additionally, Safaricom aims to collaborate with TVETs to integrate fixed broadband into their curriculum, further augmenting the skill set of future technicians.

Stanley Kamanguya, the CEO of ICT Authority highlighted the role of partnerships, between the private sectors in advancing Kenyas digital transformation goals. Through working with businesses the government aims to empower individuals and promote connectivity throughout Africa. Kamanguya emphasized the governments dedication to projects recognizing the importance of actions in promoting sustainable development and innovation in the digital realm.

The introduction of the Connect Academy marks a chapter of cooperation and skill development, in Kenyas telecommunications sector. By investing in education and cultivating alliances Safaricom and ICT Authority have laid the foundation for connectivity, economic progress and technological advancement.

Starlink Offers Kenyan Users 56% Discount on Installation Costs

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Kenyans looking to get Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service are in for a treat after the service provider announced a significant discount in installation costs. The satellite internet venture of entrepreneur Elon Musk has introduced a limited-time promotion slashing the installation hardware kit’s price by 55.6%. This move aims to make high-speed internet access more accessible to users in Kenya.

Summary

  • Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, reduces installation hardware costs by 55.6% in Kenya until May 15.
  • This promotion aims to make high-speed internet more affordable and accessible to Kenyan consumers.
  • Starlink’s technology offers advantages like high-speed internet and connectivity in remote areas, but high installation costs have been a barrier to adoption.

In an effort to bridge the digital divide, Starlink’s promotional offer significantly reduces the price of its hardware equipment in Kenya. The normal cost of the installation kit is currently capped at Sh89,000, and now with the latest offer has been temporarily lowered to Sh39,500 until May 15. The move is part of Starlink’s efforts aimed at expanding its presence in emerging markets like Kenya.

A previous analysis highlighted Kenya and Mozambique as markets with comparatively higher installation costs for internet services. However, with this promotion, Starlink is looking to make its services more competitive and accessible in Kenya. Despite initial challenges, Starlink’s expansion across Africa is still on course on its commitment to providing high-speed internet to underserved regions.

Starlink’s service is unique in that it utilizes satellite connection compared to fiber service providers like Zuku and JTL with promise to connect even remote areas of the country differing from the rest who are mainly available in town setting.   Even though It offers innovative technology with the potential to revolutionize internet connectivity, it has faced regulatory hurdles in some African countries. For instance, operations were halted in Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, and South Africa due to licensing issues. Overcoming regulatory barriers is crucial for Starlink to achieve its goal of global internet coverage.

Starlink’s entry into Kenya’s internet market has since intensified competition with local providers like Safaricom, JTL, and Zuku. By offering high-speed internet via satellite, Starlink provides an alternative to traditional terrestrial solutions which is much suited for remote areas with limited connectivity options.

Starlink’s technology relies on a network of small satellites in low earth orbit which provide high-speed internet with low latency. Users access the internet through phased-array user terminals offering stable connectivity even in remote locations. This technology addresses the limitations of traditional internet infrastructure particularly in underserved areas.

Despite its technological advantages, Starlink has faced criticism for its high installation costs here in Kenya. In comparison, Zuku offers free installation with subscription to the first month, which to be honest is hard to beat. The promotional offer therefore significantly reduces the financial barrier to entry, making high-speed internet more accessible to a wider audience. However, additional efforts are needed to ensure long-term affordability and sustainability.

The Impact of Rising Prices on Locally Assembled Phones on Kenya’s Digital Access Goals

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Summary:

  • Locally assembled smartphones which were initially launched at affordable prices have seen significant price increases, hindering accessibility.
  • High prices are limiting access to low-income earners, contrary to the intended goal of improving digital access.
  • Efforts to reduce import taxes are advocated to enhance market growth and connectivity.

Promise of cheaper devices with local factory launch

In October last year, President William Ruto inaugurated a factory for locally assembled smartphones which marked a significant step towards enhancing digital access in Kenya. The hopes were off the roof, with anticipation of job creation, cheaper devices that would eventually skyrocket Kenya’s efforts to digital inclusivity. However, a recent study suggests a concerning trend as the prices of these locally assembled phones soar, potentially impeding the nation’s digital access goals.

Smartphones have always had a relatively high price tag for the common Kenyan, with most citizens choosing to remain on the so-called feature phones. This has had a major impact on the countries move towards a digitally inclusive society, with some sectors such as service delivery being impacted most. The prices of these smartphones have surged since they were unveiled, with current retail prices reaching as high as Sh10,559 and expected to rise further to Sh11,500. This stark escalation from their initial prices of Sh7,499 for the Safaricom’s Neon Smart and Sh8,999 for the Neon Ultra has raised eyebrows among consumers and industry experts alike.

Study on locally assembled devices.

A study conducted by the Centre for International Private Enterprise (Cipe) and Kenya Private Sector Alliance (Kepsa) attributes the price hikes to a combination of factors that among others include taxes as well as currency fluctuations. Despite promises of affordability, the reality reflects a different narrative, with the cost of these devices exceeding expectations.

The implications of these inflated prices extend beyond mere consumer dissatisfaction. They pose a significant barrier to digital inclusion, especially for low-income earners who constitute the primary target demographic for these devices. Accessibility to essential digital services and e-commerce opportunities is compromised, undermining the government’s efforts to foster digital economic transformation. Recently we highlighted the need to purchase smartphones outright rather than using the Lipa Pole Pole scheme’s that end up becoming even more expensive than buying outright.

Other Initiatives

Despite attempts like the Finance Act of 2023 which wanted to decrease taxes on telecommunication services, import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT), still prices of locally assembled smartphones are going up. The marketplace chance is not being used completely and this affects both small businesses growth as well as overall connectivity.

It is clear that handling these obstacles needs a clear plan, with focus on making things inexpensive and affordable. The push for lower import duties has come up as a key element to boost market need and enhance connectivity. By cultivating conditions suitable for invention and rivalry, Kenya can use the complete capacity of its digital economy to push sustainable development forward.

When we look at how the government is doing in making a digital society, the study explains that it’s very important to deal with main difficulties. These include not having enough skills for using digital technology, high costs of internet and worries about cybersecurity. Working together among government departments, people from private sector and those who are part of civil society groups has become crucial to overcome these problems and make sure everyone can take part in this digital revolution.

Kenya, in its quest to become a frontrunner for digital innovation in the region, must manage the problems that come with increasing smartphone costs. The country can make a significant impact by focusing on affordability and availability which will open up fresh opportunities for economic development and give its people power to succeed during this era of technology.

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