The world’s leading security and health risk services company, International SOS, has released its annual interactive Risk Map 2025. As a global security and health risks continue to evolve, the 2025 Map provides organisations with underlying medical and security risk ratings reflecting the impact of disruptive events such as conflict, infectious diseases and impacts of extreme weather events – including those in Africa.

In addition to the established country and sub-national Risk Ratings, clients can also now access detailed risk information on around 1,000 cities and some of the key Risk Factors that drive the Ratings – with the latest data on variables such as conflict, crime, infrastructure, and natural disasters, as well as access to healthcare, health threats, and air pollution.

Sally Llewellyn, Global Security Director at International SOS, explains, “Our increasingly complex world is reflected in the Risk Map. We haven’t decreased security risk ratings for any country this year. Geopolitical tensions have been the most prominent trigger, with changes to risk ratings for locations such as Sudan and Lebanon, where the intensity and expansion of conflict now impact more population centres and have pushed the overall risk rating up. International SOS continues to support organisations operating in these locations with verified information and advice on how such risks will affect their workforce and evacuations where needed.”

Sudan, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, and Myanmar have all undergone multiple risk rating reviews and expansions of high or extreme-risk zones throughout 2024 because of conflict. Other increases in security risk ratings include New Caledonia increasing from low to medium, based on an assessment of the longer-term impact of social unrest, economic decline, and related crime.

On the other hand, crime trends and increased social unrest have resulted in changes in specific countries or regions including South Africa, Mexico and Kenya.

How business continuity gets threatened

While South Africa has a low rating for medical-related risks, mental health, climate change and security risks continue to rise. We have increased the risk ratings for the City of Johannesburg (Gauteng province) and eThekwini (KwaZulu-Natal province) metropolitan municipalities from medium to high. This change reflects the risks posed in particular by crime and associated violence, as well as social and political unrest. These municipalities respectively contain Johannesburg and Durban cities. We continue to rate South Africa overall as a medium-risk country and advise that travel there, including to the City of Johannesburg and eThekwini, can proceed.

Africa faces a significant burden of infectious diseases, which are influenced by a variety of factors including socioeconomic conditions, healthcare access, and environmental factors.

The continent accounts for a substantial proportion of global cases of diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, cholera, Ebola, dengue and chikungunya, and Lassa fever, among others. The prevalence of these diseases is exacerbated by limited healthcare infrastructure, inadequate sanitation, and the endemic nature of certain pathogens in specific regions.

Malaria remains one of the most common infectious diseases, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, with high transmission rates and significant morbidity and mortality.

Along with the Risk Map 2025, International SOS recently released its 2025 Risk Outlook report, revealing essential insights into the mounting challenges for organisational and workforce resilience, alongside risk predictions for the forthcoming year. The research uncovers a Fragmenting World with 65% of the surveyed senior risk professionals perceiving that risks have increased over the past year, and 69% predict significant impacts from geopolitical challenges alone in 2025. This comes as 78% predict that burnout and stress are likely to have a major impact on businesses in the year ahead.

Even in the ongoing permacrisis environment, the new research highlights that some of the most significant risks are those for which respondents said they were least prepared, including conflict, geopolitical tensions, and protests.

Risk Map 2025: Heightened Geopolitical Tensions Increase Security Risk Ratings in a Fragmenting World first appeared on Bizna Kenya

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Transform Your Essays: The Benefits of Choosing MyAssignmentHelp first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Khalif Kairo, who for years built a popular online personal brand around his car selling business, has recently been in soup. Kairo – whose real name is Joseph Kairo Wambui – has been arrested multiple times and sued over business dealings that he never honoured. People who say they were his clients have come out accusing him of taking their money by false pretence. They claim to have paid Kairo millions for vehicles that he never delivered.

As his legal troubles mount, it has become inescapable that the popular young car salesman’s business is on the verge of collapse – if it has not collapsed already. In business though, there are always ups and downs. Businesses are started and many are shut down only to remerge stronger. In fact, the mantra, you either earn or learn, holds a lot of water when it comes to entrepreneurship. The question is; how will it pan out for Kairo? In his case, there are critical lessons that everyone running a business needs to learn.

Entrepreneur Caroline K Gikunda, the founder and director of Alpha Charlie, a transportation and construction business that supplies building materials within the larger Coastal region and the Mount Kenya region, and Malindi’s Drivers’ at Alpha Charlie holiday homes and villas, listed ten lessons that she has learned from Kairo’s journey in business.

“I may not know the dynamics of Khalif Kairo’s business… But I  have noted 10 solid lessons to be learnt from his journey. These are the following:

1). If you are succeeding or look like you are, do not look down on those who are broke or struggling. It doesn’t mean that you are the most hardworking or smartest person. There are thousands of people working harder than you… Sometimes business favours you for having natural advantages over the rest. Be grateful. Stay humble.

2). Never eat Capital. Simple. If a client has paid for anything, never touch their money regardless what you are going through. Also…avoid using Client B’s money to pay for Client A’s order regardless how good business is going for you. Or you will unknowingly turn your business into a pyramid scheme.

3). Never regret the memories you made and the good times you had when you could. Misers will remind you. ..si ulikuwa king of soft life, sota sasa! No regrets. You enjoyed it while it lasted. If it made you happy, it was worth it!

4). Businesses just like Careers have their peak. Know your peak and make your hay while the sun is up, knowing that the rains will come…and you don’t know when. Add value to yourself to face the storm.  Invest and save money. Money will save you at your hour of need.

5). When your peak is over and you are on the down hill spin…save your energy for the most important thing, yourself.  You don’t need to spend your time or energy fighting negativity back, responding or justifying. You can even take a break and have them talk. Focus on you. Save yourself.

Caroline Gikunda: Be careful if you have a business; your friends can easily misuse it

6). When a business man is down, regardless the mistakes he did, legit business people feel his pain, and hope that he will stand again some day. To them, they’re loosing one of them at the top. Misers and losers celebrate. ..because to them they’re gaining one of them at the bottom.

