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Safaricom Supports 4th Edition of Kip Keino Classics

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has today announced a KES 9.2 million sponsorship for the fourth edition of the Kip Keino Classics Continental Tour scheduled for Saturday 13 th May, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The sponsorship will include the provision of internet connectivity at the event to support key functional areas such as the media center and streaming services, while KES 2.2 million will be in the form of cash incentives for athletes who break records with each getting KES 250,000.

“As Safaricom, we are big on supporting athletics in Kenya as part of our commitment to support the growth of sports in the country and provide local athletes with a platform to hone their talent and earn from their passion. We have supported the Kip Keino Classics for the past three years, and this year we are equally proud to be associated with it in a more significant way,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, of Safaricom.

Safaricom PLC Director Sustainable Business and Social Impact, Karen Basiye (left)
Safaricom PLC Manager Brand Assets & Strategic sponsorships, Mishi Wambiji (second
left) handing over a dummy cheque of Ksh. 9.2 million to the President of Athletics Kenya
Jackson Tuwei (center), Head of Sponsorships Golazo Right Here, Masela Sitti, and Meet
Director for Kip Keino Classics Mr. Barnaba Korir (Right) during the Safaricom
sponsorship announcement of the 2023 Kip Keino Classics at the Moi International
Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi.

This year’s Kip Keino Classics has attracted over 200 top-level athletes from different parts of the world, who are expected to square it out with Kenyan athletics champions in different categories. The event will be streamed and broadcast live on local TV.

Some of the notable athletes who have confirmed their participation in the field track event are Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala; three-time Olympic Champion in 100m Shelly-Ann Facer-Pryce from Jamaica; Diamond League final winner in 800m Mary Moraa; 200m Olympic Games Silver Medalist and six-time Diamond League meeting winner from the US Kenneth Bednarek; 200m Diamond League final winner Isaack Makwala from Botswana and Sha’Carri Richardson from USA among others.

The World Athletics Continental Tour is an annual series of track and field athletic competitions, recognized by World Athletics. The Tour forms the second tier of international one-day meetings after the Diamond  League. The Continental Tour is divided into Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

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Pamoja Tuungane
Businessfood

Pamoja Tuungane initiative distributes foodstuff to 4,000 households in Garissa County

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

The Pamoja Tuungane initiative has distributed foodstuff to 4,000 households in Garissa County’s Balambala and Lagdera sub-counties as part of the ongoing drought response efforts.

The initiative, which was launched in April, has distributed food to over 100,000 Kenyans affected by drought in Garissa, Kitui, Kilifi, Marsabit, Laikipia, and Isiolo counties.

Since its launch, the initiative has received over KES 171 million worth of donations including KES 150 million from Safaricom PLC and M-PESA Foundation. Other donations include KES 6 million from Manu Chandaria Foundation, KES 2.5 million from KCB Foundation, and KES 1 million from Huawei. Individuals have also raised over KES 10 million from Bonga Points and cash donations.

“Through the Pamoja Tuungane initiative, we have shown the true power of collaboration and what we can achieve when we come together. As we close this second and final phase, we urge Kenyans to contribute to the recently launched Wakenya Tulindane campaign so that we continue supporting those affected by drought,” said Karen Basiye, Executive Director, M-PESA Foundation.

In the last two weeks, another 4,000 households in Kilifi received food donations while 400 families from Kitui and Laikipia counties also received food hampers. In October, over 2,000 households in Isiolo County received foodstuff worth KES 12 million and during the launch of the initiative over 20,000 households in Marsabit County benefitted from the donations.

“The government encourages partnerships that will uplift the lives of Kenyans and the Pamoja Tuungane campaign is a good example of what happens when we work together. We will do our part in ensuring that we reach Kenyans afflicted by drought in ASALs so that we save lives and livelihoods,” said Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary, East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, and Regional Development.

Pamoja Tuungane is a cross-sectional private sector-led initiative aimed at rallying Kenyans to support those suffering from the effects of the prolonged drought in the country

Joseph Ogutu, Chairman Safaricom Foundation, (center) handing over food to a resident in Balambala, Garissa County under the Pamoja Tuungane initiative.

