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OPPO Partners with Jumia for its 8th Anniversary

OPPO Partners with Jumia for its 8th anniversaryStronger Together

The leading global smartphone brand, OPPO has been known for their trending innovation and attractive looking phones design. It definitely helps that they also offer price-friendly products, such as A-series

OPPO Kenya, in conjunction with largest local online retailer Jumia, has in the recent past officially launched the OPPO A92 quad camera smartphone in the Kenyan market together with their latest ear pods W31 which were exclusively available on Jumia at discounted prices. As part of a unique marketing strategy, OPPO Kenya plans to continue to avail the new generation A92 device on Jumia Kenya’s e-commerce platforms.

OPPO continues to expand its smartphone portfolio with the introduction of the OPPO A52 which will be on preorder from June 22nd – June 28th, and will start selling on Jumia from June 29th to the Kenyan market. The OPPO A52 in Kenya will be available for Ksh 24,999 and can get it exclusively on Jumia

OPPO has been very active of late with new devices that are meant to target the youth. The premium OPPO Reno 3 was launched earlier this April and both the A92 has a lower price than the Reno 3 while keeping many latest features and OS that were introduced with Reno 3. This will help those who want to experience the latest OPPO smartphone but don’t want to pay for the price of the Reno 3.

 

The OPPO A52 is not just another smartphone under Ksh 30,000 that has good specifications, it promises a much better user experience together with a 2-years warranty that is applied to all OPPO smartphone, and also the signature elegant design created by OPPO. If anyone has used OPPO smartphone released within the last two years, then they may have come across this design. This is what has sets OPPO apart from competition and the company has been very vocal about this to make sure this is clear.

The design aside, the OPPO A52 promises a smooth performance thanks to the powered a massive 5,000mAh battery, 18W fast charging, Snapdragon 665 SoC and more. As for the specifications, the Oppo A52 features a 6.5-inch FullHD+ display with a 90.5 percent screen-to-body ratio. The smartphone is powered by the octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor. It packs in up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which is further expandable via a micro SD card. The dual-SIM handset runs on ColourOS 7.1 based on Android 10. All of this is backed by a 5,000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging. OPPO is known for its cameras and the A52 fits in those shoes too.

OPPO will work with Jumia Anniversary to provide consumers good devices at favorable price, we’ll also provide bundles sku during the anniversary, and consumers who buy oppo devices can get W31 at additional cost of only 3000ksh.


Jumia Mobile Week 2017 is here, Save the date

This year’s edition of Jumia Mobile Week is around the corner. It kicks off on the 24th to 30th April. Jumia promises that this will be an entire week of great smartphone deals.

It is, perhaps, the biggest mobile sale in Kenya that promises exciting mobile deals on various smartphones in the market. This event brings together Jumia and various smartphone brands.

This is definitely an exciting opportunity for all mobile enthusiasts as they can grab their dream handsets at a reduced price. It’s like the Black Friday of smartphones.

This comes barely two months after Jumia launched a platform to promote local products. These can be seen as efforts to increase popularity and gain dominance in a growing market.

Jumia Mobile Week was first held in 2015 which means that the 2017 edition is the third ever mobile sales event by Jumia in Kenya.

Is the Jumia Mobile Week all about smartphones?

Well, mostly but not entirely. You can also get deals on selected electronics and accessories. Good examples are tablets and mobile accessories.

Jumia Mobile Week Key deals

The 2017 Jumia Mobile Week will feature great deals according to Ms. Sanaz Abaie of Jumia Kenya. Abaie stated that the third edition of the mobile week will kick off on Monday and that customers can expect to get their desired items at crazy deals.

She added that customers should have their Jumia accounts set up so that they do not miss out on the amazing deals on the table.

This year, the company has partnered with Infinix, Huawei, Oppo, Tecno, and Injoo, Apple, and other brands to bring to you amazing deals. Jumia says that the objective is to ensure that customers get the best offers for phones and tablets.