7). Just as social media can build, so can it destroy.  If you are doing your business on social media, guard your integrity and your brand as you would your business assets. Be trustworthy. Be honest.

8). If you have financial discipline you have made it. Financial discipline knows that you will not spend money you have not earned. Financial discipline separates your money, your Client’s money and your business money.

9). It takes a lot of Discipline and character to get to the top, but it takes much more discipline and character to remain on top.

10). Regardless the storm you are going through, if you don’t lose yourself in the the storm, you will rise again.

Caroline K Gikunda: 10 critical lessons from Khalif Kairo’s business troubles first appeared on Bizna Kenya

I earn Sh. 35,000 per month; after expenses I am left with just Sh. 100 first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has opened its portal for the application for placement to Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

The portal opened on Friday, January 24, will see 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates apply for various Diploma and Certificate Courses for the March 2025 intake.

“Application for KMTC (March) and TVET (May) intakes ongoing via the KUCCPS portal https://students.kuccps.net/login/ Deadline: 14/2/2025,” KUCCPS stated.

The placement listed available Diploma courses for candidates with a minimum grade of C (PLAIN) in their KCSE exam.

Some of Diploma courses available at KMTC include Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Diploma in Emergency Medical Technology, Diploma in Health Counselling, and Diploma in Health Insurance Management.

I earn Sh. 35,000 per month; after expenses I am left with just Sh. 100

Others are Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing, Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing and Midwifery, Diploma in Kenya Registered Nursing (Mental Health and Psychiatry), Diploma in Medical Engineering, Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Diploma in Medical Social Work, and Diploma in Mortuary Science.

KUCCPS noted that the Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics has a minimum grade requirement of C-. Other advertised programmes are Diploma in Orthopaedic Technology, Diploma in Orthopaedic and Trauma Medicine, Diploma in Pharmacy, Diploma in Physiotherapy, Diploma in Public Health, Diploma in Radiography and Imaging, and Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy.

At the same time, KUCCPS advertised various Certificate courses for applicants with a minimum grade of  D+.

Certificate courses, including Certificate in Community Health Assistant, Certificate in Health Records and Information Technology, Certificate in Kenya Enrolled Community Health Nursing, Certificate in Medical Emergency Technician, Certificate in Public Health, and Certificate in Orthopaedic Trauma Medicine, the minimum entry requirement is a C- grade.

A D+ grade is required for those interested in the Certificate in Nutrition and Dietetics and Certificate in Medical Engineering.

KUCCPS lists courses and entry grades for KMTC March intake first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has posted a 4.5 percent revenue collection growth in the financial year 2024/2025 as of 31st December 2024.

The taxman collected Kshs 1.243 trillion compared to the collection of Kshs 1.189 trillion realized in the same period of the previous financial year (2023/2024).

Exchequer revenue (collected on behalf of The National Treasury) collection amounted to Kshs 1.120 trillion while Agency revenue (collected on behalf of other Government entities) amounted to Kshs 122.872 billion, registering a performance rate of 121.3% against a target of Kshs 101.316 billion.

Despite the progressive growth, the collection was affected by various economic indicators that directly drive revenue collection.

For instance, GDP growth slowed to 4.0% in the third quarter of 2024, down from 6.1% in the third quarter of 2023, and 4.6% in the second quarter of 2024.

Further, low domestic demand was experienced as indicated by the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) which averaged 49.2 points in July – December 2024 indicating a contraction in economic activities.

Caroline K Gikunda: 10 critical lessons from Khalif Kairo’s business troubles

This is also indicative of the decline in overall import values of goods by 0.6% in the six months of 2024/25, which is a main source of both raw materials and final consumer goods.

Furthermore, the Government being a key consumer of VATable goods applied austerity expenditure measures that negatively affected various key sectors over time.

Cumulatively (July – December 2024), Customs revenue collection amounted to Kshs 429.127 billion, a growth of 4.8% over Kshs 409.548 billion realized in the same period of FY 2023/24.

Domestic taxes amounted to Kshs 811.847 billion in July – December 2024, translating to a revenue growth of 4.4% over Kshs 777.617 billion realized in July – December 2023.

Import value declines were recorded from Foods & Beverages (21.5% decline), and Fuels & Lubricants (17.7% decline). These two broad categories of goods account for slightly over ⅓ of import values.

KRA targets to collect 2.684 trillion by the end of the Financial Year 2024/2025. The taxman is confident that it will continue with the upward trajectory and achieve the set target to enable the government to sustain the country’s economy.

KRA collects Sh1.24 Trillion in taxes amid economic challenges first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The first leg of the 2025 KCB East Africa Golf Tour is expected to tee off at the 18 hole Royal Nairobi Golf Club on Saturday, February 1. This marks the first of 30 – leg series that will traverse 16 counties in Kenya and four other countries in the region.

Over 200 golfers will converge at the luscious course for a competitive tourney as the teams battle for the top spots. Two teams from Saturday’s action will be the first to book their slots for the tour’s grand finale slated for December 5.

Speaking ahead of the showdown, Royal Nairobi Golf Club Captain Willy Mastemet said: “The course is in good condition and we expect over 200 golfers to join us for an exciting tournament. The competition will be tough so we look forward to hosting the first leg of KCB Golf series. The bank has played a pivotal role in advancing golf development in Kenya and beyond. We are proud to be associated with them.”

KCB Golf Series heads to Nakuru this weekend

The morning tee time is slated for 6:30 am while the afternoon tee will get underway at 12:30 pm where top amateur golfers from Nairobi and its environs will clash in the much-awaited event.

“We are excited to kick off our 2025 golf journey at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club. We intend to interact with over 3000 participants and over 1500 juniors this year, underscoring our commitment to the growth of golf in the region. The heavy investment in golf is aimed at giving enthusiasts an opportunity to participate in local, regional and international events,” noted KCB Group Director Marketing and Communications Rosalind Gichuru.

Long hitting Korby Gatiramu and seasoned golfer Kevin Juma will headline the tournament including Paul Russo, Japheth Achola, John Okulo, Ruth Mwangi, Millicent Melo, Scola Onsongo, Aggrey Mulumbi and many others.

