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How to check your NHIF and NSSF status using a text message on your mobile phone

Whether you are employed or self-employed, it’s important to keep your NHIF and NSSF accounts active so you don’t get those frustrating last-minute disappointments. NHIF has become one of the best services that reduce medical bill burden amongst Kenyans by taking care of almost the entire bill in public facilities and bed in private health facilities. On the other hand, NSSF is the sole government run pension scheme that helps both employees and self-employed people save for their retirement.

It’s therefore important to ensure you maintain an active NHIF and NSSF account at all times. This is by ensuring that for those employed, employer remittances are correctively reflected on your account and for the self-employed, contributions are correctly credited to their accounts.

You can check your NHIF and NSSF account status using various methods, but the simplest one is using a text message on your mobile phone. All you need to do is send an SMS to a short code and you’ll receive your account standing at that particular moment.

Here is how to check your NHIF status via SMS

N/B: This process requires at least Ksh. 10 in airtime for the SMS functionality;

  • On your mobile phone, compose a new text message with “ID” then leave space followed by your national ID number or passport number such as ID 09876543
  • Send the text message to 21101
  • You’ll get a text message with your current NHIF account standing

How to check your NSSF account status via SMS

  • Compose a new text message with the word “NSSF
  • Then send it to 6773
  • You should receive instructions on how to check the current standing.
  • Type NSSF, NSSF No, Date of Birth, Full Names and send to 6773. Leave space after typing each detail.
  • You’ll get a PIN (after they validate their data)
  • Enter Bal, your new PIN and send to 6773
  • Select toView your statement balance.

Xiaomi’s recent patents hints on three foldable devices due in 2021

Lately, smartphone manufacturers have been keen to dive into the foldable segment and it seems Xiaomi isn’t left out either, at least from three different patents. This comes even as several phone makers managed to release their foldable devices in 2020 such as Samsung, Motorola and even Microsoft. According to reports we currently have, Samsung intents to increase the it’s foldable lineup to three devices in 2021, Xiaomi on it’s end has a plan to unveil similar number of devices within the year according to a display analyst.

According to Ross Young in a tweet shared on the eve of Christmas 2020, we should expect Xiaomi to release three foldable devices in 2021 with varying types of folds. Consequently, a Dutch media LetsGoDigital was quick to point out several patents owned by Xiaomi in support of the theory.

The designs depict three different types of folds, from clamshell design to inward folding screens, each featuring a different type of camera setup at the rear panel. If Young’s tweet is anything to go by, we should expect three different foldable devices from Xiaomi in 2021; one featuring an inward folding screen design such as Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, second featuring a design similar to the Z fold 2 and a third one featuring an outward design like the Huawei Mate Xs.

If these reports are anything to go by, Xiaomi will effectively enter the foldable segment in 2021, hopefully giving the likes of Samsung a run for their money. Current foldable devices are extremely expensive and given the entrant by Xiaomi, we should expect prices to start somewhat dropping as the manufacturer is know to offer very competitive prices in comparison.

Dispute between US government and Huawei forces Safaricom to postpone launch of 5G network

Safaricom has put on hold plans to unveils what would have been Kenya’s first 5G network following the ongoing squabble between US government and Chinese tech giant Huawei. The company has been at the fore front of 5G technology but has faced uncertainty following blacklisting by the US government followed by other territories in Europe as well as Asia. The US government essentially made it impossible for Huawei to supply 5G technology in the states, a move that has seen other countries join in, seriously impacting Huawei’s business.

Safaricom has always been viewed by many as well placed to launch Kenya’s 5G network given its financial muscle and going by previous precedent. By halting its plans to launch the next generation network in the foreseeable future within the country effectively means Kenyans might have to wait a little longer to experience its fast internet connection speeds.

According to the mobile service provider’s Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa, the firm is currently investing in upgrading current infrastructure stuck on previous 3G and 2G networks to a faster LTE (4G) platform. The 5th generation mobile internet has so far gained traction overseas and almost all smartphone manufacturer’s have since introduced devices that support those frequencies.

In Kenya, consumers can get 5G ready devices such as the Nokia 8.3 5G that is readily available in retail stores across the country, but can’t enjoy 5G speeds just yet as no provider has rolled out the technology. Previous reports indicate that Safaricom had been testing the fifth-generation network and had even planned to rollout in major towns before end of this year.

Since Safaricom’s network had based on Huawei technology – a company that’s viewed by Washington as deeply routed within the Chinese government and has since faced sanctions from the largest economy in the world; which goes without saying, it might have played a role in Safaricom’s sudden change of heart.

Data has been the main focus for Safaricom after diminishing growth in voice and sms segments, there’s also increased pressure from regulations to open up MPESA business, such as recent proposals to allow agents to operate other mobile money services, a measure that might kick the telco’s success downward-spiral.

