Category: BUSINESS

  • Tips for Security and Safety in The Age of Digital Remittances

    Tips for Security and Safety in The Age of Digital Remittances

    Online money transfer has become an important part of everyday life in Kenya and across the globe. Digital money transfer services not only support millions of businesses, but also help keep families and friends connected in the country and across borders.

    An estimated 3-4 million Kenyans live and work in the diaspora, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A significant number of them use digital money transfer services to send money back home for different reasons, including education and medical costs, gifts and supporting daily household expenses.

    The rising popularity of digital money transfer has provided many benefits for customers, including faster speeds, lower costs and enhanced security. Hackers and scammers are, however, always looking for new ways to breach systems and illegally obtain money or information.

    Digital money remittance firms invest significantly in their users’ security and safety to manage this threat. Users also have an active role to play in safeguarding their safety and security when
    sending or receiving money online. Below are four important tips that can keep you safe online:

    Do not save passwords/credentials

    What is the use of having a strong password if someone can access your account without having to enter the password? Some people have a habit of saving their login credentials on the browser and apps for the sake of fast transactions.

    Although the experience might be fast, it puts users at great risk in case the phone or laptop gets into the wrong hands. It doesn’t have to be stolen. Fraud can be engineered by someone we trust.

    If forgetting the password is a concern, examine the additional security features you can use to prevent unauthorized access to your devices and apps, including answering security questions,
    entering patterns or using biometrics. Additionally, changing passwords every month will support a safer digital ecosystem.

    Familiarize yourself with the official communication channels

    It’s not uncommon for scammers purporting to be from the tech support of a service you regularly use to get in touch with you. In some cases, they inform you that there is something wrong with your recent transactions or account and ask for information to resolve the issue.

    They typically apply pressure to make the user comply with their wishes.

    To avoid becoming a target of such scams, do not provide sensitive data such as your password, your date of birth and other personal information to suspicious people who contact you using unauthorized channels. Avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or responding to strangers on the phone or via email.

    Familiarize yourself with the official communication channels of your service providers and avoid communicating through unofficial lines. Report suspected cases of contact through unauthorized channels immediately to your service providers’ official contact email.

    Make sure you are using a licensed provider

    Only use reputable and licensed payment providers. Go online to the relevant financial industry regulator website to determine if a payment provider you want to use is licensed. As an example, WorldRemit, which is one of the popular digital money transfer services enabling migrants to send cash back home, is a fully licensed international money transfer service.

    The benefit of using a licensed and trusted provider is that you not only get safety, but also customer support. WorldRemit has a dedicated 24/7 customer support team, meaning you can
    get help or questions answered at any time in any place around the world. Visit a reputable website like TrustPilot to get users’ feedback on a service. WorldRemit currently has a “Great” review on TrustPilot, with more than 67,000 unique reviews.

    Avoid offers that are too good to be true

    If it sounds too good to be true, avoid it. Unbelievably good offers are a telltale sign of scam.
    There are several reasons why people use digital payments services – receiving money from friends and relatives abroad is just one of them. You may use a digital payments service to process payments for online work, your online business or to cash in on online investments. In these cases, it's only natural to look for the most affordable option in order to maximize your value.

    When looking for an affordable service to use, be wary of persons or companies that approach you purporting to save you huge transaction costs or foreign exchange fees as long as they handle the transaction for you. If it's too good to be true, avoid it.

    Conclusion

    Online safety and security will continue being an important topic as scammers and hackers grow more sophisticated and crafty. Digital money transfer service providers continue to invest in security to combat new technological threats but users also have a role to play in keeping scammers at bay. These tips, which are straightforward but easy to overlook, can help users to safeguard their safety and security when using online money transfer services.

  • SENATE ICT COMMITTEE MEETS WITH THE MINISTRY OF ICT AND DIGITAL ECONOMY

    SENATE ICT COMMITTEE MEETS WITH THE MINISTRY OF ICT AND DIGITAL ECONOMY

    The Senate Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology and the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy have today agreed to work hand in hand to ensure that Kenya actualizes the digital economy.

    In a meeting with the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy Hon. Eliud Owalo in Naivasha, Nakuru County, the Committee’s Chairperson and Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang underscored the need for collaboration between the Committee and all its stakeholders, adding that the Committee will give the Ministry its full support. “We, as a Committee, are willing and ready to create a good working relationship with all our stakeholders including the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy. We will cooperate and give you our full support,” Senator Chesang said.

