MultiChoice Kenya customers utilizing its DStv and GoTV mobile services will no longer access the service starting this coming September. The company cited various reasons including the fast-changing technology in the broadcasting sector and growing internet penetration. Tremendous growth currently witnessed in the unlimited fibre internet connectivity among Kenyan households, has put more pressure on traditional pay TV providers; since most can now opt to use online streaming services that are often better quality and cheaper in comparison.

Kenyans can now subscribe to the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video services to access latest TV shows and movies in high resolution, something traditional providers have struggled to achieve. On Monday, MultiChoice Kenya started notifying its customers, the company said its DStv and GoTV mobile service which was unveiled way back in 2011 here in Kenya, will be unavailable starting September 1.

Commonly referred to as DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting – Handheld), the service was originally intended for middle-class subscribers who wanted all-day access to its programs. As an alternative, customers will now be required to access content on-the-go through MultiChoice Kenya’s DStv Now app, which is currently available to its subscribers.

Taking a step back, MultiChoice was amongst the first service providers to pioneer mobile broadcast technology to mobile phones. However, as result of advancement in technology, streaming of audiovisual content to multiple devices (eg smartphones, tablets, laptops) has become more attractive,” said MultiChoice in a statement.

“DVB-H-based mobile TV broadcasting, along with the range of devices used to access this technology, have reached their end of life. The DStv Mobile and GOtv Mobile TV Service will therefore end on Saturday September 1.”

MultiChoice Kenya’s first mobile product relied on internet connection from telephony operators before the company later introduced a once popular mobile broadcast gadget – the DStv Drifta which converted DVB-H signal into Wi-Fi for mobile devices. The Drifta cut subscriber reliance on data from telephony operators and also allowed DStv and Go-tv mobile subscribers to access multiple channels.

Kenya by far has more advanced and revolutionized ways that people can make payments for various services ranging from monthly utility bills like electricity to school fees payments courtesy of abundant mobile payment modes currently available. It’s not by any means the leading country with ease of payment methods including but not limited to mobile money services; however, it’s at the top with others alike. As other economies are fast moving towards versatile banking services such as apple pay; on our part, we are already there with the likes of Mpesa, Airtel money, T-Kash and Equitel. In an effort to make use of these various technologies, Cooperative bank of Kenya has unveiled various solutions to aid parents with school fees payment.

   Parents can pay for their children’s school fees using either of the methods below.

• M-Pesa PayBill 400222
• MCo-op Cash App
• MCo-op Cash USSD *667#
• or at a Co-op Kwa Jirani near you.

So instead of putting up with longer queues at Co-operative banking halls, you’d better choose on any of the methods and save yourself some important time. An important disclaimer though –the school you’re paying to must be supported by cooperative bank i.e. have an account with them and so forth.

Paying School fees via Mpesa PayBill 400222

• Head over to Lipa na M-Pesa (PayBill) just as you’d do with any other payment
• Under the Business Number, enter 400222
• Enter Account Number as School Code followed by # followed by the student number, for example, 1059#123456789
• Enter the amount being paid for school fees
• Put your Mpesa PIN
• And confirm the transaction
• You’ll receive an SMS confirming the transaction

Paying School fees through MCo-op Cash App

• Log in to MCo-op Cash
• Select OTHER PAYMENTS
• Select SCHOOL FEES
• Enter school code/business number; click here to confirm your school’s coordinates
• Enter account to pay from
• Enter student number
• Confirm transaction
• Receive SMS confirming that the transaction was successful

Paying School fees through MCo-op Cash USSD *667#

• On your phone, dial *667#
• Enter MCo-op Cash PIN
• Follow Prompts.

How to pay at a Co-op Kwa Jirani Agent

You can also deposit cash in the school’s account at your nearest Co-op Kwa Jirani for FREE! You will get a receipt showing the student’s name, ID Number and the amount paid

Budget handsets often don’t get enough limelight compared to pricier premium siblings; however, we’ve decided to stray a way from what has become a normal norm of focusing on flagship devices to critically analyze just how one of the currently available budget phones – the Itel A11D holds up against competition. To be fair, we’re not going to compare Itel A11D with the likes of galaxy s8’s or the iPhone X, but what it offers against its price-point. It has an interesting price tag; here in Kenya for example, you’d be okay with KES. 5,000 at Telkom Kenya shops and KES. 3,800 at Jumia online store.

