The announcements were made during the annual Google I/O 2026 conference on Tuesday night, May 19, where the tech giant positioned Search as an “intelligent, proactive companion” capable of handling complex tasks on behalf of users.

At the center of the changes is the rapid rise of Google’s AI Mode, which the company says has now surpassed one billion monthly users just one year after launch.

“The goal of Search has always been simple: to help people ask anything on their mind, from quick facts to the deep, complex, or hyper-specific questions that can be hard to articulate,” Google said during the presentation.

The company added that user engagement had reached “an all-time high,” with total search queries hitting record levels in the last quarter as more people embraced AI-powered search experiences.

One of the biggest changes announced is the rollout of Gemini 3.5 Flash as the default model powering AI Mode globally. According to Google, the upgraded model has been optimized for “background agents and rapid execution,” allowing Search to respond faster while handling more advanced tasks.

Google also revealed what it described as the biggest redesign of the Search box in over 25 years.

The new AI-powered Search box dynamically expands to allow users to type more detailed prompts instead of short keywords. It also supports cross-platform and multi-format input, enabling users to combine text, images, files, videos, and even Chrome tabs in a single query.

Rather than relying on traditional autocomplete, the system now uses AI-generated suggestions to help users build more nuanced and detailed questions.

The updated Search interface begins rolling out globally starting today in all regions where AI Mode is available.

In another major shift, Google is introducing what it calls “Search agents” — specialized AI assistants capable of continuously monitoring the web and carrying out tasks for users in the background.

Launching first for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the United States this summer, the agents will scan blogs, news websites, finance updates, shopping listings, and sports feeds to provide users with synthesized alerts and recommendations.

For example, apartment hunters can instruct Search to monitor listings based on specific preferences and receive alerts once a matching property becomes available. Sports fans can also ask agents to track sneaker releases or athlete collaborations.

Google is further expanding its AI-powered booking tools, allowing users to search for services using highly specific criteria.

The company gave examples such as finding “a private karaoke room for six on a Friday night that serves food late,” with Search automatically consolidating pricing, availability, and booking options.

For sectors like home repair, beauty, and pet care, users will also be able to ask Google to call businesses on their behalf.

Those capabilities are expected to roll out across the U.S. later this year.

The tech giant also announced a dramatic push into “agentic coding,” enabling Search to build custom visual interfaces and mini-apps in real time using Gemini 3.5 Flash and a new system called Google Antigravity.

Instead of generating simple text responses, Search will now be capable of producing interactive tables, graphs, simulations, and visual dashboards tailored to individual queries.

“For complex conceptual queries, Search will design custom layouts in real-time, assembling distinct functional components like interactive visuals, tables, graphs, or astrophysics simulations,” Google explained.

Google said the generative UI features would become available for all users this summer at no cost.

Meanwhile, users handling long-term projects such as wedding planning or relocating homes will be able to generate persistent AI dashboards that update over time.

The company illustrated the feature with a custom fitness tracker capable of integrating local reviews, live maps, and weather data to help users maintain wellness routines.

Google also announced a massive expansion of its “Personal Intelligence” feature to nearly 200 countries and territories across 98 languages without requiring a paid subscription.

The feature allows users to securely connect apps such as Gmail and Google Photos to Search, with Google Calendar integration expected soon.

According to Google, the system is designed with “privacy and control at its foundation,” allowing users to decide when and how personal data is linked to Search.

The announcement signals Google’s clearest attempt yet to transform Search from a tool that finds information into one that actively performs tasks, reasons through problems, and delivers highly personalized digital assistance in real time.

Under the new enhancements, customers across all Home Fibre plans will benefit from substantial speed boosts while retaining their current pricing.

Entry-level packages will now deliver speeds of up to 15 Mbps, while mid-tier plans will offer 35 Mbps and 80 Mbps. Premium packages will reach speeds of up to 400 Mbps, making them suitable for homes with heavy internet usage.

“As homes become increasingly connected, reliable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury but an essential service for modern living. By upgrading Home Fibre speeds, we are delivering greater value to our customers, strengthening our market leadership, and laying the foundation for smarter, more connected homes and communities across Kenya.

"Customer expectations continue to rise, and we are committed to meeting them while maintaining a competitive edge. With this upgrade, we aim to provide smooth multi-device streaming, buffer-free video calls, and reliable performance,"  said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom.

With coverage reaching over 800,000 homes, Safaricom continues to lead in fixed internet services, driven by strong customer trust, reliable networks, and consistent performance.

The speed upgrade is designed to ensure customers receive greater value for their current spend while future-proofing households for emerging smart technologies.

Below is a summary of the new speeds

The four—Comana, Duck, ReportsAI, and VunaPay—are part of just 15 companies selected across the continent for the 10th cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, underscoring Kenya’s continued dominance as a regional innovation hub.

Each of the startups is deploying Artificial Intelligence to tackle real-world challenges, from digitising informal markets to fixing supply chain inefficiencies and expanding financial access.

Comana is building systems to help governments and market associations digitise informal food markets, while Duck provides real-time data intelligence to help consumer brands prevent stock shortages. 

ReportsAI focuses on turning raw data into compliance-ready insights for organisations, and VunaPay is developing fintech infrastructure to enable instant payments for smallholder farmers through cooperatives.

Their selection comes against the backdrop of a resilient African tech ecosystem, which raised about $3.9 billion (approximately KSh 507 billion) in 2025 despite global funding slowdowns.

However, industry players continue to flag the gap between funding and the technical infrastructure required to scale advanced AI-driven solutions.

Hafsah Jumare, CEO of Comana, highlighted the scale of the problem her startup is addressing, stating: “Most food trade across Africa happens in traditional markets, but these markets remain largely invisible and unsupported. With MarketView, we’re building infrastructure to make them visible, using AI to interpret real-time data so businesses and governments can actually see what’s happening and act on it.”

She added: “Through the accelerator, we’re focused on scaling this across more markets and strengthening the underlying data systems and integrations that make this intelligence usable at scale. Even in the first week, the technical mentorship and network provided have already been valuable in sharpening how we approach this.”

Programme organisers say the initiative is designed to bridge exactly these gaps—offering not just capital access, but also high-level engineering support, cloud infrastructure, and global networks.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome these exceptional founders into Class 10,” noted Folarin Aiyegbusi. “African startups are driving essential economic growth and social development."

"Our role is to serve as a supportive partner, providing these developers and founders with the technical infrastructure, mentorship, and global network they need to scale their solutions and amplify their real-world impact.”

The hybrid accelerator, running from April 13 to June 19, 2026, will see the startups undergo intensive technical training in AI and machine learning, alongside mentorship from global industry experts.

Since its launch in 2018, the programme has backed 106 startups across 17 African countries, helping them collectively raise over $263 million (about KSh 34.2 billion) and create more than 2,800 jobs—figures that reinforce its growing influence in shaping Africa’s digital economy.

A logo of Google for Startups programme. /EMPOWER AFRICA

The move follows a formal request from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which sought to have the accounts suspended as part of an intensified crackdown on cryptocurrency activity.

Sources familiar with the situation claim the freezes were carried out without any court orders or formal charges against the affected individuals.

A mobile phone showing a Binance account. /AL JAZEERA

Some users reportedly received emails from Binance indicating their funds had been restricted at the request of the National Police Service through the DCI.

When users pushed for clarification, the platform allegedly directed them to seek answers directly from the police.

The incident unfolds amid tighter regulatory scrutiny, with Binance moving to align its operations with global compliance standards.

A section of Kenyan users has sharply criticised both the exchange and the National Police Service (NPS), accusing them of opacity.

“No complainant identified. No formal charges. No timeline given. Funds remain inaccessible. Meanwhile, real life doesn’t pause. Bills are piling up. Debt is growing," one affected user stated.

The backlash has spilled onto social media, where users have rallied behind the hashtag #BinanceUnmasked while demanding answers.

The development also comes as the government rolls out the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Act of 2025, which sets the legal framework for cryptocurrencies and digital assets, alongside the draft 2026 regulations outlining licensing and compliance requirements.

Binance has since observed that while oversight of the sector lies with the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), coordination with the DCI appears to lean more toward surveillance than protecting users.

A photo of various forms of cryptocurrency. /GET SUPPORT IT SERVICES

In a media release dated Thursday, April 16, Sama revealed that Meta had issued a formal notice to terminate a significant engagement, dealing a major blow to its local operations.

“Following the notification, Sama engaged with the client in the interests of the Nairobi delivery team and the broader organisation. The efforts, however, have not been successful, and a formal notice of intended redundancy was issued on April 16th, 2026, to staff at the Sama Nairobi office,” the company stated.

The firm has since issued a formal redundancy notice in line with Section 40 of the Employment Act, with 1,108 employees set to be affected—many of them tied directly to the now-terminated workstream.

A logo of Sama and Samasource (former name) offices along Mombasa Road in Nairobi. /VANTAGE KE

The layoffs are expected to take effect later this month as the client engagement winds down. Confirming the development, Sama Country Lead and Vice President for Global Delivery, Annepeace Alwala, noted that the move reflects shifting dynamics in the tech outsourcing sector.

“As is standard in our industry, client programs evolve, and we work closely with our partners to manage these transitions responsibly. Our immediate priority is supporting our employees through this change and ensuring continuity across our broader operations,” she stated.

Alwala acknowledged the scale of the impact on both workers and the wider community, adding: “We recognise the significant impact on the team and the local community. We are actively working to support affected employees with care and respect as we always do.”

She maintained that employees have been receiving competitive compensation and support, including “living wages and full benefits,” alongside access to wellness programmes, medical cover, and on-site counselling.

Sama, which positions itself as a global leader in AI data annotation and model evaluation, has been a key player in Kenya’s growing artificial intelligence value chain, employing thousands of data workers in Nairobi.

The latest development underscores the vulnerability of Kenya’s outsourcing sector to decisions made by global tech giants, with Meta’s exit now triggering one of the largest recent job cuts in the country’s digital economy.

The agency indicated that the launch—coming less than a year into expanding regional space partnerships—will involve the Climate Camera (ClimCam) payload being sent to the ISS at approximately 3:51pm next Wednesday.

“On Wednesday, 8 April 2026 at 3.51 East African Time, the Climate Camera (ClimCam) Payload is scheduled to be launched to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Cygnus NG-42 Mission of SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket,” the organisers confirmed.

The payload will be carried aboard the Cygnus NG-24 mission, launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Space enthusiasts and members of the public will be able to follow the launch via a live stream.

Prototype of the ClimCam, which is set to be launched into space on April 8, 2026. /UNOOSA

ClimCam is the product of a joint effort between the Egyptian Space Agency, KSA, and the Uganda National Space Programme, marking a significant milestone for East Africa in space-based climate monitoring.

The payload will be mounted on the Airbus Bartolomeo platform, which is attached to the European Columbus Module on the ISS.

ClimCam was assembled, integrated, and tested at Egyptian Space Agency facilities in Cairo before undergoing validation at Airbus facilities in Houston, Texas, confirming its readiness for space deployment.

Why it matters

The payload is designed to deliver AI-powered, near-real-time weather and climate data to strengthen disaster response, natural resource management, and climate resilience across Eastern Africa.

The project was selected through a competitive call issued by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and Airbus Defence and Space.

ClimCam’s data is expected to help governments and agencies in the region better monitor floods, droughts, and other climate risks, while supporting evidence-based planning in agriculture, water management, and environmental protection.

The development comes ahead of a major global event set for Nairobi in June, where experts, policymakers, and innovators will converge to explore how data and emerging technologies can address global challenges. The four-day forum—combining the Global Data Festival and the Kenya Space Expo and Conference 2026—will run from June 2 to June 5.

In 2023, Kenya launched its first satellite, Taifa-1, aimed at delivering accurate and timely Earth observation data for sectors such as agriculture and food security, while also building local capacity across the entire space technology value chain.

The push emerged during a high-level roundtable held in Nairobi as part of KIICO 2026, where stakeholders emphasised the need for expanded compute infrastructure, talent development, and adaptive regulation to unlock Kenya’s AI potential.

The meeting, convened by the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology and KenInvest in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce, took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel and brought together about 50 senior delegates.

Held under the theme “AI & Emerging Technologies: Investing Across the Full Stack,” the roundtable examined how Kenya can position itself as a comprehensive AI destination spanning energy, data infrastructure, research, applications, and governance.

Stakeholders at the Kenya International Investment Conference (KIICO 2026). /KENYAN WALLSTREET

Participants underscored the urgency of the moment, noting that “the next 36 months will be decisive” in determining how technological resources and investments are distributed across Kenya and the wider East African region.

They observed that Kenya holds a strategic advantage due to its largely renewable energy mix, which presents a compelling opportunity to attract energy-intensive AI investments at a time when global markets are grappling with power constraints.

On regulation, stakeholders advocated for a flexible and innovation-friendly approach. A proposal for a “90-day regulatory sandbox” was highlighted as a practical mechanism to allow developers to test AI solutions within controlled environments while enabling regulators to adapt in real time.

Participants cautioned against imposing rigid frameworks that could stifle a rapidly evolving sector, instead calling for strengthened and upskilled existing institutions to oversee AI development.

The discussions also reflected a shift in Africa’s innovation narrative, with delegates urging a move away from the pursuit of high-risk “unicorn” startups towards more resilient and sustainable “camel” models suited to local realities.

This approach prioritises long-term value creation through sovereign data centres, localised AI models, interoperable digital infrastructure, and strengthened domestic capabilities across the AI ecosystem.

On infrastructure, delegates pointed to emerging investment signals, including a hyperscaler deployment backed by $50 million (Ksh7.25 billion) in initial capital and additional planned investments ranging between $250 million (Ksh36.25 billion) and $300 million (Ksh43.5 billion) for AI-focused facilities.

There were also proposals to establish data centres within Special Economic Zones aligned with national energy planning to maximise Kenya’s renewable advantage.

However, participants emphasised that infrastructure development must be matched with investment in human capital. Concerns were raised about over-reliance on foreign expertise, prompting calls for a stronger local talent pipeline.

Recommendations included aligning university curricula with industry needs, enhancing AI literacy within the public sector, and creating structured programmes to engage the Kenyan diaspora. Proposals to attract international expertise through residency and digital nomad visa frameworks were also discussed.

Access to AI technologies was identified as another critical issue. Delegates warned that limited access could hinder broader economic benefits, with proposals put forward to reduce costs through partnerships between telecommunications firms and AI providers, particularly targeting young users.

The commercialisation of research also featured prominently, with participants noting a persistent gap between academic innovation and market deployment. They called for procurement reforms to enable the government to act as a reliable buyer of locally developed AI solutions, thereby supporting innovation and public service delivery.

Although the session was held under the Chatham House Rule, preventing attribution of individual contributions, it produced several concrete outcomes. These include an investment signals register, a set of regulatory recommendations for government consideration, and a KIICO 2026 statement on AI investment.

Additional proposals outlined during the meeting include mapping Kenya’s long-term compute needs over the next 30 to 50 years, developing a country-specific “future of jobs” report, formalising diaspora engagement frameworks, and producing an investor guide to position Kenya within the emerging global “Age of Intelligence.”

Illustration of Artificial Intelligence in Kenya. /ICTWORKS

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, March 26, the Authority dismissed claims circulating in sections of the media and online platforms, terming them inaccurate and a misrepresentation of its regulatory intent. The clarification follows widespread reaction to the recently published Technical Specifications for Mobile Cellular Devices 2026.

“The Authority notes with concern the widespread misrepresentation suggesting that the notice seeks to ban or phase out the use of low-cost or entry-level mobile phones in Kenya. These claims are inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the Authority’s regulatory intent,” the regulator stated.

The concerns emerged after the new guidelines introduced a requirement for all mobile devices seeking approval in Kenya to adopt USB Type-C charging ports, a move that sparked fears that affordable devices could be pushed out of the market.

However, the Authority clarified that the directive is aimed at enhancing consumer protection, improving interoperability, and aligning Kenya with emerging global standards, rather than restricting access to affordable technology.

Under the new rules, all mobile phones, tablets, and related devices submitted for type approval from March 24, 2026, must feature USB Type-C charging interfaces and detachable charging cables. The regulations apply strictly to new devices entering the market through the approval process.

At the same time, the Authority emphasized that devices already in use, previously approved, or currently in the supply chain remain unaffected by the changes. It maintained that there is no ban on the use, ownership, or continued sale of existing mobile phones, including low-end and entry-level devices.

The regulator further clarified that consumers will not be required to discard their current devices, and that the policy does not target any specific category of users or income group.

"Already, type-approved mobile devices that are in shipment and en route to the country or awaiting shipment are not affected by the new requirements. For context, no importation of mobile devices happens without first obtaining type approval from the Authority," added CA.

The Authority noted that the updated specifications form part of the standard evaluation criteria for new devices and therefore do not require a transition period.

The move to standardize charging ports aligns Kenya with international trends, including similar policies adopted in other markets aimed at reducing electronic waste and improving device compatibility.

The regulator framed the shift as part of a broader push to curb electronic waste and streamline device compatibility. The new guidelines mean that even basic feature phones—commonly referred to as kabambe—which traditionally rely on Micro USB ports, will need to transition to the newer Type-C system.

A key requirement under the updated framework is the use of detachable charging cables. By separating the cable from the power adapter, the CA aims to improve durability, promote reuse, and reduce unnecessary disposal of accessories.

The Communications Authority reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumer interests while ensuring access to quality ICT products and remaining responsive to global technological developments.

Kenyans using their phones. /TECHWEEZ

The move mirrors international frameworks such as the European Union Directive 2022/2380, which seeks to harmonise charging technology across devices. Under the new rules, every mobile cellular device sold or manufactured in Kenya—including smartphones, tablets, and feature phones—must support the Type-C interface.

In a notice dated March 24, CA Director General David Mugonyi unveiled updated technical standards governing mobile devices in the country.

The directive explicitly states: “The charging solution for mobile cellular devices shall be USB Type-C,” as outlined in the Technical Specifications for Mobile Cellular Devices, 2026.

Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) headquarters in Nairobi. /FILE

The regulator framed the shift as part of a broader push to curb electronic waste and streamline device compatibility. The new guidelines mean that even basic feature phones—commonly referred to as kabambe—which traditionally rely on Micro USB ports, will need to transition to the newer Type-C system.

A key requirement under the updated framework is the use of detachable charging cables. By separating the cable from the power adapter, the CA aims to improve durability, promote reuse, and reduce unnecessary disposal of accessories.

“Standardizing charging systems is expected to reduce duplication of accessories, allowing users to reuse chargers across devices while also improving compatibility with fast-charging technologies,” the authority explained.

The directive also effectively renders certain older devices non-compliant. This includes pre-2023 Apple iPhone 14 and earlier models, as well as older iPads that still rely on Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector. Apple only transitioned to USB-C beginning with the iPhone 15 series to comply with European regulations.

Beyond charging ports, the CA has tightened requirements around power compatibility. All devices sold locally must support Kenya’s Type G three-pin plug standard used in the national grid.

Manufacturers that ship devices with alternative plug types are now legally obligated to include compatible adapters to ensure safe operation within Kenya’s 240V, 50Hz electricity system.

Technically, USB Type-C represents more than just a port. Developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), it is a 24-pin reversible connector designed for both power delivery and data transfer. Its symmetrical design allows users to plug in cables in either orientation, eliminating the inconvenience associated with older, one-sided connectors.

The detachable cable design also improves interoperability, enabling a single charger to work across multiple devices—from phones to laptops—while extending the lifespan of accessories.

Safety remains a central consideration, with specifications aimed at protecting users from electrical hazards such as overheating, shocks, and potential battery-related incidents.

Compared to legacy charging systems, USB Type-C delivers significantly higher performance. It can support power delivery of up to 240 watts and data transfer speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second, making it suitable for a wide range of modern electronics.

In addition to charging requirements, the CA’s 2026 specifications introduce stricter compliance measures for mobile devices. Every handset must feature a valid 15-digit IMEI issued by the GSMA, permanently marked on the device and retrievable by dialing *#06#.

Manufacturers must also ensure that devices meet international standards, including ETSI EN 301 511 and ETSI EN 301 908, to guarantee proper functionality across networks.

Additional requirements mandate that all phones support basic services such as voice calls and SMS, while 3G and 4G-enabled devices must also provide reliable data connectivity.

Device packaging and software must clearly display key information, including CA type approval details, model name, IMEI, supported frequency bands, and supplier identity.

The new framework signals a decisive shift in Kenya’s mobile ecosystem, positioning the country within a global push toward standardisation, improved safety, and reduced environmental impact in consumer electronics.

Photo of a USB Type-C cable plugging in to a phone. /SKY NEWS

The meeting, held ahead of the TikTok Safer Internet Summit 2026 scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, and Wednesday, March 11, focused on tightening safeguards on the fast-growing social media platform ahead of the 2027 general elections while also exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration between the Kenyan government and the company.

Kabogo explained that Kenya pushed for stronger mechanisms to counter online misinformation and disinformation campaigns, warning that such activity could undermine public trust, especially during election periods.

“We sought assurances on robust safeguards to combat misinformation and coordinated disinformation campaigns, ensuring a digital space that respects the truth,” Kabogo stated.

ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo and the TikTok Delegation during the at the TikTok Safer Internet Summit 2026 on March 9. /WILLIAM KABOGO

The discussions also examined broader issues surrounding online safety, particularly the protection of minors and vulnerable users on digital platforms.

According to the CS, the government engaged TikTok on strengthening its content moderation systems and improving age-verification tools to prevent young users from accessing harmful content.

“Online safety came first in our discussions as we explored ways of strengthening content moderation and age-verification systems to protect our children and vulnerable groups from harmful content,” Kabogo explained.

The meeting comes as TikTok’s popularity continues to surge in Kenya, where the platform now boasts more than 17 million users. The CS pointed out that the platform has become a major driver of the country’s digital and creative economy.

“With over 17 million TikTok users in Kenya, the platform plays a vital role in our Creative Economy, providing a stage for youth entrepreneurship, digital livelihoods, and vibrant self-expression,” Kabogo noted.

Beyond safety concerns, the government also pushed for stronger regulatory compliance from the social media company, especially in relation to Kenyan data laws.

Kabogo highlighted the need for the platform to align its operations with the provisions of the Data Protection Act (Kenya) and other cybercrime regulations governing digital platforms operating in the country.

During the talks, Kabogo also encouraged TikTok to expand its footprint in Kenya by establishing a stronger regional presence in Nairobi.

He particularly called for increased investment in content moderation systems capable of handling African languages, arguing that this would improve platform safety while also creating new job opportunities in the region.

“I encouraged TikTok to establish a stronger regional presence in Nairobi and to invest in local moderation capacity for African languages,” Kabogo stated.

The FASTA (Forecasting African Storms App), developed by the Kenya Meteorological Department, allows users to monitor developing storms using near-real-time weather intelligence powered by satellite-based forecasting technology.

Available on the Google Play Store by clicking here to download, the application enables users to quickly check storm-development patterns within their location.

The system relies on near-real-time satellite imagery to monitor storm formations across Africa, presenting visual data that shows rainfall clusters and weather disturbances as they form and evolve.

According to available details, the platform refreshes its weather data roughly every 15 minutes, allowing users to keep up with rapidly changing storm conditions without relying solely on conventional forecast bulletins.

A key feature of the app is its short-term forecasting ability, which can estimate the movement of storms and the spread of rainfall up to two hours in advance.

This two-hour projection window is particularly valuable for emergency preparedness, giving residents time to anticipate flash floods, heavy rainfall, or approaching thunderstorms before they arrive.

Users can open the application to view live satellite maps showing storm zones and rainfall activity across Africa. They can then zoom into specific locations such as Nairobi, Busia, or Mombasa to evaluate potential weather risks in their immediate surroundings.

The technology supports early warning efforts, particularly in major urban centres like Nairobi, where intense rainfall can quickly trigger flash flooding due to limited drainage capacity.

According to the national weather agency, the platform forms part of broader efforts to expand public access to timely weather information while helping reduce risks linked to extreme rainfall events.

In simple terms, the application combines satellite storm tracking, frequent data updates, and short-term forecasting to help residents make safer decisions regarding travel and outdoor activities during unstable weather conditions.

The app has already attracted widespread international use, especially across parts of Europe, with countries such as Britain adopting the technology, alongside several African nations.

The feature is powered by Lyria 3, a generative AI model developed by Google DeepMind, marking the company’s latest push into AI-driven creative tools.

In a statement released on Thursday, February 19, Google indicated that users can describe an idea — such as a specific genre, mood, or personal memory — and the system will “translate it into a high-quality, catchy track” within seconds.

Key Features

According to the company, Lyria 3 introduces several improvements over earlier versions of its audio models. These include automatic generation of lyrics based on prompts, enhanced user control over elements such as style, tempo, and vocals, and improved realism and complexity in the resulting music.

Photo of Google Gemini's Lyria 3.

The tool also allows users to upload photos or videos, which Gemini then uses to compose music aligned with the content’s tone or theme.

Each generated output is a 30-second track accompanied by AI-generated cover art, designed for quick sharing via download links or social platforms.

Expansion to YouTube Creators

Google further announced that Lyria 3 will be integrated into YouTube through its Dream Track feature. The rollout, which began in the United States, is being extended to creators in additional markets.

The integration is expected to enhance audio options for Shorts creators, enabling them to generate custom soundtracks, including both instrumental and lyrical content.

AI Detection and Safeguards

To address concerns around synthetic media, Google confirmed that all tracks generated through Gemini will include SynthID, a digital watermark designed to identify AI-generated audio.

The company has also introduced an audio verification feature, allowing users to upload files and check whether they were created using Google’s AI systems.

On intellectual property, Google stated that Lyria 3 is designed to support original composition rather than replicate existing artists. Prompts referencing specific musicians will be interpreted as general stylistic guidance, with safeguards in place to prevent duplication of copyrighted material.

Availability

The feature is being rolled out to Gemini users aged 18 and above across multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese. Google added that higher usage limits will be available to subscribers on premium tiers.

The launch signals growing competition in the generative AI space, particularly in tools aimed at simplifying content creation across audio, video, and text.

Here is the video introducing Lyria 3:

The deal signals a deeper push by Unilever to embed artificial intelligence across its operations—from marketing and data systems to supply chains—as competition intensifies in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

Under the agreement, Unilever will tap Google Cloud’s advanced technologies, including its enterprise AI platform Vertex AI, to reshape how its brands—such as Dove, Vaseline, and Hellmann’s—are discovered, marketed, and purchased in an increasingly digital and AI-influenced marketplace.

The companies indicated the partnership will focus on building what they describe as “agentic” systems—AI-powered tools capable of making decisions and executing tasks across business functions with minimal human input.

Google Cloud and Unilever logos signalling a partnership.

AI shift at the centre of strategy

Unilever plans to migrate its core data infrastructure and enterprise platforms onto Google Cloud, a move expected to create what it calls an “AI-first digital backbone.” The company believes this will allow it to respond faster to shifting consumer behaviour, streamline decision-making, and convert large volumes of data into actionable insights.

“Technology has moved to the core of value creation at Unilever,” said Willem Uijen, chief supply chain and operations officer at the company. “As brands are increasingly discovered and chosen in environments shaped by AI, we must lead this shift."

"This collaboration with Google Cloud sets a new level in how technology can power commerce and growth in the fast-moving consumer goods industry, ensuring Unilever is agile, fit for the future, and equipped to unlock value at every level of the company.”

Industry analysts view the move as part of a broader trend where global brands are racing to integrate AI into customer engagement and operational systems, particularly as shopping journeys evolve toward conversational interfaces and automated recommendations.

Betting on “agentic” AI systems

Google Cloud confirmed it will deploy its latest AI models, including Gemini, to support Unilever’s transformation.

“In partnering with Unilever as it boldly reimagines its business processes, we are not just modernizing legacy systems; we are deploying our advanced models, such as Gemini, to create a system of intelligence that reasons, learns, and acts,” said Tara Brady, president for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Google Cloud. “This will set a new standard for agility and consumer engagement in the CPG sector.”

The partnership will centre on three key areas: enhancing marketing and commerce through AI-driven insights, building an integrated cloud-based data ecosystem, and accelerating the adoption of advanced AI tools across Unilever’s value chain.

What it means for consumers and the market

The collaboration reflects a growing shift in how products are marketed and sold, with companies increasingly relying on AI to predict consumer preferences, personalise recommendations, and automate interactions.

If successful, Unilever’s strategy could redefine how everyday products—from personal care to food items—reach consumers, especially as digital assistants and AI-driven platforms begin to play a larger role in purchasing decisions.

The deal also underscores how Big Tech firms like Google are deepening their foothold in traditional industries, positioning AI not just as a support tool but as the core engine driving growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage.

Photo of a building housing Google Cloud offices. /ITPRO

The programme aims to narrow the digital divide by providing learners with hands-on access to computers, internet connectivity, and foundational digital skills, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and coding, in line with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Under the initiative, the bus will be stationed at selected public schools to deliver ICT training and access to online educational resources, preparing learners for participation in the global digital economy.

The project builds on KRDA’s 10-year partnership with the Atlas Foundation UK, which has supported the holistic development of underprivileged children through rugby, education, and life skills.

Pupils engaged in the mobile digital initiative dubbed the DIGI-AI Bus on January 29, 2026. /HANDOUT

KRDA co-founder and Chief Executive Officer James McGreevy explained that the DIGI-AI Bus is equipped with computers, internet connectivity, and AI-driven learning software tailored to the CBC.

“The platform enables learners to receive customised lessons based on their individual strengths and learning gaps, allowing them to progress at their own pace while remaining in a shared classroom environment,” McGreevy noted.

Beneficiaries have welcomed the initiative, citing its impact beyond the classroom. Stephen Mlumo, a KRDA beneficiary, shared how the skills gained are transferred to peers.

“What I learn here, I don’t keep to myself. I go back to school and teach my friends so we can all grow together. Before this programme, I never thought I would touch a computer. Now I believe I can do more.”

The DIGI-AI Bus is fully self-sufficient, powered by rooftop solar panels linked to battery storage, with a silent generator as backup. This allows the programme to operate in areas with unreliable electricity and reach schools previously excluded from digital learning opportunities.

KRDA has partnered with Code Yetu to provide digital literacy and coding training, alongside personalised AI-based curricula tailored to each learner.

Code Yetu founder Asha Makana explained that the lessons are integrated into the CBC framework. “We have structured the program to meet the current curriculum of CBC, integrating coding into their day-to-day lives. Coding drives problem-solving skills, creativity, and innovation,” Makana stated.

KRDA has urged the government, schools, technology partners, and foundations to support the expansion of the initiative, noting that collaboration is key to building an inclusive digital education pathway for Kenyan learners.

The collaboration will see iXAfrica serve as the colocation partner for the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) region, which was announced by President William Ruto in January 2024.

Once live, the Nairobi-based public cloud region is expected to meet rising demand for cloud services from businesses, government agencies, and developers across Kenya and the wider region.

Oracle’s choice of iXAfrica hinges on the facility’s readiness to support large-scale public cloud deployments immediately.

The data centre has been built to global hyperscale standards, with carrier-neutral connectivity, high-density AI capacity, resilient power systems, and direct access to key submarine and national fibre routes.

“We are delighted to be in execution mode to bring OCI to Kenya,” noted iXAfrica CEO Snehar Shah. “With this collaboration, iXAfrica is leveraging the renewable energy, talent, and abundant submarine and national connectivity available in our market.”

By hosting OCI locally, organisations will be able to run cloud and AI workloads closer to users, cutting latency and keeping sensitive data within the country. The development is also expected to support Kenya’s push for digital sovereignty as more critical systems move to the cloud.

“Around the world, governments and enterprises rely on OCI for its security, scalability, and ability to run mission-critical workloads that enable innovation at scale,” stated David Bunei, Oracle’s country leader for Kenya.

“These unique capabilities and our collaboration with iXAfrica will further support the growth of the country's digital economy.”

iXAfrica confirmed that construction, power, and connectivity infrastructure are already at advanced stages, allowing the facility to operate in what it terms “full execution mode.”

This level of preparedness, the company argues, places it among the few data centres in the region capable of supporting hyperscale cloud platforms without delay.

The Nairobi OCI region is expected to intensify competition in Kenya’s cloud market while accelerating the rollout of AI, fintech, e-government, and other data-intensive services hosted locally rather than offshore.

On January 31, 2024, President Ruto unveiled a deal with Oracle Corporation to establish a regional data centre in Nairobi, marking the company’s second such facility in Africa after South Africa.

Addressing an audience in Italy, Ruto explained that the move aligns with the government’s push to position Kenya as a top hub for global technology firms.

"The planned public cloud region in Nairobi underscores Oracle’s commitment to Africa and aimed at driving the digital transformation of government, public institutions, businesses, and start-ups in Kenya," he stated.

Drone view of the iXAfrica Data Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. /IX

The move followed widespread abuse of Grok, X’s chatbot, which users manipulated to digitally strip people in photos, triggering global online outrage.

Since late December 2025, users have been using the tool to transform ordinary images shared online into sexually suggestive content without permission.

Photo of X on a phone. /FILE

An investigation by deepfake researcher Genevieve Oh found that Grok was producing roughly 6,700 explicit or nudified images every hour in the 24-hour window between January 5 and January 6.

That volume pushed X to the top of the list for platforms hosting non-consensual AI-generated intimate images, dwarfing other sites that averaged just 79 images per hour.

Under the new rules, only paying subscribers can access image-editing tools, requiring users to register identifiable details, including payment information.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer strongly criticised the situation, describing it as “disgraceful” and “disgusting”.