    On his part, CS Owalo gave the Committee an overview of the general ICT landscape in the Country while urging the Honourable Senators to legislate and pass essential Bills that touch on his Ministry. “The operational environment within the ICT sector is extremely dynamic. We have to constantly review our policy and legal frameworks to be in tandem with changes that are taking place. We look forward to working closely with Parliament to have an enabling policy and legal framework,” Hon. Owalo said.

    The Committee also met with the Permanent Secretary of the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui, who apprised the Senators on the Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) under his docket.

    Other Members in attendance were Senator Gloria Magoma Orwoba (Vice Chairperson), Senator Boy Issa Juma (Kwale), Senator Godfrey Atieno Osotsi (Vihiga), Senator Beatrice Akinyi Ogola (Nominated), and Senator Karen Njeri Nyamu (Nominated).

  • Betika’s Midweek Jackpot Attracts 3 Winners

    The month of love begins in style as three Betika customers take home 15 Million Kenya Shillings. This week’s Betika 15 Million Midweek Jackpot attracted 3 winners who all predicted 15 out of 15 games correctly. The winners, Paul Mbatha Nyamu (31), Nyabicha Valentines Ondieki (53) and Valentines Kagendo Mamati (25) each takes home 5 Million Kenya Shillings subject to tax.

    Mr. Paul Mbatha lives in Nairobi and works as a long-distance truck driver plying Mombasa, Uganda and South Sudan regions. He is an Arsenal fan and enjoys playing the Betika Jackpots. The Midweek Jackpot is his favourite and has on several occasions won him a bonus with the highest amount being Kshs. 120,000. When he placed the bet on this jackpot, he was aiming for a bonus win of either 12/15 or 13/15 correct predictions. Paul hopes to finish building his mom a house and buy a piece of land with the Kshs. 5 Million win. “Niko na projects nilikua nimeanza home, at least sai naeza zikamilisha and also build a house for my mom, na nishike ka shamba kidogo pale ocha” He said.

    Mr. Nyambicha Valentines, hailing from Nyamira, is a small-scale farmer with three children. He breaks down knowing that he will no longer have money problems, at least for now. Valentines recounts the many times he has played the jackpot and has not won any significant amount. He now hopes to build a decent house for his family and to educate his young children. He also hopes to purchase a small piece of land and expand to large scale farming. “Kitu ya kwanza kabisa kabisa ni kuweka ka nyumba, na ingine ni kushughulikia madada zangu wako secondary ili wamalize shule, halafu ninunue shamba ndio niongeze ukulima” Nyabicha narrates on his immediate plan. He plays a lot during weekends spending at least Sh. 100 on sportsbook.


    Ms. Chrsitine Kagendo, 25, lives in Mombasa and is a mitumba seller. Christine is the first born and the bread winner of her five siblings. She is a Chelsea fan and hopes her team qualifies for the champions league. This win came at the right time for her as the dad is due for an operation and she is hopeful that he will be able to receive decent medical attention after her huge win. She also hopes to expand her business and build a two-bedroom house for her family.
    Speaking during the cheque handover, Betika’s senior product manager Mr Kent Kagicha expressed his delight to the winners. “As Betika, we are happy that the cash won by our customers will go along way to make a difference in their lives. Listening to the stories of Mr. Paul, Mr Nyabicha and Ms Christine, we are convinced that we have touched someone’s life, and we hope the money changes their lives for the better.” He further added, “As we continue to celebrate todays win, we strongly encourage all our customers to engage in responsible gaming as they continue betting on the sports that they love, and should they require help on responsible gaming, we have a toll-free guidance and counselling service that is available to them on 0800-724835.”
    Besides the KES. 15Million, this jackpot has other amazing bonuses from 12/15 – 14/17 slots. We also have a mega jackpot whose price stands at KES 200M Previously won by Eli Kipruto, with just a stake of Sh. 49. Bonuses are also available for 0/17 and free bet for 11/17 correct predictions and also 12/17 – 16/17 Correct predictions. Take your chance today with Betika!

  • Optiven Keen To Have Girls in School

    Optiven Keen To Have Girls in School

    Optiven Group through the wise leadership of its founder and Chief Executive Officer George Wachiuri is keen to make sure that no girl misses class due to lack of sanitary pads.

    It’s in this respect that Optiven Group has come up with an initiative dubbed Keep a Girl in School

    Kenyans are therefore being urged to Donate a Sanitary Pad in order to Keep a Girl in School.

    Optiven Foundation through its Health Pillar continues with efforts to provide teenage girls with sanitary towels in order to improve female hygiene through a campaign initiative dubbed KeepAGirlInSchool.

