When Ken Omwoyo got employed at a popular restaurant in Nairobi CBD, he never imagined that a time would come when the job that was so dear to him would end up leaving him jobless.

This was the sad reality the man who has over the years feared entrepreneurship, faced early this year when his contract was terminated.

“I’ve always feared entrepreneurship because of the uncertainty and risks involved. I have a family that I was afraid would suffer if I quit my job for entrepreneurship. Sadly, at the start of this year, I received news of my contract termination and I had no choice but to take the risks of entrepreneurship,” he said.

The father of two revealed he had no savings when he received the sad news at the start of the year when all his children were expecting school fees.

He visited various places searching for a job that bore no fruit. When the 28-year-old was left hopeless, the idea of starting a business popped into his head, but he did not know how to execute it without money.

“I informed my friend that I wanted to start a business and he advised me to take a loan. I went to so many banking institutions but my request was declined.  I had a Timiza app on my phone so I decided to try them and in just few minutes the money I wanted was already in my account,” he added smiling.

Asked about the entrepreneurship journey, Omwoyo revealed the business which involves the sale of potatoes (wholesale and retail) is promising.

“I can’t regret so far. The business has been good and I can say that I have made good money since I started. When the business peaks I plan to open more branches and I’m sure I’ll make more than what I got in employment,” he said.

He advised anyone intending to venture into entrepreneurship to go for it without the fear of failure or funding.

“If you don’t have capital like me go for a loan. For instance, if you get funding from Timiza you’ll enjoy a low interest rate and you can borrow up to Sh150,000,” Omwoyo advised.

Timiza is accessible via USSD (*848#) and mobile app on Google Play Store &App Store. To qualify for a loan, one must be an M-PESA subscriber for more than 6 months and actively use Safaricom services such as voice, data, and M-PESA.

In addition, they need to have a good rating and not be negatively listed by the Credit Reference Bureaus (CRB) or blacklisted by Safaricom on Okoa Jahazi.

Ken Omwoyo: How I got funding to start a business after losing my job first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The majority of Kenyans who rent residential or commercial spaces do not sign lease agreements with their landlords. This is according to findings contained in the latest report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).

The report dubbed as the Kenya Housing Survey 2023-2024by KNBS states that 71.8 per cent of all tenants in Kenya do not have a written lease agreement with their landlords while only 28.2 per cent have this document.

This implies that a majority of tenants in the country do not have specific lease terms that together with their landlords are bound by, and neither do they have a legal document to protect them or their landlord should the terms of their rentals change or get violated by either party.

According to KNBS, Kajiado County is the leading county in the country with the largest number of tenants who have legally binding leases. In Kajiado, 69.4 per cent of all tenants have leases with their landlords.

Kajiado is followed Taita Taveta with 50.2 per cent while Nairobi County comes a distant third with only 40.5 per cent of all tenants having legally binding leases.

The report further showed that the rental market continues to dominate the real estate sector. For instance, the KNBS report shows that 77.1 per cent of rental properties is made up of flats and apartments.

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The majority of these rental properties are located in Nairobi County, Kiambu County and Kajiado County. On the other hand, Kwale County, Lamu County and Taita Taveta County and Kilifi have the least rental properties in Kenya.

In the same vein, 23.3 per cent of residential properties in the market were three-bedroom flats or apartments. Two-bedroom flats or apartments make up 18.1 per cent of all residential properties and while maisonettes of four and above bedrooms come in at 12.2 per cent

Nearly all tenants in Kenya don’t sign leases with their landlords first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Kenya introduced a new ‘visa-free’ policy that would allow African visitors from different countries to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) authorisation to be allowed to travel into the country.

The recent cabinet meeting at Kakamega State Lodge resulted in a directive permitting Africans to travel to Kenya without requiring prior authorization.

The government of Kenya insists that it is a beneficial move for Kenya that will spur tourism growth, regional integration and ease travel across the continent.

However, a section of Kenyans has criticised the move as a ‘visa under another name’. Others have claimed that it will only bring complications and difficulty for visitors to tour the country.

As per the cabinet statement, only two countries would not be granted the benefits under Kenya’s new open skies policies due to security concerns. They are Somalia and Libya.

Under the new travel system, African visitors to Kenya will be allowed to stay within the country with just their passports for up to two months. East African Community country members can, however, stay in Kenya for up to six months.

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The government of Kenya noted that it would introduce a more efficient process for travellers to receive instant approval with a maximum processing time of 72 hours. However, it has not been revealed when the new policy will take effect.

An ETA costs Sh. 3,850 ($30) and is valid for 90 days. Prior to the ETA, visitors from more than 40 countries would arrive in Kenya, get a stamp on their passports and enter without paying anything.

Kenya is not the first African nation in the continent to ease travel requirements for visitors from African countries. The African Union (AU) has also been pushing for the ‘visa-free’ policy to materialize in many countries.

Earlier this year, Ghana directed the same policy: All African passport holders could visit the West African country without needing a passport. Furthermore, Africans only need their passport to gain entry into Rwanda.

Kenya opens visa-free entry for all African visitors first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Paying school fees is usually one of the biggest bills at the start of every year as parents enroll their children in school, transfer to other schools, or continue their normal fee contributions.

Some parents send their children back to school with a little school fee hoping to clear the balance within a certain period. While some are sure of where to get the balance, others just wait for miracles to happen.

The good news is that the headache of where to get school fees shouldn’t hurt anymore as affordable loans are increasing day by day enabling parents to have their children continue with learning.

Among the loans that have been hailed by beneficiaries is the Cooperative Bank of Kenya personal loan which offers lending of between Ksh50,000 and Ksh8 million.

Whether you want to make a major purchase, finance a wedding or pay school fees, a Co-op Bank Personal Loan is a simple and convenient borrowing solution to help customers reach these goals and many others that they dare to imagine.

Anyone applying for the loans will have their requests processed within 48 hours subject to employer confirmation. In addition, Co-op requires customers to transfer their salary to a Co-operative account to qualify for a loan.

Furthermore, to qualify for a Co-op Bank personal loan, customers need to maintain an active salary account for a minimum of six months for non-check-off customers.

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Customers under schemes/check-offs can open accounts and fill change of pay-point to Co-op Bank and immediately access credit facilities.

In cases where a customer has loans with other banks and/Saccos, Co-op Bank can buy them off or help in refinancing other bank and Sacco loans for the customer to have one repayment.

Features of Co-op Bank Personal Loan

• Minimum loan amount of Ksh50,000
• Maximum loan amount of Ksh8,000,000
• Maximum term of up to 96 months
• Purposes to be covered include education, medical, furniture, consumer durables, motor vehicles, plot purchase, holidays and shares
• Applications to be appraised using credit scoring
• Applications appraised within 48 hours

Requirements

• Employment or regular income
• Original National Identity Card and a copy
• Original PIN Certificate and a copy
• No specific minimum net salary is required
• Salary pay slips for the last 3 months
• Filled in loan application form
• Copy of KRA PIN

Paying school fees with Co-op Bank personal loan: Everything you need to know first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Since the merger of NIC and CBA Bank in 2019 to form NCBA Bank Kenya, this financial institution has risen to become one of Kenya’s premier banking institutions.

