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  • SAMSUNG ONE UI 5.1 COMES TO CURRENT GALAXY DEVICES ALONGSIDE NEWLY ANNOUNCED GALAXY S23 SERIES

    SAMSUNG ONE UI 5.1 COMES TO CURRENT GALAXY DEVICES ALONGSIDE NEWLY ANNOUNCED GALAXY S23 SERIES

    Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced One UI 5.1, which was newly unveiled with the Galaxy S23 series at Galaxy Unpacked 2023, will begin to roll out worldwide for other Galaxy devices starting with the Galaxy S22 series, Z Fold4, Z Flip4, S21 series, and S20 series. With One UI 5.1, Galaxy devices will deliver a more visually appealing interface with new features that enable greater creativity and personalization for a more convenient experience overall.

    “One UI 5.1 is the up-to-date example of Samsung’s commitment to providing Galaxy users with the latest innovations as soon as possible,” said Janghyun Yoon, EVP and Senior Executive, Software Office. “Over the past several weeks, we have worked closely with our service providers and carrier partners to bring One UI 5.1 to current Galaxy smartphones and tablets around the world within a few short weeks of the Galaxy S23 series announcement.”

    Professional-Quality Camera and More Engaging Gallery

    One UI 5.1 expands upon the recently upgraded camera features announced with the Galaxy S23 series. Galaxy users now have greater flexibility to create professional quality photos with Expert RAW features now available directly as part of the Galaxy Camera app. simply select “More” while taking a photo to capture high-quality shots in their raw format. Additionally, enhanced AI-based Photo Remaster automatically improves deteriorated details of images by improving brightness, fine-tuning details and making color corrections even in backlit scenes. It also removes unwanted shadows and reflections for a picture-perfect photo.

    New navigation improvements also make it easier than ever to find photos within the Gallery app and create shared family albums. Simply tap a person’s face in a photo to conduct a search for more images while the Gallery app searches for faces of loved ones to recommend for family photo albums.

    A Unique Mobile Experience Personalized for Every User

    Samsung has long been focused on giving Galaxy users greater control over their devices by customizing various user interface aspects. One UI 5.1 delivers several exciting new features that allow people to fine-tune nearly every aspect of the mobile experience – from appearance, to communications, actions, and more. Samsung introduced new features that can understand how devices are used and make recommendations accordingly. For example, the new dynamic weather widget analyzes current conditions and creates a custom design that reflects the climate. Modes and Routines have expanded to enable custom wallpapers, ringtones, touch sensitivity, and fonts that can personalize specific activities for even more convenience. One UI 5.1 also improves the Smart suggestions widget by adding the ability to recommend Spotify tracks and playlists based on users’ activities, such as music for road trips or relaxing.

    Samsung has also developed One UI to bring greater integration and connectivity throughout the mobile ecosystem and introduced features supporting this mission. Users can enjoy a connected ecosystem across their mobile and PC with expanded Multi control between Galaxy Book and smart phones. This enables users to share the mouse, keyboard or trackpad of their Galaxy Book not only with their Galaxy tablet, but now also with select Galaxy phones, allowing them to copy and paste text and drag and drop images from one device to another seamlessly — as if they’re the same, single device. Furthermore, Link to Windows enables users to browse with Samsung Internet on their phones to continue browsing the same pages on their PC seamlessly. These pages can also be opened from one device to another, making everyday life much easier.

    Availability

    One UI 5.1 software update starts to roll out for the Samsung Galaxy S22 series1, Z Fold4, Z Flip4, S21 series2, and S20 series3. Software updates for additional Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 will be available in the coming weeks.

  • HARAMBEE SACCO GROWS IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS

    HARAMBEE SACCO GROWS IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS

    Despite the heavy burden of a depressed economy Harambee Sacco has recorded an impressive revenue increment. The giant savings and credit cooperative posted an upward revenue trajectory growth from KES 4.22 billion in 2021 to an
    all time high of KES 5.01 billion in 2022.

    The sacco which serves much of the civil service employees also grew it’s assets portfolio from KES 34.6 billion to KES 37.01 in the financial year which ended in 2022.

    According to the CEO, George Ochiri the Sacco also posted significant growth of loans and advances from KES 24.3 billion to KES 27.23 billion in the period under the review.

    With the rapid adoption of fit-for-purpose financial information technologies, the Sacco is currently moving it’s services online with 98 percent of its services and products now accessible through online platforms.

    “Having started at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, our focus with regards
    moving our services to the mobile platforms was crowned in the financial year 2022”, said Ochiri.