As part of its ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent and expanding the game of golf, KCB will host a Junior Golf Clinic on Sunday at the same venue. The clinic will feature 80 young golfers, providing them with hands-on training and mentorship from experienced professionals.

KCB Golf Series tees off at Royal Nairobi Golf Club first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Ride-hailing app Bolt is launching Trusted Contacts, a feature that will enable passengers and drivers to add names and phone numbers of friends or relatives to a list of contacts for their account.

The new feature will enable Bolt’s Safety Team to get in touch with the account holder’s kin if he/she can’t be reached.

This is part of Bolt’s ongoing investment in upgrades to safety features on its platform and will ensure quicker escalation of Ride Check notifications, Emergency Assist requests or any other significant safety incident reported if the Safety Team can’t get a hold of the account holder.

This is the latest safety feature announced by Bolt as part of its Ksh 14 billion commitment over three years, joining a suite of existing safety features in its in-app safety toolkit.

Recent passenger safety features include Ride Check to proactively detect whether there’s anything out of the ordinary during a trip, Share Location for real-time location sharing with friends and family, and Emergency Assist to help riders quickly and discreetly alert emergency services or private security partners.

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Dimmy Kanyankole General Manager Bolt Kenya and Tanzania said the new feature will boost Bolt users’ safety further enhancing user experience.

“With Trusted Contacts, we aim to build on our existing efforts by ensuring we can quickly escalate a Ride Check notification or Emergency Assist request to a friend or family member if we can’t get a hold of the Bolt account holder, themselves. It’s part of our ongoing investment in safety through new products, features, and our dedicated in-house specially trained safety team, to ensure that we can continue to improve the safety ecosystem of the Bolt app, offering drivers and riders a high-quality ride-hailing experience,” Mr. Kanyankole said.

As Bolt continues to prioritize the safety of its passengers and drivers, the introduction of Trusted Contacts is another step towards ensuring a safe and reliable ride-hailing experience.

By enabling riders and drivers to include their loved ones in crucial safety moments, Bolt remains committed to building a platform that not only meets the safety needs of its users but also provides peace of mind at every step of the journey.

Trusted contacts can be notified if you are unreachable, enhancing safety for passengers and drivers.

Bolt introduces new “Trusted Contacts” feature to enhance security of users first appeared on Bizna Kenya

OPPO today announced 17-year-old Spanish football prodigy, Lamine Yamal, as its global brand ambassador. In his new role, Yamal will play a pivotal part in OPPO’s “Make Your Moment” brand refresh initiative, working with OPPO to inspire more young people worldwide to seize the present, channel their passion into action, and create their own extraordinary stories for the future.

“Lamine is not just a gifted footballer but an inspirational young man with an incredible passion for the game,” said Billy Zhang, President of Overseas Marketing, Sales and Services at OPPO. “Like countless young people worldwide, Lamine refuses to be held back by anxiety or uncertainty about the future. Instead, he focuses on his passions and concentrates his energy on the present, finding fulfillment and strength through his dedication.”

OPPO Opens a New Chapter with Lamine Yamal

Since breaking onto the international stage in 2023, Yamal has not only captivated football fans worldwide with his stunning performances, but also earned admiration for his humility and maturity. Despite the packed schedule and immense pressures that come with being one of the world’s top footballers, Yamal has remained dedicated to his studies, and in response to the wave of fame and attention, he believes that “the best way to handle it all is to focus on the work at hand and stay present”.

To OPPO, Lamine Yamal represents more than just talent; he embodies the pursuit of authenticity and individuality. Following his recovery from a recent injury, he approached challenges with a fresh perspective, prioritizing disciplined training and thorough preparation to make his comeback in top form. This commitment to responsibility and mindfulness aligns perfectly with OPPO’s “Make Your Moment” philosophy, making him the ideal choice as the global brand ambassador.

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Since 2015, OPPO has been expanding its brand collaboration in the world of sports, including its partnership with the UEFA Champions League. By combining its cutting-edge AI and imaging technology with the passion and energy of sport, OPPO is creating unparalleled experiences for fans worldwide. The partnership with Yamal not only brings together sports and technology but also strengthens the connection between the brand and younger generations to inspire young fans globally to make their moment.

Giving Back Through Football

Every time Yamal scores a goal, he celebrates with his signature “304” hand gesture, paying tribute to the post code of his hometown, Rocafonda. The simple but meaningful gesture reflects Yamal’s deep connection to his roots and serves as a source of pride and inspiration for aspiring young footballers who share his love for the game.

As OPPO global brand ambassador, Yamal will channel this same attitude into a series of football-related community initiatives designed to spread the “Make Your Moment” spirit to even more people. These efforts aim to support grassroots football development while supporting facilities upgrades and calling on young people to submit creative ideas for football charity projects, empowering them to bring innovation and energy to football philanthropy. Additionally, Yamal’s stunning images will be featured on OPPO’s AI Studio platform, giving fans the unique opportunity to “become Yamal’s teammate” and experience the passion and joy that football brings.

OPPO Refreshes Brand Amid Continuing Global Success

The new “Make Your Moment” brand slogan comes as OPPO continues to expand its presence globally. Currently, the company operates in over 70 countries and regions, with more than 300,000 retail spaces worldwide. OPPO’s overseas shipments account for approximately 60% of its total volume. Helping to drive this success is the growing popularity of products such as the recently launched Find X8 series, which has garnered widespread acclaim globally thanks to its outstanding camera features, gaming performance, and battery life.

OPPO’s close involvement with football, particularly its partnership with the UEFA Champions League, has enabled the brand to break new ground. By bringing together its advanced technology with the energy of football, OPPO has created new technology experiences to resonate closely with global fans.

OPPO’s collaboration with Lamine Yamal extends this close synergy between technology and the passion of sport. From the football field to everyday life, OPPO continues to pay tribute to the power of young people, empowering them with technology and passion to seize every moment and shine in their unique way.