Abaie added that the discounts range from 50% up to 95%. Power banks will go for as little as Ksh. 100 while tablets will be 20%-30% off.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that Infinix has announced up to 40% discount on some of its smartphones such as Infinix Note 3, Infinix Hot 4 Lite, and Infinix Zero 4 Plus.

Abaie said that the company is promising delivery within 24 hours if you are within Nairobi.

It gets way better.

Jumia will also be giving gift vouchers and coupons during the Jumia mobile week. She confirmed that the e-commerce website will be giving 2,500 worth of vouchers for anything bought from sister companies such as Jumia Food.

We can confirm that Jumia promises Ksh. 1,500 cashback vouchers on any handset costing Ksh. 5,000 and above.

These vouchers can be redeemed on any product on the Jumia website within the validity period.

The 2017 Jumia Mobile week has already gained some traction and there is much buzz around it. On Friday, Larry Madowo talked about the mobile sales event and even gave away some goodies.

Deals go live at 0000 hours on Monday 24th and since everyone else is looking forward to getting their dream smartphones at discount prices, it’s wise to take advantage of early access.

Download the Jumia App to get early access at 11.30PM. There will be exclusive deals and early log in gives you exclusive access before everyone else.

Apply hours are from 9.15am-10.15am and 01.15pm-02.15pm every day on the app. This allows for mobile app users to get the best deals.

The countdown has already started. Buckle up, and prepare to enjoy the best deals. It is, perhaps, the only time that you can acquire your dream smartphone without breaking your bank in 2017.


Introducing Jumia Local, a platform set to promote local products

Jumia Kenya has introduced Jumia Local, a program that will allow local manufacturers to display their locally made products on its website.

This translates to a wider reach, the popularization of locally manufactured products, and scalability.

The collaboration will see Jumia feature products by local manufacturers more prominently on Jumia’s main platform and promoted through the e-commerce’s marketing channels.

Sellers can choose to store their products in Jumia’s warehouse or release them once an order is made.

The program is pegged on the slogan ‘Buy Kenyan.

Build Kenya’ and it is expected reach thousands of customers across the country.

This program will help manufacturers to establish a footprint in Kenya by leveraging Jumia’s enormous traffic.

In addition, it will be a chance to showcase a unique selection of products at attractive prices.

A similar product was launched in Nigeria under the same brand name in 2016.

Jumia local Project Manager Ms. Abigail Bundi spoke during the launch and she was quoted hailing the initiative.

Ms. Bundi affirmed that manufacturing brings great benefits to the country; hence, the need for a program that supports it.

She added that the initiative would help manufacturers by clearly labeling their products and increasing their visibility at reduced commissions.

Already Chandaria Industries, one of the biggest manufacturers in Kenya, has leveraged this initiative in an effort to reach more customers.

The giant manufacturer is better known as the leading manufacturer of tissue and hygiene products.

Darshan Chandaria, the company CEO, said that companies need to embrace e-commerce as it helps brands reach to a larger audience.

Other popular brands that have joined the Jumia Local bandwagon are Bantu Shoes, Alladin World of Brands, Tropical Heat, Darling Hair and others.

All brands will be under a distinctive Jumia Local logo to make it easier for customers to make a choice.

At present, Jumia displays products in various categories such as electronics, apparel, home and living, and accessories.

It is one of the most popular e-commerce sites in Kenya and has continued to grow over time.

Speaking during the launch, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers CEO Phyllis Wakiaga talked about the expected impact of Jumia Local.

Wakiaga noted that listing local products on their platform will encourage a culture of promoting local manufacturers.

She added that this is also an opportunity to market local products to the international market.

She further urged manufacturers to take advantage of this platform by listing as many products as possible.

Kenyans’ attitude

For quite some time, Kenyans have given local products a side eye.

Locally manufactured products are often seen to be of lower quality than foreign brands.