“It’s unlawful. We’re not going to tolerate it. I’ve asked for all options to be on the table,” he told Greatest Hits Radio.

The UK government has since urged media regulator Ofcom to weigh all enforcement measures, including a potential ban on X if necessary.

Regulators in Europe, India, Malaysia, and Brazil have also opened probes into Grok’s involvement in generating sexualised images, including content involving children.

European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier rejected X’s framing of the feature as a “spicy mode”, labelling the content illegal, appalling, and disgusting.

India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has directed X to carry out a full review of Grok’s governance framework and technical safeguards.

In Malaysia, the Communications and Multimedia Commission has summoned X representatives to answer questions over the alleged breaches.

Even as criticism intensified, Musk appeared to downplay the backlash by sharing Grok-generated images of himself in a bikini, treating the controversy as a joke.

Elon Musk during a past presentation of Grok AI. /NDTV

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, announced on Wednesday, January 8, positioning the feature as a way to help users make more informed health decisions as adoption of the chatbot continues to surge worldwide.

The new service allows users to link their medical records and wellness applications directly to ChatGPT, enabling more personalized and context-aware responses based on individual health data.

A photo of the new ChatGPT Health platform. /OPENAI

OpenAI indicates the tool can interpret medical test results, help users prepare for doctor visits, offer guidance on diet and fitness routines, and assist with comparing insurance options.

“You can securely connect medical records and wellness apps to ground conversations in your own health information, so responses are more relevant and useful to you,” OpenAI noted.

“Designed in close collaboration with physicians, ChatGPT Health helps people take a more active role in understanding and managing their health and wellness—while supporting, not replacing, care from clinicians,” it added.

The company points out that more than 230 million people use ChatGPT each week for health and wellness queries, making it one of the platform’s most common use cases and a key driver behind the feature, which has been in development for two years.

OpenAI plans to initially release ChatGPT Health to a limited group of users to refine the experience before a wider rollout.

Access will be granted via a waitlist, after which users will find the feature under the “health” tab in the ChatGPT sidebar. Once onboarded, users can upload medical records and connect health-tracking apps directly into the Health space.

OpenAI has emphasized that enhanced safeguards are in place to protect sensitive health data.

“Even before introducing ChatGPT Health, we built foundational protections across ChatGPT to give you meaningful control over your data, including temporary chats, the ability to delete chats from OpenAI’s systems within 30 days, and training our models not to retain personal information from user chats,” OpenAI stated.

What It Means

For Kenyans, ChatGPT Health signals a shift in how people access and understand health information, especially in a system where doctors are stretched, and appointments can be costly or slow.

The feature could help users make sense of lab results, prepare smarter questions before hospital visits, and track lifestyle choices like diet and exercise using data they already collect on their phones.

If integrated well, it may ease pressure on health facilities by helping people handle basic health literacy issues on their own, rather than rushing to clinics for clarity. It also has potential value for Kenyans managing chronic conditions who need consistent monitoring and explanations between hospital visits.

That said, access will matter. Reliable internet, digital literacy, and trust in data protection will determine who benefits.

It is not a replacement for doctors, but for many Kenyans, it could become a practical first stop for understanding their health before seeking professional care.

A phone logged into ChatGPT placed on a laptop. /TECHCRUNCH

OpenAI has announced plans to introduce an adults-only mode, designed to exclude minors while allowing adult users to engage in more in-depth, nuanced discussions. The move aims to clearly separate child-safe interactions from content intended for adults.

The feature could launch as early as 2026, according to OpenAI’s Head of Applications, Fidji Simo. However, its rollout will hinge on the performance of a new age-prediction AI system that is currently undergoing testing.

A phone logged into ChatGPT placed on a laptop. /TECHCRUNCH

Users have long noticed that ChatGPT restricts responses to topics considered mature, largely because the system cannot reliably tell who is actually behind the screen. At present, the chatbot has a limited ability to verify a user’s age.

That is expected to change with the new system, which will automatically detect users under the age of 18 and enforce appropriate content limits without depending on self-reported age checks.

Unlike traditional websites that rely on basic “Are you over 18?” prompts, OpenAI is looking to ditch the honour system. Instead, it plans to use AI to estimate a user’s age by analysing how they communicate.

The model will assess factors such as language use, conversational style, and contextual understanding—signals that often reveal a person’s cognitive maturity and, by extension, their likely age.

This shift comes amid increasing scrutiny over how accessible AI tools are to minors. Given that AI platforms are interactive and capable of producing highly personalised responses, OpenAI argues that stronger safeguards are necessary compared to older internet platforms that relied mainly on disclaimers.

The move also positions OpenAI against rival AI services that have already tested age-restricted chatbots. The company now appears ready to clearly separate family-friendly and adult experiences while keeping tight safety and legal controls in place.

ChatGPT has faced criticism from some users who say its current safeguards are overly limiting, with claims that the rules sometimes block legitimate, educational discussions.

Still, age prediction is far from foolproof. Children or teens could attempt to game the system by mimicking mature behaviour, while adults could be mistakenly restricted in certain cases.

To address these risks, OpenAI is running trials in multiple countries to assess the model’s accuracy.

The company insists the adult-only mode will only go live once the system consistently meets safety, reliability, and compliance benchmarks.

A screengrab of ChatGPT homepage as of Sunday, December 14, 2025. /VIRAL TEA KE

Sarungi, whose account had been restricted on Thursday, December 4, regained access after drawing international attention to Meta’s actions.

The restrictions came in the wake of activists mobilizing Tanzanians for protests on December 9 against the contested October 29 elections, which reportedly left hundreds dead.

Meta initially defended its decision, telling Sarungi that the restriction was due to "a legal request from the Tanzania Communication Regulation Authority."

The company pointed to local legal obligations as justification, a move that also affected activists Mange Kimambi, a Los Angeles-based campaigner, and Sativa Aluta Continua, whose accounts were deactivated on Meta’s platforms.

Kimambi’s WhatsApp account was also deleted, effectively blocking her from using the messaging service.

CNN journalist Larry Madowo highlighted the bans on his X account, though Meta had not yet responded to his queries.

The activists accused Meta of collaborating with the Tanzanian government to suppress dissent after President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a disputed re-election with 98% of the vote, amid a crackdown on opposition candidates who were jailed or barred from running.

Opposition groups and rights organizations claim that over a thousand people were shot dead during three days of protests. Reports suggest that bodies were not returned to families but instead buried in mass graves.

President Hassan defended the crackdown on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, calling it "necessary to prevent the overthrow of the government."

The United Nations (UN) has called for an investigation into the killings, while the European Union is considering sanctions against Tanzania.

Sarungi is now urging the public to pressure Meta to restore Kimambi and Sativa’s accounts.

At a landmark graduation event in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday, December 5, 2025, the Power Learn Project Africa (PLP) announced that 9,000 young software developers from across the continent have graduated, bringing the total number of young people trained by PLP to over 20,000.

The graduation coincided with the conclusion of a regional hackathon, including Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Mozambique. Hosted in partnership with UN Women East & Southern African Regional Office (ESARO) and the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the young innovators showcased solutions to the escalating crisis of Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women and Girls (TFVAWG). 

“With one in every three women facing online violence, from cyberbullying and deepfakes to revenge porn, women are effectively being kicked out of digital spaces. This partnership with PLP is therefore a wake-up call to the private sector and governments because we must invest in youth-led innovation to build a safe, inclusive tech pipeline, and transform the 5-10% prevalence of women in AI development to a true force for African growth,” said Anna Mutavati, Regional Director for UN Women ESARO.

From Left, Martin Ndlovu, Chief Growth Officer at Gebeya & Power Learn Project Africa (PLP) Board Trustee, Imelda Ngunzu, Director, SME Commercialization, Mastercard, Serah Katusya, CEO Belva Digital & PLP Board Trustee with Mumbi Ndung’u, Executive Director PLP, at the 2025 PLP graduation, where 9,000 young software developers from across the continent graduated from the program, bringing the total number of young people trained by PLP to over 20,000. /PHOTO

According to UN Women, TFVAWG is underreported and lacks comprehensive statistics across Africa, with studies showing an alarming prevalence in specific groups, such as journalists, politicians, and activists. Common forms of cybercrimes targeting women include online harassment, stalking, cyberbullying, fraud, alongside impersonation and misinformation.

Mutavati emphasized that Digital inclusion must go hand-in-hand with digital safety, especially around women and Girls. She called on African governments to update legislation to keep pace with digital crimes and for the private sector to invest in bringing youth-led innovations to scale.  

While highlighting the strategic necessity of PLP’s work in lowering the cost of talent for African businesses, Mumbi Ndung’u, the Executive Director of PLP, reinforced the commitment to closing the technology talent gap and ensuring graduates move from just learning to earning.

“Africa is losing its top engineering talent to international firms offering three times the local pay. While these job opportunities are welcome, we have to also empower young people working and building in the local ecosystems without crippling our ability to create globally competitive and essential local products and solutions,” she said.

With online abuse currently underreported and hard to measure, five hackathon finalists presented their innovative, homegrown solutions designed to help combat TFVAWG, including Secure reporting and evidence-gathering tools against TFVAWG. 

Among the solutions is the ‘ImaraZero - User Interface Digital Bodyguard’ that uses multi-modal AI to analyze voice notes, screenshots, and text for threats. The solution that provides advice or escalates to authorities across seven African countries in case of realized risk or threat, is seeking USD 50,000 to fund Application Programming Interface (API) licenses acquisition and expansion.

Another solution, ‘Safeguard’, uses Blockchain and AI to create a tamper-proof digital evidence vault for online harassment, an intelligence engine for repeat offender profiling, and secure geolocation pinning. Safeguard aims to protect women in Africa, who face online abuse every year, and is also seeking USD 50,000 for mobile app development and legal compliance.

‘EveShield’, a panic button app that uses geolocation to notify emergency contacts, bystanders, and authorities with a single press, providing access to mental health and legal aid resources, also shared their USD 3,000 funding request for viability scaling and city pilot rollouts.

Moving away from its previous ‘Skills-First’ strategy to ‘Talent-First’ strategy, PLP in its continental shift toward employability, innovation, and youth economic empowerment, has dedicated 40% of its 16-week software development scholarships to women as a direct response to the massive gender imbalance in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

This commitment was exemplified by PLP 2025 graduate Wendy Otieno, who was among the top five learners selected for the physical graduation. Wendy, who also helped develop a digital safety platform for the hackathon, ‘DigiSafety’, was flanked by her father, Nicodemus Onyango. 

“I’m deeply honored to be among the top graduates and to have helped develop the DigiSafety platform, which gives women a ‘digital safety score’ based on their online habits. As a developer and also a value creator, my message to every young girl is to join this space because the opportunities are limitless,” said Otieno. 

In its fourth year, PLP has, since its inception, been able to train over 38,000 young people across Africa, 3,900 of them being women. PLP’s Talent Hub is currently negotiating the acquisition of a credit-scoring application built by a previous cohort of graduates. 

The ceremony concluded with a Career Fair connecting graduates with leading employers, including Brighter Monday, Gebeya, and Roamtech, with many conducting on-site interviews. 

Power Learn Project Africa (PLP) Learners Joan Muthoni (2^nd right), Kibiwot Kamoo (center), and Wendy Otieno (2^nd Left) representing Digital Space AI Solutions receive their award from Martin Ndlovu (Left), the Chief Growth Officer, Gebeya & PLP Board Trustee, and Anna Mutavati (Right), Regional Director UN Women ESARO. The team made the finals in a regional hackathon that was hosted by PLP and UN Women as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. /PHOTO

The action comes amid mounting criticism after the company disabled the two activists’ accounts and limited access for others in Tanzania. Digital rights advocates have condemned the move, accusing Meta of supporting President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration in suppressing public discourse following the post-election unrest in October.

On Thursday, a Meta spokesperson said Sarungi-Tsehai’s account was blocked in response to a legal order from the Tanzanian government.

Regarding Mange Kimambi, Meta told CNN’s Larry Madowo that she was banned from Instagram and WhatsApp for repeatedly violating platform rules.

L-R: Collage of prominent Tanzanian activists Mange Kimambi and Maria Sarungi-Tsehai. /VIRAL TEA KE

On Kimambi, Meta stated: “While we believe freedom of expression is a fundamental right and that our platforms should be a place where users around the world can exercise this right, we have strict rules about what is and isn’t allowed on our platforms. These Instagram accounts were removed for violating our recidivism policy. We don’t allow people to create new accounts that are similar to those we’ve previously removed for violating our Community Standards.”

On Sarungi-Tsehai, Meta said: “We believe freedom of expression is a fundamental right and that our platforms should be a place where users around the world can exercise this right. Following a legal order from Tanzanian regulators, we have restricted access to this Instagram account in Tanzania in response to regulatory demands.”

Reacting to Meta’s actions, Sarungi-Tsehai stated on X that she had not been notified about the account restriction.

“I need @meta @instagram to explain why they did not notify me at all and for transparency what ‘legal order’ does a mere Regulatory Authority in Tanzania have over a US-based company!” she said.

Kimambi, known for her outspoken digital activism, shared a screenshot showing that her Instagram account, @mangekimambi80, had been permanently disabled for alleged violations of community standards.

The notification said the account could not be restored, all associated data would be deleted, and she could not request another review, effectively shutting down one of her most influential online platforms.

On December 3, 2025, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan defended the police crackdown on protesters, calling it “necessary to prevent the overthrow of the government.” 

Her comments came after the CNN exposé by Madowo revealed the excessive force and killings by Tanzanian police during the three-day protests. Samia Suluhu maintained that the police actions were not excessive.

The elections, held on October 29, saw Samia Suluhu retain the presidency with 98% of the vote, while key opposition candidates were either jailed or disqualified. Critics have alleged widespread rigging.

Opposition groups and rights organizations claim that more than a thousand people were killed during the three days of protests following the election. Reports indicate that many victims’ bodies were never returned to their families, with some buried in mass graves.

The United Nations has called for an investigation into the killings, and the European Union is reportedly considering sanctions against Tanzania.

The update, known as “About This Account,” discloses the country or region from which an account was originally created, as well as the number of times the user has changed their username.

The feature also shows how the X app was downloaded, offering additional context about an account’s background.

Collage of excerpts showing the new X feature which exposes all particulars of an X account including the region where it was created. /THE ANFIELD STAND.WELBEAST

The rollout began after X’s head of product, Nikita Bier, announced on Saturday, November 22, that the platform had implemented a transparency measure: an “About This Account” page that reveals, among other details, the country or region where a user’s account was created. The company first announced plans for the update in October.

“This is an important first step to securing the integrity of the global town square. We plan to provide many more ways for users to verify the authenticity of the content they see on X,” Bier said in a post on the platform.

The change was met with concern among some users, particularly those in countries with restricted freedoms, who fear the feature could expose them to political risks. Some described it as forced doxxing, while others warned that accounts created using VPNs could display inaccurate location information.

On Saturday, X temporarily removed creation-location details from certain profiles. Bier later explained that the information “was not 100 percent,” especially for older accounts, and said the company plans to “bring it back by Tuesday.” Five hours later, he posted again: “I need a drink.”

Following the rollout, users immediately began checking the “about” pages of rival accounts to find inconsistencies. Within hours, people around the world — including in Kenya — started scrutinising the origins of political accounts that have been shaping global conversations.

One key finding was that several prominent accounts commenting on U.S. political issues were actually registered in European countries, including Russia.

Similarly, some high-profile “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) and right-wing accounts that present themselves as American conservatives were revealed to be operating from Nigeria. These accounts had long blended into U.S. political discourse, pushing culture-war content and partisan messaging.

In Kenya, the feature sparked immediate reaction after it emerged that The Anfield Talk — a popular Liverpool FC fan page with more than 483,000 followers — was not UK-based as previously believed but was run locally.

Another highly influential account, Welbeast, known for viral posts about Arsenal FC, was also on the spot. Thought to be UK-based owing to the context of the posts, the account with over 534,000 followers was revealed to be based in Europe but connected to an App Store in Africa. Initially, details had shown that it was based in France, connected to an App Store in Kenya.

This revelation surprised and amused many Kenyan fans, who took pride in the country’s unexpected presence in global online spaces. However, the feature also raised concerns over the potential exposure of anonymous troll accounts that have been used to influence public debate in Kenya.

The update coincided with an Amnesty report alleging that the government had run a coordinated digital operation aimed at intimidating, tracking, and silencing thousands of Gen Z protesters who led demonstrations between June 2024 and July 2025.

According to the report, state agencies and allied digital networks weaponised social media through “technology-facilitated violence” carried out mainly on X, TikTok, and Instagram.

Amnesty states that these platforms were flooded with state-backed trolling, smear campaigns, threats, and disinformation, largely targeting young activists.

In a direct message to creators, the company explained that Kenyan tax rules now require businesses to withhold and remit taxes to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for payments made to creators living in the country. Because of this, Meta will start deducting 5 per cent withholding tax from all payouts.

“Starting 1 Jan 2026, Kenya Tax law requires all businesses to deduct and remit taxes to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for any payments made to creators located in Kenya,” the notice read in part.

“As a result, Meta will deduct 5% withholding tax from all payments made to you, and the same would also be reflected in the remittance advice issued to you by Meta.”

The company added that these deductions will appear in creators’ monthly remittance statements, and only the post-tax balance will be deposited into their accounts.

“Beginning December 2025, all payments made will be subject to 5% creator withholding tax (in addition to any other withholding taxes applicable) and the net amount after tax will be paid to you,” Meta said.

Supporting compliance efforts

Meta says this adjustment brings the company in line with the state’s push to tighten compliance and widen Kenya’s tax net within the fast-growing digital economy, which includes influencer marketing, online content creation, and digital advertising.

The change will affect thousands of Kenyan creators earning through Meta’s monetisation tools on Facebook and Instagram. Creators will now have to factor in the deducted tax when filing their annual KRA returns.

Withholding tax requires entities making certain payments — such as professional fees, dividends, and now creator payouts — to cut a portion at the source and send it straight to KRA. The aim is to guarantee upfront tax collection.

However, these changes will mean that content creators using these apps to earn their income will take home less earnings, a move that will force them to increase their rates to cater for the deductions.

Monetisation updates

The announcement lands after Meta introduced two major earning features for Kenyan creators in August 2024: In-Stream Ads on Facebook and Facebook Ads on Reels, both designed to help creators make money from original video content.

Also Read: How To Earn Money Through Facebook & Instagram's 2 New Features

Moon Baz, Meta’s Global Partnerships Lead for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye, previously said these tools would boost Kenya’s creative sector.

“Every day, we’re inspired by the incredible African creators who use Facebook to tell their stories, connect with others, and bring people together.”

“This expansion will empower eligible creators in Kenya’s vibrant creative industry to earn money, setting a high bar for creativity worldwide and making Meta’s family of apps the one-stop shop for all creators,” Baz said.

In-Stream Ads include pre-roll, mid-roll, image, and post-roll formats, while Ads on Facebook Reels pay creators based on how their original short-form videos perform.

Cloudflare announced that it was dealing with an internal systems slowdown that was disrupting some of its services. “Cloudflare is experiencing an internal service degradation.

"Some services may be intermittently impacted. We are focused on restoring service. We will update as we are able to remediate,” the company noted on its status page.

People trying to access affected platforms were met with error notices like “internal server error” and “there is an internal server error on Cloudflare's network.”

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Screenshot of an internal server error that affected Cloudflare as of November 18, 2025. /VIRAL TEA KE

Outage tracker Downdetector showed issues starting at 2.16 pm, with incident reports rising rapidly from just two cases to thousands by 2.46 pm. By 4 pm, Cloudflare shared another update: “We are continuing to work on restoring service for application services customers.”

After a massive portion of the internet went offline Tuesday evening, Cloudflare Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Dane Knecht went online to explain the root cause of the global disruption.

“I won’t mince words: earlier today, we failed our customers and the broader Internet when a problem in the Cloudflare network impacted large amounts of traffic that rely on us. The sites, businesses, and organizations that rely on Cloudflare depend on us being available, and I apologize for the impact that we caused," he stated on his X account.

He, however, stressed that it was "not an attack." “Transparency about what happened matters, and we plan to share a breakdown with more details in a few hours."

"In short, a latent bug in a service underpinning our bot mitigation capability started to crash after a routine configuration change we made. That cascaded into a broad degradation of our network and other services. This was not an attack,” he continued.

He admitted that both the outage and the slow resolution were unacceptable, adding, "Work is already underway to make sure it does not happen again, but I know it caused real pain today. The trust our customers place in us is what we value the most, and we are going to do what it takes to earn that back.”

The outage also crippled many major news websites, including Viral Tea, rendering them unable to publish real-time news content as has been the norm daily. It also affected games such as League of Legends and Valorant, as well as Spotify and even Downdetector itself.

Surprisingly, Meta apps including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Threads as well as LinkedIn were not affected by the outage.

What Is Cloudflare?

Cloudflare is one of the world’s largest internet infrastructure providers, powering everything from small blogs to major global platforms.

The company offers a mix of security, traffic management, and performance tools that help websites load faster, stay secure, and handle massive volumes of users. Because it operates as a protective and routing layer between websites and the public, millions of organisations, ours included, rely on its network to stay online.

When Cloudflare experiences an outage, the impact is immediate and far-reaching. The company’s systems sit at a critical point in the global internet ecosystem, meaning even a brief disruption can trigger widespread loading failures across countless websites and apps.

During outages, users typically encounter error messages, stalled services, and inaccessible platforms — issues that ripple across sectors including media, e-commerce, finance, and government services.

Given Cloudflare’s central role in global web traffic, any breakdown in its operations effectively disrupts a significant portion of the internet, making such incidents highly consequential worldwide.

As global banking, shopping, and daily services increasingly depend on the internet, cyber-resilience specialists say the web’s backbone has become overly concentrated in the hands of a few dominant firms, creating a risky “dependency chain.”

Cloudflare’s issues follow similar disruptions at Amazon’s AWS and Microsoft’s Azure, less than a month ago, the former had impacted Canva as well as Snapchat, Duolingo, Roblox, Coinbase, Amazon Alexa, Crunchyroll, Fortnite, PUBG, Apple TV, and The New York Times.

Alongside Google Cloud, these tech giants control roughly two-thirds of the infrastructure that supports the digital economy. Analysts say the recent outages underscore the need for a more diverse mix of providers to mitigate vulnerability.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 18, CA described the allegations as baseless and alarming, emphasizing that it has not granted any such permissions.

"CA has noted the concerns and media commentary regarding the collection of biometric data during registration. For the avoidance of doubt, CA has not issued any directives for the collection of biometric data," the Authority stated.

Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) headquarters in Nairobi. /FILE

CA clarified that SIM card registration rules are designed solely to protect Kenyans from SIM-related fraud and are not meant to infringe on citizens’ rights.

The Authority said the regulations aim to enhance the integrity of telecom services, ensuring each registered line is linked to a specific individual.

The rules were also intended to secure access to digital services such as mobile money, e-government, and e-commerce.

Addressing the topic of biometric data, CA explained that it refers to personal information derived from technical processing of physical, physiological, or behavioural traits, including blood typing, DNA analysis, fingerprints, earlobe geometry, retinal scans, and voice recognition.

"This definition does not mean that all this information will be collected from subscribers during SIM card registration. As a matter of fact, the Authority has not directed our licensees to collect this data," CA clarified.

The Authority further emphasized that the new SIM Card Regulations place strict security and confidentiality obligations on telecom operators.

Suspension of SIM Cards

CA also dismissed claims that operators could suspend SIM cards arbitrarily. The regulations only allow suspension when subscribers provide false information or repeatedly fail to meet registration requirements.

The rules make clear that no subscriber can be disconnected without prior notice, and operators must follow fair, transparent procedures in all consumer dealings.

A photo of several scattered sim cards. /KENYA PICS

In a notice issued to customers on Saturday, November 15, the company said the Fuliza platform will undergo scheduled maintenance on Monday, November 17, 2025, between 1:00 am and 2:00 am.

This will be a one-hour window where access to the service may be shaky or completely unavailable. However, other M-PESA services will run normally.

"We are continually improving our platform to enhance our services, connecting you, our customers, with more innovations and an even better experience.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa during a past meeting. /SWALA NYETI

"To support this and meet our promise to offer always-on, safe, secure, and worry-free financial products and services, we will be conducting a scheduled system upgrade on the Fuliza Platform on Monday, 17th November 2025, from 0100 Hrs to 0200 Hrs," the statement read in part.

The telco insists the timing was chosen to minimise disruption, but users are already buzzing online, with many cautioning night shoppers, travellers, and emergency spenders to plan.

Safaricom has apologised for the inconvenience and thanked customers for their patience as it tunes up one of Kenya’s most-used digital credit tools.

"The timing of this maintenance activity has been planned to result in minimal inconvenience to our customers. We apologize for any inconvenience that may be caused and thank you for your continued support," added the statement.

How Fuliza Works

Fuliza is Safaricom’s always-on overdraft facility built into M-PESA, allowing customers to complete transactions even when their mobile money balances are running low.

Launched in 2019, the service quickly became one of Kenya’s most-used digital credit tools, stepping in as an instant buffer whenever users attempt payments, transfers, or Lipa na M-MPESA transactions without enough funds in their wallet.

Instead of declining the transaction, Fuliza automatically tops up the deficit, and the customer repays later once money flows back into their M-PESA account.

The service operates more like a short-term overdraft than a traditional loan. Users are charged daily fees and interest until the borrowed amount is cleared, a structure that has fuelled both widespread adoption and public debate.

Despite the criticism, Fuliza remains a lifeline for millions who rely on it for quick fixes—whether it’s topping up fare, clearing a bill, or paying for essentials when cash runs tight.

Fuliza is run through a partnership between Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), and NCBA Bank, allowing the telco to offer digital credit backed by formal banking infrastructure. This setup has helped drive massive usage, with the platform processing billions of shillings in overdrafts every month and playing a central role in Kenya’s mobile-money economy.

In recent years, Safaricom has been under rising pressure to streamline costs for users, introduce more transparency, and strengthen consumer protections. System upgrades and policy reforms have been rolled out gradually to improve performance, reduce downtime, and keep the service stable as demand expands.

Recently, the telco shifted its M-PESA operations to a new Fintech 2.0 core system, a next-gen platform built to boost stability, handle heavier traffic, and support smarter, AI-powered features. The transition came as M-PESA usage continues to surge and customer habits continue to evolve.

A person using M-PESA on his phone. /NATION MEDIA GROUP

The competition features one of the biggest prize pools in Kenya’s innovation scene. The overall winning team will walk away with Ksh 2 million, while the top individual finalist bags Ksh 1 million.

The first runners-up will receive up to Ksh 1.5 million (teams) or Ksh 750,000 (individuals), and second runners-up stand to win up to Ksh 1 million (teams) or Ksh 500,000 (individuals).

Photo of the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU)

Special prizes include Ksh 300,000 for the best solution in each sub-theme and Ksh 400,000 for outstanding innovations in select categories.

Registration

Registration for the hackathon — themed “National Prosperity: Leveraging Innovations for Sustainable Development and Security” — is open to Kenyans of all ages until November 28, 2025. Participants can join individually or in teams, competing across five challenge tracks:

• Cybersecurity & Data Protection

• Security, Safety & Policy

• Sustainable Development & Economic Innovation

• Governance, Public Policy & Political Stability

• Homegrown Generative AI

“The AI Hackathon 2025 is a chance for Kenyan innovators to build homegrown solutions. We will incubate the top innovators, mentoring and supporting them to turn their ideas into real-world impact,” said Dr. James Kibon, Vice Chancellor of NIRU.

The initiative seeks to position Kenya as a continental leader in AI-driven transformation, while accelerating solutions that enhance national resilience, boost economic growth, and strengthen long-term security.

The hackathon is being spearheaded by NIRU in collaboration with top partners from academia and the private sector, including the United States International University–Africa (USIU-Africa), Strathmore University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Open University of Kenya and Co-operative University of Kenya.

Private sector players include Equity Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), and the Communications Authority of Kenya. Full details are available on the official portal: https://aihackathon.niru.ac.ke/.

About NIRU

Owned and managed by the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU) is a premier African institution dedicated to excellence in science, technology, and intelligence education. 

With a global outlook, the government institution is committed to empowering the intelligence community through innovative academic programs and cutting-edge research.

Guided by its core values — Excellence, Integrity, Academic Freedom, Collaboration, and Innovation — NIRU fosters a learning environment where knowledge meets purpose.

The public university actively contributes to national and regional development by producing skilled professionals equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of intelligence and security. 

NIRU continues to grow as a center of academic distinction, building partnerships and nurturing future leaders in the intelligence sector.

As Kenya races to harness the power of AI for national progress, the National AI Hackathon 2025 could mark a defining moment — one where young innovators turn ideas into impact, and Kenya cements its place as the region’s tech powerhouse.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi, in a ruling delivered on Thursday, November 7, suspended Sections 27(1)(b) and 6 of the Act pending the conclusion of petitions challenging the new cybercrime law.

The judge also froze Section 6(1)(j)(a), which allows authorities to block websites or applications allegedly promoting illegal activities, obscene material involving minors, or intimidation.

“Following the parties’ agreement, the court adopts the same as a consent order and allows the suspension of Sections 6 and 27 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act pending hearing and determination of this case,” Justice Mugambi ruled.

He clarified that social media platforms will remain protected until all six petitions contesting the amendments are fully heard.

Mugambi further directed the Attorney General, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), Members of Parliament, and the petitioners to revise earlier court orders that had frozen the entire Act.

The Attorney General’s team and CA argued that the initial suspension issued on October 22 was too broad, blocking the state from enforcing non-controversial sections of the law.

“After consultations with all parties, we have agreed to amend the earlier orders and suspend only two sections of the Cybercrimes Act until the case is heard and determined,” said lawyer Paul Nyamodi, who represented the Attorney General.

CA’s lawyer, Patrick Lutta, also objected to the earlier ruling, saying it was based on “non-disclosure of material facts” and could undermine online safety and law enforcement efforts.

The original orders stemmed from petitions filed by gospel musician Reuben Kigame and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri, who argued that the amendments signed into law by President William Ruto on October 15, 2025, posed a threat to digital rights and free expression.

They further contended that several provisions of the amended Act give state agencies excessive and unchecked powers to monitor, access, and restrict online accounts without court approval — actions they say violate constitutional protections under Articles 31, 33, 34, 35, and 36, which guarantee privacy, free speech, and media independence.

The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was published by the National Assembly on August 9, 2024, and later subjected to public participation through the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information, and Innovation, which engaged civil society and industry stakeholders.

The new amendments had sought to expand the definition of computer misuse to include unauthorized system access or modification and to criminalize ICT-enabled offences targeting networks or data.

Justice Mugambi’s latest orders also suspend Section 27 of the Act, which criminalises publishing messages that could drive a recipient to self-harm, until the petitions are determined.

A photo of the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi. /FILE

In its statement, NetBlocks suggested the timing was deliberate, pointing out a recurring trend of internet censorship during exam periods aimed at curbing cheating.

“Confirmed: Metrics show that messaging app Telegram has been restricted in Kenya as KCSE school exams are held,” the group stated.

“This follows an established pattern of internet censorship measures intended to limit cheating on exam days,” it added.

Telegram has previously been flagged as a major hub for exam leaks, with reports of groups selling or sharing exam papers online.

Scammers posing as exam distributors have also used the platform to con students, parents, and teachers out of millions of shillings.

An NTV investigation in 2024 exposed that these fraudsters offered various “packages,” charging around Ksh3,500 for a single paper and up to Ksh18,000 for so-called VIP access that allegedly provided all papers until the end of the exams.

The restriction of Telegram in Kenya during KCSE exams is not a new case, as this also happened in 2023 and last year. The app can sustain large public groups of up to 200,000 members or share one-way updates to unlimited audiences via channels.

This latest restriction comes just days after the government announced it would implement 24-hour social media surveillance to stop exam leaks and fraud.

On October 29, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo revealed that a multi-agency team had been formed to coordinate real-time monitoring and crackdown operations against individuals attempting to compromise exam integrity.

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) had earlier sounded the alarm over exam leaks facilitated through WhatsApp and Telegram, noting that around 51 Telegram channels had been identified, with only 18 flagged so far.

To tighten security, new exam administration measures have been introduced for the 2025 national exams, including personalised KCSE papers for each candidate and a double-collection system, where afternoon papers are released only shortly before the session begins to prevent leaks.

This year, approximately 996,078 students are sitting for the KCSE exams, which will run for about three weeks, concluding on November 21.

In a statement on Friday, October 31, KRA confirmed the breach, warning the public to avoid any interaction with the compromised account.

“The official KRACare X (formerly Twitter) account has been hacked and its handle changed to ‘StandsX’. Members of the public are strongly warned not to engage with posts on the account as they are fraudulent,” KRA said.

The tax agency urged Kenyans not to share personal information or send money to any messages or posts originating from the hacked page, emphasizing that the content being shared was not from KRA.

A screengrab of KRACare's hacked X account with over 339,000 followers. /VIRAL TEA KE

KRA also assured the public that joint recovery efforts with X’s management were underway. “Official updates will be shared through verified KRA communication channels. You can still reach us here on Facebook or via WhatsApp 0711099999,” the Authority added.

A spot check by Viral Tea showed that the hacked account’s name had been switched from KRACare to StandXs, with its last legitimate post made on Thursday, October 30, at 10:42 a.m. That final post encouraged Kenyans to uphold ethical conduct and report tax fraud through official KRA channels.

“Integrity is everyone’s responsibility. If you notice something unethical, use whistle.kra.go.ke to report it securely and confidentially. Together, we keep the system clean,” the post read.