Make your moment: OPPO announces Lamine Yamal as global brand ambassador first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The High Court has issued conservatory orders suspending the July KCSE special exams that the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has been planning to hold for repeaters, private candidates and candidates who might have missed the 2024 KCSE exams.

The suspension follows a case that was filed by a Nakuru-based doctor and activist Magare Gikenyi at the Kisii High Court.

In the application, Gikenyi told the court that the exams that KNEC is planning to hold violates constitutional rights which include the right to education, fair administrative action, and public participation. Gikenyi told the court that KNEC had made the decision to hold the special exams without consulting parents and students, or other stakeholders in the education sector.

“The mandatory nature [as opposed to choosing either the July or November examination series] goes against the right of every individual to choose an examination which is convenient to him or her to enjoy the rights and fundamental freedoms in the Bill of Rights to the greatest extent as provided in Articles 20(2) of the constitution,” Gikenyi said in his petition.

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In a ruling that issued on Wednesday, Lady Justice Odera Teresa Achieng ruled that the petition had met the threshold for conservatory orders to be issued suspending the July KCSE special exams whose candidates KNEC had already started to register.

“The application has met the threshold for granting conservatory orders at this stage. I proceed to issue conservatory orders…to preserve the subject matter pending inter partes hearing,” Lady Justice Odera Teresa Achieng ruled.

KNEC had on January 27 opened the registration portal for the exams. In a circular signed by the KNEC chief executive officer David Njengere, prospective candidates had been given between Monday January 27 and 21st February 2025 to register for the examinations.

The registration targeted three groups of students: repeating candidates who wish to improve their previous grades, candidates who missed previous KCSE exam papers due to unavoidable circumstances like illnesses, and adult learners who are not enrolled in any regular school but have proof of primary education.

Kisii High Court suspends KNEC’s July KCSE special exams first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The Tower Sacco which is headquartered in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County has paid out a total of Sh. 2.72 billion to its members. This payout has included a return payout to Sacco members for the year 2024 at the rate of 20 per cent dividends on share capital and 13 per cent rebates on deposits.

Dividend on share capital was paid out at Sh.20 per share which totaled Sh. 311,300,703 at 20 per cent. Rebates on non-withdrawable deposits were paid out at Sh. 2,060,893,193 at 13 per cent.

This payout has effectively propelled the Tower Sacco into one of the highest-paying dividends and rebates Sacco in the country for the year full year 2024. The payout was announced during the Sacco’s 49th annual general meeting that was held in Ol Kalou on January 25, 2025.

During the general meeting, the Sacco announced that its total assets had grown to Sh. 28 billion in the full year 2024 from Sh. 23.2 billion in the previous year. This was a growth of Sh. 4.8 billion which was equivalent to 21 per cent. At the same time, the total loans that were extended to members expanded by 25 per cent year on year.

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“During the year, the Sacco disbursed loans amounting to Sh. 15,484,084,731 compared to Sh. 12,506,021,844 in the previous year. This was a growth of Sh. 2,978,062,887. The total loans with to members as at 31 December 2024 was Sh. 22,601,116,231 compared to Sh. 18,084,401,929 in the year 2023. This was a growth of Sh. 4,516,714, 302,” the Sacco announced.

The Sacco realized total revenue amounting to Sh. 4.3 billion compared to Sh. 3.5 billion in the year 2023. This was a growth of Sh. 839 million equivalent to 24 per cent. Surplus before payment of rebates amounted to Sh. 2.9 billion compared to Sh. 2.4 billion in the previous year 2023. This was a growth of Sh. 523 million equivalent to 22 per cent.

Tower Sacco pays members 20% dividends on share capital, 13% on deposits first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Sri Lankan food giant, CBL Group, has partnered with global logistics firm Expolanka Freight Limited, and local distributor Peniel Acumen Distributors to establish a distribution hub in Nairobi, marking its entry into Kenya and the broader East African market.

The partnership will see CBL Group invest in a robust route-to-market strategy, enabling wholesalers and retailers across Kenya and the region to stock its flagship brands Munchee and Ritzbury, a diverse range of high quality biscuits and premium chocolates that have gained popularity in over 65 countries.

“Kenya’s dynamic youth-driven market and growing demand for high-quality snacks make it an ideal location for Munchee and Ritzbury. Our commitment is not only to bring delicious products but also to introduce a range that addresses to varied food requirements of the Kenyan consumer,” said Kamal Geeganage, CEO of CBL Foods International – A subsidiary of CBL Group.

Expolanka Freight Limited, which operates a highly efficient supply chain network in Kenya, will oversee the seamless distribution of Munchee and Ritzbury products, ensuring availability in supermarkets, local retail outlets, and wholesale markets.

Bolt introduces new “Trusted Contacts” feature to enhance security of users

“We are thrilled to partner with CBL Group to introduce their range to Kenya. Our expertise in logistics will ensure that consumers across the country have access to these high-quality snacks,” said Mr. Wasantha Ranasinghe, Director of Expolanka Freight East Africa.

The entry of Munchee biscuits and Ritzbury chocolates into Kenya marks the expansion of a legacy that started in 1968, when CBL Group was founded to combat malnutrition in Sri Lankan school children.

Over the years, it has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s largest diversified food conglomerates, recognized for quality, innovation, and sustainability.

“As a trusted local distributor, we are excited to partner with CBL Group and Expolanka to bring Munchee and Ritzbury brands to Kenyan consumers. This collaboration is more than just distribution, it’s about making high-quality, globally recognized snacks accessible to every corner of the country” said Joyce Mukami, Director of Peniel Acumen Distributors.

By establishing a Kenyan distribution hub, CBL Group is positioning itself to serve not just Kenya but the entire East African region, replicating a successful model that has seen it grow across West Africa and Asia.

Sri Lanka’s biscuit manufacturer sets up distribution hub in Kenya first appeared on Bizna Kenya

In 2014, the music industry reached a low point when global recorded music revenues hit $13 billion. Spotify’s annual contribution at the time was around $1 billion, with around 15 million paying subscribers.

In 2024, Spotify alone paid out a record $10 billion to the music industry—totaling nearly $60 billion since our founding.