The Itel A11D was announced way back in 2017, and currently sold by several outlets here in Kenya, in fact, just recently Telkom Kenya added to its catalogue. For someone with no need for extra processing power i.e playing the likes of Pokémon go or fortnight, this could be a major opportunity to own a decent budget phone without feeling a pinch in your pocket.

The handset runs on Android version 5.1 Lollipop – which is impressive at this price point but don’t expect everything on it to run nifty. To start with, underneath is only 512GB RAM. In 2018, having a device with such low RAM is practically unacceptable. Even the master of optimization – apple, stopped being mean on RAM years back, and considering the Itel A11D runs on Android, it doesn’t make it any easier. We expected this handset to feature at least 1GB of RAM at best, but unfortunately that’s what we get. I don’t think the price should matter here, there’s several devices within this range that has usable amount of RAM installed.

We have fewer complains against the 4.0 inch display panel and the resolution is modest at that price – coming in at 480×854 pixels. You also get 8GB internal storage which is enough to install basic must have apps from the play store. Everything else looks pretty much what you’d expect on majority of devices at this price plus, if you’re lucky, you’ll get a free protective cover in the original packaging.

Safaricom – Kenya’s largest mobile service provider has introduced new data plans targeting WhatsApp users that will see them save a few coins on data costs. The new data tariffs are by no means the cheapest on the market but will slightly relieve heavy social media users by saving them some few coins unlike before. In the new tariffs, daily bundles will now cost subscribers in the range of Ksh20 to sh99.

As Safaricom tries to woo more users to their data plans, it should be noted they’re actually the most expensive on the market compared to Telkom Kenya and Airtel. Price reduction will therefore do little in convincing Airtel and Telkom users to join its network but might actually be something to simile about for subscribers on its network.

Starting from the 50MB plus 50sms package that will cost users Ksh20 to the 150 MB package which will cost users Ksh50 and comes with 150 SMS. Heavy users can as well subscribe to the 500MB package that goes for Ksh99 and gives you 500SMS as well.

On the other hand, users who prefer weekly subscriptions instead will have to buy any of the following plans; 350 MB (Ksh99), 1GB (Ksh250) and 3GB for (Ksh500).

Monthly subscription will now start from Ksh500 for 2GB, Ksh1000 for 5GB and Ksh2000 for 15GB.

To access these offers via USSD code, subscribers can to dial *544#. Unlimited WhatsApp basically means; users will still be able to send messages via WhatsApp even after their bundles are depleted.

A few years back, it was almost impossible to image there would once be a budget centric smart phone posing a whole 13Megapixels front camera. Double digit megapixel cameras were only left for serious flagship handsets on their rear sides. Well those days are over now; for just Kenya Shillings 7,500, you can own the new Itel S13 budget device and take those selfies as many as you’d want at a reasonable resolution. Call it value for money, or just a selfie phone; the Itel S13 will simply take selfies like no other in its category.

I’m curious as to whether this phone deservedly gets its name from the selfie camera – 13MP, or it’s just a normal naming structure that guys at itel figured would go down well with the device, but I’m certain it has some pretty obvious resemblance to the camera. By no means do we expect better stuff than the likes of galaxies or iPhones, but if you have a limited budget and would unequivocally compromise on the front selfie camera, the Itel S13 is for you.

The design is average as expected and borrows/imitates flagship devices in some ways but cuts down on materials, mostly uses plastic to keep it affordable – I imagine. And runs on the latest Android Oreo (Go edition). The screen size falls under fablet category, mostly associated with pricier smartphones; however, it comes with a meager 480pixels screen resolution that leaves the screen grainy.

Below are some key specs of the Itel S13;

• Operating System:Android 8.1 Oreo
• Display Size: 5-inch
• Screen Resolution: 960 x 480 pixels
• Processor Speed: 3GHz Quad-core
• RAM:1GB
• Internal Storage: 8GB
• Rear Camera: 5MP + 5MP
• Selfie Camera: 13MP
• Battery: 2400mAh

Talk of affordability or accessibility, Uber Kenya is yet to break even since the taxi hailing service was unveiled in Kenya for various fundamental reasons. Although the service is relatively affordable compared to traditional taxi service providers in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, common ‘mwananchi’ depending on minimum wage still cannot afford it. To mitigate the cost, uber competitors such as taxify and Safeboda unveiled a hailing service that utilizes popular motorbikes in Nairobi.

