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How to check Safaricom lines registered in Kenya using your National ID

With an increasing number of scammers using people’s national identification cards to register lines, it’s always a good practice to keep tabs on lines registered using your National ID on the Safaricom network. And in this case, Safaricom introduced an ample way that subscribers can use to confirm which lines are currently registered on its network using your ID. The move was praised by many Kenyans especially in the government efforts aimed at curbing illegal activities that are executed using fake mobile phone numbers.

Just the other day, the registrar of political parties in the country unveiled a system that would allow Kenyan’s check which political parties they’ve been registered. The move elicited many reactions especially after most Kenyans found themselves registered in political parties without their consent. Therefore, checking any services or organizations under which you’ve been enrolled will form a good part of controlling activities that might be done in disguise as you, more or less like controlling identity theft.

Take for example, you find yourself with a mobile loan linked to your ID number. This can easily happen if someone out there has your personal details such as ID number and successfully managed to register a line under it. All the person needs to acquire a mobile loan is a phone and your National ID details, then they can request for a loan from more than eighty percent of service providers. It’s therefore very important to keep tabs on Safaricom lines registered using your National ID number, as this can easily help you to avoid trouble with law enforcement.

Ways that someone can acquire your ID number details
1. From MPESA agents
2. If you lost your National ID
3. Through theft
4. Or even a close acquaintance


How to check Safaricom lines registered using your National ID number

1. On your phone, dial *106#
2. Then select my numbers
3. You’ll get a message with all numbers registered under your National ID
4. You can also check on reported numbers, cancel a reported number and report a number.

The same USSD code can be used to check lines registered with your ID on Artel network, but with a few minor differences.

The most entertaining games for your Android smartphone

As an entertainment option, smartphone gaming is right up there with some of the other modern-day choices people tend to make. Now Spotify has finally entered the Kenyan market. That too is another common choice, as well as streaming movies or watching soccer on television. Gaming on a mobile phone has certainly risen to prominence, though, especially when you factor in the improved games and the more powerful smartphone devices we have access to in the modern-day.

As a result of the seemingly never-ending innovation in the smartphone space overall, smartphone gaming’s offering has never been so attractive. As such, when you assess the sheer amount of games available in the Google Play store, it is quite remarkable. From MOBAs like Arena of Valor to trading card games such as Hearthstone, the options are comprehensive. This accompanies titles offering an augmented reality experience like Pokemon Go and and casino sites offering popular slot games like Bonanza Megaways, which offers up to 117,649 ways to win in every spin. We have barely touched the surface there, either. One search online and in the Google Play store will highlight that.

As a result of the extensive selection of smartphone games now available on Android devices, it can be hard to narrow it down to the very best. Ultimately, smartphone gaming options have become somewhat overloaded. In order to help you establish which games are worth your time, here is a look at some of the best titles for smartphone gamers in Kenya right now.

One of the biggest PC games ever is now on mobile 

There has been a growing trend of console-quality titles making the jump over to smartphone devices. With the aforementioned innovation in our smartphone devices bringing more power and sophistication with it, games developers have been able to up the ante accordingly. A perfect example of this is Minecraft. A game that involves crafting millions of blocks as you explore infinite worlds and build whatever you want, it can be easy to find yourself being totally engrossed in this particular release. You can also craft weapons and find armour to protect yourself against any enemies, alongside a whole host of other things.

Anyone for a game of billiards?

One of the biggest games in the country at the moment is Shooting Ball. A simple but fun game, it is essentially vertical billiards in a single-player game mode. The graphics are decent, with a solid 3D effect, and there are more than 1000 levels to get through, which will most definitely keep you entertained for hours on end.

A truly brilliant racing car game

(Image via https://twitter.com/ModandroidO)

Racing car games have always been popular on mobile. Not only are they entertaining, but they’re generally compatible with mobile gameplay. A great example of this is with Mini Car Race Legends, an enjoyable title where players race with tiny cartoon style cars and turbo-boost their way to the very top of the pile.