For a lot of people, those numbers might go in one ear and out the other. And they’d perhaps ask why Spotify keeps shouting about it.

It’s because the system we’ve built together is working, and where we are now is only the beginning. Today, there are more than 500 million paying listeners across all music streaming services. A world with 1 billion paying listeners is a realistic goal we should collectively set.

Growing the Pie

There’s a vibrant marketplace of streaming services for different types of consumers, each doing its part to normalize the behavior of paying for music streaming. It’s been a collective effort. But there are a few things specific to Spotify that make it not only the most popular subscription streaming service but also the highest paying.

1. Retention is priority number one, and retention is driven by personalization, curation, and product innovation. Fans like the recommendations, the expert editorial curation, and surprise-and-delight moments like AI DJ, daylist, and Wrapped, as well as the access to non-music content. They keep coming back, discovering more new artists, and retaining their subscriptions.
2. We offer an ad-supported free tier, while some services don’t. Beyond the ad dollars this generates, more than 60% of Premium subscribers were once free tier users. Bringing in users who don’t expect to pay for music, and deepening their engagement, means they’re more inclined to become subscribers in the future.
3. We’re available in more markets and at local price points, meeting people where they are. A decade ago, there was a widely held view that you couldn’t monetize certain markets. But the journey of getting the world to pay for music means making long-term investments. Today, we’re seeing tremendous growth across markets like India, Brazil, Mexico, and Nigeria. These are places where our investments are paying off.

That’s our blueprint and it’s working.

Growing Careers Beyond the Superstars

I recently read a data point from economist Will Page that said more music is released in a single day than there was in the entirety of 1989. In the pre-streaming era, you were either in the club or not. If you didn’t have a label deal or the means to distribute your music worldwide, you weren’t one of the few thousand artists on shelves at a record store or one of the 40 in rotation on a radio station.

Now, you can record something today and have it on Spotify tomorrow. Everyone’s invited. Even better, payments to the music industry have shifted from a concentrated few at the top to an increasingly diverse and growing ecosystem of artists finding success.

Case in point, we estimate that, in 2014, around 10,000 artists generated at least $10,000 per year on Spotify. Today, well over 10,000 artists generate over $100,000 per year from Spotify alone. That’s a beautiful thing.

Think about this: Last year’s IFPI report indicated that Spotify contributes roughly a third of global recorded streaming revenue. But a recent comprehensive study of independent labels and distributors from MIDiA Research showed that Spotify represents more than half of indies’ streaming revenue. What this indicates is that Spotify’s model is uniquely enabling more room for more artists to find success and ultimately sustain a career in music, demonstrating real change across the music business.

Spotify Wrapped party-an evening to celebrate Kenyan Music

Where Do We Go From Here?

Without a doubt, this has been a decade of unparalleled transformation. The global value of music copyright today sits at $45.5 billion. A decade on from its low point, how many other industries have experienced this kind of revival?

Our goal is to help artists get their work in front of existing and future fans, continue to innovate on their behalf, and deliver it in a way that inspires people to pay for it. Onboarding people to paid streaming is precisely what has increased our payouts—tenfold—over the past decade.

Reaching 1 billion paid subscribers across all streaming services will be a collaborative effort, requiring innovation, strategic partnerships, and a continued focus on delivering exceptional value to music fans worldwide. It’s a goal we’re confident we can achieve together.

– David Kaefer,

VP, Music Business, Spotify

Growing the pie: Spotify’s $10 billion milestone and the future of music streaming first appeared on Bizna Kenya

67 people are feared dead after a passenger jet and army helicopter collided and crashed into the freezing Potomac River in Washington DC. The passenger jet, an American Airlines Flight 5342, had 60 passengers and four crew members on board.

It had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was approaching landing at the Washington DC’s Ronald Reagan National Airport. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, with a CRJ-700.

“Flight 5342 was under the command of 4 crew members and carried 60 passengers for a total of 64 people on board. We are actively working with local state and federal authorities on emergency response, efforts and the American Airlines care team has been activated to assist our passengers and their families,” American Airlines chief executive officer Robert Isom told the media in a briefing.

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Three US army soldiers were onboard the Black Hawk military helicopter that collided with the jet in the Washington DC plane crash.

Hours after the tragedy, the CNN reported that rescue teams were yet to rescue anyone from the crash alive. There was, however, confirmation of casualties.

Reacting to the tragedy, US President Donald Trump stated that the accident could have been prevented.

“The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane,” said President Trump. “This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”

67 feared dead as passenger jet and army helicopter collide, crash in US first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) has published the list of SACCOs licensed and authorized to carry out financial services in Kenya in 2025.

The move is in compliance with Section 28 of the Sacco Societies Act (Cap. 490B), which mandates that only compliant SACCOs are permitted to engage in deposit-taking and non-deposit-taking financial activities.

According to SASRA, 178 SACCOs have been given the green light to conduct deposit-taking business for the one year ending December 31, 2025.

At the same time, 177 SACCOs have received authorization to operate non-deposit-taking Sacco businesses, and are permitted to conduct their specified business activities from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

The regulator barred two SACCOs from continuing with operation after failing to renew their licenses before December 31, 2024. The two are  B-SMART Sacco Society Limited and Multiple Sacco Society Limited.

SASRA urged members of the public to verify a SACCO’s licensing status before engaging in any financial transactions.

All licensed SACCOs are required to prominently display their valid licenses at their headquarters and branch offices.

Tower Sacco pays members 20% dividends on share capital, 13% on deposits

Below is the list of all licensed and authorized SACCOs in Kenya for the period 1st January, 2025 to 31st December, 2025;

List of SACCOs licensed to operate in Kenya in 2025 first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Focussed execution drives strong operating and financial momentum. Second share buyback programme launched.

Operating highlights

The total customer base grewby 7.9% to 163.1 million. Data customer penetration continues to rise, with a 13.8% increase in data customers to 71.4 million. Data usage per customer increased by 32.3% to 6.9 GBs, with smartphone penetration increasing by 5.2% to reach 44.2%.