Its therefore only reasonable to take the service where the so called common ‘mwananchi’ can afford and is well accustomed to. Taxify did it with the motorbike boda’s and seems to be doing just fine; why not Uber? Especially in Mombasa where there’s still some room to breathe compared to Nairobi in terms of competition. ‘TukTuks’ are not particularly popular here in Nairobi Kenya, but they are adored in our coastal city of Mombasa. The service ‘uberPOA’ therefore combines affordability and accessibility to offer people in Mombasa a solution that resonates well with them.

According to uberPOA, riders in Mombasa will no longer have to walk searching for their rides. This basically means the service will be more accessible more than before after bringing tuktuk onboard. Just like the way UberChachap works here in Nairobi, uberPOA will become an option in riders uber app alongside uberX.

Cost schedule for uberPOA via tuktuk

• Base fare is set at – Kenya shillings 10
• Minimum fere – Kenya shillings 50
• Fare per Kilometere – Kenya shillings 15
• Fare calculated per minute – Kenya shillings 3

uberPOA is currently only available in selected areas within Mombasa; this includes Mombasa Island (Town), Nyali, Mkomani, Kongowea, Kisauni, Bamburi. When requesting your uberPOA, your pick-up and drop-off points have to be within the current service area. Uber says these areas will be expanded soon enough to serve even more people in Mombasa.

How to use uberPOA

1. Open the Uber app and set your destination within the service area by typing in the “where to” field
2. Select uberPOA vehicle icon at the bottom of the screen
3. Tap on “Confirm uberPOA”
4. Your uberPOA will be on the way to your doorstep in minutes. Jump in, Mombasa!

Ever since the so called Mobile Money Interoperability was launched here in Kenya, most of us haven’t actually taken advantage of the opportunity it poses. The idea is to have money transferred seamlessly from one operator to the other. We all acknowledge that not a single mobile operator has everything we need, for example I prefer the low calling tariffs from Telkom Kenya, but I would still like to have Safaricom’s Mpesa to do transactions. From sheer lack of knowledge to simply lacking relevant information, I have compiled important info for those who’d need send money from their Mpesa accounts to T-Kash.

How To send money from M-Pesa to T-Kash;

• From your device, Dial *234*1*8#
• You will see M-Pesa Tuma Pesa Popote pop-up menu
• Enter the person you intent to send money to phone number
• Enter Mpesa PIN when prompted
• Confirm the transaction

For those who have a smartphone, you can as well transfer cash from Mpesa to T-Kash using the ‘mySafaricom’ app.

Here’s M-Pesa to T-Kash Transaction Charges:

After unveiling a similar service in Singapore and Thailand among a few other countries, Google has finally made its maps navigation service available to motorcycle riders in here Kenya – a first for Africa. Kenya’s transport sector is dominated by motorbike riders that are famously known to access most remote areas especially in the cities but lack proper navigation assistance compared to other motorists using vehicles. Apparently, Google was all along aware of this disparity and with the new Motorcycle mode feature in Google Maps, motorbike riders will as well be able to utilize the most popular maps service.

Popularly referred to as Bodaboda, motorcycle taxis in Kenya have become part of our daily life, whether you are running late for an interview or just want to have an item delivered somewhere inaccessible by traditional public vehicle means “matatus”. The service will especially aid bodabodas navigate roads better by offering them a turn-by-turn navigation as well as advising them to avoid restricted roads while offering shortest routes to their destinations. The mode will also show estimated arrival times to help them manage clients’ expectations better.

While launching the service here in Kenya, Google also announce it would soon introduce its popular street view service in the country as well, this will allow both Kenyans and tourists explore up to 9,500 kilometers of roads including some of Kenya’s tourist destinations like Mombasa. Most developing countries like Kenya, lack enough street addresses and in most cases public transport means are not adequate. This has instead driven most locals to opt for motorcycle taxis instead, motorbikes are reasonably cheaper especially from aggressive manufacturers such as India and China.

