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Kenyan Pensioners Urged to Register on E-Pension Portal to Avoid Payment Suspension

All public servants who have retired must register on the E-Pension Portal by 28th February 2024. This applies to retired teachers, civil servants, military personnel and members of the disciplined forces to ensure accurate payroll management.

Failure to comply will result in suspension of pension payments according to National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo.

No Extension

PS Kiptoo said the deadline is non-negotiable. It’s part of the government’s budget support program with IMF to improve operational efficiency and reduce wastage.

“This deadline is not negotiable and will serve as a vital statement in our effort to modernize and streamline pension administration,” he reiterated.

E-Pension System

The new system is integrated with:

  • Government Human Resources Information System (GHRIS)
  • Civil Registration Bureau
  • Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
  • Registration of Persons Bureau

This allows real-time verification of pensioners’ details to reduce errors and fraud.

Eligibility

To register on E-Pension Portal you must be:

  1. A retired State Officer, MP, Civil Servant or TSC employed Teacher.
  2. Former member of Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Prison Service or NYS.
  3. Dependents of principal pensioners who served in the above capacities are also eligible.
  4. Been receiving pension by October 2024.

Documents to Upload

Pensioners should upload the following documents in PDF format (max 2MB):

  • Scanned copy of National ID (front and back)
  • Scanned copy of Bank/SACCO card showing account number and name
  • Birth certificate of child (if applicable)
  • Principal pensioner’s death certificate (if applicable)
  • Tax exemption certificates (if applicable)
  • Email address and phone number (mandatory)

Registration Steps

Step 1: Create Account

  1. Go to E-Pension Portal.
  2. Select your type:
  • Principal Pensioner
  • Dependent Spouse
  • Dependent Child
  • Maintenance Case
  • Dependent Guardian
  1. Input either your National ID No., Personal Number (used during service) or Pension Number.
  2. Click Proceed and confirm your details.
  3. Enter your email address and phone number.
  4. Set your login credentials and log in.

Step 2: Log In

  • Use your email or phone number as username.
  • Enter your password and click Login.

Step 3: Register

  1. Fill in all required fields (*) and click Next after each section.
  2. Upload documents in PDF format (max 2MB).
  3. Are you receiving multiple pensions (e.g. as principal pensioner and dependent)?

Step 4: Review, Confirm and Submit

  1. Check all information is correct.
  2. Tick the box to confirm your details.
  3. Submit
  4. You will receive a confirmation email with your registration summary.

Other Registration Option

Pensioners who can’t register online can get assistance at Huduma Centres across the country. Agents at these centres will help pensioners go through the registration process to beat the deadline.

E-Pension Initiative

This audit and digitization process is part of Kenya’s commitment to improving service delivery. By modernizing pension management we will:

  • Increase efficiency
  • Eliminate ghost pensioners
  • Pay accurate pensions
  • Cut costs as per IMF fiscal consolidation programme

Last Chance

Pensioners are advised to act now to avoid disruptions in their monthly payments. With the 28th February 2024 deadline fast approaching, register now to continue receiving your pension.

Failing to register will lead to suspension from the payroll and financial hardship for retirees who depend on these payments.

KRA Delays M-Pesa Paybill Conversion to ETRs, Shifts Focus to Small Businesses and Rental Income Tax

The Kenyan government has pulled back on its plans to convert M-Pesa paybills into electronic tax registers (ETRs) and is instead focusing on other revenue generating initiatives. Initially the government had set December 25 2024 as the deadline for all digital payment points to be converted into virtual ETRs. This was to close the gaps in the growing digital economy where revenue leakage has been a big concern. But after engaging with various stakeholders to ensure technical and operational readiness the KRA has decided to reconsider this plan.

KRA said while integrating digital payment platforms into ETRs is still a priority, they are taking a more gradual approach. Stakeholder feedback will play a big role in shaping this technology. The tax body will communicate further once the consultations are done.

At the 2024 Tax Summit, Moses Kuria, senior advisor to the Council of Economic Advisors said the government wants to see payments made through digital platforms to be more visible. The idea was to leverage the country’s high level of digitization, especially the use of mobile money, to boost tax compliance. But for now the government has shifted focus to small businesses and rental income earners both of which are key revenue streams for the 2024/25 budget.