In addressing this issue, Ms. Wakiaga said that this initiative would instill a sense of pride in Kenyans.

She reasoned that it will encourage them to support locally made products.

The rise of e-commerce sites in Kenya is notable even though a section of the population has reservations about online transactions.

With time, it is expected that Kenyans will change their attitude towards these sites.

Why ZUMI Kenya is Shutting Down

ZUMI Kenya is has finally shut down Shutting Down.

845,775—-#4,955

he world is witnessing a paradigm shift in media from print to digital. Digital-only media companies have been hailed as the future of journalism, and the venture capitalists have been testifying it by investing 100s millions of USD in these companies.

What we see in the US, China, India is not the story in Kenya. The number of digital media platforms in Kenya have gone up significantly in number in the last 2 years: Gadgets Africa, Pulse Live Kenya, TukoTechWeezAfroMaisha, among others. Even though the digital platforms have a high and an instant reach, the advertiser’s mindset is still bent towards print and traditional media. Under the digital advertisement category for advertisers, budgets are mainly targeted on FB, Instagram and Google.

Lifestyle and Fashion focussed media platform Zumi has finally shut shop after struggling to make decent revenues as well as raise capital.

Launched in 2016, Zumi had raised over USD 250K from Chandaria Industries investment arm Chandaria Capital, UAE based Majlis investment and a few other investors. Founded by Ex-Rocket Internet Africa Employees William McCarren and Sabrina Dorman, Zumi was planning to pivot into an eCommerce platform as advertising revenue didn’t pick up.

The company officially announced the update on its social media pages yesterday that the company will cease operating, although the individual content producers will continue as usual.

There has been a lot of debate in Kenya around why digital media platforms are struggling to survive even when the digital wave has hit the country. And a lot has been attributed to the lack of awareness about native advertisement and performance metrics by the advertisers.

Kenya as a consumer market has been flooded with international brands for a while but how the population consumes awareness about these products still rests on traditional methods. Though it must not be ignored by the advertisers that the population is getting younger by the way and digital is the prefered medium of content consumption.

…………………………

Zumi, a lifestyle and fashion magazine focused on the millennial generation has called it a day, and the founders are moving on to eCommerce for the same demographics, according to sources that spoke to TechMoran on condition of anonymity.

Zumi, which raised over $250,000 to expand into Nigeria and Ghana was founded by Ex-Rocket Internet executives William McCarren and Sabrina Dorman, and covered entertainment, lifestyle and relationships, fashion, beauty and style news for African women ages 18-35.

Zumi which competes Fabwoman, follows OMG Digital which closed in similar circumstances. Our sources claim Zumi, like OMG, grew on social media promotions and didn’t have an organic audience. The firm inflated its numbers and raked in high profile clients such as Safaricom among others but its run-rate was so high it couldn’t foot its operation minus raising more funding. Zumi executives were also paying themselves telco-level salaries and expanded to more markets in anticipation that ad revenues will sustain and grow the company.

In Kenya, the firm let go of the whole content team of about 10 people in its bid to move into eCommerce as advertising and content syndication wasn’t making enough money to sustain the mouths.

There are also rumors that the two founders mismanaged investor funds and grew too fast. Something they might have learned from Rocket Internet which is running in losses till today. If they launch an eCommerce site, chances are they will run into the same problems and close shop again because they might not have learned why Zumi failed.

“They were running too fast and actually doing nothing. They went too big too quickly and launched allover with offices and staff. They should probably not hire too many people and they should not pay themselves as if they are working for Goldman Sachs,” our source told us.

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Zumi’s total equity funding was about $370k after it raised $120 in August 2016 followed by the $250,000 to help it expand to the two new markets. Zumi had the best category of content to cover in Africa but it was without competition in all these markets. Fashion, beauty, dating, work, health and self-improvement are key subjects to young women across the world and Africa is no exception, but the content business is a marathon and not a sprint.