How to use Google Maps Motorbike Mode in Kenya;

• On your Smart device that has Google maps installed, launch ‘Google Maps’ app
• Next, inside the app, go to Directions, usually indicated by a sign
• Choose destination
• At the top, select Motorbike sign
• Then Start

Taxi hailing service providers in Kenya have evolved ever since they were launched; however, there has always been concerns on the security of both riders and drivers. We’ve at one point or another heard of Uber drivers being hijacked by robbers on a mission to riders who’ve been robbed by some rogue Uber drivers or worse violated. To tackle some of these security challenges, Uber has come up with new security features that are intended to assist both riders and drivers in times of emergency. The toolkit is essentially equipped with innovative features that mitigate security risks when driving or riding an Uber taxi.

The new Safety Toolkit which is expected to be rolled out across various regions from Europe to Africa, and in this case Kenya, will unveil some interesting measures that both riders and drivers can take if they feel their security is at risk or in times of emergency. These new features are also intended to enhance transparency, accountability, peace of mind and some bit of trust among all users.

In comparison with other players for example here in Kenya, Uber still leads the lot, and has so far provided millions of people with technology that allows them to get a ride at the push of a button, track every trip with GPS technology and report any issues 24/7 with a dedicated safety team. And perhaps with new security measures, Uber will not only become a tad more secure but make the entire Uber community safer.

Uber Security Features for Both Drivers and Riders:

• Emergency button – Within the Uber App, an emergency button ensures riders, drivers and delivery-partners can connect directly to private emergency services and security response when needed through a third party private security supplier
• Trusted Contacts – Riders can now easily designate five friends or family members as “trusted contacts” and, with a single tap, share their trip information which are easily customizable in their trip sharing preferences.
• Safety Centre – A new app-housed safety information hub where users can find information on some of the key existing safety tools in the app, including our 24/7 team, information on the driver and the car, trip GPS-tracking and our rating and feedback system.
• Speed alerts – A feature which reminds drivers and delivery partners to maintain a safe speed within the posted speed limits.

The new safety features will be implemented in stages to various regions, meaning not everyone from riders to drivers will have access to the features immediately.

Unlike iOS users, any Kenyan owning an android device can easily download the ‘Tala’ loan app and use the same to request for a loan, usually approved within a matter of seconds. The loan facility, which was previously known as ‘Mkopo Rahisi’, enables Kenyans with an android phone to request for loans of up to Ksh. 50,000. Users need to create an account though, and taken through some questions that determines if they qualify and how much they can borrow.

Risk analysis is usually based on Mpesa transactions history, and after a successful request, users can opt to repay within a month or the whole amount at the end of the month. Repayments can be done via Mpesa Paybill no: 851900, and loan limits are calculated based on user repayment history.

Tala Loan Tiers;

• Bronze: Ksh. 500 – Ksh. 4,999
• Silver: Ksh. 5000 – Ksh. 9,999
• Gold: Ksh. 10,000 – Ksh. 50,000

Tala Interest rate is calculated between 11% to 15%

How to apply and get Tala Lans from your Android Phone

• Basic requirement is at least to have an android smart phone that you can use to download the Tala Kenya App.
• Head over to the Google Play Store and download the Tala App
• You may also need to link it with a facebook account when registering
• You’ll be prompted to prove further details such as phone number and answer a few questions.
• Qualifying for a loan will depend on how you answer these questions
• You can then start using the service and check your current loan limit as well.

Top photographers who won the annual ‘Eye in the Wild’ photography competition by Mabati Rolling Mills were feted in a ceremony where a 47-year-old Salma Shah emerged the Overall Gold Winner for her piece that showed how a common papaya tree can influence environmental beauty and support wildlife.

Salma Shah Managed to beat 538 entries from established and amateur photographers to emerge the Gold Winner, she received Kshs. 350,000 as prize money.

During the ceremony, in the second edition themed ‘Stop the Chop’, which focuses on creating awareness on the dwindling forest cover in Kenya and the importance of conservation.

Salome Tarus who emerged the Silver Winner received Kshs 250,000 prize money while Abdulrahman Mutuma took the Bronze Award with a prize money of Kshs 150,000.

During the awards gala, guests and winners planted over 200 indigenous trees at the Karura Forest.

Speaking at the gala, Andrew John Heycott, Mabati Rolling Mills CEO said, “All the photos submitted captured the stark contrast of Kenya’s immense beauty and the devastating impact of climate change and deforestation. As we celebrate today’s winners, may this be a reminder of the work needed to restore and conserve Kenya’s forest cover”.