Earlier this week UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, announced that it had partnered with Safaricom to launch the #BongaForLife campaign to support drought-affected families in the Horn of Africa. The campaign will run throughout December and into the new year and will enable Safaricom customers to donate their loyalty points by dialing *126#, selecting Lipa na Bonga Points, and using Paybill number 329378 and account name Bonga to donate their Bonga points.

Recently, Safaricom’s CEO Peter Ndegwa was appointed to lead the National Drought Response Committee established by President William Ruto. The Drought Response Fund has so far collected over KES 592 million under the “Wakenya Tulindane” campaign.

The committee is tasked with supporting government interventions to alleviate the effects of the ongoing drought. The task force is also mandated to work with the National Drought Management Authority and county governments to disburse cash transfers and offer relief services to at least 23 counties, which are hardest hit by the drought.

Kenyans can make their donations to the fund via M-PESA PayBill 880990 or via the National Drought Mitigation Appeal Fund under KCB Bank, Riverside branch through account number 1305486137.

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HealthNews

Safaricom Boosts Maternal Healthcare In Homa Bay County

by Ndungu Brian
written by Ndungu Brian

Homa Bay County residents are set to benefit from a maternal healthcare boost after Safaricom through its two Foundations unveiled facilities worth KES 38 million.

At the Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, Safaricom Foundation has renovated the Newborn Unit at a cost of KES 1.3 million, targeting an increase in the accommodation numbers from 10 to 35 babies.

Meanwhile Ndhiwa Sub-County Hospital officially opened its new KES 36.9 million maternal, newborn, and child healthcare (MNCH) unit constructed and equipped by M-PESA Foundation under the Uzazi Salama initiative.

Uzazi Salama, which is being implemented in partnership with AMREF Health Africa, aims to strengthen the capacity of the County to provide quality and affordable reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services. The programme which was launched in 2021 will run for two years with a major focus in Ndhiwa and Suba Sub-Counties benefitting close to 90,000 women and children under 5 years.

“The collaboration with the County Government of Homa Bay and AMREF Health Africa will ensure we reach as many residents as possible especially in remote areas. We are committed to improving maternal and child health in this region because we believe that no mother should lose their child or their life while delivering due to avoidable circumstances and that every baby born is a life we should fight to save,” said, Nicholas Ng’ang’a, Chairperson, M-PESA Foundation.

In Homa Bay County, M-PESA Foundation also has a telemedicine program known as Daktari Smart that is providing specialist care in remote areas. The Foundation is also constructing a 65-bed maternal unit in Migori County in partnership with Kenya Relief.

Based on the most current government statistics from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, the country records 362 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births made. This is above the global target, which according to the Sustainable Development Goal (3), should be less than 70 deaths for every 100,000 live births.

A Situation Assessment Report done in 2014 by the UNFPA found that 15 out of 47 counties in Kenya accounted for 98.7% of the total maternal deaths in the country with 583 in 100,000 mothers dying every year while giving birth in Homabay alone.

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Content creators to win Ksh. 1.2 Million in Safaricom YouTube Shorts campaign
Lifestyle & EntertainmentNews

Content Creators To Win Ksh. 1.2 Million In Safaricom, YouTube Shorts Campaign

by Ndungu Brian
written by Ndungu Brian

Safaricom has announced a partnership with Google to promote and grow Short Video content (YouTube shorts) on YouTube by offering low-cost bundles for its users.

The two-month campaign will see Safaricom customers enjoy affordable 1GB data bundles for as low as KES. 10 to view and post content on their YouTube channels.

The campaign will run alongside a contest dubbed YouTube Shorts challenge under #Safaricomshortschallenge, where individuals who create and upload a unique YouTube Shorts Video in any category (Comedy, Dance, How To, Food & Culture, Lifestyle, Fitness, Farming, Technology, Arts & Crafts etc) stand a chance to win weekly cash prizes and a grand cash prize.

The weekly cash prize awards will recognize 15 content creators who will take home between KES. 5,000 to KES. 120,000. The grand cash prize awards will go to 10 content creators.

The topmost-ranked content creator with the most likes and views will take home KES. 1.2 million at the end of the campaign. The second and third-ranked winners will get KES. 800,000 and KES. 600,000 respectively.