The content business is also so dynamic and its dependency on ad revenues is a hindrance to growth as Africa’s ad spends are not that high.


Easiest Ways to Make Money Online in Kenya 2023

If you are reading this, it must be that you’d to know how to make money online in Kenya.

Before all else, you should know that it takes hard work and discipline as is the case with all other occupations.

If you come across messages promising easy money online, snub these since most are scams.

Forget overnight success and immediate brokenness solutions. Sit back and learn.

Below are a 10 legitimate ways to make money online in Kenya:

1. Freelancing

The number of freelancers in Kenya is elephantine.

The demand for numerous services that can be done on a freelance basis is as well substantial.

If you can write, draw, web design, software development, do voice-overs, and graphics, someone somewhere is looking for someone who possesses your skills.

It is easy to get started, just sign up for the various freelancing sites, create an appealing profile, and get started.

Prime examples of these sites are Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.

2. Forex Trading

This is a prime example of an opportunity that can allow you to make money from home in Kenya.

However, there is a ‘BUT’.

Forex trading calls for skills and discipline. A lot of both.

There are people getting good returns but you should know that there are serious risks involved since you could lose your money.

All of it.

It’s possibly one of the easiest ways to go broke.

However, experienced forex traders can make up to $200 per day. You can start with as low as $100.

Examples of forex sites are Ava Trade and Hot Forex.

3. Blogging

Create a meaningful blog and start earning through advertising space.

You have to first claim a significant and loyal audience.

Sharon Mundia blog ThisisEss has managed to attract advertisers to her site and so have others such as Bikozulu and Trending.

Some people who live off websites and so can you.

4. Video and Audio Transcription

You can earn some money online in Kenya by converting audio or video content into written content.

You need to be a good listener and have a fast typing speed.

You will also need a good internet connection and a pair of good headsets.

It seems simple and you may already be sold, but you have to work harder to earn decent money.

On a good day, a transcriber can make up to $30. That’s not bad in this day of unemployment. Or is it?

5. Virtual Store

E-commerce is taking root in Kenya.

It is one of the popular ways to make money online in Kenya.

First, establish a gap in the market and do in-depth research.

There are major players such as Jumia, Kilimall, and OLX but there are other upcoming stores.

How do I make money? You get a commission from every transaction that is made in your virtual store.

6. Sell Products/services on Marketplaces

The good news is that if you do not wish to go through the trouble of creating a virtual store, you can always take advantage of established stores.

At least, we can term this as a strategy for making easy money in Kenya.

Just post your products or advertise your services on these sites and wait for customers to get in touch.

You can post your products on OLX anytime and get some cash.

7. Video production

You can produce videos and make money.

You have to create valuable content and have a large and loyal following.

Prominent people who make videos get paid by YouTube.

But this does not come easy since you have to work on promoting yourself and your work.

It will pay in due time. Patience pays in this one.

8. Social media influencers

Become a major player on social media and earn from it.

Some social media influencers know just the right words to use to discuss specific topics.

They have a way with words.

Brands pay such social media bigwigs to promote their products on various social media platforms.

Examples of influential social media personalities are @xtiandela and @wamathai.

Learn the craft and be on your way to earning big bucks.

9. Online Sports betting

Now, before you roll your eyes and start phubbing, listen up.

Online sports betting is one of the answers to the question “How to make money online in Kenya?”

Don’t go apeshit if you have been betting and you have not been lucky, at least there is some evidence to show that some people do win.

There are those who have taken a leap and their fortunes have changed.

See the various betting platforms.

10. Develop apps

This is of course for the tech savvy. You can develop apps and sell them.

Examples of local apps are Mdundo and Ma3Route.

Other ideas include online surveys and trading in Bitcoins.

There you have it.

This should make it easy for you to get a clear idea about how you can earn money online in Kenya.

The online environment is deluged with scammers; hence, you should avoid opportunities that appear suspicious.