The compromised account, which was created in February 2014, had over 339,000 followers and primarily served as a customer care platform for taxpayers. KRA clarified that this was different from its corporate X account, which has around 122,000 followers.

This latest hack adds KRA to a growing list of Kenyan parastatals and public figures whose social media accounts have been compromised in recent months. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), and Business Registration Service (BRS) have all experienced similar incidents this year.

In September, the X account of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was also hijacked by crypto scammers who falsely claimed Kenya was launching a new digital currency called the “Kenya token.”

The fraudulent post read: “We are pleased to announce that the Kenya token will soon launch... Kenya is stepping up to lead Africa into the crypto revolution... The official token will be launched on @solana. Join our Updates Channel: t.me/KenyaToken.”

The announcement quickly raised suspicion due to its informal tone, Telegram link, and lack of official government endorsement, leading to the conclusion that it was a scam or the result of a hack exploiting Odinga’s name and credibility.

KRA's alert after its X account was taken over by hackers as of October 31, 2025. /KENYA REVENUE AUTHORITY.X

In a social media post on Tuesday, October 28, Jhanda said he intends to push for government limits on who can discuss professional matters online.

The legislator noted that he will sponsor a bill requiring influencers to hold relevant qualifications—such as a degree—before sharing opinions on specialized subjects.

He cautioned that creators who speak on law, finance, health, or similar fields must be “qualified and accountable.”

MP Zaheer Jhanda attending the 68th Parliamentary Conference in Bridgetown, Barbados on October 11, 2025. /ZAHEER JHANDA

“I am borrowing a leaf from one of the most advanced nations – China – with a larger population than ours. I am equally going to sponsor a Bill to regulate Influencers. They must have degrees to talk about professional topics,” he stated.

Jhanda further emphasized that such influencers should be recognized by official professional bodies to curb misinformation.

“We cannot have a Country where everyone is an expert. They must be recognised by professional bodies such as the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK),” he added.

He cited China’s recent move to tighten control over online creators as an example Kenya should follow.

According to the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), new regulations effective October 25, 2025, require influencers to verify their expertise—through degrees, licenses, or certifications—before discussing sensitive topics like law, education, finance, and medicine.

The rules also compel influencers to disclose when their content is research-based or AI-generated and bar them from advertising medical products, supplements, or health foods under the guise of educational material.

Why This Matters

MP Jhanda's proposal touches directly on free speech, digital influence, and trust in online information. Kenya’s social media scene is massive—millions rely on influencers for news, financial advice, health tips, and political opinions.

The lawmaker's proposal could reshape that entire landscape. On one hand, requiring influencers to have professional qualifications before talking about technical topics like law or medicine could help curb misinformation and protect the public from fake experts who spread harmful or misleading content.

However, this move could easily be seen as an attempt to control who gets to speak online, threatening freedom of expression. It risks silencing creators who share valuable insights based on experience rather than formal education. Many Kenyan influencers built careers by connecting with audiences in authentic, relatable ways—something a degree doesn’t guarantee.

If implemented, the law could also change how digital marketing, advocacy, and citizen journalism work, with professional bodies and government agencies determining who qualifies to post about what.

The balance between accountability and free speech will be critical. Ultimately, this debate isn’t just about influencers—it’s about who controls information in Kenya’s increasingly digital democracy.

Collage of social media influencers in Kenya. /CITIZEN DIGITAL

President William Ruto signed the law on October 15, 2025, ignoring mounting criticism that it could fuel digital authoritarianism and deepen state-sponsored repression.

At the core of the petition is a contentious clause criminalizing the publication of what the law calls “false, misleading, or mischievous information.” Kigame and KHRC argue that the language is deliberately vague, giving the state dangerous leeway to decide what counts as truth.

Human rights activist and gospel musician Reuben Kigame during a past media address. /FILE

“The petitioners argue that this vague and overbroad definition effectively grants the regime the discretion to determine what constitutes truth and to punish those who speak out against it,” reads part of the filing.

In their view, the amendment opens the door for the government to weaponize “truth” as a political tool, threatening journalists, whistleblowers, and citizens who challenge official narratives.

The law also compels all social-media users to verify their accounts using government-issued legal names, a move the petitioners warn will unleash widespread state surveillance and profiling.

“The mandatory verification requirement constitutes a blanket infringement of the right to privacy under Article 31 of the Constitution,” the petition states. “It forces the unnecessary revelation of private affairs and directly infringes upon the privacy of communications.”

KHRC says this provision effectively outlaws anonymity — a vital layer of protection for whistleblowers, activists, and victims of state violence — and could expose them to harassment or worse.

The petition also highlights Kenya’s dark history of intimidation, noting that “in a country where human rights defenders, journalists, and activists have historically been abducted, tortured, or killed after speaking out,” mandatory identity verification poses a serious threat.

Censorship on Autopilot

Kigame and KHRC further warn that forcing digital platforms to rapidly delete flagged content will create a culture of fear and censorship, where companies over-remove posts to avoid state penalties.

“This law criminalizes speech on the basis of speculation,” the petition argues. “It targets communication that the state claims could hypothetically cause harm, without any demonstrable link between expression and outcome.”

Digital rights experts have echoed this concern, saying the amendment could turn Kenya’s online space into a “surveillance state” — one where speaking out feels like a crime.

Unconstitutional Passage

The petition also takes aim at how the bill was passed, saying it violated the Constitution. According to Kigame and KHRC, the law should have been debated in the Senate, as it affects county functions — but Parliament pushed it through without that step.

For Kigame, the issue is bigger than a single law — it’s about defending Kenya’s constitutional freedoms in an age where dissent increasingly lives online.

“This law legalizes fear,” Kigame said after filing the suit. “Kenya must not allow leaders to decide who can speak and who cannot. A government that fears criticism fears the truth.”

The petition sets up a major legal showdown that could shape the future of free speech, privacy, and digital rights in Kenya — and determine just how far the state can go in policing the internet.

The cloud computing giant suffered a major technical disruption that started around 10 a.m., with Kenya among the countries feeling the impact, according to global outage tracker Downdetector.

By mid-morning, more than 13,000 incidents related to AWS failures had been reported worldwide, temporarily crippling apps and websites dependent on its infrastructure.

A photo showing Duolingo's logo. /ANDROID POLICE

In Kenya, major platforms affected included Snapchat, Roblox, Canva, and Duolingo. Snapchat users complained of app crashes and failed logins, while Roblox — a top gaming and creation platform for youth — saw local gamers and developers facing server errors and access issues.

Canva users, particularly students, marketers, and content creators, were unable to open or edit projects, encountering slow load times and blank screens.

However, this is notably the second time the platform was hit by a global outage after a similar one occurred on June 21, 2025, to which the app had stated that "We’re aware of an issue where users are unable to access Canva and are encountering timeout errors when attempting to load the platform." However, it did not explain what caused that outage.

Similarly, Duolingo learners struggled with unresponsive features and frequent app crashes that disrupted their daily language practice streaks.

Globally, other services hit by the outage included Coinbase, Amazon Alexa, Crunchyroll, Fortnite, PUBG, Apple TV, and The New York Times.

While not all are widely used in Kenya, platforms like Coinbase have been gaining popularity among local crypto traders.

Amazon has yet to release a detailed statement on the cause, though previous AWS outages have often stemmed from server misconfigurations or system overloads within its cloud network.

Despite the disruptions, not all major online platforms were affected. Google services — which run on the company’s own cloud system — remained stable, as did Meta’s platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

The law targets offences involving child pornography, terrorism, and extremist religious or cult-related activity.

Signed on Wednesday, October 15, 2025—the same day former Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed away—the amendment grants the government authority to seek pre-emptive shutdowns of online platforms suspected of enabling criminal acts.

The newly enacted law, which carries significant implications, now grants courts and investigative agencies the power to block websites and applications hosting unlawful material, order their shutdown, and compel individuals to take down harmful content.

These expanded powers stem from the introduction of Section 46A, which gives courts wide-ranging authority to direct the removal of illegal content from digital platforms or devices, suspend non-compliant websites, and authorize swift action in suspected violations.

Under this provision, investigators no longer have to wait for actual harm to occur—they can now petition the court for permission to intervene early and curb the spread of illegal or offensive content before it gains traction online.

“Where an authorised person believes that a computer system, website, or digital device is being used to promote illegal activities, child pornography, terrorism, or extreme religious and cultic practices, the authorised person may apply to court for an order for the removal of the content or materials from the computer system, website, or digital device," reads the new law.

“Computer misuse refers to the unauthorised use, modification, or access to a computer system, program, or data; and cybercrime refers to an offence committed through the use of information and communication technology to target networks, systems, data, websites, or technology, or to facilitate a crime.”

Beyond granting access to electronic devices, the new law broadens the scope of identity theft to cover passwords and makes digital impersonation, data harvesting, and phishing explicitly criminal offenses.

It stipulates that anyone who unlawfully alters or assumes control of another person’s SIM card with the intent to commit a crime faces up to two years in prison, a fine not exceeding Ksh 200,000, or both.

The bill defines a computer system as any physical or virtual device—such as a mobile phone—that uses electronic, magnetic, optical, or similar technology to process, store, communicate, or control data and other devices.

The legislation was signed into law after Members of Parliament passed it with several changes recommended by the Departmental Committee on Information, Communication and Innovation, led by Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie.

While defending the bill, Kiarie emphasized that it strengthens the legal framework by expanding the meaning of identity theft to include passwords and by criminalizing acts such as digital impersonation, phishing, and data harvesting.

“What we are observing is that phishing is becoming the order of the day. We seek to avert these increasing incidences of phishing, which can be executed by use of hyperlinks — stealing identities, money, and private information," he said.

Kiarie noted that Kenyans spend an average of about four hours and twelve minutes online each day, a trend that exposes the nation to risks such as fake news, cyberbullying, and AI-driven misinformation. He explained that the amendments aim to strengthen existing laws amid rising cases of toxic or false content online.

Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi added that the reforms also respond to growing international pressure, especially from the European Union, which has faulted Kenya for inadequate regulation of online child exploitation. She further warned that young Kenyans hoping to study abroad could face setbacks due to their digital footprints.

The proposal had drawn opposition from entities such as the Kenya Information Communication Technology Action Network (KICTANet), comprising over 50 organisations in the private sector, which feared that implementing this bill could give the government unnecessary powers to control Kenyans' freedom of speech in whichever format and reduction of the freedoms of online platforms which offer an alternative method of free speech, including news websites.

"Given Kenya’s recent history of shutting down the Internet in June 2024 and blocking messaging applications like Telegram in November 2023, the proposal does not come as a surprise. It appears to be yet another attempt to formalise and expand government censorship," said KICTANet in a statement in October 2024.

On Monday, October 13, Beatrice Njeri, a fruit vendor who is popular on X and TikTok, took to X to announce to her fans that she had gifted herself the latest flagship iPhone 17 Pro Max for her birthday.

"Yooh, I was manifesting the 16 pro max, but guess what! New owner in town. Hey, iPhone 17 Pro Max," she wrote under the moniker Irris Njeri. Further, she shared a receipt showing she coughed up Ksh248,000 to acquire the powerful gadget.

As the post of her showcasing her new gadget went viral on X, viewed close to 200,000 times and counting, some users bemoaned that she had purchased the gadget oblivious of the revolutionary features the expensive smartphone possesses.

Photo of iPhone 17 Pro Max devices. /TEKNOLOGI.ID

"This phone is capable of recording ProRes videos, play select Triple A games, and run LLM models locally, but this is gonna be its life," wrote Stanley Masinde, who was criticised merely for his technical take.

While the iPhone’s association with prestige and luxury often dominates the conversation, there are deeper, lesser-known factors influencing this loyalty. From resale value and design to privacy, safety, and ecosystem reliability,

Here’s why more women, Kenyan ones included, are choosing iPhones despite the steep price tag, and even though high-end Samsung phones possess features that are superior to iPhones:

1. Strong Resale Value and Trade-In Market

In Kenya, iPhones retain remarkable value long after purchase. Unlike many Android models that lose over half their worth within a year, iPhones can hold 50–70 per cent of their original price even after two to three years.

For example, some Nairobi retailers offer up to Ksh 110,000 for used iPhone 14 Pro Max units, depending on condition. This high resale value appeals to many women who plan purchases carefully or want flexibility when upgrading. It turns the iPhone from a one-off luxury into a manageable long-term investment.

2. Camera and Social Media Use

Kenyan women are among Africa’s most active social media users, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp driving photo and video sharing culture. Surveys show that women tend to take and post more selfies than men, making camera reliability a big deal.

The iPhone’s camera quality — especially its natural skin-tone rendering, portrait mode, and consistency — means users don’t have to spend time adjusting filters or lighting.

For content creators, influencers, and everyday users alike, the iPhone’s “it just works” approach produces social-ready photos and videos with minimal effort.

3. Brand Trust, Safety, and Support

With Kenya’s smartphone market flooded by parallel imports and counterfeit Android models, Apple’s reputation for authenticity and reliability gives iPhones an edge.

Women often cite trust and product safety as major deciding factors when choosing tech products. Buying an iPhone through authorized resellers like Salute iWorld or iStreet Kenya guarantees a verified warranty, reducing the risk of fakes or poor after-sales service.

For busy users who don’t have time to troubleshoot hardware or software issues, the iPhone’s consistency and official support network are major pluses.

4. Ecosystem and Integration

While Apple Pay and other advanced Apple services are not yet mainstream in Kenya, the iPhone still fits seamlessly into the broader Apple ecosystem. Features such as iCloud backup, AirDrop, FaceTime, and smooth connectivity across Apple devices simplify daily life for women balancing business, family, and social needs.

Kenyan professionals and entrepreneurs increasingly rely on digital tools and banking apps, and the iPhone’s reputation for stability, security, and compatibility with essential apps — including M-Pesa, mobile banking, and social commerce platforms — makes it a practical companion for multitaskers.

5. Identity, Signalling, and Social Dynamics

Let’s be honest: in Kenya, an iPhone still makes a statement. Whether it’s a corporate meeting in Upper Hill, a brunch in Westlands, or a TikTok Live session, pulling out an iPhone signals aspiration, taste, and reliability. But it’s more than showing off.

For many women, the iPhone represents success, confidence, and belonging to a modern, tech-savvy community. Data from recent brand perception studies lists Apple among the top 10 most-loved brands by Kenyan women, alongside household names like M-Pesa and Safaricom.

The iPhone has quietly evolved into a lifestyle badge — part of how women express identity and ambition in a digital world.

6. Financial Models and Affordability Options

The iPhone’s high cost — sometimes exceeding Ksh 160,000 for premium models — has long been a barrier. However, changing market trends are making ownership more accessible.

Nairobi retailers and fintech startups are increasingly offering refurbished iPhones and flexible financing options, including buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) programs. Clean, certified refurbished iPhones with short warranties are now common in markets like Kimathi Street and online stores.

Photo of iPhone devices on display at an Apple store. /GOOGLE

For women entrepreneurs or professionals who prefer to spread costs over several months, these payment models make the iPhone a more realistic goal than before.

7. Consistency in Software Updates and Longevity

Apple’s long-term software support is a major reason women prefer iPhones. Most models receive iOS updates for five to seven years — far longer than typical Android phones, which often stop receiving updates after two years. This ensures better performance, fewer security risks, and a more consistent user experience. 

For Kenyan women who use their phones for business, mobile banking, and communication, this longevity means fewer disruptions and lower long-term costs. The iPhone also retains its performance better over time, reducing frustrations with lag, crashes, or outdated apps.

8. Safety and Security Features

Apple’s continued emphasis on privacy and safety resonates strongly with women, especially in an era of increasing online scams and data leaks. 

Features like App Tracking Transparency, Face ID security, and end-to-end encryption on iMessage and FaceTime make the iPhone feel safer. The newer models even include Crash Detection and Emergency SOS, which can automatically alert emergency services — a small but meaningful safety net for women who travel or work alone.

In a society where personal safety and digital privacy are growing concerns, these tools add tangible peace of mind.

The Trade-offs Remain

Cost remains the biggest barrier; top-tier models can cost more than a used car or an acre of land. Android still dominates with affordable, feature-rich phones from brands like Tecno, Infinix, and Samsung that meet the needs of the average Kenyan user.

Access to authorized Apple service centers outside Nairobi and Mombasa is still limited, and import duties make devices more expensive than in the United States (US) or Europe.

However, Kenya’s growing digital middle class — led by young professionals, influencers, and entrepreneurs — continues to shift the market. For this demographic, the iPhone isn’t just a communication device. It’s an investment in stability, identity, and future-proof tech.

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, women’s preference for iPhones blends practicality and aspiration. From dependable cameras and safety features to resale value and a trusted brand name, the iPhone appeals to those seeking reliability and self-expression in one sleek package.

As mobile commerce, digital creativity, and financial independence continue to expand among women, the iPhone’s blend of function and prestige keeps it a top choice — not just for what it does, but for what it represents.

In a market flooded with options, the iPhone remains the one smartphone that continues to spark conversation, loyalty, and quiet admiration — a symbol of modern womanhood in the digital age.

Photo of a woman using her iPhone. /GETTY IMAGES

In a social media post on Thursday, October 9, Itumbi revealed that the government is developing a system that would reward viewers for watching advertisements while also supporting content creators.

He noted that similar models are already operational in Nigeria and South Africa, with Kenya expected to follow soon.

The initiative is part of his department’s plan to build a creator-driven marketing industry in Kenya, reflecting the country’s growing pool of digital content creators.

The Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination, Dennis Itumbi, at his office in Nairobi on October 9, 2025. /DENNIS ITUMBI

"ImagineBC and TrulyKe share our vision of channeling advertising through creators. They showcased what their platforms are already achieving in Nigeria and South Africa. They also proposed an improved and innovative model where audiences can get paid to watch adverts," he wrote in part.

"They have agreed to pilot this idea before we explore a broader partnership. Soon, they will release details on how creators can collaborate with them and how consumers can also earn by engaging with creative content."

Itumbi’s latest statement comes a few months after he disclosed that the government was in talks with TikTok Global to roll out monetization features for Kenyan users.

Speaking during the memorial service of comedian Mr. KK Mwenyewe on July 21, Itumbi warned that if TikTok failed to address the concerns raised by Kenyan creators, the government would consider developing its own platform that allows them to earn from their content.

"If we are an organisation, we can ask TikTok Global and tell them our concerns. If they do not agree with us, we can even form our own Kenyan TikTok and create our own monetisation from there," he said.

"We need to come together and have a strong movement that can negotiate. Having said that, I will invite TikTok Global and will ask my friend Butita to offer his media company to organise us, and we have a one-day thing. I will bring the top leadership of TikTok, and we will raise the issues. TikTok is a private company, so the government can only do so much."

Dennis Itumbi, Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Executive Office of the President, has revealed that the government is ready to pay influencers who publicize its services.

Addressing content creators in Nairobi on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Itumbi said those producing content around key programs like agriculture, health, housing, and job creation stand to receive direct government support.

“The government is willing to put money specifically for a few things that the government is doing, and you can benefit directly.

“One by putting proposals…I would like creators to take advantage of this because if you do content around housing, health, job creation, and agriculture, we are willing to put money into it for you,” Itumbi said.

As of Monday, September 29, social media was dominated by numerous complaints regarding the event despite the performances from her and other acts such as Joshua Baraka, Toxic Lyrikali, Chimano, among others. However, one stood out: network issues.

In a world where digital has become a part of our lives, constant network issues left revellers infuriated, unable to complete their payments via mobile money transactions and log onto the internet to share minute-by-minute updates of the highly anticipated event.

Even worse, some revellers reported being unable to receive calls, hence an emergency, which thankfully did not occur, would have gone almost unnoticed across the country, leading to delayed responses.

Our editor at Viral Tea, who was covering the event, reported similar issues, and given that this is a real-time digital platform, capturing and posting vital updates of the concert on social media was a tall order, and some had to wait until departure from the concert before they could be shared.

Why This Happens

If you have ever been at a packed concert or stadium and wondered why your phone stops working, you are not alone. Despite showing full signal bars, calls fail, texts hang, and mobile data slows to a crawl.

As we found out, the culprit is not your phone but the network, which struggles to handle thousands of people trying to connect in the same place at the same time.

Mobile networks function through a web of cell towers that connect phones to the wider internet. Each tower has a limited number of users it can serve simultaneously and a fixed amount of spectrum—the radio frequencies that carry voice and data.

When tens of thousands of people gather in one space, such as a stadium or concert venue, in this case, those limits are quickly reached. Towers reach maximum capacity, and many phones attempting to connect are rejected. Even when devices connect, the available bandwidth is split among so many users that speeds slow to a crawl.

This explains why phones may still display full bars but fail to work properly. Signal bars only measure the strength of a phone’s connection to the tower, not whether the tower itself has the capacity to process all that traffic. It is like standing outside a nightclub—you can clearly see the door, but if the club is already at maximum capacity, the bouncer will not let you in.

Why It Feels Worse Today

The problem has intensified because of how people now use their devices. 10 years ago, eventgoers were mostly making calls or sending texts. Today, audiences livestream shows, upload videos in real time, and rely on messaging apps that consume far more bandwidth. These data-heavy habits strain networks that were never designed to handle thousands of simultaneous uploads from the same location.

The congestion often peaks at particular moments. During a goal at the World Cup, when the headliner steps on stage at Coachella, or when a political candidate makes a key speech, entire crowds instinctively reach for their phones.

In that instant, tens of thousands of devices attempt to upload or stream content simultaneously, overwhelming whatever additional capacity may have been installed. This was a common problem we also witnessed during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 tournament in Nairobi.

The Technical Limits

Several factors explain why networks collapse in such situations, with spectrum scarcity being the most significant.

Telecom companies only control a limited range of frequencies allocated by governments, and they cannot simply expand spectrum on demand. Each coverage area, or cell, also has a hard cap on how many users it can handle simultaneously. Once that threshold is reached, new attempts fail.

Backhaul capacity is another constraint. Towers must be linked back to the wider internet through fiber cables or microwave links. If those links are overloaded, speeds collapse regardless of how much spectrum is available. Interference from thousands of devices transmitting in proximity only adds to the inefficiency.

To manage these challenges, operators have experimented with several solutions. Temporary towers, known as “cells on wheels,” are deployed to boost coverage for large events.

Kasarani Stadium during Kenya vs Madagascar on August 22, 2025. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRAL TEA KE

Further, distributed antenna systems use multiple smaller antennas within a stadium or concert ground to spread the traffic more evenly. Small cells—miniature towers—are often installed in and around venues to relieve pressure on larger towers.

Some venues provide free Wi-Fi to divert users away from mobile networks, while the rollout of 5G brings new features that can handle dense crowds more efficiently.

These measures help, but are not perfect. Temporary systems are costly, Wi-Fi can also become congested if not managed properly, and 5G coverage remains uneven. Not all devices can benefit from 5G’s capacity either, leaving many users still stuck with older technologies.

What Can Be Done to Mitigate the Problem

Solving the issue of network overload at concerts requires action from both telecom operators and event organizers.

Carriers in Kenya can invest more in small-cell networks, which bring capacity closer to users. By blanketing stadiums or arenas with dozens of mini-towers, each serving a fraction of the crowd, congestion can be reduced significantly. This approach has already been tested in major sports venues, where small cells are installed under seats or in light fixtures to distribute the load.

Another option is network slicing on 5G networks. This technology allows carriers to dedicate specific slices of the network for particular uses, such as emergency services, livestreaming, or even event apps. By prioritizing critical communication, carriers can ensure that not all services collapse when demand peaks.

Event organizers can also play a role by integrating managed Wi-Fi systems that complement mobile networks. Well-designed Wi-Fi infrastructure can take a meaningful portion of the traffic off cellular networks. Some music festivals already use private Wi-Fi networks to support media teams, staff, and vendors, reducing their reliance on mobile carriers.

Policy changes could also help. Regulators could free up temporary spectrum licenses for major events, giving carriers additional frequencies to work with. Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have experimented with dynamic spectrum allocation, which allows operators to borrow underused spectrum for short periods.

On the consumer side, better awareness can make a difference. Users can download tickets, maps, or playlists in advance to avoid relying on congested networks.

Sending texts instead of high-data messages increases the chances of communication getting through. Some people deliberately use older technologies like SMS, which require less bandwidth and often succeed where apps fail.

Ultimately, though, the burden falls on the telecom industry to innovate. Carriers are under pressure not only from consumers who expect flawless service everywhere but also from event organizers who face reputational risks when networks collapse.

The long-term answer may involve a mix of 5G upgrades, shared infrastructure among operators, dynamic spectrum allocation, and smarter venue design that bakes connectivity into event planning.

The Road Ahead

The arrival of 5G—and eventually 6G—offers the strongest hope for crowded events. 5G is designed for ultra-dense environments and introduces innovations like massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output), which uses many antennas to serve large numbers of users at once, and beamforming, which directs signals to specific devices rather than broadcasting broadly.

These advances will reduce congestion, but they cannot fully eliminate the problem. Spectrum will always be finite, and human behavior—everyone reaching for their phones at once—will continue to create spikes that challenge even the best-designed networks.

The more realistic solution lies in collaboration. Telecom companies, regulators, and event organizers must work together to ensure connectivity is treated as an essential part of modern live events. Just as organizers plan for sound systems, security, and sanitation, they may increasingly need to plan for digital traffic flow. Audiences expect not only to experience the moment live but also to share it instantly, and networks must evolve to support that demand.

In the end, mobile networks fail at concerts not because of poor coverage but because of overwhelming demand. While telecom operators are deploying smarter infrastructure and investing in new technologies, digital traffic jams remain a stubborn reality.

The next time your message will not send at a concert, remember that it is not your phone’s fault. It is the unavoidable collision of physics, technology, and human behavior in a world where everyone wants to go live at once.

Photo of a portable cell tower. /NORTHWEST NEWS NETWORK

With the app being central to both personal and professional communication, conversations can easily slip through the cracks. The new message reminders tool seeks to fix that by allowing users to set alerts for specific texts that don’t need an immediate response.

Currently in testing for a small group of iOS users, the feature doesn’t require the beta app, hinting at a phased rollout.

To use it, users can long-press a message, choose the reminder option from the menu, and receive a notification at the scheduled time—similar to a calendar alert.

When active, a bell icon appears on the message bubble. Once the reminder goes off, WhatsApp sends a notification with the full message, media previews, and chat details.

Importantly, all reminders are stored locally on the device, keeping the data private from WhatsApp and other chat participants. To keep the interface clean, reminders disappear automatically once delivered.

For heavy WhatsApp users, the feature will be a convenient way to handle follow-ups, tasks, and urgent information without third-party apps.

This update follows the recent introduction of Guest Chats, which lets WhatsApp users message non-users via an invite link.

Also Read: You Will Soon Text Someone On WhatsApp, Even Without Account: Here's How

Recipients can open the link in a browser and chat without downloading the app or creating an account, functioning much like WhatsApp Web. Though still in beta (Android version 2.25.22.13), the feature points to an imminent public release.

On June 16, WhatsApp unveiled a series of new features aimed at enhancing the Updates tab, home to both Channels and Status. The new features are designed to expand discovery, monetisation, and business engagement, without interfering with personal conversations.

As WhatsApp continues to refine its platform with new features, users are encouraged to keep their apps updated to access the latest features.

Also Read: WhatsApp's New Features In 2025 So Far & Why They Matter

The development has fueled speculation on whether his account was hacked or if it ties into the launch of the digital asset.

A post from Raila’s verified X account shared a message and a deepfake video unveiling “Kenya Token,” presented as the nation’s official step into cryptocurrency.

"We are pleased to announce that the Kenya Token will soon launch. A new digital asset aimed at improving our financial system and supporting economic growth. Kenya is stepping up to lead Africa into the crypto revolution, embracing digital finance and shaping a more crypto-friendly future. The Official token will be launched on Solana," the clip captured him saying.

An AI-generated image of the Kenya Digital Coin. /CHATGPT.VIRAL TEA KE

"As the former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, I am proud to announce that we will soon launch a new digital coin, an ambitious step towards strengthening financial systems and supporting sustainable economic growth across Kenya, Africa, and the rest of the world.

"Kenya is ready to embrace the future. The Kenya Token will position our nation at the forefront of Africa’s crypto revolution," he added.

Some Kenyans quickly pointed out the deception in the AI-generated video, referencing official written statements from credible government sources that dismissed its authenticity.

Initially, Odinga’s apparent endorsement of the digital coin looked convincing since it came from his verified account and carried his image. Reports—though unverified—suggested that nearly 20 per cent of the token’s supply was purchased shortly after the deepfake video surfaced.

Although the clip was later removed, the episode highlighted how deeply crypto scams have infiltrated social media, particularly on X.

The Odinga deepfake emerged about six weeks after ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo also appeared to endorse the same cryptocurrency in a July 11 social media post, claiming it aligned with Kenya’s push for technological growth.

"I welcome the launch of the Kenya Digital Token as a bold private sector step to expand our digital economy. Though not a government initiative, it aligns with our policy framework for virtual assets and supports our vision of a transparent, secure, and well-regulated ecosystem.

"Crucially, it speaks to the bottom-up economic transformation agenda by empowering youth, fostering inclusion, and driving innovation. If structured responsibly, the Kenya Digital Token can unlock opportunities in micro-investment, community value creation, and digital engagement, particularly in underserved regions," he said.

The similarities between Raila’s pulled-down post and Kabogo’s endorsement of the coin have stirred heated discussion. The big question remains: was Raila’s account truly hacked, or was it intentionally used to promote the project?

Have Deepfakes Become Harder To Detect?

Deepfakes have become increasingly difficult to detect as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning models rapidly advance.

Modern algorithms can replicate facial expressions, voice tones, and even subtle mannerisms with alarming accuracy, making manipulated videos appear authentic. In this case, the video of Raila was made to be so authentic that it was treated as credible information and even picked up by reputable media houses.

High-resolution rendering and improved synchronisation of audio and visuals further blur the line between real and fake. Unlike earlier versions that showed obvious glitches, today’s deepfakes can bypass casual scrutiny, tricking even tech-savvy viewers.

Social media amplifies the challenge, spreading these clips before verification. Without robust detection tools and digital literacy, distinguishing genuine content from fabricated media is becoming more complicated than ever.

This initiative empowers social media users, especially digital-savvy youth, to detect, challenge, and reduce misinformation and disinformation on platforms where it spreads the fastest.

Starting August 25, the 14-day campaign rolled out on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and other key platforms. These are the very spaces where young Nigerians and Africans, Kenyan citizens included, express themselves, engage with news, and, too often, encounter misleading content.

Why It Matters

The course is a direct response to this challenge — positioning youth as consumers of content and agents of truth and digital change.

A photo of Legit.ng's free edutainment-style fact-checking course. /LEGIT.NG

A vibrant coalition of youth-focused voices supports the campaign:

• Influencers and creators, including Kie Kie, Tomike Adeoye, Aproko Doctor, AkwaMan, and others across Nigeria, will be joining the movement, sharing bite-sized, engaging content with fact-checking tips tailored for their followers.

• Legit.ng has also partnered with leading African fact-checking organizations — Africa Check, an independent, non-partisan organization which assesses claims made in the public arena using journalistic skills and evidence, and DUBAWA, an independent transnational verification and fact-checking initiative of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) working across West Africa to tackle information disorder and strengthen media literacy — to co-create expert-backed content that enhances media literacy with credible, easy-to-understand insights.

“We’re not just telling people what misinformation is, we’re showing them how to spot it, verify it, and stop it from spreading,” said Rahaman Abiola, the Editor-in-Chief at Legit.ng.

“By meeting our audience where they are — on TikTok or Instagram — we’re breaking down complex topics with an accessible, entertaining approach,” he added.

"For over a dozen years, we have worked at reducing the spread of misinformation through various means such as fact-checking, media training, and digital literacy campaigns," David Ajikobi, Africa Check's Nigeria Editor, weighed in. 

Adding "In the past few years, we have ramped up efforts towards building the capability of the public, especially young people, in spotting false information and verifying media content amid increasing use of AI in disinformation schemes."

The course is designed for everyone, including baby boomers, Gen X, Y, and Z users, and first-time content creators.

It is entirely free to access on Legit.ng’s platforms and social media channels. Each lesson combines expert-backed content with relatable language, interactive elements, and real-life examples.

Legit.ng invites all media consumers, educators, creators, and changemakers to follow and engage with the campaign across its official social media pages, as well as those of its partners:

• @legit.ng (Instagram) and @legitngnews (TikTok)

• @africacheck (Instagram) and @africacheck_nigeria (TikTok)

• @dubawafacts (Instagram) and @dubawafacts (TikTok)

"Together, we can create a more informed, resilient digital community, one post at a time," Legit.ng states in its press release.

WhatsApp is testing a new feature called Guest Chats, which will allow users to communicate with people who don’t have the app installed.

Spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android (version 2.25.22.13), the feature appears to be part of Meta’s broader effort to comply with new European Union (EU) regulations aimed at promoting interoperability between messaging platforms.

According to WABetaInfo, Guest Chats will let WhatsApp users invite non-users to chat via a special link. The recipient won’t need to download the app or create an account—they can simply open the link in a web browser and start a one-on-one text conversation. The experience will be similar to WhatsApp Web.

However, the feature comes with limitations. Guest Chats will be text-only, meaning users won’t be able to send or receive media files like photos, videos, GIFs, or voice notes.

Further, group chats and voice or video calls will also be excluded. These restrictions are designed to keep things simple and secure for temporary users.