The new data offer comes a month after Safaricom unveiled a new brand campaign dubbed “Tuinuane” that aims to encourage Kenyans to uplift one another.

To purchase the daily KES 10 for 1GB Data bundles for the YouTube shorts challenge, customers just need to dial *544*55#.

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Safaricom, NCPWD Link Persons with Disabilities with Job Opportunities
BusinessNews

Safaricom To Link Persons With Disabilities With Jobs

by Ndungu Brian
written by Ndungu Brian

Safaricom has partnered with the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to connect persons with disabilities with job opportunities through an online portal.

The portal, powered by IT service provider Fuzu, is a first in Africa and seeks to help employers easily identify and recruit Persons with Disabilities into their firms.

The portal, which has been active since November 2020, currently has over 360 employers and more than 5,000 job candidates.

Safaricom has used the portal for its recruitment needs and supported NCPWD by mobilizing more employers to come on board. Additionally, TechCo has also been driving a campaign to encourage candidates to register and access the portal for employment opportunities.

This partnership has earned Safaricom a nomination at the 2023 Zero Project awards, which recognizes the rights of persons with disabilities and seeks to improve their day-to-day lives.

Safaricom is among five organizations nominated in Kenya, which is among 19 countries in Africa to have their innovations nominated for the 2023 Zero Project Awards.

“In 2018, Safaricom made a commitment at the Global Disability Summit to support the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities. Through this project, we have made great strides in increasing the prospects of persons with disabilities in their search for employment. Our nomination at the 2023 Zero Project Awards is a testament to our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom.

The Zero Project was launched in 2008 with the objective of supporting social innovation, social entrepreneurship, and Persons with Disabilities.

The 2023 edition has 100 nominations from the civil society, 11 nominations from the public sector, 5 nominations from the business sector and 40 ICT innovations.

“We are excited about this partnership with Safaricom, which boosts the job prospects and improves the quality of lives of persons with disabilities. The NCPWD Career Portal is a big step in our objective of having organizations reach the minimum 5% reservation of employees with disabilities as per the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 14 of 2003,” said Mr. Harun Hassan, the Executive Director, NCPWD.

Candidates with disabilities can register through the link https://ncpwd.fuzu.com while employers can register by contacting ncpwd@fuzu.com.

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BusinessNews

Cynthia Karuri Appointed As Safaricom Chief Business Officer

by Ndungu Brian
written by Ndungu Brian

Safaricom has appointed Cynthia Karuri-Kropac as the new Chief Enterprise Business Officer effective September 1.

Karuri will replace Joseph Wanjohi who has been in an acting capacity since May. This position fell vacant in May following the exit of Kris Senanu barely a year into the job.

Prior to her appointment, Ms Karuri has been serving as AT&T director of IoT technologies, a company where she has been working for 19 years, serving in various management and leadership roles.

She brings  a wealth of knowledge in various crafts, including business strategy, industrial IoT, enterprise technology solutions, executive advisory and decision support, operational excellence and process reengineering.”

Ms Karuri joins other new faces that have taken executive roles in the company in the last two years as the telco aims to enter new ventures to offset declining voice revenues. More than half of Safaricom’s executives have quit the telco over the past two years, allowing CEO Peter Ndegwa who replaced Bob Collymore in April 2020 to build his own team.

Eight executives occupying the 11 C-suite seats at Safaricom have left during the period under review for roles outside the firm or at British Vodafone and South Africa’s Vodacom—which have a combined 40 percent stake in the Kenyan company.

This has allowed the firm to tap new skills in Kenya’s evolving telecoms market and shape the management in line with Mr Ndegwa’s strategy that seeks to maintain Safaricom’s profit trajectory.

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EducationNews

Safaricom Partners With Kodris Africa To Promote Coding Learning

by Ndungu Brian
written by Ndungu Brian

Education technologies firm Kodris Africa has now partnered with Safaricom to promote the study of coding through the purchase of annual lessons on the M-PESA app.

Customers can now purchase tokens that will provide a year’s worth of coding lessons through the M-Pesa platform and then activate them on a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer for their children to start learning how to program computers.