Related searches:


Safaricom’s Latest Investment is Masoko, An e-commerce Platform

In Kenya, Safaricom dominates the communication and mobile money industries. The company has, however, continued to diversify its business with Masoko being the latest addition to its portfolio.

The company has been doing quite well and its 2016/2017 financial report paints a picture of a company that is making gobs of money. That also explains why the new venture will be financed by the company.

Masoko is one of the business ventures that the local tech giant is using to build on the success of M-Pesa, the mobile money transfer service that dominates the local scene.

The goal is to make Masoko better than leading e-commerce companies in the region.

Safaricom will be the first telco in Kenya to diversify its trade with eCommerce and hopefully among the few key players who have managed to successfully establish such platforms.

Masoko is set to go live on March 2018 and word is that it will borrow from largely from Alibaba’s operational principle. Specifically, the platform will integrate mobile payments and e-retail as opposed to having inventory systems as is the case with Jumia and Kilimall.

About Masoko

The eCommerce platform will offer products ranging from electronics to cosmetics. It will also provide a platform for customers and traders on various social media platforms.

Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore was quoted saying that in two to three years’ time, the platform will have expanded beyond Kenya but there was no mention of markets under consideration.

He added that they do not plan to establish operations outside Africa because there are a lot of considerations and challenges.

Collymore was also quoted saying that the platform will not hold any inventory or allow anyone to sell. He said that the company will screen all merchants before giving them access to the platform.

The company will work with manufacturers and farmers seeking direct market access and at the same time reduce supply-chain inefficiencies such as transportation costs.

M-Pesa will be the main payment method but other online payment services and cards by Visa and MasterCard will apply.

To make deliveries within the shortest time possible, Safaricom is establishing partnerships with leading logistics companies. This will ensure that the delivery time is reduced considerably.  This was also the basis of Kilimall’s partnership with Aramex; hence, Masoko has to do better if it hopes to meet this goal.

One of the advantages that Masoko has is that Safaricom has a significant consumer base and trust. Also, ownership and vast experience in mobile payments give the company a competitive edge.

At the moment, Masoko is undergoing in-house testing before it can be released to the market in 2018.

E-Commerce Growth

The e-commerce industry has gradually gained ground in Kenya thanks to increasing number of mobile and internet users. This has, in turn, been driven by the availability of affordable smartphones in the market.

Kenyans are gradually warming up to the idea of online shopping and this means that new comers like Masoko have to work towards earning people’s trust.


OLX Soma Awards 2017 Winners List

Winners of the much-hyped Soma Awards 2017 were announced at a gala event held at Radisson Blu, Nairobi.

About Soma Awards

The Soma Awards recognizes outstanding individuals and companies that use social media to transform lives.

The Awards made a debut in 2013 and this year marks the 5th edition of the awards.

Eyeballs Africa LTD organizes the event in partnership with other sponsors. Other popular sponsors are Safaricom, Vintage Concepts, and Xpose.

The selection process starts with the nomination, then shortlisting, next comes voting, and finally the Award event.

The Awards consider the contribution of nominees on various social media platforms. These are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Blog.

Just like any other awards, there is the eligibility and criteria. The 2018 Soma Awards may be one year away but it is never too early to be informed. Learn more about the eligibility and guidelines for the Soma Awards here.

In case you got stuck in traffic and could not attend, here is a full list of winners for Soma Awards 2017 in various categories.

Corporate Executive Personality Award

Maggie Ireri – Winner
Capt. Ronald Karauri
Dorothy Ooko
Joe otin
Mohammed Hersi

Media Personality Award

Betty Kyallo – Winner
Adelle Onyango
Amina Abdi
Carol Radull
Jeff Koinange

Sports Personality Award

Victor Wanyama – Winner
Biko Adema
David Rudisha
Eliud Kipchoge
Jane Wacu

Fashion Personality Award

Joy Kendi – Winner
Diana Opoti
Lucia Musau
Kenyanstylista
Silvia Njoki

Entertainment Personality Award

Eric Omondi – Winner
Akothee
Anto Neosoul
Jalang’o
Nick Mutuma

Entrepreneur Award

Michelle Nkatha Ntalami – Winner
Erick Kinoti
Roy Wachira
Sam Gichuru
Wandia Gichuru