While WhatsApp hasn’t confirmed an official release date, its presence in the beta version suggests a public rollout could be coming soon.

This update arrives shortly after WhatsApp announced plans to stop supporting older devices. From June 1, iPhones must run iOS 15.1 or later, and Android users need at least version 5.1 to continue using the app. Devices running outdated software will lose access entirely, following a delayed phase-out originally scheduled for May 5.

On June 16, WhatsApp unveiled a series of new features aimed at enhancing the Updates tab, home to both Channels and Status. The new features are designed to expand discovery, monetisation, and business engagement, without interfering with personal conversations.

According to the company, the goal is to make the Updates tab a hub for discovery while also supporting admins, organisations, and businesses in growing their presence on the platform.

The platform was to roll out three key features:

1. Channel Subscriptions: Users would have the option to subscribe to their favourite Channels for a monthly fee, gaining access to exclusive updates.

2. Promoted Channels: WhatsApp would begin recommending Channels within the directory based on user interests, offering admins a new tool to boost visibility.

3. Ads in Status: Users may start to see promotional content from businesses within the Status section, enabling seamless engagement and product discovery.

These features would remain confined to the Updates tab, ensuring that users who rely on WhatsApp purely for personal messaging will not experience any changes to their core chat experience.

Beginning July 15, 2025, the updated rules under the YouTube Partner Programme (YPP) will place a stronger emphasis on content that is original and genuine.

While the basic monetisation criteria remain unchanged — creators still need at least 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past year or 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days — YouTube will now be cracking down on what it calls "low-effort" or "inauthentic" content.

A logo of YouTube Shorts. /YOUTUBE BLOG

These adjustments are expected to hit Kenyan content creators hard, especially those relying on reused or AI-generated videos.

“In order to monetise as part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), YouTube has always required creators to upload 'original' and 'authentic' content," a statement from YouTube's official support page read.

"On July 15, 2025, YouTube is updating its guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitious content. This update better reflects what 'inauthentic' content looks like today.”

Under YouTube's new monetisation rules, content likely to be flagged for demonetization includes AI-generated videos with synthetic voices, reused video compilations, fake movie trailers, and reaction content that lacks meaningful input.

In short, creators who mainly rely on recycling existing clips with Artificial Intelligence (AI) voiceovers may no longer earn money from such content starting July 15.

YouTube says the updated policy is designed to reward creators who bring originality, insight, and creativity to their videos—those who aim to educate or entertain with a personal and distinctive touch within their niche.

If a creator’s work is based on pre-existing content, they’ll now need to offer real value, either through their narration, opinions, or creative interpretation. Even with that, monetisation isn’t guaranteed.

For Kenyan creators, the most reliable way to stay monetised is to produce original videos featuring their voice and style. This kind of authentic content is more likely to pass the new criteria.

YouTube’s crackdown comes as advertisers increasingly prefer higher-quality content over mass-produced, repetitive uploads. As a result, creators who fail to meet the new authenticity standards risk losing monetisation, possibly without warning.

The upside? Kenyan creators who already focus on original content—like comedy skits—could benefit, as YouTube may boost their visibility under the revised guidelines.

On Saturday, June 21, the Australia-based platform suffered a widespread outage, with several users taking to social media platforms to report the issues while logging in to their accounts and accessing projects.

In Kenya, Viral Tea was not spared when our team tried to access the platform as of this afternoon, only to be met with "There was an issue on our end. Try again." Whereas the website was up and running, the designs were unable to load.

Further spot checks have revealed that the downtime issue affected other major media outlets, some of which have had to switch to alternative design platforms. 

An error page at Canva's website. /CANVA

According to Downdetector.com, which only tracks outages by collating status reports from a series of sources, including user-submitted errors on its platform, up to 397 reports were made as of 3.02 pm local time.

In a statement via its status page, which we managed to access, Canva stated that "We’re aware of an issue where users are unable to access Canva and are encountering timeout errors when attempting to load the platform."

"Our engineering team is actively investigating and working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible," stated Canva.

At the time of going to press, the platform said it had managed to resolve the incident following an outage that lasted for approximately one hour.

The Meta-owned platform in a post shared on Monday, June 16, stated that the tab, which has been in development for the past two years, is now actively used by 1.5 billion users daily. 

According to the company, the goal is to make the Updates tab a hub for discovery while also supporting admins, organisations, and businesses in growing their presence on the platform.

"Today, we’re introducing some new features for our Updates tab, which is home to both Channels and Status.

Screengrabs of WhatsApp's upcoming features. /WHATSAPP

"We’ve worked over the last two years to make this tab the place for you to discover something new on WhatsApp, and it’s now used by 1.5 billion people a day. We’re encouraged by the enthusiasm and also want to help admins, organisations, and businesses grow on WhatsApp," the post read in part.

The platform will roll out three key features:

1. Channel Subscriptions: Users will have the option to subscribe to their favourite Channels for a monthly fee, gaining access to exclusive updates.

2. Promoted Channels: WhatsApp will begin recommending Channels within the directory based on user interests, offering admins a new tool to boost visibility.

3. Ads in Status: Users may start to see promotional content from businesses within the Status section, enabling seamless engagement and product discovery.

These features will remain confined to the Updates tab, ensuring that users who rely on WhatsApp purely for personal messaging will not experience any changes to their core chat experience.

Privacy-First Approach to Advertising

Consistent with its long-standing commitment to user privacy, WhatsApp emphasised that all personal messages, calls, and Status updates will continue to be protected by end-to-end encryption. This means that neither WhatsApp nor third parties can access the contents of users’ private communications.

"Like everything we do at WhatsApp, we’ve built these features in the most private way possible. Your personal messages, calls, and statuses remain end-to-end encrypted, meaning no one (not even us) can see or hear them," added the statement.

For ad targeting within Status and Channels, WhatsApp will rely on limited, non-sensitive information such as a user’s city or country, preferred language, followed Channels, and interaction patterns. For those who have linked WhatsApp to Meta’s Accounts Centre, additional data, such as ad preferences from other Meta platforms, may be used to personalise the experience.

Importantly, WhatsApp reiterated that it will never sell or share users’ phone numbers with advertisers. Personal messages, group chats, and calls will not be used to inform ad targeting.

The company has long stated its intent to build a business model that does not interfere with private conversations, and it views the Updates tab as the ideal space to introduce new tools that support creators and businesses while respecting user boundaries.

Further details and onboarding information for businesses and Channel administrators are available on WhatsApp’s official website. "For businesses and Channel admins looking to get started, more information about how to do so is here," WhatsApp concluded.

Under new child online safety guidelines, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is directing ICT companies and service providers to roll out age verification systems to help keep children safer on the internet.

The Industry Guidelines for Child Online Protection and Safety in Kenya emphasise that children have the right to access information and express themselves freely, which is why it is crucial to ensure their safety online.

The Communications Authority (CA) says protecting children on the internet is a shared responsibility. As such, Application Service Providers (ASPs) and Content Service Providers (CSPs) are being encouraged to create age-verification systems to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content.

On Wednesday, May 21, the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy announced that it is considering adopting the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) to deliver these alerts and enhance public safety during emergencies.

CAP is a global standard used by authorities to broadcast emergency warnings across multiple platforms at once, such as SMS, local media, social networks, and sirens, to ensure timely and wide-reaching communication.

The alerts are typically designed to be readable by both humans and machines, making it easier for different systems and responders to process and act on the information quickly.

"The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE) has formulated Communication Policies that embed emergency response as part of climate adaptation measures," stated the Ministry in part.

"Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Mr. Stephen Isaboke said the Government requires Broadcasters and Telecommunications to onboard early warning preparedness and emergency response messages to mitigate climatic disasters."

According to the Ministry, Early Warning Systems are feasible disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation measures that save lives and provide a return on investment.

While launching the Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative, PS Isaboke stressed the importance of broadcasters and telecom companies consistently displaying special early warning messages during disasters.

He also noted that the government is working to boost the country’s communication infrastructure, particularly in remote regions, to make sure everyone stays informed and ready when climate disasters strike.

“Our work is to ensure that we expand our communication infrastructure to the remotest parts of the country. We also endeavour to communicate in all languages to ensure no one is left behind,” the PS said.

The announcement comes just a day after the National Assembly Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining pushed for the inclusion of traditional weather prediction methods in the Meteorological Bill 2023, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot.

Committee Vice Chair Charles Kamuren argued that Traditional Indigenous Knowledge (TIK) has shown effectiveness in weather forecasting and should be formally recognised in the bill. The proposed legislation includes tough penalties—up to five years in prison, a Ksh5 million fine, or both—for individuals who issue weather forecasts without official authorisation.

"The issue of indigenous knowledge is important here. We can't rule them out. The traditional weather forecast, where some communities predict the weather by looking at animal intestines or the movement of birds, has proven to be accurate. There is a need to incorporate it in this Bill," Kamuren said on Tuesday, May 20.

In Kenya, various communities rely on their traditional methods to forecast the weather, often by observing local animal behaviour and plant patterns, usually aligned with the region’s economic activities. For example, indigenous pastoralist communities in Baringo County forecast rainfall by slaughtering a goat and studying its intestines and leftover feed, believing this reveals when and where rain will fall.

Other communities use signs like the absence of morning dew as a signal for impending rain, while some observe cloud colour, shape, and star patterns to make predictions.

Because of the effectiveness of these traditional techniques, the Kenya Meteorological Department introduced Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP)—a platform where communities share and interpret climate information together to support better, locally tailored decisions.

These sessions equip farmers and pastoralists with vital weather data to help them choose appropriate crops, plan livestock management, and prepare for shifting conditions.

In the ruling delivered on Wednesday, May 14, the judge prohibited any internet shutdowns until a pending case on the issue is fully determined.

The directive also prevents the parties from carrying out any form of internet disruption, including throttling or interfering with digital communications.

"Pending the full hearing and determination of the petition filed on May 13, the court hereby issues a conservatory order restraining the respondents, jointly and severally, from unlawfully causing, directing, enforcing, or implementing any wholesale shutdown, blockage, or denial of access to the internet," the ruling declared in part.

The ruling was issued after seven organisations on Wednesday, May 14, filed a landmark public interest case challenging the unlawful disruption of internet access in Kenya.

The organizations include the International Commission of Jurists, Kenya Section (ICJ Kenya), The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE), Paradigm Initiative (PIN), Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), Katiba Institute, The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA).

The first order saw the court bar the Worldcoin Foundation and its agents from further collecting, processing, or handling biometric data in Kenya without conducting a proper Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), as required under Section 31 of the Data Protection Act.

The order also prohibits the use of consent obtained through the inducement of cryptocurrency (i.e., Worldcoin tokens) as a valid legal basis for data processing.

Stickers handed out to people who signed up for WorldCoin are seen at a sign-up site in Shoreditch, East London, Britain July 24, 2023. /REUTERS

"An order of prohibition restraining Worldcoin Foundation and its agents from further processing, collecting or dealing in Biometric data without undertaking (or using an inadequate) Data Protection Impact Assessment contrary to section 31 of the Data Protection Act, 2019 or using consent obtained by inducement of a cryptocurrency—Worldcoin," the orders read in part.

This was announced on Monday, May 5 by Lady Justice Aburili Roselyne, who declared that Worldcoin's activities went against the right to privacy that every Kenyan is entitled to.

In the second order, the court has nullified the decision by the Worldcoin Foundation and its agents to collect and process biometric data in Kenya, citing the lack of a valid DPIA and the use of incentivized consent as grounds for the ruling.

"An order of Certiorari quashing Worldcoin Foundation and its agent’s decision to collect or process biometric data in Kenya without undertaking (or using an inadequate) Data Protection Impact Assessment contrary to section 31 of the Data Protection Act, 2019 and by consent obtained through inducement of a cryptocurrency—Worldcoin," added the ruling.

In the third and final order, Worldcoin Foundation and its agents were directed to permanently delete, within seven days, all biometric data collected in Kenya without a proper DPIA and through consent obtained via cryptocurrency inducement. This deletion must be carried out under the supervision of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.

"An order of Mandamus compelling the Worldcoin Foundation and its agents to permanently delete (under the supervision of the Data Protection Commissioner) within seven days any biometric data collected in Kenya without undertaking (or using an inadequate) Data Protection Impact Assessment contrary to section 31 of the Data Protection Act, 2019 and by consent obtained through inducement of a cryptocurrency—Worldcoin," added the orders.

This follows an application by the Katiba Institute challenging the collection, processing, and transfer of biometric data using the Worldcoin App and the Orb against the Worldcoin Foundation.

With this, WhatsApp, a company under Meta, which also owns Facebook and Instagram, has quietly introduced a fresh batch of updates aimed at improving user experience across chats, calls, and Channels.

The new features are designed to make conversations more engaging, planning easier, and communication more seamless for users on both Android and iOS.

"With new features and updates being added all the time, it can be easy to miss out on useful and exciting ways you can use WhatsApp. To keep you in the loop, we’ll be sharing regular roundups of the latest updates, tools, and settings," WhatsApp, which currently boasts over 3.2 billion users globally as of this year, stated in its recent blog post.

Graphic demonstrating WhatsApp's new features. /WHATSAPP

"Today’s roundup includes features that have rolled out recently to make your conversations and calls more enjoyable and improve your Channels experience." Here’s a detailed look at what’s new:

Chat Updates: More Control In Conversations

Real-Time ‘Online’ Indicator in Group Chats

Users can now see how many members of a group chat are currently online. This real-time activity tracker appears just below the group name and makes it easier to tell if a conversation is active before jumping in.

Smarter Notifications with 'Highlight' Settings

Managing group chat noise is easier with the new ‘Notify for’ feature. Users can now choose:

• Highlights – receive alerts only for @mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts.

• All – receive all notifications as usual.

This allows for more personalized and distraction-free messaging.

Enhanced Event Planning Tools

WhatsApp has expanded its event planning capabilities beyond group chats to one-on-one conversations. Users can now:

• Create events in personal chats

• RSVP as “Maybe”

• Add a plus one

• Include an end date/time

• Pin events within a chat for easy reference

Tappable Reactions

Reaction interactions have been streamlined. Users can now tap on an existing emoji reaction to add the same one to a message, speeding up simple acknowledgments.

Document Scanning for iPhone

iPhone users now have the option to scan and send documents directly within WhatsApp. The new “Scan Document” option in the attachment menu lets users scan, crop, and send documents on the go—no third-party apps needed.

WhatsApp as the Default App on iOS

iPhone users can now set WhatsApp as their default messaging and calling app. This can be done via: Settings > Default Apps > WhatsApp

Calls: Improved Quality And Flexibility

Pinch-to-Zoom on Video Calls (iOS)

iPhone users can now zoom in and out during video calls using a simple pinch gesture, offering a clearer view during remote conversations.

Add to Ongoing Calls from Chat

Users can add someone to an ongoing one-on-one call directly from a chat window by tapping the call icon and selecting “Add to call.”

Better Video Call Experience

Behind the scenes, WhatsApp has upgraded its call infrastructure. The platform now uses optimized routing for more reliable connections and faster upgrades to HD video quality, reducing lag, dropped calls, and video freezing.

Channels & Status: More Creative Tools For Admins

Video Notes in Channels

Channel admins can now record and share short videos (up to 60 seconds) directly with followers. The feature mirrors video notes in personal chats, allowing for more dynamic and personal content.

Voice Message Transcriptions

A new feature now transcribes voice messages posted in Channels, giving followers the option to read a message instead of listening—ideal for users in noisy environments or on the move.

Custom QR Codes for Channels

Admins can now generate unique QR codes that link directly to their WhatsApp Channel. This is especially useful for growing audiences via social media, posters, or in-person events.

Why This Matters To Users

These latest features signal WhatsApp’s continued evolution from a basic messaging app to a fully integrated communication platform. With upgrades to group chat controls, smarter notifications, better call quality, and more powerful admin tools for Channels, the platform is aiming to deliver more control and functionality without compromising on user privacy.

As WhatsApp continues to refine its tools, users are encouraged to keep their apps updated to access the latest features.

Image of a person using WhatsApp on his phone. /FORBES

This was an ambitious initiative that has empowered over 500,000 citizens in marginalized areas of Mandera and Busia with critical digital skills.

The hybrid dissemination event in Nairobi brought together over 150 stakeholders from government, civil society, the private sector, development partners, and grassroots communities to celebrate the project’s far-reaching impact and chart the way forward.

Bridging Kenya’s Digital Divide

Funded by the UK Government through the British High Commission in Nairobi, the SDC project aimed to close the digital gap by equipping underserved communities with tools and training to navigate and thrive in the digital economy.

Kenyan and UK delegates at the Strengthening Digital Communities (SDC) Project, an initiative by KICTANet, in collaboration with the UK Government and partners, in an event held on April 11, 2025. /KICTANET

Key achievements include:

• Training 8,000+ Community Digital Champions (CDCs)

• Delivering foundational digital skills to over 400,000 people

• Distributing 150 computers to Mandera County

• Expanding access to key digital services and platforms

“This project is proof that digital inclusion can be a powerful driver of transformation,” said Dr. Grace Githaiga, CEO of KICTANet. “We’re not just talking about connectivity—we’re talking about unlocking potential.”

Government Endorsement and Policy Alignment

ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo praised the initiative, calling it a "game-changer in empowering communities and fostering innovation."

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expand digital access, citing the integration of 22,000+ services on the eCitizen platform, accessed daily by over 375,000 Kenyans.

Ali Hussein Kassim, Chairperson of KICTANet, underscored the project’s alignment with Kenya’s tech-driven growth strategy. “Digital skills are the fuel for economic progress. This project lays the foundation for inclusive innovation—from AI to digital enterprise," he remarked.

Local Leaders: "This Is Just the Beginning"

Dr. Paul Otuoma, Governor of Busia County, lauded the UK’s role in supporting inclusive digital growth: “Lives are being transformed. Communities are being empowered.”

Dr. Ali Maalim Mohamud, Deputy Governor of Mandera County, spoke emotionally about the impact, saying, "Over 5,000 young people in Mandera have been empowered—not as passive beneficiaries, but as digital trailblazers." 

He added, "Digital transformation is about dignity. It's about ensuring every child, no matter where they're born, has a shot at the future."

UK Government: “Real Impact, Real Stories”

Colin Sykes, representing the British High Commission, reaffirmed the UK’s long-term support for Kenya’s digital ambitions. “We’re not just funding projects—we’re backing people,” he said, sharing the story of Sandis Wamalwa, a youth from Busia who now runs a digital workstation after training through the SDC initiative.

Tackling Online Gender-Based Violence

The project also took bold steps to address Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) by:

• Training 120 police and healthcare workers in handling TFGBV cases

• Offering mental health support to 60 victims of online harassment

• Creating a multilingual TFGBV lexicon in Luhya, Iteso, and Somali

• Conducting research and curriculum reviews for media and law schools

• Producing a documentary on survivors’ experiences

These interventions underscore a deeper mission—ensuring digital spaces are safe, inclusive, and equitable for all, especially women and girls.

Aligned with Kenya’s Vision and Global Goals

The SDC initiative directly supports Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the UK Digital Development Strategy 2024–2030, and Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5—Quality Education and Gender Equality.

Way Forward

The event closed with a call to action for continued investment and collaboration to scale up digital inclusion across Kenya. County leaders from Garissa, Wajir, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Turkana reaffirmed their commitment to supporting local digital ecosystems.

“This isn’t the end,” said Dr. Githaiga. “It’s the launchpad for something bigger—a connected, empowered, and digitally literate Kenya.”

In a statement she shared with Viral Tea, Muthoni announced that the appointment took effect on April 7, 2025. She has been assigned the responsibility of overseeing staff, coordinating all programs, and managing partnerships within Kenya and the broader East African region.

With the new role, Muthoni brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of 14 years of success as a brand and communication specialist in print and digital media, as well as in politics and current affairs.

Photo advert of a Fulgo smartphone. /FULGO MOBILE

"Over the years, I have collaborated with different agencies, individuals and organizations to conceptualize and launch numerous distinguished brand campaigns in the Kenyan Market. As Fulgo Mobile Country Manager, I will be responsible for managing the staff, all programs, and partnerships in Kenya and, by extension, the East African Region," the statement read in part.

Muthoni is also expected to be the key representative and liaison with the local authorities, media, and other stakeholders, and she will be tasked to ensure that Fulgo's vision, mission, and values are aligned with the local context and needs.

Her Reaction

Speaking to Viral Tea, Muthoni reacted to her latest appointment, saying this will continue her passion for matters of technology. However, she underlined that the position will not be easy.

"This is no mean feat, I am ready to steer Fulgo Mobile towards its growth in Kenya and East Africa at large. I have been very passionate about the Telco world and how many opportunities lie in transforming the lives.

"I would like my legacy to be an acceleration of growth and empowerment to those around me and Fulgo at large," she remarked.

Muthoni further expressed her anticipation of working with members of the Fourth Estate, whose support will ensure that Fulgo as a brand achieves its purpose.

About Fulgo Mobile

Fulgo Mobile is an Australian-owned and operated mobile device company producing smartphones and accessories. Its goal is to create mobile devices and accessories that will transform the user experience and unlock unlimited opportunities in the digital world.

Established in 2022, Fulgo Mobile aims to address a significant gap in Africa’s mobile tech space by offering dependable, high-quality smartphones at budget-friendly prices. In a market where leading brands are often too expensive for the average consumer, Fulgo Mobile positions itself as a brand that delivers both innovation and quality, aiming to make advanced technology accessible to everyone.

‘’At Fulgo Mobile, we understand the power of technology to transform lives and bridge gaps. With a vision to become Africa’s largest producer of smartphone devices and accessories, we are committed to delivering innovative, reliable, and affordable products that cater to the diverse needs of our customers across the continent.’’ the company states on its website.

The CA contends that the court has no jurisdiction over the issue and asserts that it should be handled through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

In late 2023, the CA, in partnership with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), issued notices instructing all travelers entering Kenya to declare their mobile devices' IMEI numbers to ensure tax compliance. However, Katiba Institute filed a petition at the High Court challenging the constitutionality of the CA order requiring phone registration. 

Katiba Institute argued that the move by the CA requiring all individuals to register their IMEI numbers was unjustified, adding that the directive would infringe on the data privacy of mobile phone users.

"Upon the registration of phones, IMEI numbers constitute personal data and, when read in combination with specific data held by mobile service providers, can identify a person’s susceptible information, including location and communication history," the lobby group contested.

"In addition, the newly introduced practice of ‘whitelisting’ of devices means that only a device with its IMEI registered on the CAK/KRA databases can connect to mobile networks. Thus, anyone not registering their IMEI cannot buy a SIM card from a Kenyan mobile network provider."

As a result of the petition, the High Court suspended the CA's directive. However, CA filed a preliminary objection, urging the court to reject the case, arguing that the High Court’s jurisdiction was improperly invoked and that the matter should first be addressed by the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal.

The authority also emphasized that stakeholders, including mobile network operators and importers, were consulted before implementing the directive. Additionally, the KRA had already informed travelers about the customs requirements.

The case is set for a hearing on March 21, 2024. Its outcome could have major implications for data privacy, government surveillance, and mobile device regulation in Kenya.

In the notice issued on October 24, the government agency directed all importers to submit details of imported phones, including cell phone International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, from January 1, 2025.

Under the new directives, all passengers entering Kenya would also be required to declare their mobile devices on the F88 passenger declaration form and provide the necessary details and IMEI numbers for devices intended for use during their stay.

However, intervention by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano forced KRA to reconsider the policy targeting tourists entering Kenya. “KRA has announced that tourists will NOT be required to declare their gadgets’ IMEI numbers upon arrival. Kenya’s strategic location as the gateway to East Africa positions it as a regional hub for tourism and business and must therefore remain easily accessible,” Miano said.

The government had previously teased the idea of placing tourists entering Kenya on a 'greylist' to grant them a grace period to comply with the new policy.

CA issued a statement on Thursday, March 6, in response to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) titled "TikTok Profiting from Sexual Livestreams in Kenya Involving Children", published on March 3, 2025.

The report alleged the involvement of minors in the sale of sexual content via live streams on TikTok, with the platform reportedly retaining a significant commission from the content.

According to CA, the allegations raise serious issues regarding the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, including children, and the adequacy of content moderation on digital platforms operating within Kenya.

"Kenya has robust laws in place to address online child protection. The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, criminalizes online child exploitation and prescribes penalties for offenders. The Films and Stage Plays Act (Cap 222) mandates the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) to regulate and classify content to protect minors, while the Children Act (Cap 141) aligns with international standards on child rights and protection. Additionally, the Data Protection Act (Cap 411C) demands that the personal data of children is safeguarded from exploitation," CA stated in part.

"Our laws are in full alignment with international instruments, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), particularly Article 34 on protection from sexual exploitation, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Child Online Protection Guidelines."

CA reiterated its mandate to regulate the communications sector, promote fair practices and safeguard the public against harmful or illegal content. "The allegations contained in the report by the BBC constitute a violation of Kenyan and international laws and regulations governing online conduct and the protection of children," added the statement.

"In 2023, the Government of Kenya directed TikTok to address its apparent content moderation challenges. TikTok committed to enhancing regulatory oversight and establishing a local office to coordinate operations in Kenya. These new allegations suggest that significant gaps remain in the platform's enforcement of its own policies against solicitation and exploitation."

In light of this report, CA immediately directed TikTok to actively pull down all sexual content involving minors on their platform, including on livestreams.

The Authority also announced that it will launch a formal inquiry into the allegations raised in the report in collaboration with the relevant government agencies to identify any breaches of the law, adding that it will not hesitate to issue sanctions.

CA further directed TikTok to explain how offensive content is able to bypass its content moderation mechanisms, stating that TikTok must also present a plan to show how they intend to enhance these mechanisms to strengthen child protection and prevent exploitation of minors on the platform and demonstrate compliance with Kenyan and international law.

"Intensifying efforts to educate the public, particularly parents and guardians, on Child Online Protection and on the safe use of digital platforms such as promotion of use of parental control tools and safe internet usage practices," added CA.

Meanwhile, parents were encouraged to use various tools to protect their children from exploitation on online platforms. Information on the control tools can be accessed through https://cop.ke-cirt.go.ke/.

On February 6, TikTok announced that it deleted over 334,000 videos from its platform during the third quarter of 2024 for violating its Community Guidelines, a move aimed at reinforcing its safety measures in Kenya.

In its Q3 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report released on Thursday, February 6, the video-sharing platform revealed that 88.9% of these videos were taken down before any views, while 93% were removed within 24 hours of posting.

A person using TikTok. /NPR

Generally speaking, smartphones are not cheap, but market demand coupled with increased internet penetration has made phone manufacturers expand to budget devices to cater to the average spending individual...and the Gen Z. In today’s fast-paced world, technology evolves rapidly, and smartphones are no exception.

With manufacturers releasing new models almost every year, it can be tempting to upgrade your device frequently. However, what happens to your old one? Do you let it gather dust in a drawer, or do you trade it in?

A photo of a smartphone being traded in. /SLASH GEAR

The latter can be a smart and beneficial choice. Here’s why you should consider trading in your smartphone:

1. Financial Benefits

Trading in your smartphone can significantly reduce the cost of upgrading to a new model. Many manufacturers, carriers, and third-party retailers offer trade-in programs that provide instant credit toward a new device.

Depending on the condition and model of your phone, you could save thousands of shillings. This helps make high-end flagship models more affordable and reduces the financial burden of purchasing a new phone outright.

2. Environmental Sustainability

Electronic waste is a growing environmental concern, with millions of smartphones being discarded each year.

By trading in your phone, you contribute to sustainable practices by ensuring that your device is either refurbished and resold or recycled responsibly. This reduces the need for raw materials used in manufacturing and minimizes e-waste that ends up in landfills, ultimately helping protect the environment.

3. Access to the Latest Technology

New smartphone models often come with improved performance, better cameras, longer battery life, and enhanced security features.

By trading in your old device, you can upgrade to a newer model with the latest advancements without spending as much money. This ensures that you enjoy a seamless and up-to-date user experience, taking advantage of innovations like 5G connectivity, AI-powered features, and better hardware.

4. Convenience and Decluttering

Keeping old phones at home not only takes up space but also makes it easy to forget about them. However, trading in your device allows you to declutter and get rid of unused gadgets responsibly. 

Many trade-in programs offer hassle-free processes, allowing you to exchange your old phone online or at a store with minimal effort.

5. Security Considerations

Old smartphones may still contain personal data, which could be at risk if not properly disposed of. Instead of leaving your unused phone vulnerable to theft or hacking, trading it in ensures that the data is securely wiped and the device is either reused or recycled correctly.

Many trade-in services follow strict data protection guidelines to keep your information safe.

Things to Consider Before Trading in Your Smartphone

While trading in your smartphone offers numerous advantages, it is important to consider the following factors before making the decision:

1. Check Trade-In Value: Different platforms offer varying trade-in values. Compare offers from your carrier, manufacturer, or third-party services to get the best deal.
2. Backup Your Data: Before handing over your device, ensure all important data, including photos, contacts, and apps, are backed up.
3. Factory Reset: To protect your privacy, perform a factory reset and remove any personal accounts linked to the phone.
4. Check for Promotions: Some companies offer limited-time promotions that boost trade-in values, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for deals.

Trading in your smartphone is a practical choice that benefits your wallet, the environment, and your technological experience. It offers a cost-effective way to upgrade while promoting sustainability and security.

Older device trade-in values are surprisingly high because the trade-in market becomes critical to a device’s lifecycle. The smartphone trade-in trend is impacting the profitability of mobile network operators and retailers, with the trade-in market offering several benefits to various stakeholders.

For users, trade-ins allow them to upgrade to a new phone for a fraction of its price, which can be particularly appealing for people who want to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. For companies, trade-ins can help boost sales by encouraging customers to upgrade more sustainably, and they can act as a kind of door-opener for customers to consider extending their loyalty beyond single purchases.

Before trading in your device, be sure to research your options to get the best value and ensure a smooth transition.

If you have an old phone lying around, now might be the perfect time to trade it in and make the most of its value.

In its Q3 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report released on Thursday, February 6, the video-sharing platform revealed that 88.9% of these videos were taken down before any views, while 93% were removed within 24 hours of posting.

TikTok's proactive approach to content moderation concentrated on several key policy areas. The report reveals that violations related to Integrity & Authenticity were among the most common, with 99.7% of such videos removed before any user flagged them. This initiative aims to address misinformation and fraud, fostering a trustworthy and credible online environment.

A person using TikTok. /NPR

Another important area of focus was Mental & Behavioral Health, with 99.9% of harmful content taken down before any reports and 96.4% removed within 24 hours. This reflects TikTok's commitment to protecting mental health, especially for younger users.

Regarding Youth Safety & Well-Being, 99.7% of content violating policies were removed before any views were made, further emphasizing the platform’s dedication to safeguarding minors. Similarly, 99.5% of inappropriate content under Sensitive & Mature Themes was removed before being reported, with 95.8% taken down within 24 hours.

TikTok’s dedication to safety extends beyond Kenya. During the same timeframe, the platform took down more than 147 million videos worldwide, with 118 million identified and removed by automated systems. This results in a 98.2% proactive detection rate, setting a strong benchmark for global content moderation.

In Kenya, TikTok’s policies are tailored to address the specific challenges faced by its expanding user base. The platform is continuously enhancing its safety protocols to foster a reliable digital space.

No one wants to pay more in terms of their power bills than usual, but charging your phone overnight could be contributing to the rising costs. In today's fast-paced world, many people have chosen to charge their phones overnight to ensure they are fully charged by the morning.

This seemingly harmless habit may be costing you more in terms of your electricity bill. But wait, don't many modern phones have smart charging technology these days? The feature in new phones works in a manner that the battery stops charging when it is full to preserve battery life.

This however doesn’t stop your electricity bill from growing. Even though the phone may not be drawing power continuously, it still consumes electricity throughout the night, adding up over time. So it is time to rethink your phone charging habits.

Kenya Power building in Nairobi CBD. /KENYA POWER

In an informative post on X on Friday, January 17, the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) clarified that charging one's phone overnight does indeed increase the cost of electricity.

According to KPLC, despite being fully charged, your phone still draws small amounts of energy, which ultimately increases the bill. "Did you know? Myth: Charging your phone overnight doesn’t waste energy," the post reads in part.

To help regulate electricity costs, KPLC has advised Kenyans and the general public to always unplug their phone once it’s fully charged.

"Fact: Once your phone is fully charged, it continues to draw small amounts of power, wasting energy over time. Pro tip: Unplug your charger once your phone is fully charged or use smart plugs to cut off power automatically," the post adds.

Apart from increasing the electricity bill, charging your phone overnight can cause overheating, a big concern in terms of your device and items surrounding it, and in extreme cases, may lead to fires.

At the very least, avoid stacking anything, such as books or other devices, on top of a charging device. For the love of your health, don't put your charging phone under a pillow.

The other big thing you can do is choose the correct charging equipment. Using the chargers provided with the device and those specifically designed for it is very important.

Beyond that, you may consider avoiding “fast charging” during bedtime. Getting to 100% slower means spending less time in that 99-100% cycle.

Lastly, batteries can’t last forever. Using your phone is simply degrading the battery. There are some tips you can use to slow that degradation down, but most of us have no other convenient time to charge up our devices. 

This directive, as announced by the Ministry of Interior, comes after months of complaints from senior government officials and a section of Kenyans about the misuse of social media, particularly among Kenyan youth.

The directive to have the companies set up offices in the country is to ensure that the government achieves accountability from the platforms, making them directly answerable for their usage.

"To ensure responsibility and accountability in the face of rising disinformation, social media manipulation, and online abuse, all social media organizations operating in the country must establish a physical presence within our jurisdiction," the statement read in part.