The bank offers business accounts that help all types of businesses witness growth while still maintaining room for flexible lending options.

NCBA prides itself as a leader in the Kenyan market driving for financial inclusion by providing essential financial assistance to MSMEs, SMEs, larger businesses and companies. The core of their mission is to catalyse economic empowerment and growth.

As such, NCBA Bank took active steps to ensure that they have customized their business account products and services to accommodate the diverse needs of businesses in Kenya.

In this article, we take a look at the rich portfolio of business accounts that are offered by NCBA Bank to provide economic opportunities for all by helping businesses grow, create jobs and contribute to the overall economic development.

1. Business Collection Account

This is an account appropriate for businesses handling high-volume and high-value transactions. Such enterprises can include schools, churches and real estate management agencies.

The Business Collection Account provides a unique cost-effective banking solution. Here are some of its characteristics:

• Minimum Operating Balance: Sh. 0
• Account Opening Balance: Sh. 0
• Monthly Fees: Sh. 0
• Access to: Online Banking

Features & Benefits

1. Gives you access to a dedicated account Relationship Manager to help you with all your banking needs
2. Free auto-sweep services to your business’s current accounts
3. Free incoming funds transfers
4. Free funds transfers to your own NCBA account
5. Check your account balance with Online and Mobile Banking.

2. Business Current Account

Growing an operational enterprise takes a lot more than what meets the eye. For this reason, one of NCBAs account products includes a Business Current Account designed to provide flexible banking to accommodate varying transaction volumes.

This account is perfect for businesses that are still in their early stages of growth. Here are some of its characteristics:

• Minimum Operating Balance: Sh. 0
• Account Opening Balance: Sh. 2,000
• Monthly Fees: Waived
• Available in: Major Foreign Currencies

Features & Benefits

1. 15 free transactions monthly.
2. Free standing order set-up and processing to your savings account.
3. Free funds transfer to own NCBA accounts.
4. Free first chequebook.
5. Free Gold Debit Card for sole proprietors with the sole or any-to-sign mandate.
6. Access to a Dedicated Relationship Manager.
7. Manage your account conveniently with Online and Mobile Banking.
8. Eligibility to Lipa na M-Pesa services
9. Eligibility for overdraft facilities.
10. Access to loans of up to 100% of the amount in your savings or Fixed Term Deposit account.
11. Gold Credit Cards for directors are subject to terms and conditions.
12. Automatic membership to NCBA Business Club.

3. Business Gold Account

This account was designed with mid-level businesses in mind. Typically, that includes all enterprises that have been running for some time and have achieved consistent profitability over the years whilst maintaining low costs.

Among the advantages of having this account is that it gives access to exclusive networking opportunities from NCBA. It is characterised by:

• Minimum Operating Balance: Sh. 0
• Account Opening Balance: Sh. 2,000
• Monthly Fees: Waived
• Access to: Gold Debit Card

Features & Benefits

1. 40 free transactions monthly.
2. Free first chequebook.
3. Free standing order setup and processing to your NCBA savings account.
4. Gold debit card for directors with ‘sole’ or ‘any to sign’ mandate.
5. Gold Credit Card for company directors, subject to terms and conditions..
6. Manage your account conveniently with Online and Mobile Banking.
7. Eligibility for Lipa na M-Pesa services.
8. Dedicated business advisor.
9. Automatic membership to NCBA’s Business Club.
10. Eligibility for overdraft facilities.
11. Opportunity to invest in Unit Trust funds.
12. Access to loans of up to 100% of the amount in your savings or Fixed Term Deposit account.

Trade Nairobi Stock Exchange shares profitably through NCBA OST platform

4. Business Pay As You Go

The Business Pay As You Go account is perfect for startups and entrepreneurs who have set their sights high.

However, their enterprises are struggling with low and/or inconsistent cash flow. It is characterised by:

• Minimum Operating Balance: Sh. 0
• Account Opening Balance: Sh. 2,000
• Monthly Fees: Sh. 0
• Access to: Lipa Na M-Pesa

Features & Benefits

1. Available in Kenya Shillings (Sh.) only.
2. Access to a Dedicated Relationship Manager.
3. Access to a chequebook.
4. Access to a debit card for sole proprietors and any to sign mandate.
5. Gold Credit Card for company directors, subject to terms and conditions.
6. Manage your account conveniently with online and Mobile banking.
7. Free standing order set-up and processing to your savings account.
8. Eligibility to Lipa na Mpesa services.
9. Free monthly e-statements.
10. Access to savings-backed loans of up to 100% of the balances in your savings or Fixed Term Deposit account.
11. Automatic Membership into NCBA Business Club.
12. Access to credit and loan facilities is subject to Credit Terms and conditions.

5. Business Platinum Account

This is an account that is ideal for business handling high transaction volumes. It provides entrepreneurs with a premium banking experience with added benefits to support the complex needs of their business operations.

Here are some of its characteristics:

• Minimum Operating Balance: Sh. 5,000
• Account Opening Balance: Sh. 2,000
• Monthly Fees: Waived
• Access to: Premier Banking Lounges

Features & Benefits

1. A dedicated Senior Business Relationship Manager to help you with all your banking needs.
2. 100 free monthly transactions.
3. Free monthly e-statements.
4. Free first chequebook.
5. Available in Kenya Shillings only.
6. Free Keyman Insurance cover of up to Kshs 100,000.
7. Automatic membership to NCBA Business Club.
8. Eligibility to overdraft facilities.
9. Access to a Gold Credit Card for company directors, subject to terms and conditions.
10. Manage your account conveniently with Online and Mobile banking.
11. Eligibility for Lipa na M-Pesa.
12. Available in Kenya Shillings and all major foreign currencies.
13. Discounted cash handling fees for transactions above KES 1 million.

Additional Benefits

While NCBA Bank brings tailored solutions to ensure your business banking experience is rewarding, other tools are available to help you thrive.

One of them is an NCBA Business Credit Card which allows an individual to organise their business expenses and enjoy worldwide acceptance with an NCBA Visa® Business Credit Card. Here are some of its features:

Features

1. Flexible Limits
2. Access to Online Banking
3. 50 days interest-free period
4. Available in KES and USD
5. Free Emergency Support

Benefits & Features of all NCBA Business Accounts for business owners first appeared on Bizna Kenya

While you’re building your career and dreaming about your future, there will probably come a time when a little extra money could go a long way.

When this time, most people turn to businesses ready to face the uncertainties and risks involved in entrepreneurship to grow wealth.