Humanitarian Award

Ndungu Nyoro – Winner
Dr. Josephine kulea
Philip Ogola
Raphael Obonyo
Wanja kabuki

Financial Services Award

Equity Bank Kenya – Winner
Britam
CIC Insurance
Co-Op Bank Kenya
KCB Group

Retail Award

Jumia Kenya – Winner
Carrefour Kenya
Naivas Supermarket
Nakumatt
Tuskys Supermarkets

Consumer Product Award

Dairyland Products – Winner
Coca-Cola
Durex
Marini Naturals
Nestle

Technology Award

Samsung Mobile – Winner
Airtel Kenya
Infinix Mobile
Orange Kenya
Tecno Mobile

Tourism Award

Bonfire Adventures – Winner
Expedition Maasai Safaris
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Serena Hotels

Manufacturing Award

Unga wa dola – Winner
Basco Paints
Bidco Africa Ltd
Mabati Rolling Mills
Menengai Oil Refineries

Learning Institution Award

University of Nairobi – Winner
ADMI Africa
Kenyatta University
Mount Kenya University
Zetech University

State Corporation Award

Huduma Kenya – Winner
Department of Immigration services
HELB Kenya
Kenya Airports Authority
Kenya Revenue Authority

TV Show Award

The Trend – Winner
10 Over 10
CrossOver101
JKL Show
Kubamba Show

Radio Show Award

Classic 105 FM: #MainaandKing’ang’i – Winner
Capital FM: Hits not homework
Ghetto Radio -Goteana
Homeboyz: Class124
Radio Jambo: Mbusii na lion teketeke

Facebook Personality Award

Propesa – Winner
Henry De sagu
Jaymo ule msee
Rib Krakaz
Wahome Thuku

Twitter Personality Award

Atanasi – Winner
Brian Mbunde
Boniface Gitau: @IGitz
Masaku
Gatwiri: @RookieKe

New Blogger Award

www. kenyanmusik .co. ke – Winner
www. byruffie. com
www. eldoretleo. com
www. kaaris-kitchen. com
www. waridibookblog. com

Instagram Personality Award

Joe W Muchiri – Winner
Helena Talaso
Kaluhi’s Kitchen
Rashousmane
Seth Gor

YouTube Channel Award

Farhana Oberson – Winner
Caroline Mutoko
Cheka Tu TV
Matwana Matatu Culture
Shaq the yungin

Alumni Award

Boniface Mwangi

 Congratulations to the Soma Awards 2017 winners.


Infinix Note 4 Specifications and Price in Kenya

Important Update: Infinix Note 4 is now available on Jumia at Ksh. 14,000

It is no longer a secret that Infinix Note 4 will be Infinix Mobile’s next smartphone to enter the market.

The pre-launch hype and teasers make that clear.

The handset comes just a few months after Infinix S2 Pro made a debut. This mid-range handset came with average features and an okay price tag.

Infinix has been known to invest in size and appearance. That tradition has been upheld with Note 4.

A screen size of 5.7-inches is welcome. In any case, the bigger the better applies to smartphone screens (especially to those who love watching videos and gamers).

Note 4 also happens to be easy on the eyes.

Note 4 Specification sheet:

Feature Specification(s)

 

Display 5.7-inches,

1080×1920 pixels resolution

2.5D Glass Protection

Platform XOS 2.2 + Android 7.0 Nougat

Octa-core

Memory 2GB RAM
16GB internal storage
Up to 128GB external
Camera Main: 13MP dual-LED flash

Front: 8MP

Battery 4,300mAh

Li-Ion

Fingerprint sensor Yes. Front-mounted
Network 4G LTE
Dual SIM

Expected Infinix Note 4 Price

Ksh. 15,000

 

Specs Review

One of the most impressive specifications in Infinix Note 4 has to be the massive 4,300mAh battery.  This is a major selling point.

