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Vivo smartphone and online retailer – Jambo Shoppe ink a deal to sell devices via its platform

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Vivo smartphone and online retailer – Jambo Shoppe ink a deal to sell devices via its platform

Vivo smartphone has inked a deal that will see its devices become available on the Jambo Shoppe online retail shop. The two companies are looking to tap into an increasing online focused Kenyan market that has been gaining popularity in recent times. Vivo has unveiled several devices in the local market including Vivo Y20s, while Jambo Shoppe is aiming to gain a footprint in the market that has been dominated by Jumia for a long time.

The need to have a reliable, secure online shopping platform in Kenya has almost tripled in recent times as more Kenyans now favor online shopping rather than traditional methods to curb the spread of covid-19 virus. A recent study done by Mastercard revealed an impressive trend of the number of Kenyans now opting to shop online, especially after the pandemic happened.

According to Vivo, the partnership is expected to boost visibility of its products to potential customers in the country, availing credible alternative methods to purchase quality devices from the manufacturer at affordable rates. Competition in the smartphone sector has become so brutal that without an appealing combination of price and features, these devices would otherwise never see the light of day.

Speaking on the partnership, Vivo Smartphone Kenya Brand and Communications Manager Mr. James Irungu said the smartphone market in the country has a favorable competition landscape with more consumers considering online purchases. Irungu further said the deal will enable consumers in the country to access a wide range of phones at affordable prices.

On the other hand, Jambo Shoppe recently unveiled a mobile app for its iOS and android customers, hopping to tap into rising numbers of online shoppers. And from data acquired from Statista, people using smartphones worldwide have surpassed three billion and these figures are expected to grow even further.

Speaking on the deal, Jambo Shoppe country head, Sanjay Pathak said the partnership cements the company’s commitment to provide customers with a wide range of products. Sanjay further noted the company’s desire to make it easier for customers to order items conveniently, securely through the introduction of the app.  Vivo smartphones can be bought from the Jambo Shoppe online platform through the following link:  https://www.jamboshop.com/brand/Vivo/1736

Tecno Camon 17 officially unveiled in Kenya, packs a 5000mAh battery and 90Hz display

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Tecno Camon 17 officially unveiled in Kenya, packs a 5000mAh battery and 90Hz display

After several leaks from various sources surfaced sometimes back regarding the Tecno Camon 17, the company has finally unveiled the device here in Kenya. The Camon 17 was spotted on FCC as well as on Google Play console, giving fans an early look on how the next iteration on the Camon lineup would look like before going official. Tecno has had a good run so far here in Kenya, leading in sales due to an impressive combination of price and features.

And while there may be a reason for fans to get excited, there isn’t much on the device that we haven’t seen elsewhere, the choice will still double down to a couple of factors including price – an area that the company is doing well so far and features. A number of improvements have been effected to appeal to consumers including a higher refresh rate screen and a large battery capacity.  

Large-screen lovers will find solace on this device as it includes a large 6.6-inch display panel, but the resolution remains within the lower-end genre which might not please many such as myself. Considering the size of the panel, we did expect at least Tecno to go beyond a FHD panel, but at the same time, their decision might have been influenced by a lower price tag. On the brighter side, at least the 90Hz panel will make everything to look snappy and pleasant to use.

The design is rather traditional with a choice of three colors, including Deep Sea, Frost Silver and Tranquil Green. And as expected, you will not find metal or glass on the backside as that would have shot the price beyond reach for many. It is housed in a plastic casing with a TECNO CAMON branding at the back as well as the fingerprint sensor. The camera setup includes three vertically arranged sensors that include a 48MP primary sensor, QVGA sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. On the front side is a 16MP selfie camera that is housed in punch hole.

Under the hood is a MediaTek Helio G85, that is complemented with a choice of either 4GB or 6GB RAM and 128GB internal storage that can be further expanded with an external MicroSD card. We still don’t get the 5G goodness but expect a reliable 4G connection or dual-band WiFi. There are several sensors embedded such as ambient light sensor, accelerometer, and proximity sensor. The handset will be available in Kenya from KES 22,799.

Equity bank makes a milestone in digital platforms with over 60 percent of total transactions

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Equity bank makes a milestone in digital platforms with over 60 percent of total transactions

Kenya’s Equity bank has struck yet another milestone with over 60 percent of its transactions value recorded outside traditional branches. According to data released by the financial institution, branches only accounted for 37.4 percent of total transactions, a development that has never occurred before. The move shows a consistent trend in adoption of digital payments which has been the case here in Kenya for the longest period, especially after Safaricom’s MPESA became the default payment system.

Data released by the bank as it announced its 2020 full year financial results indicate that more than 98 percent of transactions happened outside the banks premises, with an estimated 85 percent of all transactions recorded on mobile devices through the self-service mobile banking facility.

