Tech

Safaricom, M-Pesa Foundations donate Sh15m to victims of Kenyan protests

Published

4 months ago

July 5, 2024

Kenya’s tech giants, Safaricom and M-Pesa, have made a joint donation of KES Sh15m to victims of the protests that have rocked the country in the last two weeks.

The two companies which made the donation through their Foundations also rolled out infrastructure developmental projects and support to hospitals catering for the project victims.

Safaricom CEO, Peter Ndegwa, who spoke at the Kenyatta National Hospital while visiting the victims on Thursday, said as part of the donation, KES 10 million would go to the hospital’s Disaster Response Centre, while KES 5 million would go towards supporting those injured and admitted at the hospital.

“Our Foundations are there to stand with people, especially in times of need. We are happy to provide hospitals with structured support in times of emergencies, both for infrastructure improvement and patient recovery,” Ndegwa said.

He said the KES 5 million will be for the provision of assistive devices to the injured, smartphones and airtime for those who lost their phones, supporting affected individuals with three months’ worth of food as well as one year’s worth of rent for those in extreme condition.

The Safaricom CEO added that to provide further immediate support, the firm, through its M-Pesa Foundation, is organizing medical camps in affected areas, starting with Githurai on 6th July, followed by Rongai at a later date.

“In the medium term, Safaricom will also mobilize its Gen Z employees as well as other like-minded corporates and foundations, under the #GenZforGenZ initiative, which will entail volunteer squads leading community outreaches, clean-ups, and medical camps.

“The long-term plan will entail a comprehensive execution of community programs through M-Pesa and Safaricom Foundations, with an increased focus on Gen Z.

“This includes providing TVET scholarships, economic empowerment through the Ndoto Zetu program, agri-business value chain opportunities through the Wezesha Agri Program, and offering access to business training and micro-loans in 13 counties, starting with Nakuru, Nairobi, Kajiado, and Migori.

“The plan will also include supporting mental health through strategic partnerships and provision of complimentary counselling services,” he said.

Related Topics:Donations Featured Kenya M-Pesa Protests Safaricom

Click to comment

Tech

South Sudanese telcos increase tariffs as exchange rates soar

Published

3 days ago

October 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Telecommunication companies in South Sudan have been forced to increase their tariffs as a result of a hike in the official exchange rate.

Local media reports that the likes of MTN South Sudan, Zain South Sudan, and Digitel Holdings have jointly announced a tariff adjustment in response to an increase the official exchange rate following an agreement between the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Bank of South Sudan (BOSS) to align telecommunications service prices with the official exchange rate.

The adjustment will occur in three phases from October to December 2024 with the first change taking effect on the night of October 18, followed by subsequent changes on November 18 and December 18, 2024.

In a joint communique, the telcos confirmed that notifications about the initial adjustment were distributed via various channels and the decision was made after considering the potential impact on customers and the telecom sector.

“Since the first phase began, operators have increased the cost of internet and mobile airtime subscriptions by 600 South Sudanese pounds,” a media platform reported.

“Thus, subscribers now pay SSP1,565 for 100 MB with Zain, SSP1,790 with MTN, and SSP1,835 with Digitel, rather than the previous SSP900.

Meanwhile, another report has also indicated that the parliament will address rising telecommunications tariffs once the committee investigating alleged malpractices within telecommunications companies has submitted its findings.

According to one lawmaker, these practices have significantly raised the cost of communication services in the country, affecting the general public.

Tech

Rwanda’s e-mobiility startup IZI expands electric bus fleet after getting grant from Green Fund

Published

5 days ago

October 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Rwanda’s e-mobility startup, IZI, has announced the delivery of five electric buses to Kigali, the country’s capital city, after obtaining a substantial grant from the Rwandan Green Fund.

IZI, a frontrunner in electric vehicle solutions which says it is on a mission to electrify Rwanda’s public transport sector, has, in just four months of operation, grown its initial fleet of five electric buses to an enviable height.

CEO of the startup, Alex Wilson, believes the grant is a testament to the success story of IZI.

“These results validate our E-Mobility-as-a-Service model. We’re not just reducing emissions; we’re proving that sustainable public transport is economically viable in Africa.

“Building on this success, IZI has secured an RWF 300,000,000 grant from the Rwanda Green Fund to deploy five additional electric buses in Kigali.

“These vehicles will represent the most advanced public transport in Rwanda to date, boasting features such as an independent intelligent driver’s cabin, air suspension balanced driver’s seat, full LCD dashboard, one-step entry, and a flat-floor design for improved passenger comfort,” he said.

He added that the success of IZI’s pilot has led to strong demand from other Rwandan public bus operators.

“IZI has now signed contracts with 4 leading transport companies for the deployment of over 100 buses, marking a significant expansion of its operations.

“Looking ahead, IZI plans to establish a state-of-the-art battery maintenance and repair facility in Kigali, supporting the entire EV ecosystem in Rwanda and positioning the country as a centre of innovation in the EV industry,” he added.