The continued investment to increase financial inclusion across our markets contributed to an 18.3% increase in mobile money subscribers to 44.3 million. Transaction value in Q3’25 increased by 33.3% in constant currency1 with annualised transaction value of $146bn.

Data ARPU growth of 15.0% and mobile money ARPU growth of 11.8% in constant currency continued to support overall ARPUs which rose 12.0% YoY in constant currency.

Customer experience remains core to our strategy with sustained network investment during the period. In line with our strategic priorities, data capacity across our network has increased by 20.8% with the rollout of 2,850 sites and approximately 2,600 kms of fibre.

Financial performance

Revenues of $3,638m grew by 20.4% in constant currency but declined by 5.8% in reported currency as currency devaluation continued to impact reported revenue trends. Strong execution supported a further quarter of accelerating growth with Q3’25 revenue growth of 21.3% in constant currency and reported currency revenue growth of 2.5%.

Across the Group, mobile services revenue grew by 18.8% in constant currency, driven by voice revenue growth of 9.8% and data revenue growth of 29.5%. Mobile money revenue grew by 29.6% in constant currency.

EBITDA for the nine-month period declined by 11.9% in reported currency to $1,681m with EBITDA margins of 46.2% impacted by increased fuel prices and the lower contribution of Nigeria to the Group. However, following initial successes of our cost efficiency programme, EBITDA margins have expanded from 45.3% in Q1’25 to 46.9% in Q3’25.

In Q3’25, profit after tax benefitted from an exceptional gain of $94m (net of tax) following the naira and Tanzanian shilling appreciation. However, over the nine-month period ending 31 December 2024, profit after tax of $248m was impacted by $57m of exceptional derivative and foreign exchange losses (net of tax).

EPS before exceptional items declined from 7.1 cents in the prior period to 6.2 cents, primarily impacted by increased costs associated with the ATC contract renewal, which had no impact on cashflows. Basic EPS of 4.4 cents compares to negative (1.6 cents) in the prior period, predominantly reflecting lower derivative and foreign exchange losses in the current period.

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Capital allocation

Capex of $456m was 7.8% lower compared to prior period. Capex guidance for the full year remains between $725m and $750m as we continue to invest for future growth.
We have been consistently reducing our foreign currency debt exposure, having paid down $739m of foreign currency debt over the last year. Furthermore, 92% of our OpCo debt (excl. lease liabilities) is now in local currency, up from 79% a year ago.

Leverage has increased from 1.3x to 2.4x primarily reflecting the $1.2bn increase in lease liabilities arising from the extension of our tower lease agreements with ATC as previously announced. To reflect the Group’s financial market debt position and reduce volatility associated with lease accounting under IFRS16, the Group has introduced ‘Lease-adjusted leverage’ as an additional APM in the current period. Lease-adjusted leverage increased from 0.7x in the prior period to 1.1x as of 31 December 2024 reflecting the impact of higher debt and lower lease-adjusted EBITDA given the translation impact arising from currency devaluation (see page 6).

Following the completion of the first $100m buyback, in December 2024 we announced the commencement of a second share buyback programme that will return up to $100m to shareholders. This reflects the Board’s confidence in the continued growth potential, the strength of the balance sheet and consistent cash accretion at the holding company level.

Sunil Taldar, chief executive officer, on the trading update:

“We have delivered an improvement in both the operating and financial performance in the last quarter driven by our refined strategy which is focussed on delivering great customer experience across all touch points. An increasingly important component of this is to provide a best-in-class network, digitise and simplify the customer journey. Our focus on speed and quality execution is enabling us to unlock the substantial opportunities for growth across our markets and business segments, where demand remains significant, resulting in a further acceleration of constant currency revenue growth to 21.3% in the most recent quarter.

We remain committed to investing for the future by expanding our distribution and network to ensure that we capture this significant growth opportunity on offer. Despite the challenging environment for many of our customers, we continue to see strong demand for our services as we enable connectivity and facilitate access to the digital economy.  The scale of data traffic growth across our markets – an increase of 49% over the last year – is testament to the investments we have made and the relentless focus on our strategy to create value for all our stakeholders.

As we have communicated previously, our cost efficiency programme continues to deliver EBITDA margin improvements, with a further expansion of margins in Q3’25. We continue to focus on further margin improvement. Furthermore, our capital structure remains robust with just 8% of OpCo debt in foreign currency – a substantial improvement over the last year. This, together with continued confidence in the outlook for the business, has enabled the Board to announce a second share buyback programme, which will return up to $100m to shareholders.

The recent signs of currency stabilisation in some markets and the recent decision from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) regarding tariff adjustments in Nigeria are encouraging and signal a more stable and supportive operating environment. While challenges remain, these developments provide a firm foundation for growth and improved market conditions.”

GAAP measures
(Nine-month period ended)

Description
Dec-24
Dec-23
Reported
currency

$m
$m
change

Revenue
3,638
3,861
(5.8%)

Operating profit
1,081
1,293
(16.4%)

Profit after tax
248
2

Basic EPS ($ cents)
4.4
(1.6)

Net cash generated from operating activities
1,623
1,766
(8.1%)

Alternative performance measures (APM)2
(Nine-month period ended)

Description
Dec-24
Dec-23
Reported
currency
Constant
currency

$m
$m
change
change

Revenue
3,638
3,861
(5.8%)
20.4%

EBITDA
1,681
1,908
(11.9%)
15.3%

EBITDA margin
46.2%
49.4%
(323) bps
(206) bps

EPS before exceptional items ($ cents)
6.2
7.1
(12.7%)

Operating free cash flow
1,225
1,414
(13.4%)

About Airtel Africa

Airtel Africa Q3’25: Strong growth & second share buyback first appeared on Bizna Kenya

KCB Bank has reaffirmed its position as Kenya’s leading sports sponsor by renewing its commitment to the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally for the fifth consecutive year.

The Bank has injected KShs. 209 million to the iconic motorsports event slated for March 20 – 23, 2025 in Naivasha, underscoring its dedication to developing talent, fostering national cohesion and driving economic growth through sports.