    Harambee Sacco Chairman, Macloud Malonza said the high performance was attributed to the fast-adaptive nature embraced by the management to meet the diverse needs of it’s members.

    “In order to sustain our growth momentum going forward, the Board of Directors,
    is putting in place a robust intervention mechanism that will ensure this growth curve is not only
    sustained but improved through the deployment of an agile, dynamic and
    resilient strategy,” Malonza said.

    Malonza who is leading the Sacco’s 52nd Annual General Meeting on Monday said will also be rolling out an inter-generational dialogue strategies to attract young people.

    “We see ourselves as a family, community and national cooperative guided by strong family values. The sacco has done extremely well and our vision is to grow it to greater heights”, he said.

    This year’s highlight is the dividend payout with the society paying 8% dividend to members, which is a 2% increase from 2020.

  • KEMRI Holds Its 13th Annual Research and Health Conference

    KEMRI Holds Its 13th Annual Research and Health Conference

    The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) held its 13th KEMRI Annual Research and Health (KASH) Conference from 15th to 17th February 2023.

    The conference, among other things, showcased the research activities that are going-on in the areas of its mandates as well as served as a forum for dissemination, networking, and highlighting ongoing and planned activities at country level.

    The conference attracted an estimated 450 participants within Kenya and beyond.

    Symposium sessions ran parallel to breakaway conference session and usually took place in the afternoon period. The half day sessions were usually allocated a maximum of 3 hours.

    KEMRI has been researching Anopheles stephensi in Kenya. Anopheles stephensi is a malaria vector that thrives in both urban and rural settings. Following its detection in Kenya, there is a likelihood of malaria transmission occurring in urban and peri-urban setups in the country. The new mosquito poses a serious threat and could reverse the gains made in the fight against malaria. Anopheles stephensi, a malaria-causing mosquito, was originally known to occur and spread malaria in South-East Asia, the Middle East, and Arabian Peninsula. The mosquito species has been expanding its Geographic range over the last decade, with detections reported in Dhibouti (2012), Ethiopia and Sudan (2016), Somalia (2019), and Nigeria (2020).

    KEMRI participated in Studies that were carried out across all counties in Kenya, in December 2022, which showed that the new malaria-causing mosquito Anopheles stephensi is present in Laisamis and Saku sub-counties in Marsabit County, Northern Kenya. This was confirmed through Laboratory assays conducted on the identity of the vector.

    The Ministry of Health through the Division of National Malaria Programme (DNMP) and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) have carried out routine mosquito surveillance in different counties across Kenya and a sample of Anopheles mosquitoes was analyzed in the KEMRI laboratories to determine the species using the Anopheles stephensi protocol.

    Across the twelve counties surveyed, the new mosquito was found in Marsabit County. The detection was done in four different surveillance sites in Marsabit County, where a total of 55 Anopheles larvae were collected but 11 died during transit. Of the 11 larvae, seven were identified as Anopheles stephensi. Forty-four larvae were reared into adults and then killed in a containment facility at KEMRI, four of which were shipped to the CDC for confirmatory testing. Forty newly emerged adults were tested and nine were identified as Anopheles stephensi.

    Malaria in Kenya and Africa at large is known to occur in rural areas. Rainfall, temperature, and availability of unpolluted mosquito breeding habitats in rural areas favor the breeding of malaria mosquitoes. However, Anopheles stephensi is unique as it thrives in man-made containers and breeding habitats in polluted settings. The establishment of Anopheles stephensi in urban and peri-urban areas may pose a serious threat to malaria transmission in areas that have been Anopheles and malaria free. The disease is transmitted through the infectious bite of the Anopheles female mosquito.

    In Kenya, malaria is spread by two major mosquitoes namely Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus. However, the new Anopheles stephensi is  different from the known malaria mosquitoes, as the mosquito exhibits different behavior from the known malaria mosquitoes in the country. The new mosquito thrives in urban settings, unlike known malaria vectors that are mainly found in rural areas. Anopheles stephensi mainly breeds in containers such as jerry cans, tyres, open tanks, sewers, cisterns, overhead tanks, and underground tanks. The known malaria mosquitoes in Kenya breed in rural areas in habitats such as water pools, rice paddies, streams, surface run-offs, streams, sprints, tyre tracks, and hoof prints. Hence, the new mosquito is invasive and can spread very fast to new areas with or without the known malaria mosquitoes, and this could pose a significant public health threat and as a result, reverse the gains made in the fight against malaria.

    KEMRI continues to conduct routine entomological surveillance to determine the extent of vector distribution and mosquito infectivity rates. We call on the public to continue utilizing the available malaria control tools such as mosquito nets, repellants, and wearing long-sleeved clothing to prevent mosquito bites.