The judging process this year focused on four main criteria – expression of theme, creativity, composition and photographic quality – and was overseen by a panel of three judges with vast photographic knowledge.

Commenting on the judging process, Gurchorpran Roopra, wildlife photographer and judge said, “We were looking for photographers who best highlighted the beauty in nature and the impact of climate change and we are happy with the talent we saw from all entries”.

Richard Kariuki, an outdoor photographer, won The People’s Choice Award with his photo that depicted a new shoot growing over a felled tree garnering 3,820 unique votes from the public. James Wando also stood out and scooped the Best Under-18 Award. Both received a new Nikon D3500 camera.

“I am delighted to have emerged the Gold Winner in this year’s competition. My strategy was to showcase how we have a very beautiful country that we need to conserve for future generations,” said Salma, the Gold Winner.

The campaign supports sustainable solutions that contribute to forest conservation with a view to protect our natural environment. It focused on four elements – wildlife, water, community and lifestyle and provided a platform for photographers to highlight the beauty in Kenya’s landscape whilst celebrating the best talent.

The top 20 finalists will all attend a photography masterclass with a Nikon expert to learn more about nature photography.

Mobile loans have become so popular in Kenya with several organizations offering various products with flexible payment periods and applicable interest/charges. One of my favorite loan facility has been Co-operative bank’s MCo-op Cash, at least until recently when users were now required to have their employer details recorded as well. According to a cheerful customer care representative I spoke to, this is essentially done to curtail those who default. But the big question I kept asking myself is if this will help Coop Bank by only allowing healthy loans or harm it as many customers will consider other providers instead of going through the hassle of adding their employer details.

Previously, as long as I didn’t have an outstanding loan, I could borrow as much as my month’s full salary and half, i.e. if I earn Ksh. 20,000 per month, I was eligible to borrow Ksh. 30,000 payable up to 3 Months. However, since their systems changed, I’ve been getting this message, “Dear customer, your loan application is unsuccessful because your employer details are not updated. Kindly call 0703027000 for assistance” whenever I apply for a Flexi Cash Salary Advance loan.

As their slogan clearly says “Get a short term loan to see you through your next pay day!”, this was one product that really helped me when short of cash to push through pay day. In fact, I could borrow quite a lot compared to the likes of M-shwari and KCB-MPESA which requires users to build a reputation first while increasing loan limits at the same time.

Below are the ample features that I used to enjoy on Mco-op cash flexi cash salary advance;

• Borrow from Ksh 3,000 to a maximum of Ksh 100,000.
• Loan repayment was done within 1 to 3 months
• No security needed
• Instant processing

No facilitation fee, if you apply via MCo-op Cash

The amount the Kenya Revenue Authority imposes on individuals who fail to file their yearly tax returns is completely exaggerated and not particularly justified if you ask me, but they’ve come up with somewhat dubious ways in the name of raising revenue that’s often a burden to a common Citizen. I’m not against paying taxes, but let’s face it; nowadays, being fined Ksh. 20,000 for just not filing your returns is completely over-reach. On the other hand, the amount we pay in taxes, whether you’ve imported an item or from your pay as you earn obligation, can be ridiculous, but that’s just how it is. I’ve come up with a simple step by step illustration on how Kenyans can use their Mpesa accounts to settle some of these charges without having to queue in a bank.

But fist; before we proceed, I’ve listed below some of the fines and penalties KRA often imposes on Kenyans.

List of Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Fines and Penalties;

• Enforced registration – default penalty of Ksh. 100,000
• For not registering, you can be fined up to Ksh. 20,000 or face imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 Months or both.
• Penalty for not filing your tax returns – Ksh. 20,000 plus additional tax of 2% compounded.
• Penalty for not properly keeping records – between Ksh. 10,000 to Ksh. 200,000
• Improper or fraudulent accounting – fine not exceeding Ksh. 400,000
• Failure to issue a tax invoice – Ksh. 10,000
• For not displaying certificate of registration – penalty of Ksh. 20,000 and fine not exceeding Ksh. 200,000.

