Nine startups showed off their cutting-edge solutions at Safaricom during a demo session for the company's Spark Accelerator Program last Friday. These young companies displayed how far they've come in expanding tech limits and business growth. Safaricom Chief Business Development and Strategy Officer Michael Mutiga praised these startups for their hard work. He said the demo day proves these companies can overcome challenges and create smart solutions for real problems.
The program picked nine businesses from more than 200 applications for its first group. These include HealthX Africa, Vuna Pay, Black Rhino VR, Twiva, Chpter, Chirpy, Nobuk Africa, Faidi HR, and Chumz. They spent recent months improving their business plans and...
A Machakos Court has decided that Parliament must write new laws requiring private groups that take government money to tell everyone how they spend it. Justice Francis Rayola Olei ruled that any private organization using public funds must explain its spending to the public through laws Parliament will create.
This case started when Paul Lihanda filed against the East African Development Bank and others back in May 2023. Lihanda argued that under current law, the Kenyan government could pay money from the national fund without Parliament saying yes first. He said this gave the Finance Cabinet Secretary total control over public money with nobody watching, which breaks good government rules.
Lihanda asked the court to step in because...
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has started his nationwide empowerment programs again just days after losing his position as chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee. President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga made a government agreement that led to Nyoro's replacement by Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi. Nyoro traveled across Kenya frequently during 2023 but cut back his activities around mid-2024 when he met resistance from within the Kenya Kwanza government. Many had viewed him as a likely running mate for President Ruto in the upcoming 2027 presidential race.
Nyoro spent Wednesday and Thursday in his home area of Kiharu, launching projects paid for by the National Government Constituency Development Fund. Government...
Safaricom showcased nine tech companies last Friday during its Spark Accelerator Program event. These startups included HealthX Africa, Vuna Pay, Black Rhino VR, Twiva, Chpter, Chirpy, Nobuk Africa, Faidi HR, and Chumz. The program helps new business founders grow bigger and faster through connections and advice.
Black Rhino VR makes virtual reality easier for everyone by eliminating coding requirements. Brian Afande runs this company, which creates digital experiences across Africa. He said the Safaricom program helped them meet other smart business leaders and learn from successful companies like M-Kopa about growth strategies.
Mentors Ibrahim and Martin Karanja studied Black Rhino VR carefully and pointed out ways to improve it...
Kenya's nationwide cattle vaccination campaign has reached half a million animals since its kickoff on January 30. Uasin Gishu County tops the list with 69,360 cattle protected against foot-and-mouth disease. Nakuru follows behind with 52,320 vaccinated animals, then comes Trans Nzoia with 46,240, and Turkana with 42,000. The massive health campaign aims to protect 22 million cattle and 50 million goats across the country within the next two years.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe officially started the program in Kisargei, located in the Segera ward of Laikipia North sub-county. Veterinary Services Director Allan Azegele emphasized immediate vaccination needs in West Pokot, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, and...
Young hairdressers once dreamed of opening physical salons. They believed brick-and-mortar shops meant stable income streams. These dreams changed when rent prices kept climbing. Many hair professionals decided to bring their skills right to their customers instead.
Mobile braiding has transformed the beauty business, especially for young people trying to earn money during tough economic times. Jane Wanjiru worked on commission at a small Kikuyu town salon. Her earnings fell when the shop raised prices because customers visited less often.
Jane started offering home services through WhatsApp and Instagram. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reports that more than 1 million young people lack jobs. Many turn to beauty services to...
Mount Kigali University gave $5 million to Rwanda's Imbuto Foundation, which started with Rwanda's First Lady Jeannette Kagame as its leader. The money helps build early childhood education classrooms. The group runs programs for education, health, and young people.
Professor Simon Gicharu leads MKU. He said the money builds classrooms at two schools. One school sits in Kigali city. The other school stands outside the capital. He handed the check to Elodie Shami, who runs the Foundation.
The professor called this donation part of their community support. He believes helping build these classrooms invests in Rwanda's children. Early education gives kids better chances for success. MKU plans more help for early education in the future...
Morocco wants Africa to build AI systems for itself. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement yesterday about creating ethical AI that fits African needs. They want technology that helps local problems instead of copying solutions from elsewhere. This matters because Africa faces unique challenges that require specific approaches.
Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita spoke through video at an African Union meeting his country chairs this March. He talked about how AI affects peace and security and how countries run themselves. He asked African nations to work together to make AI help development across the continent. Morocco aims to support Africa's growth in technology under King Mohammed VI's leadership.
AI brings both good...
Tunisia beat Liberia by just 1-0. Madagascar crushed the Central African Republic 4-1. Cameroon failed to score against Eswatini, ending with a 0-0 tie. These games happened Wednesday as part of qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.
Hazem Mastouri scored early to give Tunisia their victory in Monrovia. This win keeps Tunisia leading Group H with 13 points total. The Tunisian team found success at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Complex when Mastouri finished a play set up by Hannibal Mejbri just four minutes into the game.
Tunisia almost scored again when Naïm Sliti hit the crossbar before halftime. Liberia controlled the ball more but couldn't break through Tunisia's strong defense. Goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen saved two big shots in the 37th...