Infinix teases that the battery has a standby time of two days, for normal use, of course. The giant smartphone manufacturer is also promising fast-charging capabilities.

The 13MP main camera with dual LED flash plus the 8MP selfie shooter are acceptable.The selfie camera comes with large pixels and this means that you can still capture decent selfies in low lighting conditions. The keyword is “decent”.

The selfie camera comes with large pixels and this means that you can still capture decent selfies in low lighting conditions. The keyword is “decent”.

The 2GB RAM is a compromise. A big one for that matter. It is a bit disappointing especially for those who are used to multitasking.

Another important Infinix Note 4 specification has to be the Android Nougat 7.0.

The front-facing fingerprint reader has become a must-have even for mid-rangers; hence, while it is welcome, it is not worth much discussion.

Overall, Infinix Note 4 is a notable upgrade from Infinix Note 3. This is especially with regard to design. This is not to say that the latter came with undesirable features since the great camera optics, long battery life, and impressive display made it stand out.

Yet, Infinix Note 4 has checked some important boxes. There are compromises, yes, but one’s we can live with.

The handset sports a metallic back with curved edges. The front has a 2.5D curved glass covering the massive 5.7-inch Full HD screen.

The handset specifications do not, however, stray away from what we have come to expect from the Infinix Note lineup. This includes the large screen size and massive battery (even though it is a little less than the 4,500mAh capacity in Note 3).

Whether we will have a variant for Note 4 remains unknown. That we will have to wait. But then again, first things first, let Note 4 be launched.

Infinix is yet to announce a launch date or even give a clue. This means that we might just have to enjoy the hype for some time. Hope the wait will be worth it.


The LG Brand Shop opens, Not Stocking Phones, Yet

The LG Brand Shop has been launched making LG Electronics the latest multinational to tap into the online shopping space.

The decision to start an online shopping platform was advised by the need to increase the footprint of the multinational electronics company in the country.

LG’s venture is expected to disrupt the e-commerce space especially given that various online shops have been selling its (LG’s) products. That cuts the middlemen since the LG shop would be a more trusted source of original LG products.

Speaking during the launch, LG Managing Director East and Central Africa Janghoom Chung said that Kenyan customers will now have 24-hours access to LG’s products from anywhere in the country.

Janghoom added that they are “thrilled” to launch the LG online shop and that the venture “fully rounds out LG’s multichannel offering”.

The company plans to offer its customers a wide range of home appliances and electronics as those offered in physical stores. The LG Brand Shop is also expected to increase product availability.

You can access products such as refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, audio systems, air conditioners, and much more.

It gets better.

LG promises free delivery countrywide, a two-year warranty, and best of all, free one-year insurance for any produced valued at Ksh. 60,000.

Now that’s definitely a great way to make an entrance.

You can access the LG brand Shop via http://lg.brandshop.co.ke/. For now, you can only pay cash on delivery. That maybe a bit strange especially in this day of mobile money but I’m sure LG is working something out. They better be.

An LG Brand Shop without Smartphones?

No way!

Yes. Sadly.

The idea of an LG online shop is exciting, almost charming, that’s until you realize that they will not stock smartphones. As yet.

When I think of an e-commerce shopping platform, smartphones come to mind.   So, I am still confused as to why LG Electronics would put an effort in exempting smartphones on their online shop platform.

Let’s hope that LG will call for an urgent meeting and reverse the decision to exclude smartphones. Or, let’s hope that the decision is temporary. That the store is a work in progress.

We hope that LG will get the memo before our psyche runs out.

Dear LG,

The LG Brand Shop is an awesome idea but not complete without smartphones.

We are waiting.

Sincerely, Us

Good Timing?