Kodris Africa is the provider of Kenya’s first-ever government-approved program for teaching coding which is now the most demanded skill in the world. It is classified as curriculum support material at KICD but is also applicable to students in all other modern education systems.

The program is also accredited internationally by Pearson which is the largest education institution in the world.

“We are excited to partner with Kodris to expand access to learning solutions to more than 30 million M-PESA customers who can now conveniently access the Kodris Mini App through our M-PESA Super App. This partnership will enable Kodris to take advantage of our payments and IT solutions to innovate for their customers,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.

The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development approved a program for teaching coding which is now in the roll-out stages in the country.

The program is online based and individuals can choose to purchase licenses so that students who have access to computers and the Internet at home can access the program.

Kodris Africa is also offering attractive school packages to ensure that learners in school can access the lessons through highly affordable packages.

Kodris Africa CEO Mugumo Munene said that the partnership with Safaricom would go a long way in initiating the subject in the education system in Kenya.

“The digital revolution taking place throughout the world is transforming how work is done. The skills that students will learn via Kodris Africa will be relevant today and tomorrow and allow them to explore and unleash their creativity and innovativeness in a highly digitized and computerized world that offers growth opportunities,” said Munene.

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BusinessInternetNewsTech

Showmax slashes subscriptions paid for via M-pesa

by Jacky Muraba
written by Jacky Muraba
Showmax has announced revamped prices of its mobile subscriptions bought and paid for via M-PESA. This will see customers enjoy lower prices on two Safaricom mobile data packages that come bundled with a 30-day Showmax Mobile subscription.
The new, lower-priced deals, which take effect from 28th June 2022, are:
Showmax Mobile + 1GB Safaricom data – Kshs 299, down from Ksh 389.
Showmax Pro Mobile + 3GB Safaricom data – Kshs 1299.
Following this move, which is exclusive to Safaricom customers, it is now easier for Kenyan streaming fans to pay for their Showmax subscription via M-PESA while enjoying more entertainment for less.
As part of its local-first strategy, Showmax tailors the content, app features, subscription price points and partnerships to what is most important to subscribers in different countries.
“We know that economies are under pressure,” says Nathan Hanley, Chief Expansion Officer – Showmax. “Partnering with our friends at Safaricom, we have worked to lower price and combine data, making it more affordable than ever for Showmax fans in Kenya to enjoy our wide range of local and international content as well as unrivalled live sport.”
“Entertainment is a key passion point for Kenyans, and through this partnership, our customers can now experience their favourite Shomwax content using bundles that provide value while enjoying the convenience of paying via M-PESA,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO – Safaricom PLC.
Showmax recently launched the local Original thriller series, Igiza, starring Serah Ndanu, Kevin Samuel and Blessing Lung’aho in a tale of money laundering and stolen identity. The reality series Kyallo Kulture, featuring media personality Betty Kyallo and her sisters Mercy and Gloria, is a fan favourite. New episodes arrive on the platform weekly.
International shows feature the best of HBO, like Game of Thrones, Raised by Wolves and Westworld. Kids’ favourites include Paw Patrol, Henry Danger and DC Super Hero Girls, first on Showmax. Hollywood blockbusters include Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Mortal Kombat.
Showmax Pro features the best football leagues worldwide, including the recent UEFA Nations Cup and the English Premier League from 6 August. Sports fans have a full schedule of world-class live events to look forward to on Showmax Pro, including Wimbledon, the latest MotoGP and the Tour de France.

How to access this service

 
Visit www.showmax.com/safaricom or dial *544*20# and select Showmax.
Select either a Showmax Mobile (30 days) + 1GB data or Showmax Pro Mobile (30 days) + 3GB data
Create an account or sign in using your email address and password
Enter your Safaricom mobile phone number and click on next.
Enter your M-Pesa PIN on your phone to approve your payment
You will receive an SMS confirming the payment
Start watching

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NewsSports

Wahome and Chepkite Win the 2022 Lewa Safari Marathon

by Ndungu Brian
written by Ndungu Brian

Peter Wahome and Fridah Chepkite emerged winners of the grueling 42km 2022 Lewa Safari Marathon held at the Lewa conservancy over the weekend.