However, building wealth takes time, effort, and discipline. There are smart ways how people can build wealth and one of them is through a savings account, where you just let your money work for you.

A savings account is a bank or credit union account that allows you to save money and earn interest. You can use a savings account to save for short-term, medium-term, or long-term goals.

With a savings account, you can maintain your savings in a liquid state, meaning you can access your funds whenever you want, while also putting some space between your savings and your daily spending needs.

Another advantage of a savings account is that minimal risks are involved. Unlike in other investments where investors lose money daily, weekly, monthly, or even years, savings accounts don’t lose money.

How to access, apply, repay mobile loans and save with Timiza

Your money will only go up and not down until you decide to take the money out. Key to note is that the amount of money earned in a savings account varies depending on the amount and the service provider.

Savings account rates are not a big flashy number like you might earn in the stock market, but at least it’s steady and reliable.

Various financial institutions in Kenya offer savings accounts promising good returns. A good example is the Timiza Goal Savings account.

Through this product, Timiza, a wallet solution that offers easy banking and instant loans, allows customers to earn the highest interest of 9 percent on their savings.

The interest rate earned per annum is paid quarterly into the customer’s account. What’s more is that no withdrawal, maintenance, or statement fees are required to open the account.

All one is required to have is a National Identity card and accept the platform’s terms and conditions. The minimum opening balance is Ksh100 meaning the service is affordable to Kenyans of all financial classes.

Withdrawals are limited to once per month meaning customers can only make three withdrawals per quarter.

Withdrawals from the Timiza account to M-Pesa attract charges of Ksh32, with the platform providing 1 free M-Pesa withdrawal per quarter.

Timiza is operated entirely from a mobile phone by dialing *848# or through the Timiza mobile app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play store or IOS app store.

How you can make more money from your savings without starting a business first appeared on Bizna Kenya

KCB Bank Kenya has committed KShs. 80 million into the third edition of the East Africa Golf Tour launched today.

The 30-leg series will traverse 16 counties in Kenya and four other countries in the East African region—Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, and Uganda. This move buttresses the bank’s commitment to nurturing talent, strengthening regional unity, and promoting the sport of golf as a driver of social and economic expansion.

At the launch, KCB Group Treasurer, Anthony Mulisa said: “East Africa Golf Tour continues to grow as a platform of amateur development, inclusivity, and regional collaboration. Our objective is to expand the sport and allow budding golfers to hone their skills in line with our brand purpose For People. For Better.”

In Kenya, action will unfold in Mombasa, Nairobi, Trans Nzoia, Kiambu, Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, Nyeri, Kericho, Machakos, Kisumu, Kisii, Laikipia, and Nandi Counties where top teams will qualify for the tour’s grand finale slated for December 5, 2025.

During the year-long competition, there shall be amateur events on Saturdays and junior clinics on Sundays. This will also include tournaments for caddies in select golf clubs with the winning teams each receiving KShs. 1 million for their Club for a sustainability project of their choice.

The bank is also using this platform to push for its sustainability agenda by incorporating environmental conservation efforts during the period. As a result, the bank will continue with its tree planting exercises across the clubs and incorporate the setup and development of environmentally friendly LPG solutions.

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“Last year, we were privileged to partner with Africa Collect Textiles (ACT) to collect gently used clothing to repurpose these items into new products. We look forward to working closely with such like-minded organizations to ensure the transition to a low-carbon society by 2050 while growing the economy and taking advantage of the green growth opportunities,’’ Mulisa added.

At the same time, KCB in partnership with Mastercard has unveiled the Multi-Currency Prepaid card, the only card with the highest number of currencies. It is designed to cater to the diverse needs of discerning customers providing them with a cost-effective way to manage their international transactions.

KCB Bank commits KShs. 80m to the third edition of the 2025 East Africa Golf Tour first appeared on Bizna Kenya

We all must admit that owning a fleet of cars can be challenging. Imagine not trusting anyone else but you to keep tabs on your fleet. The big question is, what happens when you travel? Who will keep track of them? Who will ensure that the cars are not mishandled by the staff? What happens when you have no one else to rely on? All these questions must be considered if you care about the safety of your cars.

In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, efficient tracking and fleet management are critical components for organizations relying on transportation and logistics. Whether it is a small business managing a few delivery vans or a large corporation overseeing hundreds of vehicles, tracking and fleet management solutions are indispensable tools for optimizing operations, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction.

In Kenya, fleet owners often encounter challenges such as fuel theft (siphoning), inadequate vehicle maintenance, inefficient route usage, leading to unnecessary losses, and a lack of technology adoption for fleet monitoring. Fleet management involves the administration, control, and optimization of a company’s vehicle fleet. This encompasses tasks such as vehicle tracking, maintenance scheduling, fuel management, driver monitoring, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. By leveraging advanced technologies like GPS tracking and telematics, fleet management systems provide real-time data and insights to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

Why Investing in tracking technologies should be a key focus for businesses

Below are some of the reasons why tracking and fleet management are essential as a fleet owner:

Improved Efficiency

Tracking and fleet management technology aids in planning the most efficient routes, minimizing travel time and fuel consumption. Recurring cases of drivers going off-route have increased over time. However, this can be managed by the use of real-time GPS tracking which enables fleet owners to monitor vehicle locations and statuses at any given moment. This facilitates better route planning, reduces idle time, and ensures faster deliveries resulting to customer satisfaction. Dynamic route optimization also helps drivers avoid traffic congestion, minimizing delays and resulting in significant time and fuel savings.

Improved Safety and Compliance

Tracking systems monitor driver behaviour, including speed, braking patterns, and adherence to road regulations. These tracking systems help in keeping tabs on your cars in real time. By identifying risky behaviours, businesses can implement targeted training programs to enhance safety. Also, most of the surveillance systems provided by the security firms, are normally equipped with alarms that give real-time alerts which notify you and the control room of the security firm of any suspicious activities, enabling quick responses to potential threats. Additionally, automated compliance tracking ensures that vehicles meet legal requirements, such as licensing, insurance, and emissions standards.

Reduced Costs

Fleet management solutions reduce operational costs by optimizing fuel consumption, cutting maintenance expenses through predictive maintenance alerts, and minimizing unauthorized vehicle use. By analysing vehicle performance data, businesses can identify inefficiencies and implement corrective measures to enhance cost-effectiveness.

Improved Customer Satisfaction

Running a courier or delivery business? In this age of instant gratification, timely deliveries are crucial for customer satisfaction. Real-time tracking allows businesses to provide accurate delivery estimates and proactively communicate updates to customers via their phones. This transparency builds trust and enhances the overall customer experience.

Tracking and fleet management are indispensable for businesses seeking to optimize operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and achieve long-term success. By investing in advanced fleet management solutions and addressing associated challenges such as resistance to change and data security concerns, companies can unlock significant value and maintain a competitive edge in their industries. As technology continues to evolve, the future of fleet management promises even greater efficiencies and innovations, paving the way for a smarter and more sustainable transportation ecosystem.