Interior PS Raymond Omollo during a meeting with telecommunications companies and social media platform representatives on January 16, 2025. /MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

The popular platforms targeted include Meta, which is owned by Mark Zuckerberg and has platforms such as Facebook (with 3.07 billion users globally) and Instagram (2.4 billion users globally), as well as X (600 million users globally) which is owned by American billionaire Elon Musk.

The order also affects TikTok, boasting almost 1.6 billion active users each month on its platform, which sits at position five of the world's most monthly active users following Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp & Instagram. Other popular social media apps targeted include YouTube, Snapchat, Linkedin, Pinterest, and Snapchat.

This directive was emphasized on Thursday, January 16 by the Principal Secretary for Internal Security Dr. Raymond Omollo during a meeting with telecommunications companies and social media platform representatives.

"The increasing misuse of social media, including harassment, hate speech and incitement to violence, necessitates immediate and decisive measures. Strict compliance with this requirement is expected with telecommunications providers and platform owners required to take stronger action against criminal activities online," added the statement.

This move is however likely to attract heated opposition from multiple stakeholders, including civil society organisations, as well as Kenyans as a whole, given that this directive would bring the Kenyan government closer to regulating whatever content is posted on these platforms every minute, endangering the freedom of speech.

Article 33 of the Kenyan Constitution explains this clearly. Section 1 stipulates that every person has the right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom to seek, receive or impart information or ideas; freedom of artistic creativity; and academic freedom and freedom of scientific research.

However, according to Section 2, the right to freedom of expression does not extend to propaganda for war; incitement to violence; hate speech; or advocacy of hatred that constitutes ethnic incitement, vilification of others or incitement to cause harm; or is based on any ground of discrimination specified or contemplated in Article 27 (4).

Section 3 goes on to explain that in the exercise of the right to freedom of expression, every person shall respect the rights and reputation of others.

The social media companies are thus expected to issue rejoinders on this recent government directive. Musk, the owner of X, has been known for his outspoken views on freedom of speech and social media usage, and the transformation of the platform from Twitter to a haven of free speech is a testament of his views.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg made a headline-grabbing announcement on January 10, stating that in line with X's stance on freedom of speech, his company would be removing key restrictions and controls previously imposed on users. Among the notable changes was the elimination of fact-checkers.

This recent government directive comes hours after a Kenyan went to sue X (formerly Twitter), accusing the Elon Musk-owned firm of allowing the publication and access by users to content bordering on hate speech, incitement to violence and promoting pornography, among other accusations.

Not long ago, Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen pledged to restore order on social media platforms by targeting individuals misusing these spaces to demean public leaders and spread harmful content. Speaking at a prayer service for police officers at the National Police College, Embakasi A Campus, Murkomen warned that the government will arrest and prosecute those violating Kenya’s cybercrime laws.

The Kenyan man, Felix Kibet, is also accusing the American social media platform of allowing the publication of content that disrespects the rights and reputations of others.

In his petition, Kibet argued that the acts or omissions of X have made Kenyans of all ages suffer violations of their constitutional rights, erosion of values and public morality, terming the publications on the platform a threat to the very fabric of the Kenyan society.

According to a proposal published by the CA in December 2024, Kenya plans to review the Satellite Landing Rights (SLR) licence it requires these companies to obtain to set up shop locally. SLR licensees acquire rights to land their satellite signal in Kenya.

The price of the SLR licence will increase from the current Ksh1.6 million (USD 12,500) to Ksh15 million. Furthermore, the government intends to raise the annual operating fees to Ksh4 million or 0.4 percent of the annual gross turnover, whichever is higher.

The new pricing comes after the regulator announced plans to merge the Submarine Cable Landing Rights (SCLR) licence, which is issued to companies that lay submarine cable systems passing under the sea to the mainland, with the SLR licence, creating a new category called the Landing Rights Licence (LRL).

In addition to the initial licence fee and annual operating fee, companies will be required to pay a Ksh5,000 application fee for the licence whose term is 15 years. This new category will attract the said charges, with the companies forced to pass down the new cost to consumers in Kenya using Starlink for instance.

“This change aims to ensure technology neutrality and allow investors to land signals using any technology,” the CA stated. 

The LRL licence will apply to anyone seeking to set up terrestrial cables that only transit Kenya and are destined to neighbouring countries, satellite hubs exclusively serving clients outside Kenya, and other satellite services like telemetry, space research, and meteorological aids.

“This change aims to ensure technology neutrality and allow investors to land signals using any technology. Furthermore, this new Licence category will expand its scope to accommodate investors,” stated CA.

In addition to the license fee increase, the Authority has also proposed to expand the scope of satellite ISPs. Under the new guidelines, satellite providers would be allowed to operate terrestrial cables, telemetry systems, tracking facilities, and even engage in space research.

This could give Starlink an opportunity to establish ground stations in Kenya; a move that has been delayed previously due to regulatory challenges.

“Licensees should be allowed to establish satellite systems, including hub facilities, and provide satellite services, provided they comply with the geographical scope principle (at least three counties in Kenya),” the Authority stated.

Starlink has been breaking more ground in Kenya following its entry to the Kenyan market in July 2023 with a promise of internet connection at low prices, despite facing backlash.

It really gained prominence the following year in the heat of Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill 2024 with Kenyans turning to the internet in massive numbers to stay informed on current affairs in the country. Data from Kenya's Communications Authority (CA) showed that Starlink got over 8,000 customers in Kenya by June 30, 2024, accounting for a 0.5 per cent market share.

Starlink's uptake was impressive in 2024. This is because of its ability to support services in areas not possible with terrestrial solutions such as North Eastern parts of Kenya.

This move is part of a broader effort to combat counterfeit devices that can pose security risks and undermine the integrity of telecommunications services in the country.

The methods afford mobile phone users the chance to check the authenticity of their devices from anywhere they may be in the country. Here are the two ways to verify if the phone you are using is fake or legit:

Step 1: Dial *#06#

You will receive an IMEI number, which is a 15-digit code that uniquely identifies a mobile device on cellular networks. If your handset has two SIM lines, you will receive two IMEI numbers, you can use either the first or the second.

The IMEI is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile phone. It acts as a digital fingerprint, providing crucial information about the device.

Step 2: Send the IMEI digit to SMS short code 1555

You will have to wait for a response. You’ll receive an SMS from the CA containing details about the phone, including the make and model.

This initiative comes after the Authority on October issued a notice directing all mobile phone importers to submit details of imported devices, including the IMEI numbers, from January 1, 2025.

However, the High Court issued and extended conservatory orders on December 18, 2024, which handed both the CA and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) a big blow in their push to have phone dealers declare their IMEI numbers for new devices to ensure tax compliance.

The orders which were issued on November 22, 2024, against the directive by KRA and the CA are currently extended to February 2025.

Justice Chacha Mwita on Wednesday, December 18 ordered that the suspension of the implementation of the Public Notices requiring the disclosure of mobile phone's IMEI numbers remain until February next year when the case will be heard.

This is pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by the Katiba Institute which had filed a petition at the High Court challenging the constitutionality of the order by the CA calling for the mandatory registration of phones. 

Katiba Institute argued that the move by the CA requiring all individuals to register their IMEI numbers was unjustified, adding that the directive would infringe on the data privacy of mobile phone users.

"Upon the registration of phones, IMEI numbers constitute personal data and, when read in combination with specific data held by mobile service providers, can identify a person’s susceptible information, including location and communication history," the lobby group contested.

"In addition, the newly introduced practice of ‘whitelisting’ of devices means that only a device with its IMEI registered on the CAK/KRA databases can connect to mobile networks. Thus, anyone not registering their IMEI cannot buy a SIM card from a Kenyan mobile network provider."

Under the new directives, all passengers entering Kenya were to be required to declare their mobile devices on the F88 passenger declaration form and provide the necessary details and IMEI numbers for devices intended for use during their stay. However, intervention by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano forced KRA to reconsider the policy targeting tourists entering Kenya. 

In a notice dated December 23, the authority stated that the proposed changes align with the government’s initiative to provide free public Wi-Fi hotspots in public institutions.

As detailed in the Review of the Telecommunications Market Structure document, the CA is proposing to issue licences to the business outlets under a new class.

"The Authority currently has a provision to license cybercafes under a category called Public Communication Access Centre (PCAC). The Authority is cognizant of the government’s initiative to provide free public WIFI hotspots through the ICT Authority," the document states in part.

"It is notable that there is also a very large number of entities operating as cybercafes countrywide, that pose regulatory challenges that closely mirror those of the ordinary vendor Licence category."

Currently licenced under a category called Public Communication Access Centre (PCAC) the proposed changes will see the reintroduction of the licence as a CLASS Licence.

A CLASS license is a generic authorization that allows multiple people to provide services or operate devices under certain conditions. For example, a radio-communications class license may allow a person to operate a citizen band radio station.

For this license, new terms and conditions will be introduced, if implemented. This includes cybercafés being required to install CCTV surveillance in their places of business before obtaining licences.

Furthermore, it will be mandatory for cybercafés to have logging-in software, which is already commonly used.

The authority will also require the cafés to maintain record-keeping details, as well as the identification of individuals accessing services at the facilities.

Kenyans wishing to challenge the proposal or offer their views have until January 23 to submit their feedback.

"Stakeholders and members of the public are therefore hereby invited to review the proposals and submit their feedback on or before January 23rd, 2025. Submissions should be made via the email address: telecommarketstructurereview@ca.go.ke," read the notice in part.

"The public consultation document as well as the submission format are available on the Authority’s website via the following link: www.ca.go.ke/open-consultations."

These changes to cybercafé licensing are part of a draft of regulatory reforms undertaken by the CA this year in its efforts to safeguard the ICT sector in Kenya.

Held at The Waterfront Karen this past weekend, the event brought together gaming enthusiasts, professional players, and spectators in a vibrant celebration of Kenya’s growing e-sports scene.

The tournament served as the ultimate stage for showcasing the performance, speed, and immersive capabilities of HMD’s latest smartphone, the HMD Fusion.

Featuring popular mobile games such as FIFA, Tekken, and Call of Duty, the competition drew over 70 players from Nairobi vying for the top prize of Ksh75,000 in cash.

Professional gamers battle it out during The Ultimate Gamer Tournament, an intense two-day competition that brought together over 70 gamers, all competing for the ultimate prize. /HANDOUT

The action-packed tournament began with energetic qualifiers on Saturday, culminating in a thrilling grand finale on Sunday. Spectators enjoyed live gameplay on massive screens, insightful commentary from leading gaming influencers, and the chance to test out HMD devices.

In addition to the cash prize, participants walked away with e-sports merchandise, cementing the event as a cornerstone of Kenya’s dynamic gaming culture.

Speaking at the event, Maureen Kambona, HMD’s Regional Marketing Manager for West, East, and Central Africa, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to the local gaming community.

“At HMD, we see gaming as more than just entertainment, it’s a platform that connects people, inspires creativity and drives innovation. Partnering with The Ultimate Gamer Tournament, hosted by Radio Africa is our way of celebrating Kenya’s talented gamers and demonstrating how mobile technology can enhance their experiences,” she said. 

HMD’s newest smartphone – the HMD Fusion is equipped with a gaming outfit that transforms the smartphone into a portable gaming console with a built-in gaming button, joysticks, and a maximized screen space. 

Users can enjoy two months of free access to Blacknut Cloud Gaming, with 500 games available to play on the go. At a retail price of Ksh34,499 and for a limited period only – the HMD Fusion comes bundled with the gaming outfit.

With over 200 spectators attending the two-day event, the e-sports community in Kenya is growing with over 11 million Kenyans identifying as gamers, a trend fueled by increasing smartphone penetration and adoption. 

The 2023/24 Africa Gamers Industry Report reveals that out of the 186 million gamers in Sub-Saharan Africa, 177 million use mobile devices, highlighting the crucial role that smartphones play in this ecosystem.

Joash Agutu (middle) receives the grand prize after winning The Ultimate Gamer Tournament, a competitive two-day competition hosted at The Waterfront Karen that brought together over 70 gamers. /HANDOUT

The orders which were issued on November 22, 2024, against the directive by KRA and the CA have now been extended to February 2025.

Justice Chacha Mwita on Wednesday, December 18 ordered that the suspension of the implementation of the Public Notices requiring the disclosure of mobile phone's IMEI numbers remain until February next year when the case will be heard.

This is pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by the Katiba Institute which had filed a petition at the High Court challenging the constitutionality of the order by the CA calling for the mandatory registration of phones. 

''Justice Chacha Mwita has extended the conservatory orders suspending the implementation of the Public Notices requiring the disclosure of Mobile phones' IMEI numbers following a  Petition filed by Katiba Institute until the hearing of the petition in Feb 2025,'' Joshua Malidzo, an advocate of the lobby, shared shortly after the ruling.

Katiba Institute argued that the move by the CA requiring all individuals to register their IMEI numbers was unjustified, adding that the directive would infringe on the data privacy of mobile phone users.

"Upon the registration of phones, IMEI numbers constitute personal data and, when read in combination with specific data held by mobile service providers, can identify a person’s susceptible information, including location and communication history," the lobby group contested.

"In addition, the newly introduced practice of ‘whitelisting’ of devices means that only a device with its IMEI registered on the CAK/KRA databases can connect to mobile networks. Thus, anyone not registering their IMEI cannot buy a SIM card from a Kenyan mobile network provider."

The group also noted that the petition was informed by the lack of Parliament's involvement in making the new regulations.

In the notice issued on October 24, the government agency directed all importers to submit details of imported phones, including cell phone International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, from January 1, 2025.

Under the new directives, all passengers entering Kenya would also be required to declare their mobile devices on the F88 passenger declaration form and provide the necessary details and IMEI numbers for devices intended for use during their stay.

The founder of Twitter (now X) and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) was speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Africa Bitcoin Conference, which has been running between December 9 and 11 in Nairobi, Kenya.

He revealed that the popular digital currency has never witnessed organized security issues and that people care a lot about the currency.

"For 16 years, Bitcoin has never gone down, it’s never had a systemic hack, it’s never had any systemic security issues.

Jack Dorsey at the Africa Bitcoin Conference on December 9, 2024. /AFRICA BITCOIN CONFERENCE

"People have lost their keys and what not but it has resisted all that because people care about it so much and they care about it being money that everyone in the world can use, and money has to be secure," he revealed.

Dorsey was in the East African country for the ABC Conference, which aims to unite thought leaders, industry experts, and enthusiasts to explore the immense opportunities Bitcoin presents across the African continent.

Notably, he publicly endorsed the conference and pledged to attend its third edition during a Bitcoin conference held in April in Madeira, Portugal.

Dorseys take on Bitcoin adoption in Africa

Dorsey has consistently supported Bitcoin adoption across Africa, investing in Bitcoin-related ventures on the continent for several years, and he spoke at the first African Bitcoin Conference held in Ghana in 2022.

In his previous visit to Kenya in 2022, he met with tech enthusiasts at iHub in Kilimani, offering insights into building successful tech products like Twitter and Block Inc.

Dorsey commended Kenya’s tech ecosystem, noting that the West has valuable lessons to learn from Nairobi and Africa.

On her part, Farida Bemba Nabourema, a Togolese social activist, a pan-Africanist and a writer, expounded on the presence of Dorsey at the conference. This is hours after a photo of him at the conference in Kenya lit up social media platforms.

"It has been an incredible journey and having Jack on board has lifted us...the main reason being the fact that there's a lot of disinformation about Bitcoin going around in the continent to a point where people have been exploited and abused through other forms of crypto in the past and whenever they hear about Bitcoin, automatically they assume that it is either a scam or something that is not viable," she remarked.

"Jack's name comes with credibility as a tech entrepreneur, as somebody who founded a platform like Twitter which is global. When people saw Jack being associated with the conference, at first they didn't believe it but his coming increased the visibility of the event and allowed people to see a different aspect of Bitcoin."

His visit followed reports that Block Inc (formerly Square) had invested $2 million (Ksh258 million) in Gridless, a Kenyan startup focused on sustainable bitcoin mining, founded by Erik Hersman. As of the latest Forbes report, Dorsey’s net worth is estimated at $5.6 billion (Ksh723.2 billion).

Dorsey co-founded Square (now Block) with Jim McKelvey in 2009, taking it public in 2015 before renaming it in December 2021.

He also co-founded Twitter in 2006, served as CEO until 2008, returned as CEO from 2015 to 2021, and stepped down from the board in May 2022. He had retained a 2.4% stake at Twitter after the social media company was sold for $44 billion (Ksh5.4 trillion).

Jack Dorsey speaking at the Africa Bitcoin Conference on December 10, 2024. /X

On Tuesday, December 10, Google revealed its Year in Search 2024 lists for Kenya, offering a glimpse into the interests that captured Kenyans throughout the year. Google’s Year in Search is an annual analysis that reveals the top trending lists and also spotlights what the world searches to see, learn and do. 

Gachagua's impeachment sparked nationwide debate, and the events that followed involving him after he was kicked out by the National Assembly and the Senate saw him shoot up to number one in the rankings in the Personalities category. 

He is followed by Rebecca Miano, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, and Soipan Tuya, the Cabinet Secretary for Defence. 

Google Headquarters in California, USA. /FILE

The top trending global personalities in 2024 are a mix of political figures, and entertainment personalities led by Jamaican reggae and dancehall superstar, Vybz Kartel, the US President-Elect Donald Trump, and American televangelist Benny Hinn, who held a crusade dubbed, "Healing the Nation" at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi in February, an event that marked his return to Kenya after more than two decades.

News

SHA leads the top trending news list for Kenyans this year. The Social Health Authority (SHA), a new healthcare system launched to replace the now defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) as the primary healthcare provider for Kenyans captured the interest of Kenyans.

The Finance Bill 2024 that proposed changes to the country's tax laws intending to generate revenue for the government to fund its programs and address economic challenges sparked search interest this year.

"Kenyans were concerned about the Finance Bill 2024, which proposed increased taxes. Public protests, mainly by Gen Z, led to the government withdrawing the bill. The US Elections 2024 was third place on the top trending news in Kenya this year," Google revealed in part in a statement.

Sports

Kenyans' love for football continued to manifest this year. The sports list was dominated by the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which took place between January and February in Ivory Coast and was filled with goals, drama, and unexpected outcomes.

This was followed by Euro 2024, which was hosted in Germany between June and July involving 24 teams. Kenyans also searched for the Olympics 2024 Schedule.

Deaths

The death of Brian Chira, a content creator who died in a hit-and-run accident in March, was the most searched loss by Kenyans. "His death sparked widespread mourning among his fans, friends, and family, with thousands attending his funeral to honour his memory and celebrate his impact as a content creator," Google explained.

Kenyans also went online to search about the deaths of Charles Ouda, a renowned actor, director, scriptwriter, and singer who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Rita Tinina's passing follows as she succumbed to severe pneumonia.

Foodies

Kenyans satisfied their culinary curiosities with searches for chicken curry recipes, pumpkin soup recipes, and various other delectable dishes,  reflecting their growing love for diverse flavours.

TV, Movies & Music

Entertainment-wise, Supacell, Damsel, and Shogun topped the list of trending movies and TV shows, while Kenyans were also keen on finding the lyrics to popular songs like Anguka Nayo, Kudade, and Hit and Run.

Other top-searched questions like "How to check KCSE results 2023," "How to update token meter," "How to say 'hello' in Italian," "What is Airbnb," "What is endometriosis," "when are schools opening in Kenya," and "when is Father's Day in 2024" demonstrated Kenyans' use of Search to explore their interests in 2024.

Here are the full lists of Top 10 Trending Searches by Kenyans in 2024: 

US President-elect, Donald Trump. /ASSOCIATED PRESS

Both Facebook and WhatsApp, which enjoy the largest numbers in terms of active users at over 3 billion and 2.78 billion users globally, have been the top sites for Technology Facilitated-Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV), sharing the range of 30 per cent of incidents reported.

"Facebook emerged first at 36.11 per cent, followed by WhatsApp at 30.56 per cent. Twitter came third at 8.33 per cent," the report reads in part.

The three were followed by TikTok at 5.56 per cent while Instagram, LinkedIn, online dating websites/apps, personal email accounts, online discussion sites such as Reddit and another type of mobile app were indicated by 1.39 per cent of respondents each.

Other social media platforms such as Flickr, Snapchat, Threads, comments section of a website and online gaming sites were not mentioned by any of the participants as platforms on which TF-GBV had occurred.

The most common forms of TF-GBV reported were unsolicited intimate images (29 per cent), hate speech (25 per cent), and cyberbullying (21 per cent). The findings, according to AMWIK, reflect a growing concern about the safety of women, particularly those in public life, as online harassment continues to escalate.

The report further notes that nearly 60 per cent of the respondents reported that the perpetrators were strangers or individuals whose true identities were unknown. "This highlights how easy it is for perpetrators to hide behind anonymity online, creating unsafe environments," adds the report.

In addition to the common forms of abuse, the report found that 20 per cent of the incidents involved co-workers, indicating that even professional environments are not immune to online harassment.

A particularly concerning finding was that nearly 60 per cent of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) had experienced online violence, both on and offline, often due to prejudice and societal ignorance.

Coping strategies varied, with 35 per cent of respondents opting to restrict who could view their content online. However, only 4.4 per cent sought legal recourse, reflecting a reluctance to pursue justice due to lengthy legal processes and unclear evidence requirements.

Among those surveyed, 38 per cent considered TF-GBV a crime, but 40 per cent thought it was wrong but not criminal. "The lack of specific laws addressing TF-GBV adds to the confusion, the report notes.

How Was It Done?

The study, which surveyed 96 respondents, primarily women (81 per cent), explored the prevalence and impact of online violence targeted at women with public influence, such as those in politics and media.

According to the report, the highest number of responses came from the 24-35 age group, followed by the 35-44 group then the 18-24 age group. The 45-54 and the 55-64 age groups provided the fewest responses. It however notes that there were no responses from respondents aged 65 and above.

The report also called for various measures to combat TF-GBV, including building capacity for digital safety, creating stronger legal protections and improving platform-level content moderation, further emphasizing the need for better reporting systems, privacy features and mental health support, particularly for vulnerable groups like journalists and human rights defenders.

As the digital landscape evolves, the report urged policy, legal and industry-level changes to protect individuals, particularly marginalised groups, from online abuse that can have devastating offline consequences.

However, the report highlights that Kenya does not have a specific law addressing TF-GBV. Existing legislation contains provisions that can be used collectively to build cases against online violence and harassment.

Key laws cited in the report include the Sexual Offences Act of 2006, the Employment Act of 2007, the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2011, and the Victim Protection Act of 2014. Others are the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act of 2015, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018, the Data Protection Act of 2019, the Sexual Gender-Based Violence Act of 2021, and the Children Act of 2022.

The report also advises that individuals can report violations involving personal information to the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) for redress, providing an alternative remedy outside the court process. This underscores the need for a clear and comprehensive legal framework to address the unique challenges posed by TF-GBV.

In 2024, Kenyans were recorded as the highest social media users globally, spending an average of 3 hours and 43 minutes daily. During his address at a press briefing at State House, President William Ruto attributed social media to the increasing femicide cases stating that "Social media has become a dangerous avenue for exploitation and I urge our young people to treat strangers on these platforms with utmost caution."

In spot checks by Viral Tea, the issue had primarily affected WhatsApp Web, a matter which has impacted both personal and business accounts, sparking widespread frustration and a surge of complaints on social media.

The outage, which entered its second day on Tuesday, November 26, has even left us unable to effectively access our official WhatsApp channel and forced us to seek alternative means to upload content on the channel.

One notable hiccup that a majority of users in Kenya reported was the freezing of the WhatsApp web when attempting to load it in a browser such as Chrome whilst chats typically tend to load automatically when the app is in full swing. This matter is the same when we tried out browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox.

A screenshot of a static page while loading WhatsApp Web. /WHATSAPP

On Friday, November 22, the High Court through Justice Chacha Mwita issued a conservatory order against the directive by KRA and the CA pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by Katiba Institute. The case will be heard on December 18, 2024.

"A conservatory order is hereby issued suspending the implementation of the notice issued by the Communication Authority of Kenya on October 24, 2024, titled "Public Notice Enhancing Tax Compliance of Mobile Devices in Kenya," as well as the subsequent notice by Kenya Revenue Authority on December 18, 2024," read the ruling in part.

"Take notice that any disobedience or non-observance of the order of the court served herewith will result in penal consequences to you and any other person(s) disobeying and not observing the same."

Katiba Institute had filed a petition at the High Court challenging the constitutionality of the order by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) calling for the mandatory registration of phones. It argued that the move by the CA requiring all individuals to register their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers was unjustified.

Katiba Institute also expressed that the directive would infringe on the data privacy of mobile phone users.

"Upon the registration of phones, IMEI numbers constitute personal data and, when read in combination with specific data held by mobile service providers, can identify a person’s susceptible information, including location and communication history," the lobby group contested.

"In addition, the newly introduced practice of ‘whitelisting’ of devices means that only a device with its IMEI registered on the CAK/KRA databases can connect to mobile networks. Thus, anyone not registering their IMEI cannot buy a SIM card from a Kenyan mobile network provider."

The group also noted that the petition was informed by the lack of Parliament's involvement in making the new regulations.

In the notice issued on October 24, the government agency directed all importers to submit details of imported phones, including cell phone International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, from January 1, 2025.

Under the new directives, all passengers entering Kenya would also be required to declare their mobile devices on the F88 passenger declaration form and provide the necessary details and IMEI numbers for devices intended for use during their stay.

The Committee demanded clarity on the proposed system's implications for privacy, data protection, and its enforcement mechanisms, especially given concerns about personal data potentially falling into the wrong hands. 

The Bill, moved by the Chairperson of the Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, MP John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), seeks to create the Technopolis Development Authority, a body that will oversee the planning, development, and governance of all Technopolises in Kenya.

"As we speak today, Konza remains the only Technopolis in Kenya, but with this Bill, we can pave the way for similar hubs across the country.

"From Wajir to Mandera, Kisii to Tharaka, if the land allows, we can establish these innovation hubs to drive technological growth and economic development," stated Kiarie.

The Bill, which contains 65 clauses, aims to transition the Konza Technopolis Development Authority into the broader Technopolis Development Authority, removing the geographical limitation previously tied to Konza.

"This is about turning a good idea into an even better one. By removing 'Konza' from the title, we open the door for the establishment of other Technopolises beyond Konza," he added.

The Bill also proposes the revocation of the 2012 Konza Technopolis Authority Order, a move welcomed by various lawmakers. Irene Mayaka (Nominated MP) seconded the motion, stressing the importance of expanding Technopolis development to other regions in the country.

"This Bill provides a legal framework to establish, manage, and develop Technopolises across the country, addressing the urban challenges we face. No longer will everyone need to flock to Konza for opportunities. We can bring the opportunities to them," stated Mayaka.

In support of the Bill, MP Julius Mawathe (Embakasi South) emphasized the potential for the Technopolis Development Authority to enhance ICT infrastructure and create opportunities for the youth, especially through the establishment of ICT hubs.

"We are bringing three ICT hubs to my constituency this year alone, and the youth will benefit greatly. We have to support the infrastructure and policies needed to make Kenya a leader in the IT sector in East and Central Africa. This authority will help guide us in preparing for technological advancements like AI," remarked Mawathe.

The Technopolis Bill of 2024, aligns with Kenya's Vision 2030, which seeks to transition the country into a knowledge-based economy.

The Bill outlines that the Technopolis Development Authority will play a pivotal role in fostering a high-tech innovation system and bridging the gap between academia and the enterprise sector. Now passed, the Technopolis Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 6 of 2024) is expected to be signed into law.

The Bill hands a significant victory to President William Ruto given that he has been on a relentless drive to launch ICT hubs in every ward to equip youth with the necessary digital skills to tap into online opportunities and earn an income.

In a statement, KICTANet, as civil society organizations and stakeholders in the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) sector committed to Digital Rights and Internet Freedom, expressed deep concern about the government’s recent decision to block access to the Telegram social media platform. 

This came following a letter CA issued to telecommunications companies, directing them to “use all available mechanisms to suspend the operation of Telegram in Kenya” to curb exam cheating amidst the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, which kicked off on Monday, November 4.

This disruption was earlier confirmed by an internet observatory, Netlocks, which revealed that Telegram was restricted in Kenya with their data showing the app as being down across various internet providers.

"Internet disruptions like these undermine fundamental human rights and freedoms outlined in the International Bill of Rights to which the Kenyan government is a party and the Kenyan Constitution. Likewise, they disrupt economic activity and weaken democratic values by limiting the rights to Access to Information and Freedom of Expression, Assembly and Association," KICTANet stated in part.

Adding "This action also goes against the principles outlined in the Global Digital Compact (GDC), which emphasizes the importance of a universal, open, and secure internet."

The GDC, part of the commitments that governments endorsed in the Pact of the Future, discourages internet shutdowns, noting their harmful impact on human rights, democracy, and economic growth, and calls for transparent and accountable solutions to address issues in the digital space. At a time when global standards are pushing for universal, secure, and open internet access, national policies were compelled to align with these principles rather than undermine them.

KICTANet expressed worry regarding the perceived downward trend in Kenya’s commitment to internet freedom, stating "We note with concern that there was an internet disruption on 25 June, less than 6 months ago, during the protests against the Finance Bill, 2024."

"A similar blocking of the Telegram App was implemented in November 2023. Such repeated actions not only curtail rights but also erode public trust in digital governance," the lobby group lamented.

Even though it recognized the importance of maintaining exam integrity, KICTANet urged the Kenyan government to explore alternative, lawful and rights-respecting measures to tackle the issue, recommending that instead of blocking the application or disrupting the internet, authorities be encouraged to pursue criminals who breach confidential examination documents and seal loopholes in examination processes.

"Such alternative actions to tackle this issue can be explored through multi-stakeholder consultations ensuring that they are human rights-respecting. Disrupting the internet or blocking social media access as in this case goes against the three-part test under international human rights law of legality, legitimacy, necessity and proportionality.

"A stable, secure and accessible internet should remain a priority, especially given its critical role in supporting the digital economy, education, livelihoods, and civic engagement," added the statement.

In conclusion, KICTANet urged Kenyan authorities and CA to immediately retract the letter to service providers, and for service providers to restore access to Telegram and commit to upholding digital rights and internet freedom.

Policymakers were also asked to consult civil society and other key stakeholders to develop sustainable, rights-based strategies to address digital governance challenges without resorting to internet disruptions.

The CA has yet to publicly comment on the matter by the time of publishing this story.

Students sitting for a past KCSE exam. /FILE

In the letter directed to internet providers circulated across social media platforms and seen by Viral Tea, CAK took note that the popular social media platform was being misused to perpetrate criminal activities, including compromising the integrity of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, which kicked off on Monday, November 4.

The Authority revealed that as a result, various government agencies reached out to the Authority seeking assistance in taking down social media channels and forums, including Telegram, that have been accused of interfering with the integrity of the national examinations. 

"Whereas all other social media platforms operating in Kenya have taken steps to address misuse of their platforms, we note with dismay that Telegram Inc. has remained non-responsive and continues to host offending forums and channels in blatant breach of the laws of the land and the general principles of Data Protection and Privacy," the letter read in part.

"By this letter, all Mobile Network Operators are hereby directed to use all available mechanisms to suspend the operation of Telegram Inc in the country particularly during the administration of the KCSE Examinations between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. in the morning and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon from Monday to Friday up to until November 22nd, 2024."

Whether it is the loading of images or access to chats and groups, tens of Telegram users in the country have struggled to interact with the messaging app. The government's letter to the operators means that some of the app's key functions are currently unavailable.

According to an internet observatory, Netlocks, Telegram was restricted in Kenya with their data showing the app as being down across various internet providers.

Users across the country have reported receiving several error messages while trying to interact with the app, including a "Connecting" error when trying to access the Telegram desktop. For instance, trying to log in on the app via a browser could be met by the message “web.telegram.org took too long to respond”

Viral Tea had trouble sending and receiving messages as well as media both through its official Telegram channel and via other channels, though Downdetector.com, a website known for detecting service outages, showed few reports, meaning the issue was affecting Kenya only.

Telegram is the fifth most downloaded social media app in Kenya in 2024, after WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. However, despite its popularity, the app has had a controversial reputation, not only in Kenya but across the world. The recent detention of Telegram's co-founder and CEO Pavel Durov near Paris over an investigation into alleged offences related to the messaging app also did little to help its deteriorating name.

Governments are wary of the app, which they suspect is being used to spread disinformation, spread extremism, and in Kenya, promote examination cheating. European countries are particularly critical of the app, with the likes of Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Norway, and Spain restricting or banning the messaging app altogether.

The restricting of Telegram in Kenya during KCSE exams is not a new case as this also happened in 2023. However, the CA's letter to the telcos this year offered the clearest evidence related to why the app has been blocked in the country.

On its official channels, the platform has not acknowledged it is facing issues, a matter which has left netizens guessing with some rechecking with their Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to find out if the platform has been blocked within the country.

In response to the issue, many users turned to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to maintain their access to Telegram. VPNs are tools that create a secure tunnel for your internet connection, hiding your real IP address and replacing it with one from a different location. This allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in their current location.

Economic Impact

The impact of blocking access to a major communication platform like Telegram is not merely a matter of inconvenience. According to a report by Top10VPN.com, Kenya potentially lost Ksh3.5 billion ($27 million) in economic activity during the 2023 exam period due to the 192-hour Telegram shutdown.