How to Pay your Kenya Revenue Authority penalties for not filing tax returns via Mpesa;

• • First, you’ll need to login to your kra account at https://itax.kra.go.ke/
  • Navigate to “Payment” registration and follow prompts to the respective penalty
  • Fill in the details and download your electronic slip from your account at the KRA website
  • The E-slip will contain your ‘Payment Registration Number’ you’ll use this number as your account when paying via Mpesa
  • Next, you can now go to your Mpesa Menu

• Select Lipa na Mpesa
• Then Paybill and enter Kenya Revenue Authority Mpesa Account Number: 572572 as business number
• Enter the Payment Registration Number as your account number
• Enter the amount you want to pay
• Enter your Mpesa pin and press OK
• You will receive a transaction confirmation message from Mpesa.

The same process applies to paying your taxes i.e. import taxes using the KRA Payment Registration Number’ you’ve been issued with. No need to queue at the bank, however you must note payments allowed via Mpesa must not exceed Ksh. 70,000 as this is the transaction limit.

Being one of Kenya’s largest economic driving force, the agricultural sector experiences just as many fake products on the market. Traditionally, one would imagine the unpredictable weather conditions coupled with changing crop diseases as the main challenges Kenyan farmers are exposed to; however, this is no longer the case as some ill minded individuals have taken initiatives to profit from less informed Farmers by supplying them with substandard seeds. These products could have fake certificates of authenticity which the average Kenyan farmer isn’t in a position to verify, this potentially leads to low yields and losses by farmers.

Building on these challenges, the Kenya Seed Company –  a Kenyan government owned parastatal has devised a way to aid farmers even in remote areas check for the authenticity of seeds using their mobile phones. According to the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, use of substandard farm inputs often lead to loss of millions of dollars annually by farmers. On the other hand, good quality farm inputs such as seeds including those bred specifically to withstand extreme climate conditions lead to better yields.

But just how can the farmer detect counterfeit seeds via a mobile phone? Well, the Kenya Seed Company now places stickers with hidden codes inside bags of seeds. Farmers can then scratch and sent this code via a text message to validate the authenticity of the whole bag.

Here is How to Detect Counterfeit Seeds Using your Mobile Phone;

• On your phone, compose a new text message and input the code you scratched from the bags tag
• Sent the code to (20111)
• You’ll receive instant confirmation text as to whether the seed is authentic or fake.

How to know the best Seed variety to plant on your farm Using your Mobile Phone;

• On your phone, compose a new text message with the word “VARIETY” and your “DIVISION”
• Sent to (20336)

So far, farmers who found out they had purchased unauthentic seeds, were able to return the seeds after calling the Kenya Seed Company.

If you’ve been longing for a motorbike taxi service similar to that of taxify but on Uber, you might have just got that; Uber Kenya has finally unveiled their version of Bodaboda service alongside the existing taxi hailing services here in the country. Motorbike taxis are specially very common here in Kenya due to their affordable rates and unlike traditional taxi cabs or public transport vehicles, can easily maneuver traffic in the city as well as access most remote areas in here in Nairobi for example.

For the rider, there isn’t much difference to requesting an uberBODA compared to UberX for instance, you’ll still have to go through the same process but in this case select BODA in your uber APP. However, drivers will have to meet certain requirements including road safety training and be in compliance with all National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) regulations. As part of the initiative, drivers will receive reflective jackets and helmets, one for the driver and another for the passenger.

Uber has also partnered with UAP-Old Mutual to provide injury cover for both passengers and drivers starting December 21, 2018.  UberBODA has the following charge structure;

• Base fare of Ksh. 55
• Minimum fare Ksh. 60
• 14 per kilometer

How to Request Uber “BODA”

• On your phone, open the Uber App and enter “Destination”, just as you’d request a normal Uber taxi
• You’ll find uberBoda option in between UberX and Uber Select with estimated fare
• Tap on “Boda” and
• Wait for your ride to arrive
• UberBODA is currently available in all neighborhoods in Nairobi except Central Business District.

Landlords, managing agents, developers and body corporates are facing an ever increasing exposure to utilities, such as electricity and water. Utility suppliers, such as Kenya Power or Nairobi Water & Sewerage company, will demand payment based on usage, while tenants dispute amounts and refuse to pay their electricity accounts.