Small businesses that benefit from the simplified turnover tax regime and individuals who earn rental income are the KRA’s current focus. The turnover tax introduced in 2007 simplifies tax compliance for small businesses especially those with annual turnover between Sh1 million and Sh25 million. These businesses pay a flat 3% tax on their turnover.

Besides this the government is also focusing on streamlining compliance for Value Added Tax (VAT), rental income tax and turnover tax. The National Treasury says rental income tax applicable to those earning between Sh280,000 and Sh15 million per year can generate up to Sh100 billion per annum which is a big jump from the current average of Sh10 billion.

This will help the KRA achieve its Sh2.92 trillion revenue target for 2024/25. And build for future plans to add more digital payment systems.

TECNO Unveils Starry Optical Fiber Technology at CES 2025: A Fusion of Aesthetic Brilliance and Innovation

At CES 2025 TECNO unveiled a game changing tech—Starry Optical Fiber tech—that allows you to customize your smartphone’s back panel with optical fibers and mini-LED lights. This tech is designed to give you a dynamic light show like a starry night sky.

Starry Optical Fiber Design

TECNO’s Starry Optical Fiber design has 150 ultra thin optical fibers (0.125mm in diameter) and 108 mini-LEDs arranged in a fabric like pattern. The components are bonded together with UV adhesive to create a seamless and durable design on the back of the phone. This intricate design produces a beautiful luminescent effect that mimics celestial patterns.

You can customize your device with 4 different lighting modes:

  1. Tidal Waves – A calming wave like light effect.
  2. Rosy Sunset – Warm sunset hues.
  3. Aurora – Vibrant colors of the northern lights.
  4. Weekend Dusk – A soft and soothing glow for relaxed mode.

These modes let you express yourself while having a unique visual experience for different moods.

Aesthetics vs Performance

Despite the complexity of the design TECNO ensures that the optical fibers integration doesn’t compromise the phone’s heat management or battery life. The tech ensures good heat dissipation so the phone won’t overheat during long use. And TECNO says the energy consumption of the lighting system is minimal so the battery life is not compromised.

First on PHANTOM V Flip2 5G

The PHANTOM V Flip2 5G, TECNO’s latest foldable flagship, is the first to feature this tech. With a 3.64-inch ThruPool cover screen and a slightly curved body, the device has futuristic design and AI powered features. The Starry Optical Fiber adds premium touch to the foldable phone making it a game changer in the foldable phone market.

A New Standard in Design?

By combining materials with design TECNO’s Starry Optical Fiber tech sets a new standard in design. This tech not only makes devices look better but also opens up new possibilities for customization.

We will see if consumers will like it but for now it shows TECNO’s willingness to experiment with design and merge functionality with art. If liked this tech can be a trendsetter for the entire smartphone industry and TECNO will be the pioneer in design innovation.

With Starry Optical Fiber tech, TECNO is taking a big step in redefining how we interact and personalize our smartphones, beauty and performance in one.

President Ruto Urges Kenyan Youth to Monetize Social Media Responsibly

President Ruto has asked Kenyan youth to use social media constructively by making money from their skills not insults and propaganda. Speaking during the launch of Nigeria Technical Training Institute in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu, the President said the internet is a tool for personal and economic empowerment.

Digital Literacy and Online Work

While addressing the audience, President Ruto commended the institute for training young people to use digital platforms for work. He said the government will improve Kenya’s digital infrastructure so young people can access the internet and online jobs.

“We have a Digital Infrastructure Programme rolling out fibre optic across Kenya right now,” said the President. “We will connect 100,000 institutions so our young people can have reliable internet and monetize their talent, knowledge and expertise.”

This will bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas by ensuring all have equal access to digital tools and platforms.

Misinformation and Propaganda

President Ruto also asked Kenyans to be cautious of misinformation which he said is a hindrance to national progress. He reiterated his government’s focus on development and said government programs will not be derailed by critics or naysayers.

“I will tell the people of Kenya: our development and transformation will not be sabotaged by the naysayers. They will fail and Kenya will succeed,” he said.