  • OPTIVEN CEO TELLS US WHAT IS HAPPENING AT SUCCESS GARDENS

    OPTIVEN CEO TELLS US WHAT IS HAPPENING AT SUCCESS GARDENS

    WHAT IS HAPPENING AT SUCCESS GARDENS?

    The progress on promised value additions continues to make a paradise of Success Gardens by Optiven. With the remaining perimeter wall now complete, Success Gardens by Optiven is now as secure as can be. Already the project is home to a magnificent gate, internal murramed roads, water tower on site and what’s more, ready title deeds. It is in this serene gated community that you will be able to access a ready to build environment, that is perfect for your dream home.

    Investors on this project located right on tarmac at Gatanga Road, are now rolling out their plans to begin building their homes as the amenities are on site. This has seen Optiven fast track its portfolio acquisition and now Success Gardens Phase II is on the way. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Register with zero deposit to be given prior by indicating your interest via this link https://www.optiven.co.ke/optiven-beckons-you-to-success-gardens-phase-2/

    Make Success Gardens by Optiven your new home, call, SMS or Whatsapp us on 0790 300 300 today.

    For more information log on to: https://www.optiven.co.ke/properties/success-gardens-gatanga-road-off-thika-superhighway/

  • Local publishers and online influencers set to reap big from the Rifaly content marketplace

    Local publishers and online influencers set to reap big from the Rifaly content marketplace

    Smart Africa Group through its subsidiary Smart Foundry a product Development and Management company have launched Content aggregation mobile application an African digital content hub targeting users across the globe looking to discover information and knowledge about the continent through digital content.

    Touted as the “Amazon for African content”, Rifaly allows anyone with a smartphone and an Internet connection to read, listen, and stream digital content available through an intuitive mobile application for free. The platform also caters to the premium user looking for an ad-free experience with flexible daily, weekly, and monthly subscription rates.

    Modelled as a content marketplace, print publishers, bloggers, podcasters, influencers, and storytellers upload their content onto the application and make money every time a user downloads or streams their content. Rifaly joins YouTube, Spotify, TikTok as one of
    the growing number of digital platforms that empower local content creators earning a living from entertaining and informing online audiences.

    Speaking at the launch of the event, Smart Africa Group CEO Mr. Edwin Bruno said that “academics, local publishers, and online influencers now have a home-grown solution to help them monetize their content online. Whether it’s print publications like books, newspapers, and magazines, or audio content like podcasts, Rifaly provides a reliable distribution channel and scalable revenue model that meets the users needs, at their convenience.”

    In attendance at the launch event was Tanzania’s Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Ambassador Dr. John Stephen Simbachawene who commended the tech company’s entry into the Kenyan market underpinning the strengthening of trade ties between Kenya and Tanzania.

    The Rifaly app is now available for download from the Google Play store for Android users or Apple’s App Store for iOS users.

  • Digital Taxi Saccos In Kenya Give NTSA seven day To Compel Bolt To abide by Regulations

     

    Digital taxis saccos have given seven days notice to National Transport and Safety Authority(NTSA) to compel Bolt to abide by earlier set of regulations.

    Wycliffe Alutala the organization spokesman addressed the media and said that Bolt has been notorious for ignoring the regulations gazetted on June 20, 2022, by NTSA which require that transport network companies and transport network service providers be licensed before their apps can be used in the country, and also to have physical offices and many other requirements.

     

     

    ‘We agree that Bolt has been licensed to operate in Kenya but it has not met all the sensitive regulations as gazetted. For instance, it does not have a physical office where drivers can reach them in case of a complaint or compliment,’ Alutala said.

    Alutala further said that Bolt have been exploiting drivers who also happen to be car owners at the same time through exorbitant commissions where they charge higher than the other taxi-hailing apps.

    ‘They are charging 29% commission way up from the NTSA capping of 18%. We have taxi-hailing apps in Kenya like Yego who hit the market recently but their commission is as low as 12%. We have no issues so far with such companies,’ the Sacco representatives charged.

    Alutala called on Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to also revoke

    .Bolt’s operating license in Nairobi up until they fully comply with the regulations.

  • Local publishers and online influencers set to reap big from the Rifaly content marketplace

    Local publishers and online influencers set to reap big from the Rifaly content marketplace

    Smart Africa Group through its subsidiary Smart Foundry a product Development and Management company have launched Content aggregation mobile application an African digital content hub targeting users across the globe looking to discover information and knowledge about the continent through digital content.