This estimated financial loss highlights the economic consequences of unannounced internet restrictions, particularly when they affect widely used platforms essential for both personal and professional communication.

Censorship

However, it is the absence of clear, legal guidelines on internet shutdowns and restrictions that have sparked opposition towards Kenya’s governance in the digital age. If platforms like Telegram can be blocked without a formal announcement or legal backing, it opens the door to arbitrary censorship and potential abuse of power.

At its core, this repeated blocking of Telegram in Kenya touches on critical issues related to digital rights and freedoms. Access to the internet is increasingly recognized as a fundamental right, and platforms like Telegram play a significant role in enabling free communication. By restricting access without due process, Kenyan authorities are infringing on citizens’ right to information and freedom of expression.

The right to privacy is also under threat. If authorities are indeed blocking Telegram to control information flow during exam periods, this signals a troubling precedent where digital platforms can be selectively restricted to serve state interests.

Such actions highlight the risk of government overreach, where restrictions are justified under vague concerns of “security” or “public interest” but lack transparency and legal grounding.

The Committee demanded clarity on the proposed system's implications for privacy, data protection, and its enforcement mechanisms, especially given concerns about personal data potentially falling into the wrong hands. This is after Kiarie had concerns regarding Kenya’s existing privacy laws and their sufficiency in protecting citizens' data. 

“The issue isn’t with registering IMEIs. What exactly are we allowing KRA to access on an individual’s phone under the guise of data protection?” asked Kiarie, who further highlighted the potential risk that Kenyans could avoid online transactions for fear of increased surveillance. 

“What can we say to Kenyans who may flee from digital transactions to avoid scrutiny? We must ensure their data remains protected,” he demanded. 

Communication Authority Director General David Mugonyi during a National Assembly committee meeting on November 5, 2024. /PARLIAMENT KENYA

Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto raised critical questions about the CA's ability to monitor and enforce compliance across all communication devices entering the country so that we don’t have a repeat of the World coin. 

“What are your enforcement capabilities when it comes to all communication devices being imported?” he asked, emphasizing the need for strong regulatory mechanisms to ensure that non-compliant devices are identified and addressed appropriately.

In response,  Mugonyi explained that the CA had received a presidential directive to implement the system, which focuses solely on device integrity and tax compliance rather than individual transaction monitoring.

“This engagement has nothing to do with the transactions we carry out on our phones,” he clarified, adding, “We want to ensure the right products are in the country, and the tax compliance aspect is strictly for that. KRA will not have access to people’s data.”

The system, Mugonyi noted, is designed to send a notification to users who activate a new device without having paid applicable taxes. The unregistered device’s IMEI will then be placed on a blacklist, preventing it from connecting to any local network until taxes are settled.

Wandeto also raised concerns about how the system would affect expatriates and visitors, arguing that people’s mobility should not be hindered. “How will this impact expatriates or people coming back for short visits? We need to allow for mobility of people and their devices,” he urged.

Mugonyi assured the Committee that tourists and diplomats would have a grace period, where their devices would be placed on a temporary “greylist” to allow usage without immediate tax obligations. “This greylisting period will be formalized through public participation to ensure transparency and understanding,” he stated.

Principal Secretary for Broadcasting, Edward Kisiangani, acknowledged the potential for international tax overlap, suggesting a need for data-sharing agreements with friendly countries. “What if that phone already has tax implications from another country? We need to explore data-sharing partnerships to avoid double taxation on imported devices,” he proposed.

The CA recently issued a public notice on October 24, 2024, detailing the system’s rollout, scheduled to take effect after October 31, 2024. The system will require importers and local manufacturers to register the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of mobile devices they bring into Kenya, ensuring all applicable taxes are paid before a device is activated on a local network.

Mugonyi clarified that mobile devices registered on Kenyan networks before October 31 will be exempt from further compliance checks, reassuring current users that they will not face disruptions. “The system is only targeting new mobile devices that will connect to local networks for the first time post-October 31. Previously registered devices will be considered tax compliant,” he stated.

However, any device that does not meet compliance standards will be greylisted, with a standard grace period for the owner to settle outstanding taxes. 

While the CA seeks to uphold device integrity and ensure tax compliance, the ICT Committee, led by Kiarie, remains vigilant about protecting Kenyan citizens’ data privacy. “We must strike a balance,” Kiarie concluded, underscoring that enhancing tax compliance is essential and should not come at the cost of privacy and public trust.

In the notice dated Tuesday, November 5, KRA notified all importers of mobile devices and travellers of the customs requirements for implementing the following CA requirements.

To start with, all mobile device importers will be required to submit detailed import entries for all mobile devices in the customs system, with accurate quantities, proper model descriptions/specifications, and their respective International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.

Furthermore, passengers entering the territory of Kenya will declare the details and the respective IMEI numbers for their mobile devices intended for use, during the stay in the country at the Port of entry on the F88 passenger declaration form.

"Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is mandated to collect revenue on behalf of the Government of Kenya. Among the tax laws and regulations it administers, KRA also administers the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA, 2004)," stated KRA in part.

"Pursuant to Part B of the Second Schedule to the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA, 2004), on restricted imports, mobile devices require regulatory permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)."

Device Assemblers/Manufacturers must register on the Customs portal and submit a report of all devices assembled for the local market and their respective IMEI numbers.

One must also obtain necessary regulatory clearances and permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). "The Public is therefore notified of this requirement, which will be implemented effective 1st January 2025. Specific guidelines on the system process and how to capture the devices and IMEI numbers for different users will be shared in due course," added the taxman.

This statement comes after CA on Thursday, October 24 announced the requirements for mobile device assemblers, importers, retailers and wholesalers, and mobile network operators set to take effect on January 1, 2025. 

The directives stretch to retailers and wholesalers of mobile devices who must ensure that they only retail or distribute mobile devices that are tax compliant. "The Authority will provide the means by which the tax compliance status of mobile devices can be verified before purchase by retailers or end-users," added the notice.

Mobile network operators will be compelled to ensure that they only connect devices to their networks after verifying the tax compliance status through a whitelist database of compliant devices, which will be provided by the Authority.

Operators will also be required to provide for the grey-listing of non-compliant devices to facilitate regularization within a prescribed period, failure to which the devices will thereafter be blacklisted.

"The new requirements will only apply to all devices imported or assembled in the country from November 1st, 2024. All existing devices that will be on the Mobile Networks by 31st October 2024 will not be affected," added CA.

Higher Prices

In the long run, the directive could carry the following impacts; Local assemblers and importers targeting the Kenyan market will have to deal with higher costs due to the need to ensure that they are tax-compliant and submit detailed documentation for each device.

These costs could be passed on to Kenyans, thus leading to higher retail prices for the devices.

This is after a section of users in the greater Nairobi metropolitan area complained of the company failing to provide residential, business, and ROAM service plans.

To see if your area is currently available for residential service, Starlink directed users to its official websites to check availability. The mapping, however, shows that the Nairobi metropolis was sold out.

“No roaming plans are available in Kenya at this time. Starlink is working to restore service in the disrupted areas and a notification will be sent once the residential plan is back,” Starlink added.

Other affected areas include Thika, Kajiado, Kiambu, parts of Murang'a, Naivasha, Ngong, Machakos and sections of Narok. In general, seven counties were affected.

The company further indicated that the affordable packages were out of stock and only those charging above Ksh130,000 per month were available.

Starlink has been breaking more ground in Kenya following its entry to the Kenyan market in July 2023 with a promise of internet connection at low prices, despite facing backlash.

It really gained prominence the following year in the heat of Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill 2024 with Kenyans turning to the internet in massive numbers to stay informed on current affairs in the country. Data from Kenya's Communications Authority (CA) shows that Starlink got over 8,000 customers in Kenya by June 30, 2024, accounting for a 0.5 per cent market share.

Starlink's uptake has been impressive. This is because of its ability to support services in areas not possible with terrestrial solutions such as North Eastern parts of Kenya.

On September 26, Starlink introduced its more affordable Mini variety in response to its growing popularity amongst internet users who have however kept off from purchasing the package owing to its high hardware cost.

Cost Of Starlink Mini

The Mini kit is a more budget-friendly option for many Kenyans, priced at Ksh27,000, which is compared to the standard kit price which costs Ksh45,000 with a monthly subscription starting at Ksh8,000.

Some of the key packages available in the new kit include 50 GB for Ksh1,300 monthly, a Residential Lite package for Ksh4,000, and a high-speed option offering up to 200 Mbps for Ksh6,500.

The webinar aims to debunk the myth that AI is a threat to creative jobs and empower creatives with the knowledge and tools to use AI ethically and effectively.

Featuring Managing Editor of TUKO.co.ke and AI enthusiast, Jacob Otieno, who has over 10 years of journalism experience, he has firsthand knowledge of how AI can revolutionize creative workflows. He has been actively integrating AI tools into the daily workflow of TUKO.co.ke journalists and experimenting with various techniques and methods. 

During the webinar, attendees will learn practical tips and tricks for using AI tools to enhance their creativity and productivity. Otieno will discuss the ethical implications of AI usage and guidance on selecting the right tools for specific creative needs.

Poster advert of the upcoming "AI in Action: Practical Skills for Creative Professionals." webinar set to take place on November 4, 2024. /TUKO.CO.KE

As a special offer, all webinar attendees will receive a discount on TUKO.co.ke’s popular copywriting course. The course equips learners with the skills to write compelling copy that sells and provides valuable insights into the digital marketing landscape.

Webinar Details:

• Date: November 4, 2024

• Time: 12 PM

• Location: Webinar registration page

• Speaker: Jacob Otieno, Managing Editor, TUKO.co.ke 

About Jacob Otieno

Jacob Otieno Onyango is the Chief Editor at TUKO.co.ke, with 10 years of experience in journalism. He holds a BA degree in Communication & Media Technology from Maseno University, Class of 2015. Before joining TUKO.co.ke, he served as the Acting Editor-in-Chief at The East African Business Times.

Jacob has also completed various media training, including in ESG Reporting & Accounting Standards, conducted by the Media Council of Kenya and KPMG.

Read more: Meet TUKO.co.ke's New Managing Editor Who Started Out At US Company

TUKO.co.ke is Kenya’s leading digital news and entertainment platform by audience with an extensive reach of over 10 million unique users every month. It was awarded Digitally Fit Media Business of the Year at the Digitally Fit Award 2024

CA on Thursday, October 24 announced new requirements for mobile device assemblers, importers, retailers and wholesalers, and mobile network operators set to take effect on January 1, 2025. 

The authority announced that all local assemblers will be required to upload the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) Number of each locally assembled device to the portal provided by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

"To ensure integrity and tax compliance of the mobile devices in Kenya, the Authority hereby notifies all stakeholders, including mobile network operators, involved in the local assembly, importation, distribution as well as connection of mobile devices to local networks, that with effect from January 1st, 2025, the following requirements will apply for all mobile phone devices in Kenya," announced CA.

"All local device assemblies must upload the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) Number of each assembled device to the KRA-provided portal. This will ensure that all locally assembled devices are tax-compliant."

Furthermore, CA mandated all mobile phone importers (sale, testing, research or any other purpose) to disclose the IMEI Number in their respective import documents submitted to the KRA. This disclosure is mandatory for the registration of the devices in the National Master Database on Tax-Compliant Devices.

The directives stretch to retailers and wholesalers of mobile devices who must ensure that they only retail or distribute mobile devices that are tax compliant. "The Authority will provide the means by which the tax compliance status of mobile devices can be verified before purchase by retailers or end-users," added the notice.

Mobile network operators will be compelled to ensure that they only connect devices to their networks after verifying the tax compliance status through a whitelist database of compliant devices, which will be provided by the Authority.

Operators will also be required to provide for the grey-listing of non-compliant devices to facilitate regularization within a prescribed period, failure to which the devices will thereafter be blacklisted.

"The new requirements will only apply to all devices imported or assembled in the country from November 1st, 2024. All existing devices that will be on the Mobile Networks by 31st October 2024 will not be affected," added CA.

Higher Prices

In the long run, the directive could carry the following impacts; Local assemblers and importers targeting the Kenyan market will have to deal with higher costs due to the need to ensure that they are tax-compliant and submit detailed documentation for each device. These costs could be passed on to Kenyans, thus leading to higher retail prices for the devices.

The announcement could also encourage mobile manufacturers to set up more local assembly points in Kenya, to evade the double taxation effect as an importer and a seller.

CA’s directive might also lead to a more regulated mobile sales market with increased compliance, as Kenya sets on a trajectory to stabilise prices and reduce fluctuations caused by non-compliant imports.

The announcement came a week after Chief Government Advisor Moses Kuria announced that the government would soon be targeting Kenyans who own phones imported into the country with no record of having paid applicable taxes by automatically blocking them from activating any network on the phones.

The former Cabinet Secretary explained that the move is aimed at maximizing revenue collection in the telecommunications market as the state looks for alternative revenue streams. “We will automatically block from activating on any network any mobile phone imported into the country with no record of having paid applicable taxes,” Kuria said in a statement on X.

CA is the regulatory agency for the ICT industry in Kenya with responsibilities in telecommunications, e-commerce, cyber security, broadcasting and postal/ courier services. The CA is also responsible for managing the country's numbering and frequency spectrum resources, administering the Universal Service Fund (USF) as well as protecting the interests of users of ICT services.

In a notice shared on Tuesday, October 15, the communications regulator reminded all vendors and manufacturers of any equipment intended for connection to the Public Switched Telecommunication Network (PSTN) within Kenya to ensure compliance with the Type Approval process before it can be sold, distributed, or used in the country.

"In furtherance of its mandate of safeguarding consumer health and safety, upholding public interest, and securing telecommunications networks, the Authority type approves all ICT terminal equipment meant for use in the country to ensure that it conforms to both national and locally recognized international standards," CA explained.

In addition, the Authority noted that it facilitates trade in ICT through clearance of permits for type-approved imported equipment through the Kenya Trade Network Agency (Ken Trade) National Single Window System (Trade Net System/Trade Facilitation Platform).

"To ensure conformity with the law, the Authority wishes to remind all stakeholders, including manufacturers, vendors, importers, service providers, and the general public, that any equipment intended for connection to the Public Switched Telecommunication Network (PSTN) within Kenya must undergo the Type Approval process before it can be sold, distributed, or used in the country," notified the regulator.

How To Access List of Approved Equipment

A complete list of type-approved equipment is available on the Authority's official website at https://www.ca.go.ke/licensee-register. CA warned of legal consequences for anyone who does not comply with the requirement.

"Failure to comply with the Type Approval requirement may lead to legal penalties as outlined in the ICT sector laws," warned the CA.

Requirements in Applying for Type Approval

To apply for type approval, the following requirements are mandatory:

1. Type approval application form (CA/F/STA/TA 1.5).
2. Letter of agency from the manufacturer or principal distributor. The letter should state other countries where the equipment is typed and in service.
3. Technical manual containing information on the operations, programming and specifications of the equipment in English.
4. User manual written in the English language.
5. Declaration of Conformity issued either by the equipment manufacturer or accredited laboratory, where applicable.
6. Test results on safety and other relevant parameters in English, issued by accredited laboratories. Evidence of laboratory accreditation tests from an accreditation body that is a signatory of ILAC should be provided.
7. Compliance certificate for vendors duly issued by the Communication Authority for vendors and certified by a commissioner of oaths.
8. Equipment sample complete with associated accessories and attachments where applicable.

The ICT Sector law is an act of parliament that provides for offences relating to computer systems including timely and effective detection, prohibition, prevention, response, investigation and prosecution of cyber-related crimes.

According to the constitution, any person found culpable of contravening the ICT Sector law is liable to a prison sentence of three years or a fine of up to Ksh5 million in the case of an offence under section 7 or up to Ksh250,000. 

The directive came days after Chief Government Advisor Moses Kuria announced that the government would soon be targeting Kenyans who own phones imported into the country with no record of having paid applicable taxes by automatically blocking them from activating any network on the phones.

The former Cabinet Secretary explained that the move is aimed at maximizing revenue collection in the telecommunications market as the state looks for alternative revenue streams.

“We will automatically block from activating on any network any mobile phone imported into the country with no record of having paid applicable taxes,” Kuria said in a statement.

The National Assembly on August 9, 2024, published the Bill proposing to amend the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018.

The Private Members Bill proposed by Aden Daudi Mohamed seeks to introduce five new clauses. Clause 2 aims to define terms such as access, asset, identity theft, and virtual accounts while Clause 3 wants to empower the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) to issue directives on websites and applications that may be rendered inaccessible within the country.

Clause 4 seeks to expand the scope of the offence of cyber harassment while clause 5 expands the scope of the offence of phishing. Clause 6 seeks to introduce the offence of unauthorised SIM swap.

KICTANet expressed opposition to Clause 3 in particular, which seeks to amend section 6 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, to grant the NC4 power to block websites and applications, “where it is proved that a website or application promotes illegal activities, child pornography, terrorism, extreme religious and cultic practices, issue a directive to render the website or application inaccessible.” 

"Given Kenya’s recent history of shutting down the Internet in June 2024 and blocking messaging applications like Telegram in November 2023, the proposal does not come as a surprise. It appears to be yet another attempt to formalise and expand government censorship," said KICTANet in a statement.

"A similar proposal was made in the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which was later withdrawn following pushback by civil society. This new clause in the bill is equally problematic and should be withdrawn."

The Think Tank for ICT policy and regulation slammed what it termed as "overly broad, ambiguous and vague language of the amendment", deeming terminologies such as “where it proved”, “promotes illegal activities” or “extreme religious and cultic practices” as bad in law. 

The bill was criticised for violating constitutional and human rights standards around rights to freedom of expression, political participation, privacy and related civil liberties, despite stating that it does not limit fundamental rights and freedoms.

KICTANet feared that implementing this clause could give the government unnecessary powers to control Kenyans' freedom of speech in whichever format and reduction of the freedoms of online platforms which offer an alternative method of free speech, including news websites.

"The implementation of the provision could lead to censorship of legitimate speech, including political dissent or religious expression. It may also pave the way for arbitrary blocking of websites and applications or invasive surveillance practices, particularly during politically sensitive times like protests and elections, if the events following the #RejectFinanceBill2024 are anything to go by. Most recently, the prosecution of David Morara Kebaso for the offence of cyber harassment signals the likelihood of more repressive action by the state against critical speech," added the statement.

The body further indicated that on the back of previous internet disruptions that have been carried out without any legal mandate or oversight, there is a risk that such a provision could lead to abuse and overreach by the NC4 due to its vague terminology, absent oversight or no limitation on the period of blocking. This would mean that any speech online or on social media that is deemed to “promote illegal activities” could be used as a basis to block the website or application indefinitely. 

"Further, and despite using the phrase “where it is proven”, it is not clear to whom the proof shall be adduced to, and there is still no clear oversight of NC4 or of the proposed powers, which could result in politically motivated censorship or disproportionate restrictions on free speech.

"The power also makes the NC4 investigator, prosecutor and judge, which goes beyond the scope of its functions under the CMCA limited to advising the government and coordinating cybercrime matters. Also, the manifest lack of due process guarantees and clear mechanisms for appealing NC4 decisions could leave websites and applications vulnerable to arbitrary and unjust restrictions," the firm added.

KICTANet further worried that the adoption of the bill in its current form could have a significant economic cost to the digital ecosystem by creating uncertainty and increasing the cost for developers, users and investors. For example, enforcing the restrictions will require significant infrastructure which could become a compliance burden by ISPs and tech firms thereby increasing the cost of doing business.

It argued that the broad nature of such powers means other users of the websites and applications are likely to be adversely affected by such restrictions, giving an example of the blocking of Telegram, which is estimated to have cost the country USD 27.02 million (Ksh4.2 billion), with similar ripple effects of the shutdown in June being felt in Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda causing a significant economic impact on users of internet and financial services.

In addition, adopting the proposal would trigger a decline in Kenya’s global rankings on internet freedom as well as its attractiveness as a favourable ICT investment destination, that is, Africa’s Silicon Savannah. 

"It is important to note that while combating illegal activities like terrorism and child sexual abuse material is legitimate, these activities are often used to justify and introduce sweeping censorship and surveillance. Human rights bodies insist that such laws must comply with the 3-part test (be necessary, proportionate and provided by law) and have clear safeguards to prevent abuse, such as independent judicial oversight," added the statement.

Designed for users who seek an affordable device without compromising on performance, the HOT 50i brings reliable functionality and a premium feel, without the premium price tag. 

"The HOT 50i is the perfect example of how Infinix delivers technology that resonates with our young, dynamic audience," said Michael Zeng, Brand Manager at Infinix Kenya.

"With its sleek design, advanced performance, and AI-driven features, the HOT 50i is crafted to meet the needs of users who are always on the move, whether for work or play, without stretching their budget."

The HOT 50i seamlessly combines sleek design with powerful performance, making it the perfect choice for everyday tasks. Its ultra-slim 8.1mm profile and lightweight 184g build ensure one-handed comfort and portability, making it ideal for users on the go.

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 chipset, the HOT 50i delivers smooth, lag-free performance, allowing users to multitask seamlessly. Whether switching between apps, gaming, streaming content, or browsing, the 6GB+6GB additional memory boost through Dynamic RAM Expansion (DRE) ensures an efficient experience even during heavy usage.

The Infinix Note 50i. /HANDOUT

The 6.7-inch punch-hole display, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, enhances the visual experience with vibrant colours and fluid navigation. Whether scrolling through social media, watching videos, or gaming, users are treated to immersive visuals and responsiveness that cater to fast-paced lifestyles.

The device’s dual speakers, which amplify sound clarity by up to 300%, offer rich and powerful audio, ensuring a superior media experience whether indoors or outdoors.

Infinix has also focused on durability with the HOT 50i, which comes equipped with IP54 certification to protect against dust and water splashes, making it the perfect companion for active users who encounter diverse environments.

Whether you’re working outdoors or in dusty conditions, the HOT 50i remains reliable and functional. Its Wet & Greasy Touch Precision technology further enhances usability, allowing users to interact with their phone even when their hands are wet or greasy—ideal for cooking, working out, or using the device in humid climates.

The Infinix Note 50i's protection against water splashes among others. /HANDOUT

Backed by a 5,000mAh battery, the HOT 50i offers extended use, providing up to 14.2 hours of WhatsApp chatting, 11.9 hours of TikTok streaming, and 9.5 hours of Free Fire gaming on a single charge. Users can also benefit from 18W FastCharge, which ensures quick recharges, keeping users connected without extended downtime.

The device features Overnight Charging Protection to optimize power management during overnight charging sessions, along with Bypass Charging technology, which helps keep the device cool by directing power to the mainboard instead of the battery during intensive tasks like gaming or streaming.

The HOT 50i’s AI features enhance everyday life, offering tools that simplify tasks and improve user experiences. ASK AI provides users with an intuitive assistant that helps summarize documents, query information, write content, and optimize tasks in real-time.

This feature is particularly useful for students, professionals, and content creators who need quick and efficient support for their daily activities. Folax enhances multitasking by enabling hands-free control over music, calls, and travel-related tasks, ensuring users can navigate their day with ease and convenience. Whether setting reminders, answering calls, or controlling media, Folax is always on standby, ready to assist.

The Infinix HOT 50i will be available in Kenya starting at Ksh13,699. Available in Titanium Grey, Sage Green, Dreamy Purple, and Sleek Black, the HOT 50i’s stylish finish catches the eye with its refined craftsmanship and premium feel.

In the course of the coming month, more models will be available in Kenya within the Hot 50 series lineup. 

For more information, please visit: https://ke.infinixmobility.com/hot-50i 

Features of the Infinix Note 50i. /HANDOUT

The company announced its latest product in the Kenyan market via a statement on Thursday, September 26. "Starlink Mini is now available in Kenya. Stay connected with high-speed internet at home or on the go," the company said.

In its blog post dated September 24, Meta revealed that it is planning to develop an AI platform that will provide responses in Swahili and Kikuyu to users interested in farming in Kenya.

This is part of the Facebook parent company's plans for advancing its technology across the world. As detailed in its post, the AI platform, Llama, will be beneficial for farmers seeking knowledge not only about agriculture but also about the environment.

"Digital Green’s Farmer Chat project aims to develop a multilingual AI chatbot that provides customized, on-demand agricultural advisory services to small-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa," Meta revealed.

President William Ruto taking a look at a maize on his farm at Trans Mara on June 28, 2023. /PCS

Meta added that Llama will be fine-tuned on a vast repository of agricultural data to adapt the model to the specific needs and contexts of different regions. 

"Llama’s conversational capabilities will then be used to provide comprehensive and practical responses in a variety of languages including Hindi, Swahili, and Kikuyu," added the blog post.

AI is one of the emerging technological advancements in the world today as is aimed at making life easier for human beings across vital sectors such as education, health and agriculture.

The most common AI platforms that have gained traction in Kenya in recent years include Chat GPT and Google's chatbot Gemini AI.

The tech giant’s latest announcement comes on the heels of the 2023 Llama Impact Grants and Innovation Awards, highlighting Meta’s strategic push to enhance AI’s relevance in Kenya and beyond. This initiative aims to bridge the language gap and make AI more accessible to millions across East Africa.

Llama, launched by Meta AI in February 2023, is already a frontrunner in AI language models. Meta's move to expand its capabilities to include Swahili and Kikuyu is seen as a game-changer in localising technology.

Kenyan innovators are being presented with a unique opportunity to utilise AI to solve local challenges, signalling the country’s rising influence in the global tech arena. Meta’s impact grants are open until November 2024, inviting local tech enthusiasts to leverage AI for social good.

This will provide a good avenue for employment to many as Kenya seeks more opportunities for unemployed youth. 

Meta’s expansion plan was unveiled during the awards ceremony, with Kenyan innovators Jacaranda Health taking the spotlight as runners-up. Their digital health tool, prompts and uses SMS nudges as well as AI-enabled support to assist new mothers in seeking appropriate care. 

The innovation is expected to become a vital resource for maternal and newborn health across Sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrating the kind of impact Meta’s Llama models can achieve when aligned with local needs.

The event, held in collaboration with the SARAO - South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, and the Electronic Research Foundation of New Zealand introduced participants to the Transient Array Radio Telescope (TART), a groundbreaking piece of equipment that enhances Kenya's role in the field of radio astronomy.

A radio telescope is a specialised antenna and radio receiver designed to detect radio waves from astronomical radio sources in the sky such as planets, stars, and galaxies.

Continuously monitoring the whole sky, the telescope is designed to identify moving objects known in space science as transient phenomena such as satellites, near-Earth objects, and high-energy cosmic rays.

Scientists at the Kenya Space Agency interact with the TART Radio technology. /KENYA SPACE AGENCY

Additionally, the telescope was designed to provide a platform for the continued development of new techniques for imaging through algorithmic sequencing.

The workshop took place at The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) and attracted scholars, scientists, and engineers from institutions such as Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), the University of Nairobi (UoN), and Kenyatta University (KU).

With the installation of the TART network, Kenya has become the third country in Africa, after South Africa and Mauritius, to host this advanced technology. This positions the nation as a key player in space science on the continent.

Mauritius received its first such telescope in April 2024 while South Africa already possesses two of them.  

The TART network, a collection of low-cost radio telescopes, allows researchers and students to study astronomical phenomena in real-time, significantly boosting space research capabilities in Africa.

Key Impacts and Benefits of the Workshop

Capacity Building in Radio Astronomy: The workshop allowed students, astronomers, and researchers to understand how the TART telescope works, thereby boosting Kenya's expertise in radio astronomy. Learning from South African experts provided participants with valuable knowledge that will enhance their technical capacity and promote scientific discoveries.

Collaboration in Space Science: The workshop highlighted the strong partnership between Kenya, South Africa, and New Zealand in advancing space research. With the TART network to be deployed in eight African countries, this collaboration fosters continental cooperation in space exploration and research.

Advancing Kenya’s Space Infrastructure: The KSA has prioritized space science and astronomy infrastructure. 

"Hosting TART is a significant milestone in KSA’s mission to develop space capabilities and facilities to support research, data analysis, and future space missions. These efforts aim to establish Kenya's involvement in global space research, contributing to the growth of the country’s space economy," said KSA in a statement.

Increased Research Opportunities: The workshop introduced Kenyan researchers to advanced tools and techniques used in radio astronomy, paving the way for more scientific studies and international collaborations. This will stimulate innovation and contribute to solving global challenges through space science, particularly in areas such as climate monitoring and communication systems.

The CEO of the KSA, Hillary Kipkosgey, emphasized that such initiatives are essential for Kenya to become a hub for space science in Africa. 

"By introducing radio astronomy to researchers, the workshop has laid the groundwork for creating the necessary infrastructure, future academic programs, and research projects that will shape the future of Kenya’s space sector," he stated.

Looking ahead, KSA intends to expand its efforts in nurturing talent and building space infrastructure by establishing an Astronomical Observatory in Kitui later this year, positioning Kenya as a leader in Africa's growing space economy.

As the TART project grows, Kenya is set to benefit from enhanced capabilities in monitoring space phenomena and climate science, bringing the continent closer to harnessing the potential of space for development.

Scientists at the Kenya Space Agency with the TART Radio technology. /KENYA SPACE AGENCY

In an update on its official website, the multinational announced that the new satellites will have an advanced Evolved Node B (eNodeB) modem onboard that will act like a cellphone tower in space, allowing network integration similar to that of a standard roaming partner.

An eNodeB refers to base station equipment that handles the radio interface with mobile devices. Once activated, the service will connect with ordinary, unmodified phones without the need for extra equipment, provided the devices are 4G LTE-compatible.

LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is a fourth-generation (4G) wireless standard that provides increased network capacity and speed for mobile phones and other cellular devices compared with third-generation (3G) technology. The LTE is used by phone carriers to deliver wireless data to a consumer’s phone.

“Direct to Cell works with existing LTE phones wherever you can see the sky. No changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps are required, providing seamless access to text, voice, and data,” wrote Starlink, adding “In addition to expanding mobile coverage, Direct to Cell will enable ubiquitous Internet of Things connectivity outside of terrestrial coverage, connecting millions of devices across critical global industries.”

According to the update, Direct to Cell satellites will initially be launched on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and then on Starship. “On-orbit, the satellites will immediately connect over laser backhaul to the Starlink constellation to provide global connectivity,” Starlink added.

Text capabilities are lined up for rollout before the close of this year, while voice and data services will be made available to users next year.

In simple terms, Starlink is on the verge of being an alternative communication service provider for Kenyans making calls, sending texts and using the internet on the go through mobile data bundles, a move that poses a direct threat to the dominating telcos in Kenya.

The launch tests were carried out starting January 2, with the firm reporting that the early pilots were completed without issue and that six days after the launch, technicians were able to send and receive the first text messages to and from unmodified cell phones on the ground using the US-based T-Mobile network spectrum.

Among the initial challenges encountered at the time was figuring out how to sufficiently transmit strong radio signals to and from mobile phones that were not designed to connect to satellites.

In response, Starlink revealed the technical team developed custom silicon onboard the satellite that is optimised for this application and reduces both power and cost on the satellite, as well as large and advanced phased arrays that use extremely sensitive radio receivers as well as high-powered transmitters for communicating with mobile phones from space.

“The antennas were designed to ride on the Starlink v2mini satellites and are reliably launched and deployed to low-Earth orbit every few days by the Falcon 9 rocket. Since our vision is to connect everyone using their existing phones without needing a new phone, upgrades, or a special app, we decided to use standard LTE/4G protocols,” notes the firm.

The satellite service will be ready for deployment anywhere across the globe subject to respective regulatory approvals without requiring and dedicated ground infrastructure.

Starlink will also need to forge partnerships with existing telco operators who will provide the critical LTE spectrum that will be used to transmit the satellite signals, which will allow Starlink to integrate like a standard roaming partner with local network operators.

The onboarded operators will in turn be granted reciprocal global access that will allow their users to access the service when they travel to any of the partner countries.

The Direct to Cell service would supplement Starlink’s current home and office installed services that have become popular with a growing number of users in Kenya. However, Starlink might find it tough in terms of partnering with local telco operators.

One of them recently wrote to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) calling for new regulations for satellite service providers, lamenting the possible negative impacts brought about by issuing direct licenses to satellite service providers.

"We kindly request the Communications Authority of Kenya ("CA") to carefully assess the risks of granting independent licenses to Satellite service providers and the consequent harm it may cause to Kenya," a letter to CA dated July 5, 2024, and seen by Viral Tea read in part.

The move however sparked uproar with Kenyans accusing the firm of attempting to gatekeep internet access at a time when the demand for internet has surpassed its peak in line with the ever-changing trends brought about by digital disruption.

In a letter dated July 5, 2024, and seen by Viral Tea, the telco lamented to CA Director General, David Mugonyi, regarding the possible negative impacts brought about by issuing direct licenses to satellite service providers.

CA was urged to consider an alternative approach whereby the satellite providers operate only through agreements with existing local licensees.

"We kindly request the Communications Authority of Kenya ("CA") to carefully assess the risks of granting independent licenses to Satellite service providers and the consequent harm it may cause to Kenya," the letter read in part.

"We propose that the CA instead consider mandating that Satellite service providers only operate in Kenya subject to such providers establishing an agreement with an existing local licensee."

The telco explained that under such an agreement, the satellite service provider(s) will appropriately operate as infrastructure providers to such licensee(s) rather than operating independently.

"In so doing enable related innovation whilst avoiding the potential harm discussed in subsequent paragraphs of this letter. Satellite service providers should therefore not be granted a license directly/independently but rather only permitted to operate under the license rights of the local licensee," the telco appealed.