Employment through Digital Jobs and Affordable Housing

One of the government’s strategy to address youth unemployment is the Digital Jobs Programme which President Ruto said is key in providing online work for young Kenyans. The programme connects the youth to global digital platforms where they can earn sustainable income through freelancing and remote work.

Besides digital jobs, the President also mentioned the Affordable Housing Project as another source of employment. He said the project offers opportunities to various professionals including architects, masons, plumbers and electricians so it creates jobs across multiple sectors.

Kenya’s Vision for Youth Empowerment

The President’s remarks is in line with his government’s overall vision of empowering the youth through technology and innovation. By investing in digital infrastructure, promoting online work and offering employment opportunities through big government projects the government will drive economic growth and ensure young Kenyans have the tools to succeed in a digital economy.

How to Remove Safe Mode on Infinix Phones in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide

Infinix phones have become very popular in Kenya because of their affordability and performance. However sometimes users may find their Infinix device goes into Safe Mode and you can’t access some features or apps. This may seem scary at first but Safe Mode is a troubleshooting tool that helps to identify and fix issues caused by third party apps. In this article we will show you how to remove Safe Mode on your Infinix phone, what is Safe Mode, why it happens and how to prevent it from happening again.

What is Safe Mode?

Safe Mode is a feature on Android devices including Infinix phones that boots the phone with only the basic system apps and services running. This helps you to identify if a third party app is causing the problem with your device. When Safe Mode is on, all third party apps are disabled and only the pre-installed apps are functional.

In Infinix phones, Safe Mode is useful when your phone is misbehaving, freezing, crashing or lagging as it disables the problematic apps and you can troubleshoot.

Why Does Infinix Phone Go Into Safe Mode?

Your Infinix phone can go into Safe Mode automatically or by user error. Here are the common reasons:

  1. Faulty Apps: If a new app or software update is causing instability, Safe Mode will be triggered to help you identify the app.
  2. Accidental Activation: Sometimes users accidentally press the wrong buttons or perform certain actions and the phone boots into Safe Mode.
  3. Malfunctioning Hardware: Faulty hardware or a failing component can trigger Safe Mode.
  4. System Glitches: A temporary software glitch or an OS error can cause the phone to restart in Safe Mode to fix any ongoing issues.

How to Remove Safe Mode on Infinix Phones

If your Infinix phone goes into Safe Mode, don’t panic. Disabling Safe Mode is easy and can be done in a few steps. Follow below:

Method 1: Restart Your Phone

In most cases restarting your Infinix phone will disable Safe Mode and get you back to normal mode. Follow these:

  1. Press and Hold Power Button: Press and hold the power button on the right or back of your phone until the shutdown options appear on the screen.
  2. Tap Restart: Select Restart.
  3. Wait for the Phone to Reboot: The phone will shut down and will automatically restart. After the reboot the phone should go back to normal mode and Safe Mode should be disabled.

Method 2: Using the Notification Panel

If that doesn’t work try this:

  1. Pull Down the Notification Bar: Swipe down from the top of your screen.
  2. Look for Safe Mode Notification: You may see a notification that says your phone is in Safe Mode. Tap on that.
  3. Tap Restart: Your phone will ask you to restart and exit Safe Mode. Tap Restart and wait for your phone to boot.

Method 3: Exit Safe Mode using Hardware Buttons

If the above methods don’t work, you can use the hardware buttons to exit Safe Mode. Follow these steps:

  1. Power Off the Phone: Press the power button to turn off the phone.
  2. Turn On the Phone Normally: Press the power button again to turn it on. Don’t press any other buttons as the phone boots up.
  3. Check for Safe Mode: If you didn’t press any other buttons during the boot up process, your phone should boot normally.

Method 4: Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If your Infinix phone is still stuck in Safe Mode after trying the above methods, a factory reset may be needed. This will erase all your data and restore your device to its default settings. Make sure to backup your important data before doing a factory reset.

  1. Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your Infinix phone.
  2. Scroll Down and Tap on ‘System’:
  3. Tap Reset: Tap on that.
  4. Tap Factory Data Reset: Follow the prompts to do a factory reset and confirm you want to erase all data.
  5. Wait for the Phone to Reset: The phone will reboot and start restoring to its default settings. This should remove any software glitches that caused the phone to enter Safe Mode.