Agency and merchant banking modes were only able to cater for about 12 percent of those transactions. Kenya and the world over have witnessed increased adoption for digital payment systems especially with the current pandemic. According to data from the institution, Pay with Equity solutions grew by 31 percent, while its value grew to KS 2 trillion, accounting for 58 percent increase from a previous KS. 1.3 trillion.

Borrowers also preferred mobile based channels, accounting for 97 percent of loan request during the same period. The data outline how customers preferred accessing loan facility through mobile devices using platforms such as Eazzy App, Equitel, Eazzy Net and *247#.

With channels such as USSD code *247#, customers can access loan facilities like Eazzyloan up to KS 250,000. The repayment period is usually within a month with the possibility to take up to 3 loans at the same time.

Telkom Kenya and Government sign a pact to develop youth focused digital wallet dubbed Fursa

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Telkom Kenya and Government sign a pact to develop youth focused digital wallet dubbed Fursa

Kenya’s third largest mobile service provider – Telkom Kenya has inked a deal with the ministry of ICT to develop a youth focused digital wallet that aims to protect them from financial exclusion, especially during the pandemic period. The new service is dubbed as “Fursa”, meaning opportunity in the Swahili language, and will be co-created by Telkom Kenya and the National Youth Council of Kenya (NYCK).

According to the telco, Fursa is expected to offer youth’s a way to access various financial services and products despite physical and infrastructural barriers. Fursa will allow for speedy, secure, and timely disbursement of funds to the youth. According to statistics from the Financial Sector Deepening, close to 23 percent of youths aged between 18-25 years are excluded from mainstream financial services.

The product will be developed to achieve additional functionalities such as a membership management system, financial reconciliation features, savings and investments, experience board for job matching and e-learning as well as experiential skill development.

Speaking on the initiative, Telkom Kenya’s Chief Executive Officer Mugo Kibati said the partnership was first of several Digital Financial Services the company is exploring that have the potential to accelerate the economy into a cash-lite status.

Kibati further noted there was room to increase the financial inclusion of Kenyan youths through digitization and investment in the mobile money ecosystem. He concluded by adding that these efforts would eventually eliminate the problem which had been exacerbated during the pandemic period. On the NYCK’s part, the Chief Executive Roy Sasaka TELEWA said the service will expand a portfolio of financial opportunities to Kenyan youths at the grassroots level. Roy further noted the importance of a strong financial services footprint which will help youths in leveraging applications for business opportunities.  

Kenyans to walk away with smart wearables in Huawei Mobile’s Let’s Fit Challenge

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Kenyans to walk away with smart wearables in Huawei Mobile’s Let’s Fit Challenge

Tech giant – Huawei has unveiled a two-week campaign that will see lucky Kenyans walk away with Huawei GT2 pro, Huawei GT2 and HUAWEI Watch fit. The promotion is aimed at encouraging Kenyans to get into fitness related activities which will see some of them walk away with various wearable devices. In a campaign dubbed “Let’s Fit Challenge”, any Kenyan with a smartphone can participate and win any of the set prizes within two weeks.

Due to the guidelines put in place in the wake of the corona virus, most Kenyans are now spending more time indoors, which can be a recipe for many fitness related ailments. Employers have even opted for some of their staff to work from home which now makes fitness related activities more important. Let’s Fit Challenge will run from 17th April until 30th April.

According to Huawei, any Kenyan can take part in the challenge by just downloading the company’s health application from the app market and participate in the following fitness activities; run or walk 5000 steps daily for 5 days, which will get them a lottery ticket for the draw to win various gift hampers.

Speaking on the initiative, Huawei Mobile Kenya country head Jim Zhujie said the pandemic’s third wave had forced public fitness places like gyms to close which has become a major challenge to fitness enthusiast. Zhujie further said the company had come up with the campaign to reward Kenyans as they take a fitness journey.

The country head further pointed out the company was seeking to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle on matters fitness through tracking activities using different HUAWEI wearables such as HUAWEI GT2 pro, HUAWEI GT2 and HUAWEI Watch fit which are available across the country. Zhujie also noted the importance to keep track of personal fitness data as is used to develop training plans tailored to everyone.

How to participate in Huawei’s Let’s Fit Challenge and win exciting wearables.

  • Users need to have a smartphone and proceed to download HUAWEI Health App from App Market 
  • Next, Login to HUAWEI Health App with your HUAWEI ID account
  • Click “Join Let’s Fit Together Challenge Page”
  • Then, tap on “Take challenge”
  • Users can choose to run or walk for 5000 steps daily for 5 days accumulated and earn 1 lottery entry per run/walk.
  • Remember to auto-sync your app by going to HUAWEI Health App > Me > settings > enable Auto sync. Also go into privacy settings to enable sync to Cloud.
  • Participants will receive Let’s Fit Together Medal automatically after they complete the challenge.
  • You’ll need to enter your detail information after winning, Physical Prizes will be sent within 15days after your information is confirmed.