Optimizing efficiency: the power of tracking and fleet management first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Brand new car sales in Kenya have fallen for the third year in a row, driven largely by the high cost of loans. New numbers from the Kenya Motor Industry Association (KMI) show that there was a 2.74 per cent drop in brand new car sales in Kenya in 2024.

This drop saw the total number of brand new cars sold fall from 11,370 units in 2023 to 11,059 units in the financial year ended December 2024.

The data further showed that out of the four major dealers of brand new cars in the country, CFAO Motors was the only one that recorded growth in the year 2024. The company sells car brands including Toyota, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, and Hino.

According to the data, the motor vehicle seller sold 3,789 units from the 3,689 units it sold in the previous year.

Isuzu, which leads the market, on the other hand sold 5,156 units in 2024. This was a drop of 3.45 per cent from the 5,340 units it sold in the previous year. In the same vein, Isuzu recorded a drop in the market share that it controls from 46.97 per cent to 46.62 per cent.

Simba Corp sold 977 units after suffering a drop of 8.69 per cent, while Tata had an even bigger drop in sales of 16.44 per cent with 432 units.

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Isuzu currently has the largest market share in the sale of brand new vehicles in Kenya, followed by CFAO Motors. Last year, CFAO Motors saw its market share grow from 32.45 per cent to 34.26 per cent. The company’s growth accelerated following the merger of the operations of Toyota Kenya and DT Dobie in May 2023.

Simba Corp, which is behind motor vehicle brand such as Mitsubishi and Proton had its market share decline from 9.41 per cent to 8.83 per cent while Tata’s market share decline from 4.55 per cent to 3.91 per cent.

Brand new car sales in Kenya fall for third year in a row first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested hundreds of illegal immigrants within hours after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Fox News reports that over 460 illegal immigrants were picked up by ICE from various locations.

“ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested nationals from a slew of countries, including Afghanistan, Angola, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Senegal and Venezuela.” Fox News reported.

The media house further reported that the arrests took place across the U.S. including Illinois, Utah, California, Minnesota, New York, Florida and Maryland.

The ICE arrests escalated on Thursday when officers from the enforcement agency raided an establishment in Newark. The raid was confirmed by an ICE spokesperson who said that the agency had conducted a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite on Jan. 23 in Newark, New Jersey. New Jersey is reportedly hosting up to 470,000 undocumented immigrants.

Similar raids were also conducted in New York, with ICE saying that as at Thursday, it had made 538 arrests, and detained 373 undocumented immigrants in sanctuary cities across the country.

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Earlier in the week, a report that appeared in the New York Times stated Trump’s government has expanded the authority of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers – popularly known as ICE. As a result, ICE officers shall now be required to quickly remove undocumented immigrants from the country, the New York Times report stated.

Under the new policy that is known as expedited removal, ICE will be able to deport unauthorized immigrants without taking them through court proceedings. Previously, illegal immigrants who were picked up in the US were given a notice to appear in immigration court where they could make their case to stay in the country.

Trump’s ICE arrests hundreds of ‘illegal immigrants’ for deportation first appeared on Bizna Kenya

manage their prepaid balances and monitor their spending. Real-time exchange rates will also ensure automatic currency conversion during purchases, simplifying transactions and eliminating the hassle of currency exchanges or managing multiple wallets.

Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa at Mastercard, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with our key strategic partner, KCB Bank Kenya in launching the country’s first platinum multi- currency prepaid card offering the highest number of currencies— This is a historic milestone in redefining global commerce. This innovative solution simplifies cross-border transactions, enabling individuals and businesses to focus on what matters most. At Mastercard, we are committed to fostering cutting-edge, secure, flexible, and accessible payment ecosystems that drive global opportunity.”

This collaboration underscores KCB Bank Kenya’s commitment to delivering innovative, world-class financial solutions that provide convenience and flexibility in a dynamic global payments environment.

KCB and Mastercard unveil Kenya’s first Multi-currency prepaid card first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The Kenya Airways share price on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has been retreating from the gains that were recorded for nearly 14 consecutive days. After inching close to Sh. 10 per share, the KQ shares are now trading at lows of around Sh. 5 per share.

Despite the fall in price, the current KQ share price is still higher than the Sh. 3.45 per share that the counter resumed trading with.

An analysis on the counter by Bizna Kenya has shown that the stock rose to a high of Sh. 9.18 per share before starting the retreat. This means that investors who cashed out at this price nearly booked triple gains.

AT the end of the trading day on Thursday, January 23, 2025, the KQ share stood steady at Sh. 5.60 per unit. This was the day’s high and low. However, this price was a decrease of 9.97 per cent from the previous day’s closing price of Sh. 6.22 per share.

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A spot check on the counter during the intra-day trading session on Friday had the stock trading at Sh. 5.50 per share, which was 1.79 per cent lower than Thursday’s closing price.

With the national carrier’s full year results expected in March, investors will be keen to see the impact the results will have on the KQ share price.

If the results follow the half year trend, the price might inch upwards. In August 2024, KQ marked the first time since 2013 that it had recorded a profit after tax. For the first half of the financial year ending June 30, 2024, the airline achieved a profit after tax of Sh. 513 million, from the Sh. 21.7 billion loss reported in the similar previous period.

In that period, Kenya Airways experienced a 10 per cent increase in passenger numbers, totaling 2.54 million. The airline’s total revenue grew by 22 per cent to Sh. 91 billion, driven by higher passenger numbers.

The airline attributed this turn to its strategic turnaround plan, Project Kifaru. “Our financial results are a clear indication that our strategic initiatives are delivering the desired outcomes. We have focused on strengthening our core operations, enhancing our customer service, and exploring new avenues for growth. This performance positions us in good stead to navigate the challenges of the aviation industry and prepare for future growth,” said KQ chief executive officer Allan Kilavuka.

KQ share price on losing streak at NSE after impressive gains first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Celebrated journalist Janet Mbugua has joined the Nation Media Group’s NTV. Janet has joined NTV after an eight-year break from the mainstream media that started when she left Royal Media Group’s Citizen Tv.

Her new move to NTV was announced by the Nation Media Group head of broadcasting Simaloi Dajom.

“I am excited to inform you that renowned media personality, Janet Mbugua has joined Nation Media Group. Janet is highly skilled in engaging audiences on TV, Radio & Digital media. She has previously worked as a prime-time News Anchor, show host and content producer for major outlets in Kenya & South Africa. Janet is an advocate of inclusivity for women and girls and is also passionate in amplifying voices for social change,” said Dajom in an internal communication to NMG workers.

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“She joins a vibrant team dedicated to delivering compelling, solution-driven content across our multimedia platforms. Let us provide her with the support she needs to settle and thrive in her role as we drive our shared vision of Positively Influencing Society.”