The most popular puzzle game of the year so far

Candy Crush Saga is the latest instalment from one of the most iconic and loved puzzle games in the modern era. If you enjoy solving puzzles in a quick time and like the idea of being rewarded with rainbow-coloured cascades and tasty candy combos, then it’s a game for you. Players ultimately have to match three or more candies in a row. It sounds easy enough, but rest assured, you’ll be stuck on this one at certain points.

Other great options include PUBG Mobile, eFootball PES 2021, Bloons TD 6, Stardew Valley, Football Manager 2021 Mobile, Word Shatter, Temple Run, and Roblox.

Huawei opens mobile contest for app developers in Africa, USD 200,000 up for grabs

Huawei has launched a mobile app contest pitting developers against each other for up to USD 200,000 in prizes. The contest will see developers within the continent showcase their best work for a chance of winning amazing prizes.

The tech company which has faced uncertain future due to sanctions imposed by the United States continues to forge ahead hoping to gain from other sectors including its own android based operating system as well as App Store. The company is inviting developers who want to get a share of its USD 200,000 in prizes to submit their applications for this year’s contest.

How to participate in Huawei Apps UP 2021 contest

  • To compete, developers need to sign-up on this link
  • They’ll compete against other developers across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and China
  • Submit your App before 5 September 2021

Awards for winners

Developers will contest for various categories including “Best Application Award”, “Best Game Award”, “Most Social Impact App”, “Best HMS Core Innovation Award”, “All Scenario Coverage Award”, “Excellent Student Award”, “Starlight Creative Award” and “Honorable Mention Award”

Additionally, the competition will enable developers to become part of Huawei’s ecosystem which includes several devices while allowing them to access a global market. Once they’ve joined the contest, developers will onboard their apps to Huawei AppGallery, which will give them access to over 730 million Huawei global smartphone users, increasing access to potential partners and investors.

How to check if your Huduma Card is ready for collection using ID number

Huduma card was a smart initiative by the government to incorporate most of its services into a single card. In essence, Kenyans with the card would be able to access most of government services such as NSSF, NHIF, e-Citizen without necessarily having to carry additional identification documents. The idea behind the Huduma card was brilliant, but the execution was mostly somewhere in between.

For those who are yet to collect their Huduma cards or are wondering whether they’ve already been issued for collection, there’s a simple way to check using a computer or a smartphone with internet connection. I’m not sure whether the card is still relevant at this point, but it is better to assume the government at some point will go through with the initial promise when the idea was first floated.

How to check if your Huduma card is ready for collection using ID number

Equitel users to enjoy 4G speeds after Equity Group rolled out the network service

Equity Group has just rolled out 4G network coverage to Equitel users, aimed at offering faster internet connection speeds than older technologies. According to the parent company, customers on its virtual mobile network will now enjoy faster network coverage on its fourth-generation platform. 4G was the successor to 3G network and is currently the most used fastest mobile network platform in the country.

While it might seem as though Equitel is playing catch-up, especially after Safaricom officially announced availability of 5G network in some places within the country, most Kenyans don’t have handsets with capabilities of utilizing the fifth-generation network. In fact, handsets that support 5G are still way expensive for the average Kenyan.  

While speaking on the rollout, Finserve Africa Managing Director and Equity Group IT and Operations Director Lanre Bamisebi said the new 4G SIM was going to tackle the issue of slow internet speeds, as well as limited data coverage. 4G network is expected to enable customers to enjoy faster browsing, downloading and uploading speeds.

Equitel 4G SIM cards to be available at Equity Bank branches

Kenyans are now completing most of their financial transactions on their phones compared to pre-covid era. This is partly dues to the government’s aggressive campaign aimed at curbing the spread of the corona virus. And as expected, anyone who wants to upgrade or get a 4G Equitel line can easily do so at any of Equity Bank’s branches.

Dstv subscribers in Kenya to get a price hike of 6.3 percent on rising costs

Subscribers on pay TV platform – Dstv will see their monthly bills hike by up to 6.3 percent in a move aimed at cutting down on operation costs. MultiChoice Kenya, announced the new rates that range from 5 percent for some packages, and up to 9 percent on some packages. Affected customers are those who are currently on the Gotv and Dstv platforms.