    Touted as the “Amazon for African content”, Rifaly allows anyone with a smartphone and an Internet connection to read, listen, and stream digital content available through an intuitive mobile application for free. The platform also caters to the premium user looking for an ad-free experience with flexible daily, weekly, and monthly subscription rates.

    Modelled as a content marketplace, print publishers, bloggers, podcasters, influencers, and storytellers upload their content onto the application and make money every time a user downloads or streams their content. Rifaly joins YouTube, Spotify, TikTok as one of the growing number of digital platforms that empower local content creators earning a living from entertaining and informing online audiences.

    Speaking at the launch of the event, Smart Africa Group CEO Mr. Edwin Bruno said that “academics, local publishers, and online influencers now have a home-grown solution to help them monetize their content online. Whether it’s print publications like books, newspapers, and magazines, or audio content like podcasts, Rifaly provides a reliable distribution channel and scalable revenue model that meets the users needs, at their convenience.”

    In attendance at the launch event was Tanzania’s Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Ambassador Dr. John Stephen Simbachawene who commended the tech company’s entry into the Kenyan market underpinning the strengthening of trade ties between Kenya and Tanzania.

    The Rifaly app is now available for download from the Google Play store for Android users or Apple’s App Store for iOS users.

  • Ezipay teams up with MFS Africa to ease remittance across Africa

    Ezipay teams up with MFS Africa to ease remittance across Africa

    Award-winning, intra-African, cross-border remittances and digital wallet company EziPay, has partnered with MFS Africa, the continent’s leading digital payments gateway, to bring last mile connectivity for remittances and collections to and from mobile money wallets and bank accounts in Africa.

    The partnership comes at a time when mobile money is burgeoning at increasing rates on the continent, with businesses and individuals alike requiring solutions that allow them to transact across regions.

    “At MFS Africa, it has always been important to us to help businesses of all sizes scale by building a network hub and partner ecosystem that shares these same values. Partnering with EziPay, an organisation that is known for providing digital wallets for inward and outward remittance to MSMEs, SMEs and individuals across continents, made complete sense to further enable the interoperability we aim to achieve through our acquisitions and partnerships,” says Dare Okoudjou, Founder and CEO at MFS Africa.

    EziPay, which has a presence in 14 African countries, currently has a global user base of over 300 000,  including Africans in the diaspora as well as those in the local expat community who utilise EziPay’s digital wallets for inward and outward remittances.  The organisation’s global wallet Mauritius offering is currently live with over 90+ countries payout corridors.

    Amit Gaur, Co-Founder and CEO at EziPay, says, “With EziPay and MFS Africa joining hands to solve cross continent remittances to Africa from Asia, Europe, the UK and the USA, remittances for goods, services, school fees, medical transfers, business transfers, family maintenance allowances, and P2P transfers will be enabled. I firmly believe that with the MFS Africa partnership, our customers will have instant remittances to bank accounts and wallets across Africa for our ever growing customer base.”

    MFS Africa has enabled more possibilities, more connections and more interoperability for individuals and businesses alike. The organisation’s full-service digital payments network connects over 400 million mobile money wallets, over 200 million bank accounts, and over 120,000 agents in Nigeria.

    “As Africa’s mobile money landscape continues to evolve, we hope that entrepreneurs will be able to take their businesses to the next level through partnerships like these. Ultimately, we hope that it will lead to not only a more connected Africa, but also a more connected world,” concludes Okoudjou.