The move to take Janet on board comes barely weeks after Nation hired popular radio host Eric Latiff. Latiff, who has gained popularity for his socio-political shows joined Nation from the Standard Media Group’s Spice FM. It is widely expected that Latiff and Janet might be paired off as the NMG works to shore up viewership numbers on NTV Kenya.

During her time Citizen Tv, Janet had been anchoring prime time news in partnership with Hussein Mohamed who is currently serving as the State House Spokesperson.

In an interview with a local radio station a few years ago, Janet opened up on how she faced unwanted sexual advances while at work. She narrated how she was also given motherhood penalties – in which the company makes you decide whether to lose your job or take care of your child. “Instead of creating an environment that says, someone will work on your shift,” she said.

Janet Mbugua joins NTV after 8-year break from mainstream media first appeared on Bizna Kenya

LG Electronics (LG) made a remarkable impression at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, showcasing a diverse array of market-leading innovations across home entertainment, smart appliances, artificial intelligence, and more. The company’s cutting-edge solutions emphasized convenience, personalization, and enhanced connectivity, reaffirming LG’s position as a global technology leader. Fans of LG products in Kenya will be pleased to learn of several innovative products unveiled at the event including the following:

Affectionate intelligence

Under the theme “Life’s Good 24/7 with Affectionate Intelligence”, LG unveiled its AI-powered Intelligent Home concept, demonstrating how technology can seamlessly adapt to users’ daily routines. The showcase highlighted proactive solutions, such as an On-device AI Hub with LG Shield for secure handling of sensitive information, and advanced situational recognition that creates personalized living environments. LG also introduced the Vision AI Mobility Concept, which enhances safety, convenience, and hyper-personalization in future vehicles. In the office space, visitors experienced AI-driven productivity tools, including the LG gram Pro 2-in-1 laptop and the LG Create board, which simplify tasks and provide seamless system control.

OLED Evos for 2025

LG also introduced its latest OLED evo lineup, featuring groundbreaking advancements in TV technology. Highlights included the world’s first true wireless OLED evo M5 and the OLED evo G5 models, powered by the advanced α (Alpha) 11 AI processor Gen21. These TVs deliver unparalleled picture quality, with Brightness Booster Ultimate technology providing three times the brightness of conventional OLEDs for vivid and lifelike visuals.

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World’s First Bendable Gaming Monitor

Gaming enthusiasts were thrilled by the unveiling of the UltraGear OLED Bendable Gaming Monitor (model 45GX990A), the world’s first 5K2K-resolution bendable OLED display. The 45-inch monitor transitions from flat to a 900R curvature, offering customizable settings for an immersive and responsive gaming experience.

xboom by will.i.am

In collaboration with multi-platinum musician and tech entrepreneur will.i.am, LG introduced the “xboom by will.i.am” line of AI-powered smart Bluetooth speakers. The lineup, which includes the xboom Bounce, Grab, and Stage 301 models, features AI-driven sound optimization, synchronized ambient lighting, and a direct connection to the RAiDiO.FYI platform for tailored infotainment experiences.

LG Radio+

Meanwhile the new ad-supported audio streaming service, LG Radio+ was also unveiled at the event, and is now available on LG smart TVs running webOS 6.0 and above. Developed in partnership with Radioline, the service offers a curated selection of podcasts, music, and radio programs, accessible via the LG ThinQ app for a streamlined user experience.

Signature V2

The expanded LG Signature lineup also made its debut under the theme “Live Beyond”, combining minimalist aesthetics with cutting-edge performance. This second-generation range includes the LG Signature French Door Refrigerator with a T-OLED door panel, Smart InstaView Microwave, and other appliances that deliver seamless connectivity and exceptional usability.

Home gardening of the future

Also among the standout innovations was LG’s new indoor gardening appliance, which is designed to simplify plant cultivation for urban dwellers and beginners. Combining advanced horticultural technology with a sleek, floor-standing lamp design, this appliance makes it easy to bring nature indoors while fostering healthy plant growth.

To engage with these and many other LG technologies on display at CES2025, please visit the LG CES2025 site or the LG Global YouTube channel

LG unveils affectionate intelligence at CES 2025, home concept first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The 9th edition of the Global Labour Resilience index (GLRI) in collaboration with Google Cloud, in an exclusive event held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos. Published in partnership with the Community of European Management Schools (CEMS) and drawing on a decade of data covering over 70 indicators, the report reveals important insights into how 118 nations respond and adapt their labour markets to different types of external shocks, including the rise of AI. The report finds that while some countries are well-positioned to capitalize on AI, the majority are at risk of falling behind.

The event, titled, “The Transformative Impact of AI on Global Economies & Labour Markets,” was chaired by Nobel Laureate Sir Christopher Pissarides, Special Advisor and Director at Whiteshield, alongside Anna Koivuniemi, Head of Google DeepMind Impact Accelerator, and brought together more than 50 senior policymakers, CEOs, academics and international organizations.

The report highlights that the most resilient labour markets combine traditional labour policies with strategic investments in AI and personalized, data-driven strategies. Leading the 2025 GLRI rankings are the United States and Singapore, recognized for their strong entrepreneurial ecosystems, flexible labour markets, and leadership in AI adoption and innovation. Sweden follows closely, demonstrating resilience through substantial investments in education and R&D. Notably, some countries in South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have shown significant advancements, with India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia benefiting the most from AI investments.

The Impact of AI on Labour Markets: Opportunities and Challenges

The rapid evolution of AI presents both significant opportunities and challenges for the global workforce. AI has the potential to boost workforce availability, quality, and efficiency, leading to the emergence of new skilled occupations such as AI data architects, human-AI interaction designers, and AI ethics officers. However, the impact of AI on labour markets also raises concerns about job insecurity, displacement, and increased wage inequality. Proactive and forward-looking policies are crucial to ensure labour markets remain resilient, adaptable, and capable of distributing AI’s benefits equitably across society.

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Key Findings of the GLRI:

According to the GLRI report, the US leads in AI investment and innovation, boasting 60% of global AI investments over the last ten years and a quarter of the world’s AI startups. America’s success is attributed to integrating innovation with economic flexibility to foster dynamic job creation, with California, Massachusetts, and Washington identified among the front running states. Rising inequality, both between and within countries, is identified as a major challenge exacerbated by AI that will need to be addressed with appropriate policies. The gap between top-performing and lower-ranking countries has widened, with Sub-Saharan Africa particularly at risk. European countries, including the UK and Germany, hold six of the top 10 positions, showcasing strong overall performance. However, some, like Denmark, Austria, and Luxembourg, are slipping, having dropped out of the top 10.