Uber, Little Cab and Bolt drivers plan to go on strike if operators fail to increase fares

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Uber, Little Cab and Bolt drivers plan to go on strike if operators fail to increase fares

Uber, Bolt and Little Cab drivers are planning to switch-off their services if operators fail to increase fares in the wake of high fuel prices. Fuel prices in the country have been skyrocketing with a notable increase in March that emerged as the highest price-tag in nine years. These drivers depend on rates set by operators and are shared between the driver and the operator.

According to the taxi hailing app drivers, low fares have made it impossible to service car loans as well as cutting down their overall take-home amount. They are demanding operators to increase fares and their commissions to mitigate the effects of high fuel prices.

Petrol prices per litre are retailing from Ksh. 107.66 in Nairobi, reflecting a nine-year high. Through their official lobby – E-hailing Transporters Kenya, drivers are now demanding a hike in fares and a reasonable cut in commissions or switch off their phones if the demands are not met in a months’ time.

Speaking on behalf of the lobby, Secretary General Wycliff Alutalala issued a 30-day notice to all the operators, saying they will be forced to switch-off and delete respective apps if their demands are not met.

 Currently, Uber offers its drivers a cut of 25 percent in commission while Bolt and Little Cab shares a 20 and 19 percent cut, respectively. According to the lobby, drivers want operators to take less than 15 percent from their earnings.

Drivers allege that on a Ksh. 1,000 trip, they only take home about Ksh. 250 with Ksh. 250 going to app owners and fuel taking the rest of earnings.

Airtel forced to give Kenyans 30 percent stake within 3 years in a new licensing policy

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Airtel forced to give Kenyans 30 percent stake within 3 years in a new licensing policy

Just days after Airtel Kenya announced it had upgraded some of its sites to 5G, the government has put in place measures that will see the mobile service provider shade-off at least 30 percent of ownership in favor to local entities. The move is expected to take shape within the next three years, this is after the Cabinet secretary of ICT Joe Mucheru issued a licensing policy that requires local ownership of at least 30 percent in companies.

In the new licensing policy, telecommunications firms have up until 2024 to ensure they comply. 30 percent represents a slight increase from previous 20 percent that has been in place since 2008. As of now, a couple of companies including Telkom Kenya had been exempted from the requirement from the rule. Airtel was expected to sell-off some of its shares within this period to comply with the requirement.

According to a gazette notice issued by the cabinet secretary, firms which initially had been exempted are now expected to comply with the new policy requirement within the next three years. Accordingly, companies that had complied with the initial 20 percent requirement will also need to scale local shareholding to at least 30 percent.  

On the other hand, MTN Uganda had opted to sell its stake directly to local pensions fund instead of listing its shares. As a result of the new policy, we expect deal making activities to start taking shape in the lucrative telecommunications sector that has for years been a key interest to foreign firms.  

Airtel Kenya upgrades its network to 5G, but you will not access it just yet

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Airtel Kenya upgrades its network to 5G, but you will not access it just yet

Airtel Kenya has announced it upgraded some of its sites to 5G, in some respect the announcement is a bit confusing since users will not be able to connect to the next generation of mobile internet just yet. The move follows a successful rollout of 5G network by Safaricom in some Kenyan towns including, Nairobi, Kisumu and Kakamega. With dwindling revenues from voice and text messages, which have for decades accounted as the most income earners for mobile operators, telco’s are now exploring mobile data services as an alternative revenue generator.

According to Airtel Kenya, moving to 5G platform will give it a head start to cater for a growing demand for mobile internet services in the country. Airtel Kenya is the second largest mobile service provider in the country after Safaricom which pioneered 5G network in Kenya. As per the operator’s data, over 600 sites in Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi are now 5G ready.

Why you still can’t access 5G on Airtel network with a supported device

While the announcement was met with excitement, Kenyans should take this news with a pinch of salt for various reasons. To start with, the upgrade is majorly on infrastructure-wise and not consumer wise use. Meaning the infrastructure is yet, just not the 5G signal itself. Secondly, 5G capable devices are still way above what a common consumer in the country can afford.

While speaking on the news, Airtel Kenya Managing Director Prasanta said the 600 sites were 5G ready and will not be required to make anymore adjustments to rollout the network. The Director further added, all the company will have to do is switch-on the network.  

As per current statistics, Airtel Kenya accounts for nearly 26.5 percent of all mobile data users in the country. The current pandemic has forced data demand upwards, partly due to the need to access internet from home for work and to access various resources such as learning, shopping and so forth.

Once the mobile provider switches on 5G, Kenyans will access internet at three times faster internet speeds than what 4G can currently offer. As of now, 5G phones in the country are limited and costly.  Airtel aims to rollout 5G in the next 1 to 2 years when 5G capable devices are a bit cheaper according to the Managing Director.  

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