This can result in a serious problem for you! M-PAYA Prepaid can offer a real solution to this problem! As a prepaid electricity sub-metering company, M-PAYA Prepaid assists with the collection of utilities and removes the payment gap between utility suppliers and tenants.

One of the problems that many landlords face are defaulting tenants who may let their accounts fall into arrears. It has become essential for landlords to assist their tenants in planning their electricity usage and the best way to do this is to have a prepaid meter system that enables tenants to check their usage. Prepaid meters allow tenants to monitor their electricity and water consumption which will also enable them to adjust their usage in the future.

This is an advantage for the landlords and is quite beneficial for the tenant as well. Buying electricity through a prepaid meter allows your tenants to control how much they put into the meter on a monthly basis. They will be able to monitor how much electricity they actually use and what it is costing them. This puts the tenant in control of the amount they spend on a monthly basis.

The benefits of M-PAYA Prepaid meters for landlords and property managers are:

• Tenants pay upfront for electricity usage which leads to improved cash flow.
• No unexpected post payment issues experience by the tenant.
• Reduced administration – no more bills for utilities that need to be distributed to tenants.
• Reduced risk on your utility collections – money is collected upfront from tenants.
• Convenient to buy M-PAYA Prepaid electricity with Lipa Na M-PESA Paybill 718889.
• More than one meter can be installed per property.
• Quick and easy prepaid meter installation, get installed in two days.
• More control and transparency for all parties – developer, landlord, managing agent and tenant.
• Call center assistance (0709 058011) for consumers who have prepaid token queries.

About M-PAYA Prepaid Meters

M-PAYA Prepaid is the leading electricity prepaid meter and vending system provider for landlords in Kenya. This unique vending system is the first of its kind and enables clients (both landlords, property owners, developers and managing agents as well as tenants) to access detailed reports which track and manage utility consumption efficiently. We offer an intuitive, client-focused online system that enables Tenants to login and access their entire transaction history. Landlords have detailed reports of their token and transaction history at their fingertips. The system is reliable, with a quick and easy meter registration process.

The popularity Mpesa has enjoyed over years since its inception is enormous, traditional money transfer services like Western Union share has shrank to staggeringly low within Kenya for the same reason. I remember in the days of yore when only post bank offered a close match through its diminishing money gram product. However; globally, other services still command a huge customer base and in some cases, there isn’t any comparable mobile wallet in operation. For this reason, it has proved ambiguous for users elsewhere to send money to Mpesa mobile wallet users in Kenya at least until recently when the tides begun to change through various partnerships.

To start with, I always thought western union partnership with Safaricom’s Mpesa was imminent, and indeed here we are. Both have their strengths and weaknesses; I’d imagine in some states, Mpesa has no bearing at all but Western Union is almost everywhere. Figures released recently indicate even though Mpesa is only popular and probably operational here in Kenya alone, but the number of daily transactions have since surpassed those of Western Union globally.

From the new partnership, Mpesa users will access more than 500,000 Western Union agents globally, making it easier send money abroad from the Mpesa wallet. And in some instances users will be allowed to make direct bank deposits i.e. in the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Germany. Of course we expect more countries to be added along the way.

How to Send or Receive Money Through Mpesa and Western Union Worldwide

• Users first need to have an active Mpesa account of course
• Accept the terms by Dialing *840#
• Select “send money abroad” and follow the usual Mpesa menu prompts i.e. PIN e.t.c
• If you’re lucky to have a smartphone, the service can be accessed by installing the “MySafaricom” app, Select M-PESA> Select M-PESA Global>Accept terms and conditions to Opt in > Select Send

Transaction costs for sending money from Mpesa to western Union

Equity Bank’s EazzyFX is touted to be an innovative online forex trading platform that will see both SMEs and Corporates perform seamless transactions in buying and selling foreign currency without having to meet face to face. According to Equity bank, EazzyFX service will tremendously save businesses time by allowing them access to real time streaming to competitive market pricing in various foreign currency pairs and immediate tailored request for quotation (RFQ’s).

Speaking at the launch event, Mr. James Mutuku – Director of Treasury at equity bank, indicated that the birth of EazzyFX emanated from the bank’s commitment to offer its customers a futuristic world class platform for making forex trading decisions. He also added the bank was leveraging on its digital solutions to drive efficiency in accessing and distributing foreign exchange liquidity in a more seamless and convenient manner.