The report outlines three approaches to labour market resilience: the “Traditional Pathway” (e.g., Sweden, Norway, Netherlands) emphasizing robust social safety nets, education, and stable economic policies; the “AI and Innovation-Driven Pathway” (e.g., the US) prioritizing a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with a strong focus on R&D, especially in AI; and the “Blended Pathway” (e.g., Singapore) combining traditional strengths like strong governance with strategic AI investments. The GLRI emphasizes a shift from “one-size-fits-all” to personalized, citizen-centric policies enabled by AI, big data, and advanced analytics. It also highlights the use of AI, blockchain, and IoT across the labour lifecycle, from education and job searching to workforce productivity and lifelong learning.

Regional Performance Highlights:

Europe demonstrates significant labour market resilience, with six of the top ten most resilient economies. However, significant disparities exist. Northern and Western European nations consistently outperform others, often surpassing North American benchmarks, while Eastern and Southern European countries generally show lower resilience. Over 80% of European nations rank in the global top 50 for overall labour market resilience, but this masks variations.

For example, Germany (5th globally) excels in AI integration, while Moldova (113th) lags significantly. Europe leads in adaptive resilience, with 80% of countries maintaining strong performance in AI regulation, penetration, and entrepreneurship, yet nearly one-third rank outside the global top 50 in transformative capacity. Sub-Saharan Africa remains in last place among regional rankings, facing persistent challenges across all dimensions of labour market resilience.

The region includes 12 of the 20 lowest-ranked countries globally, with the lowest scores in both traditional and AI-related metrics. Despite this, the region’s young and rapidly growing population offers significant potential for an AI-driven leap in labour resilience. Six of the top 10 countries globally for demographic potential are in this region. However, most Sub-Saharan economies suffer from structural and policy gaps, hindering their ability to harness this potential. Challenges include labour protection, inclusiveness policies, education, and training.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, ranking fourth globally among different regions, presenting a complex and varied landscape. While showing progress overall, significant disparities persist between GCC and non-GCC countries in labour market resilience.

The region demonstrates strength in AI-related metrics and strategic AI investments, but nearly half of its countries lag in AI cyclical adaptive resilience, reflecting challenges in AI penetration and entrepreneurship. Despite these weaknesses, over half of the region’s countries rank in the top 50 for transformative capacity, providing a strong foundation for harnessing the potential for AI.

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region maintains its third-place ranking, with a balanced performance and approximately two-thirds of its countries in the top 50 globally. Leading economies like Singapore (1st regionally, 2nd globally), China (2nd regionally), and South Korea excel in AI and technology. Singapore is a global leader in governance, business environment, and digital skills, also ranking highly in AI entrepreneurship and investment. China leads in firm-level AI adoption and ranks among the top three in AI equipment capacity and research, though lower scores in governance and institutional capacity hinder its overall performance. Japan (17th globally) shows strong AI capabilities, while New Zealand and Australia’s high rankings are primarily due to traditional economic strengths.

In a comment about the transformative role of AI, Karan Bhatia, Google’s Global Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy said, “As AI reshapes the global workforce, the GLRI offers a roadmap for countries to navigate this new era. It highlights pathways for inclusive, forward-looking policies that will not only address the challenges of automation but also harness the potential of AI to create opportunities for all.”

“As AI continues to transform industries, the GLRI 2025 highlights the urgency for governments, businesses, and individuals to build resilient labour markets,” stated Sir Christopher Pissarides. “This year’s report provides actionable insights to address the challenges of technological disruption, economic inequalities, and global crises, ensuring inclusive and sustainable economic growth. By understanding how labour markets adapt and evolve, we can drive innovation and create opportunities that benefit everyone.”

The Call to Action:

The GLRI concludes with a call to action for policymakers to proactively shape the future of labour markets by embracing AI-driven, personalized strategies and investing in digital infrastructure and literacy. The report stresses the urgency of this shift, highlighting the substantial costs of inaction, including growing inequality, displacement of vulnerable populations, and missed opportunities for sustainable growth. The time is now to move from reactive measures to proactive strategies that harness the transformative potential of AI for the benefit of all.

The full report can be accessed here.

The 9th global labour resilience index (GLRI): Insights on AI’s impact on labour markets first appeared on Bizna Kenya

White Cap Crisp is set to kick off 2025 on a refreshing high note with the launch of its new ‘Stay Crisp’ campaign. The exciting initiative will debut with a Vision Board & Goal Setting party to be held on the 28th of January at the prestigious Capital Club in Nairobi. The event underscores White Cap Crisp’s dedication to staying relevant and connected to its consumers.

The campaign is designed to inspire intentionality, clarity, and purpose, blending creativity with moments of celebration. White Cap Crisp’s approach perfectly aligns with the brand ethos of fostering conscious living and well-being, while delivering experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Led by renowned expert life coach attendees will be guided through an engaging session to set and visualize their aspirations for the year ahead. The event will also feature some of Kenya’s most influential voices, within this space like Ivy Wanjiru (alias Just Ivy) – Finance expert and Thinkfluencer, Winnie Rioba (alias Just Rioba) – Award-winning travel blogger and entrepreneur, Tatiana Karanja (alias Mama Olive KE) – Photographer and wellness content creator.

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Speaking about the event, Wanjiru Murage, Marketing Manager at Kenya Breweries Limited, said, “White Cap Crisp is all about refreshing moments and purposeful living. ‘Stay Crisp’ invites consumers to honour the balance of living fully connecting meaningfully. This is not just about beer—it’s about being present in the moment and ready for the next. By bringing together thought leaders and influencers who embody intentional living, we’re creating a space where people can take a moment to focus on their goals while enjoying the crisp, refreshing taste of White Cap Crisp. This campaign demonstrates our commitment to staying ahead of the curve by crafting experiences that resonate with our audience

The vision board party is part of White Cap Crisp’s ongoing efforts to connect meaningfully with its consumers by curating experiences that celebrate a balanced, intentional lifestyle. Guests will also enjoy curated experiences including personalized vision board kits, live music, and a refreshing taste of White Cap Crisp.

With plans to host monthly events that engage and inspire conscious living, White Cap Crisp promises to keep its audience excited and connected throughout the year

Seize the moment, Stay Crisp.

White Cap Crisp launches the ‘Stay Crisp’ Campaign first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) have launched a transformative partnership to improve Kenya’s business environment and attract sustainable investments. This collaborative effort aims to streamline investment processes, advocate for business-friendly policies, and position Kenya as a leading destination for global investors.

The partnership unites government agencies and private sector stakeholders, focusing on simplifying regulatory frameworks, improving the ease of doing business, and fostering economic growth. Speaking at the launch, KenInvest CEO John Mwendwa emphasized the initiative’s potential:

“This partnership marks a significant step towards creating a more competitive and attractive investment destination in Kenya. By working closely with KEPSA and other stakeholders, we are confident we can unlock the full potential of the private sector and drive sustainable economic development.”