How to prevent Safe Mode from coming back

  1. Uninstall Problematic Apps: If you recently installed an app that might be causing the issue, uninstall it. Try to find out which app is causing your phone to enter Safe Mode. Look for apps that are consuming too much resources or behaving weirdly.
  2. Update Your Apps and System: Make sure all your apps are updated. Developers often release bug fixes that resolves compatibility issues. Also update your phone’s operating system for better stability.
  3. Check for System Glitches: If the phone keeps entering Safe Mode without any reason, try to do a software update or use the built-in diagnostic tools on your Infinix phone to check for software issues.
  4. Don’t Accidentally Activate: Some users accidentally enter Safe Mode by pressing the wrong buttons during boot up. Don’t press the volume buttons when turning on your phone.

How to Subscribe to Fuliza and Everything You Need to Know in Kenya

In recent times Kenya has seen a boom in mobile financial services and Fuliza by Safaricom is one of them that has changed the way we manage our money. Among these services Fuliza stands out as a powerful tool that allows you to get instant mobile overdraft and for many Kenyans it’s a lifesaver when they run out of cash in their M-Pesa accounts. In this post we’ll look into what is Fuliza, how to subscribe to Fuliza and other things you need to know about this service.

What is Fuliza?

Fuliza is a mobile overdraft service by Safaricom in partnership with Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) and Cooperative Bank of Kenya. It allows M-Pesa users to complete their transactions even when they don’t have enough cash in their M-Pesa wallet. This service is for individuals and businesses and is a safety net in case you don’t have enough cash to send money, pay bills, buy airtime or do other M-Pesa services.

With Fuliza, Safaricom customers can access credit up to a certain limit based on their usage pattern and use it to never miss a transaction. Unlike traditional loans, Fuliza overdraft is instant and no formal application is required.

How Fuliza Works

Fuliza works by giving you a temporary overdraft on your M-Pesa account. When your M-Pesa balance is insufficient to complete a transaction, Fuliza kicks in and the transaction goes through. It’s very useful when you’re low on cash and need to make an urgent payment, buy airtime or send money to someone.

The service charges a daily fee based on the amount you borrowed. You can repay the overdraft as soon as you receive money into your M-Pesa account and the amount will be deducted along with the fees.

How to Subscribe to Fuliza

Subscribing to Fuliza is easy and no paperwork or credit check required. To activate Fuliza follow these steps:

  1. Ensure Your M-Pesa Account Is Active: Fuliza is only available to registered M-Pesa users. If you don’t have an active M-Pesa account you need to register with Safaricom.
  2. Dial the USSD Code:
  • Open your phone’s dialer and dial *234# to access the Fuliza subscription menu.
  • You will see a menu with Fuliza options.
  1. Select Fuliza M-Pesa:
  • Follow the prompts and select subscribe to Fuliza. If you are eligible the system will confirm your subscription.
  1. Accept the Terms and Conditions:
  • You will be asked to review and accept the terms and conditions before you subscribe to Fuliza. Read them carefully before you proceed.
  1. Check Your Fuliza Limit:
  • After you subscribe successfully you can check your Fuliza limit by dialing *234# and select Check Limit from the options. Your limit will be based on your M-Pesa usage and transaction history.

Fuliza Eligibility

Not everyone is eligible for Fuliza. Safaricom has a set of criteria to determine eligibility. These are:

  1. Active M-Pesa Account: Only users with an active M-Pesa account that has been in use for a while are eligible.
  2. Transaction History: Safaricom looks at your transaction behavior – how often you use M-Pesa, the amount you transact and your repayment habits.
  3. Credit Scoring: Safaricom scores you based on your M-Pesa usage patterns. If your M-Pesa account has a history of frequent use and regular repayments, you’ll qualify for a higher Fuliza limit.
  4. No Existing Loan Defaults: If you have defaulted on a previous loan or failed to repay an overdraft, you might not be eligible for Fuliza.