    ‘Our objective is to live in a society where girls attend school 100% just like their counter parts.

    Choose to partner with us in supporting this noble cause;

    Mpesa Paybill: *898 630*

    Account Name: *pad*

    NewsCentre thanks George Wachiuri the brainchild of Optiven Group for being compassionate to the less privileged in the society.

  • Creation of Awareness on Loans Critical

    Creation of Awareness on Loans Critical

    The chairperson of the Youth Fund Kenya the Honorable Fatma Barayan has welcomed the partnership between the county and the national government on matters of youth empowerment saying it will go a long way to enabling youth fund Kenya to achieve its mandate
    Barayan also decried the low uptake of loans.
    “The low uptake of loans in the county is an indication of the lack of awareness among youth. We wish to work with the County Government to enhance awareness through joint sensitization programs, business opportunities mapping and trade finance”

  • David Mategwa the Engine Behind Kenya National Police Sacco

    David Mategwa the Engine Behind Kenya National Police Sacco


    David Sohelo Mategwa is a man who you cannot ignore. The sharp minded and intelligent gentleman has made sure that Kenya National Police Sacco is growing in leaps and bounds.
    The sacco was on Friday l Celebrating 50 years of Member Empowerment.
    Kenya National Police DT sacco is The Market Leader in co-operative Movement , Best Managed Sacco under the wise leadership of the National Chairman David Sohelo Mategwa.

  • EssenceMediacom launches as the breakthrough agency in Kenya

    EssenceMediacom launches as the breakthrough agency in Kenya

     EssenceMediacom – GroupM’s newest and largest agency – globally launches formally today with an ambition to deliver marketing breakthroughs for their clients. Disrupting the old models across media, creative, innovation and analytics, the agency has been built to find new opportunity for brands and deliver truly integrated media solutions.

    Comprised of 10,000 people across 120 offices globally and led by Global CEO Nick Lawson, EssenceMediacom combines Essence’s performance, data, analytics and creative technology DNA with MediaCom’s scaled multichannel audience planning and strategic media expertise.

    Nick Lawson, EssenceMediacom’s Global CEO, said: “This process has been nine months in the making and I am so excited to see our ambition of bringing Essence and MediaCom together finally become a reality. What will underpin our groundbreaking agency is our people, and we will be steadfast in our commitment to provide an environment of continuous learning so they can grow and be the best they can be. Together, and with analytics, data and technology at our heart, I have no doubt we will deliver breakthroughs across our entire client base.”

    EssenceMediacom Sub-Saharan Africa Managing Partner Marion Wanyoike “I am personally excited about the opportunities this merger creates for me, my team and our clients. Because this is a worldwide merger, all markets from Kenya to the UK are getting world-class support to standardize how we work, engage and structure ourselves. It means more opportunities for my team as we begin the journey of upscaling resources to build stronger data, tech and leadership capability. Not only is this a rare skillset, it is also high in demand and scarce on the continent. For our local clients, it means a chance to reset the relationship – addressing the current unmet attribution needs in the market.”

    The agency launches with an enviable client roster, which includes The Coca-Cola Company, P&G, Godrej, KCB, Jumia, Isuzu and Google among others.

    EssenceMediacom will have access to the richest data, most robust benchmarks and most advanced capabilities in the market. Alongside Mindshare, Wavemaker and GroupM Digital, the launch of EssenceMediacom delivers the solutions and thinking needed by every brand and marketer seeking to grow their business in the new communications economy.

  • Why The Great Oasis isat the Centre of George WACHIURI’S heart

    Why The Great Oasis isat the Centre of George WACHIURI’S heart

    The founder and Chief Executive Officer of Optiven Group George Wachiuri has remained emphatic on calling for Kenyans to invest in the Great Oasis in Nanyuki.
    Mr George says:
    Invest in Great Oasis Gardens by Optiven and experience the best of both worlds – a tranquil lifestyle and endless business opportunities.

    Great Oasis Gardens ensures you have enough place to realize your dream because you can invest in big chunks of land as you wish.
    George Wachiuri continued to explain that the project is an ideal surprise to a loved one this Valentine’s
    Do you know that the project makes the ULTIMATE GIFT for your special someone this February?

    And during this month of February, for every 379k you pay as deposit or installment you instantly receive a 6k Cashback to enjoy this Valentine’s.

  • Moses Kuria calls for Privatisation of some Kenyan Universities to Boost Economy

    Moses Kuria calls for Privatisation of some Kenyan Universities to Boost Economy

    The Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry in Kenya Moses Kuria has called upon international investors to come and partner in privatisation of Kenyan Universities to revive the economy.