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The collaboration acknowledges the critical role of the private sector in spurring economic growth, job creation, and innovation. By strengthening public-private partnerships, the initiative seeks to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem that supports long-term development.

KEPSA CEO Caroline Kariuki highlighted the importance of collective efforts in transforming Kenya’s business landscape:

“This initiative highlights the power of collaboration in unlocking the private sector’s potential to drive Kenya’s economic growth. At KEPSA, we remain dedicated to fostering such partnerships to create a competitive business environment and position Kenya as a leading destination for sustainable investment.”

The launch event was attended by industry leaders, including Brenda Mbathi, KEPSA Vice Chairperson and CEO of Two Rivers International Finance and Innovation Centre, and James Mureu, Chair of the Economic Diplomacy Sector Board.

This partnership signals a shared commitment to fostering economic progress and positioning Kenya as a hub for global investment opportunities.

KenInvest and KEPSA forge strategic partnership to boost Kenya’s investment appeal first appeared on Bizna Kenya

By Tal Akabas, Director of Product Management, Google Ads

In 2024, we launched a suite of powerful Performance Max features centered around improving controls and reporting capabilities. Performance Max gives you the full power of Google’s channels and AI, all in one campaign to maximize your performance. In 2025, we’ll continue growing Performance Max in several key areas to help you improve results and gain more transparency into what’s driving performance. Start the year strong with these new features:

• More campaign controls to steer AI

• Campaign-level negative keywords rolling out to all advertisers

• New customer acquisition goal with high-value mode

• Brand exclusions for different formats in retailer campaigns with product feeds

• “URL contains” rules for campaigns with product feeds

• Demographic exclusions

• Device targeting

• Deeper Search Reporting

• Search themes usefulness indicator

• Search terms insights source column

• Improved asset group reporting
• Ability to segment and download asset group performance

More campaign controls to help you steer AI

Last year at DMEXCO, we introduced the beta for campaign-level negative keywords, which allows you to exclude specific queries you don’t want to show ads on for brand suitability or other reasons. This much-requested feature is now rolling out to all advertisers in the next few weeks.

You can also improve how you use Performance Max to prioritize winning new customers using new customer acquisition goals. Last year, we introduced a beta for high-value new customer mode, which is now rolling out to all advertisers. With this new feature, you can specify your high-value customers and the long-term value they represent through Customer Match. Google AI will use your data to predict which new users are likely to maximize lifetime value for your business and bid more for them. Reporting is also available at the campaign level so you can see how many new customers your campaign is driving, and how many were high-value new customers.

For retail advertisers with product feeds, you’ll soon get better control over how brand exclusions work across different ad formats. Previously, brand exclusions applied to both Search and Shopping ads. You’ll now be able to apply brand exclusions to just Search text ads while keeping branded traffic for Shopping ads. This can be especially useful if you value showing Shopping ads for brand terms, but may want to manage Search text ads for brand terms in a different campaign.

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“URL contains” rules, which are available in standard Performance Max campaigns, will be expanding to Performance Max campaigns with product feeds as well. You can use “URL contains” rules to target traffic based on specific page categories on your website. For instance, if you’re an athletic apparel store, you can target your campaign specifically to all pages on your site that have “shoes” in the URL.

Two exciting new betas are coming soon to Performance Max features campaigns. First, a beta for age-based demographic exclusions will allow you to exclude age brackets, such as “18-24” or “65+”. Next, with our Devices beta, you can customize targeting to computer, mobile, or tablet traffic. If you’re interested in either beta, reach out to your Google Ads account team or Google Ads support to sign up.

Enhanced Search reporting & Guidance

Richer and more detailed reporting is also landing in Performance Max this month. Previously, we introduced search themes in beta. Search themes let you indicate queries that you know your customers are using to look for you and are additive to the queries and placements Performance Max predicts will perform well based on your assets, feeds, and landing pages. Thanks to your feedback, we’re now officially launching search themes with some major improvements. You’ll be able to use search terms insights to see whether queries are coming from Performance Max’s keyword targeting or from the search themes you’ve added.

You’ll also find an indicator next to your search themes that tells you how “useful” your search themes are. These new reporting insights will help you understand if the search themes you provided are driving incremental traffic, on top of what Performance Max would find on its own, or whether you’d benefit from updating your search themes.

Improved asset group reporting

Finally, we’re building on enhancements to asset group reporting. The ability to segment your asset group performance is rolling out now in all Performance Max campaigns. You can break down your results more granularly, including seeing conversions by device, time and more. We’ve also heard your feedback on how you want to be able to access and share this data outside of the Google Ads UI. That’s why asset group performance is now downloadable.

Stay tuned in the upcoming months as we continue to add other Performance Max improvements, including more types of controls, reporting, and insights. Your feedback is critical in how we shape and implement these features to help you leverage the best of AI in Google Ads, so as always, keep your ideas coming!

Kick off 2025 with new performance max features first appeared on Bizna Kenya

On the morning of June 26, 2023, Kelvin Okiru received an email from the head of human resource. “I had just arrived at work. Immediately after rebooting my computer, I saw an email come through from the HR, asking me to drop whatever I was doing and immediately go to the staff meeting room,” says Okiru.  By the time he got to the meeting room, the head of human resource and the company’s counseling psychologist were already settled in.

“I was startled. I immediately got a sick feeling in the stomach that something was wrong,” he says. “‘What is this all about?’ I asked!” The HR heaved heavily. “I want you to understand that we did not want to do this. But it is all out of our control,” she said. She then told him that due to a downturn in business, a deteriorating currency and reduced income, the company had been forced to declare certain portfolios obsolete.  “They said my position had become redundant and that they had come to the tough conclusion that I needed to leave the company,” he says.

The 34-year-old recalls how everything went dark at that moment. “We all went quiet… so quiet that you could hear a pin drop; then my mind went into a gaze and I started feeling as if crickets were chirping away.

“We are very sorry; you will receive all your benefits, and if you need any counseling services to cope with this loss, our psychologist will be on standby to help you,” Okiru recalls the HR’s final words before she left the room. In the following days, Okiru received a lump sum payment of Sh. 1.3 million.

“I had a young family, a wife and two twin daughters who were aged 6 years. I had not been earning much, and most of my net income went into keeping my family comfortable. I had not invested or saved anything to speak of. How would I survive? How would I continue to pay Sh. 18,000 in rent, hire a nanny at Sh. 10,000 per month, do shopping and groceries at Sh. 15,000, send my mom help in the village and still afford kindergarten?” Okiru shares how his monthly budget fell into a crisis.

He quickly swung into action and rented a small stall downtown where he started a boutique and perfumes business. “I spent close to Sh. 300,000. Within five months, I shut down. The business was not breaking even. All I was doing was spending on rent and dead stock that no one appeared keen to buy. I decided to cut my losses and sold it off,” he says. From his startup investment of nearly Sh. 300,000, Okiru returned home with around Sh. 80,000 only.