  • MOSES KIPRONO WINS BETIKA’S 200 MILLION MEGA JACKPOT

    MOSES KIPRONO WINS BETIKA’S 200 MILLION MEGA JACKPOT

    Nairobi, Kenya 15th February 2023… Moses Kiprono, a 23-year-old Form 4 leaver is the
    newest multi-millionaire in town. Mr. Moses placed a Ksh 49 bet and correctly predicted
    the outcome of 17 games to win himself a whooping 200 Million Kenya Shillings in the
    Betika Mega Jackpot. Moses now becomes the second winner of Betikas Mega jackpot,
    just two months after the first one was won by Eli Kipruto in December 2022.
    Mr. Moses, who hails from Fort Tenan, currently lives in Kericho with a friend, having left
    home to hustle and fend for himself and family. Being the second born in a family of 9 and
    the first son to the family, he felt obligated to hustle to support his mum and younger
    siblings.
    Moses Kiprono completed his form 4 education in 2020 and was due to join college, but
    due to financial constraints, he resorted to hustling, with the hope that one day he would
    return to the classroom and pursue his dream career as a quantity surveyor. Some of his
    younger siblings are still in school while others dropped out due to financial and health
    challenges. With teary eyes, Moses narrates these circumstances to us; the circumstances
    that denied them quality education and a better life. But that is bound to change after this
    Mega win.
    “Nilimaliza high school in 2020 during Corona, na sikupata chance ya kuendelea na
    masomo kwa sababu ya hali ya nyumbani. So I decided to do manual work ndio nipate kitu
    kidogo niweze kusaidia familia” Moses Narrates.
    Moses is a big fan of Chelsea football club and is hoping that they finish in the top 4 and
    qualify for the champions league, come next season. He spends between Sh. 50 to Sh. 100
    on sportsbook and on Jackpots, with his biggest wins before the Jackpot being a Sh. 5,800
    on a multibet and about Sh. 23,000 from Jackpot bonuses.
    “I usually bet on Pre-match mostly and sometimes Midweek jackpot. I don’t bet much on the
    Grand jackpot, although I have ever won bonuses twice for 12/17 predictions and 13/17
    predictions.” Looking back home, Moses now hopes to change the face of their family and
    lift their living standards. “This money is going to change my life and my entire family. I am
    very grateful to Betika for this Jackpot and for offering me a financial advisor because to be
    honest, I haven’t figured out what to do with the money yet. ” He added.

    Speaking during the handover of the cheque, Betika’s Senior Brand Meister, Mr Eric Mwiti

    congratulated Moses on this big win and expressed delight on how punters have

    embraced the Betika Jackpot since it’s first winner in December.

    “A lot of our customers joked that our Jackpot was really hard to win due to the games

    selection. We listened and tried to have a different mix of games from various football

    leagues around the world, and now we have Ksh 400 Million being won within two months.”

    He further urged Betika customers to play responsibly and ensure that they only bet with

    what they can afford. “We strongly encourage all our customers to engage in responsible

    betting and seek help should they feel like they are spinning out of control. We are strong

    proponents of responsible gaming, and that is why we provide a toll-free guidance and

    counselling service that is available to customers on 0800-724835.” He said.

    Betika’s Senior Product Manager Joseph Mbugua also expressed his joy following Moses’

    win. ‘Moses, you have joined the hall of fame and your name will be written among other

    Betika Champions. We are happy to be awarding you today and hope that this amount will

    change your life and those of your loved ones for the better.”

    Moses joins Betika’s Hall of fame being the second person to ever win Betika’s 200M mega

    jackpot alongside other winners of the Midweek Jackpot. Moses Kiprono will receive

    Sh.160M and Ksh. 40 million will be paid out to the taxman. “As mentioned by my

    colleagues, we have a financial advisor that will be at your service, because 160 million is a

    lot of money if spent wisely.” Said Mutua Mutava, Betika’s Chief Finance Officer.

    Besides the sh. 200Million, this jackpot has other amazing bonuses for 0/17 slot and from

    12/17 – 16/17 slots. We also have a free bet award for those who get 11/17 predictions

    just to make sure majority of participants go home with something.

  • Food For Thought From Madam CEO, Esther Muchemi

    Food For Thought From Madam CEO, Esther Muchemi

    Samchi Group Founder and Chief Executive Officer Madam Esther Muchemi has something unique for us to digest today. Her topic today is:
    AUTHORITY

    I listen to a lot of SMEs conversation and one thing that keep coming up is, many SMEs seem to struggle with authority in the workplaces.

    Authority is that legitimate power given to a person to make them responsible to the assignment given to them.

    This authority is delegated and flows from top – bottom, never bottom up. A bottom-up situation is illegal and very chaotic. The later I would call it “politics”, and it can exit if allowed too.

    This authority that comes through delegation is defined at various levels and segments. Eg, A finance manager is totally in charge of finance matters of an organization and an account receivable accountant is in charge of receivable in the organization, the later reporting to former and the former report to CEO, for example.

    The big question I keep on asking, why is it so difficult, these days, for some people to obey authority, especially among the young generation?

    Obeying simple things like reporting to work on time, doing reports expected from you, working on your targets etc.

    Do people derive a satisfaction from doing their own things? If so, is it beneficial to the individual or the organization?

    My answer is; it is not!

    You may look like you are temporary winning, but the end game is you won’t go very far.
    It retards your career growth as nobody wants to work with people that defy authority.
    The authority above you may not outrightly tell you all the time, but they do make a mental note and come review time and promotion time, these things matter, they all add up.

    Remember authority creates order and order brings better results. Pulling down each other hurts you, the other person and the organization.

    Today I want you to take a moment, and try to understand the power of authority, in making you and your organization the best that can ever be.

    It is not a vanity that even God commands a blessing where there is unity, unity of purpose.

    Over to you, my people.

    Madam CEO