The latest move by Kenya’s largest pay TV provider is seen as a tactical move aimed at mitigating the effects of the current pandemic which has wreaked havoc across the world. Covid-19 has had a significant impact on many businesses which saw their revenue streams shrink and at the same time lead to massive job loses.

Dstv Kenya and Gotv New Rates

Premium package has increased from Ksh. 7,900 to Ksh. 8,400, while the Compact Plus bouquet increased from Ksh. 4,800 to Ksh. 5,100.

Speaking on the new rates, MultiChoice Kenya managing director Nancy Matimu said the new rates will take effect from September 1, 2021 and affects customers on both Dstv and Gotv platforms.

Gotv also saw paltry increases in prices such as the Max bouquet which will now attract Ksh. 1,150 from Ksh. 1,070. For those on lower packages such as Gotv Lite and Gotv Value will pay additional Ksh, 10 and Ksh 40 consecutively.

Safaricom customers to use Bonga Points to invest at Nairobi Securities Exchange

Bonga Points is a loyalty reward scheme run by Safaricom to reward customers with points whenever they use services on its network. With Bonga Points, Safaricom customers have been able to redeem various items including paying for goods and services as well as booking a flight ticket on the Jambo Jet platform. The Telco has now extended the number of items that customers can redeem to include investing at the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

The move which has been made possible by the partnership of the two organizations – Safaricom and NSE, will allow subscribers on the Safaricom network with enough Bonga Points to invest in stocks using their accumulated Bonga Points. According to the telco, this opportunity is already available to all of its customers who can redeem Points through licensed trading participants, of which 10 are already activated. At the moment, these firms have been activated to accept Bonga Points; AIB-AXYS, ABC Capital, Old Mutual Securities, Kingdom Securities, Suntra Investments, NCBA Capital, Faida Investment Bank, Francis Drummond & Company, Dyer & Blair Investments and Sterling Capital LTD.

Speaking on the development, Safaricom’s Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa said the company was now focusing on its next phase of transforming lives by availing a wide variety of products and services that meet its subscribers needs. Ngedwa further pointed out how the partnership with Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) would increase value for customer’s Bonga Points while at the same time driving economic empowerment.

How to Invest at Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) using Bonga Points

To start investing in stock, customers will redeem their points at a rate of KES 1 for every 5 points via the ‘Lipa Na Bonga’ menu on USSD *126# or MySafaricom App. Customers will then key in the Trading Participant’s paybill number followed by their CDSC (Central Depository and Settlement Corporation) account number.

  • Dial *126# on your mobile phone
  • Then Choose Lipa na Bonga Points
  • Then key in the Trading Participant’s paybill number
  • Under the Account number, enter your CDSC (Central Depository and Settlement Corporation)

Geoffrey Odundo, the Chief Executive Officer at Nairobi Securities Exchange said the initiative aims to unlock more investment opportunities to investors using convenient and innovative solutions. He further added the partnership resonated with NSE’s resolve to connect capital with opportunities as anchored in the NSE 2020-2024 strategic plan.

Central Bank of Kenya will now decide how much mobile loan lenders will charge you in interest

Kenyan law makers have finally accorded the country’s financial regulator – CBK powers needed to control how much interest financial institutions charges you on mobile loans. Under the proposed law which is currently before parliament after getting a node from the parliamentary committee on Finance and National planning, the CBK will have a final say on how much interest financial institutions can charge on mobile loans.

Currently, digital lenders in the country place interests on their loans themselves without any form of regulations, a move that brought about very expensive loans. Hard economic times coupled with the adverse effects on the corona virus has drove many Kenyans to take up loans, which most of them are very expensive and have since put most of them in debt loops.   

According to members of the Financial committee, the new regulations are aimed at reducing cost of digital loans to Kenyans by giving the regulator absolute powers to supervise lenders. This will be the first time in the country that such regulations have been put in place, especially after the CBK restricted unregulated mobile lenders from accessing the CRB bureaus. This is a new development from the initial proposals that were mum on lending rates regulations. Earlier proposals only outlined how digital lenders were to approach on their loan pricing. This essentially meant that they only needed to seek necessary approvals from the regulator, just like banks do.