How to Use Equity Bank’s EazzyFX – Online Forex Trading Service

• • To use the service, users/businesses first need to register at https://ke.equitybankgroup.com/EazzyFX/ by providing necessary information such as Business Name, Contact Name, Mobile Number and Email Address, after which you’ll receive a call back at specified preferred call time.

• After completion of registration, Businesses can login to the main dashboard and access streaming rates, Request for Quotes, place orders as well as access full trade workflow

N/B: EazzyFX Platform needs java support on your browser to run.

Officially known as the Government Human Resource Information System (GHRIS), is an online portal for Kenyan civil servants and Government employees designed to equip them with human resources related information from any corners of the country. The portal is said to have been developed in house in collaboration with various government agencies and aims to carter for most civil servants and Government officers ranging from military officers, policemen, teachers, medical employees as well as county employees.

Instead of traditionally queuing at government offices to get important documents related to Human Resources such as pay slips, users can now easily login to the portal and download these documents in minutes. In its own merit, the Government Human Resource Information System (GHRIS) has basically increased efficiency and convenience since employees can access it from just about anywhere in the country as long as there’s internet.

How Government and county employees including police officers, teachers, military officers, nurses/doctors can download their pay slips from the GHRIS;

• To use the portal, employees first need to register and the following details are prerequisite;

1. Kenya Revenue PIN Number
2. Personal Number
3. Kenya National Identification Number
4. Mobile Phone Number
5. An Email address
6. Surname and First Name

• If you’ve got all the necessary details as stated above, you may now proceed with registration by following below steps

1. Head over to the Government Human Resource Information System (GHRIS) website at www.ghris.go.ke and be sure to click on “Government of Kenya” icon located at the top left corner
2. You’ll be presented with the login page. If you’ve already registered, you may proceed with logging in. Otherwise choose “New to GHRIS” to register
3. Provide all the required information such as KRA PIN, Email, ID No and so forth. Be sure to enter N/A for details that are irrelevant to your case
4. The ministry should validate provided information after which you’ll be granted access

How to download Pay Slips from the Government Human Resource Information System (GHRIS)

Select the year and month of the Pay Slip you intent to download then click on “View Payslip” and proceed to download.

Kenyans have fallen in love with mobile loans in a way you’d literally have dismissed a few years ago, as of now, there are tons of alternative apps you can easily download, register and apply for loans without having to do any paperwork. One such service is Okolea app; we’ve devised a simple guide on how you can register and apply for a loan from the Okolea android app. We have also illustrated on how you can easily repay your loan without a hustle.

How Okolea Works;

Okolea, is basically an android app by the Okolea International Limited which offers users the opportunity to borrow money right from their mobile phones. The amount if approved is then disbursed directly to their mobile wallets such as Mpesa where applicants can withdraw or use the it to pay for utility bills or other payments. The app is only available on Google Play Store – sorry Apple guys, and users can borrow up to their limits at an interest rate of between five percent and twenty percent per month.

How much can you borrow from Okolea App;

After you’ve registered through the app, your account is then reviewed and based on your Mpesa transactions history a suitable maximum limit is placed on your account. This basically explains why you won’t get Okolea and other loan apps on Apple’s app store – apps are not allowed to access your messages on iPhones, therefore it’s hard to review someone’s credit situation.

How to Apply for Okolea Mobile Loan and Get Approved Instantly;

• As you’d imagine, you need to have an android phone to download the app from Google’s Play Store
• Once you’ve downloaded the Okolea App, launch the app and create a new account by filling in relevant information
• You’ll be assigned a loan limit after your registration has been reviewed and allowed to borrow immediately.
• Just so you know, failure to repay loans will have your details forwarded to debt collectors

How to repay your Okolea loan using Mpesa;

• From your Mpesa Menu, be sure to select “Lipa na Mpesa Option” then choose “Paybill”
• Enter Okolea Business Number “245316”
• Put your Mobile Phone number as the account number and the respective amount you intent to repay
• Enter your Mpesa PIN number then OK, and wait for a confirmation message.
• You can as well use the app to repay your loan

Okolea Mobile Loans Interest Rates

• 5% for loans of 1 and 2 days
• 8% for loans of up to 7 days
• 11% for loans of up to 14 days
• 13% for loans of up to 21 days
• 15% for loans of up to 30 days