This year, KCB is sponsoring four local rally drivers including Nikhil Sachania, Evans Kavisi, Tinashe Gatimu and Karan Patel. Gatimu will be making her debut as part of KCB racing team while Kavisi will be bouncing back to rallying after a year-long hiatus.

Speaking at the official media launch in Nairobi Thursday morning, KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said: “The WRC Safari Rally is more than just a motorsport event. We see it as a platform to showcase Kenya’s potential on the global stage. At KCB, we believe in pushing boundaries, and through our support, we hope to enable Kenyan drivers to excel while supporting Kenya’s socio-economic ambitions.”

Out of the sponsorship monies, KShs. 100 million will be allocated to the Kenya Motorsport Federation to facilitate preparations and logistics and ensure the event runs seamlessly. An additional KShs. 23 million will directly support four local drivers – Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, Tinashe Gatimu and Evans Kavisi. KShs. 86 million is set aside for activations, hospitality, branding and Revvvisha na KCB campaign that aims to encourage savings culture among Kenyans.

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Since the return of the WRC Safari Rally to the Kenyan soil in 2021, KCB as the lead sponsor has spent KShs. 800 million and invested KShs. 2.3 billion in motorsports in the past two decades in a bid open more opportunities for drivers and navigators to develop and commercialize through their passion for motorsports and to elevate Kenya’s standing as a premier motorsports destination.

“The WRC Safari Rally has become a hallmark of Kenya’s global sporting calendar, attracting thousands of visitors and injecting billions into our economy. We commend KCB Bank for its steadfast commitment to not only this event but also the broader development of sports in Kenya. Their support ensures that local talents continue to shine on the global stage,” Noted Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Hon. Salim Mvurya.

The Bank is also keen on entrenching the sustainability agenda into motorsports, as a way of taking care of the Planet and the People, even as it pursues profits. It adopted SDG 13 on Climate Action and has prioritized environmental conservation through tree planting activities, with a target of growing 3,000 trees during this year’s rally. Additionally, an art competition for primary schools in Nakuru County will promote creativity and environmental awareness.

On the social pillar, KCB intends to ensure the safety of the spectators and drivers and empower small businesses, youth and women. The choice of drivers has also been driven by the consideration of diversity and inclusion.

As the world descends on Naivasha for the four-day action in March, activities will start at Kasarani on Thursday, March 20 for the ceremonial start and then cars will proceed to KICC for the Super Special Stage. Action will head to Camp Moran and Morendat in Naivasha on Friday. On Saturday, the cars will pass Sleeping Warrior, Elementaita, Soysambu and Buffalo Mall. Sunday’s action will see cars go through Malewa, Oserian, Hell’s Gate and Hippo site before culminating in a prize-giving ceremony.

KCB Bank commits KShs. 209m to 2025 WRC Safari Rally first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Maisha Magic Plus is thrilled to announce the premiere of its newest comedy series, Sumbua Sacco, premiering Friday, February 7th.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Lumumba Estate, Sumbua Sacco follows Awinja and Osoro – played by the dynamic duo Jackie Vike (Click Click Bang) and Cyprian Osoro (4 Better 4 Worse)- a broke but ambitious couple whose fortunes change when Awinja wins big, and they buy a matatu. Their journey soon takes a hilarious and chaotic twist as they encounter the gritty realities of Nairobi’s matatu culture.

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From unruly passengers and matatu cartels to shady authorities and mounting debts, Awinja and Osoro find themselves in a whirlwind of challenges. Their resilience, boldness, and comedic misadventures bring to life the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the vibrant matatu industry, offering a unique lens into Nairobi’s matatu culture.

Produced by A-Wish Productions, the masterminds behind viral YouTube series Disco Matanga, the show also features Humphery Maina (Lies that Bind), Jimmy Ouma (Haki Mwitu), Kauthar Kang’ethe (Volume) and twins Nelly & Jane Wanjiku (Zora),

“The idea came from an online skit by Awinja and Osoro. The skit, set in a matatu, had Awinja as a tout hilariously reacting to a passenger’s woes. Initially, we thought of making it a limited online series, but the matatu culture has such a rich scope of stories that we decided to restructure it for TV. And here we are, ready to deliver a story that’s as relatable as it is entertaining.” says producer Lawrence Murage.

“Honestly, we just want people to have fun, enjoy the ride, and laugh at our characters’ problems and triumphs without overthinking. It’s all about decompressing and taking a breather from life’s daily grind.” adds Lawrence.

Margaret Mathore, Channel Head, Maisha Magic Plus, added: “As a longtime fan of Awinja & Osoro, it is a dream come true to bring their talent to Maisha Magic. Their unique brand of humor resonates deeply with our audiences, and we are thrilled to offer them a platform to reach an even wider audience with Sumbua Sacco. We believe this show will be a major hit and further solidify MultiChoice’s commitment to showcasing the best of local entertainment.”

Tune in on February 7th at 7:30 pm with new episodes dropping every Friday, exclusively on Maisha Magic Plus (DStv channel 163/ GOtv channel 3), and join Awinja and Osoro as they navigate the bumpy roads of the matatu world.

DStv and GOtv customers can also now take advantage of the newly launched Step-Up promotion running until March 31st. Customers who upgrade their subscription packages will get an automatic boost to the next level. For more info, visit www.dstvafrica.com or www.gotvafrica.com.

Jackie Vike, Cyprian Osoro to star in Sumbua Sacco comedy on Maisha Magic Plus first appeared on Bizna Kenya

On January 9th, the CS Treasury and Economic Planning introduced the Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill 2025 which aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual assets and service providers in Kenya.

The Virtual Asset Chamber of Commerce (VACC), Kenya’s leading policy think tank for blockchain and virtual assets, effectively advocated for the interests of the nation’s virtual asset stakeholders during the final public participation session for the VASP Bill 2025 and the National Policy Framework.

The session was held on January 29^th and addressed important areas such as licensing, taxation, consumer protection and innovation in the rapidly evolving digital asset sector.