    Speaking at a media briefing in Nairobi, the CS said that local universities have Alot of potential to generate profits.
    “These universities are sitting on alot of land that could be used for commercial housing, farming or other business. We ask investors from the US, Malaysia and elsewhere to come and partner with us in turning our local universities into world class institutions. Instead of Kenyans going abroad to study, we want foreigners flying in and increasing our revenues,” He said.
    The CS added that He does not suggest that all universities should be privatized but only some. “There is alot of resources being wasted in universities and this is one of the ways we can utilize them to boost our economy,” He said.
    Speaking at the same meeting, Moses Kuria also said his office is working with other stakeholders to streamline the exportation industry with the aim of making it more efficient and to maximize on profits.
    “We are currently putting in place digital infrastructure that will make exporting more profitable and stress free that even a regular citizen can do it. Exporters will be able to track their products from when they leave the country to where it gets delivered and paid for. Payments will be done digitally and the exporter will just be waiting for a bank alert,” He said.
    He added that he is working tirelessly to stimulate the economy and improve the living conditions of local citizens. “We are having meetings with different industry players and we will keep you updated on more.” He said.
    The CS also put on notice schools that are selling uniforms and asked them to let parents shop for uniforms wherever they want. He said that school principals have been making alot of commissions at the expense of struggling parents.
    “This will help local tailors and small business traders to make some money so as to earn a living. We cannot let big monopolies to continue dominating while others are going down. This is one of the ways we can enable small businesses to grow. The same applies to school books. Parents should buy the school books from any distributor and any manufacturer should be allowed to make the books (not the contents). This will boost the economy in a big way,” He said.
    According to the Macro-Fiscal Analytic Snapshot Kenya Report prepared by the institute of Public Finance (IPF) and Oxford Policy Management,  the COVID-19 pandemic halted economic growth in 2020, but the country has since recovered, although not strongly enough to put GDP back on the pre-pandemic path. The CS said that his office will not relent in getting the national economy back on track.
    Moses Kuria also said that big plans to build the Kenyan economy are underway and he will keep the public updated through monthly briefings.
  • Gilbeys Mixed Berries Launches Mixed and Matched Pinknic Event

    Gilbeys Mixed Berries Launches Mixed and Matched Pinknic Event

    By Nemuel Ondima

    Gilbeys Mixed Berries hosted their first edition of the Gilbey’s Mixed Berries Mixed and Matched Pinknic party, at Absa Sports Club. East African Breweries Limited (EABL), under their innovation brand Gilbeys Mixed Berries saw to it that their customers get to experience the new berries flavor.

    The day to night time event saw a huge turnout of consumers that were entertained by artists such as Bien, Chris Kaiga, Karun, Brandy, DJ Pierra, DJ Brownskin, DJ Redbone, DJ Linsey, Sir M, DJ Pierra, and Kaneda. Revelers show up dressed with shades of pink sticking with the theme and set up of the event that was elegant and stylish.

    KBL innovations manager, Shirlyn Ndumbu, stated that the first edition of Gilbey’s Mixed Berries Mixed and Matched Pinknic party comes at a time when our consumers are looking for memorable experiences and occasions to celebrate with their friends.

    “This will be the first of a series of events that we have planned across the country and calendar year. Sticking to Gilbey’s tagline Open Good Times we will be showcasing music, games, and fashion that our gin lovers will enjoy, accompanied with amazing cocktail drinks from our Diageo certified mixologists, “she added. Gilbey’s Gin is a segment leader in the gin category in Kenya hence KBL is looking to increase its momentum with the new variant of its berries flavor.

    Gilbey’s gin is trusted by consumers for its liquid authenticity and quality that can be shared amongst friends. Gilbeys Mixed Berries is one of the recently introduced innovation brands that has seen Kenya Breweries invest heavily in it as it seeks to address consumers’ needs and wants to offer them a wide variety of brands to choose from.

    The flavored gin sits in the bottle with a refreshing pink color and is best enjoyed poured with tonic, bringing out the refreshing mixed berry fruit. It has a pink Chevron logo that distinguishes it from Gilbeys original pack.

    It is available in 250ml, 350ml, and 750ml packs, that has a recommended retail price point of KES 500/-, 700/-, and 1460/- respectively thus meeting the pricing needs of each consumer segment.

    It has an ABV of 37.7%. Customers only needed to purchase a bottle of Gilbeys Mixed berries from thebar.ke or Ticketsasa , to receive a ticket and a 750ml bottle at the event.