The emergence of satellite technology capable of delivering internet directly to end users from space has garnered significant attention globally, with recent technological developments introducing the potential to provide radio access service directly from space stations to end-user terminals, Direct to Device, located on the earth's surface.

This offers an innovative opportunity for locally licenced operators to provide coverage in areas that remain unserved and underserved due to commercial, geographical, or technological unfeasibility based on existing technologies.

"To this extent, in the interest of experimenting with this technology and with the approval of the CA, we have partnered with Avellan Space Technology & Science ("AST") for its Space Mobile solution. The model being adopted is that AST would be an infrastructure provider," the letter continued.

"Direct to Device Satellite services has become a key topic of discussion globally, along with significant media coverage. Moreover, the ITU-R [International Telecommunication Union] is also studying the potential of the Mobile Satellite Service operating in IMT spectrum bands (ITU-R WRC 2027 agenda item 1.13)."

The letter comes amidst the growing influence of Starlink in the country. Owned by billionaire Elon Musk, Starlink, which is powered by his space company SpaceX, offers high-speed internet that can be used for online audio and video calls, video streaming as well as online gaming in rural and remote areas.

Users on the ground can access the internet via phased-array user terminals, commonly known as satellite dishes, which are installed at their locations. These dishes automatically align themselves with the passing satellites, allowing for a continuous and stable internet connection.

Therefore, for you to access Starlink's internet, you will need the tiny satellite dishes that you will need to pay for, plus their shipping to your area. You will also need to pay for a monthly subscription.

This new tool leverages advanced artificial intelligence to seamlessly integrate order details from emails, contact messages and social media platforms into Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, revolutionizing the way businesses manage their operations.

Sanifu's creation is rooted in the pressing challenges faced by manufacturers and distributors in and around order processing. 

Tackling Industrial Challenges 

"From our conversations and understanding of the industry, we identified key areas that could need an effective tech solution. These challenges ranged from inefficient manual data entry, error-prone processes, to revenue losses due to order processing delays," revealed Rema Sidney, CEO of Patika Technology.

Other challenges include high rates of sales returns, and missed opportunities, especially on late-night orders. Due to the low efficiency of manual labour, manufacturers and distributors often need to hire a large number of clerks to manage the volume of orders, making it difficult to scale operations without proportionally increasing headcount.

From left to right: Patika Technology co-founders Sidney Rema, Phelix Juma and Bernard Momanyi. /HANDOUT

By addressing these pain points, Sanifu offers a solution that not only enhances accuracy but also significantly boosts productivity.

AI-powered Automation 

At its core, Sanifu is an AI-powered system designed to automate the extraction and entry of order details from diverse formats, including emails, PDFs, and even handwritten notes.

According to Rema, this sophisticated technology ensures that order processing is swift and precise, drastically reducing the errors and time associated with manual data entry. 

"The system integrates effortlessly with existing ERP systems, email platforms, and WhatsApp, providing a comprehensive solution that fits seamlessly into the workflows of its users. This functionality is particularly valuable in regions like Kenya, where social media is a prevalent mode of communication for business transactions," Rema weighed in.

One of Sanifu's standout features is its ability to read and process orders from various communication channels, including WhatsApp messages. By bridging the gap between these informal channels and formal ERP systems, Sanifu enables a more streamlined and accurate order processing experience.

Adaptability and Impact  

The impact of Sanifu is already being felt by its initial customers, Kenchic Limited and Capwell Industries.

The two early adopters have reported dramatic reductions in order processing times, from 5-10 minutes per order to under 30 seconds. This efficiency gain has translated into lower sales returns and missed sales, underscoring Sanifu’s effectiveness in addressing critical operational challenges. 

According to Colm Healy, the Chief Operating Officer at Capwell Industries, the company's customer service team was frequently overwhelmed with orders.

This birthed problems like errors and delays in order processing which hurt the company's revenue and customer experience. But everything changed when the AI-powered technology was quickly adapted into their system.

"Sanifu has transformed our management process. Before implementing this tool, our customer service team spent hours manually checking through emails, contact messages and other communication channels to keep up with the influx of customer orders," said Healy.

Teamwork and Experience 

The team behind Sanifu includes Sidney Rema, Phelix Juma, and Bernard Momanyi, both who bring a wealth of experience in AI solutions and enterprise sales.

Their backgrounds in deploying AI technologies for top retailers and managing distribution channels have been instrumental in crafting a solution that is both innovative and practical.

"Our initial focus was on a mobile application designed to help small businesses manage debt collection. However, feedback from larger enterprises highlighted a more pressing need for improved order processing. It's this insight that led to the development of Sanifu," Momanyi said.

Momanyi highlighted that the tool combines Patika’s foundational expertise with advanced AI capabilities to meet the demands of a broader market.

Moreover, Patika Technology was accepted into the prestigious Y Combinator Incubator programme in 2022, being the only startup company from East, Central and Southern Africa in that batch.

Scalability and Expansion

A total of 13 major local manufacturers from Kenya are now on board with this new venture. 11 of them are actively piloting the system, further validating its scalability and impact across different industries.

As Sanifu continues to evolve, it promises to be a game-changer for businesses seeking to optimize their order processing and drive growth in the competitive market. Market plans involve scaling operations, continuously enhancing the product, and meeting the evolving needs of its customers.

"Within the next 5 years, we plan to deploy AI clerks that can work as teammates across various industries that are paper heavy like health, insurance and banking. We aim to expand Sanifu's reach across Africa, targeting a market of 180,000 manufacturers and distributors with a potential value exceeding $2.5 billion," said Rema.

Sanifu represents a significant leap forward in order processing technology. By integrating AI-powered automation with email and social media channels, it offers a solution that not only enhances efficiency but also sets a new standard for accuracy and ease of use in the industry. 

On August 6, 2024, President William Ruto urged content creators to take advantage of the monetisation of their videos on Meta platforms, stating that his administration would continue seeking more opportunities for the youth to explore their talents.

"Beginning today, Kenyan content creators can monetize their videos on Meta platforms. We urge our creatives to take advantage of this opportunity to not only enhance their incomes but also create job opportunities for others," Ruto said, adding "We will continue to seek more opportunities for our youth to explore their talents."

However, as of Sunday, August 19, Bundi took to Threads sharing an email he received from the social media company indicating that the monetization program was yet to take effect in Kenya.

Post by @realmichaelbundi

View on Threads

"Hi Michael, Thank you for contacting us again. At the moment, you are pre-registered for ad breaks. Your country is not supported at this time but the program is expanding! You will automatically gain access if we expand to your country," the email read in part.

"Unfortunately, the in-stream ads monetization announced by William Ruto and Moon Baz has not taken effect in Kenya. This is the latest message I have received from Facebook. As a creator, I am very disappointed. No words!" Bundi reacted.

In response, Meta Africa, Middle East and Turkey (AMET) Global Partnerships Lead Moon Baz wrote "We are looking into this". No further update from either of the individuals was issued on the matter by the time of publishing this story.

In the email, a list of countries supported by the monetization program was provided and Kenya was among them when Viral Tea conducted spot checks.

On August 6, Meta rolled out its in-stream Ads and Ads on reels, allowing content creators on Facebook to earn money from the platform through in-stream ads as well as ads on reels.

“This expansion will empower eligible creators in the vibrant creative industry in Kenya to earn money, whilst setting the bar high for creativity across the world and making Meta's family of apps the one-stop-shop for all creators," Baz said in a press release. 

Meta explained that the In-stream Ads can play before, during or after on-demand videos, whether it's pre-recorded content or when publishing a recording of a previous live stream. 

The types of In-stream Ads include Pre-roll Ads (which play before a video starts), Mid-roll Ads (which play during videos), Image Ads (static image ads that display beneath the content) and Post-roll Ads (ads which appear at the end of videos).

According to Meta, Ads on Facebook reels integrate seamlessly into original reels, enabling creators to get paid based on the performance of their original reels while entertaining fans.

How To Monetize & Eligibility

To use either of the monetization products by Meta, creators must pass and remain compliant with Facebook's Partner Monetization Policies and Content Monetization Policies. 

1. Have more than 5,000 followers
2. Be more than 18 years old
3. Have more than 5 active videos on their page
4. Collect more than 60,000-minute views in the last 60 days
5. Pass monetisation policies & community standards.

The roll-out by Meta will allow Kenyan content creators on Facebook to earn money through in-stream ads as well as ads on reels.

“In-Stream Ads on Facebook and Facebook Ads on Reels will enable creators to earn money for crafting original videos and cultivating community,” Meta explained in a press release. 

Meta Africa, Middle East and Turkey (AMET) Global Partnerships Lead Moon Baz said they are inspired by the incredible African creators who use Facebook to tell their stories, connect with others and bring people together daily. 

“This expansion will empower eligible creators in the vibrant creative industry in Kenya to earn money, whilst setting the bar high for creativity across the world and making Meta's family of apps the one-stop-shop for all creators," Baz said. 

Meta explained that the In-stream Ads can play before, during or after on-demand videos, whether it's pre-recorded content or when publishing a recording of a previous live stream. 

The types of In-stream Ads include Pre-roll Ads (which play before a video starts), Mid-roll Ads (which play during videos), Image Ads (static image ads that display beneath the content) and Post-roll Ads (ads which appear at the end of videos).

According to Meta, Ads on Facebook reels integrate seamlessly into original reels, enabling creators to get paid based on the performance of their original reels while entertaining fans.

“Available from today, eligible Creators in Kenya will be able to earn money for their video and reel content, with support in over 30 languages globally including Swahili,” Meta said. 

President William Ruto on his part praised the roll-out of the monetization program, urging Kenyan creatives "to take advantage of this opportunity to not only enhance their incomes but also create job opportunities for others", adding "We will continue to seek more opportunities for our youth to explore their talents."

To use either of the monetization products by Meta, creators must pass and remain compliant with Facebook's Partner Monetization Policies and Content Monetization Policies. 

1. Have more than 5,000 followers
2. Be more than 18 years old
3. Have more than 5 active videos on their page
4. Collect more than 60,000-minute views in the last 60 days
5. Pass monetisation policies & community standards.

Receiving Payments

On March 13, 2024, Remotasks which allows users from all walks of life to complete small, online tasks such as image and video labelling, contributing to the training and development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, and making money, shut down operations in Kenya which affected thousands of Kenyans who had relied on it to earn a living.

President Ruto was taken through the Official opening of Njoro Technical Training Institute in Nakuru County and interacted with a young woman who managed to exploit a loophole to continue working on the platform to earn money.

Screenshot of a website page showing the unavailability of Remotasks in Kenya. /VIRAL TEA KE

“Kenyans are ready to work on Remotasks, they have seen whatever happened after submitting a dirty task and now they are pleading they can get it back,” she told the President.

She added that through the platform, she was able to use the earnings derived to renovate her mother's house and build for her a modern gate.

President Ruto, in response, revealed that in light of fresh negotiations, he had instructed the Ministry of ICT to negotiate on modalities to have Remotasks resume operations in Kenya.

When the company ceased operations in the country, a section of users claimed that it could have been due to Kenyans submitting substandard work. 

“We need to renegotiate with Remotasks because that is the problem I was informed about,” Ruto remarked.

“I have already instructed the ministry to engage them but they have said we need a framework so that there will be somebody ultimately responsible because now they are dealing with individuals directly, not everybody is responsible."

The President also remarked that Remotasks had been reluctant to resume operations in Kenya due to complications of dealing with individuals who may not be responsible.

“Someone takes work, they don't do it, and yet somebody else was ready to do it,” he explained. 

Ruto also promised to have the pay rate to Kenyans increased on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform after the youth complained that the pay rate was low.

The platform works with different companies to help them form tomorrow's smarter gadgets - from self-driving cars to more intelligent AI systems.

With Remotaskers, the platform helps deliver various outputs to clients that can help them develop their AI projects - this time with the platform's invaluable human input.

Viral Tea has encountered issues trying to log into the platform to access timely updates on events surrounding the anti-Finance Bill protests.

It was on this platform that the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024 was mentioned over 1 million times worldwide.

This comes as global internet observatory NetBlocks confirmed the internet outage at around 5 pm, on the same platform.

NetBlocks reported, "Confirmed: Live network data show a major disruption to internet connectivity in Kenya," sparking widespread concern and frustration among Kenyans.

The blackout coincided with escalating anti-finance bill protests, which have relied heavily on online mobilisation and live streaming by media and influencers.

This came despite assurances from the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) that such a disruption would not occur.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Authority has no intention whatsoever to shut down internet traffic or interfere with the quality of connectivity,” Mugonyi stated. “Such actions would be a betrayal of the Constitution as a whole, the freedom of expression in particular and our own ethos.”

Mugonyi underscored the critical role of internet access in driving Kenya’s economy. An internet shutdown, he reasoned, would sabotage the nation’s fast-growing economy and jeopardise thousands of livelihoods.

In its video message shared online and which has since gone viral, the group criticised the government's attempt at imposing more taxes on Kenyans through the Finance Bill 2024.

This Finance Bill has sparked opposition among Kenyan citizens, leading to protests against it.

The group also boldly accused President William Ruto of using police officers to cause brutality amongst protesters, including the use of live bullets against them.

"Greetings, Citizens of the world. This is a warning message to William Ruto, the Kenyan Government, and all members of parliament from Anonymous. It has come to our attention that there are discussions in parliament to pass the finance bill, which will unfairly tax the citizens of Kenya," the message begins.

"Kenyan citizens attempting peaceful demonstrations are being unfairly harassed, arrested, and shot at with live bullets by the police force under your command."

Anonymous, known globally for its cyber attacks against organizations and governments they accuse of corruption or injustice, has a long history of high-profile actions.

Their notable achievements include hacking into the websites of major corporations like Sony and PayPal, as well as government entities such as the CIA and the Church of Scientology.

While they have targeted various nations for social justice causes, this marks one of their first major threats against Kenya. They therefore took note of numbers belonging to MPs circulating online, hinting at the possibility of cyber attacks that would expose their secrets.

"Soon, there will be an uprising of hackers, many of whom may reside in your home country. Your secrets may no longer be safe, and there is a chance that all these secrets will be exposed to show how corrupt and unjust members of this parliament are, embezzling public funds for personal gain."

Today, June 20, protests are expected to peak as Kenyans march under the banner of #OccupyParliament to demand the rejection of the Finance Bill. The group thus urged Kenyan MPs to reject the Finance Bill in its entirety.

"On Thursday, the 20th of June, Kenyans will march and #OccupyParliament. We do not want you to amend the Finance Bill; we want you to reject it. Listen to the cries of your citizens, or the people of the world will resist you every step of the way," Anonymous declared.

Critics argue that the bill's proposed taxes, including increased VAT on essential goods such as bread, higher excise duties on fuel, and new levies on mobile money transactions, will disproportionately impact the poor and middle class, exacerbating the already high cost of living.

As Kenya braces for what could be a significant day of protests, the government is yet to respond to both the public outcry and Anonymous's threats.

While reading the 2024/2025 Budget, Ndung'u confessed that raising the excise duty to 20 percent as proposed in the Finance Bill 2024 would do serious damage to the electronic payment ecosystem as well as access to the internet across the country.

President William Ruto's government has been at the forefront of increasing access to the internet in the form of a digital superhighway, a matter which would have been vulnerable to scrutiny if the proposal was allowed to stand.

A person using a phone. /FILE

"Currently, excise duty is 15% on the following; telephone, internet data services, fees charged on money transfer services by banks, fees charged on money transfers by agencies and other financial service providers.

"In the fees charged on cellular phone service providers...I propose to retain the excise duty rate of 15% on fees charged on money transfer services by cellular phone service providers to benefit the electronic payment ecosystem," he stated.

The Finance Bill 2024 proposed increasing excise duty to 20%, a move that critics and market players said would reverse much of the progress made in digital money transfers and financial inclusion. 

Kenyans could also be forced to part with more for making phone calls, paying for mobile data bundles to use the internet and making mobile money transactions.

The National Treasury had initially proposed a hike in excise duty charged on telephone and internet data services from 15 per cent to 20 per cent, a matter which would have forced telcos to increase the cost of both of those services.

The bill also proposed an increase in excise duty for money transfers, meaning Kenyans were staring at the daunting prospect of paying more to send money.

In collaboration with Microsoft and other stakeholders, G42 will lead the arrangement of an initial investment of Kh132 billion ($1 billion) for the various components outlined in the comprehensive package.

One of the Kenyan investment priorities is a state-of-the-art green data centre that will be built by G42 and its partners to run Microsoft Azure in a new East Africa Cloud Region.

"The initiative will include four additional pillars that will be pursued with local partners: (1) local-language AI model development and research; (2) an East Africa Innovation Lab coupled with broad AI digital skills training; (3) international and local connectivity investments; and (4) collaboration with the government of Kenya to support safe and secure cloud services across East Africa," a statement to newsrooms announcing the investment read in part on Wednesday, May 22.

A building housing Microsoft offices. /TECHCABAL

A letter of intent formalizing the relationship will be signed on Friday as part of President William Ruto’s state visit to the United States of America, the first state visit to Washington, D.C., by a sitting African head of state in nearly two decades.

The letter of intent will be signed between Microsoft, G42 and Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, and was crafted with the assistance of the governments of the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

Sustainable data centre infrastructure and new East Africa cloud region

As part of the agreement, G42, in collaboration with local partners, will design and build a state-of-the-art data centre campus in Olkaria, Kenya, run entirely on renewable geothermal energy and designed with state-of-the-art water conservation technology.

The data centre will run on and provide access to Microsoft Azure through a new East Africa Cloud Region, which will become operational within 24 months of the signing of the definitive agreements.

This cloud region will provide customers access to scalable, secure, high-speed cloud and AI services to accelerate cloud adoption and the digital transformation of businesses, customers and partners across Kenya and East Africa.

“This partnership is bigger than technology itself. It is about coming together of three countries with a common vision of a nation empowered by technology, where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive in the global digital landscape. It’s about building a future where Kenya flourishes as a digital leader," stated Ruto.

“In the spirit of mutual growth and shared prosperity, this LOI is a stepping stone toward a brighter, more connected and digitally empowered future for the USA, Kenya and the UAE. It embodies our collective aspiration to bridge the digital divide, accelerate technological innovation, and pave the way for a thriving digital economy that benefits the entire African continent and beyond.”

On his part, Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft, remarked that the partnership between two companies and three countries highlights a real opportunity to bring digital technology to the Global South in a safe and secure manner.

“This represents the single largest and broadest digital investment in Kenya’s history and reflects our confidence in the country, the government, its people and the future of East Africa.”

Peng Xiao, group chief executive officer of G42, said: “In partnership with Microsoft, we are excited to work with the Kenyan government to usher in a transformative era for the digital ecosystem in Kenya and the region.

"By establishing a green data centre and developing AI tailored to the local culture, G42 is committed to fostering sustainable technological growth. This initiative will empower the Kenyan government and communities with robust, secure cloud services and AI capabilities, providing the foundation for a thriving digital economy across the region.”

Development of Swahili/English AI models and launch of AI societal services

To support national economic growth and development and support Kenya’s unique cultural and linguistic needs, G42 has begun work through its data infrastructure in the United States to train an open-source large-language AI model in Swahili and English.

 To build on this and help accelerate advanced research in Kenya, Microsoft and G42 will increase their combined collaboration and support for local universities, through the Microsoft Africa Research Institute, the Microsoft AI for Good Lab, the Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi, and select universities from Kenya and East Africa.

Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab in Nairobi will use AI technology to work with nonprofit organizations and other partners to help address economic and societal priorities across East Africa. This will include work to enhance food security by using advanced AI techniques to make site-specific fertilizer recommendations that increase agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.

It will also include support for The Nature Conservancy (TNC), using AI high-resolution satellite data to monitor and reduce water risks for downstream wildlife and communities in northern Kenya.

In addition, collaborating with the Kenya Red Cross Society, Kenya Space Agency and National Disaster Management Unit, the AI for Good Lab will work to improve climate resilience by applying AI models to high-resolution satellite data for both disaster preparedness and disaster response.

In collaboration with the Smithsonian and Kenya Wildlife Trust, the Lab will use high-resolution satellite imagery and AI to monitor wildlife populations and track livestock expansion near protected areas in East Africa.

President William Ruto meeting Microsoft and G42 officials at State House, Nairobi on April 24, 2024. /PCS

Other Plans

Microsoft and G42 will launch and operate an East African Innovation Lab in Nairobi to help Kenyan and other East African startups, entrepreneurs, companies and organizations develop and implement cloud and AI services. The East Africa Innovation Lab will provide design sessions and rapid prototyping using Microsoft tools and technology, with skilling and mentorship support from Microsoft developers who work in the company’s Africa Development Center, which has 500 employees in Nairobi.

To help accelerate digital adoption, Microsoft and G42 will collaborate with a wide array of local partners to provide a range of digital and AI skills across Kenyan society and create a future-ready workforce. This will include offering digital and AI skilling programs to all government employees, a cybersecurity skilling program for more than 2,000 people per year, and a business skilling program for young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 24. 

Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy will continue to expand work with Microsoft and G42 to broaden internet connectivity. G42 and its UAE ecosystem partners will leverage their resources to support Kenya’s development of international and domestic marine and terrestrial fibre cable infrastructure.

Microsoft will continue to expand its work to bring last-mile wireless internet access to 20 million people in Kenya and 50 million people across East Africa by the end of 2025. 

As of Tuesday, May 14, Ben Roberts, the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO) had revealed that collaborative efforts with SEACOM East Africa had played a crucial role in restoring the country's internet, including its speeds.

"A very big Asante Sana to our partners at SEACOM for helping us restore Kenyan internet back to normal levels. In this industry, we rally together to make things work and we have just done 6 weeks of work in 2 days," he stated on X.

However, repair works could take nearly a month to be completed, according to the Technology Service Providers Association of Kenya (TESPOK) through CEO Fiona Asonga.

Photo of a deepsea internet cable. /GETTY IMAGES

"As we have cables in February not fixed, we would say we give it three weeks to a month for them to fix in the interim. There is a special kind of ship that is used to lay the cable. When they get ether they need to access the amount of damage done, to determine how long it will take to fix," Asonga explained to Citizen TV.

In a press statement on Monday, May 13, CA revealed that the slow internet speeds and disruption of internet services are a result of a deep-sea fibre cut that occurred on the Mtunzini teleport station.

"Yesterday, the Authority received reports on intermittent data outages and traffic jam on the submarine cable Internet traffic flow into the country.

"Upon engaging the relevant industry players, the Authority has established that a deep-sea fibre cut had occurred on the Mtunzini teleport station, affecting a number of submarine cables serving Kenya, including Seacom and the East African Submarine System (Eassy)," the statement read in part.

CA Director General David Mugonyi directed service providers to take proactive steps to secure alternative routes for their traffic and stated that it was monitoring the situation closely to ensure that incoming and outbound internet connectivity is available.

"We wish to inform individual and corporate consumers that the recovery process has since commenced but Internet intermittency and slow speeds may remain in the coming few days before services are fully restored," the statement added, though not revealing the exact date at which Kenyans should expect normalcy in internet services to resume.

The East Africa Marine System (TEAMS) cable, which CA noted has not been affected by the cut, is currently being utilised for local traffic flow while redundancy on the South Africa route has been activated to minimize the impact.

Kenyans on social media as well as East African citizens spent the better part of Sunday and Monday complaining about slow internet speeds, most of them laying blame on three of the major telco providers in the country.

The outage is, however reportedly severe in other countries such as Tanzania which was stated to have some users experiencing a total internet blackout.

One of the telcos issued a statement announcing proactive steps to reduce the disruptions caused by the outage. Its 4G and 5G internet connection through mobile data is thought to be the fastest in the whole country.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u seeks to amend the Data Protection Act, 2019, via the Finance Bill 2024, which would grant KRA unrestricted access to information from various entities without a court warrant. 

This amendment would integrate data from banks, telecoms, utilities, schools, land registries, and other agencies into KRA's digital system, iTax, sparking concerns among legal experts.

The Finance Bill 2024 suggests altering Section 51(2) of the Data Protection Act to permit the disclosure of personal data for tax assessment, enforcement, or collection without a court order.

While the Act currently allows data sharing for personal, household, national security, or public interest purposes, KRA aims for expanded access to combat tax evasion, utilizing data from various sources such as bank statements, import records, and utility bills.

“Section 51(2) of the Data Protection Act is amended by inserting the following new paragraph immediately after paragraph (b)—(ba) disclosure is necessary for the assessment, enforcement or collection of any tax or duty under a written tax law,” says the Finance Bill which has been tabled in the National Assembly.

Section 51 (2) of the Data Protection Act 2019 allows data controllers and processors, to share personal data with a third party if it relates to the individual himself purely for personal or household activity and when it is necessary for national security or public interest.

Section 51 (2) (c) also allows for exemption if the disclosure is required by or under any written law or by an order of the court.

However, the KRA does not prefer using this provision in pursuing unpaid taxes and instead wants to leverage on increased use of data and linkages between the KRA’s systems with third parties such as banks and mobile money platforms to spy on taxpayers’ activities, use of Internet-enabled cameras at excisable goods processing plants and full rollout of digital electronic tax registers (ETRs) to grow revenue.

In simple terms, here's what such an amendment could mean for Kenyans:

The Finance Bill 2024 also proposes amending Section 59A of the Tax Procedures Act to establish a data management and reporting system for electronic documents related to tax transactions.

Non-compliance could result in penalties, aligning with the government's Medium-Term Revenue Strategy aimed at increasing tax collection to Ksh2.95 trillion by the following year.

Kenya's tax collection performance, measured as a proportion of annual economic output, has lagged behind countries like South Africa, prompting the government's focus on enhancing revenue collection mechanisms.

Additional reporting by Marvin Chege

The event, which brings together data protection authorities across Africa and data protection stakeholders, is aimed at formulating strategies to promote Regional Data Governance for Digital Transformation.

In attendance during the event were the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Martha Koome, Principal Secretary of State Department for ICT and Digital Economy John Kipchumba Tanui, Nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Irene Mayaka who is also a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation and Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait.

Also in attendance included German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth, EU Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Kenya Ondrej Simek, and Tchimaden Hadatan Sanady, the Chairperson NADPA-RAPDP and Chair Data Protection Authority, Niger, Heads of African Data Protection Authorities and CEOs of various State Corporations and private organisations.

ICT CS Eliud Owalo and CJ Martha Koome being taken through exhibits during the opening of the NADPA-RAPDP Conference on May 7, 2024. /OFFICE OF THE DATA PROTECTION COMMISSIONER

In his remarks, Owalo acknowledged the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African countries in asserting control over their digital future, while navigating the influences of global competing interests and ensuring that partnerships contribute to sustainable growth and job creation.

"I encourage you to explore the current state of digital sovereignty and data governance in Africa and discuss strategies for shaping a prosperous and self-determined digital landscape," he said.

Why NADPA-RAPDP?

The CS further noted the significance of the conference in alignment with the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention) which seeks to promote e-commerce by securing the cyberspace through combatting cybercrime, enhancing personal data protection and promoting the African digital economy.

He emphasized the importance of cross-border data transfer noting its benefits to drive the digital economy by allowing businesses and consumers to access the best available technology and services, wherever those resources may be located around the world.

Owalo also raised concern about the vulnerability of children today who are early adopters of ICTs, further calling for NADPA members to promote child safety by ensuring data holders undertake age verification and seek consent when processing personal data relating to children.

In the wake of the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence in various aspects of life, the CS announced that Kenya through the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy is currently reviewing the legal, policy and regulatory framework with a view to proposing reforms and new policies, including the adoption of emerging technologies to align with the Bottom-Up-Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Other Remarks

CJ Martha Koome noted that the significance of the conference at a time when the exponential growth of information and communication technologies have revolutionized transactions, communication and interactions with the world around us bringing along new challenges, particularly in the realm of data privacy and protection.

"The proliferation of remote transactions has brought convenience and efficiency to our lives, but it has also heightened the risk of fraud and 3 misuses of personal information. Every time individuals engage in online activities, they leave behind a digital footprint- a trail of personal data that, if mishandled, can result in identity theft and erosion of trust in digital services," she said.

The CJ called for increased collaboration amongst public agencies in developing unified data points that can be shared across sector continuum, adding "By doing so, we can reduce the risks associated with collecting data from multiple sources while simultaneously improving the 6 quality and accessibility of data for decision making."

"By working together, African nations can create a data ecosystem that serves the public interest while protecting the fundamental right to privacy. We can become leaders in data protection, setting standards that the world will look to for guidance" she said.

PS Tanui, on his part, reiterated the importance of forging partnerships with like-minded countries and organizations to promote cross-border data flows while upholding high standards of data protection.

"This includes exploring mechanisms such as adequacy decisions, which facilitate the seamless transfer of data between jurisdictions that have comparable levels of data protection and regulation harmonization to ensure consistency and clarity for businesses and consumers alike."

CJ Martha Koome speaking during the opening of the NADPA-RAPDP Conference on May 7, 2024. /OFFICE OF THE DATA PROTECTION COMMISSIONER

Kassait on her part noted that the conference seeks to provide all participants of the conference with a platform to network and exchange knowledge, gain new ideas and perspectives from peers on Africa's digital transformation journey, and data governance frameworks, especially in emerging areas on the regulation of personal data, cross border data transfer and technological advancements such as AI, blockchain and the Internet of Things.

"There will be a total of eight panel discussions focusing on Cross-border data governance; Building a safe and trusted digital space for Children; leveraging of privacy-enhanced technologies (PET) to enhance privacy and security; challenges faced by data protection authorities; the future of digital sovereignty and data governance in Africa; Data Protection and Security in Public Cloud; Strengthening of Data Protection through partnership and digital public goods for inclusive development," she added.

An investigating officer on Thursday, April 11 told Senior Resident Magistrate David Odhiambo that the two males are suspected ISIS and Al Shabaab recruiters.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the duo are suspected of having committed the offence of Recruiting Members of a Terrorist Group contrary to Section 13 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 30 of 2012.

Detectives believe that the 27-year-old and 21-year-old may be part of a terror cell brewing in the Likoni sub-county, Mombasa County recruiting youths to join ISIS and Al Shabaab terrorists in the DRC and Somalia.

Al Shabaab fighters during a past training. /THE EAST AFRICAN

Magistrate Odhiambo heard that the suspects used the late Sheikh Aboud Rogo’s radical teachings to racialize others to join the terror network.

"The Investigation officer further submitted that the two have two mutual friends who have gone to join Al-Shabaab after listening to the radical teachings.

"The officer linked the two to a man called Nassor nicknamed ‘Rogo’ suspected to have gone to join Al Shabaab, who got radicalized “after accessing videos of Aboud Rogo's preaching from the social media site TikTok”," stated ODPP in part.

The two respondents allegedly informed detectives that others are still using Aboud Rogos's teachings to radicalize and are yet to be arrested.

The Investigating Officer told the court he needed 30 days to conclude investigations including taking three phones seized from the first suspect for forensic analysis. In his ruling, Magistrate Odhiambo granted the investigator 21 days to complete his investigation directing the matter to be heard on May 7, 2024.

This raises fresh concerns regarding the credibility of TikTok, an app that has sporadically risen in popularity over four years owing to its bite-sized video content.

On Thursday, March 21, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki who appeared before the Public Petitions Committee of the National Assembly revealed that the government wrote to the owners of the app to explain the concerns that have been raised about how the app is being misused by criminals to spread malicious propaganda, steal popular accounts through theft and impersonation, conduct fraud by duping Kenyans into fake forex traders, fake job recruitments and distribute sexual content and intimate images through its live feature.

"TikTok, and other data controllers and processors must comply with regulations under the Data Protection Act. The Government, through the office of the Data Protection Commissioner, has contacted TikTok and sought to ascertain the level of compliance to ensure the privacy of individuals is respected, provide details on the effectiveness of age verification and content filtering, and demonstrate compliance with requirements of the Data Protection Act, 2019," he added.

Kindiki noted that ByteDance Limited, a Chinese multi-billion company that owns TikTok would be required to respond to the letter, failure to which his ministry would take administrative action.

He, however, noted that it would be premature to ban TikTok in Kenya as of now without considering the views of the owners and those set to be affected.

The committee was considering a petition by Bob Ndolo, that wants TikTok to be banned in Kenya for allegedly promoting the decay of morals in the country and defrauding Kenyans.

Social media apps on a phone. /UNSPLASH

The Head of State was speaking at State House, Nairobi when he met a number of content creators with officials from Meta. He revealed that he received a commitment from the officials of the social media platforrm, remarking this a big step for digital content creators.

"In a few weeks, many of you will be eligible. Eligibility criteria will now be available for all creators in Kenya. That's a big step to make sure that our content creators have an opportunity to monetise their talent to give themselves additional revenue and I'm truly grateful to Facebook for walking with us on this journey."

"I've gotten a commitment that by June, all our creators will now have an opportunity to monetise everything they do in that space, put Ads, and it speaks to our Bottom-up Economic Transformation agenda on making sure that we give everybody a chance," Ruto said.

During the meeting, the Head of State called for Meta to expedite roll-out of the process, terming it a good surprise to many digital creators in the country.

Furthermore, the social platforms will pay Kenyan digital content creators through mobile money platforms to address the lack of convenient payment channels to access their hard-earned money.

"I'm very happy that the monetisation is also going to be on mobile money. I think many people have been wondering how do we do this because not many of our content creators have credit cards or other instruments, but I was very happy to hear that the team from Meta has already carried out experiments and that it works," Ruto said.

"Therefore in the next few weeks and months, it will now be possible for our continent creators to transact using mobile money which is much more easy, accessible and a space where many Kenyans interact freely and much more comfortably."