The bill’s implementation is expected to position Kenya as a leader in Africa’s tech-driven economy, often referred to as the “Silicon Savannah.”

However, the proposed 3% Digital Asset Tax (DAT) raised concern among industry stakeholders, who argue that the rate is unsustainable and could stifle innovation and investment.

Why the VASP Bill Matters

The VASP Bill is a landmark piece of legislation designed to regulate virtual assets, such as cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and other digital tokens, as well as the service providers that facilitate their use.

Its passage will provide much-needed clarity for businesses and investors, ensuring Kenya remains competitive in the global digital economy. However, the proposed 3% DAT has raised alarms, as it far exceeds global standards.

For context, Indonesia, the only other country with a similar tax, imposes a rate of just 0.1% to 0.2%. Industry leaders warn that the 3% tax could cripple the sector, drive away international investors, and undermine Kenya’s ambitions to become a hub for blockchain innovation.

“The industry cannot survive a tax that is ten to thirty times higher than standard exchange trading fees and far exceeds our customers’ profit margins. This tax threatens to make the industry fundamentally unviable, leaving regulators with nothing to regulate or tax. Immediate resolution is critical,” said Mr Allan Kakai, a Director at the Virtual Assets Chamber of Commerce during his presentation to the National Treasury.

VACC’s Role in Shaping the Future of Kenya’s Digital Economy

As the voice of Kenya’s virtual asset ecosystem, VACC submitted a comprehensive memorandum to the National Treasury, addressing urgent industry concerns and proposing actionable recommendations. They include:

1. Robust Industry Representation: VACC ensured that the voices of Kenya’s virtual asset stakeholders were heard, advocating for fair taxation, innovation-friendly policies and operational clarity.
2. Progressive Recommendations: The memorandum outlined a balanced regulatory approach that aligns with global best practices, such as the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, to foster cross-border transactions and global competitiveness.
3. Call for Continued Engagement: VACC echoed the National Treasury’s call for stakeholders to submit detailed feedback via email to pstnt@treasury.go.ke, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in shaping a forward-looking regulatory framework.

VACC’s Recommendations

1. Encouraging Entrepreneurship & Investment: The bill should attract foreign direct investment by avoiding overregulation and excessive compliance costs.
2. Alignment with Global Standards: Kenya should harmonize its policies with international frameworks to support cross-border transactions and global competitiveness.
3. Regulatory Clarity on Licensing & Oversight: Introduce a tiered licensing system to accommodate multi-service providers and eliminate regulatory duplication.
4. Stablecoin Regulation & Payment Innovation: Provide clear definitions and guidelines to ensure stablecoins drive financial inclusion and economic efficiency.
5. Reasonable Taxation & Compliance Measures: The current 3% digital asset tax on the trade or transfer of virtual assets regardless of profit or loss threatens to cripple job creation, drive the sector “underground” and push investment away from Kenya.

Without urgent reconsideration, Kenya risks strangling its burgeoning blockchain and crypto ecosystem, deterring global players, and losing its competitive edge in Africa’s digital economy.

VACC commends the National Treasury for fostering inclusive dialogue. There is an upcoming stakeholder engagement on the matter on February 6, 2025, at the Lake Naivasha Crescent Hotel.

VACC: Crypto stakeholders call for better policies, lower taxes in digital assets market first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi has launched a cholesterol (lipid) disorders clinic as part of its efforts to reduce the risk of heart diseases.

Speaking during the launch of the clinic, the hospital CEO Rashid Khalani noted that the hospital was continuously innovating and conducting solution-based research with the patient interests at heart.

“This is the first specialised lipid clinic in Kenya and we started it because of the realization that heart disorders are on the increase as a result of our adoption of Western lifestyle that is more characterised by our diet and physical inactivity.”

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“We do not want to wait for you to get heart disease but want to manage the risk factors before they advance to become heart disease. This will ultimately be more convenient and cheaper. “

Dr Mzee Ngunga, the Lead Interventional Cardiologist for this clinic noted that “good cholesterol management will reduce incidences of heart attacks caused by blocked heart arteries which has become common among our populations. It will also offer patients a longer life expectancy without requiring more complex medications that we normally prescribe for patients who have survived heart attacks.”

He added that once a patient is diagnosed with a lipid disorder, the treatment is usually lifelong.

“It is therefore important for individuals to go for regular checkups, especially if a first-degree family member who is below 40 years or 50 years for women, has experienced a heart attack,” said Dr. Ngunga.

The Chief Guest at the launch Dr. Bernard Samia, President Kenya Cardiac Society (KCS), lauded the milestone by Aga Khan University Hospital and called for collaboration from both the private and public sectors to enhance research and interventions to advance cardiovascular health.

“As KCS, we have had several studies to look at cardiovascular diseases, we have many hospitals that support us in this endeavour and I am happy that with the launch of this clinic, Aga Khan University Hospital will be part of the list. Lipid disorders data obtained from this clinic and others countrywide will help inform our treatment and prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases.”

“Current trends show a rising burden of hypertension in the country, with figures ranging between 16 and 21 per cent, with urbanisation and social demographic differences playing a huge role in these figures. The question that we have to keep asking ourselves is how do we take care of the risk factors so that our patients get the right diagnosis, and treatment and take care of the complications”, said Dr. Samia.

The Lipid Disorders Clinic is run by a multi-disciplinary team of cardiologists, family physicians, nutritionists, specialist nurses and pathologists ensuring optimal care to the patients.

Patients have access to an assessment of cholesterol to determine the specific lipid abnormality, genetic tests to determine the underlying genetic defect, analysis of the results by an experienced team of cardiologists and family physicians for patient-centred management, appropriate dietary advice, and education on how to maintain cholesterol at acceptable levels.

The launch of this clinic is an addition to the hospital’s list of heart services portfolio that have contributed to the organization’s recognition as an accredited cardiac care centre of excellence in East and Central Africa.

Aga Khan University Hospital launches a dedicated clinic to manage cholesterol disorders first appeared on Bizna Kenya