Fuliza Limits and Charges

Fuliza limit varies based on your usage history. New users start with a lower limit which increases over time as they build a good M-Pesa usage record. The limit can go up to KSh 70,000 but this varies by user.

Fuliza isn’t free. The service comes with daily interest on the borrowed amount calculated as follows:

  • The fee is charged on the amount borrowed, from 0.5% to 1% of the amount borrowed depending on the repayment terms and amount.

Here’s a breakdown of the fees:

  • KSh 100 to KSh 999: KSh 10 per day.
  • KSh 1,000 to KSh 2,999: KSh 20 per day.
  • KSh 3,000 and above: The fee varies based on the amount and other factors.

The daily fee is small but remember if you don’t repay on time the charges will accumulate and if not cleared fast enough they can add up.

How to Pay Fuliza

Paying Fuliza is easy. Once your M-Pesa account has funds, the money is deducted automatically to cover the amount you owe plus any applicable fees. You don’t have to manually repay the overdraft – Safaricom will deduct it immediately when they receive the funds.

You can also check your outstanding balance and repayment status by dialing *234# or by logging into your M-Pesa account.

How to avoid Fuliza Debt

While Fuliza is a convenient way to manage emergencies and unexpected expenses, users should be careful not to rely on it too much. Overusing Fuliza can lead to debt accumulation due to the daily interest charges. Here are some tips to avoid getting into debt:

  1. Monitor Your Usage: Check your M-Pesa balance regularly to avoid borrowing from Fuliza continuously.
  2. Repay Fast: Repay the overdraft as soon as possible to avoid paying interest for longer periods.
  3. Use Fuliza as a Last Resort: Use Fuliza only in emergencies. Using it for non-urgent transactions will lead to unnecessary debt.

Fuliza benefits

  • Instant Credit: Fuliza is fast and convenient way to get short term credit with no paperwork or approval process.
  • No Collateral Required: Unlike traditional loans, Fuliza doesn’t need you to provide any security or collateral.
  • Flexi Repayment: You can repay at your own time and the repayment is seamless as the funds are deducted from your M-Pesa account.
  • Convenience: You can access the service anytime and anywhere in Kenya as long as you have a Safaricom network.

Fuliza challenges

  • High Fees: The daily charges can add up if you use it frequently.
  • Over-reliance: Some users may become too dependent on the service and get into financial strain if they can’t pay back the borrowed amount.

Conclusion

Fuliza has been a lifeline for many Kenyans in need of emergency funds, a simple and fast way to complete M-Pesa transactions. By subscribing to Fuliza, you get a flexible credit line to cover M-Pesa balance gaps. But use it responsibly, frequent borrowing and the daily fees can get you into financial trouble. Be mindful of your usage and pay back on time to enjoy the service.

How to Reverse M-Pesa Sent to the Wrong Number in Kenya

In Kenya M-Pesa has made money transfers so easy and instant. But mistakes like sending money to the wrong number can happen and panic sets in. Good thing Safaricom has a process to reverse the transaction. Here’s a step by step guide to help you reverse M-Pesa transactions and tips to avoid such mistakes in future.

How to Reverse M-Pesa Sent to the Wrong Number

  1. Act Fast
  • Once you realize the mistake, act fast. The sooner you do, the higher the chances of getting your money back.
  1. Forward the Confirmation Message to 456
  • Safaricom has a dedicated number 456 for reporting wrong transactions.
  • Open the SMS with the transaction details and forward it to 456 as it is. You don’t need to type a new message, just forward the confirmation message.
  1. Contact Safaricom Customer Care
  • Dial 100 for Safaricom customer care and explain the situation.
  • Give them the transaction details, date, time and amount sent.
  • If the recipient has not used the money, Safaricom will reverse the transaction.
  1. Wait for Feedback
  • Safaricom will contact the recipient of the money. If the money is still in their account, they will be asked to return it.
  • You will get updates via SMS or a call from Safaricom.
  1. File a Police Report (If Necessary)
  • If the recipient refuses to return the money, Safaricom may ask you to report to the police.
  • The police report will help in further action to get back the money.

What to Do If You Receive M-Pesa by Mistake

If someone sends you M-Pesa by mistake, you are required by law to return it. Keeping the money may lead to legal consequences.

