Tech

Kenyan govt launches online application platform for presidential pardon

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2023

The Kenyan Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICTC) has launched an online platform that will help offenders seeking presidential pardon to submit their applications.

The platform, which was launched in collaboration with the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC), will be known as Power of Mercy Petitions Management Information System (ePOMPMIS), according to Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.

The platform will be able to enhance transparency, accountability, participation, collaboration and feedback on the power of mercy petitions process, Koskei said.

“The end–to–end system, domiciled on the e-citizen platform, is accessible to all stakeholders and members of the public through here,” he explained.

According to the Kenyan Power of Mercy Act 21 of 2011, any person may, subject to the Constitution and the Act, petition the President, through the Committee, to exercise the power of mercy and grant any relief specified in Article 133(1) of the Constitution.

Speaking at the launch, Koskei lauded POMAC’s action of heeding the President’s call to digitize government services.

He noted that the platform would further increase efficiency in service delivery and transparency of the organization’s processes.

“I commend the Power of Mercy Committee and the ICT Authority for digitizing the entire petition process which aligns with the government’s ambition of taking advantage of the ICT infrastructure gains made in the last two decades,” he said.

“I am informed that the petition process is available on the e-citizen platform and would like us to ensure that all stakeholders access the services without any issues.”

The country’s Attorney General, Hon. Justin Muturi, who also lauded the system, said 19,125 reformed criminal offenders had been rejoined with their families since 2011, adding that the digitization of the process would foster stronger reforms in correctional services.

“Indeed, the government has once again demonstrated their competence and trustworthiness in delivering its services to the people. I must note with appreciation, the efficiency which this system brings.

“I would like to thank the government and all stakeholders involved for making this possible as we keep delivering our mandate as POMAC,” Muturi said.

Related Topics:Featured Kenya Ministry of ICTC Offenders

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Tech

20 African tech-preneurs embark on Korean innovation tour

Published

1 day ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The African Development Bank Group’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab has selected 20 promising tech entrepreneurs from various African technology ventures and enterprise support organisations to embark on a two-week study tour of the Republic of Korea, with the aim of seeking investment and insights from the country’s innovative tech ecosystem.

The selected entrepreneurs are from 133 ventures that participated in last month’s Africa Tech Startup Forum.

The forum which will hold under the auspices of the lab’s “Leveraging the Entrepreneurial and Innovation Success of Korea to Strengthen African Enterprise Support” project, had selected entrepreneurs who pitched the best business models during the week-long virtual market access and acceleration programme preparing, training, and connecting technology ventures with opportunities.

The 20 young tech-preneurs were selected from eight African countries including Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda, with the delegates spanning various sectors in the technology space.

While in Korea, the African delegates will pay visits to prestigious institutions such as Global Startup Centre, LG Science Park, the Korea Software Technology Association, and the Global Digital Innovation Network.

Speaking on behalf of the delegates, founder of Kenya-based health technology venture Zuri Health, Uche Ezadinachi said:

“I am excited to go to Korea because the country has made serious technological developments. The country is a technology-driven society, and this tour is an opportunity for me to see how we can bring such technology to Africa.

“We will share experiences with our Korean counterparts; they will learn from us as much as we learn from them,” he added.

Tech

Kenya’s ticketing startup BuuPass partners Flexpay for flexible travel payments

Published

4 days ago

December 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan digital ticketing startup, BuuPass, has entered into a partnership with goal-based savings platform, Flexpay, to offer customers flexible payment plans ahead of holiday travels as well as simplify travel planning and ease the financial burden of holiday travel for Kenyans.

Co-founder and CEO at Buupass, Sonia Kabra, who unveiled the package at a press conference, said the collaboration between the two platforms will allow travellers to save for their journeys in manageable, interest-free installments over four to 12 weeks.

“Travelers can select their travel dates, book tickets, and pay a small deposit upfront, with the remaining balance spread across weekly or monthly payments,” she said.

“This approach offers a stress-free way for families and large groups to secure their tickets early, helping them avoid last-minute price hikes as fares are locked in.

“By partnering with Flexpay, we’re giving travelers the flexibility to budget for their trips in advance. This initiative aligns with our mission to make travel accessible to everyone, providing a solution that meets customers where they are financially,” said Kabra.

Also speaking at the event, Richard Machomba, CEO and founder of Flexpay, said:

“Flexpay’s mission is to empower individuals by providing accessible financial solutions that make it easier for them to achieve their financial goals.

“By partnering with BuuPass, we’re making travel more accessible and stress-free for Kenyans, especially during the holiday season when expenses can be overwhelming,” Machomba added.

Founded in 2016 by Kabra and Wyclife Omondi, BuuPass is a B2B2C mobility marketplace that enables users to search, compare, and book travel tickets via web, app, or USSD, while its SaaS platform helps bus operators manage their operations, inventory, and sales.

FlexPay, on the other hand, is an online and offline payment gateway that allows merchants to offer interest-free targeted savings to their customers in Africa.