Speaking on the development, Safaricom’s CEO noted, there was still room to expand its 4G coverage at least in the short term while engaging the government regarding spectrum. Ndegwa said 5G was not on their urgent checklist for now. While Huawei continues to deny accusations leveled by the US, it’s prudent the impact has been immense, and since Kenya and the US launched bilateral trade pact mid this year, it seems news regarding Safaricom’s change of heart isn’t just a coincidence.

CBK may force Safaricom to allow MPESA agents to operate other mobile money services

Kenya’s financial regulator – Central Bank of Kenya may force Safaricom to allow its vast network of MPESA agents to operate other mobile money services. The move would come to life if it implements guidelines intended allow seamless transfer of cash between mobile money service providers in the country. According to new proposals from the bank, a review of payment systems will consequently force Safaricom to open up it’s wide network of MPESA agents to other providers.

The new proposals were revealed on Wednesday when the regulator unveiled the process for public participation. If in fact the proposals are adopted, the move may threaten Safaricom’s dominance in the mobile money market as we know it. Considering Safaricom’s financial muscle which has contributed immensely to its success while intimidating competitors, opening up MPESA network to competing providers will effectively mean the likes of Airtel and Telkom can expand very fast to anywhere that MPESA exists.

Proposals in the new draft regulations;

According to the new draft regulations, CBK intends to harmonize cross-network mobile money transfer services, enabling subscribers to withdraw their funds from an agent of their choice. This basically means, someone can withdraw money in their Airtel money wallet from an MPESA agent and vice versa.  

Additionally, if the draft regulations are adopted, someone on a different network such as Airtel can use their wallet balance to pay for bills through Safaricom’s Lipa na MPESA service. It’s a direction the regulator deems necessary to drive financial inclusion in the country as well as entrenching mobile money services to all Kenyans.

Currently, users on different networks can send money to another provider, such as from Airtel Money to MPESA, but cannot withdraw money held in a competing service. For instance, you can only withdraw money from MPESA through an MPESA agent and money in T-Kash through a T-Kash agent. These rules are obviously expected to push Safaricom in the opposite direction, threatening one of its most successful services.

What the report aims to achieve

According to the report, the new guidelines will enable users to affordably access their stores of value from different channels and providers to seamlessly pay for goods and services that will facilitate economic activities.

It should be noted Safaricom has had a difficult time opening up it’s mobile money network to rivals arguing it would expose its lucrative MPESA mobile money platform to stiff competition. At the moment, an estimated 30 million people in the country depend on MPESA mobile money service to make important transactions.

How to withdraw money from Gulf African Bank to MPESA using mobile phone USSD Code

Gulf African Bank like many other banks operating in Kenya unveiled GABPesa – it’s mobile based solution for customers to access various banking services right on their mobile phones. Customers can access services from the bank from anywhere around the clock. These services can be accessed from an android app dubbed “GABPesa” or through a USSD code for Safaricom customers.

Some of the services accessible through mobile banking include; Balance Enquiry Funds transfer, Banking services, Airtime top-ups to Safaricom and Airtel numbers. Users have a choice of using a mobile app for android users or USSD code for those without a smartphone.

How to enable mobile banking on your phone;

In order to enable the service, users need to visit a nearest Gulf African branch to complete a registration form. Additionally, the form can be downloaded from the bank’s website, filled, then dropped off at any of the bank’s branches. Once registration is completed, customers will be given a one-time password (OTP) which will need to be changed afterwards. For those with android smartphones, they can proceed to install the GABPesa from the play-store while for non-android phones use a USSD Code instead.

How to withdraw money from Gulf African Bank to MPESA

  • On your phone, dial *399#,
  • You should see something like “welcome to GAB Pesa, enter your PIN
  • Proceed to enter your PIN and proceed
  • Select money transfer on the next menu
  • Proceed to enter required details such as MPESA number, amount to transfer and complete the transaction.

LG Electronics opens its second virtual showroom in Nanyuki town for customers in mt. Kenya

LG Electronics has opened its second e-Showroom in Kenya targeting customers within the mt. Kenya region. The new showroom is located in Nanyuki town, and comes just weeks after the tech giant opened a similar showroom in Kisumu. E-Showrooms came about after the current corona pandemic limited movement amongst consumers who are now practicing social distancing to avoid contracting and spreading the virus. It was a way of LG bringing a range of its products to consumers without necessarily having them to physically avail to their shops.

In attendance was the Laikipia county governor Ndiritu Muriithi as well as the county executive for trade, tourism and cooperation Biwott Tirop who ushered in the new shop located at the Cedar Mall. The e-Showroom is expected to showcase various products from the manufacturer to customers before they actually buy them.

Speaking on the launch, LG Electronics East Africa Managing Director Mr. Sa Nyoung Kim said the virtual showroom will allow customers to browse through a range of new products the company has to offer thereby giving them a quick access. He further added, the virtual showroom demonstrated the company’s model of future brand shops in limited spaces.  