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He remembers tethering on the verge of anxiety and depression. “I was afraid that I would soon run broke if I wasn’t careful enough. My money had already fallen to around Sh. 900,000 with nothing to show for it from the expenditures I had made at home and in my collapsed business,” he says. “I decided to consult my wife on what we could do with the remaining amount.”

Okiru says that his wife advised him to venture into the taxi hailing business. “She said the money was enough to acquire a decent vehicle that could qualify for the taxi hailing business,” he says. To his wife, this would be akin to killing two birds with one stone. “We would have a means of transportation that we could also use as a business.” In January 2024, Okiru bought a car at Sh. 850,000 and applied for a license with the taxi hailing app, Bolt.

“I submitted the requisite documentation which included sufficient driving experience, a clean traffic abstract, proof of insurance, a clean criminal record, a smartphone, a valid driver’s license, and an approval for the vehicle showing that it met all of Bolt’s specifications for age, condition and capacity,” he says.

After submitting his application for licensure, Okiru was taken through a background check to ensure that he was safe to run a public service business. He was then approved and onboarded in a process that also included scheduled training on safety, customer care, proper ethics, and business growth and opportunities. It is now nearly one year since he started operating his own taxi business under the Bolt taxi hailing profile.

“I have no regrets. I am content, I am my own boss, and I have seen my business grow,” he says, adding that he is able to meet his family budget without breaking sweat. “Overall, I am able to net more money than what I was making at my old job. I have come to learn and appreciate that when one door closes, one more shall open,” says Okiru.

From his Bolt earnings, Okiru says that he has managed to buy a second vehicle, a Daihatsu Mira, which his wife is now using to run her own taxi hailing venture under Bolt. “We have found what works for us; We have cars that we have turned from liabilities to income-generating assets,” he says.  When we ask where he sees himself in the next three years, Okiru says that he has hedged his plans on the ongoing expansion of Bolt. “I am contemplating on how I can venture outside Nairobi. If I could start a Bolt business in Kakamega for instance, it would be able to support my mother without having to go back into my pocket to send black tax home,” he says.

His ambition is not so farfetched. A spot check shows that Bolt has been expanding its reach in various major towns in the country. For instance, in February 2023, Bolt announced that it would invest over Sh. 13.5 billion in its Kenyan subsidiary. This investment would enable Bolt to expand its services to more towns across the country. At the time, Bolt was already operating in Kakamega, Nakuru, Naivasha, Eldoret, Kitale, Nyeri, Meru, Embu, Nanyuki, Karatina, Kilifi, and Malindi. Currently, Bolt is the largest ride-hailing service provider by customer-reach.

“Bolt shall double down on increasing its footprints across Kenya by expanding its services into more cities and town centres to provide access to affordable and quality services to customers whilst providing income opportunities for drivers across the country,” Bolt announced in a statement.

I lost my job and Sh. 300,000 business, then I found what worked for me first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Jacob’s Ladder Africa’s greenlabs initiative on Friday, January 24, hosted its Demo Day to showcase and celebrate innovative solutions developed by emerging entrepreneurs that leverage renewable energy to transform food systems.

The event spotlighted groundbreaking climate solutions from emerging green entrepreneurs participating in an intensive incubation program dedicated to addressing pressing environmental challenges across East Africa.

The Demo Day marked the culmination of the Powering Food Systems Innovation Challenge, a dynamic hackathon-style competition designed to inspire and engage young aspiring entrepreneurs.

Participants explored how renewable energy can transform food systems from production to consumption.

Solutions ranged from energy-efficient farming techniques and renewable-powered food processing to sustainable transport and waste reduction through smart energy systems.

Finalist teams were drawn from various counties across Kenya, including, Baringo, Busia, Homa Bay, Kajiado, Kiambu, Kisii, Kisumu, Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Meru, Mombasa, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Tranza Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu and Nairobi.

Kick off 2025 with new performance max features

The participants presented their innovative and scalable ideas aimed at building sustainable and resilient food systems powered by renewable energy.

These startups benefited from mentorship and capacity-building sessions leading up to the Demo Day, equipping them with the skills and insights needed to navigate the rigorous selection process and deliver compelling pitches.

“Youth unemployment is an issue that Jacob’s Ladder Africa seeks to address by creating opportunities for and by the youth, through the incubation programme,” said Karen Chelang’at, Chief Innovation Officer at Jacob’s Ladder Africa.

“Many start-ups fail within their first two years due to weak foundations and a lack of essential skills and resources. We aim to curb start-up mortality by addressing these exact challenges” she added.

Some of the innovations showcased included Solar Compost IT, an in-vessel composting machines that transforms organic waste into compost, bio-fertilizer, and pellets, reducing methane emissions and decomposition time; NuRa, a clean, renewable innovation that harnesses concentrated solar power, CSP to generate steam, to power large-scale kitchens.

Others are Smart Hive Optimization, a solar powered IoT sensor that tracks hive conditions, and TEAtrans, a solar- powered ventilated container equipped with fans to provide continuous airflow immediately the tea leaves are plucked, among others.

The event also featured an expert judging panel comprising industry leaders, including Luiza Munyua, Snr. Scientific Officer, African Union; Omondi Kasidhi, Senior Manager, Digital Growth & Commercialization – Africa Yara International; Mutembei Kariuki, Co-Founder & CEO, Fastagger.

Also present were Ann Ichungwa, Founder, GAK Advisory; Bilha Ndirangu, CEO, Great Carbon Valley and Sharon Olende, Trade & Working Capital Finance, Churpy Inc., who evaluated the finalists’ solutions and selected the winners.

The Demo Day concluded with an award ceremony celebrating the ingenuity and efforts of the participants with part of the main considerations for selection being the solution’s impact on women and youth.

Participants had the chance to win monetary prizes in the form of pre-seed capital, ranging from Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 100,000.

In third place was Bettinah Maruti from iLoop KE and Logistics, an innovative solution addressing food spoilage and storage issues for vendors in low-income areas.

Alfred Mutethia, Steven Mwaura, and Victor Gituma from Solar Nest, a poultry farming solution that leverages advanced solar tracking technology, ESP32 microcontrollers, and cameras, took second place.

The grand prize of Ksh 200,000 was awarded to Urbanus Lubano from Empire Innovations, a company creating renewable energy-powered machinery for sustainable agriculture.

In addition to these cash prizes, all finalists earned full sponsorship to join the nine-month greenlabs incubation program.

This program provides green entrepreneurship training, tailored mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to industry leaders, empowering participants to transform their concepts into viable startups.

Jacob’s Ladder Africa is committed to fostering innovation and sustainable development across the continent.

The Greenlabs program exemplifies this mission by equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools and support needed to tackle the complex challenges of food systems and energy access.

Young innovative Kenyans awarded Sh200,000 for life-changing innovations first appeared on Bizna Kenya