Monetization Products

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, Meta President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg said that President William Ruto had impressed upon the organisation to ensure creators get revenue from the company, away from local product endorsements.

Meta leaders & content creators at State House, Nairobi on March 18, 2024. /PCS

The platform which allows users from all walks of life to complete small, online tasks such as image and video labelling, contributing to the training and development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, and making money, now shows an error message following a spot check by Viral Tea.

"Sorry, you have been blocked. You are unable to access remotasks.com," reads the message on the website page.

Screenshot of a website page showing the unavailability of Remotasks in Kenya. /VIRAL TEA KE

On Tuesday, March 12, users in Kenya shared widely an email reportedly sent by the company which announced its plans to cease operations in Kenya.

The communication indicated that the AI platform had planned to terminate operations on Friday, March 8, which was almost a week ago.

"We are reaching out with an important announcement regarding Remotasks operations in your location. We are discontinuing operations in your current location effective March 8, 2024. 

"As part of this change, you have been off-boarded from your current project," read the email in part.

The platform works with different companies to help them form tomorrow's smarter gadgets - from self-driving cars to more intelligent AI systems.

With Remotaskers, the platform helps deliver various outputs to clients that can help them develop their AI projects - this time with the platform's invaluable human input.

"However, unlike other online tasking platforms, Remotasks won't force you to do the same tasks over and over again. Thanks to our continuous stream of orders, our Remotaskers can engage in a wide variety of Tasks - from simple orders to more challenging projects.

"Think of it as making a pizza delivery robot. In the future, we might see pizza delivery robots populate our neighbourhoods - and it’s all thanks to your projects in Remotasks that you can get that Hawaiian pizza," the platform explains on its website.

The latest development comes ironically after President William Ruto endorsed the website after Brian Kipchumba, a student pursuing a diploma in ICT, revealed how he managed to earn more than Ksh27,000 per week.

While at Mosop, in Nandi County on Tuesday, January 16, Ruto engaged Kipchumba who was working part-time online jobs using the government's Jitume ICT Laboratories while continuing with his studies.

The student showed Ruto his workbench indicating that he earned a total of Ksh45,795 (USD 284) for tasks he completed in December through the Remotasks online platform.

"I want to show you my success through the digital platforms and I am still in school," he stated while revealing that he began undertaking the tasks on December 26.

The student added that after taxes, he pocketed Ksh45,000 which he used to sustain himself.

The Head of State appeared impressed by his skills, imploring him to help his administration convince Kenyans that online jobs pay very well.

"So I have been trying to explain to Kenyans that it is possible to earn in digital jobs. So you will help me persuade young people that there are opportunities in digital jobs," Ruto appealed to Kipchumba.

However, the little exercise and showing Ruto how Remotasks works sparked mixed reactions from Kenyans in various quarters, with some stressing the importance of gatekeeping such platforms.

N.B: Gatekeeping is the activity of controlling, and usually limiting, general access to something.

Example: A supermarket's cultural gatekeeping has served to narrow the mainstream for entertainment offerings

Image of the Remotasks platform. /REMOTASKS

"We know some people were having trouble accessing our apps earlier. Apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused, and thank you for your patience while our teams worked quickly to resolve!" the company stated through its newsroom page.

Meta’s communication officer Andy Stone stated that there was a technical issue, causing users not to access the social media platforms.

“We resolved the issue as quickly as possible for everyone who was impacted, and we apologize for any inconvenience.”

Popular Meta-owned apps Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Threads have reportedly gone down across the world.

Viral Tea's editor-in-chief, Marvin Chege had raised an alarm on Tuesday, March 5 after unusual activity on Facebook saw him logged out of his own account and being unable to log back in, even with the right credentials.

Many users corroborated his sentiments as hundreds of them reported being unable to access the four apps.

On Instagram, attempts to access the news feed were met with "Something went wrong. There's an issue and the page could not be loaded."

Screengrab of a message showing an outage on Instagram. /INSTAGRAM

It is almost the same case with Threads, with the message reading "Something went wrong, please try again later."

According to Downdetector.com which only tracks outages by collating status reports from a series of sources, including user-submitted errors on its platform, more than 350,000 users reported downtimes on Facebook at 6.32 pm local time.

More than 54,900 users reported downtimes on Instagram, but only 640 reports were recorded from Threads and more than 8,800 reports were recorded from Facebook Messenger.

On Facebook, many users also reported experiencing problems resetting their passwords and using the two-factor authentication model to log in.

The outage has caused concern among businesses relying on both Instagram and Facebook for marketing, highlighting the significant role the platforms play in global communication.

Users have migrated to other social networks such as X (formerly Twitter) to voice frustrations and seek updates, with Facebook and Instagram trending at the very top on the rival platform.

The trending topic on X was full of complaints from thousands of users with a majority posting their frustrations while others asked what had happened.

X on its part seized the opportunity to throw jabs at the Meta platforms, posting "We know why you’re all here rn (right now)"

Meta by the time of publishing this article was yet to issue a statement on the outage of the four social media platforms.

Whereas this is not the first time either or most of the Meta apps have gone down, this is the first time that users were logged out of their Facebook accounts at random and prevented from logging back in.

Earlier on Sunday, the EAC secretariat informed all stakeholders that works were still ongoing regarding the transition to the singular currency and at the same time dismissed the unveiling of banknotes containing six denominations.

"The EAC Secretariat wishes to inform all our stakeholders that the Partner States' journey to a single currency is still a work in progress.

"Kindly ignore any rumours circulating in social media on the unveiling of new banknotes for the region," stated EAC.

Image of East African Community (EAC) headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. /X.JUMUIYA

However, the fake account which bore a grey checkmark for government organisations hit back with a self-crafted statement declining the secretariat's response over what the account termed as its allegations.

"We Decline Response over your Allegations Not Until our EAC-IPU Executive Board team's Clandestine Consultations from the Heads of State of East Africa, One by One are Concluded.

"Research the Word Fake and get to know its meaning. Words of Jealousy. We are God's Chosen. We only fight Spiritual Wars, in other words, God fights for us," read its response which has been edited to clear the glaring grammatical and spelling errors.

The counter-statement was not received well by other netizens on the platform who accused the account of being unprofessional and abusing the credibility status of the grey checkmark.

The Meta-owned instant messaging platform’s new feature aims to enhance user privacy by preventing the downloading and sharing of personal photos without the user’s consent.

Profile photos are often personal images that users may not want to be shared or saved by others without their consent.

According to WABetaInfo, by allowing users to block screenshots of their profile photos, WhatsApp gives users more control over their privacy and ensures that their images aren’t shared or stored without permission.

A screenshot demonstrating how the 'block screenshot of profile picture' feature works. /WABETAINFO

"In addition, this feature would prevent the misuse and unauthorized distribution of profile photos. In some cases, users may use others’ profile photos for malicious purposes, such as impersonation or harassment.

"By restricting the ability to take screenshots of profile photos, WhatsApp can mitigate the risk of these photos being misused or distributed without the owner’s consent," states WABetaInfo in part.

A feature to block screenshots of profile photos is available to some beta testers that install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.

"WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.4.25 is marked as a compatible update, but a limited group of beta testers may be able to experiment with the same feature by installing certain previous updates," added WABetaInfo.

According to a screenshot demonstrating the new feature, when attempting to take a screenshot of a profile photo, a notification appears indicating that the action has been blocked.

This new feature adds an extra layer of privacy protection by preventing users from capturing and sharing profile photos without the owner’s consent, addressing the loophole that existed previously.

It is worth noting that users may still take a photo using a secondary device or camera to capture the profile photo.

However, by blocking the direct screenshot functionality within the app, WhatsApp aims to discourage casual and unauthorized sharing of profile photos, reinforcing the concept of user privacy and consent.

The move follows in the footsteps of WhatsApp’s decision to prevent users from downloading profile pictures of other users in 2019.

How to hide your profile picture on WhatsApp

Users still have the option already to hide their profile picture from all other WhatsApp users or selected contacts. This is done by going to Settings, then Privacy and then Profile Photo, with the choice to select ‘everyone,’ ‘nobody,’ or ‘my contacts.’

Other attempts for data protection are being trialled and developed too, including the development of a ‘secret code feature to protect locked chats for the web client, designed to provide an added layer of security and privacy for conversation.’ 

WhatsApp is also working on a dedicated fact-checking chatbot that will help curb the problem of deepfakes and artificial intelligence (AI)-generated misinformation.

The initiative, born from the Head of State's famous 'Weka dollar mfukoni' suggestion during his numerous public rallies, aims to empower young individuals with digital skills, enabling them to access opportunities in the online job market.

“The objective of the programme is to equip young people with the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes for digital/online work to enable them to access decent work and earn an income from the Gig & Freelancing Economy,” the Labour Ministry stated in a notice on Monday, February 19.

A poster inviting Kenyans to apply for the 'Finya Computer' Free Online training programme. /MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL PROTECTION

The 'Finya Computer' Free Online Training Programme is set to encompass a range of modules tailored to accommodate diverse skill levels and interests.

Among the basic modules featured in the programme include data entry, digital marketing and virtual assistance, providing participants with foundational skills crucial for engaging in online work.

The only module featured in the advanced category is artificial intelligence (AI) for graphic design in line with current trends which have seen an increase in uptake in terms of AI technologies in day to day running of business operations.

Scheduled to run from 8 am to 5 pm, the program is slated to take place from March 4-8, 2024.

Participants can anticipate engaging in interactive sessions and practical exercises facilitated by experienced trainers, enhancing their learning experience.

How To Register & Eligibility

To register, Kenyans are encouraged to click a link provided on the announcement poster which will take them to a Google Docs form to fill in their details. Furthermore, they can scan a QR code which will also take them to the document.

One must be a Kenyan citizen aged 18-35 years of age and be proficient in computer skills.

On several occasions, President Ruto has been narrating success stories of Kenyans working in online jobs in remote parts of the country and earning thousands of shillings.

Recently, the Head of State narrated his encounter with a boy named Brian while visiting a college in Kaiboi, a village 400 kilometres from Nairobi, whose life was transformed through the internet and electricity.

According to Ruto, Brian is a Diploma student, and through the presence of the internet and electricity, he currently works for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) company in Germany.

KRC on Tuesday, February 13 announced a tender inviting eligible firms to procure the tenders for the provision of the rollout of SGR public Wifi and fibre connectivity for SGR Terminus and the supply and delivery of Gabion wires for Mombasa-Nairobi-Naivasha SGR.

SGR has been one of the country's most popular means of transport and WiFi has become a necessity for Kenyans in public transport places such as commuter stations and airports for those who may use the internet for work as they go, check for service updates, or stay entertained as they wait to travel.

KRC further noted that the free WiFi would be installed at all SGR termini, including Nairobi, Mtito Andei, Mombasa, Voi, Athi River, Emali, Mariakani, Miasenyi, and Kibwezi.

A photo of the SGR Nairobi terminus. /KENYA RAILWAYS

The planned installation comes amidst a growth in the number of passengers who used SGR to 2.52 million in the financial year ended June 2023, up from 2.35 million in the previous year and nearly double the 1.39 million during the service’s inaugural year.

The increase in passenger numbers helped grow the SGR’s overall revenue by 21.2 per cent in the financial year to June 2023, mainly driven by higher cargo haulage and passenger traffic. Data from KRC indicates that SGR made a record Ksh18.2 billion in revenues during the period, marking a significant increase from the Ksh15.01 billion it earned in the previous year.

The performance for the year to June 2023 marked the fifth successive annual increase in SGR revenue since the train service was launched by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017. 

The SGR is also one of Kenya's most expensive infrastructure projects, hitting over Ksh800 billion for the construction of three phases: the Mombasa-Nairobi phase (Ksh327 billion), the extension to Naivasha (Ksh150 billion) and the final phase (Ksh380 billion).

Earnings from SGR make up 82 per cent of KRC's revenue, with the increase helping push up its total revenues by 25.6 per cent to Ksh22.24 billion.

The revenues are expected to rise significantly going forward after passenger fares were raised by 50 per cent in January 2024. Kenya Railways, in hiking the SGR charges in November 2023 ahead of the January 2024 review period, explained that "This increase is informed by changes in the energy and petroleum sector where prices of fuel have significantly increased thus affecting the cost of our operations."

Currently, Kenyans pay Ksh4,500 per SGR ticket, up from an average of Ksh3,000 for a full trip from Nairobi to Mombasa one-way in the first-class category and Ksh1,500, up from Ksh1,000 in economy on the same trip, also one-way.

Other SGR Services Eyed For Upgrade

Besides WiFi, other services include the supply and delivery of consumables and spare parts for SGR Information Systems, supply and delivery of hardcore (specialised concrete) for Mombasa-Nairobi-Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway and upgrading of SGR Athi River freight terminal road from gravel to rigid pavement.

Aside from the SGR, Kenya Railways also invited eligible firms to upgrade other key services, including providing security surveillance systems and screening equipment at Kisumu and Nakuru Passenger Stations and Changamwe Marshalling Yard.

Further, the Corporation seeks to procure new office equipment for SGR offices, the Railways Training Institute and the Headquarters. The tenders will be closed during the first and second week of March next month.

"Candidates are encouraged to peruse the Tender Document from the KR Website: www.krc.co.ke, and PPIP Website: www.tender.go.ke or from the office of the General Manager- SCM, Kenya Railways Headquarters Block B, Ground floor, Nairobi before purchase," read part of the notice.

"Bidders who download the Tender Document must register their interest immediately by emailing procure@krc.co.ke stating their names, email, postal and telephone address and tender details."

Kenya Railways noted that the completed tender documents (accompanied by a tender security in the amount and form specified in the tender document) must be in sealed envelopes and marked “Tender No. and the Description of the Tender."

The applications should be deposited in the tender box at the Reception Area, Ground Floor, Kenya Railways Headquarters, Block C on or before the first week of March.

In a statement on Wednesday, February 7, DCI noted with concern the increase in reports of loss of hard-earned money by Kenyans to scammers pretending to trade in cryptocurrency.

Scores are being lured to join online cryptocurrency investment platforms and end up losing their investments to fraudsters.

On DCI's radar were SMS texts sent by the fraudsters with links to join the online investment platforms, with enticing messages such as "Make Money Sitting at Home" to trick unsuspecting victims.

"We are currently investigating several such cases where investors who fell for the scam are crying foul. In the modern-day hoodwink that has swept the Kenyan market, short messages (SMS) that read “Make Money Sitting At Home” are being sent to random people, with a link to join the online investment platform," stated the DCI in part.

The scammers promise their victims high margins of profit as returns on investment.

The victims on their part venture into the schemes and before they realize it, they've lost huge sums of money to scammers.

"The DCI cautions Kenyans and any other person to beware of this scam and advises them to verify the authenticity of any online investment platforms with the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and the Communication Authority (CA) respectively before investing their hard-earned money," added the DCI.

Furthermore, DCI has asked Kenyans to report any information of anyone using different approaches while posing as online investors.

"Should you have information on anyone using this approach to scam investors, please contact us through the DCI toll-free hotline 0800722203," advised the DCI.

Notably, Kenya on September 28, 2023, advocated for stringent regulation of virtual currency as one of the most effective strategies in securing its jurisdiction as a secure financial hub from illicit financial flows.

Speaking during the 31^st Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies in Africa (HONLAF) in Abuja, Nigeria, Kenya’s head of delegation to the meeting Beverly Opwora who is also the Secretary for National Administration in the State Department of Internal Security observed that the country robustly pursued amendments to laws in appreciation of the dynamic money laundering risks related to predicate offences such as drug trafficking.

“On this, we have proactively amended The Proceeds of Crime and Anti-money Laundering Act (POCAMLA) that has lessened the reporting time of suspicious activity from 7 days to 2 days in cognizance of the need for timely interventions. It has also amended the cash transactions threshold to fit within the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) standards - USD 10,000 (Ksh1.5 million) to USD 15,000 (Ksh2.2 million),” she said.

Speaking at the same forum, the Acting Director of Financial Intelligence, Analysis and Reporting at the Financial Reporting Center in Kenya, Thomas Kathuli added that the amendment of the law has allowed the acquisition of intervention powers to preserve funds suspected to be linked to illicit financial flows.

“This is particularly critical in ensuring funds linked to drug trafficking are preserved immediately. We have also upscaled our activities towards updating the suspicious transaction reporting guide for reporting institutions to include the new emerging typologies to enable them to detect suspicious transaction activities,” said Kathuli.

According to Kathuli, financial investigations are crucial in detecting drug trafficking syndicates, the players involved, financial flows, assets involved, jurisdictions of operation and channels exploited.

Maurice Otieno, Executive Director at Baraza Media Lab was speaking in a recent interview on Trace FM in response to worries by a section of Kenyan content creators regarding earning very little from their craft despite amassing huge numbers in terms of views and listenership.

According to Maurice, the tech companies still see Kenya and other African countries as a small market, given that they make most of their money through advertising, despite millions of users paying for their subscription services globally.

He added that the tech companies strategically set themselves up in African countries with vibrant markets such as South Africa, in adherence to their commercial standards and see the Kenyan market as less important, thus opting not to invest.

Maurice Otieno and Lisa Muchangi from Baraza Media Lab speaking during an interview with Trace FM on February 2, 2024. /TRACE

"Africa as a whole is still a small market for these guys. I think they make most of their money through advertising, not even like maybe subscriptions from individuals, although from a subscription point of view, there are so many people who have paid for these platforms and the market for them is too small.

"If you look at the economics of things, they will be like 'Should I go to London or should I come to Africa..' and that's why, look at where most of their regional headquarters are based. It's so difficult because Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, West Africa...it is an inconsequential market," he said.

However, Otieno divulged that the social media platforms have functionalities and jurisdictions built within their systems such as tip jars among others, that allow content creators to earn money online from people paying for their content via gifts.

On her part, Lisa Muchangi, the Marketing and Communications Manager at Baraza Media Lab, admitted that monetization remains a major challenge in the country, which has made content creators expand their sources of revenue through online marketing deals with different companies, with a section of them hosting events in which they sell tickets.

"When it comes to monetization, one thing that we have seen with a lot of creators is diversifying their revenue sources, so yes you have your podcast but you also do live podcast recordings that people pay tickets to attend, so that's one angle that doesn't certainly rely on these podcasting platforms," she weighed in.

During his Jamhuri Day speech on December 12, 2023, President William Ruto announced that his administration had struck a deal with Meta for Kenyan creatives to earn through its social media platforms, that is Facebook and Instagram.

The President announced that the deal with Meta was done following a successful pilot program with select eligible creators in the country. 

"I have good news for our creatives and those who imagine and produce content through Facebook and Instagram. Just yesterday, Meta committed to helping creators in Kenya earn money for crafting original content.

"Following a pilot programme with eligible creators in the country, Meta will be expanding monetisation opportunities and allowing more creators to earn a living doing what they love," he disclosed, albeit without revealing how much they will earn.

Ruto had first announced a discussion with Meta to monetise local content during the Jamhuri Day celebrations in 2022.

“I have spoken directly to Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, to monetize content. If I was not a State officer, I wonder what the content on my small Facebook page would earn me daily,” Ruto stated a year ago to this day. 

In October 2023, Meta announced that it would be possible for Kenyans to monetise video reels posted on its platforms. However, Kenyans with huge followings on Facebook and Instagram would be the greatest beneficiaries as payment will be based on engagement including the number of comments, likes and shares. 

While the eligibility requirements are bound to change over time, currently monetisation will based on a minimum of 1,000 views. 

Meta platforms that include Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. /FILE

In the event the conversation goes well between you two, either one of you feels the need to share your contacts so that you can keep getting in touch with this person. Currently, the most common form of communication other than phone calls is WhatsApp.

However, the back-and-forth of sharing numbers and usernames has grown into a tedious process and in the digital age where things move faster than the speed of sound, new technological methods have led to easier ways to expand our networks.

When this writer shared his digital business card with a beautiful woman, a wine sommelier whom he met at a wine event in Nairobi recently, she revealed one of the hidden ways WhatsApp had implemented in a quest to make sure we stay connected, which most people don't know about. This is the WhatsApp Quick Response (QR) Code.

Image of a QR Code scanner. /FILE

How Does WhatsApp QR Code Work?

The QR code operates like a digital business card that others can scan to quickly add you on WhatsApp. Each WhatsApp user has a unique QR code that holds their contact information.

When someone scans your code using their WhatsApp camera, they'll see your name and profile picture, and with a single tap, they can add you to their contacts, a swift and convenient way to expand your network without having to fill up your contact list with numbers that you don't need.

“QR codes are a digital front door that makes opening a chat with a business as easy as possible. Previously when people came across an interesting business, they had to add its WhatsApp number to their contacts, one number at a time. Now, people simply can scan the QR code a business displays on its storefront, product packaging or receipt to initiate a chat," states the Meta-owned platform in its blog post.

The same technique works for WhatsApp Business users, though there is a business tip: You can create a pre-populated message that customers can quickly edit and send once they open your short link. You can update this message anytime under the Short Link section.

Viral Tea takes you through how to view your WhatsApp QR code and how to scan a WhatsApp QR code. It is worth it to note that you should have a smartphone with QR recognition capabilities for this exercise:

How To View your WhatsApp QR code

Android

1. Open WhatsApp then go to 'more options', which are the three vertical dots on the top right-hand side of your screen. 
2. Under more options, go to Settings. (for Business, tap Business Tools then Short link)
3. Tap the QR icon displayed next to your name (Business- View QR Code)

iPhone

1. Open WhatsApp, then go to Settings. (for Business, tap Settings then Business Tools then Short Link)
2. Tap the QR icon displayed next to your name (Business- View QR Code)

On iPhone 6s and newer, you can also tap and hold the WhatsApp icon on your home screen. Then, tap My QR Code on the quick action menu.

Scan WhatsApp QR Code (Android)

Scan in person

• Tap your profile photo to access settings.
• Tap the QR Code displayed next to your name.
• Tap Scan code.
• Hold your device over the QR code to scan.
• Tap Add to contacts.

Scan with your camera on WhatsApp

• Tap Camera.
• Hold your device over the QR code to scan.
• Tap Add to contacts.

Scan from Gallery

• Tap your profile photo to access settings.
• Tap the QR code displayed next to your name.
• Tap Scan code.
• Tap the Gallery icon at the bottom of the screen.
• Select the WhatsApp QR code from your Gallery or tap your profile photo to access settings then Photos to select from your photos.
• Tap OK.
• Tap Add to contacts.

Scan from the New Contact screen

• Tap New Chat.
• Tap the QR code next to New contact.
• Tap Scan code.
• Tap Add to contacts.

Scan from Photos with WhatsApp camera

• Tap Camera.
• Select the image with the QR code to scan.
• Tap Add.

Scan within a chat

• Go to an individual or group chat.
• Tap camera.
• Select the image with the QR code to scan.
• Tap Add to contacts.

Scan WhatsApp QR Code (iOS)

Scan in person

• Tap Settings.
• Tap the QR Code displayed next to your name.
• Tap Scan.
• Hold your device over the QR code to scan.
• Tap Add to Contacts.

Scan with your camera on WhatsApp

• Tap the Camera icon
• Hold your device over the QR code to scan.
• Tap Add to Contacts.

• Tap Settings.
• Tap the QR Code displayed next to your name.
• Tap Scan, then tap the Photos icon at the bottom of the screen.
• Select the WhatsApp QR code from your photos.
• Tap Add to Contacts.

Scan from the New Contact screen

• Tap the Create Contact icon
• Tap New Contact then Add via QR code.
• Hold your device over the QR code to scan or tap the photos icon and select the WhatsApp QR code from your Photos.
• Tap Add to Contacts.

Scan from WhatsApp camera

• Tap the camera icon then the photo icon.
• Select the WhatsApp QR code from your photos.
• Tap Add to Contacts.

Scan within a chat

• Go to an individual or group chat.
• Tap the camera icon then the photo icon.
• Select the WhatsApp QR code from your photos.
• Tap Add to Contacts.

Point To Note

You should only share your WhatsApp QR code with individuals you trust, otherwise, you could risk being sent unsolicited messages from users who bear malicious intentions.

"Your friends and family can add you as a contact on WhatsApp by scanning your WhatsApp QR code. Your QR code won’t expire unless you reset it or delete your WhatsApp account.

"Only share your WhatsApp QR code with trusted individuals. It's possible for someone to forward your WhatsApp QR code to other people, who could then add you as a contact by scanning your code," adds WhatsApp.

QR codes are also available on other Meta-owned platforms such as Facebook Messenger and Instagram.

Our Tip

For Kenyans still fond of handing out physical business cards, they can put their WhatsApp QR code on the area where their contacts are located, though this will require taking a screenshot of the QR code and editing it through photo editing platforms to make it more visible before printing out the cards.

Businesses particularly those that handle a lot of customers can put their WhatsApp QR code on packaging, product tags and promotional material to get more users to connect.

While at Mosop, in Nandi County on Tuesday, January 16, Ruto engaged Kipchumba who was working part-time online jobs using the government's Jitume ICT Laboratories while continuing with his studies.

The student showed Ruto his workbench indicating that he earned a total of Ksh45,795 (USD 284) for tasks he completed in December through the Remotasks online platform.

Here is the video:

Watu wa Remotask,
Brian Kipchumba amechoma ???? pic.twitter.com/ex6SYhzdsH

— Omwamba ???????? (@omwambaKE) January 17, 2024

"I want to show you my success through the digital platforms and I am still in school," he stated while revealing that he began undertaking the tasks on December 26.

The student added that after taxes, he pocketed Ksh45,000 which he used to sustain himself.

The Head of State appeared impressed by his skills, imploring him to help his administration convince Kenyans that online jobs pay very well.

"So I have been trying to explain to Kenyans that it is possible to earn in digital jobs. So you will help me persuade young people that there are opportunities in digital jobs," Ruto appealed to Kipchumba.

However, the little exercise and showing Ruto how Remotasks works sparked mixed reactions from Kenyans in various quarters.

"I don't know what this Remotask thing is that Brian Kipchumba is telling President William Ruto about, but what I know is that he should have used that opportunity to talk about something else. Young people are their own enemies, and then they start blaming everyone around them," politician Alinur Mohamed commented.

Others, particularly government allies, feared that Ruto would increase his tax base to include such websites which offer Kenyans an alternative method of earning an income.

"Come to think of it, gatekeeping is good. I mean a whole person telling President William Ruto that he is earning 26K monthly by working on Remotask is sickening man.

"You just can't shut up? This President can't create employment away from Mjengo by building affordable housing," journalist Edgar Wabwire lamented.

What Is Remotasks?

Remotasks is an online tasking platform focusing on building technologies related to AI (artificial intelligence), neural networks, and machine learning.

The platform works with different companies to help them form tomorrow's smarter gadgets - from self-driving cars to more intelligent AI systems.

With Remotaskers, the platform helps deliver various outputs to clients that can help them develop their AI projects - this time with the platform's invaluable human input.

"However, unlike other online tasking platforms, Remotasks won't force you to do the same tasks over and over again. Thanks to our continuous stream of orders, our Remotaskers can engage in a wide variety of Tasks - from simple orders to more challenging projects.

"Think of it as making a pizza delivery robot. In the future, we might see pizza delivery robots populate our neighbourhoods - and it’s all thanks to your projects in Remotasks that you can get that Hawaiian pizza," the platform explains on its website.

According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay range for a Cloud Worker at Remotasks is Ksh153 and Ksh166 per hour, which includes base salary and additional pay.

The average Cloud Worker base salary at Remotasks is Ksh161 per hour.

President William Ruto (in Kaunda suit) interacting with a student at a Jitume lab in Nandi on January 16, 2024. /PCS

This new feature will be available on all Pesapal Sabi POS terminals and aims to make tipping easier and more convenient as cashless transactions continue to grow across East Africa.

“As transactions go cashless, we are adapting our POS machines to accommodate digital tipping. With this new feature, we are providing a convenient way for customers to show their appreciation for good service,” Pesapal Technical Director Fred Mwangima said.

According to McKinsey Global Payment Map, Africa’s domestic e-payments market is expected to see revenues grow by approximately 20 per cent per year, reaching around $40 billion by 2025.

A graphic of Pesapal's newly-introduced tips. /PESAPAL

With this new feature, customers can now effortlessly include a tip to their total bill amount right on the POS machine, eliminating the hustle of searching for cash tips.

“We are responding to the current dynamics of the payment landscape that has seen a surge in digital payments. Tipping is a great incentive for attendants to provide great service, but it has become more difficult in the post-COVID era as most consumers migrate toward cashless transactions,” Pesapal Group CEO Agosta Liko said.

The introduction of this new feature makes the checkout process simple for both the merchant and their customers. When the customer is ready to pay, the POS will display the total amount due, along with options for adding a tip. Customers can choose from preset tip percentages or enter a custom amount.

The tip amount is then added to the total bill, and the transaction is complete. The tip will then be directly transferred to their mobile wallet.

In recent years, merchants across multiple industries, including hospitality, retail, service, entertainment, healthcare, and fuel stations, have embraced digital technology.

Advances in payment acceptance have led to transformative results, and the digital tipping experience will be an extension of that push to digitize these industries.

Merchants who already have the terminal can easily activate the feature through a simple software update.

KNEC on Monday, January 15 shared screenshots of the fraudsters bearing a fake Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the KNEC website, a trick designed to dupe Kenyans.

In one of the screenshots, the fraudsters could be seen making use of the dark web among other techniques to change the results while maintaining their purported credibility.

KNEC CEO, David Njeng'ere. /THE STAR

The flagged post also directed parents and students to reach out using a specified number on WhatsApp and pay a certain amount for their results to be changed.

“Do not fall prey to fraudsters purporting to be able to change KCSE grades. Don't be conned!” KNEC warned, terming the WhatsApp channel as a fraudulent scheme.

While announcing the results last week, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced that parents and candidates would access the results via the portal alone for the first time in the examination's history, phasing out the SMS channel that Kenyans had relied on for more than 20 years.

The warning comes at a time when several students and parents have raised concern regarding the dismal KCSE results only released a week ago.

Students from Oruba Boys Secondary School in Migori for instance raised complaints about their results, which indicated that most of them scored Ds.

“We sat for the exams as 75 candidates but what we saw was unexpected. It is full of irony. We haven't seen this before,” one of the students, lamented.

Hours after the results were released, parents, students and other stakeholders were left anxious after being unable to access the results via the KNEC portal.

Parents were advised to access the individual 2023 KCSE candidates' examination results online through a link on the KNEC website or directly through the URL: results.knec.ac.ke

However, hours after the announcement, no school was able to immediately access the results of the candidates as the website crashed.

Machogu had assured candidates that the ministry had ensured the system was working. 

"This time we have worked with engineers and experts and we are sure that the website is working, and Kenyans will not have the inconveniences we had last time," he said during the release of the results.

Parents were also advised to check for their children's results through the county education offices and their respective schools as KNEC would also dispatch results to sub-county education officers for distribution to exam centres. 

The CS released the results at Moi Girls High School, Eldoret on Monday, January 8 after briefing President William Ruto.

In a statement issued by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), candidates were advised to check on the online portal, coming after CS Machogu halted the use of the Short Messaging Service (SMS) to access the results.

"Individual 2023 KCSE candidates' examination results will be accessed online through a link on the KNEC website or directly through the URL: results.knec.ac.ke," a statement from KNEC read in part. 

"You will be required to enter the candidate's index number and the name (s) as per the registration data for the 2023 KCSE examination."

Step-by-step process of checking KCSE results online

1. Visit the Official KNEC website (www.results.knec.ac.ke,)
2. Check for the KCSE Results tab, click on it
3. Select the year you sat for the Exams
4. Enter your Index number.
5. Finally, click the Submit button.
6. The KCSE results should show on the screen after a while.

It is worth it to note that the surge in traffic owing to a high number of Kenyans accessing the results may lead to site crashes.

CS Machogu has assured candidates that the ministry has ensured the system is working. 

"This time we have worked with engineers and experts and we are sure that the website is working, and Kenyans will not have the inconveniences we had last time," he said.

Parents can also check for their children's results through the county education offices and their respective schools as KNEC will also dispatch results to sub-county education officers for distribution to exam centres. 

Speaking on December 7, 2023, while appearing before the National Assembly Education Committee, Machogu revealed that the move was a response to errors which were widely called out by among others, Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, culminating from system hitches in the recently-released KCPE results.

While admitting that the release of the exams was impacted by minor errors, the CS cited a company that was contracted to manage the QR code used for relaying results as the cause of the system hitch.

"Moving forward, when we release the KCSE examinations, we will not be able to make use of the same service provider,” he stated.

The Education CS further noted that he was engaging ICT experts to develop a portal which would be accessed by members of the public free of charge as compared to getting the results via SMS which sees one charged Ksh25 per SMS.

He however underlined that the school portals are the most reliable source as the Ministry of Education transmits results to the portal directly for school heads and parents to access.

Machogu also maintained that the results were factual, stating, "The Ministry did not rush the release of the 2023 KCPE results. We undertook due diligence in marking, verification, and validation before releasing the exam and releasing the results." 

This year (2023), 899,453 candidates sat the Form Four national exams.

In a statement on X, Nyoro disclosed that his page was breached by unknown hackers on Monday, January 1.

"My Facebook page was hacked yesterday. We are trying to resolve the problem. We are African and Africa is our Business," he stated.

The hackers sparked mixed reactions by going ahead and posting explicit foreign content on the page's story section.

Screengrab of Ndindi Nyoro's Facebook page. /FACEBOOK

Regarding his page, spot checks by Viral Tea indicated that there was no malicious post on his page, the last one being the lawmaker wishing his constituents a Happy New Year.