The shopping platform has been launched at a time when we are recording increased adoption of smartphones and higher access to the internet.

Also, there are a rising number of people making it to the middle-class category.

Experts predict that the e-commerce market is expected to expand significantly in the next five years. They quote reasons such as increasing penetration of smartphones, improved internet speeds, and increased trust on digital transactions.

Kenyans are gradually adopting online shopping platforms given their convenience; hence, the LG online shop should do okay.

Plus, this would be a good idea since it would help curb counterfeits that have infested the market.


This Week in Tech: Telkom Kenya acquires new identity and more weekly tech trends

As we always say, the tech world never stops spinning: there is always something cooking. Mostly something good.

Below are top ten trending topics this week:

1. Telkom Kenya has dropped its Orange brand identity

Telkom Kenya has acquired a new brand identity as part of its plan to increase competitiveness in the market. Part of this rebranding involved shedding its orange identity.

The new Telkom Kenya comes with, among other things, a logo, tagline, colors, and 4G connectivity.

The company is set to launch its mobile money platform at an unspecified date. But soon.

2. Communication Authority (CA) gets a promotion

The High Court has reversed Communications Authority of Kenya’s mandate to oversee competition in the ICT sector.

The ruling gives the regulatory body the mandate to license and regulate ICT services in the country.

The CA had been stripped its power in 2015 when President Uhuru signed the Miscellaneous Amendment Bill which required the regulatory body to consult with the Competition Authority of Kenya and ICT CS before making any decisions touching on dominance.

3. An online payments and booking system for SGR trains

Kenya Railways has announced that an online payments and bookings system for the Standard Gauge Railway trains will be launched on 12th June 2017.

This announcement comes after passengers complained about the cash-only payment option. They did not even accept M-Pesa.

The good news is that you can now book via M-Pesa using the paybill number 809888.

4. Interior and Coordination Ministry gets digital forward with Telegram

Kenya’s interior and coordination ministry has opened a Telegram channel to send out security alerts.

The channel dubbed @interiornewsalert already brags over 270members.

5. IDC to host CIO Summit in Nairobi

The annual East Africa CIO Summit 2017 will be hosted in Nairobi by the International Data Corporation (IDC).

The Summit will be held at the Radisson Blue Hotel on Wednesday, June the 14th. The theme will be “Enabling Dynamic Change for the Digital Era.”

The event will be attended by top leaders in the ICT industry.

6. Jumia Food partners with Sodexo Group

Jumia Food Kenya has signed a partnership with Sodexo Group for mobile payments dubbed M-Kula.

This payment option allows employees to access Jumia Food delivery services from the comfort of their offices.

7. Aljazeera targeted by Hackers

Aljazeera has admitted that its website and the media network are undergoing systematic and continual hacking attempts. The hackers are also alleged to have targeted the site’s Twitter and Facebook accounts.

The Qatari-based news organization has, however, said that the platform has not been compromised. A senior employee at Aljazeera said that the news organization is “combatting” the hacking attempts.

8. Galaxy J3, J5, and J7 now official

Samsung Mobile has finally made official the 2017 J series.

The new handsets come with awesome features such as impressive design, better performance, awesome camera features, and other upgrades.

The J series’ will retail at $380 for the J7 (2017), $315 for J5 (2017), and $250 for the J3 (2017).

9. Whatsapp for iOS supports new awesome features

The Whatsapp iOS app has received an update that introduces three new features: photo filters, albums, and reply shortcuts.

There are five filters for videos, photos, and GIFs at the moment but chances are that Whatsapp will add more in the future.

The Album feature will ensure that when you share several photos, they will be automatically grouped into an album.

The reply shortcut feature means that you can swipe right on any message in order to hit reply to that specific message.

10. Android O preview update 3

Google has finally released the third preview of Android O.

This gives users a chance to get an idea of what Google is preparing before the release of the official version later this year.

That’s all for now. Have yourself an enlightened weekend.