  1. Don’t Use the Money
  • Don’t spend the money received. Safaricom can reverse the transaction without your consent if the mistake is reported early.
  1. Contact Safaricom
  • Dial 100 for Safaricom customer care and report the incident. Give them the transaction details to speed up the process.
  1. Return the Money
  • Safaricom may ask you to authorize the reversal or the sender may contact you to arrange a refund.

Tips to Avoid Sending Money to the Wrong Number

  1. Check the Recipient’s Number Twice
  • Before you press send, check the recipient’s number multiple times. A small mistake can cause big trouble.
  1. Use M-Pesa Favorites
  • Save frequently used numbers as favorites on your M-Pesa menu. This reduces errors when sending money.
  1. Confirm the Name Before Sending
  • M-Pesa displays the recipient’s name before you confirm a transaction. Take your time to ensure the name displayed is your intended recipient.
  1. Don’t Send Money When Distracted
  • Distractions increase the chances of errors. Be focused when doing financial transactions.

More M-Pesa Reversal Info

  1. Reversal for Paybill and Till Number: If you send money to the wrong Paybill or Till number, contact the business immediately and give them the transaction details. Safaricom will assist but the business has the final say on refunds.
  2. Timing matters alot: Reversal requests are more successful when reported within a short time frame after the transaction.
  3. Be wary of scammers: Scammers may contact you pretending to have sent money mistakenly

Infinix Zero Flip Review: Redefining Affordable Foldables

The Infinix Zero Flip is a game changer in the foldable phone market, a flagship alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip at a fraction of the cost. For under Ksh. 80,000 this phone aims to make the foldable experience accessible to all without cutting too many corners. Here’s how it stacks up.

Design and Build

The Zero Flip looks premium with its glass back and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover screen protection. It comes in Rock Black and Blossom Glow with a satin finish and tiger print patterns visible under certain lighting.

Durability:

  • 400,000 folds, more than most expensive competitors like Samsung.
  • No IP rating, not water or dust resistant, a big minus compared to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6.

Dual Display Advantage

  1. Cover Display:
  • 3.64 inches, one of the largest in its class.
  • You can run most apps on it, unlike Samsung’s which restricts app functionality.
  1. Main Display:
  • 6.9 inches OLED, colours are vibrant, 120Hz refresh rate.
  • And the crease is almost invisible, a first gen foldable feat.

Performance and Hardware

The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 chip, 8GB RAM and 5GB ZRAM for smooth multitasking.

  • Gaming: It can run Call of Duty: Mobile and Mortal Kombat at 60 fps but extended gaming may cause the phone to heat up, a common issue with foldables.

Camera

Dual 50MP rear cameras

  • Main Sensor: Sharp and colourful images.
  • Ultrawide Camera: Same colour reproduction as main sensor, beats some premium competitors.

Special Modes:

  • Super Night Mode: Enhances night mode.
  • Video Recording: 4K/30fps from rear, 4K/60fps from front, decent for this price.
  • Portrait Mode: Falls short, especially on skin tones.

Battery and Charging

4,720mAh battery, the largest in 2024 flip phones:

  • Usage: Lasts a day with normal use and 5 days on standby.
  • Charging: 70W fast charger, under an hour to full charge, great for this era.

Software and Updates

Running Android 14 with XOS 14.5, the software is clean but some users report delays when switching between displays.

  • Support: 2 major Android updates, may not be enough for long term users.
  • Features: Minimal bloatware, advanced multitasking.

Verdict

The Infinix Zero Flip is a big step towards making foldables mainstream. It has compromises like no water resistance, average performance under heavy use, limited software support but it shines where it matters—great displays, good cameras and long battery life.

Buy it if:

  • You want an affordable entry into the foldable market.
  • Camera quality and display are top priorities.
  • You’re willing to accept minor software quirks.

Skip it if:

  • Water resistance is non-negotiable.
  • You require extended software updates.
  • Gaming is your primary use case.

The Infinix Zero Flip isn’t perfect, but it offers a rare combination of affordability and functionality, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users eyeing the flip phone form factor.