Mr. Kim also acknowledged the new brand shop model would provide the ultimate experience to the company’s customers and further boost its commitment to ensure customers getting nothing but the best shopping experience at the shops.

What a virtual showroom offers;

The company’s e-showrooms takes customers through a virtual tour on its range of products, explanations of the technologies, and user-centric product features. It’s designed to meet customer needs by presenting products as well as technology walkthroughs and sales consultations. Showroom can be accessed via: www.lg.brandshop.co.ke

Kim pointed out the virtual showrooms will enable the company to communicate its interests on offer without necessarily requiring customers to physically visit, which was an essential tool in assisting customers make informed decisions. He further noted the e-Showroom will avail an engaging platform to customers by providing easy-to-navigate tours that take the consumers through LG’s diverse range of solutions with a clear explanation of the products.

The platform will provide customers an opportunity to view how LG electronics is promoting artificial intelligence. Products on tour will include OLED TVs, InstaView™ Door-in-Door® refrigerators, LG TWINWash™ washing machines, DUALCOOL Air Conditioners among other home appliances.

Mombasa county unveils electronic Development and Application Management System platform

The county government of Mombasa unveiled an electronic management system that will avail important services to residents in a bid to eliminate corruption and bureaucracy. The system which is referred to as the electronic development and application management system (e-DAMs) is expected to further enhance transparency in the coastal county by making applications for services speedy, accurate and convenience.

While launching the upgraded system, the Governor of Mombasa Ali Hassan Joho said the county will continue to innovate by utilizing technology to bring services at the resident’s fingertips. The governor also thanked the international finance corporation (IFC) for the partnership, that made the dream come true.

Joho also promised to continue involving the private sector as well as other stake holders in his bid to improve service delivery within the county. Services available via the new system include application for single business permits, application for fire certificates, outdoor advertising, construction permit, occupation permit and planning certificate.

How to access online services from Mombasa County

Residents can get services from the portal by going to https://edams.mombasa.go.ke

Notches almost becoming extinct with the release of ZTE Axon 20 5G with under-screen camera

When Apple first unveiled the iPhone X, with what has now become industry standard – the notch, there were definitely mixed reaction on Apple’s take which clearly played out on various social media platforms. Consumers worldwide were practically on the verge of comparing the notch’s appearance to anything including some people’s foreheads. And while trying to be impartial in a segment that definitely become polarized depending on whether you love or hate, there are a couple of benefits we now enjoy because of that famous or infamous notch, whichever way you’d want to view. The ZTE Axon 20 5G which features an under-display selfie camera might be just what we need to be convinced that actually a notch-less era is beaming on the horizon.

But before we begin discussing the soon-disappearance of notches on our smartphones, we actually need to know what exactly gave way to their very existence and why they failed to solve their intended purpose. Consumers worldwide were thirst for a device that would house a large display panel but still maintain an overall small portfolio. This only meant one thing, removing unnecessary bezels on devices except those which were absolutely necessary. And while most hardware that were housed within the display panel that ended up forcing manufacturers to embrace bezels such as earpiece, sensors such as proximity, the same could not easily be achieved with a selfie camera.

It was almost impossible to relocate a selfie camera without deploying other means such as a popup implementation that would still allow users to have the sensor on their devices. Samsung including other manufactures have already tried going the popup way, but with some big compromises in areas that weren’t worth the trouble such as water proofing and a smaller battery to cater for the additional space.

The ZTE Axon 20 has definitely got some attention and for the right reasons, it’s a mid-tier smartphone with one standout feature that’s got everyone talking – an under-display camera. The camera is hid under the display panel, not noticeable to the naked eye except in certain conditions and with a closer inspection. The tech is rejuvenating and it actually gives us a glimpse of a future without a notch, although it’s yet to be fully-baked for mas rollout.  

Bezel-less experience

ZTE is one of those companies with a low profile but still wants to make a name for themselves by being first in some areas. And I must point out, the manufacturer might have just got the best segment to excel, or some would say, lead others. But to really appreciate what ZTE is trying to prove, you need to have owned one of those phones with a popup camera, and just have an experience with a display that has nothing else in its way for the ultimate experience.

Nothing comes close to a device with such an immersive panel. The ZTE Axon 20 5G packs a 6.92-inch display panel with a resolution of HD+ which makes things even more interesting. And with a price tag comparable to the likes of OPPO Reno4, Vivo V19 , Tecno Camon 16 Premier and Infinix Zero 8, it does provide something that you won’t get on either of mentioned devices.

An additional icing on the cake, users will have an option to set the refresh rate at 90Hz instead of 60Hz which is set by default. So, the interface plus some titles should be a breeze to use and play. While the tech makes this device something to talk about in the year 2020, it does show that notches are becoming extinct in the near future.