Wahome braced the hot weather to finish first in a time of 2: 24: 45 ahead of Philip Kigen who finished second with Paul Waweru coming in third.

“Allow me to thank the organizers of this event for making it successful. I am glad that we got an opportunity to participate in the physical run. The competition was tough, but I emerged victorious given that I usually train in such terrain,” said Wahome.

Fridah Chepkite won the women’s race in 3:02:04 ahead of Beatrice Cherop and Anika Berlin who finished in second and third positions respectively.

“It is fantastic to see everyone enjoying themselves with over two hundred kids including juniors from M-PESA Foundation Academy in this year’s Lewa Safari Marathon. For the last 22 years the marathon has allowed everyone to experience something very different; to run in the wild and contribute to supporting the community. We have achieved all this over the period through sponsorship and participation by various stakeholders,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom

“We are the biggest supporter of Kenyans in terms of social and also lifestyle. We have a passion for sports, environmental conservation and also community investment. And that is why as Safaricom, we have been involved in this event from its inception”, he added.

In the 21km event, Abeod Wambui clinched the women’s title beating her closest challenger Lucy Karimi with Mercy Kwambai settling for the third position. Eliud Mutai won the 21km men’s race ahead of Mike Kiptum and Evans Mayaka who finished second and third respectively.

Elsewhere, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa emerged the winner in the ’10km executive run’ category, while Clinton Lemashon and Mercy Jekemboi both from the M-PESA Foundation Academy emerged the winners in the junior 5km category.

The annual Lewa Marathon comprises the 42km race, half marathon and the Children’s event and draws participants from all over the globe with the marathon course running through one of Africa’s most breathtaking wildlife conservancies.

As lead co-sponsors, Safaricom and Huawei have continued to partner to support the marathon. This year, other event sponsors included Kenya Breweries Limited as well as Tetra Pak Ltd.

“It is exciting to be back having a real marathon here in Lewa after two years of the virtual marathon. This year we have got over a thousand runners across the world participating in the marathon. It is so important because it’s not only a fantastic sporting occasion but also helps in raising funds to support the livelihood of the community around the conservancy. Since we started this initiative the fundraising has been very strong and we are looking forward to being able to support a wide range of beneficiaries across this country,” Said Charles Mayhew – CEO, TUSK TRUST

This year’s event attracted a wide array of talent from over 24 countries including 84-year-old John Ruwengo who took part in the 5km race.

Aside from giving a chance to emerging marathoners to compete on a professional level with seasoned runners, the marathon has been hailed for its sustainable impact on the community.

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KQ
BusinessFeaturedTrade

Safaricom, KCB and KQ recognized among leading made in Kenya brands

by Teddy Leting
written by Teddy Leting

Safaricom has been recognized as the country’s most admired made in Kenya brand, as well as the most admired made in Kenya brand listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

Kenya Commercial Bank has been identified as the most admired financial services brand, while Citizen TV has been named as the most admired media brand.

Overall, Coca Cola is Kenya’s most admired brand whereas Nike is the most admired brand in the East African region as well as in Africa.

Fifty percent of the brands on the list are however all non-African – Samsung, Coca Cola, Airtel, Apple and Nike – and are common between Kenya and the region.

Commissioned by the Nairobi Securities Exchange in partnership with Geopoll, Kantar, Brand Leadership and Africa practice, Brand Africa 100 is based on the comprehensive pan-Africa survey of the most admired brands among African consumers.

NSE CEO Geoffrey Odundo has applauded the businesses and specifically the Made in Kenya brands that were recognized on the list saying it reflects Kenya’s position as East and Central Africa’s leading economy and hub for creating great brands

“Our aim as the NSE is to continue to provide a world class platform that enables growth through innovative products to meet the needs of our clients and contribute to the wealth of the African continent,” he added.

The most admired African brands spontaneously identified by Africans were South Africa’s leading pan-African telecoms brand, MTN, followed by Ethiopia’s Anbessa and Nigeria’s, Dangote.

Where consumers were prompted to recall an African brand, Nigeria’s Dangote, was the most admired African brand, with South Africa’s MTN and Ethiopia’s Anbessa rounding out the Top 3.

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OKB price
5909.46 KES+1.8%